Curaçao - A Photo Kit to Illustrate the Childrens Novel The Cay by Theodore Taylor.

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War has always been a game to him, and he s eager to glimpse it firsthand until the freighter he and his mother are traveling to the United States on is torpedoed. When Phillip comes to, he is on a small raft in the middle of the sea. Phillip remembers his mother s warning about black people: They are different, and they live differently. But by the time the castaways arrive on a small island, Phillip s head injury has made him blind and dependent on Timothy.

Taylor has provided an exciting story The idea that all humanity would benefit from this special form of color blindness permeates the whole book The result is a story with a high ethical purpose but no sermon. New York Times Book Review A taut tightly compressed story of endurance and revelation At once barbed and tender, tense and fragile as Timothy would say, outrageous good. School Library Journal , Starred Starkly dramatic, believable and compelling. Saturday Review A tense and moving experience in reading. Publishers Weekly Eloquently underscores the intrinsic brotherhood of man.

Booklist "This is one of the best survival stories since Robinson Crusoe. A Horn Book Honor Book. Jane Addams Book Award. Lewis Carroll Shelf Award. Commonwealth Club of California: Woodward School Annual Book Award. War has always been a game to him, and he's eager to glimpse it firsthand-until the freighter he and his mother are traveling to the United States on is torpedoed. Phillip remembers his mother's warning about black people: War has always been a game to him, and he's eager to glimpse it firsthanduntil the freighter he and his mother are traveling to the United States on is torpedoed.

A "Horn Book" Honor Book. Reviews "A tense and moving experience in reading. For places of public accommodation, that means installing ramps and widening doorways, putting grab bars in bathrooms, adding raised letters or Braille on elevator buttons and installing alert systems that can be seen as well as heard, all things that most take for granted but which were much less common 25 years ago. At airports, ADA compliance means ensuring that every part of the terminal, from parking spaces to boarding areas, is accessible to disabled passengers, whether they are in wheelchairs, are visually impaired or hearing impaired.

That includes ticket counters and baggage claim areas, restrooms, drinking fountains, waiting areas and inter-terminal transportation. Hotels, motels, inns and other places of lodging must follow some of the same rules as airports. In addition to requiring some wheelchair-accessible guestrooms, the ADA also covers restaurants, spas, public restrooms and conference rooms. In addition, hotels cannot impose a surcharge or cleaning fee on guests with service animals. Cruise ships also are required to comply with the ADA — even those that sail under the flag of a foreign country — if they dock in a U.

Cruise lines have done a great deal to make the experience easier for disabled passengers to navigate and enjoy, including offering accessible staterooms, lifts at pools, assisted-listening devices and sign-language interpreters. The act generally prohibits airlines from refusing to transport someone because of a disability, from requiring advance notice that a passenger with a disability is traveling or requiring the person to travel with a companion.

But there are exceptions to all of those rules. An airline may bar someone from flying if that person would endanger the health or safety of other passengers. In that case, the carrier must provide a written explanation for the decision. Travel agents have the expertise to help consumers with disabilities plan the best trip for their needs. To learn more, contact your travel agent. While the prospect may be daunting for some, with advance planning and basic precautions it can be a road to adventure.

But do some research on your destination beforehand. Study up on the cost of things like taxi rides. Be spontaneous but within reason. Try to avoid places that are less busy, especially after dark. It goes without saying that you should be wary of letting these newfound friends hold your money or belongings. Avoid standing around looking at your map or guidebook. Leave the expensive jewelry, revealing clothes and T-shirts that mark you as a tourist at home. Also keep in mind that some countries have dress codes for places like houses of worship — this could mean no shorts or flip-flops, among other things.

Embassy to reach you in the event of an emergency. For those who want to stay on land, companies such as Intrepid Travel, G Adventures and Cosmos Tours will pair solo travelers to share hotel rooms. For help planning your solo adventure anywhere in the world, contact your travel agent. Uber and Lyft, both based in San Francisco, pair customers who need a ride with drivers who have a car. Both services screen potential drivers, including conducting criminal background checks, and provide liability insurance. Lyft operates in about 65 U. For travelers, ridesharing services are easy to use and convenient.

Riders can check the route and estimated arrival time on their phones. Besides issues surrounding Duty of Care, ridesharing services can also cause headaches for travel managers who are trying to control costs and negotiate rates. Ridesharing services base their prices on supply and demand, and that price rises sharply during peak travel times.

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Still, the hurdles are not insurmountable and ridesharing services have been courting business travelers. Last fall, Morgan Stanley became one of the first corporations to add Uber to its travel policy. A study by a company that provides expense-management software found that Uber accounted for more ground transportation receipts than taxis during the second quarter of this year.

In addition, users rated ridesharing services higher than taxis or rental cars. In an interview with Business Travel News, Gary Kessler, president and CEO of ground transportation network Carey International, says that in the past, companies like his have worked more closely with travel arrangers than with business travelers. But services like Uber have changed the conversation. Airport Security Satisfaction Improves With the summer travel season in full swing, many Americans will be taking a trip through airport security to reach their vacation destination.

