Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours has expanded its roster of cruise and land-based tours to Egypt and Jordan for the 2020-2021 season and have also added escorted tours to Israel and Oman.

Guests booking by December 31, 2019 have several options: free premium air on itineraries of 20 days and longer; free economy air for trips of 10-19 days; and $405 per person air credit for tours less than 10 days. Paying in full by Dec. 31 fares on 11 day and longer trips by $300 per person and $150 for eight-10 days…

Throughout life, maintaining productivity has been a problem for me—hey look a squirrel. From daydreaming in math class to effectively running my business, I find that distractions are king and I need to slap myself and get re-focused. Recently, I was at a Rotary meeting and our speaker was talking about time management, so I perked up and listened for a change. After the meeting I met with a few other attendees and Monday morning quarterbacked it. And here are our key takeaways.

Conduct a Time Audit

Figure out where you spend your time. Keep a pad on your desk (or use an app) and really track your time for a week—bathroom breaks, lunch, invoicing, marketing, sales, problems, meetings, training,…

Like most technology geeks with a marketing background, I am fascinated by the likes of Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.  I get the social media stuff; I believe in it and I think there is a place in almost every travel agency's marketing plan for these online tools.  However, I also believe the marketing that really counts is rooted in the local, physical community of each travel professional.  My concern is far too many agents hide behind their computer screens when they should be out speaking locally, writing articles, developing word of mouth tactics, and practicing public relations instead.  I know, I sound like a parent fussing at the kids to get away from the computer and get outside and play.

Actually, I suppose that is exactly what…

When the Rolling Stones sang “Time Is On Your Side,” they were not talking to you or me. When Simon & Garfunkel suggested that we “kick on down the cobblestones while feeling groovy.” they obviously were not aware of the 24/7 thing soon to be coming into vogue.

If nothing else, I believe I piqued your interest in where I am going with this one.

I am certain that you can all benefit from today's message.…