CCRA Partners with Endless Vacation Rentals top

CCRA welcomes our new Travel Partner, Endless Vacation Rentals to offer CCRA members commissionable property rentals directly through our Travel Partners page.

Endless Vacation Rentals by Wyndham Worldwide has partnered with CCRA to provide 10-14% preferred commission on unique vacation rentals, ranging from studios and one bedroom or multiple bedroom accommodations throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Caribbean. Villas, apartments, cottages and homes are also available in Italy, France and the UK. The spacious rentals offer clients more privacy and "comforts-of-home."

Agents must register to book on VacationRentals4Agents.com. To receive 14% commission on all properties, except Cuendet and UK Cottages where you can receive 10%, select "CCRA" as your Account Affiliation. Choose "CCRA Consortium Affiliation" in response to the question: How did you hear about us?

“We are pleased to be selected as a preferred supplier by CCRA,” said Richard Ruff, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Endless Vacation Rentals by Wyndham Worldwide. “CCRA is a leading travel agent resource for booking accommodations, and we look forward to providing CCRA affiliated agents with superior service, support and a truly unique vacation rental program for their portfolio of accommodation options.”

To book Endless Vacation Rentals, visit our Travel Partners page, where you can find and commissionable opportunities on a growing variety of travel services.

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Fuel Saving Tips for Your Road Trips top
By: Noemi

Fuel prices have climbed to record levels. It affects our everyday life, and it even makes us conscious when we are on vacation. Here are 6 tips you should keep in mind when you are driving your rental car:

1. Choose the right rental car
When you book your car rental, reserve the smallest available model that suits your needs. Smaller cars are more fuel-efficient. In big cities like Los Angeles, it is a good idea to rent economy cars, for example a Ford Focus, which averages 35 miles per gallon.

2. Rent a car with a manual transmission
Cars with manual transmission are more fuel efficient and have more power than vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.

3. Plan ahead
Plan your travel ahead while you are at home and plan your route too. There are many good route planner sites available online, check them out. Buy a good map, or visit any AAA office for free ones. You can also request your rental car has a GPS navigation or you can bring your own.

4. Air conditioning or no air conditioning
When you drive in cities at a low speed, opening windows does not greatly increase your rental car’s aerodynamic drag. Your car will use less gas than if you used your air conditioner. However at high speed, close windows and sun roofs, so your engine doesn’t have to work that hard and switch on the air conditioning only when you really need it.

5. Turn off the lights
Most rental cars have daylights enabled which are rather efficient. Every electrical equipment, which is powered from the alternator, will increase its drag on the engine. When you use them, the engine burns more fuel. When you can do it safely, turn off the headlights. Do not turn on fog lights unless the weather is foggy. Many drivers use them for no reason, don’t follow their example, use only if necessary.

6. Turn your rental car off
When you are on a road trip, you tend to stop frequently. You take a picture or you check your map or GPS. Turn your car off when you know that you will not be moving for more than 1 minute.

If you want to save even more money, plan ahead and book your car online.

Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com, provided by ReservaCar Dublin Airport, a specialist for car rental at Dublin Airport, in Dublin and worldwide.

New Avis/Budget Benefits for CCRA Agents! top

CCRA Agents can now get free upgrades in addition to the discount rates from Avis/Budget. Now you can offer your clients more enjoyment through the benefits from Avis/Budget.

