Leading Travel Network, forms Partnership with First Travel

Worlds Leading Luxury Travel Network, forms Partnership with New Zealands First Travel Group

Global CEO and Chair heads to New Zealand for Announcement

Auckland (16 February) - The worlds leading luxury travel network, Virtuoso, has established a new strategic partnership that will see the group increase its members in 2015.

With more than 9,000 travel advisors around the globe, Virtuoso has a turnover in excess of USD $14 billion in annual travel sales and has announced the First Travel Grouppartnership as part of its ongoing global expansion, which will see further growth into Asia throughout 2015.

In keeping with our commitment to expand the Asia-Pacific markets, we are delighted to welcome First Travel Group into our network. Its reputation and commitment to servicing the client whilst delivering high-end, experiential travel mirrors our own, and we look forward to working together to co-create a network that benefits advisors and travellers alike, Virtuoso CEO and Chairman, Matthew D. Upchurch said.

First Travel Group is New Zealand's leading independent travel alliance specialising in high-end leisure and corporate travel.

We are delighted to enter this valuable partnership, which allows for a joint focus on creating customer value whilst maintaining independence and local market flavour, First Travel Groups Managing Director, Andrew Bowman said.

New Zealands travel agency elite, First Travel Group members Voyage Affaires and North Shore Business Travel, have been Virtuoso members for more than 10 years and this foundation in the luxury market provided the impetus for a deeper partnership between the brands.

We are delighted to add First Travel Group members Stars Travel New Plymouth, Business World Travel and Holland Clarke & Beatson to our network, which will be joining our longstanding members to create a more viable scale and market coverage position, Virtuoso Asia-Pacific Managing Director, Michael Londregan said.

Mr. Londregan said the nature of luxury travel has changed in recent years, moving decisively away from the idea of opulent 5-star treatment, towards experiential travel that has a truth of connection and helps people in the race to collect life experiences.

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Leading Travel Network, forms Partnership with First Travel

World is her textbook: Teacher brings travel lessons to classroom

Published: Sunday, February 15, 2015 at 5:57 p.m. Last Modified: Sunday, February 15, 2015 at 5:57 p.m.

DELAND Sarah Altier arrived in Russia prepared to share bits of American culture with students and teachers there. In her suitcase, she packed photos of alligators and Disney World and postcards from Volusia County students.

The Russian students had something they wanted to show Altier, too: A mini-museum they had curated themselves, featuring artifacts theyd uncovered around their village, which was near Yelnya. The collection included eerie reminders of World War II, such as German dog tags, machine guns and live grenades.

A teacher at the local school had encouraged the students to collect and research the objects as a way to preserve the areas history. Back in Florida, Altier has tried to use a similar hands-on approach to teach students and other educators about other cultures.

Altier, a veteran DeLand High School history teacher who now helps new teachers hone their craft, took a turn as a student during a recent two-week trip to Russia, where she visited schools and met students and teachers. She also helped a professor record Russian songs and culture (her travel was paid for by the American Friends of Russian Folklore, a California-based nonprofit organization).

A seasoned world traveler, Altier has visited six of the continents at least twice (she said she doesnt have any plans to tour Antarctica). In Volusia classrooms, she incorporates her international experiences into local classrooms, often telling stories and showing photos to students and teachers. History, she said, has all of the themes of a dramatic novel or movie: Love, anger, jealousy, revenge and more.

I wanted kids to see history as something alive, not just dusty old books, Altier said.

Her adventurous spirit has taken her around the world. In 2011, she spent six weeks during the summer in Thailand and Vietnam on a Fulbright grant. She taught at a school in Namibia, Africa, for nearly three months in 2007. She walked to her school during her stay, using markers like trees (there were no streets or signs) to find her way.

