Tips from the T-List

On a conference call discussing 1st quarter results with analysts, Gerard Arpey, CEO of American Airlines was asked" What kind of distribution cost savings might there be out there?" His response was very unnerving for travel agents and the GDS:" We're still paying much higher levels of commission... (more...)

It is amazing really.  You wouldn’t believe how many times I get the question (from the press, from friends and yes, from FAMILY) “Why should I use a travel agent?” Really?  So you think you want to want to book your vacation on your own? We hear this all the time.  So, we started... (more...)

Everyone is always asking me; “where is the coolest place to go?”  My response is always the same; “what does ‘cool’ mean and with whom are you going?” For those asking about extreme, I found this great photo gallery of “the world’s most extreme ancient... (more...)

I’ve attended a myriad of major travel shows over the past month.  Nearly every person in the industry with whom I spoke feels the same way; 2009 is turning out to be very rough for suppliers.  This always means there are deals and good ones for consumers.  Hotels are offering free nights, free... (more...)

I’ve said it before; if you’re going to book a vacation that is even remotely complicated (and I throw all cruises in this category because of all the choices you have), you should use a travel specialist.  Not a run-of-the-house travel agent, not some online travel booking engine, but a... (more...)