Get a Single Class Upgrade on Budget-Rent-A-Car Compact – Full Size Cars
Coupon # UUGZ104 Valid through 12/31/08

Get a Single Class Upgrade on Avis Intermediate – Full Size Cars
Coupon # UUGA076 Valid through 12/31/08

To book CCRA discount rates for Avis or Budget, click on the Travel Partners page on CCRAtravel.com.
To get great discounts, remember to use these new CCRA booking codes:

Avis (AVD) Code – K213100 Budget (BCD) Code – Z619600

Terms & Conditions: Coupon valid for a one time, one car group upgrade on a Budget compact (group B) or an Avis intermediate (group C) through a full-size four-door (group E) car. Maximum upgrade to premium (group G). Offer valid on daily, weekend, weekly and monthly rates only. The upgraded car is subject to vehicle availability at the time of rental and may not be available on some rates at some times. Coupon valid at participating Avis and Budget locations in the contiguous U.S. Coupon must be surrendered at time of rental; one coupon per rental. A 24-hour advance reservation is required. May not be used in conjunction with any other coupon, promotion or offer. For reservations made on Avis.com or Budget.com, upgrade will be applied at time of rental. Renter must meet Avis or Budget age, driver and credit requirements. Minimum age may vary by location. An additional daily surcharge may apply for renters under 25 years old. Fuel charges are extra. Rental must begin by 12/31/08.

CCRA Trade Show Round Up top

In the past two months CCRA has been busy presenting at some of the travel industry’s biggest trade shows. We are proud of our successful trips to the Home Based Travel Agent Show & Conference, Virtual Home Based Expo, the Vacation.com Conference & Trade Show, and the Travel Trade Cruise-A-Thon. Our recurring success wouldn’t be possible with out the support from our hotel partners and our travel agent audience.

The Home Based Travel Agent Show & Conference - in San Diego in April featured a Tech Forum highlighting key websites for agents to better service their clients; how to promote properly through emails and a strong web presence. CCRA trainer Nancy Freigher presented to over 1,000 agents how they can get the most for their clients’ money, including best available rates and multiple room bookings without having to use a GDS.

We also met more home-based and leisure agents, at the annual Travel Trade Cruise-a-Thon in May. Nancy Freigher got the message out to hundreds of CLIA agents that they will get paid their hotel commissions in full when they book on CCRAtravel.com, even at Marriott Hotels! Attendees were happy to discover the earning potential on pre and post-cruise hotel stays.

At The Virtual Home Based Expo in June, presented by agent@home. CCRA took part in what was expected to be the largest travel agent show ever produced. The online event was a two-day, live interactive presentation brought right to agents’ desktops. We were happy to chat "live" with agents who attended the CCRA International booth where they learned hotel booking tips and sell strategies.

CCRA was proud to participate at the 10th Annual Vacation.com Conference and Trade Show in Las Vegas, June 16th – 19th. CCRA President and CEO, Dic Marxen, presented at one of the general sessions the advantages of CCRA. Marxen spoke of the exclusive hotel booking advantages offered to Vacation.com agents through the preferred supplier partnership with CCRA. Through the CCRA booking portal representing worldwide hotels Vacation.com agents can now make more money booking hotels.

Once again we hosted the CCRA Pavilion sponsored by fourteen of our top hotel partners, educating agents on the latest property news and sharing gifts and prizes – including over $20,000 in hotel stays! Thank you to these top suppliers for making our 10th appearance at the Vacation.com show so successful!

Best Western	Choice Hotels International	Destination Hotels
Endless Vacation Rentals	Fairmont Hotels and Resorts	FiestAmericana (Posadas)
Gaylord Hotels	Hilton	Intercontinental Hotel Group
La Quinta	Millennium Hotels & Resorts	Noble House Hotels & Resorts
Omni Hotels	Wyndham Hotel Group	CCRA

We look forward to presenting at ASTA’s THETRADESHOW in September.

ADVERTORIAL

The Most Elegant Way to Experience Shanghai top

St. Regis, Shanghai - the seductive metropolis of the East!

Escape this summer to one of the host cities of the 2008 Olympic Games and explore a seductive metropolis that embraces unique cultural scenery, modern architecture, fabulous cuisine, world-class brands, and so much more. Come and experience this vibrant city through the exciting Familiarization Industry rate at The St. Regis Shanghai- the most desired address in Shanghai.

