Destinations
Searching for Tuscan fun: Italy for families
Florence may be the Renaissance capital of the world – all that breath-taking architecture, those stunning museums, art galleries, churches, squares and fountains, fecund with tubs of sublimely delicious ice cream – but frankly I’d had enough of it. My mother moved to Tuscany when I was in my late teens and I went there, every summer, for the next 15 years. During this time I was dragged around every museum, every church, every hill top town, and made to marvel at every single painting right down to the most obscure frescos in the most out of the way places…
— The Independent
Grand Teton National Park: A spectacular range of activities await
To celebrate the National Park Service's 100th anniversary this August, USA TODAY will be highlighting one national park per week in a countdown to the centennial on August 25th. From the historical wonderland of Mesa Verde National Park and the awesome beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park, we turn now to the Teton mountain range, and the largest peak, Grand Teton, for which this week's national park is named. Grand Teton includes over 480 square miles of mountain climbing, hiking, and fishing, while only ten miles away from Yellowstone National Park. Take a virtual trip through Grand Teton National Park with videos, photo galleries, and more all week…
— USA Today
Tours and Activities
Theme Park Dining Beyond Burgers and Turkey Legs
The bad reputation of theme park food has been, let’s face it, pretty well deserved: All the negative aspects you might find at a state fair — sugary, greasy and overpriced — minus any of the quirky homespun charm. Mass-produced and joylessly prone to corporate tie-ins, it’s the ultimate iteration of the theme park’s overriding mission: to separate you from every last dollar in your pocket…
— New York Times
Five Favorite New York City Tourist Spots Even Locals Like to Visit
Have you heard the story of the cobbler’s children? You know, the one about a cobbler who’s always so focused on making shoes for his customers he never has time to make any for his own children? Well, in a way, that’s sort of how I treat New York City. I’m so busy tending to my day-to-day life I never have time, or make time, to enjoy the unique experiences people from all over the world flock here to see. I’m ashamed to admit I’ve lived here over 22 years, and still haven’t been to the Statue of Liberty, and it’s not like I haven’t had a few hours to spare sometime during the past 8,030 weekends…
— Huffington Post
Cruise
Viking Ocean Cruises Adds 10 New Itineraries, Including Cuba
Viking Ocean Cruises has announced the addition of 10 new itineraries as part of its 2017 and 2018 sailing seasons. The new itineraries include the addition of more than 30 ports in Europe, South America and the Caribbean, including Cuba. Viking Ocean Cruises launched its first oceangoing ship, Viking Star, in 2015 and sister ship Viking Sea debuted this year. Viking Sky and Viking Sun will arrive in early and late 2017, respectively, with Viking Spirit to follow in 2018. By 2020 the line will have six ships in its fleet…
— CruiseCritic.com
Visiting one of the remotest places on Earth
Getting close to the wildlife, passing through deep fjords and glaciers and meeting the inhabitants of remote villages are the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that visitors to the North Polar Region chase…
— Escape
What happens when a luxury hotel builds a ship
The best cruise ships are like sumptuous floating hotels, so it's not much of a stretch to understand why some luxury hotel groups have entered the cruise business, launching their own ships. In fact, it's quite a trend. Aman Resorts sails Amandira, a 52-metre yacht, in Indonesian waters. Alila charters the Purnama in the Komodo Archipelago. Oberoi Resorts cruises the Nile on its river ships, the Zahra and the Philae. Belmond sails The Road to Mandalay and the Orcaella on the Ayeyarwady in Myanmar…
— Sydney Morning Herald
Transportation
Congress OKs funds to add TSA screeners
Long security lines at airports will get a little more relief. Congress approved the latest $28 million shift in funding for the Transportation Security Administration, as security officials said long checkpoint lines of spring have largely disappeared. The congressional approval allowed TSA to move funding from accounts where it isn’t needed urgently before the end of the fiscal year in September so that it could be spent on day-to-day operations…
— USA Today
Where to Find the Quietest Seats on an Airplane
Choosing a seat on a plane is a gamble. You never know who your neighbor will be. There could be a screaming baby, a chatty stranger, or you might inadvertently choose a seat a little too close to the constant rumbling of the engine. What if there was a strategic way to pick a seat likely to be the quietest?…
— Travel Leisure
Lodging
