Looking for the best-of-breed
in an after-hours, 24/7 call center service?  top

Our Services Core Service: 24/7 travel agent assistance in modifying and/or creating new reservations for air, hotel, car, limo and rail. Each client agency provides call handling instructions in a profile maintained by OneLink Travel Services. Our agents are then trained to comply with these call handling instructions. Itineraries: For expediency sake, we e-mail itineraries to the first e-mail address listed in the traveler’s PNR. Ticketing: OneLink Travel Services’ Ticketing Department facilitates electronic and paper tickets, as well as prepaids and exchanges. ROAM Service: We monitor travel agency queues on an hourly basis and when a reservation scheduled for ticketing is identified, it is automatically processed on the client agency’s behalf. Reporting: OneLink Travel Services’ proprietary CallTrak system provides password-protected detailed activity reporting. Reports are available to clients online 24/7 throughout the month. 800 Numbers: Toll-free Personal Touch 800 numbers with customized call answering are available to all customers. OneLink Travel Services provides global toll-free coverage for your clients from almost any place in the world. Time-of-Day Call Routing: OneLink Travel Services answers your agency’s calls during any time of day you specify, answering the phone as if we were working in your office. Outreach: OneLink Travel Services can represent your business in reaching out to new potential customers, collections/billings, etc.		Our Value Proposition OneLink Travel Services allows your travel agency the ability to provide 24 hour service all year long, without the headache and expense of having to staff up yourselves. We answer the phone on your behalf, using your agency name, assisting your clients using their client profiles from your database, and using your GDS pseudo city codes so that your agency retains all GDS segment credits. We provide our transparent call center services to both U.S. and Canadian based travel agencies.   We provide professionally monitored and managed outsourced call center capabilities, facilitating your travel agency business whenever you require assistance. We manage your account and your clients with demonstrated integrity. OneLink Travel Services provides seamless interaction with your clients, representing your agency in a professional manner. We proudly operate as a trusted extension of your agency.   If you would like to have an informative, hassle-free conversation to see what OneLink can offer your agency, please contact any one of our professional Sales Directors: Barb Kendrick, Melinda Erosky or Nina Mays.

Please contact us today and allow us to introduce you to our services and the peace of mind that comes with being a satisfied OneLink Travel Services client. Mention this article and receive a discount off your first month’s billing on any and all services!  Toll-free: 800.533.8883

Travel Safety Tips: Things to Consider When Traveling  top

Traveling is, indeed, one of the most indulging activities one could ever experience. People get to discover the most exciting beaches, the undiscovered taverns, and the virgin forests. However, along with all of these great places are the risks of getting into trouble, especially if the person is not yet familiar of the new surroundings and environment.

Here’s a list of some safety tips that one can use when on travel.

1. Do the homework.
Like any kind of decisions people have to make, it is always important to know the area they will be visiting so as to familiarize themselves with the laws, locations of best tourist spots, and the kind of people they have to deal with. Going to a place without having the slightest idea what it is all about is just as bad as going to the wilderness with beasts lurking everywhere and there’s no gadget to protect them.

2. Never travel alone.
Of course, there are times when people just want to be alone and unwind so as to shed off all of the hustle and bustle of urban living. However, with the imminent danger lurking everywhere, it is better to travel with someone than to risk their lives traveling alone. After all, people will never know what will happen next as soon as they arrive at their destinations, especially when it is their first time on the area.

3. Planning.
When traveling, it is extremely important to plan ahead. This will give the traveler enough time to decide on which things need to be on top priority and which should be considered at a later time. Besides, when a person has enough time to plan things ahead, he or she will be able to think on things that will protect them when they are on travel already.

4. Always be prepared for emergencies.
It does not necessarily mean that people must be pessimistic on the way they plan their travels. It’s just that they have to consider any possible emergencies and be prepared for it. As they say, an ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure.

5. Be aware of hotel accommodations.
It is best to choose hotels that are equipped with the best innovative safety equipment. This is to ensure that travelers will be safe once they are alone in their room. So, whether a person is traveling for the first time or for the nth time, it is still best to keep in mind safety traveling tips such as these one so that the experience will always be a gratifying one.

About the Author
Ketut Sukarya is the owner of Bali Suci Tours. For more information about Bali travel, please visit http://www.balisuci.com

Make Your Own Mental Magic top

NUKE YOUR NEGATIVE THOUGHTS

Negative thoughts are one of the key factors that can undermine your pound shedding ability. These statements (which are usually false) only set you up for failure. Since we know you don’t want to waste precious time and energy on negative thoughts, we’ll show you how you can get rid of them. But first, let’s take a look at some of the most common detrimental deliberations.

