Before your travelers venture outside of the U.S. border, chances are they've done a little research. They've looked into the customs and cultures of the countries they are visiting, they've learned what is considered "rude" in these foreign lands—basically, they've done their homework. Groups Today Editorial Director Amy L Charles ponders whether travelers take these steps when traveling domestically.

How do you plan to keep in touch with people you met at your last conference or trade show? With the conference season in full swing, it's time to strategize how to make the most of your networking and trade show time and effort. These tips and tactics will be useful after your conference to continue growing your relationships.

It sounds easy enough to go out and connect with others; in reality, you may be stuck inside searching for networking ideas. These suggestions could help you enjoy the networking process while growing your group travel business.

Are e-mail signatures a thing of the past? GetResponse.com guest blogger Haley Osborne answers that question with an emphatic, "No!" She says your e-mail signature is essentially your electronic business card. Proper e-mail signatures contain important information—they tell people how to reach you, what your website is and provide information for their electronic address book. Absent this signature, you forgo an important point of contact for your business.

Customers expect travel companies to provide low prices and flawless purchase experiences. An American Express whitepaper report, Outdated Payment Processes Hinder Travel Company Growth, suggests travel companies could better meet those needs by eliminating waste and inefficiencies associated with outdated, manual payment processes. To flourish, travel companies must be competitive. Designing a seamless and effective payment process is one way to stay at the head of the pack.