But rather than being a cause for stress, travelers continue to give high marks to security procedures and are increasingly taking it all in stride — except for the part about taking off their shoes. And fewer people are expressing frustration with the amount of time it takes to get through security lines. Only 5 percent of consumers polled wish security was somewhat quicker, while Shoe removal was the top response in and Airline passengers who qualify for the expedited security screening do not need to remove their shoes, computers or 1-quart bag carrying liquids.

Once approved, they receive a known traveler number and can use TSA Precheck lanes at select security checkpoints for participating carriers at more than U. According to the Direct Travel survey, Finally, the Direct Travel survey asked whether terrorist attacks in international destinations would keep them from traveling overseas. In the survey, A new survey by Direct Travel Group finds that consumers are more than willing to call a flight attendant or say something to their fellow passengers if they feel their space is being constrained even more than necessary.

The survey, conducted in April, drew responses from 3, consumers throughout the United States to questions about what they would do when encountering common situations while flying or visiting attractions. Nearly 60 percent would ask a flight attendant to reseat them if the person next to them is too large for the seat and is invading what their personal space. Flyers in the middle sometimes find that their seatmates have staked out the armrests. Only 8 percent would call a flight attendant. If the person in front of them reclined to the point where it was impossible to open a laptop or tray table, 38 percent would say something to the person and 39 percent would alert a flight attendant.

But 18 percent admit that they really wanted to snap a picture when no one was looking. If they saw a visitor trying to deface an attraction or sacred space, 72 percent would alert a security guard and nearly 15 percent would confront the person. Sixty-six percent would tell a security guard if they saw people taking off their clothes for a photo, while 7 percent would say something directly to the group.

Finally, travelers are split over selfie sticks, which make it easier to take self-portraits with smartphones. Forty percent would alert security or say something to a person using the device where it was banned but nearly 34 percent would say nothing. For help planning your perfect vacation, contact your travel agent. It includes the 3,square-foot exhibit Places of Invention, an activity center for children and the Inventive Minds gallery, a spot to hear the stories of inventors in their own words. Through examples across the country, artifacts and hands-on activities visitors can learn how Americans worked together, adapted, took risks, solved problems — and sometimes suffered setbacks — all in the pursuit of progress in art, science and industry.

Places of Invention explores six innovation hotspots from American history: The museum has revamped its popular Draper Spark!

Lab, a place where children ages 6 to 12, and their families, can participate in activities taking them through the invention process from start to finish. The emphasis is on using low-tech materials. Workspaces are stocked with such everyday items as cardboard and tape. For help planning a trip to Washington, D. Under federal regulations designed to make them accessible to passengers traveling with service dogs, airports are required to have animal relief areas. And those areas are open to all travelers. Airlines will accept pets onboard for a fee but the rules regarding how your pet can travel will vary.

There are different regulations depending on the size and breed of the animal, the type of plane, the destination and even the time of year. Other animals, including larger dogs and cats, guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits, can fly as checked baggage. And for some international destinations pets, with the exception of service animals, must travel as cargo.

Restrictions apply based on the aircraft, cabin and seat. Like airlines, major hotel chains have varying policies. Generally, hotels that accept pets allow cats and smaller dogs, those under 50 pounds, although hotel managers have some discretion. Hotels will charge either a daily fee or a cleaning fee to have a pet in a room. Some require guests to sign a waiver agreeing to pay for the cleanup or repair of any damage caused by their pet.

Hotels that allow pets will often make an effort to pamper your pooch. Some Hyatt properties provide a dog bed and bowl, as well as a dog-walk area with cleanup stations. For help planning a vacation with your pet, contact your travel agent. Airline Carry-On Policies Debated With meetings awaiting them, flyers who are traveling for business need to be on the move as soon as they land. For this group of travelers, that often means taking a carry-on bag instead of checking their luggage.

Domestic carriers, including Delta and United, limit the size of carry-ons to 22 inches tall, 9 inches deep and 14 inches wide. Smaller Delta Connection and United Express flights generally have much smaller overhead bins. Passengers on those planes may be required to check carry-ons at the gate or plane-side. Air France limits carry-ons to 21 inches tall by 9 inches deep by 13 inches wide. Singapore Airlines also allows one or two carry-on bags, and limits the sum of the length, width and height of each piece to 45 inches.

While the IATA proposal garnered some support among international carriers, in the United States it ran into strong opposition from travelers, Members of Congress and the airline industry. Steve Cohen introduced the Carry-On Freedom Act, which would prevent airlines from reducing the standard carry-on size. To address those concerns, IATA has paused its initiative. The organization noted that the proposal was simply a guideline for an optimally sized bag.

Airlines will continue to set their own size limits for carry-ons and no consumer will be forced to buy a new bag. On July 4, , a revolution occurred in transatlantic travel when the steamship Britannia left Liverpool, bound for Boston. The ship had a crew of 89 and carried first-class passengers including Samuel Cunard, a Canadian-born British entrepreneur whose company won a contract to run a mail service between the United Kingdom and North America. In addition to the mail, there were tons of coal, chickens and a cow for fresh milk.

When the Britannia reached Boston two weeks later, it proved that steamships could make the journey across the Atlantic quicker and safer than sailing vessels, opening up the age of ocean liners. By the early 20 th century the company, now named the Cunard Line, was regularly transporting passengers across the Atlantic and setting a standard for innovation.

