Concert Tickets on-sale at TicketsNow

This weekend, several top Concert Tours are on sale!

First, classic jam band Phish has announced that 11 dates will go on sale tomorrow and Saturday! Also, Chicago-based Fall Out Boy has announced 11 dates will go on sale tomorrow in support of their new album! Lastly, Kenny Chesney has one date on sale Saturday…but we are expecting many more dates will go on sale in the coming weeks. Promote our text links for top conversions…

We are also anticipating that Bruce Springsteen could hold some on sales next week for his 26 date tour to piggy back off his Super Bowl half time performance.

Don’t Miss your chance to see the Boss LIVE! Click Here to Buy your Bruce Springsteen tickets now!

Travel writing — a hidden gem

A friend once asked me if travel writers can get to travel for free.  I wasn’t sure of the answer, so I asked a few friends in media, and searched for some sources on the net.  And I realized how lucrative a business the travel industry could be.  My friend, a Public  Relations colleague from a decade or so ago, has since made a second career out of travel writing — about destinations, services, facilities, and countries, has traveled to and from 6 continents, and is now based in Singapore.  She has written about a river cruise in Vietnam, a cross-country train ride in Europe, backpacking in the Rockies, and many other adventurous experiences, including scouring the backstreets of Budapest for treasures. She freelances now, having decided to retire from the pressures of corporate PR, and preferring to leisurely earn her keep while traveling.

That was a little more than 2 years ago, before I pursued an online business as a travel agent.

One of the resources my friend followed up on was a 150-page ebook with by a real travel writer Mel McIntyre, entitled Travel Writing Secrets.  Mel says:

“Travel writing is a true hidden gem.

Travel to the most exotic locations for free.  Stay at the world’s finest hotels.  Enjoy the best food available.

And on your flight on the way home, knock out a couple of articles – and get paid big money to wit about your experiences.

Travel writing is definitely THE most exciting writing job around.”

And perhaps the next best job to being a travel agent.

Learn more about Travel Writing Secrets

More resources for writers and authors

ONLY from My Dream Travels
Get the full CD Course at 21% discount via PayPal

Bangkok Vacations with optional tours

Bangkok Vacations

Travel Period: January 21-February 28, 2009

Optional Tours ( additional cost)

Siam Niramit – inclusive of transfer, ticket and dinner    ADD $75
Dream World – inclusive of transfer, ticket and rides     ADD $65

HOTEL                                            4 days 3 nights                               3 days 2 nights

TWIN/TRIPLE      SINGLE            TWIN/TRIPLE      SINGLE

Pratunam Area
FIRST HOUSE                              $267.00         $307.00               $259.00           $286.00
yq and bk tax                               101.00            101.00                101.00             101.00
ph travel tax                                  35.00              35.00                  35.00              35.00
Total per person                          $403.00          $443.00              $395.00           $422.00

RESIDENCE RADTHEVEE              $280.00         $327.00               $264.00           $296.00
yq and bk tax                               101.00            101.00                101.00             101.00
ph travel tax                                  35.00              35.00                  35.00              35.00
Total per person                          $403.00          $443.00              $395.00           $422.00

BANGKOK CITY INN                     $283.00         $332.00               $266.00           $299.00
yq and bk tax                               101.00            101.00                101.00             101.00
ph travel tax                                  35.00              35.00                  35.00              35.00
Total per person                          $419.00          $469.00              $402.00           $435.00

BAIYOKE BOUTIQUE                    $285.00         $337.00               $270.00           $306.00
yq and bk tax                               101.00            101.00                101.00             101.00
ph travel tax                                  35.00              35.00                  35.00              35.00
Total per person                          $421.00          $437.00              $406.00           $422.00

FIRST HOTEL (Main)                    $292.00         $352.00               $272.00           $312.00
yq and bk tax                               101.00            101.00                101.00             101.00
ph travel tax                                  35.00              35.00                  35.00              35.00
Total per person                          $428.00          $488.00              $408.00           $448.00

BAIYOKE SUITE                           $300.00         $380.00               $277.00           $322.00
yq and bk tax                               101.00            101.00                101.00             101.00
ph travel tax                                  35.00              35.00                  35.00              35.00
Total per person                          $436.00          $516.00              $413.00           $458.00

FOUR SEASONS INTL HOTEL             $307.00         $382.00               $282.00           $332.00
yq and bk tax                               101.00            101.00                101.00             101.00
ph travel tax                                  35.00              35.00                  35.00              35.00
Total per person                          $443.00          $518.00              $418.00           $468.00

