Ministers warn Muslim pilgrims over rogue travel agents

Tania Branigan, political correspondent
Thursday November 8, 2007
Guardian Unlimited

Ministers are warning the 25,000 British Muslims who will make the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca next month to beware of rogue travel agents, amid concern that conmen are exploiting the religious faithful.

It follows claims that pilgrims had been left without accommodation, visas or flight tickets. In extreme cases, agents simply disappeared with their cash.

The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform is writing to every MP, urging them to publicise the issue in their constituencies, after Muslim organisations warned of the scam.

"Unfortunately for some pilgrims, what should be the occasion of a lifetime is turning into a nightmare. It's not acceptable and we want to put an end to it," said the consumer minister, Gareth Thomas.

"These conmen think that they are above the law because they exploit people who are either unwilling to complain, don't know how to complain - or simply don't realise that they can complain.

"People must give evidence to the police or trading standards so that we can crackdown on these unscrupulous practices. We want to be able to take more action like the successful case in Leicester, where a boss was fined £20,000 for leaving customers in the lurch."

In April this year a travel agent in the city was prosecuted by trading standards after failing to arrange visas for his customers and, in one case, leaving a traveller without accommodation or transport.

Able-bodied Muslims who can afford the trip have a duty to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. An estimated 2 million participated last year.

The department for business is launching a publicity drive in the Asian media to make pilgrims aware that they have legal rights under the package travel regulations and may be eligible for compensation if a tour operator has failed to honour its contractual obligations.

They are urging people to use tour operators who are accredited by the Saudi embassy and belong to reputable trade organisations such as ABTA.

They have also warned them to agree details of their travel itinerary in writing before paying for their trip - after some pilgrims found they had paid for five-star hotels but ended up in poor quality accommodation.

Khalid Pervez from the Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK warned that rogue agents were causing distress and hardship.

He added: "We unanimously condemn the fraudulent, illegal activities, corruption, inhumane and degrading treatment from the rogue Hajj & Umrah tour operators who think that rules, regulation, procedure and the law do not apply to them.

"All Hajj & Umrah tour operators and travel agents must abide by the law to safeguard vulnerable British Hajj travelle

Royals hand in hand on Turkish tour

Romance was in the air for the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall when the royal couple gave a rare public display of affection as they visited a magnificent ancient city in Turkey.

Like two young lovers they strolled hand in hand through the picturesque ruined metropolis of Ephesus and at one point Charles put a comforting arm around his wife.

The Prince - who frequently refers to the Duchess as 'my darling wife' - rarely shows the love he clearly feels for his partner he married in 2005.

But as the royal couple toured the ancient city like a couple of tourists they let their guard down despite being surrounded by dozens of press.

When Charles and Camilla arrived at Ephesus on the south-west coast of Turkey they were greeted with the impressive site of an enormous 40,000 seater amphitheatre. Armed with a Sony compact digital camera the Duchess snapped away at the amphitheatre as it towered above them.

The Duke and Duchess then walked along a long processional way flanked by broken stone columns and stopped at points of interest which were explained by guides.

When they came to one of Ephesus's grandest and best preserved ruins - the Library of Celsus - Camilla again stopped to take another quick snap as Charles looked on.

All that remains of the two storey building is its beautiful classical facade which includes marble columns and carved statues of women and some interior walls.

It was built above the tomb of a former consul - Celsus Polemaenus - whose son erected the magnificent reading room over his father's sarcophagus in the second century.

Charles and Camilla were treated to a dance by a troop from the nearby town of Izmir before they had the opportunity to tour the building. As they watched the ten-minute performance the Prince put his arm around his wife for the duration while she turned to smile and talk to him.

Fashionable Flying

How to dress for business travel success.

By Joe Brancatelli

Portfolio.com: Business Travel
Tuesday, November 27, 2007; 12:00 AM

Despite its voyeuristic value and surprising staying power, the tale of busty, leggy Kyla Ebbert nearly being tossed off a Southwest Airlines flight this summer for dressing too skimpily (and parlaying it into a pictorial and video feature for Playboy.com) didn't shed much light on the topic of dressing for the road. Sadly, the delivery of useful information about travel attire is left to bald, fat messengers like me.

So take it from this eternally rumpled flier on the aisle: Edit your wardrobe both to breeze through security and to survive a week or more on the road with a modicum of style. It's not about dressing down; it's about whittling down.

Let's start at the beginning, which is the airport security checkpoint. I always watch in amazement (and annoyance) as travelers continue to wear the wrong things -- and too much of them -- and then slow themselves and everyone else down.

Six years after 9/11, you'd think travelers would finally get the message: The Transportation Security Administration is serious about its sometimes petty rules of attire. Wear a hat, and a screener will demand you have it scanned separately. Dress in layers, and a screener will make you peel them off. Shoes must be removed, no matter how many laces they have or how many holes are in your socks. Wear metal, and you'll- ding-be pulled aside and subjected to "secondary screening," a unique form of public humiliation involving a long wand being shoved near and around your most private parts.