The Cay by Theodore Taylor (2002, Paperback)

Over nearly two centuries, the Cunard Line has played a vital role in times of peace and war. Millions of immigrants traveled on Cunard ships to start new lives in America. This year Cunard, now a subsidiary of Carnival Corp. On the Queen Victoria , the 2, passengers can take in an evening of theatre, browse the wood-paneled library, practice their golf swings or even take a fencing lesson. The ship will travel to Venice, Turkey and Greece from Aug. They can shop at the Royal Arcade, enjoy a game of croquet and attend a fancy-dress ball in the evening. For help planning a voyage on a Cunard Line ship, contact your travel agent.

In fact, Australia was number one in Direct Travel surveys in , and as well. Of course, Australia is a vast place and is almost the size of the continental United States. It also has just as diverse a landscape, from bustling cities to rugged mountains, lush forests and stark deserts to rolling hills and pristine beaches. Most of the country has four seasons: But even the winter is relatively mild. Given its size, and the fact that most Americans have limited vacation time, it makes sense to concentrate your trip on a few areas.

A travel agent can help you figure out when to go, how to get there, where to stay and what to see in a way that fits your budget. Travelers who love to swim, snorkel, surf and sail will want to head to the Great Barrier Reef, which stretches along the Queensland coast in the northeast. Located in the southeastern part of the country, Sydney is known for its harbor and iconic bridge and opera house, as well as world-class restaurants and the sun-drenched Bondi Beach.

But with culture abounding, Melbourne is giving Sydney a run for its money as one of the top up-and-coming destinations in Australia. The center of the country is the place to explore aboriginal culture by visiting Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock. Its vivid color is especially spectacular at sunrise and sunset. Every visitor to Australia should make time to see its unique wildlife. Travelers who take the mile drive along the Great Ocean Road on the southeastern coast will pass by stunning scenery including places that offer a chance to spot kangaroos and koalas, as well as whales, dolphins and seals.

There are more than 60 regions, from Hunter Valley in the east to Margaret River in the west, and nearly every one has an annual festival that celebrates local food, wine and culture. For help planning a trip to your dream destination anywhere in the world, contact your travel agent. Summer may be peak vacation time but just around the corner is a season that has tempting advantages for people who can swing it.

Among the benefits of autumn travel: In addition, with the kids back in school museums and other attractions will be less packed. Finally, in many vacation spots the stifling summer heat has given way to cooler, more pleasant temperatures, making it more comfortable to get around. London, Rome and Paris are all among the top 10 international vacation destinations for Americans in , according to the annual survey by Direct Travel Group of its U.

If a trip to one of those capitals — or anywhere else in Europe — is on your list, the shoulder season, roughly from mid-September to mid-November, can be a great time to visit. Airfares to Europe can be hundreds of dollars cheaper in September and October than at the peak of summer. In Rome, the average high temperature drops from the upper 80s in July and August to the low 70s by October, perfect for walking around and exploring the narrow streets, romantic piazzas and historic sites of the Eternal City. Paris is one of the most beautiful and most visited cities in the world. Because of their distance from the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii are bucket-list destinations for many Americans and the off-season is a good time to experience them while saving some money.

An Alaskan cruise is the top domestic destination for , according to the Direct Travel survey. September is shoulder season, when demand is lower and cruise lines are more likely to offer promotions. The Hawaiian island of Maui is number three on the list of top domestic destinations. The best rates are available from September to November, when hotels, airfare and tour packages are lower and the weather is still warm and sunny.

For help planning a fall vacation, contact your travel agent. Of course when it comes to beer festivals, most people think of Munich. In , the festival takes place from Sept. Two must-see events happen at the start of Oktoberfest. An open-air concert featuring all of the Oktoberfest bands, with some musicians, will be held on Sept. The Oktoberfest grounds are home to more than a dozen beer tents, some of which have room for up to 10, people who come to eat, drink, and soak up Bavarian culture.

Each has its own atmosphere and in addition to beer, visitors will find traditional food, from soft pretzels to sausages, dumplings and one of the most popular Oktoberfest meals, Steckerlfisch , grilled fish on a stick. For a break from the crowds, several smaller beer tents around the city have become festival favorites.

Another popular festival takes place each year in Stuttgart. Visitors will find plenty of beer flowing at huge festival tents, lively brass bands, a colorful flea market, carnival rides including a Ferris wheel, and midway games. A parade with horse-drawn brewery wagons, musicians and marchers in traditional costumes takes place Sept. Belgian Beer Weekend — this year it will be Sept.

The festival draws more than breweries, giving visitors a chance to sample 3, American craft beers served up in one-ounce tasting portions. For help planning a trip to a beer festival anywhere in the world, contact your travel agent. Airlines Seek to Improve Boarding. While airlines face increased costs for crews, fuel and maintenance, business travelers have a different, yet equally pressing, set of concerns. For them, and for their companies, a flight delay means rescheduling meetings, extending hotel stays and booking new flights, all of which add to the cost of doing business.

But airlines are increasingly looking at what is in their control. Airlines are trying out new ways to get passengers in their seats and carry-on items stowed with greater speed and efficiency that in turn can lead to an increase in on-time departures. A limited test last summer in Atlanta and Los Angeles showed some success in reducing boarding time. Passengers on selected flights will have the option of dropping off their carry-on bags before boarding. Delta is targeting flights on planes that have one long aisle, where it takes longer to get everyone seated.