As DeLand Highs teacher of the year in 2008 and one of five finalists for the countywide award that year, Altier is well-known in Volusia schools. She also appeared on TV screens across the country as a competitor on the game shows Jeopardy and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Her colleagues describe her as a natural teacher, but Altier who turns 55 Wednesday didnt always feel that way. As a Stetson University graduate and newly married woman in her early 20s, Altier said she was undecided about her career. She and her husband, Jeff Altier, moved to Australia during their early 20s so he could play professional baseball (Jeff Altier is now the athletic director at Stetson. They have three grown children. On the way back, they flew to Kathmandu and took a bus all across Asia and the Middle East and ended the three-month trip in London. During that time, Altier realized she knew little about many of the places she visited.

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World is her textbook: Teacher brings travel lessons to classroom

Emirates celebrates the spirit of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in India

Continuing its association with International Cricket Council, Emirates airline, a global connector of people, places and sporting passions, is once again an official worldwide partner for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

The competition is live on Emirates' official Facebook page and is open for its fans in India over 18 years of age: http://www.facebook.com/emirates

The winner of the grand prize will get two Category A match tickets to the final on Mar 29, three nights hotel accommodation including breakfast on a twin-sharing basis at a five star hotel and two Emirates Economy Class return flight tickets from India to Melbourne via Dubai. There are also 25 runner's up goody bags to be won containing Emirates ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 merchandise.

In order to win, participants just need to post the correct answer to the contest question on the Emirates' official Facebook page. The competition will close at 23:59 hours [Dubai time] on 16 February, 2015 and the winner will be announced the next day.

"The ICC Cricket World Cup is a first class sporting event that not only draws global audience to the stands but several millions watch it on screens across the world," said Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Vice President - India & Nepal, Emirates.

"Partnering with the International Cricket Council demonstrates Emirates' ongoing commitment to cricket fans across the world. Sharing and supporting our customers' sporting passions is key to our sponsorship programme, and we hope this competition will allow us to share the excitement of the tournament with cricket fans across India," Ahmad said.

Earlier this year, the airline unveiled the first of its aircraft to feature the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Logo.

The Emirates Airbus A380 that set off to first to Australia and New Zealand recently, is the first of a number of "specially-dressed" Emirates aircraft that will fly around the globe, celebrating this major event with cricket-lovers and uniting fans around the world.

Emirates has been the official partner of the International Cricket Council since 2007 and all its major tournaments including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

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Emirates celebrates the spirit of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in India

Top 5 Practical Travel Jobs for Filipinos

Are you planning to go on a big around-the-world trip? How are you planning to support your finances? Unless you want to fly home again to work and save money to go travel again, then your best option is to work while you travel. There are many careers that allow you work and travel at the same time; flight attendant; cruise ship worker; pilot; business consultant; but are these really the kind of jobs you want to be doing when youre backpacking? Is that even possible? Perhaps, but its definitely not ideal! There are great ways that we earn money on the road, whilst maintaining the flexibility of the backpacker lifestyle.

Teach English while Traveling

Teaching English is a great way to earn money all over the world. Filipinos are highly regarded worldwide as having the best English in Asia and plenty of Filipinos are taking full advantage of this. All you need to get started is a TEFL certificate TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and it means exactly what is says on the tin! Its one of the most fun and satisfying ways to make money on the road and one of the easiest to get into. In some countries, like Vietnam for example, you can earn $20 to $30 per hour! For more details on how Filipinos can get into this great industry, check out this article Teach English Abroad

Sustainable Travel Lifestyle for Travelers

Now we all know about the negative connotations that go along with massage therapy, particularly in the Philippines, but if youve been to Europe or the US, then youll know that there real, skilled massage therapy is a very well-respected form of treatment for manner of ailments. It also comes with a heavy price tag, even over $100 for a specialized therapy such as Swedish or Shiatsu massage. All travelers love a good massage while traveling, especially after all of the long-distance bus rides and mountain hikes. But remember, foreigners like to see a certificate that proves you know what youre doing!

