12/10 ROGER DOW, THE U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION, JIM LAUGHREN, CHAMPAGNE

ROGER DOW, CEO OF THE U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION - EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL HAS A PROFOUND EFFECT ON ACADEMIC AND CAREER SUCCESS

2014 is right around the corner – have you used your vacation time for the year?  It turns out that Americans and their families are missing out on more than they realize when their vacation days run out at the end of this month. According to a new study by the U.S. Travel Association, taking the time for educational travel has a profound effect on academic and career success.  The "Travel Improves Educational Attainment & Future Success" report revealed that adults who took learning-focused trips between the ages of 12 and 18 had higher incomes, and achieved higher grades than those who did not travel.  Adults who traveled were more likely to graduate from high school, and 63 percent of that group went on to graduate from college, according to the report.

This groundbreaking research shows that even short trips with family to learn about local culture, history or nature can have major impacts on future career success.  As the year draws to a close and New Year’s resolutions are upon us, would you be interested in hosting Roger Dow, CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, to share the results with your listeners?


JIM LAUGHREN, CERTIFIED WINE AND BEER EXPERT DISCUSSES CHAMPAGNE FOR THE SEASON

Jim Laughren, Certified wine and beer expert, author of the award-winning A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing and Enjoying Fine Wine,  has been on ABC Food and countless ABC, CBS and NPR affiliates across the US just returned from a pilgrimage to Champagne, France and he has quite a different perspective.
Perhaps serendipitous, he was not prepared for the large American Flag perched high on a hill waving graciously over Champagne. The information his “driver” shared with him about the deep history and sacred “love” the French feel towards American soldiers is both untold and heart-warming.

“On the brink of the holiday season, this was a touching reminder of how much we depend on others, on friends and family, on colleagues and allies, Laughren says.”  “I asked, with some hesitation, others in Champagne about this historic battle. All concurred; the Americans’ amazing bravery and refusal to retreat saved their nation.”