United Airlines has also been working to improve its boarding process. Over the past two years the airline has implemented changes designed to make things go more smoothly. Those changes include reducing the number of boarding groups from seven to five and simplifying the announcements that customer service representatives use to guide boarding.

For example, United has experimented with changing the layout at its gates, installing new podiums for agents and making the signs that direct passengers more distinctive. Clearly marked boarding lanes help people figure out where they should be standing in line, thus avoiding a crush toward the front as each boarding group is announced.

A more efficient boarding process improves the odds that their flight will take off on time, enabling them to reach their destination and get on with their work. The Eiffel Tower, for example, was built for the Paris Exposition of Today, major expositions are held in a different city every five years.

It features a boardwalk made of wood repurposed from Coney Island and, on one wall of the building, a vertical farm where vegetables, grains and herbs are harvested daily. Expo Milano also has clusters that bring together countries linked by a common food, such as rice, cocoa or coffee. Pavilion Zero serves as an introduction, exploring the transformation of the natural landscape and the rituals of food consumption. In the Future Food District, visitors learn about new technologies at each step of the food chain.

When it comes time for dining the expo has more than options, from restaurants and bars to cafeterias and kiosks. But the expo is designed to be a feast for all the senses, not just taste, and the arts also play a role. The La Scala opera house will present opera, classical music and ballet during the expo.

It runs through July For help planning a trip to Expo Milano , contact your travel agent.

The hope was that the nations of the world could, in the words of the preamble to the U. Delegates meeting in San Francisco signed the Charter on June 26, It took effect on October 24, , after being ratified by the permanent members of the Security Council, including the United States, and a majority of the other signatory countries. Travelers with an interest in history and diplomacy can visit the U.

When meetings are not in session, the tour includes the recently renovated General Assembly hall, where the member states convene, and the Security Council. Two exhibits have been organized for the U. It runs from June 29 to September In October and November, photographs from key moments in U. One part of the U.

The Pre-Columbian Chiefdom Settlements, in southern Costa Rica, contain a number of stone spheres that were buried by sediment for centuries. Noteworthy for their size and density, their meaning and use are largely a mystery. For help planning a trip to visit the United Nations or to any of the World Heritage Sites, contact your travel agent. In , inventor Robert Fulton launched the first commercially successful steamboat, the Clermont, which made a mile trip up the Hudson River from New York City to Albany in 32 hours.

Viking River Cruises is known for taking travelers along some of the most historic and scenic waterways in Europe, Asia and Egypt, with the opportunity to dock right in the heart of big cities and quaint towns and villages. Now, Viking has unveiled plans to enter the U. Depending on the season, the ships will stop in Memphis, St. Paul, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy the rich history, culture and cuisine of cities and towns along the way. For its North American operations, Viking plans to launch two passenger riverboats a year for a total of six in the first three years.

Each boat will be about one-tenth the size of an oceangoing cruise ship. Viking is launching its U. And Viking is an expert at making the destination part of the experience. Its European and Asian river trips are designed to be explorations, with talks, performances, cooking and craft demonstrations, as well as guided tours during shore excursions. From the giant barges that move freight, to the writings of Mark Twain to the jazz and blues that were born in the communities along its banks, the Mississippi has left its mark on popular culture in numerous ways.

For help planning a river cruise anywhere in the world, contact your travel agent. For , their choices in the Americas are Costa Rica The Central American nation of Costa Rica is a leader in ecological tourism, offering visitors a chance to view the natural world in unspoiled surroundings. With coastlines on both the Pacific and Caribbean, Costa Rica offers a variety of beach vacation spots including Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its white sand and lush foliage.

The historic capital city of San Jose serves as a great jumping off point. For travelers interested in ancient history, the South American nation of Peru is a natural destination. The spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu, built by the Incas in the Andes Mountains in the 15th century, are a must-see. Ecuador has all the elements that make a South American vacation unique, from the Amazon to the Andes. Quito, the capital, was founded in the 16th century and has a well-preserved historic center. To explore native culture, visit Otavalo, famous for handmade textiles and a harvest festival in September.

About miles off the coast are the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands, one of the best places in the world to view wildlife including giant tortoises, sea lions and iguanas. Located on the Caribbean coast of Central America, Belize is home to the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere, making it a perfect location for snorkeling and scuba diving. Closer to home in the Caribbean, Cuba is on the list because of the U. Challenging Outlook for Corporate Travel Managers. For business travelers, and for the corporate managers in charge of travel budgets, the outlook for can be summed up in one word: As the global economy continues to strengthen, particularly in the United States and Canada, companies have been increasing the amount of employee travel.

The trend is expected to continue in according to Direct Travel Group, which conducts annual surveys of its agents who specialize in business travel. With the increased travel comes greater demand for airline seats, hotel rooms and rental cars, while at the same time placing added pressure on corporate managers who are trying to control costs.

