What your honeymoon will cost

Every weekend, some 44,230 Americans tie the knot. About 85% of those couples go on to take a honeymoon. But a question most likely to be on the minds of brides and grooms everywhere is: What will that cost?

Although engaged couples can often count on their parents to help pay for the wedding, newlywed couples traditionally fund the honeymoon themselves. And with a weakening dollar, high energy prices, and creeping inflation, couples planning a honeymoon would do well to start saving--now.

The U.S. honeymoon market is currently worth $10 billion annually, up from $7 billion in 2004, according to the Condé Nast Bridal Group, the market research division of Condé Nast Publications' bridal magazines, which include Bride's and Modern Bride, the two largest bridal magazines in the U.S. While that number translates to fat profits for hotels and resorts worldwide, honeymooners themselves are left footing a bill that's skyrocketed over 50% in the past two years, to an average cost of $5,111 per honeymoon in 2006--and that's only an average. For couples who plan extensive round-the-world tours or even spend a few exotic weeks languishing on a beach in the Maldives, the cost can be much higher.

YTB Honeymoon Registry - A great feature on YTB Travel site.

Wedding Couples

On your free honeymoon registry list anything you want to do on your honeymoon... even portions of your trip.It works just like a gift registry,only your guests give you portions of your dream honeymoon. The perfect, unforgettable gift.

• No set up fee.
• Free wedding website.
• Hundreds of ideas covering areas all over the world - or you can create your own honeymoon registry.
• Photos and descriptions for all items.
• You can make your own travel plans.
• Announcements & shower games.
• You can receive your gifts anytime.

YTB on the Move

An operation considered to be one of the fastest-growing Internet-based travel companies is planning to move into its $2 million headquarters in Wood River by the end of the month.

YTB International Inc., at 1 Country Club View Drive in Edwardsville, will move into its new corporate headquarters in the former Kmart building on Edwardsville Road in Wood River on Dec. 26.

"We’re really excited about it," said Andrew F. Cauthen, president and chief operations officer of the company.

The company, which is publicly traded and operates three divisions -- www.ytb.com, REZconnect Technologies Inc. and YTB Travel Network -- announced in July that it had purchased the 120,000-square-foot building and 13-acre site with plans to renovate them.

The announcement was made shortly after another development group said it planned to demolish the building along Illinois Route 143 to make way for a $10 million to $12 million automobile dealership complex that would have included Federico Chrysler-Dodge Inc. and Jack Schmitt of Alton Inc. (Alton Centers Nissan).

The dealerships still plan to build on land west of the property at the intersection of Route 143 and Lakin Boulevard.

Cauthen said one of the reasons the company chose Wood River is that it simply outgrew its site in Edwardsville. He said the company liked the location and could renovate the former retail site for about $40 per square foot, which is significantly less than the $200 per square foot it would cost for a new building.

Work has been under way for the past several months. The company hired C.O.R.E., a project management firm, to oversee the work being done in the former restaurant of the building.

"We have a business to run and needed someone we could trust to oversee the project," Cauthen said.

He said the renovation is being done in three phases. Current renovation is considered Phase 2.

Phase 3 of the project will include building a state-of-the-art 500-seat theater and dining room in part of the 100,000-square-foot site, and Phase 4 will be transforming the remaining portion of the building.

"We cannot wait until it’s done," Cauthen said.

The building should be completed in 2008, he said.

"Right now, it still doesn’t look that different from the outside, but within the next year, it will," he said.

Cauthen said the company plans to spend an additional $10 million in renovations.

The company projects that by June 2009, it will employ nearly 600 people or more and earn $338 million in annual revenue.

J. Lloyd "Coach" Tomer, founder of the company and chairman of the board, said he is excited about moving into the company’s new digs. He said he is especially looking forward to being a part of the Wood River community.

Tomer, along with his son, Scott, and friend, J. Kim Sorenson, started the company in Alton.

In June 2001, six employees started working for the company in the former First National Bank building at Third and Belle streets. By July 2005, the company had outgrown its space and moved to Edwardsville.

"We had 39 employees when we moved," Tomer said.

During the past 18 months, the company has hired 100 people, and once it moves to Wood River, it plans to hire more.

Wood River Mayor Fred Ufert said he is excited about the company’s move, which he said adds to the growth and development that is rapidly taking place in the city.