FIRST HOTEL (TOWER)            $307.00         $382.00               $282.00           $332.00
yq and bk tax                               101.00            101.00                101.00             101.00
ph travel tax                                  35.00              35.00                  35.00              35.00
Total per person                          $443.00          $518.00              $418.00           $468.00

BANGKOK PALACE                     $307.00         $382.00               $282.00           $332.00
yq and bk tax                               101.00            101.00                101.00             101.00
ph travel tax                                  35.00              35.00                  35.00              35.00
Total per person                          $443.00          $518.00              $418.00           $468.00

CENTURY PARK                        $325.00         $417.00               $295.00           $357.00
yq and bk tax                               101.00            101.00                101.00             101.00
ph travel tax                                  35.00              35.00                  35.00              35.00
Total per person                          $46100          $553.00              $431.00           $493.00

INDRA REGENT                        $327.00         $425.00               $296.00           $359.00
yq and bk tax                               101.00            101.00                101.00             101.00
ph travel tax                                  35.00              35.00                  35.00              35.00
Total per person                          $463.00          $561.00              $432.00           $495.00

D’MA PAVILION                      $340.00         $447.00               $304.00           $377.00
yq and bk tax                               101.00            101.00                101.00             101.00
ph travel tax                                  35.00              35.00                  35.00              35.00
Total per person                          $476.00          $583.00              $440.00           $513.00

BAIYOKE SKY                           $352.00         $472.00               $312.00           $392.00
yq and bk tax                               101.00            101.00                101.00             101.00
ph travel tax                                  35.00              35.00                  35.00              35.00
Total per person                          $488.00          $608.00              $448.00           $528.00

EMPRESS (EASTIN)                 $360.00         $485.00               $317.00           $402.00
yq and bk tax                               101.00            101.00                101.00             101.00
ph travel tax                                  35.00              35.00                  35.00              35.00
Total per person                          $496.00          $621.00              $453.00           $538.00

GRAND DIAMOND                  $362.00         $492.00               $322.00           $412.00
yq and bk tax                               101.00            101.00                101.00             101.00
ph travel tax                                  35.00              35.00                  35.00              35.00
Total per person                          $498.00          $628.00              $458.00           $548.00

AMARI WATERGATE             $537.00         $842.00               $526.00           $640.00
yq and bk tax                               101.00            101.00                101.00             101.00
ph travel tax                                  35.00              35.00                  35.00              35.00
Total per person                          $673.00          $978.00              $562.00           $776.00

All rates are quoted in US Dollar
*Booking are non-endorsable/non-rebookable/non-refundable*
“Dollar/Peso cash payments only”
“Rates are subject to change without prior notice”

2 Nights Hong Kong + Macau City Tour

2 nights Hong Kong + Macau City Tour
January 20- February 28, 2009

via Hong Kong Express Airways

3DAYS/2NITES

BLOCKOUT DATE: 25-31 JAN      TWN/TRPL/CHD XBED SGL                 SGL

ROYAL VIEW HOTEL              $225.00                                          $325.00

yq and hk tax                              70.00                                             70.00

ph travel tax                                35.00                                             35.00

Total                                       $ 330.00 per person                         $430.00 per person

SHAMROCK HOTEL               $ 245.00                                            $385.00

yq and hk tax                             70.00                                                70.00

ph travel tax                               35.00                                                35.00

Total                                     $350.00 per person                             $490.00 per person

BP INT’L HOTEL                     $ 255.00                                            $405.00

yq and hk tax                            70.00                                                70.00

ph travel tax                              35.00                                                35.00

Total                                    $360.00 per person                              $510.00 per person

GUANDONG HOTEL              $ 265.00                                             $425.00

yq and hk tax                            70.00                                                70.00

ph travel tax                              35.00                                                35.00

Total                                     $370.00 per person                              $530.00 per person

PANORAMA HOTEL              $275.00                                             $445.00

yq and hk tax                           70.00                                                70.00

ph travel tax                             35.00                                                35.00

Total                                     $380.00 per person                            $550.00 per person

Itinerary:

DAY 01	MANILA-HONGKONG (no meal)
	Depart Manila for Hongkong via UO714/755/0955, meet and transfer to hotel. Free time for leisure or join optional tour.

DAY 02	HONGKONG (breakfast, lunch)
	Breakfast outside hotel. Tour Star Avenue and Jewellery City. Transfer to Macau by Ferry. Macau City tour visiting Statue of Kam Lam and Ecumenucal Center, A-ma Temple, Ruins of Saint Paul and Fisherman?s Wharf. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon transfer back to Hongkong by ferry.

DAY 03	HONGKONG-MANILA (breakfast)
	Breakfast outside hotel. Free time in the morning and afternoon (hotel check out time is 1200 noon). Late afternoon transfer to Hongkong Airport, Hongkong-Manila via Uo713/ 2130/2330

REMARKS:
	1. Above rates for Filipino Market only. 2. Above rates are for FIT and Group and No FOC for group booking. 3. Above rates are inclusive of MANILA – HONG KONG – MANILA Air fare via UO.

CONDITIONS:
	1. All tickets and reservation are under ” BOOK & BUY ” basic and Non-Endorsable, Non-Rebookable & Non-Refundable ( including tax ). 2. In-order to enjoy the FREE MACAU TOUR, passenger must be visit the Jewellery Factory and Factory Outlet. 3. No Refund for un-used rooms, tours, meals, transfer and ticket service.

All rates are quoted in US Dollar
*Bookings are non-endorsable/non-rebookable/non-refundable*
“Dollar/Peso cash payments only”
“Rates are subject to change without prior notice”

Passenger Review of Hong Kong Express Airways

For your BOOKINGS /RESERVATIONS, contact

Vikky Bondoc-Cabrera
GTTrends ATA 3396334
Email: mydreamtravels@gttrends.net or vikkycab@skydsl.com.ph
Mobile: 09286148600 Landline: 02 4559230

2 Nites Hongkong + Disneyland Tour

2 nights Hong Kong + Shenzhen Tour

January 20- February 20,2009
via Hong Kong Express Airways

Hotel Options:

Royal View Hotel
3 days 2 nights             $195.00 (Single $295.00)
Fuel and HK Tax              70.00
Philippine Travel Tax         35.00
Total                             $300.00/person (Single $400)

Shamrock Hotel
3 days 2 nights             $215.00 (Single $335.00)
Fuel and YQ Tax              70.00
Philippine Travel Tax         35.00
Total                             $320.00/person (Single $440.00)

BP Intl Hotel
3 days 2 nights             $225.00 (Single $345.00)
Fuel and YQ Tax              70.00
Philippine Travel Tax         35.00
Total                             $330.00/person (Single $450.00)

Guandong Hotel
4 days 3 nights             $235.00 (Single $365.00)
Fuel and YQ Tax              115.00
Philippine Travel Tax         35.00
Total                             $340.00/person (Single $470.00)

Panorama Hotel
4 days 3 nights             $245.00 (Single $385.00)
Fuel and YQ Tax              115.00
Philippine Travel Tax         35.00
Total                             $350.00/person (Single $490.00)

Itinerary:

DAY 1  MANILA-HONG KONG (no meal)

Arrive Hong Kong via UP714 (07:66/09:55), meet and transfer to hotel. Overnight in city hotel.

DAY 2 HONG KONG (breakfast outside hotel)

Full day Disneyland Tour with entrance ticket
Compulsory visit to jewelry factory and factory outlet in the morning
Overnight in city hotel

DAY 3 HONG KONG (breakfast outside hotel)

Whole day free for own shopping and tours.
Optional tour  with additional cost.
Free time until transfer to airport for return flight via UO713 (20:30/22:30)

REMARKS:
1. Above rates for Filipino Market only.
2. Above rates are for FIT and Group and No FOC for group booking.
3. Above rates are inclusive of MANILA – HONG KONG – MANILA Air fare via UO.

CONDITIONS:
1. All tickets and reservation are on ” BOOK & BUY ” basis, and Non-Endorsable, Non-Rebookable & Non-Refundable ( including tax ).
2. In order to avail of this package rate, passenger must visit the Jewellery Factory and Factory Outlet.
3. No Refund for unused rooms, tours, meals, transfer and ticket service.

All rates are quoted in US Dollars
“Dollar/Peso cash payments only”

Passenger Review of Hong Kong Express Airways

For your BOOKINGS /RESERVATIONS, contact

Vikky Bondoc-Cabrera
GTTrends ATA 3396334
Email: mydreamtravels@gttrends.net or vikkycab@skydsl.com.ph
Mobile: 09286148600  Landline: 02 4559230

RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

2 nights Hong Kong + Shenzen Tour

2 Nights Hongkong + Shenzhen Tour
January 20 – February 20, 2009
via Hongkong Express Airways

China group visa fee: US$50 per person
Service Charge of local guide and driver= $5/day*3 per
Security Tax : $ 5/pax

3days2nites Blockout date: 25-31 JaN

TWN/TRPL/CHLD XBED SNGLE

ROYAL VIEW HOTEL $135.00
yq and hk tax                      70.00
ph travel tax                        35.00
total                                   $240.00 per person

SHAMROCK HOTEL     $155.00
yq and hk tax                      70.00 ph
travel tax                              35.00
total                                  $260.00 per person

BP Int’ Hotel                   $165.00
yq and hk tax                     70.00
ph travel tax                       35.00
total                                 $270.00 per person

Guandong Hotel          $175.00
yq and hk tax                    70.00
ph travel tax                      35.00
total                                $280.00 per person

Panorama hotel          $185.00
yq and hk tax                    70.00 ph
travel tax                            35.00
total                                $290.00 per person

Itinerary:

Day 1 MANILA-HONGKONG(no meals)
Arrived HKG via UO 714 (07:55-09:55), meet and transfer to hotel.  Free time for shopping or join optional tour.  Overnite in Hong Kong.

Day 2 HONGKONG (breakfast) Breakfast outside Hotel.
* Compulsory Kowloon city tour visiting movie star avenue, jewellery factory and factory outlet. Then Transfer to Shenzhen by train or coach to visiting Window of World (picture taking only, entrance ticket not included), mineral museum, silk and pearl factory, and free time shopping at the famous dongmen walking street. Late evening transfer back to HONGKONG by train or coach. Overnight in Hong Kong.

Day 3 HONGKONG MANILA(breakfast) Breakfast outside hotel.
Free until transfer to airport for return flight via UO 713 (20:30PM/22:30PM)

REMARKS: Above rates for Filipino market only. Above rates are inclusive of MANILA-HONG KONG-MANILA airfare via UO.  Feedback on UO

CONDITIONS: All tickets and reservation are on BOOK AND BUY basis, and are non-endorsable, non-rebookable, and non refundable (including tax). Passengers have to follow the whole scheduled itinerary. If passenger decides not to follow the itinerary, the remain hotel accommodation, tours, meals and transfer service will automatically be forfeited. No refund for unused rooms, tours, meals and transfer vans ticket service.  China group is subject to approval by Chinese authorities, no guarantee on China group visa.

RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

Discount Cruise Ship Vacations: Do They Exist?

In today’s society, we live for deals, discounts, and other savings. If given the opportunity to save money, just about everyone would take it. The need to save may be apparent in your daily shopping habits. Many shoppers, maybe even yourself included, shop at discount stores or use multiple coupons. These actions may save you thousands of dollars each year. Do you know that in addition to saving money on your groceries, you could be saving money on your next cruise?

Discount cruise ship vacations are often viewed as a myth by many individuals. These individuals are most likely infrequent travelers. If you are interested in scheduling your next vacation aboard a cruise ship, you are encouraged not to believe this popular myth. Automatically assuming that cruise ship discounts do not exist can cost you a large amount of money and it may even prevent you from making a reservation.

When it comes to booking a discount cruise ship vacation, you have a number of different options. These options vary; therefore, you are encouraged to examine each and every one of them. You never know where cruise ship discounts may be found, that is until you begin searching for them. To get started, you are encouraged to visit a number of online discount travel websites.

Discount travel websites are a popular and easy way to obtain discounts on a wide range of vacations, including cruises. With a simple click of the mouse, you could easily compare prices and make your reservations. If you happen to come across additional discount websites, you are encouraged to fully research the website before providing them with your personal information.

In addition to viewing the discounts obtainable through an online travel website, you are also urged to contact cruise lines directly. In the event that you decide to take a last minute cruise, you may find a number of deals and discounts offered to last minute travelers. Last minute cruise ship discounts are often offered in a final attempt to fill empty cabins. These deals and discounts can easily be found online or by directly contacting a cruise ship representative.

It is also advised that you considered any membership clubs that you belong to.  AARP is a membership club that regularly offers travel discounts to its senior members. These discounts often include airline tickets and cruise ship reservations.  Other membership clubs may offer discounts. The only way to determine if discounts are available is to ask a club representative.

One alternative to researching cruise ship discounts yourself is to obtain the services of a professional travel agent. Travel agents operate online and locally. You may be able to obtain the services of a low-cost travel agent. Travel agents are popular. In addition to researching and suggesting particular cruise ships, they are often offered discounts that are not available to the general public.

