DealPass Provides Tips on Hotel Safety for Summer Travelers

NORWALK, CONN July 8, 2006

Hotel booked Check. Reservations confirmed Check. Boarding passes in hand Check. Luggage packed and loaded Check. Ah, with the last minute review of your travel plans complete, you are ready to start that summer vacation you’ve been dreaming about. DealPass.com, an online savings portal by Adaptive Marketing LLC, can assist visitors with their “check, checksby offering travel savings with its one-stop, full-service online Travel Reservation Center.*

While summer travel is meant to be exciting, fun, relaxing and just an overall nice break from the daily grind, DealPass also cautions vacationers about traveling safely don’t let your guard down while you’re on the road. Thousands of people are victimized by hotel crimes each year. The same safety rules one follows at home should also apply to their home away from home their hotel room.

DealPass offers these important hotel safety tips:

-- Second floor, please. When booking a hotel room, request one that is not on ground level. Hotel rooms that are located on ground level make it easier for criminals to break in through windows or veranda doors. In any case, windows and sliding doors should be locked when not in use no matter what floor the hotel room is on.

-- Chains are not just for accessorizing. When in the room, lock the door AND chain or bolt it for extra security.

-- Who’s there Never answer the door to accept a delivery or package unless hotel services calls to confirm this with you.

-- Do not disturb. Always hang the “Do Not Disturbsign on your hotel room door when you are not there. It will give the impression that your hotel room is being occupied when you are not in it. As an added precaution, leave the radio or TV on.

-- Lock it up. When away, don’t leave valuables scattered throughout the room. Keep them in a safe place, such as an in-room safe or take them to the front desk to be stored until you return.

In addition to great year-around travel discounts, DealPass also provides these exciting summer sizzlers to its visitors:

Save on gift cards with SavingSmart, a membership discount program

Save on summer picnics with DealPass Grocery Coupons

Find cheap summer gear with the DealPass “Shop by Price Comparisontool

Save on peace of mind with the DealPass Credit Center

Seasonal special offers are updated monthly

Have a happy and safe summer season, concludes DealPass.

About DealPass.com

DealPass is an online portal for Adaptive Marketing LLC&39;s membership programs. Adaptive Marketing LLC is a leading provider of membership discount programs. Headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., Adaptive Marketing is a category leader in both membership and loyalty programs, bringing value direct to consumers through an array of benefits in healthcare, discounts, security, personal property and personals available through DealPass.

California Seller of Travel (2058774-40). Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. Florida Seller of Travel (Registration No. ST35312). Washington Seller of Travel (Registration No. 602 248 448).

All travel is arranged by World Class Travel. WorldChoiceTravel.com is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration No. ST34200.

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Takes Top Honors at Frequent Flyer Awards Ceremony

Dallas, TX May 3, 2005

For seven straight years in a row, Southwest Airlines was honored with first place for Best Award Redemption at InsideFlyer magazine&39;s 17th annual Freddie Awards ceremony last week in New York City. The airline has won this honor each of the seven years that the magazine has awarded it. Along with the Best Award Redemption, Southwest received first place awards for Best Customer Service and Best Bonus Promotion.

"We are excited the flying public recognizes the value and simplicity of the Rapid Rewards program," said Debra Benton, Southwest&39;s Director of Loyalty and Partnership Marketing. "We strive to make the program Customer friendly and easy to use. The Freddie Awards confirm that our program gives frequent flyers what they want -- outstanding Customer Service and a simple way to earn and redeem free travel."

Each year, InsideFlyer magazine invites members of all frequent traveler programs to vote for the programs they feel deliver the best combination of benefits, awards, and returns on loyalty from the traveler&39;s point of view. Winners are determined not only by how many votes a program receives, but by the overall merits of each program as reflected in "value voting," where voters rate their favorite programs on a scale of one to ten. More than 315,000 frequent flyers submitted ballots to Freddie Awards organizers, casting votes for programs worldwide.

