How To Survive Your Golf Vacation

If you like to play golf on your vacation,
then read this article by Neil Wolkodoff.

--------------------------------------------
How to survive your golf vacation : A fitness pro's day-by-day tips
Golf Digest, March, 2000 by Neil Wolkodoff

Heading off to someplace warm for a few days of golf? Planning to squeeze in 36 a day?

No doubt you'll have a great time. Based on my experience as a fitness professional, it's also a pretty good bet that you'll play below your normal standards and come back with blisters, sore muscles and an aching back.

It doesn't have to be that way. You can avoid becoming a vacation victim, play well and come home injury free. The secret? Preparing properly and knowing what to do, how to do it--and when to do it--while you're away.

Ideally, you should begin an exercise regimen at least three weeks before your trip. Why three weeks, minimum? Because that's the average time it takes for most people to gain noticeable fitness.

But if you're like most of the golfers I train, your preparation for the big golf trip ended with booking the flight, a flophouse, and four days of tee times. In fact, you may be reading this on the flight down to your golf orgy. Good thing, because what follows may be your salvation.
Advertisement

Making the trip

At least 20 percent of back injuries suffered on a golf vacation can be traced in part to how you lift your luggage or sit in the plane. Minimize travel stress and pain with the following:

* Get a suitcase and travel cover with wheels, so you can roll your luggage. Or spring for a baggage handler--your back's worth the few extra bucks.

* After getting off the plane, walk slowly, then briskly to warm up your muscles. Do some stretches while waiting for your bags in the luggage area.

* Find the first water fountain or snack shop and chug at least 16 ounces of water to counter the dehydration from flying. If you forgot sunscreen, buy it now and apply it each morning.

* When stowing gear in your rental car, lift with your legs and keep the bag close to your body. Never lift luggage and twist your body at the same time.

* After you check in, go for a short walk outdoors if it's still light. Natural sunlight will help fight jet lag.

Day 1: Getting your bearings

Start the day with a brisk walk before breakfast. Your muscles are going to be tight after the traveling and sleeping in a strange bed. After you return to the room, warm up with some stretches.

Most golfers on road trips deviate from their diet, which results in unaccustomed energy highs and lows. Get off to a good start by eating breakfast at least two hours before teeing off. Oatmeal, an egg and turkey sausage are good choices. If you can't go without a morning cup of Joe, then at least chase it with a glass of water or fruit juice.

At the course, do two or three minutes of arm circles, leg kicks and torso twists to get the blood flowing. On the range, start warming up with shorter clubs, which require less back and hip movement. If your hands are tender, remember to grip the club lightly--or wear golf gloves on both hands the first day.

Go ahead, play 36--just be sure to warm up again before the second 18. The excitement of being on the course will likely mask any muscular soreness or irritation. After your second round, take a long shower or bath, or hit the hot tub to help your muscles really relax.

Try not to eat dinner past 7 p.m. Order pasta or fish with rice and vegetables. Pass on the spicy wings, and limit yourself to a glass or two of wine. (When you don't do that, see Day 3.)

Day 2: Hitting your stride

This is the day you're most likely to become dehydrated, especially if you've ignored the advice for Day 1 and stayed out late drinking beer with your buddies. Just know that as little as a 2 percent loss in body water can lead to a marked decrease in coordination. The average person needs 2.5 quarts of water a day; make sure you get four quarts.

Instead of a hot dog at the turn, eat an energy bar with a blend of protein, fats and carbohydrates. This will provide a better balance of nutrients and won't get mustard on your grips.

The muscle areas you should work on Day 2 are the trunk and back. One of the easiest ways is to pack along a FitBall, an inflatable sport ball. It will allow you to work your abdominals and back through a variety of exercises that take five minutes or less.

If your hotel has a massage therapist, get a massage in the evening. Tell the therapist you want to alleviate general muscular soreness and probably are tighter in the hamstrings and lower back than normal. Save the walking-on-the-back stuff for some other time.

Day 3: Ready to rebound

Water and evenly spaced meals are the key to maintaining your energy at this point in the trip. To maximize water intake, minimize caffeine and alcohol intake. During your round, try a sport drink with an equal amount of water. This will increase blood sugar levels and rehydrate you. Skip the fried or greasy foods during meals.

Continue your trunk exercises with the inflatable FitBall. If your hotel has a fitness center, this is the day to add a light circuit of resistance training to work all your muscles. Use an exercise bicycle for 15 or so minutes. It's an excellent means of maintaining aerobic fitness while being easy on the back.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

If you like this article. Tell me what you think about it. Post a comment.

Credit Card Tips While Travelling Abroad

Hey guys,

I want you to read this article on credit card tips when traveling
abroad.Detective Kevin Coffey is the founder of Corporate Travel
Safety, which specializes in travel safety seminars, training tapes
and travel safety products. Its a very good article.


