Protect Your Business with Insurance for Travel Agents

Every year, millions of Americans turn to travel agents to make their vacation dreams a reality. Many times, people use travel agents because they don’t have the time or knowledge necessary to create itineraries, book flights, and make sure everything is going to go smoothly. What this means for travel agents is that people are paying you to create and ensure a perfect vacation and if you don’t deliver, you could face some serious ire and even law suits. As you well know, you’re human too which means you or your staff will make mistakes. Unfortunately, those mistakes can seriously affect someone else, perhaps even an entire family. Since you can’t prevent mistakes entirely, it is a good idea to be prepared for them when they happen. One great way to prepare for the inevitable is to buy insurance for travel agents.

Special Needs of Travel Agents

As you are probably aware, insurance is out there to protect everything from cars to health, and travel is no different. Consider for a minute what happens if you or a staff member forgets to buy a return ticket for one of the members of a family. Surely the family isn’t going to leave a member behind, and the stress and expense the situation creates for your clients will almost for sure be taken out on your business in the form of a refund or a law suit. You need protection from situations like this because, no matter how fun the rest of the trip was, this one, albeit major, issue has managed to ruin the entire vacation. Being able to give a refund will enable you, at least in part, to right the wrong and maybe keep the family’s business.

Packages to Fit Any Budget

Besides being able to protect you from mistakes in the execution of the travel packages you offer, insurance can protect your business against things like fire, injury, and even auto accident. If you think insurance for travel agents might be right for your business, talk to a representative today about what packages they offer. Just like the companies they cover, insurance agencies offer many packages at different price levels which means there is a package that fits your business’s needs.

A Visit to French Quarter in New Orleans

French Quarter in New Orleans is just an hour drive from our place in Mississippi. When hubby and I craved for beignet in Cafe' du Monde, we just hit the road and visit French Quarter. My husband loves the coffee in Cafe' du Monde because it has that great aroma and a Southern taste.

This is Cafe' du Monde along the French Quarter. If you are a tourist, you should not miss this place.

This is one of the streets in New Orleans.

French Quarter is a busy place especially in Mardi Gras season. If you love the crowd and party on the streets then, visit this place on Mardi Gras, Christmas and New Year. The streets here will transform into a party zone.

Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, the King of France

Here we are at the St. Louis Cathedral or  Cathédrale Saint-Louis, Roi de France where the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in New Orleans is located. Known as the oldest and continuously operating cathedral in the United States.

Saint Louis Cathedral is located in French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. It is located next to Jackson Square and facing the Mississippi River. We are actually in the Jackson Square, a historic park in the French Quarter. This park was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960. Aside from Cafe' du Monde and French Market, you should also check out the St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square if you plan to visit New Orleans.

The Space Coast

Have you been to the Space Coast? The cities around Kennedy Space Center #KSC where NASA launched Space Shuttles are part of the Space Coast namely: Titusville, Cocoa, Rockledge, Cape Canaveral, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Indialantic, and Palm Bay. Most of these cities belong in Brevard County and we live here for more than a year now. Last Sunday, we attended the mass in Merritt Island and heading home, we took the route along NASA Parkway to see if there are wild gators along the canals.

Hubby and I like to take this route because sometimes the dolphins hang out along the Indian River Lagoon. Not only that, the Manatee too. Most of the time, there are boaters on the lagoon, just enjoying the Sunday morning fishing and swimming.

Check out the photos below. This road is called NASA Parkway and we are now heading to Titusville. Far end is a draw bridge. On the right is the Titusville area and on the left, Port Saint John which is part of Cocoa area. Behind us is the Kennedy Space Center. Imagine when the Space Shuttle lifts off from this area, Titusville and Cocoa has the great view to watch it up close and roaring like a thunder. We can see it from our front yard even. Exciting isn't it?

Well, Space Shuttle Program has ended last 2011 so; any Rocket Launch in the Space Coast is coming from the launch pad at SLC-37B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral area. It is just few minutes from here. It is actually nearby the Cruise terminal in Cape Canaveral.