Southwest also was honored with second place awards in the categories for Program of the Year, Best Web Site, Best Member Communications, and Best Bonus Promotion. For the second place Best Bonus Promotion, the airline was honored for the Visa credit card promotion where Rapid Rewards Members received double credit when purchasing airfare on southwest.com using a Visa card (October 1 - December 15, 2004). The airline has won several Freddie Awards from InsideFlyer over the years and has been given high marks for many program elements.

"If loyalty had to be based on a single factor, it would be Customer Service. Southwest&39;s Rapid Rewards [program]] not only understands this, but for the fourth straight year, and fifth time overall, has been singled out by the traveling public as the single best example," Randy Peterson, InsideFlyer Editor and Publisher, said during the awards ceremony in New York City.

Southwest&39;s Rapid Rewards program lets frequent flyers stop counting miles and start taking trips. "It&39;s easy to earn trips, and it&39;s even easier to redeem them," Benton said. "It&39;s a program members can actually use, not just dream about."

Members earn credits by flying or doing business with the program&39;s preferred partners. A roundtrip equals two credits (a one-way ticket equals one). Members must fly eight roundtrips or earn 16 credits in a 12-month period to receive a roundtrip award. Once the award is earned (by flying, buying, staying, driving, surfing the Internet, or talking on the phone), Southwest automatically sends the Ticketless Award to the Customer&39;s online account -- free travel fast with no hassle. Plus, Southwest allows the member to transfer the award to anyone. The Award is free but subject to the U.S. government September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 roundtrip.

Currently, Southwest offers Rapid Rewards Members double credit for flights into or out of Baltimore/Washington International or flights to or from Chicago Midway booked on southwest.com and flown by August 3, 2005. At the elite level, Southwest offers members who fly 50 roundtrips (or earn 100 credits) within 12 months a Companion Pass, which allows a member to designate a traveler to fly with them free of charge for 12 months.

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) is the nation&39;s largest carrier in terms of scheduled domestic departures. The airline currently serves 59 airports in 31 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates nearly 3,000 flights a day and has 31,000 employees systemwide. The carrier will begin service to Pittsburgh on May 4, 2005.

http://www.southwest.com

Media Contact:

Public Relations of Southwest Airlines

+1-214-792-4847

Customers:

+1-800-I-FLY-SWA or +1-800-435-9792

en Espanol:

+1-800-VAMONOS or +1-800-826-6667

Research reveals UK holidaymakers fail to plan ahead for travel money

London, UK November 15, 2009

As the cold winter weather encourages UK holidaymakers to travel to long-haul destinations for warmer weather, research has found that less than half (48 per cent) of UK travellers fail to calculate their holiday spend accurately or taking enough foreign currency away with them. (1)

Londoners were found to be the least organised with foreign exchange: more than one in five (22 per cent) didn’t arrange their foreign currency before heading off to the airport. On the savvier side, residents from the North East were most likely to purchase foreign currency before travel, with almost two-thirds shopping in advance of travel for the best deals on foreign exchange

The Post Office warns that using UK holidaymakers using ATM machines abroad to get their travel money can be extremely when compared to buying foreign currency before travelling, as it has been reported that commission fees can cost up to &163;6 per transaction for credit or debit card cash withdrawals. (2)

Additional research has found that &163;7.8bn in foreign currency was withdrawn from cash machines by UK holidaymakers abroad in 2009, resulting in &163;326m in commission charges and cash advance fees (3) on travel money.

Sarah Munro, Head of Post Office Travel Services, said: “Make sure you buy commission-free foreign currency in advance and avoid withdrawing travel money abroad at ATMs as you will be charged and it can be difficult to keep tabs on your spending.

(1) Research from First Rate Exchange 2009
(2) Research from First Rate Exchange 2009
(3) Research from First Rate Exchange 2009

Consumers are Burying Their Head in the Sand When It Comes to Credit Repayments - Particularly in Yorkshire

November 19, 2009

Yorkshire has been exposed as the region most likely to struggle when it comes to credit card payments, according to research from Confused.com.

Thirty five per cent of Yorkshire residents, who have had their account closed by their provider, have had it closed because of inability to keep up with repayments, closely followed by the South East, 33% of which have suffered the same penalty.

The North East and East Anglia fair better; of all the UK&39;s regions they have the lowest number of accounts closed due to non-payment at only 8%.

Head of credit cards at Confused.com, Joanne Garcia, said: "Creditcard users in all regions need to understand how damaging it can be to miss repayments. While it may not seem like a big deal to miss a few payments here and there, credit providers - which include mortgage lenders - leave no stone unturned when it comes to checking a person&39;s credit worthiness. It they see a history of non-payments it makes it much more difficult to borrow money.

Confused.com advises those who are struggling to make repayments on time to set up a direct debit for at least the minimum payment with their bank and check on Confused.com to make sure they are getting the best card for their profile by using the free credit profiling tool. In addition, the Confused.com credit check tool will tell people the likelihood of acceptance before committing to an application, so no unnecessary credit footprints will be left in the wake of a rejection"

For further information please contact:
Press office, Confused.com: 02920 434 398
Joanne Garcia, Head of Credit Cards Confused.com: 07792 981 462

Notes to editors

About Confused.com:

Confused.com is one of the UK&39;s biggest and most popular price comparison services. Launched in 2002, it generates over one million quotes per month. It has expanded its range of comparison products over the last couple of years to include car insurance, home insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, van insurance, motorbike insurance, breakdown cover and energy, as well as financial services products including credit cards, loans, mortgages and life insurance.

Confused.com is not a supplier, insurance company or broker. It provides a free, objective and unbiased comparison service. By using cutting-edge technology, it has developed a series of intelligent web-based solutions that evaluate a number of risk factors to help customers with their decision-making, subsequently finding them great deals on a wide-range of insurance products, financial services, utilities and more. Confused.com&39;s service is based on the most up-to-date information provided by UK suppliers and industry regulators.

Confused.com is owned by the Admiral Group plc. Admiral listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2004. Confused.com is regulated by the FSA.

U.S. Bankcard Services, Inc. (USBSI) Offers China UnionPay (CUP) T-Shirt Promotion through U.S. Merchants

City of Industry, CA (Vocus) September 20, 2010

With the advent of booming Chinese tourism, U.S. merchants are trying to reach out to a growing market segment of Chinese consumers with spending power. Chinese tourism is constantly growing, and is expected to reach 579,000 Chinese travelers to the United States by 2011. USBSI is sponsoring a T-Shirt give away campaign through its merchants within the U.S. to promote the use of the CUP cards by Chinese tourists.

This promotion offers a free “I Love LAT-Shirt to CUP card holders at any participating USBSI merchant that has a decal of “CUP Accepted Here/a> in plain sight. The decal will indicate that the merchant has a credit card machine capable of processing CUP cards. This promotion began on the 1st of September in 2010 (09/01/2010), and will end on the 31st of May in 2011 (05/31/2011), or until all of the T-Shirts have been redeemed. In order to be eligible for the promotion, CUP card holders must spend a total of at least $200 USD on one or more visits with the same CUP card at the same merchant location. This promotion is cumulative, so spending $400 USD with one CUP card at one merchant location will give two (2) T-Shirts, $600 will give three (3), etc., while supplies last.

This promotion intends not only to show that the Chinese tourism industry is booming, but it also attempts to build loyalty with merchants. Chris Chang, President and CEO of USBSI stated that this promotion “will encourage Chinese tourists to support merchants by making purchases simpler and easier.

USBSI can help merchants accept CUP cards with minimal transaction fees and set-up costs. Transactions are processed securely and electronically at the point-of-sale and the amount is conveniently and directly deducted from the cardholder’s account and then deposited into the merchant account. In addition, there is no pre-set limit to the amount a cardholder can spend, other than what is available in his/her account. For a limited time, receive a credit card terminal to use for free and start accepting CUP cards now. Just call USBSI’s at 888-525-8558 and ask about CUP.