The average price of a domestic airline ticket has risen steadily over the past several years and the climb continues in Ticket prices are expected to increase by nearly 3 percent in North America and nearly 2 percent globally. With a high passenger load, airlines will be less likely to offer discounts, even despite the recent decreases over the past year in fuel costs. Corporate managers will have to keep a close watch to determine which ones comply with their travel policy.

The FAA reports that on-time performance declined 3. To ask about our Corporate Travel Program call x, or visit our web page. It all leads up to a parade and the Fourth of July Jam, a concert and fireworks grand finale in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Dazzling fireworks lighting up the sky are a Fourth of July tradition from coast to coast. Visitors to San Francisco can sway to the sounds of an American art form at the Fillmore Jazz Festival, then head to Pier 39 for dining, ferry rides and fireworks over San Francisco Bay.

The boyhood home of Mark Twain in Hannibal, Mo. The National Independence Day Parade features marching bands from across the country, patriotic floats and military units. Capitol and a fireworks display on the National Mall. For help planning a Fourth of July vacation, contact your travel agent. Highlights include a parade, fireworks and aerial acrobatics by the Singapore Air Force on August 9, the anniversary of the date in when Singapore became independent from Malaysia.

Special programs, including a carnival, are planned at the Botanic Gardens, known for its hundreds of varieties of orchids. In addition, this fall the country will unwrap two anniversary gifts. A National Gallery, designed as a showcase of Southeast Asian art, opens in November in the old City Hall and Supreme Court buildings that date to the early 20th century.

And a Jubilee Walk through the heart of old Singapore will include markers at areas of historical interest. A country of 5 million people, Singapore has been shaped by a mix of Chinese, Indian, Malay and European cultures. In the evening they can head to Clarke Quay, filled with restaurants, bars and clubs, or try the Night Safari for a unique look at the animal kingdom. The Marina Bay Sands Resort has three story towers capped by an observation deck offering a breathtaking degree view.

Other attractions include an hole golf course, a casino, the Singapore Flyer observation wheel and the futuristic-looking Gardens by the Bay. Afterward, visitors can take a step back in time and visit the Colonial-style Raffles Hotel. Built in , the hotel has played host to famous writers and artists over its long and storied history including Rudyard Kipling, Alfred Hitchcock and Ernest Hemingway.

For help planning a trip to Singapore , contact your travel agent. There are three elements to ensuring a great vacation: Decide where you want to go, figure out how to get there and where to stay, and determine what you want to see and do once you arrive. Everyone has a dream trip. It could be across an ocean or closer to home, on a cruise ship or at a beachfront resort. Will you need to rent a car and what size?

Do you need a pool or a restaurant on-site? Do you mind a high-rise or would you rather be in a smaller hotel? Some people want to step outside and be in the middle of shopping, dining and attractions, while others prefer a quieter spot. The weeks and months leading up to a trip are filled with anticipation. If possible, buy tickets before you go to save money and time waiting in line.

Wherever you go, summer is a time for outdoor events of all kinds. Find free or low-cost things that the whole family will enjoy. For example, many places have free concerts and festivals or walking tours. Just be adaptable and give yourself room to breathe. Whether your travel plans involve going solo or with friends or loved ones, getting away for one week or two, a travel agent has the expertise to help you plan your vacation with an eye on your budget.

For Europe in , Croatia tops the list, at Visitors to Croatia will find a country rich in historic sites dating to the Roman Empire and blessed with miles of coastline along the Adriatic Sea that offers opportunities for recreation and relaxation. The city plays host to a summer festival of classical music, ballet and theater that will be held this year from July 10 to Aug.

Santorini is a popular destination for honeymoons and weddings. On Crete, the largest of the islands, travelers can explore the maze-like Old Town and the breathtaking Samaria Gorge. September to April is a great time to view the dazzling nighttime display of the aurora borealis, or northern lights.

The Czech Republic is a place to soak up the old-world charm of Central Europe. On the must-see list in Prague, the capital, are the 9th-century Prague Castle, which towers over the city; the well-preserved Old Town; and the Charles Bridge, with its stunning views. Portugal, with its sunny climate, is a year-round holiday destination. The Algarve, in the south, is known for its sandy beaches, while Porto, in the north, is the home of port wine and offers a fascinating mix of ancient and modern architecture.

For help planning a European vacation, contact your travel agent. Everything human beings need for survival depends on protecting the environment, on making sure that natural resources, clean air and clean water are preserved for future generations. Forty percent or more of American and European companies report that their sustainability efforts have brought them a stronger public image, improved employee morale and a more efficient operation. A survey of nearly travel managers found that 57 percent of companies based in Europe and 19 percent of U.

Interestingly, European companies tend to focus on financial and environmental benefits while American firms tout the human relations aspect of sustainability efforts. It means being more eco-conscious during every step of the planning process for a trip, from the selection of transportation — be it airlines, rail travel or rental cars — to the choice of hotels and meeting spaces. Travel agents have the expertise to find the sustainable options that business travelers increasingly require.

According to the GBTA survey, among companies that track their environmental footprint more than 90 percent measure air travel. For employees, that may mean taking nonstop flights or traveling by train instead of plane when feasible, as well as using public transportation or renting a more energy efficient vehicle, or even choosing hotels and meeting sites that minimize use of a car. Corporate policy may also require that employees who travel for business stay in hotels with sustainability programs. Major chains including Hyatt, Hilton and Starwood have them in place.