With a small amount of time and research or professional assistance, you can easily obtain discount cruise ship tickets. Why avoid cruises altogether or pay full price for a reservation that can be obtained for a discount?

Choose your dream vacation with GOGO

Here is yet another excellent website that I’m sure everyone will love, and from which you can search for excellent vacation packages and cruises with exceptionally-low rates.

Visit the website of GOGO Worldwide Vacations, and immerse yourself in your dream vacations in Asia, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, North America, Australia, South Pacific, the Middle East.

Select any item to view more photos and details of the destination or travel package.

The site will give you all the information you need, so you can actually check every detail of the travel package, before you finally decide to book it.

But you will have to book it through your travel agent, in this case, mydreamtravels.  So, once you’ve selected a travel package, let us  know immediately via email.  Please include the product code and the destination, so we know we’re talking of the same thing.

Oh, by the way.  GOGO has a fantastic promotion for your vacation trip to Nassau.

Book a 3 night air-inclusive package with
GOGO Worldwide Vacations
and receive a $200 Mail-In Rebate!
Book by: 2/6/09    Travel by: 1/17-7/31/09

View details here

Have fun!

Reduced-Rate FAM Tours – for Agents only

FAM or FAMiliarization Tours are free, highly-discounted, reduced-rate trips offered by travel destinations,  suppliers, and service providers to the travel professionals that market and promote them.  These tours acquaint the travel agents about existing, new and exceptional features they could highlight in developing travel packages and tours.

FAM tours abound in the travel industry, and are a great opportunity for travel professionals to travel world at the least cost. Consider these sample, currently available FAM Tours.

Three Nights in Vienna, from $177

Trip: Three nights in Vienna through March 31.
Cost: From $177 per person, double.  Includes choiceof accommodations, breakfast daily and a three-day Vienna card offering free public transportation and discounts on city attractions and shopping.
Noteworthy: Trips to the Czech Republic and Hungary are availbale and can be coombined.

Five Nights PERU Vacation, from $1,895

Trip: Visits Lima, Cuzco and Macchu Picchu.
Departure: March 13 from New York to Lima via Taca Airlines.
Length: Five nights
Cost:$1,895 per person, double.  Includes roundtrip air, accommodations, transafers, sightseeing and most meals.

Caribbean & Central America, from $399

Trip: A cruise on the MSC Orchestra visits Cayo Levantado, Domininican Republic; Philiburg, St. Maarten; St. John’s, Antigua; and Nassau.
Departures: March 14 and April 11 from Fort Lauderdale.
Length: Seven nights, cruise only.
Cost: From$399 per person, double. Includes choice of cabin accommodations.  Rate for oceanview cabins is $599, for balcony suites $849.

Worldwide stay in Fairmont, Raffles and Swissotel, from$69

Trip: Spend the night at any Fairmont, Raffles or Swissotel property through March 31.
Cost: From $69 at Swissotel properties, from $99 at Fairmont properties, and from $129 at Raffles properties.
Noteworthy: Members of the Fairmont FAMous agent program can book Fairmont rooms starting at $79 and are eligible for a one-level upgrade at time of check-in.

Unfortunately for the non-travel industry traveler, these are only available to travel professionals. However, should  you decide to join the industry as a travel agent for yourself, all these FAM tours, and hundreds more, will be at your fingertips.

Travelocity Cruises Super Sale

Travelocity has just launched its Cruise Super Sale, the BIGGEST sale of the year! For a limited time, enjoy cruise rates from $199, free stateroom upgrades, up to $800 onboard credit, 15% off shore excursions, and more!

Cruise Super Sale! Travelocity’s BIGGEST Sale of the Year!
Expires: 02/05/2009

Cruise Super Sale: Rates From $199 + Up to $800 Onboard Credit, Free Upgrades, and More!
Expires: 02/05/2009

Book a 3-Night Bahamas Cruise on Disney Cruise Lines and Your Kids Sail Free!
Expires: 02/05/2009

NEW! Celebrity Cruises: Get up to $200 Onboard Credit + Reduced Deposits!
Expires: 01/19/2009

Norwegian Cruise Line: Get up to $500 Onboard Credit- Rates from $179!
Expires: 02/01/2009

Carnival Cruises from $169 + Best Available Stateroom Upgrade!
Expires: 01/23/2009

Expires: 02/05/2009

Click on the above links
and book yourselves directly
to avail of the discounts and onboard credits