About U.S. Bankcard Services, Inc. (USBSI)
U.S. Bankcard Services, Inc. is a top rated “MSP offering competitive rates, superb customer service support and cutting edge technology for credit card processing service. USBSI offers a wide array of value-added services, including QuickDining.com (QD) Restaurant eCommerce, Gift Card services, Check Gaurantee, PCI –DSS Compliance Consultancy, 24-7 Multilingual Customer Service and technical support.

AMT/AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL OFFERS FINANCIAL TIPS FOR VACATIONERS

September 12, 2003

&194;“With a little financial foresight and planning, travelers can maximize their vacation dollars and make their trips hasslefree,&194;” said Frank Morgan , CFO, of AMT/ American Express Travel &194;“In a tight economy, everyone wants to be sure they are stretching their vacation dollars, managing their spending and safeguarding their cash while traveling. What may seem like common sense actions can sometimes be overlooked in the excitement of planning a getaway.&194;”

In addition to an array of travel products and services, AMT/American Express Travel is now offering fee free Travelers Cheques. &194;“We want to be a complete one-stop shop when it comes to vacation travel and helping our clients safeguard their money is important,&194;” [said Frank Morgan.] &194;“Even better is that our affiliation with American Express allows us to offer Travelers Cheques with no fee to our customers.&194;”

AMT/American Express Travel offers the following tips for managing and safeguarding your vacation dollars:

Before you go

Consult a Travel Professional

Consult a travel agent. Let a professional handle your trip and take the hassle out of vacation planning. It will save you time and money and you&194;’ll have someone to assist you if plans go awry. By purchasing a trip from an American Express travel agent or carrying an American Express Card, travelers have access to American Express&194;’ Worldwide Care program. If anything should happen along the way, American Express travelers can visit anyone of more than 1,700* Travel and Foreign Exchange Service locations worldwide for free assistance.

Reap Rewards

Purchase your vacation with a card tied to a rewards program. That way you can start earning your next vacation while enjoying your current trip.

Protect Your Investment

Consider purchasing travel insurance to safeguard your trip. Ask your travel agent which insurance plan is right for you.

Schedule Payments Online

Pay your bills electronically before you go to avoid late fees or returning to a pile of bills. Through online banking services and direct deposit, travelers can schedule payments and eliminate financial worries while on vacation.

Limit the Cash You Carry

Instead of carrying lots of extra cash and to ensure that you stick to your travel budget, carry Travelers Cheques on your next trip. American Express&194;&174; Travelers Cheques are accepted around the world.. They can be easily replaced if lost or stolen, usually within 24 hours. [Your agency] offers fee free Travelers Cheques to American Express Cardmembers. As an added benefit, American Express Travelers Cheques customers can now receive passport and credit card replacement assistance.

Traveling to Europe

Consider purchasing Euro-denominated Travelers Cheques prior to your trip. Avoid having to exchange currency or frequent visits to the ATM by carrying sufficient Euro Travelers Cheques. You can cash them at your hotel or a retail outlet without having to pay a high conversion rate. Twelve European countries now use the Euro so you can travel from country to country with the same Travelers Cheques.

Unpack Your Wallet Before Leaving Home

Leave your local department store credit cards and other unnecessary items behind.

Copy Your Documents

Give copies of passport, airline ticket, credit card and Travelers Cheques numbers with someone you trust at home. In the event of a loss, replacement will be expedited if you can quickly provide critical information.

Pack a Variety of Forms of Payment and Two Forms of Photo ID

&194;&183; Include major credit card(s); Travelers Cheques and a small amount of cash

&194;&183; Only carry as much cash as needed

&194;&183; Leave excess cash and one form of Photo ID in the hotel safe

At your destination

Change Money Fee Free

American Express Travelers Cheques are welcomed around the world and can be exchanged for local currency free of charge at thousands of locations. You can exchange your Travelers Cheques for local currency fee free and receive travel assistance and other valuable services at more than 1,700 American Express Travel Service locations worldwide.

