Unit A

Quest Specialty Travel

TO: Marketing Staff

FROM: Your Name

DATE: March 13, 2016

RE: Launch of new Borneo trekking tour

The next marketing meeting will be held on the 17th of March at 2 p.m. in the large conference room on

the ground floor. Heading the agenda will be the launch of our new Borneo Explorer Trek, a rigorous ten-

day tour of the dense jungles, mysterious caves, and sun-kissed beaches of Borneo’s northern coast,

scheduled to depart in September 2017.

A preliminary draft of the tour brochure is attached. Bring your creative ideas for launching this exciting

new tour to the meeting.

Unit B

Quest Specialty Travel Press Release 340 West Market Street ● San Diego, CA 92101 ● Tel: 619-555-1223 ● Fax: 619-555-0937 ● www.questspecialty travel.com

For Immediate Release September 19, 2016 Contact: Your Name 619-555-1223

Bridget Surette to Speak in QST’s Travel Lecture Series SAN DIEGO – The inaugural event in Quest Specialty Travel’s new Travel Lecture Series will feature acclaimed Canadian travel writer Bridget Surette, author of more than fifteen books and numerous travel essays. Surette will present slides and speak on her recent adventures rafting the headwaters of the Amazon River in Peru. The event will be held October 12 at 12:30 p.m. in the historic Globe Theatre on F Street in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. San Diego Union-Tribune travel editor Grant Hatton will introduce the speaker. This is the first event in a monthly luncheon series that will feature a presentation by a prominent international travel expert. Each travelogue will showcase a different corner of the world, giving viewers a glimpse into the heart of exotic locales. Our speaker list for the 2016 Travel Lecture season includes Alaskan guide Gilbert Coonan, African wildlife biologist Erica Stone, travel film producer Nancy Bellman, Himalayan climber Ross Newby, adventurer Jennifer Chi, filmmaker Marta Santiago, and travel writer Lee Duong. A detailed schedule is available on the QST Web site at www.questspecialtytravel.com. Tickets are $10 for non-members and $8 for members. A one-year membership to the series is $10 for an individual or $15 for two people residing at the same address. Tickets can be purchased at QST or online at www.questspecialtytravel.com/events.html. Ticket prices include lunch.

# # # # #

Quest Specialty Travel Press Release 340 West Market Street ● San Diego, CA 92101 ● Tel: 619-555-1223 ● Fax: 619-555-0937 ● www.questspecialty travel.com

For Immediate Release September 19, 2016 Contact: Your Name 619-555-1223

Bridget Surette to Speak in QST’s Travel Lecture Series SAN DIEGO – The inaugural event in Quest Specialty Travel’s new Travel Lecture Series will feature acclaimed Canadian travel writer Bridget Surette, author of more than fifteen books and numerous travel essays. Surette will present slides and speak on her recent adventures rafting the headwaters of the Amazon River in Peru. The event will be held October 12 at 12:30 p.m. in the historic Globe Theatre on F Street in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. San Diego Union-Tribune travel editor Grant Hatton will introduce the speaker. This is the first event in a monthly luncheon series that will feature a presentation by a prominent international travel expert. Each travelogue will showcase a different corner of the world, giving viewers a glimpse into the heart of exotic locales. Our speaker list for the 2016 Travel Lecture season includes Alaskan guide Gilbert Coonan, African wildlife biologist Erica Stone, travel film producer Nancy Bellman, Himalayan climber Ross Newby, adventurer Jennifer Chi, filmmaker Marta Santiago, and travel writer Lee Duong. A detailed schedule is available on the QST Web site at www.questspecialtytravel.com. Tickets are $10 for non-members and $8 for members. A one-year membership to the series is $10 for an individual or $15 for two people residing at the same address. Tickets can be purchased at QST or online at www.questspecialtytravel.com/events.html. Ticket prices include lunch.

# # # # #

Unit C

Your Name August 31, 2016

Quest Specialty Travel

For an adventure sooner rather than later, check out this month’s last minute travel deals. Each of the trips listed below

begins in the next few weeks, so immediate booking is essential. These special travel deals on select adventures

change frequently and sell out fast. For personal assistance from a QST travel specialist call 1-833-555-TOUR (1-

833-555-8687) or visit www.questspecialtytravel.com. Our online booking process is fast, easy, and secure.

TRIP DATES COST

Rajasthan Desert Safari ................. Oct. 1-15 ..................... $1,645

Inca Highlands Explorer ............... Oct. 14-28 .................. $1,140

Everest Base Camp Trek ............... Oct. 7-28 .................... $1,950

Cycling in Provence ....................... Oct. 13-20 .................. $1,120

Rajasthan Desert Safari

An unforgettable journey by plane, rail, bus, and camel through the colorful, undulating landscape of Rajasthan and the Great Thar desert, this tour explores the forts, temples, palaces, and bazaars of the fabled cities along old camel caravan routes. Participants choose between the Camel Safari and the Maharaja Experience. Accommodations are hotels, with camping on the Camel Safari. 15 days. Arrive/Depart Delhi.

