Holiday Travelers reveal Creating Memories, Building Relationships and Traditions top

Despite Economic Challenges, People Traveling Over Holidays Feel Time and Money Spent is Small Price to Pay to be with Loved Ones. Creating Memories, Building Relationships and Traditions Cited as Important Factors For Holiday Travelers.

WASHINGTON, DC --  Despite current economic challenges, 60 percent of people who will travel during the holidays strongly feel the time and money spent is a small price to pay to be with people they love, it was revealed in a unique survey quantifying why people take trips during the holidays.

Respondents to the Harris Interactive survey of 2,256 adults conducted in early November for the Travel Industry Association credited four reasons as significant and valuable for hitting the road to visit family or friends at Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are: ·

• creating memories
• maintaining traditions
• reconnecting and building relationships
• improving a person’s sense of overall well-being.

“All indicators point to the fact that people feel the enriching experiences that holiday travel affords and the opportunity to share time with loved ones is of great value to their life,” said Dr. Suzanne Cook, Senior Vice President of Research for the Travel Industry Association.

“Most people appear to be unwilling to give up what and who they love, even in more stressful times,” Cook added.

Older Americans, in particular, appreciate the value of travel during the holidays. Among those who plan on being with out-of-town family/friends over the holiday season:

• 79% of persons age 55-plus believe that “being with family and friends over the holidays creates memories for me and/or my children” [61% among ages 18-34 and 58% among ages 35-44].
• 69% also feel that the holidays are a time to reconnect with the family and build relationships [58% for ages 18-34 and 53% for ages 35-44].
• Also, persons age 55-plus overwhelmingly feel (76%) that “time and money involved to travel is small price to pay for the benefits of being with loved ones.” [52% for both 18-34 and 35-44].

Other Observations
Among those who plan to be with out-of-town family/friends over the holiday season:

• Women value the benefits of holiday travel more than men. Some 77% of women believe that “being with family/friends over the holidays creates memories,” compared with 58% for men.
• Parents with young children appreciate others coming to see them. Among parents with children under the age of six, 64% believe that “the time and money my family/friends spend to travel to visit is a part of their gift to me.”
  

One indication of how positively people see holiday travel can be seen in the fact that only 37 percent of those who visit with out-of-town family or friends feel in any way obligated to be with family and friends at Thanksgiving, but 70 percent recognize it as an opportunity to maintain tradition.

To playback the media conference call:
Playback Access Number: (866) 439-4729 | Conference Playback Reference: 371719#

The survey of 2,256 adults was conducted October 31 through November 4. The overall sample has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.1 percent.
Click here for the survey results.
Click here for a summary of the topline survey results.

The Travel Industry Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $740 billion travel industry.  TIA's mission is to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States. TIA is proud to be a partner in travel with American Express. For more information, visit www.tia.org.

Traveling with Your Dog top
By the American Kennel Club

Taking your dog along can make the family vacation more fun for everyone, if you plan carefully. Here are some trip tips to make traveling with your dog enjoyable.

Health and Safety

• Health Checks. Bring your dog to the vet's for a check up before going on an extended trip. Make sure all his vaccinations are up to date; bring shot records with you. Health certifications are required for airline travel.
• To keep your dog healthy as you travel, bring along a supply of his regular food and some local or bottled, water. Be sure to bring any medications he needs.

Crates
A crate is an excellent way to keep your dog safe in the car, and is required for airline travel. It can also keep your pet from getting into trouble in a hotel or at your host's home. Crates are available from most pet supply stores. Look for these features when purchasing:

• Large enough to allow the dog to stand, turn and lie down.
• Strong, with handles and grips, and free of interior protrusions.
• Leak-proof bottom covered with absorbent material.
• Ventilation on opposing sides, with exterior rims or knobs to prevent blocked airflow.
• "Live Animal" label, arrows upright, with owner's name, address and phone number.
• Stock the crate with a comfortable mat, your dog's favorite toy, and a water bottle, and your dog is ready to go.
  

