It used to be that when anyone thought of a career in tourism they immediately conjured up a travel agent. However, with the Internet people can arrange their own travel tickets and accommodations directly with the airlines and hotels.

So where’s the hot, new career in tourism then? It’s in specialty travel and events. Schools such as University of Phoenix and Kaplan University offer specialized travel and tourism college degree programs that emphasize event planning and hospitality. In 2011 a career in tourism doesn’t mean just being a travel agent who knows the best deals (anybody has access to that online). Instead 2011 college degrees in tourism are all about adding value to a client’s vacation or event and at the same time saving them even more money than if they made their plans themselves. As a result new careers have evolved in the tourism industry, opening the door to a whole new series of specialized education in both college undergraduate and masters degrees. As a sample, here are three jobs in the tourism industry that have morphed into full-fledged lucrative careers.

Tour Manager

At first glance you may think this is simply another name for a travel agent, but really it’s much more. Tour managers not only make travel arrangements, they often travel with their clients (or meet them at their clients’ destinations) to make sure everything goes exactly as planned. For example, traveling theatre companies and bands often use tour managers; and not just Broadway shows and famous rock stars, but also touring high school and college bands, as well as small, regional touring theatre companies.

On a smaller scale, many executives who travel abroad on business hire local tour managers to make sure they get where they need to be. Similar to an office assistant at home, a tour manager who knows the area, the local people, and all the cultural loopholes is invaluable to a business traveler who doesn’t have time to bumble around figuring out everything for himself.

Another popular use of tour managers is when people take exotic vacations like African safaris or excursions through Central American rain forests. In these cases, a tour manager who knows the country, local language, and customs is almost required. It could mean the difference between having a great time and figuring out how to bail yourself out of a foreign jail (if you inadvertently break a local law).

Event Planner

Everything from large corporate trade shows to family gatherings (such as a bar mitzvah, wedding, or birthday party) can benefit from the use of an event planner. An event planner is the go-to person who not only finds the best deals on the services you need (such as locations, caterers, entertainment, florists, etc.), but is also on hand to handle any problems that come up during your event.

So why would someone pay an event planner to put together a party they could do themselves? Because event planners typically get better vendor deals than the average Joe, and they usually offer packages that can save their clients a ton of money.

In the corporate world companies are looking for ways to offer perks to their employees and customers in lieu of raises and slashed prices. In a pinch they turn to event planners. A good event planner knows the latest trends in entertainment and how to provide it without breaking the bank. And although a party isn’t as great as a raise, at least it’s something an employer can do to show he appreciates his staff.

Hospitality Manager

Hotels, resorts, and cruise ships all rely heavily on their hospitality staff to make sure their guests are happy. Sometimes called the concierge, a hospitality professional sets up special events for groups of guests (like an après ski party at a ski resort or a theme party on a cruise ship) or makes specific arrangements for individual guests (such as dinner or theatre reservations). They’re also on hand to answer any questions about the local scene and at the finer hotels will even accommodate a guest’s special needs.

Increasingly more hotels are hiring trained hospitality staff because it’s a relatively inexpensive way to add value to their guests’ stay. It’s cheaper than putting in a gym, for example, and a fraction of the cost of a hotel remodel.

So if 2011 is the year you go back to college to study for a new career, you may want to check out a degree in tourism and event planning. Not only will there be jobs waiting for you when you’re done, just think of the killer party you could throw for yourself after you graduate.

There are over 672,000 international students that were enrolled in U.S. universities and colleges in 2008/09 according to Vistawide, which means that they are taking advantage of studying abroad so why aren’t more Americans doing it?  The same site also showed that in 2007-08 there were approximately 262,000 American students studying abroad and the numbers continue to grow.

It doesn’t matter what country, length of time, or classes, students choose because they’ll receive academic credit. There are hundreds of options to choose from and that includes cost. Costs vary greatly depending on the program, length of time abroad, as well as the country, but if students want to go abroad then there are options that will most likely fit their needs and budget.

Many students wish to study abroad but have some concerns. Two of the primary concerns are the language and cultural barrier. But if students wish to go to a country where they don’t speak the language they should realize that many universities offer classes in English and if they’re worried about the culture they should realize that there are probably some McDonalds, KFC, or Burger King nearby they may go to on occasion.

Study abroad is a great opportunity for students to travel and experience the world without quitting school. They can have a cultural experience while still earning academic credit. There are programs most likely offered through the student's university or college but there are also private programs as well.  There are programs that can fit the student’s needs.  

But if they don’t fit the student’s needs, there is another option. By taking online courses individuals don’t have to be tied to a specific campus or location and they have greater flexibility to travel. Plus they can be sure that they are actually working on relevant coursework towards their degree. An online education is a great option. In order to learn more about higher education and online degrees, visit ClassesandCareers.com. By filling out a simple form, individuals will be able to speak with counselors at accredited schools.