Camel Safari The 2-day camel safari begins in the small 12th century caravan city of Jaisalmer. After completing the camel safari last year, New York Times travel writer Edith Das described the experience:

“Traversing the starkly beautiful dunes of the desert wilderness, we delighted at the sight of herds of chinkara antelope and treasured a glimpse of the Great Indian bustard. Near the end, Jaisalmer reappeared like a vision from the Arabian Nights, its intriguingly carved yellow stone towers rising mirage-like out of the horizon.”

Maharaja Experience The 2-day tour explores the magical fort in Jaisalmer, with plenty of personal time for shopping and relaxing.

Inca Highlands Explorer

This epic overland adventure combines the

highlights of Inca civilization with an astonishing

five-day Andean trek through cloud forests and

snow-capped peaks to the ancient Inca site of

Machu Picchu. We then travel by road to gorgeous

Lake Titicaca, birthplace of the Inca legend, and on

to La Paz, Bolivia, the world’s highest capital city.

Accommodations include camping and hotels. 15

days. Arrive Lima/Depart La Paz.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Following the classic Everest expedition route, this trek leads hikers past the colorful fluttering prayer flags and Buddhist monasteries of traditional Sherpa villages, to the foot of Mount Everest. We rendezvous in Katmandu, fly to Lukla, and traverse the pine and rhododendron forests of the Dudh Kosi River valley to Namche Bazaar, the bustling center of the Sherpa region. From there we ascend Kala Pattar, high above the tree line, for suburb views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Two nights at the Everest base camp allows us ample time to explore the base of the mountain, before returning to Lukla via the lost valleys, high mountain passes, and remote villages of the Khumbu region. Accommodations include a hotel in Katmandu and 17 nights camping. 22 days. Arrive/Depart Katmandu. The following 3-day add-ons are available. Choose one:

1. Royal Chitwan National Park 2. Pokhara – Valley of Lakes 3. Temples of Janakpur 4. Trishuli River Rafting Adventure

Last-minute participants in the Everest Base Camp trek must be able to arrange the following by September 25:

A valid entry visa for Nepal.

Vaccination or protection against malaria, typhoid, infectious hepatitis, tetanus, and polio.

Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.

A medical examination certifying the participant is fit enough to trek eight or nine hours a day at a maximum altitude of 18,200 feet.

Cycling in Provence

The fertile, rambling terrain of Provence provides the backdrop for this easy-going trip. Days are spent cycling between pleasant medieval towns and delightful villages, with ample time to linger at the sights along the way. At night, we relax in the comfort and warmth of small, local hotels. The average daily ride is 30 miles, but there are options for longer routes if you want to cycle more. 8 days. Arrive/Depart Nice.

Unit D

Healthy Traveler Quest Specialty Travel ● Health Information for Travelers ● Spring 2016

Health Risks and Precautions for International Travelers

General Considerations The number of people traveling internationally in-

creases every year. International tourist arrivals in the

year 2010 reached 1 billion, with arrivals expected to

reach 1.6 billion by 2020. Over half the arrivals were for

leisure and holidays, with business, religious pilgrim-

ages, and family visits cited as other major reasons peo-

ple travel (World Tourism Organization 19).

International travel can pose serious health risks to trav-

elers, depending on the destination country, the nature

and characteristics of the trip, and the traveler’s physical

condition and overall health. Travelers might be ex-

posed to sudden and significant changes in altitude, hu-

midity, microbes, and temperature. Also, serious health

risks can arise in areas where clean water is unavailable,

sanitation and hygiene are inadequate, and medical ser-

vices are not well-developed.

All people planning travel should know the po-

tential hazards of the countries they are travel-

ing to and learn how to minimize their risk of

acquiring diseases. Forward planning, preven-

tive measures, and careful precautions can sub-

stantially reduce the risks of adverse health con-

sequences. (World Health Organization)

The medical profession and the travel industry are an

important source of help and advice for travelers, how-

ever, it is the responsibility of the traveler to seek out

information on travel-related risks, understand the fac-

tors involved, and take the necessary precautions.

Travel-related Risks The following are key factors in determining the risks to

which travelers may be exposed:

destination and mode of transportation

purpose, duration, and season of travel

standards of accommodation and food hygiene

behavior and health of the traveler

1 Behavior is a critical factor. For example, going outdoors

in a malaria-endemic area could result in becoming infected.