Identification
In the event that your dog gets away from you on your trip, you can increase the chances of recovery by making sure he can be properly identified:

• Make sure your dog has a sturdy leash and collar. The collar should have identification tags with the dog's name, your name, and your home phone number, as well as proof of rabies shots.
• Consider a permanent form of identification, such as a microchip (see CAR).
• Bring a recent picture of your dog along with you.

Traveling by Car

• Get your dog used to the car by letting him sit in it with you without leaving the driveway, and then going for short rides.
• Avoid car sickness by letting your dog travel on an empty stomach. However, make sure he has plenty of water at all times.
• Keep the car well-ventilated. If the dog is in a crate, make sure that fresh air can flow into the crate.
• Do not let your dog ride with his head sticking out of an open window. This can lead to eye injuries.
• Never let your dog ride in the back of an open truck. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe injuries or death.
• Stop frequently for exercise and potty breaks. Be sure to clean up after your dog.
• Car rides are boring for everyone, so instruct your children not to tease or annoy the dog in the car.
• Never, ever leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle. If you must leave the car, designate a member of the family to stay with the dog.

By Plane

• Each airline has its own set of rules for canine air travel. You should call for information and make arrangements well in advance of your trip.
• All airlines require health certifications and proof of vaccinations.
• Some airlines will not transport animals when it is extremely hot or cold.
• Dogs must be in an airline-approved crate when transported as cargo. Small dogs may ride under the seat in a crate or carrier.

By Train, Bus and Boat
If you plan to travel by train or bus, you may be disappointed. Dogs are not permitted on Amtrak trains or on buses operated by Greyhound and other interstate bus companies. (Service dogs are permitted.) Local rail and bus companies have their own policies.

You may fare better if you're taking a cruise. The QE2 luxury cruiser, which sails from New York to England/France, provides special lodging and free meals for your dog. However, you should check the policies of the cruise line or ship you will be traveling on before making plans to take your dog on a cruise with you.

Lodging

• Find out in advance which hotels or motels at your destination or on your route allow dogs. Many do not, or have size or breed restrictions.
• If your dog is allowed to stay at a hotel, respect other guests, staff and the property.
• Keep your dog as quiet as possible.
• Do not leave the dog unattended. Many dogs will bark or destroy property if left alone in a strange place.
• Ask the management where you should walk your dog, and pick up after him. Do not leave any mess behind.
• Remember that one bad experience with a dog guest may prompt the hotel management to refuse to allow any dogs. Be considerate of others and leave your room and the grounds in good condition.

ADVERTORIAL

Charing Cross Hotel – Timeless Gentility in the Heart of London top

Special deal EXCLUSIVE for CCRA agencies:
Book any room at the Charing Cross hotel, part of the Guoman Hotels collection at our best available or promotional rates and you will receive following benefits: complimentary upgrade to an executive room or junior suite (subject to availability), complimentary Wi-Fi, a 20% reduction on food and beverage in the Terrace on the Strand restaurant and free access to Charing Cross’ new fitness centre. Offer is valid between December 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009. To qualify enter “CCRA/CharingCross promotion” in the SI field when booking in the GDS.

Elegant and cosmopolitan, Guoman Hotels’ Charing Cross hotel is perfectly located for guests who like to be at the heart of things. The grade II listed building has been restored to reflect its Victorian splendor.

Since 1865, the Charing Cross hotel has stood as a monument to the power and confidence of the Victorian era. Located literally in the center of London - the point to which all road distances have traditionally been measured, Charing Cross Hotel now sets new standards for world-class hotels in the 21st century.

Charing Cross has 239 bedrooms consisting of junior suites, executive and deluxe rooms, which are all modern and well furnished plus equipped with a 26-inch flat screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities and BT Openzone internet access. For meetings and events, Charing Cross has nine meeting rooms including the spectacular Betjeman suite with its marble pillars, fully restored to its Victorian splendor, dance floor, sculpted ceiling and glittering chandeliers.

