Claudine Dervaes

Born in Tampa, FL and a graduate from USF with a degree in Sociology, Claudine has been in the travel industry for over 45 years. She started as a travel agent, went on to work for a tour company and then starting teaching travel and tourism. Having developed a series of travel training materials, she started Solitaire Publishing in 1982 and has authored and published over 30 books for travel education. Claudine is a professional speaker and presents courses, seminars and workshops for major travel industry associations, colleges, schools, clubs and organizations. She is a publishing consultant - helping writers to achieve their goals of getting their work published. She wrote the Travel Talk column for the Ocala Star Banner and Gainesville Sun newspapers (syndicated to 26 newspapers). She has traveled to over 100 countries. The UK to USA Dictionary - British English vs. American English is now in its fourth revised edition. This 150-page pocket size handbooks contains terms and expression from "A to Zed." Just like a foreign language dictionary the first part is UK to USA translations and the second is USA to UK ones. There are sections on rhyming slang, pronunciation and spelling differences, cultural differences, British holidays, comparative measures, about pubs, food and drink and more - great for Anglophiles, trivia buffs and expatriates on both sides "of the pond." "Bob's Your Uncle" means "all is well." Claudine loves the outdoors as well as cooking, reading, writing, tennis, hiking, swimming, and many other activities.