Destination Geography

Asia
Asia is an exciting, exotic, and mystical destination. In fact, it is one of the world's most unique tourist destinations. It encompasses numerous religions, cultures, languages, and traditions. It also is a continent of conflict, war, and poverty. Asia is a destination that is fabulous to visit, but your clients should do as much historic research as they can prior to visiting to gain the greatest degree of appreciation from their visit. Countries covered: Cambodia, Hong Kong (China), India, Japan, Maldives, Thailand, and Vietnam.
     

Canada
As the world's second-largest country, after Russia, Canada is a diverse and fascinating land of spectacular mountains and level plans, near deserts and glacial tundra, rich forests and fertile farmland, fishing villages and modern cities. It consists of ten provinces and three territories. It is one of the cleanest, safest, and most varied vacation destinations in the world. Provinces covered: Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.
     

Caribbean
The Caribbean area was the first land that Europeans (excluding the Vikings) saw when discovering the New World. Many explored and fell in love with this area. This background made the Caribbean region home to pirates, fortresses guarding the harbors, and sunken ships now explored by divers and snorkelers. These islands are filled with unique history, physical terrain, foods, and good to great beaches. Countries covered: Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Grenadines, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and St. Lucia.
     

Central and South America
The countries within Central and South America have beautiful and varied terrain, ranging from high, majestic mounts to tropical beaches, beautiful rain forests, rich farmlands, volcanoes, world-class skiing, locally made arts, international shopping, fascinating people, unique wildlife, and exciting food. They are magnificent places to visit. Countries covered: Belize, Costa Rica, Guatamala, Panama, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru.
     

Europe
Europe is a poplular destination. In fact, it is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. It is also one of the first places that North Americans want to visit, as it was home to many of their ancestors. Europe has been settled, visited, and enjoyed for centuries. Since European explorers began scouting the world in the 15th century, the countries and powers of Europe have influenced every country and continent on earth, especially North America. The peoples who inhabit Europe now consist of Caucasians (who have been there for centuries) and nearly every race known to man. Countries covered: Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey.
     

Mexico
Mexico is a land of variety in music, culture, art, architecture, languages, food, volcanoes, exotic costumes, rich countryside, ancient Indian ruins, beautiful beaches, great deap-sea fishing, and water sports.
     

Middle East and Africa
The Middle East is the birthplace of three of the world's major religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. It is also a primary tourist or pilgrim destination, when the volatile political conditions permit. These countries are filled with historic sites, ruins, and fascinating culture and are generally arid and fairly desolate. Africa is a continent which is ancient, alive, changing, challenging, and has an interesting and politically active history. Countries covered: Dubai UAE, Egypt, Israel, Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa.
     

South Pacific
No written history exists of the original inhabitants of the Pacific islands. Only traditions and myths passed down for generations survive. There are two types of islands, mountainous and flat. The mountainous islands offer beautiful lush scenery while the flat (atoll) islands offer fabulous beaches and water. These islands are fabulous and well worth the effort and expense to visit. Countries covered: Australia, French Polynesia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and New Zealand.
     

United States
The visitor to the United States will find such a multitude of choices that "seeing it all" will quickly be realized as an impossiblity, and boredom need never be a concern. The United States is immense in size, energy, and wealth. The U.S. has been and remains a melting pot of races, ethnic groups and cultures. The result of this mixed collection of peoples, ideologies, and religions has produced a country that embraces a variety of lifestyles, cuisine, music, art, and religious observance. States covered: California, Florida, Hawaii, and New York.
     

Taking Off Opportunities
This quick course covers the types of businesses and career opportunities in the travel industry. Included are the the skills needed, specific jobs, an explanation of how agencies/advisors make money, and a descripton of a travel advisor.
     

Taking Off Into The Air
This quick course will provide you with the basic information you will use to assist your clients in finding the best flights at the best times to meet their needs.
     

Taking Off Down the Road
This quick course explains how to reserve rentals cars. There is a car for every client's needs and budget. Car rental reservations are an integral part of services offered by the travel professional.
     

Taking Off To The Hotel Industry
This quick course explains the various types and categories of hotel properties, where to find information on them and steps to reserve a hotel room.
     

Taking Off By Rail
This quick course covers the various rail products available in North America and Europe, where to find information on them and steps to reserve a ticket or purchase a pass.
     

Taking Off On A Tour
This quick course explains the types of tours, the products included in tour and vacation packages, where to find information on them and steps to book a tour or vacation package.
     

Taking Off On A Cruise
This quick course explains all about cruises, one of the most successful travel products. You will learn about the types of cruises, the amenities included in the cruise product, where to find information on cruises, and steps to book a cruise for your client.
     

Taking Off With Other Travel Services
This quick course explains additional leisure travel products and services that may appeal to you as begin a career as a travel professional. We will discuss group travel in various forms, meeting and convention planning, in-bound tourism, international travel and niche travel.
     

Overview of Social Media
This quick course introduces social media and presents four social networking platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. You will research what each site offers members and create personal accounts for these sites if you are not already a memeber. For the global marketplace, social networking plays a significant role in gaining brand recognition and attracting new clients. You will explore the benefits as well as the disadvantages of social media marketing.
     

Use of Social Media in Business
This quick course teaches about social networking as part of a total marketing plan. You will first be introduced to social media marketing and targeted marketing. Next you will study the use of social media marketing in business. You will explore and compare how businesses are using social media to generate new clients and new sales, and why blogs and podcasts offer another social marketing opportunity. Finally, you will learn how to create and maintain a blog, and how to implement podcasts as part of the overall social strategy.
     

Setting up a Social Media Marketing Campaign
In this quick course you will learn about and then develop a social media campaign as part of a total marketing plan. First, you will be introduced to the steps in creating a social media campaign. Next, you will put the campaign into action by starting the campaign. It is recommended that the two quick courses, Overview of Social Media and Use of Social Media in Business, be completed before beginning this course.