The hotel also has a lounge, restaurant and bar, with stunning views over the Strand, Trafalgar Square and the historic Eleanor Cross, available from the floor-ceiling windows in the Terrace on The Strand restaurant. But while this may be the most English of settings, the menu features the finest cuisine from around the world and has been awarded one AA Rosette, as all dishes are prepared using only the very best seasonal ingredients.

Following Guoman Hotels ongoing strategy to invest £150 million in their London properties in three years, guests staying at the Charing Cross can now also enjoy the recently opened £250k state of the art guest-only gym. With a modern chic look, the gym is equipped with treadmills, cross trainers, super benches, an FTS Glide (an all body workout machine), stretch mats and a weights rack with dumbbells (ranging from 4kg-20kg) and is also kitted out with three plasma screens, an iPod docking station, refrigerated refreshments and fresh towels.

Being part of the Guoman collection of hotels, along with The Tower and Cumberland hotel, the Charing Cross hotel has its own unique identity and style, but still provides Guoman Hotels’ key factor of providing the very highest levels of comfort and service to its guests, meaning that guests have an experience that is approachable, warm, stylish and authentic, generated by the quiet confidence of superbly trained staff whose commitment to service is flawless.

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

ADVERTORIAL

The Henley Park Hotel - Serving Guests Since 1918 top

Celebrate the elegance of a grander era at the Henley Park Hotel. When it made its debut in 1918, the upscale Tudor Hall Apartments boasted every upscale amenity - this charming Washington DC historic hotel was a favored home of notable Senators and Congressmen. Showcasing a stately façade of leaded, stained-glass windows and 119 grinning gargoyles- two of the hotel's exterior gargoyles depict the faces of the architect and his wife- the lodging struck the ideal tone for such distinguished clientele.

Some notable facts about this proud member of Historic Hotels of America include the stained-glass initials "T.H." for "Tudor Hall", still visible above the side door of what is now the Wilkes Room. Just outside the Coeur de Lion restaurant lies the crest of Richard the Lion-Hearted, celebrating the namesake of our award-winning restaurant. The lobby floor is tiled in the original specially designed Mercer tiles of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Of special note are the four large Gargoyles which appear above the Hotel’s interior atrium restaurant. These were rescued from the old Commodore Hotel in New York City before it was razed.

In 1982, the property was converted into an upscale hotel and carefully restored to its original glory. Great care was taken to retain the original architectural features, recalling the gracious manor homes of England.    Traditional archways, moldings and leaded glass windows were key design elements throughout the building.  Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Queen Anne furnishings are set amid chintz wall coverings and window designs.

Formal tea is served in the Wilkes room each day. The Wilkes room was used as the parlor where the gentlemen tenants entertained ladies. The room retains the original fireplace and mantle, as well as a striking chandelier.

Guests can escape to a gentler time in accommodations that provide a soothing mix of traditional appointments such as 19th century reproductions and four-poster beds and still enjoy the modern amenities of this 21st century hotel.                                      

The 96 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites offer fully stocked mini-bars, Flat Screen TV, Ipod docking stations with MP3 player, spa robes, in-room safes and all of the amenities the discerning traveler deserves.

The tradition of the stately residence lives on in our attention to detail and superior service. Your travelers will thank you for it! 926 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20001

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

ADVERTORIAL

Sanderson Offers "I Love Winter Rates" in London top

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

ADVERTORIAL

Ramada® Plaza New Yorker top

This New York City landmark hotel, with its 912 rooms, offers guests a retreat from the hustle and bustle city outside with all the amenities a fine hotel can offer. Conveniently located across from Madison Square Garden and near Penn Station and the Javits Center, the Ramada Plaza New Yorker is the ideal location for leisure and business travelers.

The entire exterior of the hotel has been renewed in an effort to return that 'grand hotel' feel to this historic building. Signage has been replaced, stonework has been re-faced and the marquee has been changed. Inside, the lobby has been remodeled to recapture much of the feel and the texture from the 1930s, when the New Yorker opened.