I've found that the fastest way through security is to go plastic. I switched the brass buttons on my blue blazer for plastic ones. I bought a plastic Swatch watch specifically for road trips. I've even gotten rid of my belt. Needless to say, I wear only slip-on shoes, and I check my socks for holes before I leave home.

I won't argue that this all sounds a bit unstylish. If you want to don jewelry, sport your favorite chunky metal watch, and wear your lucky running shoes, and if you really need a belt, do what I do: Stow these possessions in your carry-on bag, then put them on once you clear security. And here's an incredibly useful tip: Stash potentially problematic items in zip-top plastic bags. Before you reach the checkpoint, dump everything-keys, jewelry, pens, handheld computers, cell phones, loose change-into a bag and place it in an exterior pocket of your carry-on. When you escape the clutches of the T.S.A., fish out the zip-top bag and return everything to your person.

The other area of concern about on-the-road dressing is the matter of packing enough clothes to get through a business trip. Or, more specifically, getting through a business trip stylishly.

Here's the secret to a limited wardrobe: Also limit your color palette. Everything you take should work together. The fewer colors you choose, the more flexibility you have to mix and match outfits. The more you can mix and match, the further you can stylishly stretch your business-travel attire. Personally, I am Mr. Monochromatic on the road. If it isn't black, blue, white, or gray, I don't pack it. That's a rather severe approach, but you get the point.

Make your wardrobe last longer and be more versatile by following the fashion mantra "accessorize, accessorize, accessorize." Women have much more choice in this area than men do, of course, but even guys can create the illusion of wearing a new outfit just by swapping out ties and pocket squares. One warning about accessories, though: They, too, must be multifunctional. Toting a pair of shoes or boots or a piece of jewelry that can be worn with only one outfit defeats the purpose.

If you have to choose, taking too little is better than taking too much on the road. Travelers forget that their trip attire is not restricted to what is packed in their suitcases. In dire circumstances, you can hit a local shop for an additional garment or accessory. Your hotel's concierge probably knows all the best stores, which ones are open late and, in a crisis situation, whom to call for a last-minute purchase. And don't forget that any good hotel can manage same-day laundry and dry cleaning. There's no reason to not recycle shirts, blouses, slacks, jackets, and undergarments on a longer trip. Lugging around dirty laundry is, needless to say, counterproductive.

One final note: If you're traversing regions with opposite climates on a business trip-say, attending a conference at a beach resort and then heading to a sales call in the snow belt-don't pack different sets of clothes. Use FedEx or U.P.S. to ship meteorologically appropriate attire directly to your final destination. And send your other outfits home when you no longer need them.

Travel Industry Leaders Say Thanksgiving Weekend Shows Government Can Improve Travel Experience

11/27/2007 2:12:27 PM

Travel industry leaders today said despite weather-related delays in some parts of the country, overall the Thanksgiving weekend showed that a comprehensive approach to improving the travel experience can work.

Roger Dow, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Travel Industry Association, said President Bush, the Transportation Safety Administration and the airlines, among others, all deserve credit for the role they played in helping making the holiday travel process run smoothly.

He emphasized that steps similar to those taken to reduce delays and increase efficiency during the past week need to be made on a permanent basis.

“An efficient and secure air travel process is critical to the success of our nation’s businesses, hotels, restaurants, attractions and other members of the travel community,” Dow said. “We can use this example to put in place systems and processes that give confidence to travelers that they will arrive safely and on-time to their destination with a minimum of hassle.”

Added Jonathan Tisch, Chairman of the Travel Business Roundtable and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Loews Hotels: “Our federal government demonstrated its ability to create efficiencies in our nation’s airways. The free flow of travel is vital to America’s economy, and we encourage President Bush to focus on this issue during the duration of his administration.”

The Travel Industry Association and Travel Business Roundtable recently announced their intention to combine forces, largely because of rising concerns over the domestic travel process.

Prior to the start of the holiday season, President Bush announced that the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Defense, among other government entities, would take steps to help reduce air traffic congestion and delays at airports over the Thanksgiving travel period.

The Travel Industry Association, National Tour Association and Travel Business Roundtable last week released results of surveys of likely primary voters in Florida and South Carolina which showed that travel is important to voters.

Those surveyed overwhelmingly feel government can do far more to improve the air travel experience, and that presidential candidates have not adequately addressed important travel-related issues thus far during the campaign. Between one-third and one-half said they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who does. For more information, click here.

The Travel Industry Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $740 billion travel industry. TIA's mission is to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States. TIA is proud to be a partner in travel with American Express. For more information, visit www.tia.org.

