Every time we send out the newsletter, I get dozens of away replies, letting me know that someone other than me will be spending the next week floating down the Yangtze or hiking through Yosemite. Maybe it’s just that it’s Friday and the weekend jitters are settling in, but the urge to sulk creeps in as I’m cleaning out the ol’ Inbox.

But last week, I took some time off to drive down from San Francisco to L.A. and my only regret was that I didn’t know how to set up my own away message! With not a minute to spare, we worked in visits to Alcatraz, Hearst Castle, at least dozen state parks, Grauman’s Chinese Theater and even a taping of Wheel of Fortune!

Being from Chicago, seeing nothing but mountains for the 1,100 miles we put on our poor rental car is one of those images etched into my eyelids as I go to sleep. Plus, I got to read three books in seven days – unheard of! (Even though all three were Harry Potter… Who knew a teenaged wizard could be so captivating?)

So after another wonderful trip and another not-so-wonderful sunburn, I’m back at the keyboard, typing away for our wonderful readers! Hope you enjoy this installment of InSite.

Surf’s out! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist)

Culinary Trips to Mexico

Groups Celebrate Art and Cuisine in Santa Fe

One of Christianity's most popular travel trends - Short-term Mission

Experience the beauty, history, and culture in the international city of Geneva. Though it is the second largest city in Switzerland, it is considered the world's smallest metropolis.

The city is home to nearly 180 different nationalities and is considered a forerunner in the fight for world peace. The area is believed to have been inhabited since 1000 B.C. and has been a part of and conquered by several different kingdoms and empires throughout history. It joined the Swiss Confederation in 1815 and, after a revolution in 1846, Geneva adopted the constitution that it still uses today. The city is headquarters for two major international organizations: the International Red Cross (since 1864) and the League of Nations as part of the United Nations Organization (since the end of WWI).

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip visited Virginia this spring. So did President Bush and the First Lady two weeks later. And former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Conner served as the hostess for the festivities. Let's explore the state's highlights and find out what drew them here and what your groups will experience when they visit.

Most Americans are introduced to AARP when approaching their 50th birthday and the arrival of AARP's version of "Join Now" membership packet. There are always a few naysayers who feel they are too young for AARP, or don't have a current need for its insurance programs.

However, most sign up right away when discovering that with the group's modest membership fee they receive access to a broad range of programs and services.

Learn more on the the different programs and services that AARP has to offer.

If your tour groups are anything like mine, you'll often hear comments en route among the members such as "We've got to get together when we get home." Or they may say, "I can hardly wait to see your photos." Or if your members are not all from one locale, but scattered, they may be saying to one another, " You'll have to let me know next time you're coming so we can have lunch."

If indeed this is the kind of thing you're hearing, it's good news. This means they like one another, have developed some sort of ongoing relationship while on the trip, and would like to see one another again.

Read on for tips on how to form a post-trip reunion.

The headline got your attention didn't it?
It's scary to think you might actually become obsolete. What's really frightening is to already be obsolete and not even know it.

You see, it doesn't matter that you've been an expert in your field for 20 years. Or that you are a leading expert in your field, today. What are you doing to make sure you're an expert tomorrow? In ten years? You already know that technology changes weekly. You know that today's workforce consists of four wildly different generations. And, you just heard your competition recently went "global" - or has started franchising. Bold growth begs to ask bold questions like, "Am I still relevant?"

This week, InSite E-Zine interviews Skip Strittmatter.

Skip Strittmatter is the Executive Director of the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau in DuPage County Illinois.

Skip started her career in tourism producing a visitor magazine in the resort of Okoboji, Iowa. Her strong involvement with the state travel office led to the Iowa Bureau of Tourism where Skip held the position of Director of Marketing.

She decided to leave government after seven years to pursue the convention/ visitor bureau business. Skip is currently the president of the DuPage CVB where she has spent the past 15 years promoting DuPage County...The Magnificent Miles West of Chicago.

GO Travel Protection's new website makes booking travel insurance for your groups super-easy!

• Create a New Group online
• Edit an Existing Group online
• Update your travelers' information online
• Pay the net premium online using a credit card
• All this with the convenience of your own User Account!

Enroll two new groups* in GO Travel Protection by 8-31-07 and receive a special $100 Bonus.

• Low net rates let you determine your earnings, and avoid sharing a commission with a host agency
• Non age-rated premiums

How good is GO Travel Protection?
"It's the best darned travel insurance plan I've ever used." -- Moe Greenwood

As a subscriber to Leisure Group Travel magazine and InSite e-newsletter, or a GO association member, you have been pre-approved to book GO Travel Protection.

Click here or visit www.GoTravelProtection.com.

* Each group must have different destinations and travel dates. Group Applications must be received between by 8/31/07. The special $100 Bonus will be payable upon the Plan Administrator's receipt of full net premium for both groups.