The property has also added a new fiber optic backbone for its Wi-Fi system. It gives guests access to upwards of 44 megabytes of bandwidth and allows quick access to even the most sophisticated applications. Rooms have also added flat panel, HD televisions and now offer guests better programming and a wider selection of pay-per-view movies and events. Our new climate control system allows guests to choose their comfort zone and is smart enough to return to an energy safe mode when the room in vacant.

The hotel’s restaurants have also completed major renovations. The Tick Tock Diner has added more seats and updated its classic, New York menu to offer a wide variety of new treats and old favorites 24/7/365. Cooper’s Tavern offers the best in regional American cuisines at lunch and dinner daily.
We look forward to having you as our guest when your travels bring you to New York City.
After all, if you are going to come to New York City, why not stay in a proud, venerable hotel?

481 8th Avenue | 34th St. & 8th Ave. | New York City, NY 10001

To Book the best rates at the Ramada® Plaza New Yorker, visit CCRAtravel.com.
Or in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan or CCRA in Galileo.

ADVERTORIAL

Harbour Plaza Hong Kong Awarded “Best Independent Hotel” by TravelWeekly top

Harbour Plaza Hong Kong is pleased to announce that it has won “Best Independent Hotel” award by TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards 2008, held at the Marriott Hotel in Singapore on July 17, 2008.

The TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards 2008 is a culmination of 2.2 million online votes from readers and industry professionals and it is aimed at acknowledging some of Asia’s most outstanding performers in the tourism industry. Categorized into six areas: Tourism Products and Services (accommodations, airlines, business events, cruises, destinations, and car rental); Tourism-related Entities (travel agencies, national tourism organizations, and hospitality organizations); Personality; Online and Technology; Marketing Promotions and Best Employer.

The award not only recognises the distinctive and exceptional performance of Harbour Plaza Hong Kong, but also identifies us as movers and shakers in the hospitality industry. “We are extremely proud of having won this award from TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards 2008 and are honoured to have our hard work recognised alongside such prestigiously keen competition. This award will inspire us to work even harder to exceed expectations and reach new heights,” said Mr Jonathan A. Wilson, General Manager of Harbour Plaza Hong Kong.

About Harbour Plaza Hong Kong
Harbour Plaza Hong Kong, a deluxe hotel with 554 beautifully appointed rooms and serviced suites located along the Kowloon waterfront offering breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour. Conveniently situated next to the Wonderful Worlds of Whampoa, the hotel is adjacent to the Ferry Piers travelling to Central, Wanchai and North Point and is only five minutes from the downtown Tsimshatsui business and shopping district. Key facilities include wireless broadband Internet service available throughout the hotel, a deluxe fitness centre with sauna, steam bath and Spa Services, a rooftop pool featuring a one-sided glass wall overlooking the harbour, seven renowned restaurants, a 4,500 sq ft. Grand Ballroom and three versatile function rooms for meetings and conferences.

To Book the best rates at Harbour Plaza Hong Kong, visit CCRAtravel.com.
Or in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan or CCRA in Galileo.

ADVERTORIAL

HotelREZ BestREZ Winter Packages at Over 500 Hotels top

New Health Spa - Foxhills Hotel Club & Resort, Ottershaw, Nr Chertsey, UK. Opened Summer 2008 the Spa offers a range for everyone including – ‘Glamour’, ‘Time for Men’ and ‘Tots to Teens’!

Going Green – Down Hall Country House Hotel, Nr Stansted. ‘Our environmental policy ensures we are firmly committed to environmental protection, sustainability and carbon management. It is continually reviewed and managed, ensuring we support local suppliers, the local community and environmental groups such as the Essex Wildlife Trust.’

Hotel of the Year Award - for The Olde Barn Hotel, Marston, Lincolnshire! This privately owned and managed Hotel & Spa has been recognized as Hotel of the Year for the Lincolnshire ‘Star’ Awards, in conjunction with Lincolnshire Tourism. This 3 star hotel comprises 103 bedrooms, meeting space, full health club & spa facilities and award winning dining.