The Travel Business Roundtable (TBR), a strategic partner to the Travel Industry Association, is a CEO-based organization representing all sectors of the travel and tourism industry. TBR’s mission is to educate public officials and policymakers about the important social and economic contributions of the travel and tourism industry. For more information, visit www.tbr.org.

The Gift of Travel: The Perfect Solution for the Couple That Has Everything

Excellence Resorts eases holiday gift anxiety with convenient romantic travel packages MEXICO and DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- It's no secretthat holiday shopping is a stressful task -- especially when you'researching for the perfect gift for the couple that has just abouteverything. With today's frenetic pace of life, sometimes the best gift isan opportunity to slow down and get away. The gift of travel, especially to a luxury all-inclusive property likeExcellence Resorts, is the gift that all can appreciate. Excellence Resortsfeatures numerous romantic travel packages that are a convenient and uniquealternative to more traditional gifts, and that are perfect for the couplethat has it all. Excellence Resorts' adults-only five-star properties harmonize luxuryand convenience for vacationers, with amenities like exquisite diverseaccommodations, enticing gourmet cuisine, world-class spas and meticulousservice. Each resort features the ideal romantic ambiance, with lavishguest suites like two-story rooftop terraces equipped with expansiveHydroSpa pools and a private second story room service entrance; and suitesallowing guests to literally swim-up to their private verandas that areoutfitted with hammocks fit for an afternoon siesta. In addition, thesignature Miile Spa at Excellence Resorts properties provides guests withthe most sophisticated beauty techniques and offers exclusive facilities toencourage retreat and rebirth; helping to ease the unavoidable holidaystress. "Whether it's a gift for a holiday, birthday, anniversary, wedding,honeymoon or 'just because,' our romance packages include unique elementsto create an exclusive and luxurious getaway that satisfies the tastes ofany guest," said Ignacio Fernandez, vice president of sales and marketing."We understand that people are faced with a lot of stress given today'shectic society. And our easy-to-book romance packages are the perfectsolution to ease that anxiety -- whether it springs from gift-giving or theneed to get away." Whether rekindling a romance, getting married or celebrating ananniversary or honeymoon, Excellence Resorts offers romance packages thatsuit the occasion. Onsite wedding specialists and staff personallycoordinate wedding and romance celebrations customized to the desires ofthe couple and their budget. Excellence Resorts offers three deluxe weddingpackages as well as two luxurious honeymoon and anniversary packages.Packages range in price and amenities, and can be easily booked by visitinghttp://www.excellence-resorts.com .

Surge Of Middle Eastern Visitors Boosts Business For Malaysian Travel Agencies

The number of tourists visiting Malaysia in 2007 is rapidly growing, particularly high-end visitors from Middle Eastern countries, and business is brisk for local travel companies.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (PRWEB) November 22, 2007 -- Malaysia's tourism sector continues expand with visitors from the Middle East thronging to the Muslim-majority country, ensuring travel companies such as http://www.malaysia-hotelresorts.com a steady flow of high-end clients.
According to Malaysia Tourism, the growing popularity of Malaysia as a holiday destination for Middle Eastern tourists is likely to lure as many as 300,000 visitors from the Gulf region in 2007.
"We are looking for 300,000 Arab tourists, and the number of visitors from the Gulf has risen phenomenally over the last few years," says Tuan Razali Tuan Omar, Malaysia Tourism's director for the Middle East and Iran.
About 190,000 tourists visited the predominantly Islamic nation from the Middle East in 2006. Saudi Arabia was the most prolific regional market for Malaysia, followed by the United Arab Emirates.
Local travel agents have benefited from the surge in Middle Eastern visitors - and the comprehensive online booking agency Malaysia Hotels-Resorts.com is one such company to reap the benefits.
Malaysia-HotelResorts.com offers dozens of accommodations from around the country that can be quickly found and booked via the World Wide Web based on instant verification and confirmation.
The increased trend of Middle Eastern tourists reflects an overall surge in international visitors. Malaysia Tourism estimates 20 million travelers will bring in US$12 billion in revenue in 2007. That figure is up from US$8.72 billion in 2005.
Many reasons account for the rapidly growing number of Middle Eastern tourists, including the fact that Muslim visitors do not require visas to travel to Malaysia and can stay up to three months upon arrival.
Malaysia Tourism has also promoted Arabic-language announcements at key travel points, and pushed tourism outfits and retailers to hire Arab-speaking staff.
The affordability of travel in Malaysia has also lured visitors from the Gulf. The cost of living in the Southeast Asian nation is relatively inexpensive, and accommodation at four and five-star hotels on average is about US$150 per night.
Worldwide travel by Muslim tourists has grown significantly because of increasing wealth in their communities, and they now account for 10% of the global tourism market - one of the fastest-growing segments. The amount Muslim visitors spend is also 10% to 50% higher than the average leisure or business traveler.
Whether it is a five-star resort with the ultimate in comfort and service, or basic accommodations for those on a tight budget, http://www.Malaysia-HotelResorts.com's easy-to-navigate website lists the most respected hotels throughout the country.
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Other Releases by this Member
As Tourists Stream to Malaysia, Malaysia-HotelResorts.com Leads the Charge 2007-10-30
Upcoming Events and Festivals from Malaysia-HotelResorts.com 2007-09-14
Malaysia-HotelResorts.com Appoints Inetasia Solutions As Its Digital Marketing Partner 2007-08-16