"Having a corporate headquarters in town will be a good thing for the community," Ufert said.

He said he hopes the company’s anticipated growth will bring more development to the area.

Tomer agreed. He said that besides office personnel, 60,000 referring travel agents are part of the business, and they visit the company’s headquarters by the hundreds at a time.

The business basically allows people to start their own Internet travel business. Those who become referring travel agents earn a commission every time someone books a trip from their site.

YTB runs the booking engine. The company merged with a New Jersey company, REZconnect, several years ago to get the technology that links Web customers in real time, allowing them to make travel reservations.

YTB develops, sells and supports the online travel Web sites of referring travel agents. The initial start-up cost for a referring travel agent is $450 and a $50 monthly maintenance fee.

Customers who log on to any YTB site have the ability to make reservations on more than 424 airlines, at more than 35,000 hotels and with most major car rental companies, cruise lines and tour package operators.

Tomer said all offices would be moving to Wood River. He said one of the reasons he is excited about the move is that city officials have welcomed the company with open arms.

Ufert said he hopes that with YTB’s move to the city, it will continue to bring more businesses.

"It’s been a good year for development in Wood River, and we only hope we can continue that," he said.

Tomer said about 60,000 people will tour the home office next year and are likely to spend more than $6 million on hotels and $3 million on meals and entertainment.

"That doesn’t count our employees who leave the office for lunch, either," he said.

Tomer said he hopes his business is able to help the city bring additional businesses to town.

He said that before approaching Wood River, he met with officials in Edwardsville, but they didn’t seem to care whether the company remained in town.

"It seemed like no one really cared," he said.

Special Christmas Travel

Travel to some of the destinations of the world this December especially to the Continent, for this is where the heart of Christmas is. Get along sightseeing or traveling for purposes of academia or sheer pleasure with YTB Travel agency - Sundance Travel.

You deserve all the world's joys and have the right to make that happen!

Nestled in the aura of the hilly slopes of the Northern reaches of UK, comes Ireland, the land of apple orchards and falling snow. Christmas in Ireland is an experience to be cherished. Christmas traditions have been handed down over generations. As you stroll along the streets you feel the excitement of "Christmas Past" while shopping for traditional Christmas treats. The lighting of candles in Ireland also has a religious significance. Some people would light candles to signify symbolic hospitality for Mary and Joseph. The candle was a way of saying there was room for Jesus' parents in these homes even if there was none in Bethlehem. Some people even set extra places at their tables as a preparation for unexpected visitors.

Back in the States, Cromwell Manor Inn in New York is a historic country estate on seven acres of woodlands and gardens in New York's Hudson Valley. Guests can visit nearby West Point, explore the many sights of the majestic Hudson Highlands or relax for a quiet weekend getaway. Romance awaits you at Cromwell Manor Inn built around 1820 by David Cromwell, an eminent descendant of the Restoration hero, Oliver Cromwell.

Check out the amazing attractions of the Nords, Celts, Mexico and Europe from Custom Packages, European Tours, Apple Vacations, Travel Impressions, Caribbean Vacations, Singles Trave, Last Minutes Weekend Escapes, of course with Sundance Travel.

Tops in Destination Marketing

Australia took the lead this year as the top overall tourism destination, leapfrogging over the United States and Italy through aggressive and comprehensive branding efforts, according to a second annual global survey.

While Australian government spending on tourism and travel was 3.7 percent, its tourism and travel industry grew 3.6 percent and the industry accounted for 5.3 percent of gross domestic product, according to the second FutureBrand Country Brand Index.

The results — combined with a global quantitative survey and expert opinions of international travel, hospitality and industry professionals — pushed Australia past last year’s leader Italy and second-place U.S.

“Australia is really doing an impressive job of promoting themselves,” according to the the FutureBrand Country Brand Index survey developed by FutureBrand, a leading global brand consultancy, in conjunction with Weber Shandwick’s Global Travel Practice. “Australia understands the idea of using the whole country, not just the pieces.”

The U.S. again came in second, according to the survey, which was released in November in conjunction with the World Travel Market in London.

“Many U.S. destinations have improved in terms of the range of quality lodging options, dining venues and affordable inbound airline lift,” the survey found.

Italy, which dropped to third, still was ranked as the most authentic country thanks to its history, culture and great conservation efforts despite the constant growth of its cities.