Complete Bedroom Refurbishment – for The Swan at Lavenham, Lavenham, Suffolk. All of its 45 individually designed bedrooms boast a mix of rich fabrics and contemporary furnishings co-ordinated in soft and mellow colours, whilst crisp cotton sheets and feather like pillows ensure a good night's sleep. Named after local Suffolk villages, many of our bedrooms are original in style. From standard double rooms to mezzanine suites and four poster beds, they are sure to delight. Oak beams and original Medieval wall paintings abound and you will take great delight wandering through the corridors and discovering the truly original character of The Swan. Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom, plasma TV screen, and tea and coffee making facilities.

TWO new Roof Top Spa’s in India - E-Inn, Bangalore; Nirvana Spa, provides a wide range of therapies comprising therapies from all over the world, ranging from European techniques to age old Asian traditions; treatments are appropriate for both men and women. Products include natural, potent, authentic, traditional Ayurvedic oils, herbs, etc, Nirvana’s unique “signature massage” and “signature beauty” are an ultimate and wonderful experience not to be missed.

The Solitaire, Bangalore - For guests at The Solitaire, rejuvenation is never far away. Within the serene sanctuary of our treatment rooms, you can pamper yourself with a relaxing full-body massage, clarifying or detoxing facial, warm herbal wrap or body glow scrub. A quick workout in our health Club will help you release the stress and tension of the day. Take a relaxing dip and watch the stars from our pool on the 7th Floor!

Book ‘BestREZ’ Rate for the Best Available Winter Rates.


HotelREZ introduces The Elegant Hotel Collection; with city centre hotels in London, Milan, Rome, Barcelona, & Dublin, incorporating some of the finest Spa, Resort and Country House Hotels. Book on chain code HO, promo rates include, BestREZ, HotREZ & APEX, look out for New Promotions coming soon – FestivalREZ, SpaREZ, ResortREZ, City Breaks, Weekend Retreats and more.

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

ADVERTORIAL

Embrace True Island Elegance and Escape to Ocean Key Resort & Spa top

Ocean Key Resort & Spa wows winter travelers with the completion of a multi-million dollar renovation.

A new covered bridge is a favorite of guests, along with a “sky-vine” grid that yields beautiful purple flowers. Now, guests are able to access all suites and guestrooms, spa, fine dining restaurant, and the super-cool new Liquid Lounge – all above a canopy of green.

The recently completed suites personify “island luxury” and they have surpassed everyone’s expectations. The newest accommodations, located in the premier wing of the resort are appointed with hand crafted Dorado stone floors and luxurious bathrooms. Interiors embrace the elegance of the West Indies, while still capturing the playfulness of the Florida Keys. Shades of indigo, turquoise and lime green lend their pallet to our unparalleled views. These guestrooms and suites include 42" plasma televisions and private furnished balconies.

The One Bedroom Oceanfront Spa Suite is a sensual new suite that is exclusive to Ocean Key. This premium suite has a separate bedroom with a king size bed and French doors. A separate living room has a queen sofa bed and a full wall of ocean front windows. Pampering has reached new heights with an attached private massage room featuring Spa Terre experiences! The crème de la crème on the island is the Two Bedroom Ocean Front Penthouse, affectionately known as “The Pinnacle of Paradise Suite." This is for the serious vacationer with two separate bedrooms with king beds and French doors. Two private baths open to the bedrooms. One with an invigorating whirlpool tub and the other with a decadent deep soaking tub. The ultra luxurious interior features shades of cream, cappuccino and key lime - all complimented with exotic woods. A huge private balcony offers unparalleled views on the coveted 5th floor of the resort. This one of a kind suite is sold exclusively by our on-site professionals.

