Avis and Budget Offer CCRA Member Benefits top

CCRA welcomes our new Travel Partners, Avis and Budget. Beginning this month, CCRA members can book commissionable car rentals at great discount rates directly from CCRAtravel.com.

Avis and Budget both present their best deals for CCRA travel agents in one streamlined booking page. Available through our new CCRA Travel Partners page, CCRA members can compare the best rate options from Avis and Budget, book special CCRA rates online, and earn 10% commissions.

Using the new online booking options for Avis or Budget, you can shop for a car rental by entering specific pick-up and return locations, dates and times. You can enter your CCRA discount code, as well as clients’ codes for such programs as Club Red or Unlimited Budget. You also have the ability to modify or cancel a reservation. Finally, your confirmation email will include complete details of the car rental transaction.

The convenience of streamlined car rental, either before or after your hotel booking, is just a click away. Look for the Book More Travel Services button in when you begin a hotel search, or on the final payment page. You can now access discounted CCRA rates, sign your clients up for the Avis and Budget loyalty programs, and provide more client satisfaction with great savings and selection. For more details, visit CCRAtravel.com and click on CCRA Travel Partners.

You’ll see more in store from Avis and Budget this year as we launch additional upgrade coupons and promotions just for CCRA members.

Great Savings!
To book the CCRA rates at Avis and Budget, use these new CCRA booking codes:

      Avis (AWD) Code - K213100
      Budget (BCD) Code - Z619600

About Avis - Avis has more than 2,000 locations in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and the Caribbean region.

About Budget - Budget was initially created in 1958 for the "budget-minded" renter, and continues today to appeal to value-driven customers.

River Cruises Can be Such a Rich Experience top

By Colin Hartness

Have you ever thought of rediscovering America in an easy and relaxed fashion? Well, River Cruises are there for you.

For the early settlers of America, rivers were natural highways, today the same rivers signify the old and the new, and as you cruise along them, you discover American history as it unfolds to you slowly and steadily. It is becoming extremely popular nowadays to experience America’s great waterways on Victorian Style steam driven paddle wheelers on 3-to-twelve-night trips. There are stunning antiques displayed in the gallery and there is a two-story dining room with huge windows for a fantastic view of the scenery. The river steamboats are designed in 19th century format with stylish furnishings- an impressive mirrored and brass staircase and a lounge with a two-storied glass rear wall for a glimpse of the giant paddlewheel. There are other amenities available like movie theaters, musical shows and bathing pools.

River cruises are well designed cruises – you are neither seasick nor loose sight of the land as in blue water cruises and neither do you pack, unpack or hip-hop hotels like in a car or motor coach tour. The River Explorer sails over the rivers Missouri, Mississippi and Ohio – to and fro on four-to-ten day trips throughout the year.

Vacationers can sprawl on the Sky Deck, read, play games or watch videos. The dining is casual and informal without any assigned seating. You can meander into the pilothouse and catch a glimpse of the real-time radar and navigational charts, if interested. At various ports storytellers, bluegrass and blues bands, dancers and Cajuns step aboard to entertain the guests.

You learn about America’s heritage. It’s a rich experience to understand the development of commerce and industry in America or why river towns like Clarksville were founded. Imagine seeing the colors along the riverbanks or the rising sun or the setting sun- all truly natural wonders. You might like to undertake shore excursions to New Orleans French Quarter or the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn. It is such a wonderful idea to experience a river cruise and observe themes like 1950’s music, big bands, old-fashioned holidays, or the fall foliage along the Ohio River.

River Cruises Can be Such a Rich Experience" was Submitted by Colin Hartness through http://Articles.GetACoder.com network. 'What Cruises' is published by Colin Hartness - An excellent resource for Cruises! Check out more articles at: http://www.whatcruises.com/archive

Prepare for Airport Delays top

By Melissa A Gilbert

During summer travel many more people will be flying on those busy holiday weekends. We all know how much the risk of cancelled flights and delays has increased. There are things you can do to make your air travels a little less stressful.

U.S. airlines will carry millions more passengers during the week before and after a holiday. That is a 4% increase over the norm (about 600,000 more passengers per day). Inevitably that means if you are traveling on a holiday weekend there is a good chance that you will be delayed. What to do? Read on:

1. Obtain real-time airport delay information before you leave home. This site is brought to you by the FAA. You can also obtain more information at this site by clicking on your specific airport.
   
