Tipping etiquette can be very confusing while on vacation. Whom should you tip? How much? Do you need to tip at all?  Never fear! Consumers can take the guesswork out of tipping at airports, train stations, hotels as well as tipping tour guides, cruising and more.  Take a look at this tip guide for more information.

Excel’s ASTA Gold Plan Offers High Quality Phone Service Savings.  Cost conscious? Excel’s ASTA Gold Plan is worth checking out with extremely low long-distance rates within the United States and to more than 235 countries. There are no day or time restrictions and no minimum usage requirements. Excel’s next generation network delivers the business-grade quality and reliability you need. In other words, Excel’s services are the perfect fit for the travel industry with cost savings opportunities that are perfect for business. Click here to learn more or call 1-866-295-ASTA.

Visit our new website–thetradeshow.org –to see this year’s exciting program and all-star lineup of speakers and register today before rates increase. Want to increase your connections, knowledge and product portfolio to grow profits and run a more effective business? ASTA’s Travel Retailing & Destination Expo (Los Angeles, Sept. 7-9) is designed exclusively for top domestic and international travel professionals to come together, exchange ideas, learn best practices, build industry relationships, and develop the essential tools to sustain lasting success.

ASTA membership? We have an app for that. ASTA recently launched its latest benefit–an app for iPhones, Androids, and Blackberries, providing members with access to top-rated member services no matter where they are. You get real-time access to association news, member directories, ASTA event info, critical industry alerts, and more.

One of the most challenging tasks an agency has is determining what products and services to sell. In a business in which travel agents often have little control over the end product, choosing a reliable travel supplier is crucial for ensuring the satisfaction of your clients and the success of your travel agency. To assist our members, ASTA provides a guide that includes recommendations for qualifying travel suppliers as well as Frequently Asked Questions for choosing a tour operator.  See ‘How to Qualify a New Supplier’ in ASTA’s E-Library.