Now, take a look at the photo above. See the tiny building on the left? Remember that because, I will show you how it looks like up close. That is in Titusville and it is a beautiful Condo property. How I wish I live there.

On this day, we had a nice ride heading home. We saw three dolphins swimming along the Lagoon.

The photo above was taken in NASA Parkway and often times, wild gators are lurking in there. They are harmless if you don't disturb them. Free to watch. If you want to visit the Kennedy Space Center, both sides, you will see the canals. Make sure you watch closely on the water and for sure, you will spot a gator.

They are protected so; there are many of them here. That's the booster display of the Atlantis inside the Kennedy Space Center. We live about 10 minutes from the Kennedy Space Center.

That's all for now folks. Thank you for stopping by here. If you don't see any update in my blog, I am just sick. I love to share my photos to you but, sometimes, I can't face the PC too long. Anyway, check out my other blogs too. Bye now and enjoy your week.

Be Honest About Your Car Needs

Finding the right vehicle for you means knowing what you want from the vehicle. That means that you need to be honest with yourself about what a car means to you. Someone who wants a car for commuting from home to work should look for the car that gets the best gas mileage available. However, if that person sees his or her vehicle as an extension of who the person is, then the most fuel-efficient vehicle may not make the person happy. Even though a car should just be a tool that people use to go from place to place in relative comfort, in the United States, vehicles are so much more than that. Whether you are looking for a Ford Escape in Plainfield, IL, or a monster truck in Dallas, TX, you need a vehicle that you will drive and that makes sense for you.

 
The Economics of It All

Unless you are one of the people at the top of the economic food chain who still has money to burn because your net worth has continued to skyrocket while those below you have been feeling every economic pinch and strain, the gas mileage that your vehicle gets is probably important to you. With gasoline prices headed into the stratosphere, you will want to make sure that you can get a car that gives you the best gas mileage while also meeting your needs when it comes to your everyday activities. If you spend your time at construction sites hauling equipment around, a truck might make perfect sense. If you haul kids around all day, you may want something with more room and more safety belts.

Sometimes a crossover type vehicle like the Ford Escape in Plainfield, IL, can meet all of your needs. Good vehicles will get you where you need to go while hauling what you need to move and getting good gas mileage. It is up to you to do your research when it comes to knowing what you can afford. It is also up to you to be honest about what kind of car you will drive.

The Rocket Garden at #KSC

Our Commander's Club pass already expired last week so; hubby and I were planning to get one anytime soon. The Annual Pass includes the following attractions: Space Shuttle Atlantis, Twin IMAX® Theater 3-D Films, Shuttle Launch Experience, Special Viewing for Rocket Launches, Angry Birds Space Encounter, Numerous Shows and Exhibits, General Bus Tour, Meet an astronaut and Astronaut Hall of Fame. For a whole year, we used our annual pass a lot. These pictures below were taken at the Rocket Garden in Kennedy Space Center.

If you visit Kennedy Space Center, as you enter the KSC, Rocket Garden will be the first attraction that you will enjoy to see.

I was seated at the restaurant when I took this picture. Below, is the entrance to Kennedy Space Center.

Here is the Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

You should check this place. It is awesome!

We only live about 10 minutes here so. when we are bored at home, we come here often.

The entrance is great, don't you think?

Thanks for stopping by, feel free to check some photos in my blog regarding Kennedy Space Center.

Impressive Canvas Print by Canvas Press

I love taking photographs and that is the reason Beyond Photography blog exists. I see beauty all around me and it is awe-inspiring to snap God's precious creation everyday. Even the tiniest bug I saw in the backyard or the caption of sunrise by the beach, my camera is always ready to snap a photo any time. Of all the photos I have, I like the photograph below which was taken in Alabama during a wedding event and I have been planning to order a canvas print for a long time. It was made possible when CanvasPress.com said yes to my product review request.