Sino Express Travel Announces New Business Direction in the Development of Tourist Destinations in China and Acquires Southern Silver Resort & Beach

November 26, 2007 06:00 AM Eastern Time

HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sino Express Travel Limited (OTC:SXPT) announced that it has commenced a new business direction in the investment and development of tourist spots and travel destinations in China. At US$96 billion in 2005 revenues, China’s tourism business is expected to grow at 8.7% per year in the coming 10 years according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. There is a high demand for new local tourist destinations, driven by the booming Chinese domestic tourism. Sino’s management believes Sino’s shareholders would see the advantages of the change in business direction, which creates better opportunities in a growing sector and increases valuations from properties.
Sino recently acquired 100% interest in Southern Silver Resort & Beach (“Southern Silver”), a resort hotel located at the southern coast of Guangdong, China. The transaction is settled by the issuance of SXPT restricted common shares, cash and other assets. Southern Silver, valued at over US$20 million by professional surveyor, consists of a resort hotel, an amusement park, private beach access, recreational facilities and a portion of undeveloped land; and it produces about US$500,000 net profit. Furthermore, the provincial government is developing and promoting a US$23 million maritime museum, Nanhai No. 1 Museum, near Southern Silver. It is expected that the city planning expansion and infrastructure development would greatly benefit Sino’s new acquisition. Sino’s expansion plans include developing the undeveloped land in Southern Silver to meet market demand, and continuing to search for more attractive acquisitions.
About Southern Silver Resort & Beach
Southern Silver is a beach resort located in Silver Beach, Yangjiang city, Hailing Island of Guangdong province, China. The 7.4-km-long Silver Beach has been listed the world’s longest beach in the Guinness Book of World Records (Shanghai Branch). The resort is about 50,900 square meters and it features a private 21,900 square meter beach, 1 km of coastline, and stunning ocean and scenic views. Southern Silver is also located next to the Nanhai No. 1 Museum, better known as “China’s Marine Silk Road Museum” which is designed to display more than 80,000 historical maritime relics from submerged vessels in the South China Sea.
About Sino Express Travel Limited
Sino Express Travel Limited (www.sinoexpresstravel.com) is an investor and developer of scenic spots and tourist destinations in China. Sino intends to grow its business by acquiring and operating a diversified portfolio of resort hotels and tourist attractions. It plans to search for good value targets at suitable locations in China with high potential for further development in the areas of scenic, cultural and historical extensions.
Forward looking statement
Certain information contained in these materials is “forward-looking” information, such as projections, estimates, pro formas, or statements of intentions, expectations or plans. All forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of the control of the company. Consequently, actual results may, and probably will, differ materially from the results contemplated in such forward-looking information.

Don't Worry, Go Traveling

What card should you never leave home without? It's not the one you think. It's the new Triple-A card-Attitude, Awareness and Attention tips, offered by authors Sheila Swan & Peter Laufer in their new book Safety & Security for Women Who Travel. Wherever you go, whatever you do, whoever you're with, no matter how far you stray from home, carry this card to remind you to stay alert in your surroundings. Trust your intuition and instincts. Swan and Laufer, world travelers, help lay to rest fears as well as provide guidance for women to travel confidently anywhere in the world. Safety & Security for Women Who Travel offers specific and tested tactics and techniques to help women travel safely and securely. This book covers the basics and so much more. Find practical information on what to do: Before you leave: pack a destination-specific medicine cabinet En route: remember the buddy system, find a companion on the plane or at the train station Driving: lock your doors when you get in the car as well as when you get out of the car Lodging: conceal your gender by registering at hotels with your last name and first initial only Also find details about more complicated issues, such as: Money and scams: guard your PIN carefully as phone card thieves use binoculars Dealing with officials: do not carry things that can be interpreted as illegal or threatening When a threat is real: noise is effective; practice screaming before you leave home In all aspects of travel there is an element of risk which can be reduced with attention, attitude and awareness. Safety & Security for Women Who Travel contains memorable anecdotes as well as tips and wisdom. It will empower the most timid and most seasoned woman traveler. About the AuthorSheila Swan Laufer has been traveling the world for fun and business since the 1960's. From camping in Latin America to luxury resorts in the Old World, from long-distance buses across the American South to first-class airliner seats five miles high, from quaint pensions on the Iberian Peninsula to five-star hotels in Oceana, she has experienced the extremes travel offers-taking notes all along the way. Peter Laufer is an award-winning journalist whose career has taken him to many of the world's most dangerous destinations. While researching his book Nightmare Abroad, he traveled around the world, stopping in twenty-one countries, interviewing Americans locked up in foreign prisons. Another of his books, Iron Curtain Rising, recounts his journey through Eastern Europe during the revolutions of 19893990.Safety & Security for Women Who TravelEdited by Sheila Swan and Peter Laufer$12.95, 150 pagesISBN: 1-885211-29-5Publication Date: November 1998