   
2. Check-in online before you arrive so all you have to do is drop-off your stuff, show your i.d. and be on your way (depending on the airline you are traveling with).
   
   
3. If you are delayed or a flight is cancelled, call the airline's 1-800 number while you are in line to get on the next available flight. If you are at the counter, DO NOT LEAVE until they get you on another acceptable flight. This even means putting you on another airline. ASK to do so if they do not offer.
   
   
4. Bring as little as you can when you go through security. The less stuff you have, the faster you will get through. Make sure to check the items you can and can not bring.
   
   
5. That said, you should bring a few things to make your wait a little more enjoyable. A few things you can bring include: a favorite book, your laptop (many airports offer Wi-Fi or have hook-ups available), puzzle books, handheld games (electronic or not), or for some, work.
   
   
6. If you have children make sure you pack extra snacks, diapers, formula and favorite toys or games. These essentials are expensive and/or unavailable at the airport.
   
   
7. A comfy coat is a good item to have in case you have to use it as a pillow or blanket to sleep/rest.

Remember to have patience, know you are not in it alone. There are 26 million people in the same predicament.

The article "Airport Delays" was Submitted by Melissa A Gilbert through http://Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: Melissa Gilbert http://ttdiva.blogspot.com

ADVERTORIAL

Seattle’s Picture Perfect Jewel…The Edgewater top

Set on the edge of downtown where dock meets bay, Seattle’s only waterfront hotel, The Edgewater, has a name that perfectly captures its spirit. It proudly stands where the wild meets the urban, where boating meets driving, where tourism and commerce meet high end residential.

Whether you arrive by ferry, train, plane or car, the views are simply spectacular. To the west lies Elliott Bay where you can see ferries ply the waters, sailboats breeze by in the summer, the snow-capped Olympic Mountains all year long and velvety-pink Northwest sunsets. To the east lies Seattle in all its splendor with views of the night skyline and the city’s most famous landmark, the Space Needle.

The views are just one of the reasons readers of Conde Nast Travel named it one of the World’s Best Places to Stay in the magazine’s prestigious 2008 Gold List survey. Only 10 properties in the state of Washington received the honor from travelers who are considered to be some of the world’s toughest critics. More than 28,000 readers critiqued everything from rooms, service and food to location, design and activities and they found plenty to like at this boutique hotel with its own sense of place. The American Automobile Association agreed, awarding the hotel with a Four Diamond Award in 2008.

The Edgewater is a visitor favorite because it captures the essence of the Emerald City. Its high wood-beamed ceilings, river rock fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows give the lobby a lodge atmosphere reminiscent of the region’s rough hewn past.

The white bed board wainscoting in each of its 223 luxurious guest rooms recalls the city’s maritime history. Every room also features a view of the water or the city, a gas fireplace, custom-designed knotty pine furniture and overstuffed chairs. Fuzzy bear ottomans and rubber ducks reflect the quirky sense of humor for which Seattle has long since been known.

The fresh organic seasonal ingredients on the Northwest-inspired menu in its world-class signature restaurant, Six Seven, reflect the simple elegance of today. Even its wine list focuses on artisan, boutique and hard-to-find selections from regional wineries accented by European offerings paired to its signature dishes. It’s the perfect place to wind down with a pineapple-infused vodka martini in Six Seven Lounge followed by a dinner of Miso Halibut or Lump Crab Cake outdoors overlooking the water on one of Seattle’s brilliantly sunny summer days.

It may be at the water’s edge, but its location is close to all the reasons you come to Seattle. The fishmongers at the Pike Place Market, art installations at the Olympic Sculpture Park and panoramic views of the Space Needle are within walking distance, ferries to points near and far are just minutes away. Historic Pioneer Square, sports stadiums and the exotic International District are just a stone’s throw away at the opposite end of the waterfront.

It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend the day….The Edgewater. At the water’s edge in the heart of the city.

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

ADVERTORIAL

San Diego’s Paradise Point Resort & Spa top

Set in an idyllic 44-acre garden of picturesque pools, meandering walking paths and lush flora, Paradise Point Resort & Spa occupies its own island in San Diego’s scenic Mission Bay. The 462-room resort, with 92 beachfront Bungalow suites, is a veritable playground for families, couples, intergenerational, and group visitors. It offers recreation of multiple swimming pools, water sports including kayaking, water skiing and sailing, and elegant lifestyle amenities of SpaTerre, fine dining in the critically acclaimed BALEENsandiego, and casual dining in Barefoot Bar.