On Canvas Press Website:

I was given the opportunity to review their 16x20 1.5" canvas product worth $110 and was provided with a coupon code to use on my checkout. They have a user-friendly Website; very easy to navigate and in 5 minutes tadaaa ... , I completed my order. It is unbelievably fast and easy. Bear in mind that as long as you already pick the photo to use for the canvas, following their 3-steps online ordering system is super easy as a snap of your fingers. If you are planning to have your photos on canvas, I can assure you that you will be happy to order it from canvaspress.com.

PRICE is JUST RIGHT

The price of the product varies with the product type you choose such as Canvas, Photo Paper, Aluminum and Wall Paper, and the size as well. There is a reasonable fee if you add Photo Retouch, Text and Artist options so; for my order, I opt out for the enhancement options. Guess what? My husband and I are very pleased with the canvas and was impressed with the craftsmanship of this company. For a quality canvas like this, the price is just right!

SHIPPING and HANDLING:

The product arrived fast which was very impressive. The package was left outside the front door and it was raining so badly. I was so concerned seeing the package all wet. Apparently, when I opened the package, the canvas was perfectly wrapped and secured. Check out the first and second photos above. There are layers of cardboard used to protect the canvas and aside from that, the canvas was perfectly wrapped in clear cellophane. I was so happy and impressed that my canvas was in perfect condition.

MY THOUGHTS ON CANVAS:

Impressive! That word conveys everything about the company and this beautiful canvas that I received. I love my canvas because the photograph turned out great. When I encountered problems regarding my coupon code, their awesome customer service representative promptly responded to my inquiries which is very important you know. I also like the fact that it has a trademark of "Made in the USA". The quality and the craftsmanship of this canvas is beyond perfect. I can't find imperfection to it in fact; I check the back maybe, one staple might be crooked but, it was done right. I am a happy customer and I highly recommend that you should order your canvas prints at canvaspress.com. I hang my canvas where friends can see it the moment they walk inside the house because I am proud of my beautiful photo on canvas.

For more details please

FOLLOW CANVASPRESS ON TWITTER

LIKE CANVASPRESS on FACEBOOK

Finally, would you like to own a FREE CANVAS? I am happy to tell you that canvaspress.com will be happy to send a FREE CANVAS to ONE lucky winner. She/he will have to respond within 48 hours or Rafflecopter will pick another winner. Canvaspress.com is sponsoring this giveaway and is therefore liable for the prize and the delivery. All you have to do is JOIN THE GIVEAWAY NOW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

BEYOND PHOTOGRAPHY is NOT responsible for the prize and shipment of the CANVAS giveaway. Beyond Photography will be responsible for PAYPAL PRIZE. I WAS NOT compensated for this post. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.

Driving Down the NASA Parkway

Hi everyone! How's your first week of August? Are you excited that in 4 months' time, we will be celebrating the Christmas Holiday? Uh uh, if only I can fast-forward the time, I will (wink). I miss eggnog and buying Christmas tree is already in my mind. I am so excited right now by just talking about it. How about you? Anyway today, I will be sharing to you the normal route that hubby and I took for a short ride around the Space Coast. I shared so many photos along this road already. This is NASA Parkway, the road to Titusville and/or Kennedy Space Center.

I took these photos last Sunday and I tell you, this is the heaviest traffic we get out here, heaven right? Those cars are heading to #KSC or Merritt Island. We were on our way home about 10 minutes from here. The body of water on each side is the Indian River Lagoon where oftentimes, manatee and dolphins hang-out frequently. NASA Parkway has 4 lanes, two to each direction.

I love this place. The Indian River Lagoon is very nice especially at sunset. Most of the time, the sight of boaters and fishing boats are plenty. The waters are calm and safe despite of gator warnings.

If you pass by this area and you saw dolphins swimming, you cannot stop any time. In fact, no one is allowed to park in both sides of the road and signs are pretty much visible in the area.

Further down the road, across the draw bridge is the Hall of Fame which is part of NASA's Kennedy Space Center attraction. Check out the photo above. Anyway right now, one part of the draw bridge is under repair. It's been more than two months and according to the news, this repair will be done in September.

The traffic is not bad at all despite of the ongoing repair on the bridge.