Guests will enjoy fine dining and entertainment at the 4-Diamond, award-winning Hot Tin Roof restaurant and the Sunset Pier. In addition, groups looking for the ultimate venue can now enjoy the Liquid Lounge, only 90 miles from Cuba! The ultimate in poolside pampering, Ocean Key Resort’s Liquid Lounge is defined by its distinctive island ambiance, VIP service, great music, and a secluded spot under the sun or moon.

A luxury dipping pool and large whirlpool create a temptingly cool respite from the Key West sun.   Cabanas provide a luxurious option while seating in the whirlpool tub puts guests in the middle of the action. Our menu offers sumptuous specialty food items and cocktail service is available throughout the pool area. Other options include European-style bottle service with pre-mixed cocktails. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better!

Ocean Key remains the resort of choice for the discerning luxury traveler. Be assured, Ocean Key Resort’s friendly staff will do all possible to insure your stay is an experience to remember.

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

ADVERTORIAL

Carey International - Global Citizen top

As the global leader in chauffeured transportation, Carey provides single source transportation solutions for executive & luxury chauffeured services, international & domestic tours & travel services, group transportation, and private aviation/FBO ground transport services. With the industry’s only true global franchise network, Carey offers reliable and consistent service in more than 550 cities & 60 countries worldwide.

Over the past 16 months, Carey has expanded its operations throughout Europe, Asia, and South America, bringing world-class chauffeured service to more places and offering greater value to our discerning customers.

As part Carey’s commitment to providing the highest-level of service in the industry, we have increased our focus on social responsibility and what it means to be a good corporate citizen. In this vein, we have endeavored to pursue initiatives that help preserve our environment and contribute to the cause of social improvement.

In 2007, Carey amended and expanded our Environmental Policy, setting forth a company-wide initiative to improve the ways in which we operate to include conservation, recycling, and waste reduction considerations. Carey also expanded our relationship with The CarbonNeutral Company.

The CarbonNeutral Company sources and supplies businesses with carbon offsets from worldwide technology and forestry projects, while simultaneously measuring CO2 output and recommending reduction strategies. Its portfolio includes a diverse offering of accredited projects from solar lighting systems to large-scale wind farms and beyond.

Recognizing that just adding a few hybrids to our vehicle fleet wasn’t enough, Carey first partnered with The CarbonNeutral Company in 2006. Through this relationship we have made a significant investment in projects across the globe that mitigates the operational output of green house gasses for our United Kingdom based operations.

As of February 1, 2008, Carey of San Francisco became Carey's second operation, and first in North America, to earn CarbonNeutral® operational status. Carey entered into an agreement with the CarbonNeutral Company to invest in international projects in China and India to offset the approximately 863.1 tons of CO2 that the San Francisco Operation was expected to generate in 2008, as well CO2 that Carey San Francisco is expected to generate in 2009.

The idea is balance. Climate change is a global problem; therefore CO2 emissions in India and China impact the environment all over the world, including San Francisco and the United Kingdom. By investing in offset projects in India and China, we directly impact the global ecosystem. The main idea of Carey’s carbon-offset strategy is to invest in methods that balance out Carey's CO2 emissions in designated markets while simultaneously taking measures to reduce our overall output as well.

In the coming months, Carey plans to increase the number of locations that receive CarbonNeutral® status. While carbon offsets are not the final solution to reducing, and ultimately eliminating, our CO2 production, we feel that it’s the best solution available until an environmentally sustainable luxury vehicle can be produced.

To Book the best rates with Carey International, visit CCRAtravel.com.
Or in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan or CCRA in Galileo.

Portal Tip - Hotel Descriptions on CCRAtravel.com top

A great tool that agents often don’t realize is available to them at CCRAtravel.com, are viewable hotel descriptions. This is a great way to learn more about properties without having to leave CCRAtravel.com.

Once you’ve done your search, scroll to a hotel you’re interested in learning more about and click on the hotel’s name.

A pop out screen will appear. If the hotel has loaded its information correctly, you will get a complete list of available amenities, a hotel description, and photos. This is ideal for learning about new property openings.

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