Dictionary.com defines a vacation as "a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday." While employees look forward to their vacations with great anticipation, we often fail to "suspend" our work activities. As a bunch of hard-working go-getters, rest and relaxation do not come so naturally to us, no matter how much we anxiously await these breaks. As it happens, there is also a perfectly sound business reason for employees to take vacations. Like a saw that is constantly sawing away at dense logs, so our skills, abilities, and minds become dulled over time if we continue toiling without any substantial period of rejuvenation. Research has found that truly effective, restorative vacations must be more than two weeks long and must remove most elements of the daily grind.

What does this mean for all those about to start the holiday vacation? If you’re going to take a vacation from work, take a vacation from work. Vacate the daily grind completely. When you return to the job, you will feel rested, relaxed, and ready to charge into the fray. Check out the following suggestions to help you make your holiday vacation a true vacation:

1. Leave the company cell and laptop at the office. I know, it’s like cutting off one of your appendages. Actually, it’s like cutting off your leash, leaving you free to inhale, exhale, and feel human again. One former co-worker of mine decided to take a week-long vacation down to the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. With the trees and the seashore this can be one of the prettiest drives you can take. It would be him, his wife, and their kids on that long, relaxing drive and then in a beach house just enjoying each other’s company. Unfortunately, my friend made the mistake of bringing his cell phone with him and telling us to call him if we had any problems.

Sure enough, we had problems arise the next day. So we called my friend as he was on that beautiful stretch of highway. For two hours, instead of relaxing or having some one-on-one time with his wife, he was on the phone with us explaining the definition of a sump and the importance it held for the construction of gas station fueling systems. He was called several more times during the week for various "emergencies." Needless to say, he wasn’t on vacation. When he returned from vacation, as you could guess, he was just as crabby, stressed out, and irate as usual.

When you leave the office, unplug and leave the laptop, PDA, Blackberry, and/or cell at the door. Don’t worry- they gave you the vacation and they can survive without you.

2. Leave home. Many folks find it hard to relax when they stay at home for their vacation. Why? Because the normal chores and errands are constantly around you. And those projects you’ve been postponing are beckoning for your attention. Your dishes are calling to be washed. Your hedges are calling to be trimmed. The kitchen cabinets are crying to be cleaned and rearranged. That new deck is waiting to be built. And your garage… well, I won’t even start on that one. The point is, if you stay around them long enough, you will give in to the temptation to work, and then the whole resting thing is blown.

Eventually, of course, these things need to be done. However, if you really need some serious rejuvenation, you might consider leaving town. Although travel can be costly and hectic at this time of year, there are many desirable benefits to traveling. For example, the chores and errands magically disappear. You can’t work on the garage because it’s hundreds of miles away. You can tell the dishes to take a hike because you’re on a tropical beach in the South Pacific soaking up some rays, or in a cozy cabin in Vermont breathing some crisp, clean air. With someone else providing meals and housekeeping, you are free to put in some serious relaxation and quality time with your loved ones.

3. Get your shopping done early. When I say early, I mean earlier than Black Friday. Attempting any kind of shopping after that date will most certainly increase your blood pressure and chase away any holiday cheer. Crazy parents elbow their competitors fiercely to get at that last Optimus Prime. Stressed check-out counter operators look like they’re hanging on to sanity by a thread. Creepy inflatable Santas sway slowly back and forth and emit annoying Christmas jingles. Kids are screaming and acting way too naughty to actually deserve that pile of presents in the shopping cart.

You are not relaxing. You are getting ready to reach over and give that kid the lump of coal he deserves. Now, I know what you’re thinking: "Black Friday is long gone. What good does this advice do me now?" For this holiday season, none. But next year, you’ll be glad you read this.

4. Schedule in some R&R. It’s so tempting to use your free time to the fullest, scheduling as many activities in as possible. Activities are good, however, too many activities equal a decrease in relaxation and an increase in stress. Repeat after me: you are on vacation to relax, not to do a lot of activities.

So, let’s skip that white elephant gift exchange at your third cousin once removed Jack’s house and just have a night in with the kids watching the classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer special. Now we’re talking some genuine chill time. And who doesn’t shed a tear when that crazy Yukon Cornelius tumbles down that chasm with the Abominable Snowman?

5. Sit, drink some hot cocoa, and smell the pines. Amidst the flurry of activities, take the time to meditate and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Watch the snow fall. Listen to some carolers. Savor a nice warm mug of cider or cocoa. Have a snowball fight with some kids.

The holiday season can be a magical time. For many, it is a time of gratitude, hope, and renewed devotion. Don’t let this vacation go by without appreciating the things that matter most. Having successfully chilled during your holiday vacation, you will come back a more alert and able employee. What do you do to relax for the holidays?

About the author Marcus Varner earned his BA in English from Brigham Young University with a Creative Writing emphasis. He is currently in his second year at BYU’s lauded MBA program studying Marketing. He blogs, writes fiction and screenplays, loves movies, and can’t resist playing superheroes with his kids.