Las Vegas' Riviera is reduced to rubble (or, at least, some of it is)
The walls, they came a-tumblin' down as a part of one of Las Vegas' oldest resorts was imploded early Tuesday morning. As fireworks illuminated the night sky, local officials pushed the plunger at 2:37 a.m., setting off a series of explosions within the Riviera's Monaco Tower…
— LA Times
Inside the reopened Watergate Hotel
We take a look inside the new Watergate Hotel in Washington, which was at the centre of the Watergate scandal in the Seventies and has reopened after a $125-million, nine-year overhaul…
— Telegraph (London)
Other and Odd
Don't despair if you missed your gap year. Travelling is formative, at any age
June is a season of transition. Kids on the cusp of adulthood are set to graduate and make big decisions about the future. Some will go on immediately to college or university. Others will travel instead. In 1989, at 17, I had the opportunity to study for a year in the south of France. Officially, I turned it down because I would return a year behind academically, and would be unable to graduate with my friends…
— Globe and Mail
Best travel gifts for dads on-the-go
Father’s day is just around the corner but if you don't have a gift for dear old dad yet, don't sweat it. He probably just wants to hear how much you love him. Even if he's at home, dad can always be reminded of his travels with this chic throw. But if you've got some change to spare-- and your dad is always on the go-- you're in luck. These gifts are great for men who are either always on the go with the kids, seek adventure, or just happen to be a jet setting pro. Make your travel-minded dad feel extra special this year…
— Fox Travel News
Yes, Your Pet Needs a Passport
For travelers, few things are as valuable as a passport: they can get you across borders and onto ships, planes, and trains, and also serve as a tangible record of the places you've been. It makes sense, then, that there are similar documents for animals. Taking your cat, dog, pig, or turkey abroad sometime soon? Here's what you need to know…
— Condé Nast Traveler
Today in History
George Washington Named Commander-In-Chief, Continental Army
True to the manners of gentleman at the time, George Washington never admitted to any ambition and never publicly sought power - but on June 15, 1775, his was the only serious name considered for the post of Commander-In-Chief of the newly created Continental Army. Though the army primarily consisted of New Englanders, Washington hailed from the Southern state of Virginia, and his gaining the position was seen as a move of inclusion towards the Southern colonies…
— Travel Research Online
Point-to-Point
10 tips + 10 weeks = 100 New Methods to Grow Groups--Week 3, Break the bad habits
by Stuart Cohen
Wednesday June 15, 2016
 Bad business habits are preventing you from getting more groups and making more money. As we cruise into the third week of my REBOOT GROUPS TOP 100 LIST, I want you to tell me which of these ten bad habits you need to break.
A top strategy for building a bigger, better group business is membership in my group boot camp (shameless plug), where I will highlight every outdated, inefficient business practice you must cease immediately. I will give you brand new tips, tools, and templates to build the lucrative group business of your dreams. But here are ten bad habits you may want to keep an eye on:
— Travel Research Online
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Reading Between the Lines
Become the Exception: Myth #3 - Rejection Comes with the Territory
 Picture yourself in a large city like New York on a Saturday morning. The sun is shining and it is a perfect 72 degrees. Life is grand, you are feeling good, and you have a full day to just “enjoy” before meeting a friend for a mid-afternoon cocktail at the Plaza Hotel.
You decide to take a stroll down one of New York’s famous avenues when you spot a woman on the corner with four suitcases and three small children tugging at her skirt. She’s trying to get her entourage into position to cross the street. Parcels are balanced and kids are in tow, just waiting for the signal to turn green. Being of sound mind and strong bone, and in no particular hurry, you approach…
— Travel Research Online
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TRO and The Travel Institute Scholarship Program
TRO believes ongoing training is important to the health of the travel professional. Therefore, we have partnered with The Travel Institute to assist travel agents to earn their Certified Travel Associate designation. TRO will be awarding a $100 scholarship to at least one attendee of TRO webinars each webinar. If you want to be considered for the scholarship you need only to register here:
http://www.thetravelinstitute.com/troscholarship/
…and then attend TRO’s webinars. Winners will be selected and notified immediately after each webinar!
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