Destinations where accommodation, hygiene, sanita-

tion, medical care, and water quality are of a high stand-

ard pose relatively few serious risks for the health of

travelers, unless there is a pre-existing illness. This also

applies to travelers visiting most major cities and tourist

centers and staying in quality accommodations, such as

a conference center or a resort.1

In contrast, destinations where accommodation is of

poor quality, hygiene and sanitation are inadequate,

medical services do not exist, and clean water is una-

vailable may pose serious risks for the health of travel-

ers. Exposure to insects, infectious agents, and contam-

inated food and water, makes travel in many remote re-

gions particularly hazardous. Tourists who venture into

remote areas should take stringent precautions to avoid

illness, including receiving vaccinations and taking an-

timalarial medications.

The purpose, season, and duration of the visit, the mode

of transportation, and the lifestyle and overall health of

the traveler are also important in determining the likeli-

hood of exposure to infectious agents.

Medical Consultation Before Travel Travelers intending to visit a destination in a developing

country should consult a travel medicine clinic or a phy-

sician at least 4-8 weeks before the journey, and prefer-

ably earlier for long-term travel or travel to remote ar-

eas. Last minute travelers should also consult a clinic or

physician.

A medical consultation is needed to determine the need

for vaccinations and antimalarial medication, as well as

any other medication the traveler may require. Medical

advisors base their recommendations on an assessment

of risk for the individual traveler as well as any associ-

ated public health.2

2 It is best to consult a travel medicine specialist.

Healthy Traveler: Travel and Health Information from Quest Specialty Travel

2

Malaria: A Serious Health Risk for Travelers Each year an estimated 8 million North Americans

travel to countries where malaria is common. Transmit-

ted by the bite of an infected mosquito, malaria is a se-

rious and potentially fatal infectious disease that is char-

acterized by headaches, fever, chills, and sweating.

Malaria occurs mostly in poor tropical and

subtropical areas of the world. In many of the

countries affected by malaria, it is a leading

cause of illness and death. In areas with high

transmission, the most vulnerable groups are

young children, who have not developed im-

munity to malaria yet, and pregnant women,

whose immunity has been decreased by preg-

nancy. (Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention)

According to the Centers for Disease Control, malaria

can usually be prevented if travelers to tropical and sub-

tropical regions follow these preventive steps:

First, inform yourself about the risk of acquiring malaria

in the region of the world where you plan to travel. Ma-

laria exists throughout the tropics, but it is most preva-

lent in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria hotspots change

constantly, so check with a travel medicine specialist or

the Centers for Disease Control for the latest develop-

ments before you travel.

Second, take measures to prevent mosquito bites, partic-

ularly between dusk and dawn. Always sleep in a well-

screened room, preferably under a mosquito net that has

been treated with insecticide. During the evening, wear

long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and apply an insect

repellent that contains DEET.

Finally, consult your physician or a travel medicine spe-

cialist several weeks prior to departure for advice on tak-

ing antimalarial drugs. Prophylaxis drugs need to be

taken continuously, beginning before travel commences

and continuing through up to four weeks after leaving

malaria-endemic areas.

Even if you take antimalarial pills, it is still possible to

get malaria, so seek medical treatment promptly if you

experience flu-like symptoms and are in or have re-

cently visited an area where malaria is present. For more

information on malaria prevention and other travel

health issues, check out the Centers for Disease Control

on the Internet at www.cdc.gov/travel.

Malaria Worldwide 3.3 billion people (half the world’s population) live

in areas at risk for malaria transmission.

35 countries (30 in sub-Saharan Africa and 5 in Asia)

account for 98% of global malaria deaths.

The World Health Organization estimates that in

2013, malaria caused 350-500 million clinical epi-

sodes of malaria.

An estimated 863,000 malaria deaths occur every

year, most of them children.

89% of malaria deaths occur in Africa.

Malaria is the fifth cause of death from infectious

diseases worldwide (after respiratory infections,

HIV/AIDS, diarrheal diseases, and tuberculosis).

Malaria is the second leading cause of death from in-

fectious diseases in Africa, after HIV/AIDS.

Source: (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Preventive Options for Serious Travel Health Issues

Disease Vaccine Prophylaxis Drug Eat and Drink Safely Avoid Insects

Malaria

Typhoid

Hepatitis A

Cholera

Japanese Encephalitis

Source: (Johnson 55)

Healthy Traveler: Travel and Health Information from Quest Specialty Travel

3

Medical Kit and Personal Items

Travelers should always carry a medical kit, particularly

to destinations where there may be significant health

risks, including developing countries where local avail-

ability of medications cannot be guaranteed.

The medical kit should include basic medicines to treat

common ailments, first aid items, and any other special

items, such as syringes and needles, that might be

needed for a pre-existing medical condition. It is also

important to bring a signed statement from a physician

certifying that the traveler requires specific medication

or items for a medical condition.