Located in the heart of Pudong, Shanghai, and only minutes away from major cultural and entertainment venues, The St. Regis Shanghai provides its residents unparalleled service and timeless elegance. As a recipient of the prestigious 2008 World Travel Awards’ “China’s Leading Business Hotel” award and World Travel Award World Traveller magazine’s “Top Hotel for Service” award 2007, The St. Regis Shanghai invites you to let your cares slip away with their exclusive Familiarization Industry rate starting at CNY701+ (approximately USD100+).

Exclusively for Travel Industry Professionals for personal leisure travel only until August 31st, your seductive adventure begins with:

• Deluxe Accommodations
• Continental Breakfast at the Exclusive 40th floor Executive Lounge
• 24-hour Legendary Butler Service
• Pressing of Garments
• Tea and Coffee Service
• Complimentary Wireless Internet Access

While staying with us, feast on the breathtaking panorama of Shanghai from the window of your Deluxe Room meticulously decorated with the most luxurious fabrics, furnishings and amenities. Each room bestows its resident with a tailor-made pillow top mattress, flat-screen television, superlative Bose CD Wave Radio, gloriously rejuvenating Rain Forest shower, and Herman Miller “Aeron” chair. If you book now, enjoy a special upgrade to our oversized Grand Luxe Room!

During your stay, let the St. Regis Legendary Butler Service keep you in touch with home with high-speed broadband and wireless internet as well as an exceptional selection of over 500 local and international newspapers. Feast your senses at our award-winning dining venues: Saints International Restaurant and Danieli’s. As one of the best Italian restaurants in Shanghai, Danieli's features contemporary cuisine, stunning interior design and city views. The open kitchen and tempting aromas are sure to enhance your epicurean experience. Then, conclude your day with memorable experiences provided only by The St. Regis. Every Friday at 6pm, enjoy a festive Champagne Sabering tradition.

We look forward to welcoming you to the seductive metropolis of the East!

TERMS AND CONDITION: This offer is valid from June 1st until August 31st, 2008. The rate is quoted in CNY and is subject to 15% surcharge per room, per night. Booking and special upgrade is subject to availability. This offer is only available to travel industry professionals for personal leisure travel only. Identification is required prior to booking and check-in.

To Book the best rates at the St. Regis, Shanghai, visit CCRAtravel.com.
Or in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan or CCRA in Galileo.

ADVERTORIAL

The Inn At Fox Hollow top

The Inn At Fox Hollow, Above and Beyond® Mere Luxury

Conveniently and centrally located on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island, The Inn At Fox Hollow has quickly become the most luxurious, upscale, all-suite boutique hotel in the area. Continually a step Above and Beyond the rest, the hotel spared no expense in 2008 by redesigning all its suites with a ‘new-classic’ décor that has been universally embraced by old friends and new visitors alike.

Beyond its new décor, unmatched complimentary guest services and luxurious amenities, The Inn has been recognized as a destination location for those traveling to beautiful Long Island to explore everything it has to offer. Guests of the hotel continually take advantage of weekday or weekend trips and visit local beaches including Robert Moses and Jones Beach (two top 50 beaches in America), the “Hollywood of the East” in South Hampton, East Hampton and Amagansett, or the crisp ocean breeze and beautiful sands of
Montauk beach.

Just around the corner are some of the most opulent Gold Coast mansions, beautiful arboretums, picturesque harbor side restaurants, hiking trails, public parks, shopping malls, concert venues (Capital One Theater or The Nikon Theater at Jones Beach), local museums and magnificent golf courses including Bethpage State Park, home of the 2002 and 2009 PGA U.S. Open Golf Championship.

Over the last 25 years, the Long Island wine industry has grown from one small vineyard to over 3,000 acres of vines and over 40 wineries open to the public producing world-class wines. The Inn At Fox Hollow regularly schedules East End wine tours so guests can take witness and sample wine from some of these amazing vineyards across the North and South Forks.