Business travelers can do their part as hotel guests by forgoing a daily change of bed linens and reusing towels, as well as turning off lights, turning down the thermostat and unplugging chargers and small electronics when not in use. For travelers who will be using meeting space some chains, such as Hilton, even have calculators that measure the environmental impact of those sessions in terms of energy and water usage. For a world that had seen so much destruction, the victory was a time of celebration and solemnity. Aviation buffs will want to be in Washington, D.

Before the flyover, a wreath-laying ceremony is planned at the National World War II Memorial with the participation of veterans and representatives of U. For many European nations, V-E Day is a holiday, marked with festivals, parades and ceremonies. Pilsen, in the Czech Republic, will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its liberation by U. The city, about an hour from Prague, is the home of Pilsner beer and has been designated a European Capital of Culture for World War II finally — and officially — came to an end on Sept. For help planning a trip, contact your travel agent.

Current law does not permit travel to Cuba solely for tourism. Americans must have a purpose for their trip that falls within one of 12 categories. Some are specific, such as visits to family or as a journalist. Others are broader, including for professional research and meetings; religious or educational activities; humanitarian projects; activities of private foundations or of research or educational institutes; participation in performances or athletic competitions; and support for the Cuban people.

While the regulations rule out spending a week relaxing on the beach, they do provide a unique opportunity to truly get to know the country as part of an organized tour. But the itineraries are also likely to include lectures about culture and society and a range of other activities designed to encourage interaction between Americans and Cubans, such as visits to medical clinics, businesses and community projects. Up until this year, travelers to Cuba needed a specific license issued on a case-by-case basis. But the Treasury Department has simplified the process, authorizing a general license in each of the 12 permitted categories.

However, individuals are responsible for maintaining records of their Cuba-related transactions for at least five years. Americans will be able to use their credit or debit cards in Cuba, once their financial institutions are set up for it. They will find a warm and colorful country waiting to be discovered. England Celebrates th Anniversary of the Magna Carta. Designed to end a conflict between King John and his rebellious barons, the charter was a milestone in the evolution of democratic government and the rule of law.

While much of it was annulled or rewritten over the centuries, the Magna Carta enshrined the concept that no one, including the monarch, was above the law. It has endured as a touchstone of individual liberty, serving as an inspiration for the U. In London, the British Library will examine the legacy of the Magna Carta with an exhibit of paintings, manuscripts and royal artifacts that runs through Sept.

The anniversary is a perfect starting point for discovering all that England has to offer. Across the country, six trails highlight places with a connection to the events of , including Lincoln and Salisbury, home to the other two original copies of the Magna Carta. In the north, a renovated Lincoln Castle, built in the 11th century, reopens in April with a vault where the charter will be displayed and films that will tell its story.

Southwest of London, Salisbury Cathedral, dating from the 13th century, also has a new exhibit where visitors can view the charter and learn about its legacy. Travelers who want to see where the charter was sealed can visit Runnymede, a tranquil spot in the English countryside about 20 miles west of London.

Reached via a forest pathway, the memorial is inscribed with words from his Inaugural Address. Visitors to the Archives can see a version of the charter dating from , as well as view the fundamental documents of American democracy: An interactive display explores the connections between them. For help planning a trip to England or Washington DC, contact your travel agent. As part of its authoritative annual Travel Trends Survey, 1, U.

Their picks for Africa are: South Africa 41 percent , Kenya Another must-see is Cape Town, a bustling, diverse city famed for its harbor and setting at foot of its imposing Table Mountain. Tourists can view the migration in early morning drives, walking safaris, on horseback or from a hot air balloon. The Kingdom of Morocco, in North Africa, offers ample opportunity for nature lovers, with its rugged mountains, vast expanses of desert and coastline on both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

Seychelles, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is a place to relax on pristine beaches and enjoy water activities including fishing, sailing and diving. The Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin Island is home to an ancient forest including the coco-de-mer palm, which produces the largest nut in the world, and the rare black parrot. For help planning a trip to Africa , contact your travel agent.

Business travelers accustomed to leaving tips in restaurants, for taxi rides and at hotels may be surprised if their work takes them out of the country. In Europe, a service charge is routinely added to a restaurant bill. French law, for example, requires a 15 percent service charge. In the United Kingdom, restaurants will customarily add a charge of Tipping is not as widespread in restaurants in Italy but some establishments in larger cities have started to add a service charge of 10 to 15 percent, which must be indicated on the menu.

An additional 5 to 10 percent is usually enough. If possible leave the tip in cash, both to ensure that it gets to the server and because the restaurant may not have a line for tips on credit card receipts. Like a taxi driver, a hotel porter who assists with luggage should get a tip, usually a couple of pounds in the United Kingdom or a euro per bag in Europe.

At hotels, give a porter who assists you an Australian dollar per item of luggage. Most hotel employees are trained to politely refuse gratuities and, in fact, offering someone money directly is considered rude. For occasions when travelers do need to calculate a tip, a smartphone app such as Tipulator comes in handy. It lets you choose an amount up to 25 percent and calculates the amount of the tip. Some, including the King Arthur Carrousel and Mr. In , Disneyland celebrates its 60th anniversary, welcoming millions of visitors of all ages and from around the world every year.

