Hotels.com®, the expert in online hotel booking and home to more than 20,000 hotel destinations worldwide, released its biannual Hotel Price Index™ (HPI®), reporting on the most popular travel destinations and the average price paid by travelers while visiting those destinations.
The HPI is a regular survey of hotel prices in major city destinations across the world, based on hotels.com bookings. Prices reported are those actually paid by customers (rather than advertised rates) during the calendar year of 2011. On a global scale, hotel prices increased by 4 percent on average in 2011 over 2010, while average prices in North America increased 5 percent year-over-year, continuing the process of steady recovery from the lows of 2008. Entering the third consecutive year of moderate price rises for guests, the global average price is still lower than it was in 2005, such was the depth of the financial crash-inspired trough.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52873-hotels-com-price-index-five-percent-rise-in-2011-in-north-america
The relative strength of the global hotel sector can be seen as an indicator of a potential turnaround in the economic outlook with the average price of a room around the world rising 4% in 2011, according to the latest Hotels.com® Hotel Price Index™ (HPI®). The continuing strength in corporate travel, in particular, helped to push up demand and room rates, although prices were still generally lower than in 2005.
The HPI looks at prices that people actually paid for their hotel room around the world. Last year, prices fell 2% in Asia year-on-year but rose in all other areas: 8% in the Pacific, 5% in North America, 4% in Latin America, 3% in the Caribbean and 2% in Europe and the Middle East. The overall increase reflected a continuing trend of steady recovery after a 13% tumble in 2009.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/53785-hotels
http://www.yourwisdomteeth.com/ - Ironically, wisdom teeth are a bit of a mystery. They serve no real function but humans still develop them. There are a few different theories on why they exist. Get all of the information you need on wisdom teeth - http://www.yourwisdomteeth.com/
If you are like most consumers, the current economic environment and has you re-thinking your holiday shopping list. And, with holiday shopping now in full effect, what better time than now to start thinking about how you can save while still getting the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Nationally recognized consumer trends expert Drew Krasny has great gift ideas to help stretch your holiday dollar. He will discuss everything from the latest trends in gift giving and how to shop on a budget to tips on how to avoid the most common holiday shopping mistakes.
As wars end, the hardship continues. Servicemen are still stationed overseas, families remain left behind and veterans return to an economy stuck in the doldrums. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation’s Return the Favor campaign supports programs and services that work to ease the burden on America’s active-duty military, veterans and their families.
One key part of the campaign is the Unmet Needs Program. The program assists with basic life needs such as rent, mortgage, utilities, vehicle repair, medical expenses or food/basic assistance. It has helped over 3,000 military families and funds are available to all five branches of the military, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserves. Since 2004, the Unmet Needs Program has provided more than $4 million dollars in financial assistance to deserving military families.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/53538-vfw-foundation-return-the-favor-campaign-on-national-tv-series-giving-back
Homeowners in Santa Clara County still can take advantage of a county rebate program that covers 80 percent of the cost of a home energy assessment, up to $800. However, because the program is for a limited time only while funds last, homeowners are urged to contact a participating contractor as soon as possible to schedule a home energy assessment and also qualify for additional incentives up to $6,000 through Energy Upgrade California.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/53504-energy-rebates-air-conditioning-repair-hvac-insulation-home-value
They’ve been dubbed the “Sandwich Generation”–middle-aged people caring for aging parents while still taking care of their own children. Pulled in many directions, these family jugglers are at risk for stress, depression and other health problems. Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population; 10,000 people turn 65 every day. This will continue for nearly 20 years, and that means more and more people will find themselves aiding their aging parents.
Throughout November, which is National Family Caregiver Month, BeSmartBeWell.com sheds light on the challenges of caregiving and the particular issues facing the Sandwich Generation. At BeSmartBeWell.com, siblings Chris and Ann share their story of juggling jobs, family and caring for elderly parents.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/caregivingparents/50827/
U.S. insurance companies continue to face an uncertain future. Evolving regulatory requirements and a still-shaky economy coupled with more demanding consumers, combine to present a new set of challenges to insurers today. While weaker companies continue to shake out, remaining contenders must realize that survival and success will depend largely on their willingness to innovate.
Frost & Sullivan recently published a whitepaper, Using Mobile Solutions to Improve Insurance Sector Performance, which examines how mobile technology can help control cost, manage risk and create new revenue.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/frostsullivan/53280/
It still pays to play nice at work, a new Robert Half survey confirms. Nearly half (48 percent) of workers interviewed said being courteous to others can help an employee rise through the ranks. Another 41 percent said etiquette plays at least some role in career advancement.
Robert Half also has introduced new videos illustrating some of the most egregious examples of office etiquette faux pas as part of the firm’s ongoing video series, “Don’t Let This Happen to You.” The lighthearted videos, including “The Cupcake Caper,” along with advice on avoiding common blunders, can be found at www.roberthalf.com/dont-let-this-happen-to-you.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/53175-robert-half-survey-and-companion-video-series-highlight-office-etiquette
When beginning her journey at Kaplan University, Michell Sturgis was unsure how the demands of working full time and college course work would impact her life. Kaplan University’s flexible learning schedule and online degree programs allowed her to complete her assignments at her own pace while still being able to spend quality time with her daughter. Michell took the next step forward from her associate’s degree to earning her bachelor’s degree online.
Like many other Kaplan University students, Michell trusted the Kaplan name. With Kaplan University comes the knowledge that we’re an accredited online university* and that our business and management degrees are well- received in corporations all over the country. Our online courses cater to working adults with responsibilities that extend beyond the typical 9 to 5.
If working while attending college is your reality, our online School of Business and Management sets us apart from other online colleges. We offer extensive resources to our students to aid in their academic success. Attending business school online can seem daunting, but current Kaplan University students will tell you that professors are readily available through e-mail, instant messaging, phone calls, and office hours. If earning an online bachelor’s degree is part of your plan, come see what Kaplan University’s many online learning programs have to offer.
*Kaplan University is regionally accredited. See our website for details.
† Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job, eligible for job advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional training or certification may be required.
“When I decided to come back to school and pursue my bachelor’s degree I did have a fear of how I was going to fit the studies into my schedule. It had been quite a while since I graduated with my associate’s degree. I was already working full time when I started here at Kaplan [University], and I’m also a parent. I have a 7-year-old daughter and it was really helpful that they were really flexible and they offered classes during the day and the evening.
Kaplan [University] started offering online classes for my degree which really ended up being helpful to me because I didn’t have to be here on campus all of the time and I could get work done at night after I got my daughter to bed. I chose to study business management because I want to one day have my own business. Now that I have graduated from Kaplan [University], I am still working full time. I work as a case manager at a shelter for domestic violence. My business degree has contributed to my current job because I am able to move into different areas at my workplace and move more into the administrative side of things instead of the direct care and that was one of my goals.
Since graduating from Kaplan University my life has changed. For one, I am more confident when it comes to applying for jobs. It has also changed in my home life with my daughter; she is very proud of me—that her mom is successful and that is important to me.”
Childhood obesity is a nationwide epidemic, but the Hispanic community is particularly affected. Children of Hispanic descent are significantly more likely to be overweight and obese than non-Hispanic Caucasian kids, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
For 11-year-old Alejandra and her parents, food was an expression of love. But overeating and other unhealthy habits led this young girl to become overweight. Today, Alejandra knows that you can eat right and still eat well. At BeSmartBeWell.com , Alejandra and her parents show how they've changed their ways without sacrificing their culture or love of food.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/besmartbewell/50822/
Today, hotels.com®, the leading provider of lodging worldwide, released its biannual Hotel Price Index™ (HPI®), revealing a 3 percent global price increase and a gradual recovery despite major natural catastrophes and world events affecting travel during the first half of the year. Room rates are still lower than their peak in mid-2007, indicating to travelers that good deals and value are within reach for consumers.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52047-hotels-com-price-index-three-percent-global-increase-gradual-recovery