• Most fast food restaurants use regular processed cheese which is high in fat and calories. Get in the habit of omitting the cheese from any item that you order
• Order your muffins, biscuits or sandwiches without any butter, mayonnaise or mayonnaise-based sauces.
• Choose a broiled chicken sandwich over a hamburger or a breaded, deep-fried chicken/fish sandwich.
• Avoid the deluxe or jumbo versions of any menu items. Always choose the smallest size offered (it’s usually the regular).
• If fried chicken is your only choice, choose the regular coating over the extra crispy type and make sure you peel the skin off.
• When selecting a pizza, opt for a thin crust and tell them to go easy on the cheese. If you add an extra topping make sure it’s veggies (but tell them to hold the olives).
• If a fast food restaurant offers potatoes, order yours plain.
• Consult the fast food nutrition guides to find out if your favorite menu items are healthy. Try to keep your fast food meal around 500 to 600 calories and 12 to 18 grams of fat.

So, how do you nuke these negative thoughts? You need to stop them in their tracks! You must consciously halt them before they flatten you. It’s pretty easy – all you have to do it say “STOP!” Whether you do this with your inner voice or you shout it with your own, saying “STOP!” will interrupt this negative flow. It takes a little practice, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

POOF! INSTANT POSITIVE THOUGHTS

• The most effective way to challenge your negative thoughts is to think of your accomplishments. Reflecting on these positive achievements will give you greater self-confidence and self-control.
• Focus on your goals. Think about the reasons why you want to lose weight or change your behavior and how you will feel when you get there.
• Concentrate on long-term results rather than short-term pleasures. Ask yourself if you really need that piece of cake. If you really do, then have it, but most of the time you’ll find you don’t.
• When faced with making a difficult choice ask yourself, “How will I feel after I eat it?” Often foods that look tempting are not that satisfying. Remember that nothing tastes as good as being fit feels.
• Forget about any past failures at shedding your pounds. Glean from these attempts what worked for you and let go of the rest.
• Surround yourself with inspirational quotes and sayings. They’ll left your sprits and help motivate you to achieve your goals.
• Let your little voice give you “pats on the back.” Always acknowledge your triumphs no matter how big or small.

You’ll know your making progress when your positive thoughts outweigh your negative ones. You can get a jump-start on making your own mental magic by creating a list of positive affirmations that you can repeat to yourself. These statements can reflect your accomplishments, goals, or reasons why “you’re worth it.” (You are worth it, you know!) In the morning (after you brush your teeth) stand before a mirror and repeat your affirmations to yourself. Whenever you feel yourself slipping toward negative thinking, get out your list and be positive. You’ll come to believe in yourself more and more.

WHAT YOU SEE IF WHAT YOU GET

Another aspect of staying sanguine is creating images in addition to your positive thoughts. This is done by visualizing – thinking in pictures rather than words. Imagine how it will feel to be in the clothes’ size of you dreams (of course, we mean your realistic dreams). What are you wearing? What color is it? How many compliments are you receiving? When you visualize scenarios like this you reinforce you commitment and enhance your positive thinking.

Visualization can also be used to turn negative images to your advantage. For instance, if every time you saw a doughnut you imagined cellulite on your thighs, it would be a lot easier to pass it up. However you decide to use it, visualization is a powerful tool for you to create your own mental magic.

ALL THESE TRICKS DESERVE A TREAT

A sure way to stay on track is to reward yourself for every step you make in the right direction. You need to pat yourself on the back and what better way is there then by rewarding yourself. Here is a list of treats for the ticks you will master to make your pounds disappear. Add your own special delights, but make sure they are non-food related.

• Treat yourself to a massage.
• Enjoy a luxurious bubble bath.
• Buy a bouquet of flower.
• Read a good book.
• Sign up for a class you’ve always wanted to take.
• Purchase a new outfit.
• Write yourself a congratulatory note.
• Get a facial or manicure.
• Go for a night out on the town.
• Rent your favorite movie.

Creating your own mental magic is knowing how to quiet your little voice when it wants to be negative. It’s knowing how to persuade it to be positive. And the magic truly begins when you allow this little voice to sing your praises! Don’t forget – you’re worth it!

Annette Cain – Health Catalyst Annette Cain is a graduate of the University of California at Davis, with a Baccalaureate of Science in Nutrition Science. She received her Masters Degree in Health Services-Wellness Promotion from the California College of Health Sciences. Annette has also completed her certification program for the Treatment of Eating Disorders at John F. Kennedy University. The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) has certified her as a personal trainer, and she has fourteen years of experience in weight management and exercise programming. Annette has dedicated her career to promoting wellness and preventing disease through exercise and healthy habits.

Preventing Break-Ins During Vacation Season  top

Most people go on holidays during as a way to reduce their stress levels and to get away from the fast pace and high pressure of modern life – but studies show around three quarters of consumers worry about returning to find that they’ve been victims of burglary.

There are numerous strategies and technologies that can be used to make your home a less attractive target to would-be thieves, and to stop or frighten them away even in the event of a break-in. Most electronic alarm systems will automatically telephone police or even fire officials in the event of a break-in or fire.

Most people who have installed some kind of home security or theft deterrent system are able to enjoy their vacations much more easily, as well as sleeping better at night when they are home. Since over half of all convicted burglars admit to focusing on an empty house as a potential “mark” or a target for robbery, most people recognize that a break-in is more likely while away on vacation.

