Live from Las Vegas...

No, I'm not hosting a talk show. But I am reporting (somewhat) live from Sin City. It's been 16 years since I graced Las Vegas Boulevard and I must say that pictures don't do Vegas justice. You and your groups simply HAVE to experience this place. The hotel developments, shopping, dining and shows are without parallel. I'm here on business L, but also taking time to explore some of the many new developments, including the Palazzo, Las Vegas' newest hotel!

Many group organizers have complained about the commoditization of Vegas; that it's hard to sell as a group destination. My recommendation is that you build some uniqueness into your trip by offering insider tours of Vegas Hotels & Resorts (available through the group sales departments), designate it as a 'girls only' or 'guys only' getaway with appropriate activities for each gender and build in tickets to one of the hot sold-out shows appearing up and down the Strip. Just as many groups make the pilgrimage to NYC for Broadway and shopping, Las Vegas should provide an outlet for those in seek of opulence, great shopping, entertainment...and did I mention casinos? Most importantly, don't lead your groups around by the nose, let them get out and experience!

Give it a shot - start online by researching Las Vegas resources in Group Travel Directory. Call John Meyer @ the CVA and ask for his advice on group planning.

Enjoy this week's InSite feature on Riverbarge, and don't forget to Request Information on Leisure Group Travel advertisers – it's your last chance to Win Southwest Airline tickets, as this promotion expires at the end of January!

Happy Travels,

Collette Vacations Launches 'Explorations' Tour Division Featuring Groups of 16 to 24 and 15 Itineraries Worldwide

Jamaica Warms Up

Busch Gardens Water Country USA Announces Enhancements

Tour Auctions - Next Big Thing?

RiverBarge Excursions is celebrating its 10th year on America's inland waterways. Through the years RiverBarge has offered an excellent product that group travelers come back to again and again. A relaxed and unique experience is what we will continue to provide on the 196-guest R/B River Explorer, the only floating hotel barge in America! Join us on a 4 to 10 day river vacation.

Enjoy barging in a casual family atmosphere while experiencing the regional heritage and history of nearby towns. Barge on the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland and other American rivers and inland waterways on a RiverBarge Excursion.

The 40,000 square miles of Ohio stretch from the northern ports on Lake Erie through the Amish country to the Appalachian southeast and German southwest. Let's explore some of the state's highlights on a seven-day itinerary that packs a lot of great experiences into each day.

We'll begin in the southwest corner of the state and angle to the northeast to Cleveland, then follow the Lake Erie shoreline west to the Toledo region. This trip comes in under 600 miles, plus any side trips you might choose to add.

One day you can find yourself in the epicenter of the world's gambling capital, the next soaking up the beautiful desert oasis landscape. However, packaging Nevada for first-timers is no picnic, so it pays dividends to rely on a professional tour operator.

The Travel Alliance Partners group (TAP) is comprised of 30 premier tour operators from across the United States and Canada. Each operator specializes in its own select destinations, so collectively they have assembled the best of the best itineraries. Nevada is host state to a number of unique itineraries, all prepared by select TAP operators.

This issue's Gate 38 has a lot in store for you, from information on International Planning guides to the Statue of Liberty and Voices of Drayton Hall.

We all have negative baggage from our past-abuse from family members, name-calling from school friends, and destructive self-talk, just to name a few. And while these negative events occurred in our childhood, many adults allow their past baggage to dictate their present and guide their future.

No matter what your past burdens are, you need to be able to walk away from them instead of letting them control your present.

Advance planning helps you (and your potential travelers) to get focused. It assures you that you have arranged for a balanced and attractive annual program with something for everyone. And potential travelers like to know when you're doing what so they can schedule their vacations accordingly.

Booking your trips over a year in advance helps you to think what kinds of trips you need to keep your travel program healthy.

Your annual program needs to have balance, including one or two short trips at modest cost to attract newcomers and also to satisfy those on your list who cannot be away for longer.

Balance is just one of the aspects your program should include to ensure a healthy program.

Planning Your Annual Calendar of Trips is one of the topics covered in how to Plan, Operate and Lead Successful Group Trips.