See the flow of traffic above? Even when drawbridge is up to give way of boats passing across the other side of the lagoon, the traffic is not bad.

On the last photo, I tried to zoom in the bridge in Titusville. Would you like to see the view in there? Next post, I will be happy to share it to all of you. More photos of that area next week. Thanks for stopping by.

How to Train for a 5k Race

There are many reasons to choose to sign up for a 5k race through www.cgiracing.com or another site. For runners, it’s the opportunity to put their skills to use and beat their personal record. For non-runners, a 5k helps them get in shape and accomplish something new. Whatever category you fall into, completing a 5k race will benefit your physical and mental health and give you something to brag about. To accomplish this 3-plus-mile race, you should put in the time and effort to succeed at this task.

Running Regimen

 

You can prepare for the race within 2 to 3 months. Lace up your sneakers, fill up your water bottle, find a running buddy, and get going! If you’re an amateur runner, don’t feel you have to start fast; in fact, it’s best that you start out slow and steady. For the first week, focus on walking for half an hour a day, 5 days a week. For the 2 to 4 weeks following this period, switch between walking and jogging during your exercise sessions. As you progress, extend your walking/running time or the amount of distance you take. A couple of weeks before the race, you should run a practice 5k. When you get closer to the race, perhaps a week prior, relax a little bit more on the training and rest.

 

Food Consumption

 

You may wonder what you should eat for the upcoming race. Know that it’s never too early to start healthy eating patterns. Like Mother always said, eat your fruits and vegetables. Feast on poultry and legumes to gain your lean protein intake. Carbohydrates are excellent for fueling your body. Whole grain breads and cereals work wonderfully. If you’re concerned about proportions, it’s recommended to eat 50% carbs, 25% healthy fats, and 25% proteins. Hydration is essential as well. Eight to 12 ounces of water each day will do the trick. For the day of the race, consume a light breakfast. You can go with a banana or a bagel and call it good. Many runners like to fuel up on pasta before a race. For more ideas, visit www.cgiracing.com.

During the Skylab's 40th Anniversary Reunion

On July 27, the Skylab's 40th Anniversary Reunion took place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Hubby and I went to #KSC. We arrived past 11 AM at the Astronaut Encounter (late) so; 3 of the Astronauts already made their talks. Seated on the stage are 9 Skylab Veterans and the moderator.

Supposedly, there are 10 invited Astronauts but, only 9 came while Fred Gregory, a veteran NASA astronaut moderated the discussion from the Skylab team. Most of them are already in their 70's yet; all of them have good recollections of what they did during the Skylab-era. They have good humor too. Here are two of them when they were younger.

As we all can recall, the Skylab was the first and only American space station in orbit around the Earth in the year 1973 and 1974. Skylab was launched aboard the last of the Apollo-era Saturn V rockets on May 14, 1973. The mission was to study the sun and Earth as well as the effects of zero gravity on the human body on long-duration space flights and other scientific experiments.

Anyway, here is the list of Astronauts who were invited for the discussion of the said event: Karol “Bo” Bobko, Vance Brand, Jerry Carr, Bob Crippen, Owen Garriott, Ed Gibson, Jack Lousma, Bill Pogue, William Thornton, and Paul Weitz.

There were only 9 of them who came and each one was given few minutes to discuss about their experiences while they are in the Skylab for many days.

Their experiences are interesting so; don't forget to listen/view the video. I did not use a tripod, next time I will. Thanks for stopping by.

Scheduled Launch of Delta 4 Rocket

On August 7 at 8:29 pm EDT, Delta 4 is scheduled to launch at SLC-37B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. If anyone of you live nearby and wanted to experience the powerful sights and sounds of the roaring thunder as the engine of United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket lifts into the sky, you should come by the Space Coast to witness it. The Veteran astronaut Karol 'Bo' Bobko is the commentator for the live mission control broadcast. If you want to be in a special launch viewing area, purchase a ticket at the Kennedy Space Center for they have two sites available for you to witness the said event.

I will see you there.