While staying at the hotel, guests enjoy numerous complimentary amenities and guest services such as:

Extensive Dinner Buffet, Sunday – Thursday (Including wine and beer) Full American Breakfast Buffet – Daily (including eggs to order) Wired and Wireless Internet Access Freshly Baked Cookies Three Major Newspapers Gourmet Coffees and Teas (available 24 hours) 24-Hour Fitness Center with Universal Machines, Free Weights and 6 Cardio Machines Outdoor Heated Pool and Hot Tub

For added comfort, The Inn’s 134 Suites and 11 new Royal Suites have been appointed with ultra-plush bedding and oversized pillows, elegant wall treatments, mood lighting and wall sconces…and custom-made curtains and draperies provide sanctuary from the world. And, The Inn’s exclusive Royal Suites are further enhanced with two 42" flat screen televisions, stylish wet bars and wine refrigerators, rich wood flooring, iHome dock radio alarm clocks and invigorating spa showers.

The 134 suites are spacious, averaging 565 square feet and fully equipped with a complete kitchen, full-size refrigerator and freezer, microwave, stovetop, dishwasher, cooking and dining utensils, and dining table. Guests also have the choice of dining a la carté immediately next-door at Fox Hollow’s award-winning Rose Hunt Restaurant & Lounge.

The Inn At Fox Hollow’s outdoor courtyard boasts a well-groomed lawn and landscaped gardens that border a cozy patio perfect for outdoor dining. Guests can take in the day or relax early evening with a glass of Long Island wine. The heated pool and hot tub are found adjacent to the courtyard.

While exploring Long Island, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more affordable or unique hotel for your leisurely stay.

ADVERTORIAL

A Luxury Boutique Hotel in Seattle top

The Alexis Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Seattle, Washington.

"A work of art" in itself, our recently renovated Seattle luxury hotel is committed to the arts community. The Alexis Hotel displays original pieces throughout the richly decorated guestrooms and public spaces, and invites locals and guests alike to enjoy these pieces that showcase the diversity and culture distinctive to the Pacific Northwest.

Also distinctive to the Pacific Northwest is our rainfall. Or lack of it. A recent study by WeatherBill, Inc. shows the Emerald City doesn't even come close to a spot on the list of soggiest cities. In fact, the rainiest place in the U.S. is in the South. As far away from our Seattle hotel as you can get.

So come stay at our luxury 121-room Seattle boutique hotel, just steps from the Pike Place Market, the Waterfront and Pioneer Square. The Alexis Hotel offers immediate access to all that the city has to offer to business and leisure travelers. Enjoy a nightly wine reception and gracious hospitality at this downtown Seattle, Washington landmark.

Complimentary wireless Internet access, Hosted evening wine reception, a signature feature of Kimpton Hotels, our Hosted evening wine reception invites our guests to relax after a full day of work or travel, or as the beginning of an evening of dining or entertainment.

The Alexis Hotel would like to offer a complimentary upgrade at check in, based on availability, to one of our suites.  Join us for our evening hosted wine reception in the lobby, nightly from 5-6pm, and enjoy complimentary morning coffee & tea service daily, also served in the lobby – as you stroll through this season’s public art featuring local artists from the Pacific Northwest, on display. 



Entirely smoke-free hotel | Complimentary onsite fitness center | Private steam room | 24-hr business center

To Book the best rates at The Alexis Hotel Seattle, visit CCRAtravel.com.
Or in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan or CCRA in Galileo.

ADVERTORIAL

Hooters Casino Hotel in Las Vegas top

Surf’s up! Well, almost.

If you happen to be one of those people who think the only thing Las Vegas is missing is a beach, then you might want to check out Hooters Casino Hotel. In its nearly ideal location, just minutes from the airport, across the street from MGM, this cozy, little casino has captured the essence of beach life within its pinewood-covered walls. Casual, comfortable, and utterly unpretentious, Hooters Casino Hotel welcomes guests with a lobby bar at guest registration, and a bevy of beautiful, young, enthusiastic Hooters Girls in orange shorts throughout. Naturally, there’s a Hooters Restaurant inside, serving all the same great food that has made Hooters world famous, including everyone’s favorite; those delicious chicken wings. 