International Adventure Travel Ideas

International adventure travel: Safaris, balloon tours, swimming with dolphins, bicycling down volcanos, trekking in the Himalayas, Walmart on Christmas Eve - the list is almost endless. This will not be a comprehensive listing of all the adventure opportunities out there. Instead, here is just enough to whet your appetite.

My Own International Adventure Travel

Long before hitchhiking across the country at sixteen-years-old, I had a taste for adventure. At fourteen, a friend and I bicycled 300 miles in a few days during one summer. At seventeen, I went international with my adventuring, hitchhiking from Michigan to half-way across Mexico. Over forty now, I no longer put out my thumb - not very often, anyhow - but I still love to travel.

More recently, my international adventure travel took me to Ecuador. While there I climbed to the furthest point from the center of the Earth. Everest is highest above sea level, but due to the Earth's bulge at the equator, the peak of Mount Chimborazo, at 20,600 feet, is farther from from the center of our planet. The top is all snow, ice, and glaciers.

My guide didn't speak English, and thought I was a mountaineer. I had once used an ice axe and crampons to go forty feet up a sledding hill, in Michigan. The rest of the story is on the website, but you can get information and a guide by talking to almost any hotel manager in Riobamba, Ecuador.

Go On A Jungle Book Safari

In southern Nepal, In the Royal Chitwan National Park, you can see tigers, leopards, rhinos, and sloth-bears. And where better to see them from than the back of a large elephant? The tours are lead by naturalists and park rangers. Stay in the comfortable Safari Lodge and take daily tours into the jungle.

Take A Mongolian Horseback Trek

Travel with one of the great nomadic and horse-based cultures of the world. The trips take you beyond tourist routes, and you can customize your trek to fit your schedule and budget. These tours are run from an office in Mongolia, and they provides experienced guides that are multi-lingual.

Go Rock Climbing In Rio

Want an outdoor adventure and city nightlife? Try a rock climbing tour in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. You'll find routes for all skill levels in the Sugar Loaf, Urca, Corcovado and Pedra da Gavea mountains. Tours include bilingual instructors, equipment rentals, and transportation, and start at under $100 per person.

Swim With Dolphins In The Croatian Sea

Escape from the cold this winter, to the Cres-Lo�inj group of islands, which is known for it's mild climate. Mali Lo�inj on the island of Lo�inj is known for its health resort, but recently, the area is becoming famous for the bottle-nosed dolphins that have made their homes in the clear and clean waters of the Cres-Lo�inj group of islands. Mingle with them by boat or in your swimsuit.

Climb Mount Kinabalu

Mt. Kinabalu (4101m) is the king of the Borneo sub-continent. It rises 3000 feet higher than other mountains in the area; far above the jungle. It attracts international climbers of all skill levels, who scramble, climb and trek in its unique jungle-alpine enviroment. Kinabalu is in a world heritage site that boasts a wide variety of plants and animals. Experienced guides will take you trekking, or take you to the top.

About The Author

Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. For more on international adventure, and to read their stories, tips and travel information, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com.

Air Travel around the world and let your cares fall by the w

Air Travel and vacations, to get on a plane and go somewhere, can be one of life's most rewarding experiences. It's so exciting to contemplate an exotic or relaxing destination, for no other reason than to just get away. Half the fun of air travel and vacations, or any trip for that matter, is the anticipation of waiting for the day of departure to arrive.

You know how it is; you're busy with your work and career, deadlines, meetings etc. One afternoon you look over at the calendar and realize that in only 6 weeks, a mere 42 days, you'll be taking off for 10 days of fun, sun and excitement. You get a good, warm feeling knowing that your air travel vacation is just around the corner. Sometimes just knowing that your going on a vacation is all it takes to brighten your day.

Find the best air travel deals on the internet for your next vacation.

Because of the power of the internet, it is now possible to find wonderful air travel bargains and vacations right from your own home. It doesn't matter if you're looking for cruises, cheap airline tickets or Las Vegas vacations, you'll find them all on the internet.