The Monorail, with its space-age appearance, debuted at Disneyland in , the first transportation system of its kind in the United States. Great Moments with Mr. The technology is now used in many other Disneyland attractions, including Pirates of the Caribbean. Thrilling rides are also a big part of Disneyland and one of the most popular, Space Mountain, opened in in Tomorrowland. An indoor roller coaster designed in collaboration with a NASA astronaut, it gives riders the sensation of hurtling through outer space.

Of course, characters from Disney films play an integral role in making Disneyland a magical place. For help planning a trip to Disneyland , contact your travel agent. Luxury Travel Trends for Drawn by its rich history and culture and sumptuous cuisine, Europe continues to be a top destination for U. And according to a new survey, more of them will be planning a special trip in Nearly 90 percent of the Direct Travel Group travel agents who identify themselves as luxury travel advisers say that bookings so far this year are higher than or on par with In fact, the percentage of agents reporting higher bookings has increased steadily over the past two years.

What these travelers value most, according to the survey, are luxury accommodations Luxury travelers often have the opportunity to revisit their favorite vacation spots time and time again. Although they may spend more than the average American, they still want the greatest value for their money.

For luxury travelers venturing outside North America, a European river cruise is the top destination according to the survey results. High-end travelers remain loyal to the upscale experiences and charms — both Old World and modern — that a European vacation provides. Indeed, four of the top five international luxury travel destinations outside of North America are in Europe. River cruises are followed in popularity by Italy, Mediterranean cruises, France and Australia.

But this is a group of travelers with diverse and far-flung interests. They rely on travel agents in planning adventures in new places, as well as revisiting old favorites. When people talk about life-changing travel, Africa, with safaris to view stunning scenery and wildlife, is at the top of the list.

But with so many excellent options, deciding on where to go in this vast region can prove to be a difficult task. For , the 1, travel agents put New Zealand As the largest island in French Polynesia, Tahiti conjures up romance. But as an economic and cultural center, it offers visitors a wide variety of activities, from shopping for local crafts in a bustling marketplace to browsing in museums to participating in outdoor recreation such as golfing, hiking and diving.

For sailing fans, the Tahiti Pearl Regatta takes place in late April and early May, featuring competition during the day and entertainment each night. The smaller French Polynesian island of Bora Bora is surrounded by a lagoon of turquoise water teeming with marine life that can be viewed by snorkeling or from a glass-bottom boat. The island boasts a number of luxury resorts and spas, including thatched-roof overwater bungalows. For a taste of Polynesian history and culture, Heiva, an annual event that includes traditional music, dance, crafts and sports, will be held this year from June 19 to July An archipelago of some islands, Fiji has a sunny climate, miles of white sand beaches and soft coral reefs that are perfect for scuba diving.

Accommodations range from luxury resorts to backpacker hostels to resorts that feature ecological tours. Pura Besakih, on a slope of Mount Agung in East Bali, dates from the 11th century and is the largest. For help planning a trip to the South Pacific , contact your travel agent. But travel agents viewed these challenges as opportunities for rethinking their business model. Over the past two decades they reinvented themselves, becoming more dynamic, nimble and robust as they focus on serving the diverse needs of individual clients.

Surveys point out numerous reasons why more consumers have turned to travel agents over the past few years for help planning vacations. In fact, according to Direct Travel, the number of agents who are available to their clients round the clock and also during their travels has grown exponentially.

Interestingly, a recent study by MMGY Global found that significantly more millennials used the services of a travel agent during the past 12 months than older generations. This is a generation that loves to travel, to go far afield and seek out new experiences. Amenities include complimentary breakfast, as well as early check-in and late check-out and room upgrades when available. Contact your travel agent. Top Business Trends for For road warriors — the business travelers — the focus of their travel is their business at hand. But getting to their destination and back again is a job in itself as managing a business travel budget grows more complex.

The airport security check-in, the ever-increasing amount of ancillary fees and corporate policies for booking seats on long flights require careful planning. For business travelers, clearly the most valuable part of working with a travel agent is having someone to provide assistance at every step, with instant access to an expert before, during and after their trip. Beyond that, the business travel agents were asked about the services that will be most valuable to clients in At the top of list is hour service Other top services deal with waivers and favors from airlines 21 percent and tracking and using nonrefundable tickets Ancillary fees are increasingly a fact of life for travelers.

Survey respondents picked the most frequently charged fees that their business travel clients encounter. At the top of their list is the fee charged by airlines for changing flights Also on the list are hotel charges for Internet access When asked about the policy a majority of their business travel clients have in place, For international travel, Getting through airport security in an efficient and timely manner is one of the biggest concerns business travelers face. TSA Precheck allows low-risk travelers to experience expedited, more efficient security screenings at participating U.

More than 22 percent of the respondents to the Direct Travel survey indicated that a majority of their corporate clients are approved for TSA Pre, and more than 23 percent indicated that between 41 percent and 50 percent are approved. Alaska , enjoyed via a cruise ship, has dethroned Las Vegas as the top U. Orlando and Maui retain their second and third spots, followed by New York, moving up from fifth to fourth place, and Las Vegas, dropping from first to fifth. Perhaps the biggest attraction opening in is the Orlando Eye, a foot observation wheel at the I-Drive complex.