The casino is small, but cozy, and what most folks like best about it is its accessibility to everything else in the Hotel. You won’t lose your friends in this casino and you can almost stand in one place to see all the action.
Looking for some great entertainment? Then, you should visit The Night Owl Showroom, where award-winning comedian, Bobby Slayton, slays audiences five nights a week with his biting humor, and the Mentalist, Gerry McCambridge, combines magic, comedy & mindreading making it a mind blowing night of fun.

When the urge to take in the night-life comes on, you need only take a few steps inside Dixie’s Dam Country Bar, where the music is 100% country, all the time. Kick off your boots and stay awhile, because as the night rolls on, Dixie’s really starts to rock, with a full bar and plenty of good, old-fashioned country fun.

It seems that every casino offers a 24-hour restaurant, and at Hooters, that’s Dan Marino’s, a beautifully chic restaurant that is warm, comfortable, and inviting. The food there is exactly what you would expect; generous in proportion and carefully prepared and executed, just like the legend himself. If you’re simply hankering for a quick cup of coffee, or a bottle of aspirin after a late night, you can always head over to the Bait Shoppe, which offers 24-hour sundries.  Hooters Girls love to shop, so the Casino Hotel ensured that, not only would they have a place to indulge their hobby, so would all others who come to stay, with several shops featuring a series of soon-to-be-nearly-world-famous collectible items ranging from jewelry to tee-shirts and calendars.
 
Hooters Casino Hotel is all about hospitality, so the owners insisted on having comfortable quarters for each guest. Every bed in the hotel is ultra plush and comfortable, and they spared no expense on the linens either. The décor is reminiscent of a beach house as well, with sunny, pale yellow walls, lots of homey pinewood and palm trees, and plenty of seating for entertaining a couple of guests. The elevators floors resemble a sandy beach, complete with footprints disappearing into the sunset behind each sliding door. The foyer on each floor uses a rack of custom, used, arty surfboards to denote the number of the floor you've reached.

We haven’t even gotten to the best part yet, which is the delightful little pool area! Intimate and colorful, with waterfalls, torches, sand pits, and tiki bars, the pool offers a comfortable getaway or a rollicking party, depending on when you choose to visit. Hooters will often throw parties on the deck with great live music, tantalizing smells drifting from the grill, and plenty of those world famous Hooters Girls in some pretty tantalizing swimwear, too.

Rounding out the offerings at Hooters are a small, but state-of-the-art gym, and a salon and spa called S.A.S.S., where you will be pampered from head to toe with everything from a manicure/pedicure to a full body massage. These folks know what they're doing, too. (Careful, you might end up wanting to spend the day relaxing here, rather than seeing the sights!)

Hooters Casino Hotel is a quirky, welcome respite from all the frenetic activity and glittering action on the strip, and yet it brings its own unique brand of action and fun to the party in such a way that you will think you actually are at the beach. If you’re thinking maybe it’s time to find a Cure for the Common Casino, then come dig your toes in the sand at Hooters Casino Hotel. You'll be glad you did.

Portal Tip - Search the Hottest Net Rates top

This summer is the time to search in the largest Net Rate inventory we have had all year!

The best way to find great deals for your client is to search for CCRA Net Rates and Internet Discounts
first on CCRAtravel.com. When beginning any search in the portal, you’ll find that all 4 inventory classes are selected. To find the best deals faster, select just the Internet Discount and Net Rate options.

Your search results appear listed by the best rates – you can then sort by Star Rating to find the best savings.

A quick scroll through the newly sorted list will reveal four-star opportunities at two-star prices, which your clients will appreciate!