Use a Charge Card for Vacation Purchases

Travelers should consider using a charge or credit card for vacation expenses. A charge or credit card can help travelers keep track of spending and provide a record of all purchases. Plus, cards tied to membership rewards programs earn points on vacation purchases.

Distribute Your Risk

&194;&183; Don&194;’t carry all forms of payment and other valuables in one place

&194;&183; Carry wallets in front pockets or keep pockets securely fastened with a pin or velcro if necessary

&194;&183; Wear handbags with the opening next to the body

Avoid ATMs that are not Well-lit and Secure

Remember that cash is &194;“muggable money&194;” and that ATM cards may not be easily replaced if lost or stolen. Put cash away immediately and don&194;’t carry large amounts of cash.

For more information on managing your money while traveling, contact AMT/American Express Travel. Frank Morgan. American Express entered the travel agency business in 1915 and today is one of the largest global travel agency networks. The company has more than 1,700 Travel and Foreign Exchange Services locations worldwide in more than 130 countries.

For more information, AMT/American Express Travel, call 1-800-999-2599 or visit anttravel.com.

Instant Online Hotel Availability in Asia - Asia Online Group Changes the Travel Industry

Bangkok, Thailand April 17, 2007

Asia Online Group has announced the first ever consumer targeted Asian Pacific hotel network which gives direct access to hotels in Asia for travelers. AsiaTiv.com now shows consumers instant availability for hotel rooms in Asia.

Dror Meytal, Asia Online Group&39;s CEO says: "Unlike in Europe and USA, none of the Asian online travel web sites offered direct access to dynamic room availability information in Asia. Until today, travelers would browse the web find a hotel, based on general agency inventory and seasonal price list, and based on that the traveler needed to make a reservation with their credit card information and wait up to a week for a response."

Previously hotel reservations were done with a system which estimated availability and had a very long turn response time. Mr. Meytal continued "There is a very poor trend where more than 50% of hotel reservations in Asia being made online were for rooms that were no longer available, and for rooms on holidays or peak seasons the rate jumped 70%! Customers were trapped by a scenario were their credit card was blocked for the amount of a purchase and they were not being rewarded for their patience. Our new network of over 2500 hotels gives them a real picture of room availability, price and simplifies the purchasing process."

The Asia Online network offers other travel resources on top of low cost accommodations. Visitors to AsiaTiv.com can reserve airport to hotels transfers, tours, boat trips, private cars with drivers and much more. Travel-hub.net, also part of the Asia Online Group, services travel agents and agencies. Travel agents can now offer real time hotel availability for their clients, saving them money and increasing satisfaction. Mr. Meytal commented "Travel Agents have known about this problem for years, and the feedback that we receive from them while building this network has been 100% positive."

The Asia Online Travel Network not only lets customers directly book their hotels, but offers a price match guarantee. Customers receive instant feedback and the lowest possible prices. Mr. Meytal concluded with "We wanted to improve the customer experience, whether online, on the phone or in our offices. We back up our network by having representation in 8 South Asia Pacific countries, so travelers can feel secure even after they have made a purchase."

About Asia Online Group:

Asia Online Group, a network of Asian travel resources which focus solely on the Asian Pacific area. Asiativ.com is the consumer based portal specializing in personal travel services. Travel-hub.net is the travel agency portal for the Asia Online Group. Travel agencies have access to all of Asia Online Group services and products giving their customers Asia&39;s largest selection of travel services. Asia Online Group also offers enterprise business solutions for business travel throughout Asia Pacific.

About AsiaTiv.com:

AsiaTiv.com is a one-stop-shop travel firm specializing in Asia Pacific. They offer every service available when traveling through Asia including hotels, transfers, tours and more. By specializing in Southern Asia only, Asiativ.com is able to offer more choices at lower prices. All of their live telephone operators can offer valuable information and recommendations, along with their network of offices throughout Asia which can assist travelers while on their journeys.