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.a1-travel-4u.com/productpage/cheapcruises.html

Space Travel Agency Sues Struggling Rocketplane

By John Borland September 11, 2007

It's been a terrible week for commercial space hopeful Rocketplane Kistler. Yesterday came news that NASA had canceled its $207 million contract with the company, and now the Chicago Tribune reports that the firm is being sued to the tune of $3.4 million by its space tour-agency partner.
Rocketplane is one of a handful of small companies hoping to develop a commercial space program, working closely with NASA while also offering services to the private sector. But the last few months have proved hard.
Its highest-profile project was aimed at developing a spacegoing cargo transport vehicle that could bring people and equipment to the International Space Station. The Oklahoma City-based Rocketplane had planned to raise $500 million on its own by August, supplementing NASA's funds. But that money apparently hasn't materialized, leading NASA to cancel its contract.
According to a lawsuit filed by partners Abercrombie & Kent (which bills itself as "original luxury travel company"), financial and development woes run even deeper. The travel agency has been marketing and reserving flights on Rocketplane's other project, a sub-orbital vehicle aimed at would-be space tourists. As reported in the Tribune, the lawsuit alleges that Rocketplane has abandoned that project altogether in favor of the NASA program, and is laying off employees.
In its original guise, the three-passenger XP plane was to offer near-weightlessness and a trip to an altitude of 63 miles, with a price tag of $300,000. A number of tourists had already made down payments, and Microsoft had agreed to send the winner of a Vista-related contest on one flight. Rocketplane reportedly says it's still working on the vehicle, with technical refinements in the works, and a delayed launch date of 2010.
Whatever the truth, the two companies are clearly feuding – and with money evidently scarce in Rocketplane's coffers, the legal fees alone don't bode well for the planned trips to space. From the Trib:
(Rocketplane spokesman George) French said the company, which now hopes to have its first commercial flight in 2010, would unveil more advanced engineering details about the XP this fall. He believed there had been a dispute with Abercrombie & Kent over finances and that the Oak Brook company is now "trying to weasel out of the contract."
An Abercrombie & Kent spokeswoman laughed but would not comment further when told a Rocketplane official said the company is pushing ahead with the XP.
In other commercial spaceflight news, another U.S. hopeful, dubbed Space Adventures, told the Associated Press today that it's still short of funding to build a planned $115 million spaceport facility in Singapore:
"It's not a done deal. We have a plan, we don't have financing, there's not enough local support," said Eric Anderson, president and chief executive of Virginia-based Space Adventures Ltd., on the sidelines of a business conference in Singapore.

Top 10 Travelers Tips for a Happy Family

As an international speaker and consultant, I cover the world from Sydney to Dubai . Here are 10 secrets that have made the difference for me and my family.
Send postcards from everywhere. It makes younger children look forward to your next trip and reminds your spouse that you are thinking of him or her.
Use your frequent flier miles for the family. My family knows that long trips mean many miles to apply to great summer vacations. This helps them see the positive side of my time away.
Be home when you are home. When I had a non-traveling job, I would leave for the office at 6am and return at 11pm . The funny thing is that I called that 'being home'. When I started traveling, I knew a change was needed. I scheduled breakfast with each of my two children each week at our favorite bagel shop. It was great one-on-one time and ensured that they did not get lost in the post-trip paperwork. I actually spend more high-value time with the family now than I did before.
Don't whine! Your family doesn't want to hear about your delayed flights and bad hotels and you don't need to rerun it in your mind. Tell them about the good stuff and you'll all feel better about it, too.
Marry the right person. Gina and I have been married for over 25 years and her friends think she's nuts for 'letting me do all that travel'. Fortunately, Gina is an independent type who enjoys her time alone and takes advantage of my time away.
Bring a little home with you. I have my favorite picture of the family on the background in my laptop. Every time I turn it on, they are there.
Have your children's teacher's email addresses. When there are problems at school, I can keep in touch with the teacher from anywhere with email. The teachers love it and I know my children feel my presence (even when they wish I would disappear).
Keep available. I give the kids my cell phone number so they can call me anytime, anywhere. My daughter once called me in Europe to get directions to a restaurant in Boston . It was great to hear from her!
Help out when you are home. Gina knows that she can count on me to do doctor and dentist runs when I am home. I assume this role and others so that she doesn't feel like a single parent when I am on the road.
Plan some family fun time. When I am home I feel an obligation to encourage fun family time. Whether it's dinner out, a trip to the mall or a movie, we have fun together. You can plan this while you are traveling and give them something to look forward to.
For a free copy of "10 Ways to Motivate Your Sales Team", please email article21@waterhousegroup.com and ask for article #21.
Stephen Waterhouse is Principal and Founder of Waterhouse Group. They specialize in helping companies increase their sales and profits. He can be reached at 1-800-57-LEARN or steve@waterhousegroup.com.
Re-Print PermissionThis article may be reprinted in it's entirety if the following conditions are met:
The complete tag with the author's name and contact information is included immediately after the article. A copy of the printed article is mailed to the author at 1467 Walnut Creek Drive, Orange Park, FL 32003 within 30 days of publication. The article is presented in a positive light as part of an appropriate business related publication.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stephen Waterhouse is Principal and Founder of Waterhouse Group. They specialize in helping companies increase their sales and profits.