Paradise, aptly named, is one of San Diego’s most beautiful, scenic and popular places to exchange wedding vows, with five romantic waterfront, garden-view or lagoon-overlook wedding sites The resort can host hundreds of weddings each year, each one expertly catered and tended by Paradise Point’s staff of catering and customer service professionals.

The resort’s world-class SpaTerre, which opened in spring 2001, is the signature spa of Noble House Hotels & Resorts, offering custom-designed Indonesian and Thai spa rituals that incorporate a blend of ancient traditions once reserved for royalty. Here, at the hands of true artisans who possess the gift of healing touch, guests experience the soothing properties of some of the earth’s most mood-lifting, aromatic flowers and cleansing spices, which are used liberally to enhance spa services.

In 2006, a major $9 million renovation project upgraded 32,000 square feet of conference and event space at Paradise Point. Elegant custom-designed furnishings and original art was added, endowing the space with some of the most beautiful, functional interiors in the country. Improvements included a thorough interior design and architectural upgrade of its 29 high-speed Internet-wired banquet rooms -- including the 10,064-square-foot Paradise Ballroom. Paradise Point offers the most banquet and meeting space in a resort setting on San Diego’s Mission Bay and is among the top 10 resort meeting venues in the city by size. The site can be divided into 27 breakout rooms comprising all of the meeting space and executive suites, with 12-foot ceilings and 16-foot ceilings in the Paradise Ballroom.

Each year, Paradise Point Resort & Spa is the site of the much publicized pre-Independence Day celebration. This July 3rd will be no exception when Paradise Point Resort & Spa hosts its annual All American BBQ and Fireworks Extravaganza, featuring a truly Americana BBQ and the city’s largest fireworks display over Mission Bay, lasting a full 30 minutes.

Paradise Point also hosts a magnificent Christmas celebration, replete with tree lighting of a permanent 44-foot high Leyland Cypress. Once the switch is thrown, 20,000 lights illuminate the perfectly symmetrical tree and over a million colored lights brighten the resort.

Paradise Point was recently honored in Citysearch.com’s prestigious “Best of Citysearch” awards, gaining a top 10-spot in the regional categories of Best Family Friendly Hotel (#6) and Best Luxury Hotel (#8). Whether your pastime of choice is lounging at the pool, an exhilarating Jet Ski adventure, or biking along the bay, Paradise Point Resort & Spa offers experiences for the whole family on any occasion.

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

ADVERTORIAL

Four Points by Sheraton, Chicago O’Hare Airport top

Pioneer the Windy City. Make yourself at home in our newly-renovated Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O'Hare Airport. Conveniently located just ¼ mile from Chicago’s O'Hare International Airport, we offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are also one of the first smoke-free hotels in Chicago.

Cute & Cozy. Find everything you need for a great night’s sleep in one of our 295 newly-renovated boutique style guest rooms. Jump right into the plush goodness of our signature Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed. Surf the web to your heart’s content with complimentary High Speed Wireless Internet Access, available in all guest rooms and public areas.

Great Place to Gather. Behind our sleek new design is the same great casual comfort and service you expect. Our lobby is well-appointed with an array of cozy conversation areas. You can stop into the Mirage Restaurant, which serves a variety of mouth-watering dinners. Linger around at the Oasis Lounge and enjoy an after dinner drink beside the crackling fireplace.

5 Million Dollar Renovation Completed January 2008

• Our newly renovated rooms offer a king or two queen beds with our new "Four Comfort"
  pillow top mattress
• Casswell-Massey bathroom amenities made just for the Four Points Brand
• 24-hour Recreation Center with indoor pool, saunas, whirlpool & fitness center
• Over 12,000 square feet of meeting space to accommodate all of your needs
• Complimentary wireless internet access
• Full service Restaurant & Lounge on property
• Proudly serving Seattle’s Best Coffee
  
• Complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to and from O'Hare Airport, where there is
  access to the Chicago Transit
  
• Complimentary Parking
  
• Just minutes from Downtown Chicago
  

ADVERTORIAL

Woodfin Hotels and Chase Suite Hotels top

New in June 2008...Several Woodfin Hotel locations will convert to
Chase Suite Hotels. These include Brea CA, Dublin OH, Newark CA
and Rockville MD. All hotels have undergone updates and renovations
in 2008 including new beds in all suites. Most hotels have undergone renovations in the guesthouse or lobby area as well as sleeping rooms. These updates may have included kitchens, carpet, wallpaper and furniture (to name a few).