Author demonstrating Ayurveda on TV

Yoga is a hot topic worldwide and is only getting hotter and news of its physical and mental health benefits spread from one country to another. In order to become a certified teacher, its best to study an intensive course in an ashram or yoga center in a country like India or Thailand, where prices are cheaper and the atmosphere and environment is much more relaxing and authentic. Once you have your certificate, all you need is a yoga mat and some peaceful space to people to lie down and flex themselves around. You can teach in the park, in community centers or even private lessons in peoples homes. Not only that, but in teaching and meditating every day, youll be the most zend out Filipino in whatever country youre in!

Work for a local hostel

This is far from the most glamorous of jobs available to travelers, but its definitely one of the most practical, both in terms of acquiring and performing. Often, this job will be a volunteer position in exchange for bed and breakfast, but you can also find paid work to. All types of travelers from all over the world work in hostels as a temporary option to allow them to stay in one place for a bit longer, without spending all of their money on accommodation.

Work in a Hostel

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Top 5 Practical Travel Jobs for Filipinos

Beautiful island in the world, travel to to beautiful around the world – Video


Beautiful island in the world, travel to to beautiful around the world
Best Island in the World 2014 Travelers #39; Choice Awards Top 10 Islands -- National Geographic 8 Most Beautiful Island Countries in the World | Womanitely Conde Nast Traveller reveals...

By: Cheng Kunthea

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Beautiful island in the world, travel to to beautiful around the world - Video

The Wanyama Safari Experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Video


The Wanyama Safari Experience at Disney #39;s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Staying at Disney #39;s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers very different opportunities. The Wanyama Safari is by far, one of the most unique experiences at Walt Disney World. Travel via safari jeep...

By: AllEars.net

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The Wanyama Safari Experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Video

Fox World Travel Hosts European River Cruise Travel Show

(PRWEB) February 13, 2015

Fox World Travel is excited to announce their European River Cruise Travel Show. The show is being presented on Wednesday, February 25th in two locations. The first showing will be held at Brookfield Suites at 1:30pm. The second showing will be held at the Oconomowoc Lake Club at 6:30pm. The one hour presentations will be held by Fox World Travels knowledgeable representatives and attendees will be provided with brochures, flyers, refreshments, door prizes and more. Admission is free, but space is limited so those interested in attending are asked to RSVP online.

Fox World Travel European River Cruises include added amenities and features, special value pricing, customized itineraries, and often the comfort and convenience of an experienced tour manager to ensure a worry-free experience for travelers. At this presentation, attendees are able to learn about Fox World Travel's exclusive Select Group Vacations, featuring those added amenities and special values that can't be found anywhere else. According to Avalons website, European River Cruises are among their most popular itineraries. For more information visit Fox World Travel online at gofox.com.

About Fox World Travel, Inc.:

Fox World Travel was founded in 1960 and is ranked as top travel agency in the United States, according to the Business Travel Survey in Business Travel News. Fox World Travel owns and operates 11 retail travel locations throughout Wisconsin as well as a full service corporate travel division and Premier Meetings and Incentives in Oshkosh and Fox World Travel School. Fox World Travel is the largest vacation travel agency in Wisconsin. Fox World Travels corporate travel division is a leading provider of travel management solutions, serving travelers as they navigate the globe while guiding organizations toward successful policies, compliance and financial advantages in their domestic and global travel programs. Visit Fox World Travel online at http://www.GoFox.com.

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Fox World Travel Hosts European River Cruise Travel Show

Journey around the world at travel show

Tahiti is among the exotic global destinations that will be represented at San Diego's second annual Travel & Adventure Show at the convention center.

For anyone who has relied on the Internet for scoping out a vacation destination, ask yourself this question, have you ever seen an unflattering photo of a hotel online?

Probably not, suspects trade show producer John Golicz, whose two-day Travel & Adventure Show is headed this weekend to San Diego for the second year in a row.

Where: San Diego Convention Center, Halls E and F

When: Sat., Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: One-day ticket, $16; two-day ticket, $25. Discounts online at: travelshows.com/sandiegoInfo

As much as the Internet and online travel agencies like Travelocity and Expedia have come to be go-to resources for avid travelers, Golicz insists theres no substitute for the face-to-face conversations with the pros that a wide-ranging consumer show offers.

