'Where in the World' Launches a New Site for Adventurers, Travellers, and Explorers
October 29, 1999 (INB) — Where in the world announces its new
website <http://www.whereintheworld.co.uk>, which provides a
comprehensive directory of unusual vacations and events
across the globe. Unlike many travel related sites,
Whereintheworld.co.uk does not operate on commission from
individual travel companies. Instead, it is completely
independent and, therefore, unbiased. The aim is to inspire
both new and seasoned travellers to try something different
and unusual.
The website gives users access to full and complete travel
details to support each adventure or expedition, including
dates, costs, itineraries, contact details and background
information such as currency, weather, visa, and safety
where appropriate. Each is regularly checked and updated
throughout the year, with a direct link to the individual
travel operator's own website for booking purposes.
Where in the world is divided into themed sections including
Spiritual journeys, Ancient Splendours, Great Explorations,
True Grit, With the kids, The Big Blue, High Octane and The
Final Frontier, as well as a section on unusual events in
Diverting Detours.
Users can explore the site in several ways via the themed
menu, the full listing page of the keyword search facility
encompassing the whole site.
For more information, visit the site at
http://www.whereintheworld.co.uk
Travel Agents Still a Better Source than Internet, Survey
Finds
October 12, 1999 (INB) — A five month survey conducted by
VacationsURent.com <http://www.vacationsurent.com> in the
spring and summer of 1999 found that hundreds of consumers
searching for a vacation rental property left the net
satisfied only 10% of the time, and that Travel Agents were
still a better source of information.
Consumers regularly contact VacationsURent.com, a leading
Internet vacation rental and home exchange site, to request
information about properties for rent in various locations.
Within three months of their initial request, each consumer
was contacted by e-mail for follow up information about
their success in finding what they wanted.
In those follow up contacts, 84% of respondents said they
were still looking for a vacation rental property, while 10%
said they had found what they were looking for on the
Internet.
The questionnaire also asked the consumer what other sources
they used to find a vacation property to rent. Travel Agents
and friends were the next most common sources of information.
There are several possible reasons why consumers cannot
find what they want on the net. Among them is the small
number of properties presently listed, and the fact that
most of those properties have very high occupancy rates,
leaving little choice for consumers.
"The Internet is clearly a very good place for owners who
wish to rent out their vacation properties or find a home
exchange partner, based on our research, and based on the
feed back we get from our advertisers. Many of our
advertisers report a big increase in occupancy, and a much
broader market to sell to" said Lawrence Pierce, President
of Vacations U Rent.
Pierce also said that he was surprised that more owners did
not use the Internet, considering the demand. "Our site
offers a full year of advertising, with pictures and e-mail
links, and links to the advertiser's web page for about the
same cost as a four line ad in a daily newspaper for 5 days."
VacationsURent.com is a searchable database of alternate
accommodations, including condos, houses, cabins, castles,
home exchanges, and bed and breakfasts worldwide. Consumers
can search the database by town, state, or country; size,
type of accommodation and cost. And deal direct with the
owners. Owners can advertise their properties for a full
year, with pictures, for about the cost of five days in a
daily newspaper.
Full survey results ,and a list of consumer requests for
properties at <http://www.vacationsurent.com>.
Enough About 'Hearts' and San Francisco - The Victorian Home
Walk Tour Helps Visitors Appreciate the 'Soul' of the City
Victorian Home Walk Tour is a Window on the Finest Homes
and Most Colorful Historical Period of San Francisco -
America's Victorian Jewel
SAN FRANCISCO - November 16, 1999 (INB) — Experience
the splendor of the San Francisco Victorian era with a
friendly and informative guide. Jay Gifford leads daily
walking tours through the Pacific Heights, Fillmore and Cow
Hollow neighborhoods. Follow Jay and others on the tour
through the many layers of history, colorful style and
changes that have occurred in the area. Learn not only about
the homes but also about the Victorian culture.
Even with the San Francisco hills - the tour is low impact
as Jay winds his way through the streets seeing the
highlights while taking special care in selecting a route
easy for most anyone. Along the way see the Mrs. Doubtfire,
Party of Five and other popular homes and experience
majestic views of Cow Hollow, the Marina area and the Golden
Gate Bridge. You'll see and smell many shops and restaurants
and have a chance to enjoy some of the city's finest as the
tours ends on Union Street (one of the most treasured
shopping and dining neighborhoods in the city).
A note from Jay: "As a resident of San Francisco for 20
years, I have a great passion for our city's trademark
Victorian architecture. The streets in our best Victorian
neighborhoods are too narrow for tour buses, and as a result
most visitors miss these local treasures. I created
Victorian Home Walk to give people a chance to appreciate
the Victorians the way San Francisco natives do, and to
offer the seasoned traveller a tour 'off the beaten path.' I
am an active member of the San Francisco Convention and
Visitors Bureau, San Francisco Tour Guide Guild, IGLTA, The
Victorian Alliance, and The Foundation for San Francisco's
Architectural Heritage."
Tour Details: Tours depart at 11 am each day from the lobby
of the St. Francis Hotel on Union Square. (We meet by the
beautiful antique clock in the lobby). San Francisco weather
changes quickly so we recommend that participants bring a
jacket (even on sunny days) and wear comfortable shoes.
Couples, individuals or small groups are always welcome.
Cost is $20 per person with advance booking preferred but
not required.
Visit Victorian Walk for a detailed on-line
photo tour. For reservations or more information:
jay@victorianwalk.com or (415) 252-9485.
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