Monthly Newsletter/June 2009 Travel Business Idea
What is it? YourTour is an automatic tour planner that allows you to design customized trips. Its "Personal Tour Planner" uses a mathematical algorithm (a computation engine, something Hitchsters also uses to match riders going to and from the airport) to generate tailored trip itineraries based on your preferences, wishes and constraints. YourTour is currently available only in France currently, but plans to expand soon.
Why do we like it? YourTour is free, and ... in our book, free is always good. And like Hitchsters, it makes your life easier by helping you save time and money. It adds a personal touch to (what is oftentimes) a time-consuming process, and features in-depth local knowledge to provide you with a rich travel experience.
How does it work? Using YourTour is as easy as 1-2-3:
Monthly Newsletter/June 2009 Travel Tip
What is it? ArrivedOK tells your family/friends when you've ... arrived OK. Essentially, it's a mobile application that automatically alerts others you've safely arrived at your destination. Currently, ArrivedOK is being beta-tested in 10 countries -- Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Russia, South Africa and Spain.
your family and friends when your flight arrives at its destination. You no longer have to worry about whether your parents will be waiting for you when your 4:30 in from LaGuardia is running late and they don't waste time circling the airport while your flight is delayed.
Why we like it?
1. It's a FREE service. Always good.
2. Like Hitchsters, it saves you money- ArrivedOK alerts are three to eight times cheaper than calling or texting from abroad
3. ArrivedOK also saves time by automating something you do on a regular basis.
4. Further, it can reduce the anxiety that oftentimes accompany airport visits. To further avoid hassles, use Hitchsters to book your ride to the airport.
5. Lastly, ArrivedOK offers a personal touch- you can compose personalized messages to be sent to different groups of recipients.
How does it work? ArrivedOK is simple and easy to use:
Monthly Newsletter/June 2009 Destination of the Month
Destination of the Month: Cairo, Egypt
Cairo, Egypt: Cross off another item from your bucket list and visit the pyramids in Egypt! There has never been a better time to visit as June weather is great and airfares are down over 30% from annual highs. Begin your stay in Egypt's modern marvel, Cairo, then from there venture out to visit major sites in Giza, Alexandria and even Karnak or Luxor. Popular attractions in Egypt include:
1. For a break from the heat and dry terrain, visit Heliopolis a posh Cairo suburb that used to be the favored enclave of European colonists
2. For a taste of authentic Cairo-life, be sure to visit an open air market or souk and watch as locals buy everything from produce to daily wares
When to go: June is one of the best times to visit Egypt -- cooler weather will allow you to enjoy Cairo's wonders without being overwhelmed by the sweltering desert heat. With airfare prices a third below their annual highs, June is the best time to cross Cairo off your list of must-see destinations.
Where to Stay: As a major tourist destination and Egyptian business hub, hotels in Cairo can be pricey. Lucky for you, Hitchsters did some research and found some great options:
1. For the budget-minded traveler the Talisman Hotel offers great views of downtown Cairo and its location in the heart of Cairo makes it a great value ($166/day; http://tiny.cc/lJ5wr)
2. If you're on a looser budget, definitely consider the Cairo Marriott Hotel. It has the modern amenities you desire and as a bonus, houses the Omar Khayyam Casino in case you're feeling lucky ($232/day; http://tiny.cc/epHVS)
What to Do:
