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TravelBrands Launches New Access+

February 14, 2023

TravelBrands has launched a new and improved, all-in-one travel platform — Access+. The platform is now ready to welcome travel agents from all over Canada with its new features and design.

Nathalie Tanious, COO, TravelBrands, said:  “We are very excited to have launched our new and improved travel reservations platform, Access+. We named it Access+ because travel agents will be able to do everything they already love, plus so much more.”

Tanious continued: “All enhancements were carefully thought out and developed in collaboration with our partners to get their feedback on what would make their life easier. Our main goal is always to help travel agents meet Canadian travellers’ needs quickly and efficiently.”

The new advancements include an improved hotel search widget, dynamic fly & drive packages and dynamic cancellation penalties. Loyalty Rewards points have also been integrated into the booking flow, and it’s now possible to book river cruises online.

The user dashboard, My Bookings, has also been redesigned to help travel agents work more efficiently, adding new features like sales graphs.

To celebrate the launch of Access+, TravelBrands is giving away thousands of prizes, including Loyalty Rewards points, TravelBrands Future Travel Vouchers, and a cruise for two.

For each new booking made on the new platform between Feb. 13 and Feb. 26, 2023, travel agents will receive one game play to scratch and win plus a chance to win 100,000 Loyalty Rewards points.

Travel agents can still log into Access until Feb. 28, 2023.

For more details on Access+ or to try it out, go to www.travelbrandsaccess.com .

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TravelBrands launches new Access+ with plenty of prizes

Post date: Feb 13 2023

Date: Feb 13 2023

By: Travelweek

TORONTO — TravelBrands has announced the launch of its brand new and improved all-in-one travel platform: Access+.

The revamped and enhanced platform is now available coast to coast for Canadian travel advisors.

Nathalie Tanious

. . . . “We are very excited to have launched our new and improved travel reservations platform, Access+,” says Nathalie Tanious, COO, TravelBrands. “We named it Access+ because travel agents will be able to do everything they already love, plus so much more! All enhancements were carefully thought out and developed in collaboration with our partners to get their feedback on what would make their life easier. Our main goal is always to help travel agents meet Canadian travellers’ needs quickly and efficiently.”

The new advancements include …

• An improved hotel search widget
• Dynamic fly & drive packages
• Dynamic cancellation penalties
• Loyalty Rewards points in the booking flow
• Capability to book river cruises online

Tanious says the user dashboard, MyBookings, has also been redesigned to help travel agents work more efficiently, adding new features like sales graphs.

To celebrate the launch of Access+, TravelBrands is giving away thousands of prizes, including Loyalty Rewards points, TravelBrands Future Travel Vouchers, and a cruise for two.

For each new booking made on the new platform Feb. 13 – 26, 2023, travel agents will receive one game play to scratch and win plus a chance to win 100,000 Loyalty Rewards points.

Travel agents can still log into Access until Feb. 28, 2023. For more details on Access+ or to try it out, visit www.travelbrandsaccess.com

Tags: Lead Story, TravelBrands

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Headquartered in Toronto, Ont., TravelBrands, a division of H.I.S.-Red Label Vacations Inc., is one of Canada’s leading travel groups. Its multi-channel distribution network is comprised of multiple brands and subsidiaries.

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At travelbrands, we recognize that our travel agents partners are our greatest asset. that's why we've developed an all-in-one booking platform that empowers travel agents to work smarter, not harder. our platform provides complete flexibility for booking travel arrangements, including flights, car rentals, cruises, attractions, excursions, and specialty travel, all in one place. with travelbrands, you'll have access to the latest technology and innovative tools to help you deliver exceptional service to your clients. we're committed to supporting our partners every step of the way, and we're proud to say that #travelbrandslovesagents., join us on facebook, travelbrands loyalty rewards program.

At TravelBrands, we recognize Canadian travel agents’ hard work and dedication. That’s why we’ve created the TravelBrands Loyalty Rewards program, available to all Access+ users. By participating in this program, travel agents can earn points on all TravelBrands products and redeem them for various rewards, including merchandise, travel, gift cards, and the ability to donate to foundations and charities. Our Loyalty Reward program is one of the many ways we strive to provide exceptional service and support to our clients. To learn more about the program and how to participate, visit www.travelbrandsaccess.com today.

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Welcoming all: What travel brands need to know about inclusive travelers

The importance of diversity and inclusion in travel services, destinations, and advertising is gaining traction, with travelers seeking experiences catering to their individual needs such as mobility issues or barriers to accessibility  and preferences.

In a recent YouGov survey conducted among US adults we look at:

• The importance of inclusivity to travel
• The top resources inclusive travelers rely on for information
• The biggest barriers inclusive travelers face

Polling data reveals that 31% of overall respondents find it important that travel brands use people who represent them in their advertising. This sentiment tends to be stronger among the 30-44-year-old demographic, with 41% emphasizing the importance of representation.

Around a third of US travelers (33%) would prefer to go on a trip that caters to a wider range of travelers’ needs and abilities. Parents with children under the age of 18 are more likely to opt for inclusive accommodations or destinations (40%) compared to those with at least one child over 18 years (30%).

But how do travelers assess the inclusivity of a travel package or destination? Survey data reveals the resources most valued by travelers seeking inclusive options. Reviews from travelers with similar needs emerge as the most valuable resource, with 40% of respondents finding them most helpful. These firsthand accounts can provide potential travelers with insights into accessibility, cultural sensitivity, and overall experience for travelers with specific requirements.

Clear descriptions of accessibility features offered by accommodations and destinations are also crucial, with 36% of respondents valuing them highly.

Social media content showcasing real travelers enjoying inclusive experiences is not high on the list but resonates with one in nine respondents (11%).

Travel blogs or articles highlighting destinations with inclusive offerings (7%) and using inclusive language that avoids stereotypes in marketing materials (6%) round out the list of helpful resources.

The path to an inclusive travel experience isn't always smooth. The survey also identifies challenges faced by Americans seeking inclusive travel options. Higher costs associated with inclusive options pose a hurdle for 36% of respondents.

The lack of readily available information about accommodations or travel destinations is another challenge faced by 27% of respondents. 

Finally, 19% of respondents report difficulty finding destinations and accommodations that cater to diverse needs.

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Methodology: YouGov polled 700 US adults on April 24, 2024. The survey was carried out through YouGov Surveys: Self-serve. Data is weighted by age, gender, political affiliation, education level and region. Learn more about YouGov Surveys: Self-serve .

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'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

The best laptop deals right now: Apple, Lenovo, HP, and more

We use laptops for everything from editing video in 4K to answering emails. But, eventually, it becomes time to retire our old machines and upgrade -- a prospect that can be daunting when prices are high. From portable gaming devices to laptops suitable for your home office and remote work setups, we've rounded up deals on some of the best laptops out there so you can find a laptop that you or a family member will love -- while saving some significant cash. 

Also:  The best laptops you can buy

If you see something that looks like a great deal, we recommend adding it to your cart ASAP. Prices tend to change quickly and stocks may vanish quickly if popular models are on sale. 

Best laptop deals 

• Apple MacBook Air 15-inch, M2 chip, 512GB : $1199 (save $300)
• ASUS Vivobook 15.6-inch FHD laptop : $250 (save $80)
• Microsoft Surface laptop 5 : $800 (save $500)
• Dell Inspiron 16 laptop : $450 (save $250)
• Acer Aspire Vero 15.6-inch Full HD laptop : $400 (save $230)
• Lenovo Yoga 6 13-inch hybrid tablet : $530 (save $330)
• HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 laptop : $1100 (save $350)
• ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 gaming laptop : $1699 (save $300)

Apple MacBook Air

• Current price: $1199
• Original price: $1499

Best Buy often offers discounts on the Apple MacBook range, and one deal we particularly like the look of is for an Apple MacBook Air. If you need a light, portable laptop for travel and work purposes, the $300 discount is attractive. This model has a 15-inch display suitable for all of your work and entertainment needs, an Apple M2 chip, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage.

HP Envy laptop

• Current price: $810
• Original price: $1280

You can also enjoy a $420 discount on the HP Envy, an excellent option if you want a Windows-based device suitable as a steady workhorse. This laptop offers users a 17.3-inch Full HD display and is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor. 16GB of RAM is included (upgradable to 32GB) alongside 512GB SSD storage. 

Samsung Galaxy Book3

• Current price: $1,000
• Original price: $1,350

This excellent Samsung Galaxy Book3 deal is worth considering. $1,00 is not too much to spend on a robust, future-proof laptop, and if you need a reliable model, there is a substantial $350 discount. The Samsung Galaxy Book3 is a 2-in-1 model sporting a 15.6-inch Full HD AMOLED touchscreen, an Intel i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage. 

HP Stream 14-inch laptop

• Current price: $199
• Original price: $229

Walmart's deal on the HP Stream laptop is worth considering if you need a budget-friendly machine suitable for travel and portability. I particularly like this laptop for its easy parental controls, having set one up recently for a friend who wanted to give their 12-year-old their first laptop in a safe manner.

The HP Stream is a 14-inch Windows 11 laptop with an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage. Sure, it's not the most specification-heavy, but at only $199, this laptop is a steal. 

Lenovo V15 Series laptop

• Current price: $400
• Original price: $480

Another deal we like the look of is $80 off a Lenovo V15 Series laptop. This new model comes with 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD storage, a 15.6-inch Full HD display, an Intel Pentium 4 processor, a variety of connectivity ports, and Windows 11 Home. 

Alternative laptop deals 

Amazon laptop deals, asus chromebook flip c434 2-in-1 laptop deal for $365 (save $140), asus vivobook 15.6-inch fhd laptop deal for $250 (save $80), asus rog strix scar 15 gaming laptop deal for $1699 (save $300), acer nitro 17 gaming laptop deal for $1295 (save $105), walmart laptop deals, asus vivobook 16-inch laptop deal for $499 (save $200), acer nitro 5 gaming laptop deal for $899 (save $100), lenovo ideapad duet 5 chromebook deal for $329 (save $40), asus zenbook 14-inch oled laptop deal for $577 (save $112), best buy laptop deals, hp 14-inch chromebook deal for $159 (save $140), microsoft surface laptop 5 deal for $800 (save $500), acer aspire vero 15.6-inch full hd laptop deal for $400 (save $230), lenovo slim pro 7 laptop deal for $900 (save $300), apple macbook deals, apple macbook air, 13-inch, m2, 256gb deal for $849 (save $250), apple macbook air, 13-inch, m3 chip, 256gb deal for $999 (save $100), apple macbook air, 15-inch, m2 chip, 1tb deal for $1499 (save $400), apple macbook pro, 14-inch, m3 chip, 512gb deal for $1449 (save $150), apple macbook pro, 16-inch, m3 pro, 512gb deal for $2349 (save $150), apple macbook air, 2023, 13.3-inch (refurb) deal for $380 (save $620), how did we choose these laptop deals.

We searched for laptop deals at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, and also at the websites of leading manufacturers like Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, Acer, and Asus. We also used various price trackers to ensure that a claimed deal wasn't spurious.

We have concentrated on quality products from leading vendors, as discounts on these laptops are likely to be most sought-after by potential buyers.

When compiling the list of the best deals, we considered the following:

• Price : Naturally, the price point of our recommended laptops has to include a worthwhile discount. While some discounts are small in relation to an overall price tag - for example, $30 off a $150 device - and other discounts are in the hundreds of dollars, we wanted to ensure that in any case, it's value for money.
• Features : We included a range of laptops with features sure to appeal to you, including different screen sizes, processors, memory options, and storage. Furthermore, these laptops include varying levels of security, parental lock options, and display resolutions.
• Use cases : At ZDNET, we also took into account different use cases. You might be in the market for a budget-friendly, basic laptop for a child, for example, or you may need a future-proof laptop suitable for work. Or, it might be a gaming device you're after. So, we have compiled a set of recommendations based on different purposes. 

What specifications do I need to look for in a laptop?

The right specs depend on your needs and how you intend to use your new laptop -- whether for gaming, studies, video calling, or simply daily internet surfing. We break it down for you below:

• Processing power/CPU:  The processor is the computer's brain and handles the basic programming tasks. Gamers will want a higher processor that can even boost to a higher GHz threshold for AAA games like Death Stranding and Halo Infinite. Higher processor outputs will also apply to content creators who need a laptop to handle editing video software, but if you're using your laptop for general work or just surfing the internet, you can opt for a lower processor. 
• Graphics card/GPU:  Again, gamers and content creators will want a higher graphics card to reflect the beautiful imagery for their gaming. I personally recommend that gamers opt for at least an RTX 3060 at the moment. However, again, internet surfers and workers shouldn't worry too much about the graphics if you're focusing on building out Word documents.
• Storage : For those that focus on lighter laptop use, 256GB of SSD storage will be plenty of space for your laptop. However, if you need more storage for high-resolution photos, videos, or more, you'll want to opt for 512GB of storage or even 1TB.
• RAM : In conjunction with the CPU, RAM is used to help the computer multi-task and is vital to running programs. ZDNET expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes breaks down RAM needs here , but at minimum, especially for working, you should opt for around 8GB, and gamers will potentially want more.

Do I need a gaming laptop or a "regular" laptop?

Again, it depends on your needs. Those who aren't  gamers can opt for a regular laptop with high specs, but content creators or those who work with heavy editing software should opt for a designer's laptop or a gaming laptop. Not because, of course, you want to have the best gaming specs on the side, but because those laptops come with powerful CPUs, GPUs, and high RAM to handle the heavy requirements that software needs.

How much should I pay for a good laptop?

When you're considering your budget for a new laptop, you have to consider what you want to use the device for. 

If you're a gamer who needs a high-spec laptop with a decent graphics card, top-of-the-range display and high refresh rate, you should expect to pay more than $500 - $600 -- and potentially beyond $1,000. However, if you need a laptop for basic tasks, studying, and streaming, you can easily get away with a basic laptop for a few hundred dollars. 

What are the best deals right now?

ZDNET experts split out the latest and greatest deals for you below.

Best deals by retailer

• The best Amazon deals
• The best Apple deals
• The best AT&T deals
• The best Verizon deals

Best deals by category

• The best VPN deals
• The best laptop deals
• The best robot vacuum deals
• The best phone deals
• The best iPhone deals
• The best TV deals
• The best deals under $30

ZDNET Recommends

The best laptops for college you can buy: expert tested, the best cheap laptops for $500 or less: expert tested, the best laptops you can buy in 2024: expert tested.

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Japan introduces online booking system to manage overcrowding on Mount Fuji trail

Amidst concerns over safety and environmental impact, japanese authorities have unveiled an online booking system for mount fuji's yoshida trail..

An online booking system for Mount Fuji 's most popular trail was announced on Monday by Japanese authorities trying to fight overtourism on the active volcano. Japan's highest mountain has become increasingly crowded during the summer hiking season, raising concerns over safety and environmental damage. To ease congestion on the Yoshida Trail, the preferred route for most hikers, the Yamanashi region is planning to cap daily entries to 4,000 people, who will be charged $13 each.

But to address some climbers' fears that they will be rejected once the daily limit is reached, this year online bookings will also be introduced for the first time. The system will guarantee people entry through a new gate, "allowing them to plan ahead," Katsuhiro Iwama, an official from the Yamanashi regional government, told AFP. (Also read: Japanese town erects barrier to shield Mount Fuji from tourist overcrowding )

Online bookings open on May 20 for the July-September hiking season. Each day at least 1,000 places will be kept free for on-the-spot entry. Mount Fuji is covered in snow most of the year, but in the summer more than 220,000 visitors trudge up its steep, rocky slopes, many climbing through the night to see the sunrise. Some attempt to reach the 3,776-metre (12,388-foot) summit without breaks and become sick or injured as a result.

Tourists are also flocking to surrounding areas to snap the majestic mountain, which is seen as a symbol of Japan but whose popularity is proving a burden to locals. In one photo spot where Mount Fuji emerges behind a Lawson convenience store, exasperated officials are constructing a huge black mesh barrier to block the view. People who work and live nearby had complained about mostly foreign tourists trespassing, littering and dangerously crossing the street to get the perfect Instagram post.

Record numbers of overseas tourists are travelling to Japan, where in March monthly visitors exceeded three million for the first time. Residents of Kyoto's geisha district have also banned tourists from private alleys after complaints that some were rudely demanding selfies with the kimono-clad entertainers.

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