Travel to Romantic Asian Locations

Asia is one the more visually stunning areas in the world. If you are looking for romance, here are some top-notch destinations. Asia is hot and sticky, much like romance. More importantly, it tends to be fairly cheap due to a currency disaster in the late 1990s. Although luxury resorts can be very pricey, you can find a romantic location for just about any budget. If cost is of no concern, the Banyan Tree Resorts should definitely be on the top of your list. With resorts in Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, Maldives and Seychelles, the Banyan Tree resorts are the lap of romantic luxury. Each resort is a bit different and prices vary wildly depending on location since the currency in Japan is much stronger than the Thai currency. Cheju Island off of Korea is a little known, but spectacular romantic destination. Cheju is very similar in appearance to the Hawaiian Islands, complete with a dead volcano. Spring is by far the best time to visit Cheju, but keep in mind Korean honeymooners are in plentiful supply. As to budget, you can get rooms at luxury resorts or camp on the Island. Every level of comfort between these extremes is also available. China is a huge country with a lot to see. If you're looking for a rustic, romantic travel destination in China, the place to go is Suzhou. Imagine Venice, Italy being plopped down in China and you have Suzhou. The city is rife with canals and roughly fifty percent of it is underwater. Once considered the capital of the Silk Road out of China, the city is over 25,000 years old. Perched on the edge of a lake, it is simply spectacular and undoubtedly one of the most romantic areas in Asia. If all else fails, you can never go wrong with Bora Bora in Tahiti. Comprised of volcanic mounts much like Hawaii, Bora Bora is known as the romantic island of Tahiti. The name is appropriate. The island is all about pristine white beaches, crystal clear water and friendly people. One can hike up the old volcano to get an incredible view in the morning and head out to the reefs for a little diving in the afternoon. Lodging can be a bit pricey on Bora Bora, but it is definitely worth it. You can't go wrong with any of the above destinations if your looking for romance in asia.

Planning on Doing Some International Travel Over the Holiday

[shudder]. No really, a little EQ - managing the attitude, and using the ole noggin' can make it almost pleasant!1. Pack your patience and your Emotional Intelligence.Turn down the emotions, turn up the forethought. Example - research your destination on the Internet prior for websites where individuals (not paid interests) can tell you what you can ^anticipate^.2. Pre-arrange everything you possibly can ? air, hotel, car, restaurant, attractions, plays.3. Make copies of your passport, traveler?s checques, credit cards, itinerary, and airline tickets. Carry one copy with you and leave one copy with your designated emergency-contact.4. Carry with you the address and phone number of your country?s embassy (consulate) for each country you?ll visit.5. Take any regular medication in your hand luggage and be sure you have more than enough for your trip. (Remember needles and scissors can?t be in hand luggage.)6. Check the US State Dept. advisories, www.travelstate.gov, before your go for immunizations, hazards and other pertinent information; the Overseas Security Advisory Council, www.ds-osac.org, and the Transportation Security Administration site, www.tsatraveltips.us.7. You'll know you'll be waiting, so use your EQ and figure out how to make it A Good Thing.? Use e-ticket and online checkin when you can.? Bring along that book you?ve been meaning to read? Bring a pre-paid phone call and catch up with buddies? Bring a neck pillow and plan to catch up on your rest? Dress appropriately for sitting or lying around an airport for a long time ? loose clothing that can be abused8. Use your neocortex when you pack, not your brain-stem. (You KNOW the rules, abide by them! Exorcize from the brain-stem another time, another place.)? Pack carry-ons lightly so they can be checked more easily? Check the checked baggage allowance and be sure your name and contact details are on the outside of each bag? Avoid packing anything that looks like a weapon (guide ? anything you wouldn?t give a toddler free access to ? nail file, letter opener, knitting needle, and the more obvious hand grenades)? When traveling to and from North America, TSA recommends not locking checked baggage? Check here www.tsa.dot.gov for common items which become hazardous in flight due to temperature changes and pressure, and don?t pack them.9. Be sure you have a valid passport and any required Visas and be prepared to show them at any point along the way.10. Know the rules of security checkpoints and abide by them.? Only ticketed passengers can proceed beyond it? All electronic items will be screened ? laptops and cells. Remove laptop from travel case.? Keep ticket and boarding pass and ID within easy reach ? like on neck chain? Wear shoes easy to remove and as little jewelry as possibleP.S. Here's a tip from a seasoned traveler. You KNOW you're going to be buying things, and possibly taking home gifts, so pack some clothes that are ready for Goodwill and that you can deposit in another country's "Goodwill" to leave space in your bags for the return trip.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR ?Susan Dunn, MA, cEQc, The EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc, sdunn@susandunn.cc . Would you like to be an EQ coach? We offer training and certification, long distance, no residency requirement. Rigorous programme plus products available for licensing that will prepare you to launch your practice in this fast-growing new field. http://www.eqcoach.net .Email us for FREE eZine, mor info.

Work/Life Balance Tips for the Business Traveler

Balance and the business traveler has everything to do with staying "connected". As I indicate in my book, Work for a Living & Still Be Free to Live, we achieve a fluctuating balance by how we CHOOSE to stay connected with the critical areas of our life. Business travel can take a heavy emotional, physical and mental toll.Let me suggest some ways to stay connected with these areas while "on the road":Emotional -- staying connected with your home base and significant people. If you have children, depending upon their ages, consider the following: Take your child with you in your imagination. Ask them if they would select a SMALL toy of theirs that you could carry with you and so stay connected with them. Tape-record a favorite story or a good night ritual that can be played before the child goes to sleep. With the child, track your travels on a map and together talk about some of the places or things of interest about your destination (lobsters in Maine; skyscrapers in NY, the lions at the Chicago Art Museum.) As an added bonus, you will have a new appreciation for the place where you'll be.Send post cards home to each member of the family (Make up labels in advance and buy stamps. You only need to write one personal line. Doesn't matter that you'll get home before the postal. You thought of them.- Leave love notes for your partner (under the pillow/ with the toothpaste/ on the bathroom mirror)- My husband leaves a message with the hotel operator to deliver "Bill loves you most!" Operators really get a kick out of delivering this message- Have a different e-mail address for family members and send home messages- Take a blank book and fill it with favorite pictures of home, family, friends, pet. Always take the book with you on your travels. (I do!)- If possible, make separate calls to your spouse and your children. That way, no one has to share "air time".Physical -- staying connected with your body-- Be THERE. Don't keep two watch times. You'll be tempted to say "But I can't go to sleep now--it's only 7pm in CA. or :I can't get up at 6:00--it's only 3AM in CA.)-- Plan time (it won't just appear) for exercise of any kind. Bring shoes for running or walking. Bring exercise rubber bands for muscle tone. (Take up no room) Use stairs rather than elevator where possible--Bring any item which can easily make you "feel at home" This can be anything from a pillow case, a teddy bear, a small picture.--If it's your style, bring herbal scents for the room; bath salts; One friend carries a device for drowning out sound. She turns it on and selects anything from ocean sounds to raindrops...--Try a portable vaporizer. Clears sinuses and puts moisture back into the face.-- Bring saline solution nasal spray for the airlines. Also, a small atomizer of water (some kinds are mixed with aloe). Body tissues become very dehydrated on flights.--Drink more water than you ever thought possible.-- Always ask for a room away from the elevator and the ice machine-- Unless you have great stamina, avoid red eye flights. Much better to come in rested to do work than stumble your way through a meeting.-- Find luggage that works for you. Weight, size, length of shoulder strap. --Lighten the load: if an extended trip, ship home materials or clothes you won't need. Bring a pre-addressed packing slip. Concierge can help. Whenever possible, check your baggage. Carry only with you the necessities for work and personal hygiene and health. Wear clothes that could suit for your meeting should luggage not make it. There's far too much carry-on these days. MENTAL -- staying connected with your psyche.-- Self-talk is powerful when traveling. Why become angry and upset at weather delays (over which no one can do anything)? Mechanical problems are a fact of life. If at all possible, never book yourself on the last flight to your destination. Always have a later flight. And if you can't make it, consider that you have been given a gift of time. -- Use time in flight to get caught up on journals, periodicals, etc. For me, a successful trip is when my briefcase gets lighter and the pocket of the seat in front gets heavier.--See your destination with new eyes. Consider that you are an explorer. Try something new: a restaurant, a neighborhood, a museum, even the note the difference of people. Keep a small journal and write observations. This also lets you bring home "more than work" to share with the home front.-- Start the day quiet. Meditate. Deep breathe. Allow enough time to get ready before you leave the hotel.Lastly, expect the unexpected and let go of the outcome. Do what you can for contingencies. Bring a cell phone, essential numbers and don't book the last flight out. Then relax into the uncertainty of travel. Stress comes from trying to control the uncontrollable. Let it go.? 2000 by Eileen McDargh. All rights reserved. Reprints must include byline, contact information and copyright.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Eileen McDargh, CSP, CPAE, is an international speaker, author and seminar leader. Her book ?Work for A Living and Still Be Free to Live? is also the title of one of her most popular and upbeat programs on Work/Life Balance. For more information on Eileen and her presentations, please call 949-496-8640 or visit her web site at http://www.eileenmcdargh.com.