But there are many things that you can do as a homeowner to prevent a break-in or deter thieves. Such options as alarm systems or Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems are rapidly dropping in price, and do it yourself options are becoming available, eliminating the expense involved in hiring a contractor.

Wireless alarm systems which run on batteries and/or solar power serve as a visual deterrent to thieves, and can also call the police in the event of a break-in while you are away. A basic CCTV system allows homeowners to change the channel of their television and check to see who’s at the door, and more advanced systems can now be interfaced with the internet, allowing you to check on your front door/backyard/kitchen while on vacation.

Lighting timer systems allow you to have your lights randomly turned on and off, giving the illusion that someone is home and discouraging potential thieves from targeting your property. A secure garage door opener as well as a glass-break sensor on garage windows can seal off one more point of entry for would-be burglars.

These systems are rapidly declining and price, and the do it yourself options are improving in quality – many home systems can now be installed for less than $1,000. So, if you are feeling anxious about home security while you’re home or away, consider setting up a home security system to protect your property and your peace of mind.

Jack Nelson is a security consultant, and a member of the editorial team at homesecurityandalarms.com - an informative guide to home security with information about computer security, infrared motion sensors, alarm monitoring and more.

Hiding Travel Money And Documents  top

How do you hide money and documents when you travel? Here are some lessons learned from experience.

Travel money belts are still a good way to carry cash. They're common, and thieves know of them, but it isn't easy to tell if your belt has a hidden compartment, and it isn't easy for a robber to get at it quickly. It is a good way to carry some of your cash when you travel. Here are some more ways.

There are travel options other than money belts for hiding cash and important papers. Use several of them, rather than putting everything in one place. Don't carry too much cash. It's easy now, almost everywhere, to access your money using an ATM, so carry enough for a few days, or a week at most.

There are pouches that hang under your shirt to carry your passport and other papers. They're obvious if you're wearing a light shirt, but then it is always hard to thoroughly hide a passport on your body. In any case, it isn't easily accessible to pickpockets.

I cut a pocket from some old pants and used a safety pin to attach it inside my travel pants. This has worked well on several trips. It's not noticeable, and would be difficult for a thief to get at without taking off my pants. However, it is inconvenient when I'm asked for my passport, since I have to reach into my pants.

Hiding Travel Money In Shoes

If the inner soles of your shoes are removable, put twenty dollars under each one for emergencies. This works well for me, but then I don't have expensive shoes that could themselves be a target. It is just another place, and you should always have several different places to hide cash when traveling.

Think creatively. Roll up a bill and put it in the handle of a disposable razor. Just don't throw it away by accident. Find or make other hiding places. If your money is in several hard-to-find places, it will take a persistent thief to find all of your cash. Make robbers truly work for their living.

Hiding money in your hotel room requires some thought. There are many good places. Ask any thief, and he'll tell you the best ones. Just choose a safe hotel and be careful. Of course, hiding things will at least reduce the temptation for bad employees and lazy thieves.

I once had a wallet stolen from a zippered back pocket. It was a decoy wallet, so the pickpocket's skill earned him a few pieces of paper. Another time I had to drag a robber off a bus and wait for police, but his accomplice escaped with our money. Travel is about adventureBusiness Management Articles, but fortunately we can hide our travel money and documents well enough to avoid this kind most of the time.

About the Author
Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. For travel stories, tips and a free e-book, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com
 

Chef Janos Wilder Creates Unique Menu Experiences at the Kai Restaurant  top

Janos Wilder 2000 James Beard Winner Best Chef - Southwest Nominations for eight additional James Beard Awards.

In a land of legends, where wild horses still roam free, indulge in a luxury resort experience at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, a 500-room desert oasis.

Conveniently located 11 miles from Sky Harbor International Airport on the Gila River Indian Reservation, this unique destination resort features custom-designed, culturally-themed guestrooms reflecting the traditions of the Pima and Maricopa people, 36 holes of Troon® golf, the Aji Spa offering Native treatments, dining at Kai with James Beard award-winning consulting chef Janos Wilder, onsite horseback adventures at Koli Equestrian Center and take a boat cruise to enjoy family fun at the 1880s-inspired Western Theme park, Rawhide. The only destination that encompasses the full Arizona experience, the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa awaits.

Lobster Tail Fry Bread Appetizer Third Generation Fry Bread Recipe:   4 cups Bluebird Flour 1/2 cup Whole Milk 2 Tbsp Baking Powder 1 Tsp Sea Salt 5 Tbsp Lard 1 cup Warm Water     In a large mixing bowl add flour, baking powder, sea salt and lard and mix slowly. Slowly pour in warm water and mix it until it forms a ball. Do not over mix. Pull pieces of dough out and form little balls. Roll dough balls out and deep fry until golden brown. Then you simply cook the lobster tail, braise with butter and set on top of the fry bread.