-----------------------------------------------------------------
By Detective Kevin Coffey

I have heard many for her stories involving people traveling with their credit cards. But with all the stories and I've heard, many of them might have been resolved with minor disruption, if the travelers would have done these simple things.

Number 1:
Anytime you travel you should make photo copies of all of your credit cards airline tickets and documents, both front and back. You should leave these photocopies with a friend, and had a copy of these Xeroxes in your luggage. That way if you ever lose a credit card you can get it canceled right away. The majority of problems with the cancellation of credit cards occur when you travel internationally. Many travelers forget who the credit card is with, it's then many wasted hours calling United States and trying to find out which bank or institution the credit card was with. That's where the photocopies come in handy.

Number 2:
If you travel with someone, especially a husband or wife, I would make sure you travel with individual credit cards in separate names. The reason for this is simple. Many families have one credit card issued to them. Many families have one credit card account number one have individual cards issued to each person. The problem with this is if one person were lose their credit card, the others person's credit card would be canceled also, and you would have to wait until card was sent to you and three to five days. By each traveler having his or her own separate credit card, if one was lost, you could survive on the other credit card for a few days until the other is replaced.

Number 3:
Automatic Credit card deactivation can spoil a vacation. Some banks and credit unions cut off credit cards that are used 6 or more times in one day, to try and stop thieves from using stolen cards. If this happens to you overseas, you may find it difficult or impossible to have your card reactivated. Before going on an overseas trip on which you will use your credit cards, notify your credit card companies that you will be away overseas. This will let then know that your card has not been compromised.

Number 4:
You always read tips about making photocopies of your credit cards when traveling and placing these copies in the bottom of your luggage. This tips is given by individuals in the proper spirit, however this can actually put you at greater risk of experiencing credit card fraud. Anyone who winds up with your luggage will have access to your credit card numbers and expiration dates. Anyone rifling your suitcases can take the copies or make copies of your copies for their use, ordering merchandise via the telephone.

Instead, if you want to keep a copy of your credit card numbers, do so of the front and back so you have the phone numbers to call your bank if needed but most importantly, block out (making sure it cannot be read) or cut out the expiration dates and names on the face of the cards. This will make it harder if the copies fall into the wrong hands.
While your liability in stolen credit card cases is limited to $50/card, this can quickly add up if multiple cards are involved.

Number 5:
When traveling abroad and using a credit card, watch out for the conversion fee that many banks charge to convert charges in foreign currencies to dollars. As with traveler's check- some banks do and some banks don't charge a fee, generally 1% of the purchase amount. So if you have several cards, it's worth checking with the issuers to see which one offers the best deal on foreign currency con- version. Then weigh this against other factors. Note: The conversion fee is not included in the legally required disclosure box that appears in credit-card promotional material. Even with the conversion charge, many times ATM machines will have the best possible exchange rates and the lowest fees.

Important:
Have your PIN number converted to four digits before
departing on a trip, as most foreign ATMs will not
respond to six-digit PINS.

Many foreign ATMs only accept four-digit PIN numbers. If your PIN is longer, check with your financial institution about changing it before you leave the country. Sometimes it's as simple as going to your own bank's ATM and changing it yourself.

Apart from ATMs, the best locations for exchanging U.S. into foreign currency are banks, the biggest ones you can find. They offer fairly decent rates and low fees, and do much better for you than the commercial money-changing kiosks and storefront establishments. Never use the latter.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Comment in the blog about this article. Let me know what you think of it.

Play The Original PacMan Game

Get this widget!

------------------------------------------------

If you used Orbitz, Expedia, Hotwire, or CheapTickets.com to book your travel, you paid too much!! Ask me how? Or call Yomi (678)656-6408

Top Tips For Becoming A Home Based Travel Agent

This is an article I wrote last year on tips for becoming a travel agent. Please comment what you think.

Of all the home-based business possibilities, it’s hard to imagine one that’s more fun or potentially profitable than operating a home-based travel agency.

Not only do you get the enjoyment of sending people off on their dream vacation, but you earn a good commission for selling services that you do not have to actually provide yourself. What could be better than that?

If you’d like to become a home-based travel agent, and enjoy discounted or even free trips for yourself as well, then the following “Top Tips For Becoming A Home Based Travel Agent” will get you started in the right direction.

1. Affiliate with a legitimate host agency that has all of the required certifications.

The most successful home-based travel agents are independent contractors who work with a host agency. You use the host agency’s resources and established relationships to tap into their network of travel vendors and suppliers. It’s important that your host agency has the proper industry credentials and that they have a program in place that allows you to use those credentials in order to establish yourself as a legitimate travel agency.

As a home based travel agent you need certain credentials like the CLIA card. CLIA stands for the Cruise Line Industry Association. This industry-recognized credential allows you special agent rates on discounted cruises and offers a whole array of benefits to you and your customer.