At Woodfin Hotels and Chase Suite Hotels, we promise to make every experience stress-free so our guests will come back again and again! Woodfin Hotels are upscale, all suite boutique hotels designed to appeal to both business and leisure guests. Woodfin Hotels feature signature restaurants at each location with menus to wet anyone’s appetite.

Chase Suite Hotels are mid-priced, all-suite hotels where guests can feel at home in the cottage-style environment. These hotels offer a complimentary breakfast every morning for all guests.

At Woodfin Hotels and Chase Suite Hotels, guests can expect excellent service and superior quality amenities with a unique local flair complementing each location. Every Woodfin and Chase property is central to local corporations, restaurants and shopping, and other areas of interest. Each brand offers spacious well-appointed one or two bedroom accommodations with large living and work space areas.

Chain Code: WD

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

ADVERTORIAL

Radisson Hotel Valley Forge top

The Radisson Hotel is part of the Valley Forge Convention Plaza, also home to the Valley Forge Convention Center and the Scanticon Conference Center. Located in the heart of the Valley Forge business district, adjacent to Valley Forge National Historic Park and minutes from the King of Prussia Mall. Minutes from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-76, I-476, Route, 202 & 422.

Earn Double Gold Points when you stay at the Radisson Hotel Valley Forge!

• Complimentary High Speed Wireless Internet Access in all guest rooms
  
• Complimentary Parking & Shuttle to and from the King of Prussia Mall
  
• 3 Restaurants & Room Service
  
• Nightclub on-site
  
• Gift Shop
  
• Fitness Center with over 3,000 square fee of cardio and nautilus machines, massage therapy, sauna and racquetball court.
  
• Express Yourself – an exclusive, pre-arrival, online check-in services
  
• Sleep Number Beds
  
• Ask about our Exotic Fantasy Suites
  
• Adjacent to Valley Forge National Historic Park

ADVERTORIAL

Visit China Design Now at the Victoria and Albert Museum top

Package valid through July 13, 2008.

The Egerton House Hotel offers a stunning new package in conjunction with the Victoria and Albert Museum. The V&A’s spring exhibition, China Design Now, will explore the recent explosion of new design in China, from the 2008 Olympic stadium to the most interesting fashion and graphics design.

The displays examine China's hopes and dreams and are structured around the idea of a journey from South to North along China's East Coast. It will display the work of Chinese and international designers, focusing on architecture, fashion, youth culture and graphics as well as film, photography, product and furniture design and digital media. The exhibition is sponsored by HSBC.

To take advantage of the China Design exhibition, book The Egerton House Hotel Victoria & Albert package for travel through July 13, 2008. During these dates the package includes:

• A pair of tickets to see China Design Now at the V&A
  
• Access to the exclusive V&A Members’ Lounge
  
• A private tour of the exhibition by a professional guide (when booking a suite) *
  
• Complimentary welcome basket with elderflower water, fresh oriental fruits, fortune cookies and a Welcome Gift
  
• Choice of freshly brewed Chinese teas served in a traditional manner with a selection of oriental sweets and moon cake
  
• Harmony turndown service each evening of your stay

* To enjoy the private tour this package must be booked four weeks in advance. The private tour is also subject to availability. 2 Night Minimum Stay Applies.

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

Portal Tip - How to Apply a Net Rate Mark-Up top

We've been training hundreds of agents each week on How to Mark Up Net Rates. By now, we hope you've learned how to mark up your commission on CCRA Net Rates. We also want to make sure you are applying the new rate before you click Book It! Agents sometimes forget to apply the new rate after they “recalculate” the Net Rate using the Net Rate Calculator. It's as easy as 1-2-3. Here is a quick review.

First click on the orange calculator icon to mark up your commission.

Then type in your desired commission percentage or total amount.

Then click Apply Rates! The new rate and your new commission will now appear in the availability screen. Here you can make sure you are still providing a lower rate to your client while earning a higher commission.