The San Diego show, which will be held at the bayfront convention center Saturday and Sunday, will be 40 percent larger than last years, with more than 1,000 travel pros staffing 200 booths representing cruise lines, tour operators and tourism bureaus, from New Zealand to Israel. U-T San Diego is among several sponsors of the show.

All I know is everything online looks great but when you come to our show, you have 1,200 experts who fly in to meet people who like to travel, said Golicz, CEO of Unicomm, which operates similar shows in six other cities across the country. They might be the tour operator or guide or someone who works for the tourism board who will tell you the information you cant get anywhere else.

With the travel industry continuing to rebound at an impressive pace since recession-era lows, industry purveyors are taking advantage of consumers abiding interest in travel, a passion that has never faded, says travel expert Peter Greenberg, who has spoken at previous travel shows but will not be a featured speaker in San Diego. Overseas travel, especially, continues to grow in popularity, he noted.

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Journey around the world at travel show

EF Education First Celebrates 50th Anniversary

ZURICH, February 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Today, EF Education First (EF), world leader in international education, celebrates 50 years of opening the world through education. Since its beginning in 1965, EF has helped millions of students travel the world to explore new destinations and cultures, learn a language, or earn an academic degree.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150211/728343 )

Entrepreneur Bertil Hult started EF in a dormitory basement in Lund, Sweden with initial capital of $750 - the sole investment fueling the company's remarkable growth to this day. Since that time, EF has grown into amultinational education company with 40,500 staff and teachers in 500 offices and schools in 53 countries. "To realize the impact of our work is truly humbling and we are looking forward to the next 50 years", said Bertil Hult, EF's founder and owner.

In the run-up to EF's birthday, thousands of EF staff, teachers, and students participated in a worldwide dance which has set the Guinness World Record for "most international dance" in the category: "Most nationalities in an online video album of people performing a choreographed dance".

Over the last 50 years, EF has been on an exciting journey with many milestone events: from the company's early cooperation with Apple to explore computer-aided language learning (1995), to the creation of the Hult Prize, the largest-ever student competition focused on solving some of the world's toughest challenges (2010), and the EF English Proficiency Index (2011), the largest ranking of English skills by country.

Committed to excellence in education, EF has research collaborations with teams from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the University of Cambridge and has launched the world's first free standardized language test, the EFSET. In addition, EF continues to serve as the official language training provider to the Olympic Games, a partnership that dates back to the 1988 Seoul Olympics up to next year's 2016 Rio Olympics.

About EF Education First

Established in 1965 with the mission open the world through education, EF Education First (EF) is the world's leading international education company. EF (http://www.ef.com) has helped millions of students learn a new language and travel abroad. With a network of 500 schools and offices worldwide, EF specializes in language training, educational travel, academic degrees, and cultural exchange programs. EF has published the English Proficiency Index (http://www.ef.com/epi) measuring the English ability of adults in countries across the world.

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EF Education First Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Toowoomba woman swaps debt for life of world travel

A TOOWOOMBA woman has swapped a life of debt for a life of travel and wants to encourage others to do the same.

Meagen Collins and her partner Tom Williams have visited 23 countries in two years and earn a living from travelling the world and podcasting the secrets of their lifestyle.

The couple started a travel blog called the Five Dollar Traveller to show people it is possible to travel and live on $29 a day.

Ms Collins said it was surprisingly cheap to travel full-time.

"We rarely stay in dingy hostels and normally we find amazing accommodation at a very good price or for free," Ms Collins said.

"Our favourite country so far is a toss up between the Philippines and Greece," she said.

In 2011, the couple discussed settling down and two years later they had saved enough for a house deposit.

After deciding not to live a life of debt, the pair changed their minds and started travelling the world.

Ms Collins said she wanted to encourage other people to travel full-time.

"I used to sit in an office for 60 hours a week and was way too tired to do much more than sleep afterwards," Mrs Collins said.

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Toowoomba woman swaps debt for life of world travel