YTB Introduces ZamZuu

(More Up to date Information on ZamZuu can be  found  on my ZamZuu  blog here)

YTB is taking

E-commerce to the max with its new product ZamZuu.
This holiday season we have seen the success of online shopping. Cyber-Monday has become as popular as Black Friday for the Holiday shoppers.
We have been having great success with the the ShopYTB. I completed all my Christmas Shopping, stayed within budget and out of the Brick and mortar stores by shopping via my online ShopYTB o site. Now it is becoming bigger and better. I have
Great Stores like Macys, Home Depot, Walmart, Kohls, and 700 more stores can be found at ShopYTB.
When I realized that I had a significant balance left on my Flexible Spending Account near the end of 2009, I spent a significant amount at Drugstore.com an FSA approved store.
I can also say I was more than happy when I received my cashback checks in the mail. The timing was perfect, and helped pay some unexpected bills that came in.
I am looking forward to ZamZuu with the new enhancements and ways to save and make more money with the cash backs and the discounts. ZamZuu is an all-in-one E-Commerce Business Solution.A premium Nutritional store, Body Slimwear by Ghiada, Diamond Ice, Financial and Insurance company, Jewelery store are some of the featured new stores along with 700 other stores.
ZamZuu promises to exceed the expectations of ShopYTB and I am looking forward to it.
Check out the ShopYTB now ZamZuu site.
Stay tuned for more info to come. The new ZamZuu will launch on Friday, January 15, 2010.
Like what you see you can make more money off of the ZamZuu site by making it your own home based business. Have your own E-commerce business solution. Purchase your site for $249.99. Find out more here.
I will always be a Travel consultant, but its real nice to earn a little extra money on the side.

Bus Trip from the Bronx to Lancaster, PA

I had forgotten how fun a bus trip for a group could be until I was on one over the Thanksgiving weekend. I was able to organize a 2 day bus trip to Lancaster Pennsylvania for a Bronx church.
Yes YTB Travel is very much alive and well in the Bronx!

I have the advantage of having some wonderful vendors. American Destinations Inc helped us build an exciting itinerary! The trip begain 7:30 AM on Black Friday when our bus arrived with the world’s friendliest bus driver ever. Boarding our Spacious motorcoach equipped with DVR and TVs, we watched a movie, did some laughing and even had some raffles.

After rest stop to stretch our legs we arrived at our location around 12 noon. Was Tanger Outlets and Rockvale Outlets ready for this Bronx group of savvy shoppers? Well I can say that we came, we saw and we conquered! After a day of Outlet shopping we were ready to check into our Hotel at the Hampton Inn Lancaster. Our tired and hungry group walked in the lobby with their arms brimming with their sales bounty of the day. We were greeted by the Hampton Inn staff with a welcome basket of goodies and piping hot coffee, tea and hot chocolate. I quickly remembered why Hampton Inn is one of my favorite hotel chains.

We checked in our rooms, freshened up and was ready for dinner at Good n Plenty Family Style Restaurant. The temperature had dropped and it got pretty cold but we were greeted by the warm hearts and hospitality of the Restaurant staff. One thing that intrigued me was the artwork on the walls. It was 3D wood carving/paintings. I have never seen anything like that! We had some home cooked style fried chicken, ham and a spread like you have never seen. I had Shew fly pie for the first time ever! After dinner it was back on the bus to the hotel in our comfortable beds to get some rest for the exciting day ahead of us.

One thing I like about Hampton Inn chain is their hot breakfasts! Well they did not disappoint at all! There was something for everyone and then some! We checked out at 9:30 AM and boarded our bus well fed and rested to head off to the Farmer’s Market. I had forgotten about this Farmer’s Market. Soon as I waled in the door., I was greeted with the familiar aroma of fresh meat, vegetables, pastries, breads, pies and more. Then I remembered, I use to come here with the church of my youth! The Farmer’s Market is an experience that you cannot describe but your senses just explain it all.

Next on our itinerary was a trip to Kitchen Kettle Village. This is an knick knack lovers village. There is something for everyone there. Performing there was an acapella choir singing hymns. They sounded like angels. Some of us just sat and enjoyed the free concert while others got more shopping.

Well, it was time for lunch, and it was at the Millers Smorgasbord. The best way to describe this restaurant is a Delectable food overdose! Everything there was good! An all you can eat buffet from Soup to nuts to desert!

After lunch we were back on the bus to our way to the climax of the trip. That was to t he Sight and Sound Millenium theatre to see “the Miracle of Christmas”. I am from New York, and I can tell you that Radio City Music Hall with its Christmas productions have nothing on the presentation we saw. It was jaw dropping to see Angels descending from the ceiling against a backdrop of a starry sky. The audience sat in the midst of a panoramic stage that surrounded us by 2 stages on the sides as well as in front, depicting a Bethlehem village of that time. The show stopper was seeing the live animals on the stage and coming down the aisles putting the audience right in the midst of the story. The Christmas story truly came alive. Afterwards we met and took a picture in front of the 30 foot Angel tree in the Theatre’s huge lobby! The grounds of the Sight and Sound are absolutely enchanting.

We boarded our motorcoach on our way back to Bronx,New York with memories that we will always cherish. A bus trip is a great way for a church, non-profit or any type of group to bond and fellowship together. Laughter could be heard throughout the bus. While I was dozing off in my seat and the movie playing in the DVR was watching me, I felt a tap on my shoulder and someone asking me “Ok when do we start planning the next trip”. That makes a Travel consultant very happy!

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Gail is a YTB Travel Consultant located in Bronx, New York and is available to book Group trips for churches, religious organizations, Non-profits and families such.
Fill out the form on this page or email WLKRG5@GMAIL.COM OR CALL 917-476-7305
(Please no calls from solicitors, Thanks)
www.GailsDreamVacations.com
YTB Bronx

Traveling Safely With Diabetes

Traveling Safely With Diabetes

Many of my clients have health issues that often pose challenges to enjoying their vacations. I often find myself providing health coaching to them, which is I am more than happy to do. Today I received a newsletter from John Hopkins Health alert that addressed Traveling Safely with Diabetes, that makes some great points.

So here is the Health Alert in its entirety from John Hopkins.

Having diabetes shouldn't get in the way if you want to see Paris, take a cruise, or simply spend time with your grandchildren in another state. Here’s practical advice to help you travel safely with diabetes.

First Stop: Your Doctor's Office: Schedule a visit with your physician some weeks before taking an extended trip. Be sure your regular vaccinations are up-to-date, and check on what medications or vaccinations are recommended before visiting certain parts of the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has the latest information on vaccination and medication recommendations; visit wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. (The American Diabetes Association [www.diabetes.org/home.jsp] and the National Diabetes Education Program [www.ndep.nih.gov/] also have good information on traveling.) In addition:

*Get a signed letter from your doctor stating that you have diabetes and listing the medical supplies you require, such as insulin, syringes, pumps, or lancets. Carry this letter with you when you travel.

*If you don't already have a bracelet, necklace, or some other form of identification showing that you have diabetes, now is a good time to get one.
Be sure you have more than enough diabetes medication in case of an emergency.

*Ask your doctor how your travel plans will affect your diabetes medication requirements. With most pills, it is reasonable to gradually change the time you take them if you cross many time zones. If you take only one shot of long-acting insulin a day, you will have to gradually change the timing of that shot -- for instance, increasing the time between shots by three to six hours every 24 hours. Most people are on long-acting and short-acting insulin. Our recommendation is to test frequently and take the short-acting insulin before every meal, whatever time that may be, with adjustments made in the dose if your blood glucose is higher or lower than usual.

*If you are traveling to a country where English is not widely spoken, learn how to say, "I have diabetes" and "Please get me to a hospital" in the native language of each country you plan to visit.

*If you do need medical treatment while abroad, it's best to know ahead of time how to get it. One good source is the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT) website, www.iamat.org, which features a directory of qualified, English-speaking physicians around the world.

Pack Right. If you are flying, your diabetes supplies should be in your carry-on bag. Here are diabetes essentials to pack:

Insulin and oral diabetes medication. Take twice as much insulin and oral medication as you would normally need for the duration of your trip. Insulin stays good for about a month at room temperature, but extreme temperatures will damage insulin and may make it entirely inactive. Don’t keep insulin in a suitcase that will be stowed in the cargo compartment of a plane that may freeze, and don't leave it in the glove compartment or trunk if you're in a car that may overheat. Be sure that all insulin and injectors are in their original packaging with their brand labels. Keeping all of your insulin, syringes, and other tools for diabetes management in a separate pouch can make security screening easier.

*Syringes, lancets, and test strips. As with diabetes medications, double up on syringes, lancets, and blood glucose and urine ketone test strips, too. You can bring an unlimited number of unused syringes in your carry-on bag as long as they are accompanied by insulin or other medication that requires injection. Bring some extra batteries for your equipment, since you never know when you'll need them.

*Emergency medical kit. Include such items as glucagon to treat hypoglycemia (make sure one of your travel partners knows how to administer it), other prescription medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, a first-aid manual, anti-diarrheal medicine, insect repellent, sunscreen, and talcum powder (to keep your feet dry if you're doing lots of walking).

And finally … Bring a diabetes identification card or a medical alert necklace or bracelet (if you're not already wearing one). If your insurance policy covers emergencies abroad, bring necessary insurance paperwork. You have to plan what to carry with you at all times, too. Never leave the hotel without some source of sugar you can use if your glucose drops. Be careful to take your insulin, pills, and testing supplies with you every day in case there is a delay getting back to your home base.


It is possible to travel safely with diabetes.

Edited to add:11/1/09- Since I originally posted this blog, many people have asked about what to do when you cross time lines and you are a diabetic taking insulin. Many doctors advise that the traveler Stay with the original schedule. That would mean wearing a watch with alarms and keeping the watch timed to your Home Time zone. Others suggest gradually adjusting your insulin schedule to match your vacation time zone. In either case it takes alot of careful planning.
It is important for the traveler to discuss this important decision with their doctor and work together to come up with a solution.

If you were interested in this blog you may be interested in an older blog I wrote called MEDICAL TRAVEL TIPS

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Gail Walker aka "GailTravel is a Travel Consultant with her own online Travel site at
www.GailsDreamVacations.com. She specializes in Group travel, Bus trips, Family reunions, Cruises, Resorts, and Fundraisers for Non-profit organizations, including churches.
Contact Gail for a travel consultation or a Web tour. through this site, or 917-476-7305 or email
WLKRG5@gmail.com

Airlines Will add a "Holiday Surcharge" Happy Holidays :-/

Airline passengers just seem to not be able to catch a break! It seems that airlines will be adding a $10 "holiday surcharge" on this year! Gone are the competitive pricings of Holiday season 2008! It seems that American, United, Delta and US Airways added" $10 each way" surcharge for travel on three busy days around the Thanksgiving and New Year's holidays. Can some body say "Bah humbug" ?

It is thought that the airlines added the charge because it was a quick, and easy way to charge more on peak travel days. The Sunday after Thanksgiving November 29, is one of the busiest travel days of the year, while January 2 and 3 are popular with holiday travelers as well.

Apparently the airlines are losing money on the Business Travel. With the advent of Phone conference lines and webinars, companies are opting to use these tools for virtual meetings. Many companiies have been forced to cut down on their Conference budgets as well.

You can be sure that the prices will increase even more the closer we get to the holdays.
So how can we be frugal during this holiday season?
* Book your airfare now before the fares go up even more.
*Travel light. Take carry on luggage and avoid the luggage fees.
*if you are taking gifts for the family, consider shipping them via UPS, Fedex or Post office. You will end up saving tons of money.
* College students coming home for the winter break? Encourage them to ship their items ahead. Book their one way fares home NOW. They can book another one way ticket back to school late in January.The prices are sure to come down by then.

So there you have it! To all the holiday Travelers, safe travels and Happy Holidays! To the Airline Scrooge..... Bah Humbug to you too!

*************************************************************************************
Gail Walker aka "GailTravel is a Travel Consultant with her own online Travel site at
www.GailsDreamVacations.com. She specializes in Group travel, Bus trips, Family reunions, Cruises, Resorts, and Fundraisers for Non-profit organizations, including churches.
Contact Gail for a travel consultation or a Web tour. through this site, or 917-476-7305 or email
WLKRG5@gmail.com

Take Your Dream Vacation on the New State of the Art Carnival Dream

Your Dream Vacation on the New State of the Art, Carnival Dream

I got great news for anyone looking for that special Dream Vacation.
I was just informed this weekend that Carnival Cruise line took delivery of their new state of the Art ship named Carnival Dream.
Rather than write my own description I will just copy and paste whatI received in my correspondence from Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Dream represents a new class in the Carnival fleet! She combines a capacity to accommodate more than 3,600 guests with some brilliant new innovations, both inside and out. Our guest experience centers around creating fun, memorable moments in a social and friendly atmosphere. To that end, we’ve introduced two truly unique spaces – The Ocean Plaza, an indoor/outdoor café with live music; and The Lanai, an outdoor area featuring a wrap-around promenade and whirlpools suspended over the ship’s side!

We also offer several new accommodation categories, including the Deluxe Ocean View staterooms – two-bath, five-berth cabins (perfect for families) and Cove Balconies located closer to the water line.
The innovations extend beyond brand new features to include the creation of the largest Cloud 9 spa in the fleet and, of course, Carnival’s own WaterWorks, featuring the longest water slide at sea.
Because we know that fun isn’t just about the actual ship features, we’ve produced exciting new entertainment choices, including a comedy club and outdoor laser shows on Lido Deck.
Also new is the “Fun Hub,” an intranet guest portal and the first-of-its-kind shipboard social network that provides a variety of helpful information onboard and allows guests to interact and connect with each other online.

Monday morning (9/21) the Carnival Dream departs from Rome (Civitavecchia) for its inaugural 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruise, for the first of three voyages. The ship will then sail a trans-Atlantic crossing from Rome to New York followed by a special two-day cruise and two eight-day Caribbean voyages. Carnival Dream will then reposition to Port Canaveral for a special one-time nine-day voyage December 3 before launching year-round seven-day Caribbean service December 12, 2009


Take the Virtual Tour of the Carnival Dream Here.

Those living in the the New York Tri state area are in for a special treat. A Cruise to Nowhere on the Carnival Dream , November 13 - 14. Leaving from New York. This is absolutely perfect for that special birthday party, or anniversary party. How about a Pre-Thanksgiving Party , or girlfriend getaway? Ideas are limitless. Contact me and I will be happy to accommodate you.

PRICING FOR THE CRUISE TO NOWHERE - November 13-14, 2009 Leaving from New York City.
Inside Cabin- Starting from $389 pp
OceanView from $404 pp
Balcony $469 pp

Look for the Carnival Dream on www.GailsDreamVacations.com


Put your info in the form on the side --------------->
I will get in touch with you!
Happy Cruisn'

Help Me Help You to Plan Your Dream Vacation

There is nothing better to see than the smiles on a person’s face or hear the glee in the voice of someone who has just booked their dream vacation. That is why I love my Travel biz! But to help you plan, crucial information is needed.

Often I am left a message on my phone or voicemail saying “Gail can you tell me how much it cost to go to(you fill in the blank). Now I am more than happy to grant such a request however much more information is needed. So I will like to provide a blueprint for travel requests.

What type of vacation are you thinking of ? Would you want a cruise? A Resort? Adventure vacation? Spa Vacation? Would a 18 hole PGA Golf green and resort interest you? Or maybe its time for that long awaited family vacation.

Where do you wish to vacation to and where would you be leaving from? This greatly affects the bottom line. The time of the year and even the day of the week you leave on can affect your bottom line sometimes even in the hundreds.
How many people are going? Is this a romantic getaway for you and your spouse, or is it a Girlfriend Getaway. I always need to know how many adults and how many children with their ages.

What do you want to do on this vacation? Relax on a beach? Go kayaking? Go sight seeing? Take a cooking class? Research genealogy ? What is it you specifically want to do? What are you excited about seeing and doing?
Consider what type of hotel you would want to stay in. How many stars? 2,3,4 stars?

Would you prefer a large hotel near the main strip or a smaller quieter intimate hotel off the beaten path? Must it have a swimming pool? Would you prefer a hotel that includes breakfast?

What is a budget you would like to work with? Do you have a limit, or do we throw caution to the wind.? These are just some of the questions that as a Travel consultant I would need to be answered to help you plan your dream vacation.

Happy Travels!

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I am looking forward to helping you plan a fantastic vacation. Fill out the form to the right for more information.
www.GailsDreamVacations.com

A new Discount Airline in the' Hood- Jet America

There is a new discount Airline in the tri-state area. Jet America.com begins flying out of Newark Airport on July 13. They boast of $9 one way fares but trust me there is a catch. This airline plans to go the way of RyanAir and charge fees for a lot of their services. They will charge a $5 convenience fee to book on their site.
Jet America will charge an additional $20 for a round-trip with an assigned seat, $20 to buy a ticket by phone and $10 to book on the Web site (www.jetamerica.com).

Baggage Fees
A first bag fee of $20 each way and a second bag fee of $20 each way.

The airlines will service New York City via Newark Airport, Toledo/Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Lansing/Michigan, South Bend/Indiana, Orlando/Melbourne Florida

I am all for saving money any way you can. This may be a good alternative to the higher priced airlines. Just remember to read all the fine print.

I always point my clients to affordable travel opportunites, including airfares. If you find one cheaper than my site, then I say "go for it". Is all about helping people!

Happy Traveling,

Planning a vacation? Email me WLKRG5@GMAIL.com
www.GailsDreamVacations.com