Maui , dotted with small towns and resorts, is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It boasts miles of pristine beaches and scenic drives, including the winding Hana Highway. This year, it will be held Feb. Chinatown celebrates the Lunar New Year with a parade Feb. Sample fine dining during Restaurant Week, Feb. For help planning a vacation to any of these destinations, contact your travel agent.

Top International Destinations for When it comes to international travel this year, Americans are heading for the water — to sail on it or relax near it. A Caribbean cruise is the top international vacation destination for , retaining its first-place ranking from , according to a new survey by Direct Travel Group, which polled 1, U. At number two, also unchanged from , is Cancun, Mexico.

But across the pond, things are changing. Europe is drawing American tourists in the highest numbers this millennium, capturing eight of the top 15 international destinations in the Direct Travel survey including London, which jumped three spots to number three.

European river cruises and Rome complete the top five. As cruise lines including Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line launch new ships, there are more options for relaxation and exploration. The eastern Caribbean, a popular choice for those on their first voyage, includes such ports of call as the U.

Southern Caribbean destinations, including the West Indies and Aruba, offer a chance to enjoy more remote, unspoiled scenery. Western Caribbean cruises sail to, among other places, Jamaica and Mexico, the latter providing an opportunity to explore Mayan ruins. Cancun, Mexico remains a strong draw with its miles of beaches and activities for every age and interest, from history to shopping to hiking to watersports. Just a hop across the Atlantic, London , with its wealth of museums, churches, palaces and pubs — as well as iconic, familiar sites, is a natural starting point for exploring Europe.

In , England marks the th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo with a display at Windsor Castle, a short train ride from London. Avalon Waterways offers a variety of European river cruises, including ones built around special interests as varied as beer, golf, art and jazz. And finally, Rome, the eternal city, beckons travelers with its mix of history, food and culture. Among the not-to-be-missed sites are the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and Vatican City, including the Sistine Chapel, where a new lighting system enables visitors to get a better look at the magnificent artwork.

This summer the ancient Roman Baths of Caracalla will once again provide a stunning backdrop for opera performances. Dollar Puts International Travel within Reach. And according to the results of a new survey, more people are deciding to make that dream a reality.

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They are overwhelmingly positive about , with client spending expected to be the same or higher, bookings on par with or greater than last year and travelers venturing farther from home on vacation. Nearly 84 percent of respondents expressed optimism about the outlook for their business in , a percentage that has been increasing steadily over the past five years.

Eighty-five percent report that bookings are on par with or greater than the same time last year. Direct Travel Group reports that it is coming off a record year in terms of sales volume, a large percentage of that growth fueled by clients traveling further afield internationally and accepting what they perceive as a new normal in pricing — from higher international airfares to increased hotel costs, much of that determined by the value of the dollar against foreign currencies.

Already in , most agents indicate that bookings are up over the past year and that clients are spending more. A historic shift in the value of the dollar should accentuate this trend, with travelers increasingly getting more for their money as they venture abroad. With the United States enjoying a stronger economy than many countries, the U.

The dollar has strengthened against just about every foreign currency, stretching further than the Euro, Pound, Yen and even the Canadian and Australian dollars. Not only are some of the most popular destinations within reach, the stronger dollar also offers a new opportunity to discover up-and-coming vacation spots around the world.

Judging by the Direct Travel survey, Americans are taking advantage of that stronger currency. In fact, European river cruises, the single hottest destination trend in travel last year, jumped another spot to number four on the top international destinations list. And London surged from sixth to third place, just behind Caribbean cruising and Cancun, Mexico. Asia is a region of tremendous variety, with opportunities to explore bustling cities, ancient cultures and natural beauty including places that are just beginning to open themselves up to Western tourism.

Next is Thailand Vietnam is a growing draw for tourists, including Americans. While facilities can be basic in rural areas they are increasingly well-established in cities, as well as in resort areas such as Nha Trang, known for its beaches and scuba diving.

Other special events will focus on music, martial arts, food and fashion, all designed to give visitors a deeper understanding of the country and its people. After a long period of isolation, Burma today known as Myanmar is starting to encourage visitors. Travelers will likely start their trip in Yangon Rangoon , the capital.

The magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda that dominates the skyline is a must-see. With a sunny climate, white-sand beaches, turquoise reefs and deep blue water, the Maldives is a great spot for a vacation that combines relaxation and outdoor activities. Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is home to more than a thousand species of fish and other underwater creatures, with opportunities for diving, surfing and swimming. Cambodia today is a stable constitutional monarchy that has put out the welcome mat.

In the capital, Phnom Penh, visitors can stroll along a riverfront lined with pubs, restaurants and boutiques. The park contains magnificent ruins of the Khmer empire including the Angkor Wat temple complex. The Philippines is highlighting an array of events for every taste in And the small island of Boracay, an increasingly popular destination, hosts an annual International Dragon Boat Festival. For help planning a trip to these or any other destination within Asia , contact your travel agent. Trends in Business Travel for The survey results are based on responses from Direct Travel Group owners, managers and frontline travel agent experts from throughout the United States who identified that their portfolio consists of 50 percent or more of business travel clients.

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