Travelers should also carry personal items in sufficient

quantity for the length of the visit, unless their availabil-

ity is assured at the travel destination. Such items might

include toothpaste, supplies and solutions for contact

lenses, skin care items, and other items for personal hy-

giene.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recom-

mends travelers carry the following items for a basic

medical kit:

First aid items Adhesive bandages, multiple sizes

Adhesive tape

Antibacterial hand wipes or an alcohol-based

hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol

Antifungal and antibacterial ointments

Antihistamine

Anti-itch cream for insect bites and stings

Antiseptic wound cleanser

Cotton swabs

Digital thermometer

Disposable gloves

Elastic bandage wrap for sprains and strains

First aid quick reference card

Insect repellent

Medication for pain or fever, such as Aceta-

minophen, Aspirin, or Ibuprofen

Moleskin for blisters

Oral rehydration salts

Saline eye drops

Scissors, safety pins, and tweezers3

Sterile dressing

3 Pack these items in checked luggage. 4 All medications should be stored in carry-on luggage, in

their original containers and labeled clearly.

Other important items The following items might be necessary depending on

the destination, trip duration, and individual needs:

Antibiotic for self-treatment of diarrhea

Antidiarrheal medication

Antifungal powder

Antimalarial medication

Anti-motion sickness medication

Epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen)

for severe allergic reactions

Extra pair of contacts or prescription glasses

Medication for high-altitude sickness

Medications taken on a regular basis at home4

Mild laxative

Mild sleep aid or anti-anxiety medication

Sterile syringes and needles

Sunscreen5

Water purification tablets

Contact card Travelers should carry the name and contact details for

their physician, together with information about any

medical conditions, treatments, and medications, in-

cluding generic drug names and doses. The contact card

should also include contact information for a family

member still in the traveler’s home country and the

home embassy or consulate in the destination country.

5 SPF 15 or greater.

Healthy Traveler: Travel and Health Information from Quest Specialty Travel

4

Insurance for Travelers International travelers should be aware that medical care

abroad is often only available at private medical facili-

ties and can be extremely expensive. In places where

high-quality medical care is not readily available, trav-

elers might need to be repatriated in the event of an ac-

cident or illness. Repatriation of the body can be costly

and difficult to arrange if death occurs abroad.

Travelers are advised to seek information about possible

reciprocal health-care agreements between the country

of residence and the destination country, and to obtain

special traveler’s health insurance for destinations

where health risks are significant and medical care is ex-

pensive and not readily available.

Travel health insurance should include coverage for

changes to the itinerary, emergency repatriation for

health reasons, medical care in case of illness or acci-

dent, hospitalization, and repatriation of the body in case

of death.

Some countries now require proof of adequate health in-

surance as a condition of entry. Travelers should be fa-

miliar with the procedures to obtain medical assistance

if needed while abroad, and should carry a copy of the

insurance certificate, along with other important travel

documents, in their carry-on luggage.

Traveler’s Checklist When preparing for an international trip, travelers can

use the following checklist as a guide:

Determine local conditions Risks related to the destination (urban, rural, or

remote)

Type of accommodation (resort, local hotel, or

camping)

Length of stay

Altitude

Regional conflicts

Standards of hygiene and sanitation

Availability and quality of medical facilities

Arrange a medical consultation Visit a physician or travel clinic 4-8 weeks prior

to departure

Receive required and recommended vaccina-

tions

Determine malaria risk and plan for prevention

of mosquito bites; obtain antimalarial drugs,

mosquito net, and insect repellent

Establish a plan for food hygiene Eat only thoroughly cooked food and drink only

bottled water or packaged drinks

Boil, filter, or disinfect water if bottled water

will not be available

Assemble a suitable medical kit Include items for basic first aid and items spe-

cific to the destination and the traveler’s per-

sonal needs

Obtain prescription medications

Subscribe to travel medical insurance Look for insurance that covers changes in itin-

erary, medical care, hospitalization, as well as

repatriation.

References Boswell, Catherine. International Tourism: American

Tourism Organization Web site. 9 September

2015. 11 March 2016. <www.amtourism.org>.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Malaria."

10 February 2016. Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention Web site. 11 March 2016.

<http://www.cdc.gov/malaria>.

Clinton, Edmund. "Malaria in Children." Journal of

Tropical Medicine (2014): 89-94.

Johnson, Margaret. "Advice for International

Travelers." The Journal of Travel Medicine

(2015): 45-87.

Matthews, Philip, ed. Principles and Practices of

Travel Medicine. New York: World Press,

2011.

World Health Organization. "International Travel and

Health 2016 Edition." 10 January 2016. World

Health Organization Web site. Web. 11 March

2016.

World Tourism Organization. Tourism Highlights.

White Paper. Madrid: World Tourism

Organization, 2015. Print.

Your Name