Effective branding is becoming increasingly crucial for countries seeking to lure travelers as worldwide receipts from international tourism soared to $682 billion last year, up nearly $50 billion from the previous year. This year, the global travel and tourism industry is expected to contribute $1.7 trillion — or nearly 3.6 percent — to the gross domestic product.

Countries’ branding efforts also hold keys for broader travel industry efforts as the survey’s authors noted a brand at the highest level is much more than a logo or slogan, but a unifying and identifiable platform manifested in experience.

“Brand is not merely a marketing wrapper, but a value proposition that changes perception and preference [and] drives usage,” they noted.

In assessing a country’s branding success, the survey focused on how it capitalized in areas including safety, value, ease of communication, proximity, weather, natural beauty, authenticity, art/culture, lodging and resort options and outdoor activities.

It ranked India best for authenticity, and Egypt first in history and art and culture. The Bahamas was tops for beaches for the second time, and the Maldives took the top place for weather and an array of resort and relaxation offerings. New Zealand was tops in two categories: natural beauty and outdoor activities/sports.

In the “rising star” category, China topped the list as likely to become a major tourist destination in the next five years, followed by Croatia and the United Arab Emirates

The U.S. was tops in seven categories including activities for families, shopping and business travel.

In addition to country rankings, this year’s index also highlighted emerging travel trends, challenges and opportunities within the larger world of travel and tourism.

Among key trends is a continuing technological evolution that has given rise to countless Web sites and blogs that are geared to social networking and that travelers have embraced to organize and shape a new kind of travel community.

The survey also found that travelers are becoming more attracted to adventures and travels that are scarce, lured by the desirability of a location or trip that is challenging to obtain. Educational travel, commemorating abroad and micro-segment markets also are gaining momentum as travel consumers craft trips that meet a growing number of unique requirements.

The trends portend key opportunities for travel professionals as well as countries.

“Countries can no longer continue to see themselves as commodities,” said Rina Plapler, executive director, FutureBrand. “We continue to believe that branding is a tremendous opportunity for both developed and developing countries to build preference, consideration, loyalty and advocacy.”

Top 10 Country Brands

• Australia
• U.S.
• Italy
• France
• Greece
• United Kingdom
• Spain
• New Zealand
• Maldives
• India

Source: FutureBrand, Weber ShandwickFor a copy of the report, see www.futurebrand.com

Is Golf Your Game? Check Out The YTB Golf Website

Explore more than 25 of the best golf resorts in the US, Canada, & Mexico.

YTB Golf has information on lodging and golf courses that feature photos, descriptions and prices as well as course layouts & scorecards to make your golf vacation planning a breeze.

You can create your own discount golf package using our interactive website.


Pebble Beach Sample Golf Itinerary

• Day 1:Upon your arrival in San Francisco you will transfer to the Lodge at Pebble Beach. The rest of the day is free to relax and unpack. Overnight at the Lodge at Pebble Beach or the Inn at Spanish Bay.

• Day 2:This morning golf will be arranged at Spanish Bay Golf Course. Overnight at the Lodge at Pebble Beach or the Inn at Spanish Bay.

• Day 3:This morning golf will be arranged at Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Overnight at the Lodge at Pebble Beach or the Inn at Spanish Bay.


• Day 4:This morning golf will be arranged at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Overnight at the Lodge at Pebble Beach or the Inn at Spanish Bay.


• Day 5:Today you will depart Pebble Beach.Cost Includes: 4 nights accommodation, double occupancy or single occupancy. All local taxes on hotel accommodation and golf.

Travel documents. Green fees and starting times for 1 round at each of the following courses: Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill, Pebble Beach.Want a quote on this or other fantastic options? Go to the YTB Golf Website.

LYNDA WARD EARNS $10,000 BONUS

"A Steady, Consistent, and Supportive Team"

It is not often that you get an opportunity that can literally change your life." In only a year and a half, with no previous marketing experience, Lynda and Claude Ward have created a team of over 300 members and have earned their first $10,000 DreamBonus. They have lived in Colton, CA for 20 years. Lynda is a retired Regional Parole Administrator for the California Department of Corrections/Parole Division with 25 years of service. Claude retired after 30 years of service to the Jurupa School District, serving in the capacity of teacher, football coach, and school counselor. They have three children and two grandchildren ages six and eight.

Lynda credits her team: "My team is steady, consistent, and very supportive of me and each other. When they learned I was close to achieving the $10,000 bonus, they did all they could to help and they called me often to encourage me. When I received the bonus check at Convention, my California Expansion Team members ran up on stage and gave me flowers and took my picture. They made me feel like a queen. I would especially like to recognize Sandra Byrd, Sandra Coleman, Hallie Stubbs, Patricia and Francis Conner, Janice Fitzpatrick, Ethel Cross , Edith Buffolow, Victor Harewood and Maxwell Edusei. These team members worked right up to the last minute help me make the bonus by convention!"

New prospects offer Lynda varied responses. "Some immediately see the tax advantages, the travel benefits and the ability to make lots of money. Others cannot see themselves being successful in a network marketing business. I keep these people on my list and get back to them periodically to give them additional information that addresses their concerns. I host opportunity meetings at least twice a week and I do Grand Openings and travel parties every weekend. I have sponsored friends all over the country and I have traveled to several cities to help host Grand Openings."

Lynda finds that if you are consistent with this business and tell at least one person about the the YTB opportunity every day, you will achieve success. "Maybe not immediately, but it will catch up with you. You can't give up; you have to keep doing it over and over and eventually you will have success. When people tell me they are not having any success, I tell them it’s because they are not telling anybody about YTB. Also, going to events and tuning in to the conference call are a must, if you want to stay motivated and achieve your goals.”

Lynda concludes: "I feel my YTB business will allow me to pursue my life's purpose without having to worry about finances. I am so thankful to Arlyne Thompson and Juliet St. John for encouraging me, believing in me, and seeing success in me when I did not see it myself and to my husband for his support and patience. Being in YTB has been a wonderful experience for me. It is all the things I like to do - enjoy the company of wonderful people, travel and make money - wrapped up into one package."

FAMiliarization Trips

FAM Trips are just one of the many benefits that exist in YTB - Your Travel Biz. So what are they? They are discounted trips travel vendors offer as a way to familiarize yourself with their offerings and encourage you to promote them to clients.

TRAVEL INDUSTRY PERKS AND BENEFITS
Undoubtedly, the vast majority of people who become involved in the travel industry do so, primarily, to take advantage of the travel opportunities. Travel vendors, wholesalers, cruise lines, resorts and tour companies offer various professional courtesies as a means of reaching the travel agent community. These courtesies are never guaranteed, but, depending on various criteria, such as the time of year etc., and at the discretion of the particular vendor, may be offered at extremely reduced prices. They make these attractive prices available as their way of introducing the travel agents to what they have to offer. One of the most popular travel opportunities for travel agents is the “FAM” or familiarization trip. A typical FAM trip might include airfare, lodging, sight seeing, and even meals. This gives the travel vendor the chance to “show off”. Expect the “red carpet” treatment when you go, but be prepared to spend some time taking a complete tour of the facilities (resort, cruise ship, etc.).

With new cruise ships, theme parks, resorts, etc. being built to meet the rising demands, many more opportunities will become available for travel agents to take advantage of possible discounts and upgrades. Although many travel suppliers are less visible than others, they are, nevertheless, interested in promoting their products and services. They may offer discounts to travel agents as a means of distinguishing themselves from their competition. You may be able to obtain passes to theme parks, dinner theatres, parks, etc. just by identifying yourself as a travel consultant and asking for their special Travel Industry rate. Some suppliers may request an advance notice of your arrival, in writing, while others may simply require that you provide a business card or Photo ID upon arrival. In any event, it is your responsibility, when inquiring about special agent rates, to determine what form of identification will be required of you, upon arrival. This is most important when making hotel and/or car rental reservations.

TRAVEL INDUSTRY PROTOCOL
You will have many opportunities to enjoy your status as a travel professional. However, there are certain obligations and ethical codes that you will be expected to adhere to. For example, while traveling, you should conduct yourself in a professional and businesslike manner. If you are asking for an airline upgrade, for example, you are expected to be dressed professionally. You may be expected to attend a seminar while you are taking advantage of a FAM trip. These seminars are extremely informative and are designed to educate you. It is always recommended that you send a “thank you” note after you return from a destination that extended professional courtesies to you.