To be recognized as a travel agency most host agencies are usually bonded and accredited through ARC/IATAN. ARC was established by the travel industry to provide prompt, efficient, and secure distribution and settlement of travel purchased in the U.S. IATAN-International Airlines Travel Agent Network endorses travel agents and provides the IATAN ID card, which identifies you as a U.S.- based travel sales professional.

If you are considering working with a host agency that doesn’t provide you with their IATAN/ARC number, and other required credentials, move on and select one that does.

2. Choose a host travel agency that provides comprehensive training

Even though you are an independent home-based travel agent, you still need professional quality training so you know how to operate in the travel industry as well as what you are and are not allowed to do.

Getting up-to-date on the best places to travel, tourism trends, and how to fulfill the needs of your customer is vital to your travel business. You want to choose a host travel agency that offers comprehensive training and courses on various travel services, products, marketing, etc.

For some host agencies, taking a course or training is necessary in order to be eligible for certain travel credentials. And, although it is not required to book travel, your job will go much easier and you’ll develop more repeat business, if you are well-trained and well-informed.

3. Choose a host travel agency that will help you promote your business.

Don’t choose a travel company that does not offer some assistance with marketing your travel business. The best ones will offer a turn-key website or online booking engine for your clients to use when booking their travel.

Even better are the travel companies that also provide you with automated marketing tools such as auto responders to handle email campaigns and promotions.

You’ll save money, and gain more customers, if you partner up with a host travel agency that provides ready-made templates to print business cards, postcards, flyers, etc. These are all the tools in your marketing arsenal that will help you get the word out about your home-based travel business.

4. Choose a host travel agency that handles ALL of the travel details for you.

Most host agencies handle all the booking and routine travel details for your clients, but what happens if a name is misspelled on a plane ticket or your customer wants a refund? Find out what type of customer support is available and read their policies carefully before you sign on as a home-based travel agent.

At a minimum, look for:

· How long your host agency has been in business and if they are reputable.
· 24/7 telephone support, not just e-mail or web-based.
· Clear and easy-to-understand refund and cancellation policies.
· A track record of speedy resolution to customer service issues.


5. Choose a host travel agency with a fair commission policy.

Notice that money is not mentioned as the #1 thing to look for when you’re choosing a host travel agency. Sure, the commission is important; it’s how you get paid. But the best commission policy in the world does you no good if the host travel company that you choose to partner with is not aboveboard and honest.

Once you have found a travel company that meet the requirements of items 1-4, it’s time to check their commission policy. Here’s what to look for:

· Make sure that you know exactly how much commission you earn on every travel product you offer through your host agency. Be sure to find out if you earn commissions for add-on sales like trip cancellation insurance or lost luggage insurance. The best host travel agency partners pay you a piece of everything you sell.

· Be sure you know what their commission chargeback policy is when a client cancels a trip or seeks a refund.

· Find out at which point your commission actually gets locked in. Is it when the sale is made; when the client debarks on their trip, or when they return?

· Find out how long it takes to get paid. Some agencies pay Net 30, some pay longer. Whatever the payment period is, make sure you can live with it.

6. Choose a host travel agency with the best perks for you

The opportunity to go on a FAM trip is the most appealing benefit to travel agents. FAM trips are short for ‘familiarization trips’. These are special trips specifically for the travel agent. These trips are offered by hotels, cruise lines, convention and visitor bureaus, and tour companies.

The intent of the trip is to familiarize the agent with the product or service so that they can then sell the service or product to their clients. By experiencing the product, agents can sell it more effectively.

These trips are either totally free or have a small cost involved to cover the expense of the trip. These FAM trips are offered at a huge discount compared to what it would cost to the average consumer. If your host agency doesn’t offer FAM trips, you should think about finding one that does.

Also, since you will be working out of home and on your own, medical insurance plans or group coverage plans are sometimes offered. Check to see if the agency you are considering has a group plan that you can buy into. Group plans are usually less expensive than buying medical insurance on your own.

Some final thoughts

Owning your own travel business means you can take advantage of many tax breaks. Deductions are allowed for you initial investment, home office expenses, cell phone and land lines, automobile, computer, fax machine, insurance, and other equipment. In addition, when you travel anywhere in the world, it's a business expense!

Overall, becoming a home-based travel agent has some major perks and benefits. The important thing is to find a good host agency and become familiar with your product so that you can offer the best travel experience for your customers. Doing this will keeps a consistent flow of repeat and new business coming your way.

Good luck and Bon Voyage!


Samuel Awosolu is a home based travel agent with YTB Travel And Crusies and a freelance writer. He is very interested in helping other struggling would-be entrepreneurs get started in this lucrative home-based business opportunity. He invites interested people to contact him on his cell phone (678)656-6408. You can visit his website at www.yomitravel.com

Rick Ricketts YTB Travel Testimonial

Check out the top money earner Rick Ricketts in YTB give his testimonial.




------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If Your Interested In Doing What Rick Ricketts Does With YTB. Click Here.