Destinations
36 Hours in Chicago
The neighborhoods on Chicago’s near northwest side are an invigorating blend of reflection and reinvention. Families from Ukraine, Poland and Puerto Rico settled here, and today expressions of their cultures can be found in museums, churches and cafes serving traditional dishes…
— New York Times
Travel guide to... Devon
“Watch out for the seagulls”, the waitress warns as she serves me a crab sandwich at one of the makeshift seafood shacks at Brixham harbour. But as I sit in the early-summer sun and take in the pretty ice-cream-coloured houses and bright, bobbing fishing boats, not even the gulls can spoil this moment…
— The Independent
Tours and Activities
In Vienna, the waltz is a living, cultural heritage
I don’t think I’ve been held by a man quite like this before. I can feel his body heat through the thin white gloves as he bows low over my right hand, then steps forward to firmly cup my left shoulder blade. I’m nervous. He smiles down at me. Timidly, I place my left hand on his shoulder just so – my arm rests on his, while my thumb nestles into the crook of his shoulder joint…
— Globe and Mail
Shanghai Disney opens to huge crowds despite rain
Walt Disney Co. opened Shanghai Disneyland, its first theme park in mainland China, with a lavish celebration Thursday featuring Communist Party leaders, a children's choir, Sleeping Beauty and other Disney characters. A vice premier joined Disney CEO Bob Iger in cutting the grand opening's red ribbon, showing the ruling party's support for the $5.5 billion investment in promoting tourism at a time of slowing economic growth. They read letters of congratulations from the Chinese and American presidents, Xi Jinping and Barack Obama…
— Fox Travel News
Despite Sin City image, Vegas can be fun for families
Vegas residents Marie Osmond and magician Mac King say Vegas can provide G-rated fun for families — if you know where to look…
— Chicago Tribune
Cruise
Gregg Allman and Joe Bonamassa headline a floating blues fest on a Caribbean cruise
Blues lovers can sail to the Caribbean listening to music by Gregg Allman, Joe Bonamassa, vocalist Beth Hart, Mr. Sipp and other musicians at the Keeping the Blues Alive III cruise…
— LA Times
Newcastle Cruise Terminal To Be Upgraded for Bigger Ships
Newcastle will be able to berth larger ships following an $800,000 upgrade of the mooring bollards at the city's cruise terminal in Carrington, according to Federal Minister for Tourism, Senator Richard Colbeck…
— CruiseCritic.com
Transportation
Etihad Business Class: Best Night's Sleep I've Had in a Long Time
On a recent trip to the UAE, I rerouted myself out of Abu Dhabi to New York and was lucky enough to get the last seat on Etihad’s Airbus A380 in their super comfortable Business Class cabin. There is something about the neutral palette (tans and browns) and the seat configuration (seats face in both directions) and actual seat design (less cocoon-like than others) that gives the illusion of more space than comparable business class cabins. Each seat itself also feels roomier than other A380 business class seats because of thoughtful touches—like not one, but two good-sized surfaces for stacks of books and electronics…
— Condé Nast Traveler
It's just how the locals roll in Vietnam
It's dark outside, the Vietnamese city of Nha Trang is quiet for a Sunday, but the train station is a picture of chaos. Plastic tartan bags, cheap suitcases and boxes reinforced with masking tape have been dumped unceremoniously on the platform. Waiting room television screens rival each other for volume. Makeshift stalls selling travel essentials –Coke, beer, bananas and over-packaged biscuits and noodles – do a peak-time trade…
— Sydney Morning Herald
Lodging
Julia Child's Provençal retreat: Now, a once-in-a-lifetime Airbnb
Pulling yourself from Julia Child’s kitchen will be the hardest part of the trip to Provence. Then again, pulling yourself from the saltwater pool won't be any easier. Weeks ago, the formerly quaint home went contemporary as a listing on Airbnb. The fairytale French cottage was the once-upon-a-time vacation home of Paul and Julia Child. Under new ownership, it's buzzing with bookings as it nears yet another chapter: It will operate next year as La Peetch, a casual cooking retreat for culinary neophytes…
— USA Today
Hotels don't sell rooms. They sell this...
Hotels aren't just places to sleep. They're places to experience. That's how the newest generation of travelers are viewing hospitality and -- in the face of stiff competition from the likes of Airbnb and HomeAway -- big hotel brands are having to adjust to meet the expectations of their discerning new clientele. To lure young travelers, Marriott has created the hotel brand Moxy, which doesn't cater to guests, but "fun-hunters," according to Marriott's global brand officer Tina Edmundson. What's the difference between a guest and a fun-hunter?…
— CNN
Other and Odd
10 ways the mobile phone has ruined travel
Sometimes, it’s easy to think that the latest, shiniest gadget in your pocket was very much born yesterday. Take the smartphone as an example. So sophisticated. So sleek. So ubiquitous. How can it not have been created just five minutes ago in a blur of now-ness?…
— Telegraph (London)
19 Comfy, Travel-Friendly Shoes Made For Walkin'
When traversing a new city, strutting in style is much easier said than done. Your everyday flats aren’t necessarily the most practical for a full day of pounding the pavement, but something more orthopedic might have you cropping your vacation pictures from the ankles up…
— Travel Leisure
What Does My Child Need to Know About Money When Traveling Abroad?
When your child is traveling abroad without you, you won’t be there to help navigate foreign streets or translate menus. But you can help money matters run smoothly without leaving home. Whether your child is going abroad to study or to seek adventure, here’s how to make sure there’s access to secure credit and cash at a reasonable cost…
— The Huffington Post
Today in History
The Statue of Liberty Arrives in NYC
The French frigate Isere steamed into New York Harbor on June 17, 1885. On board were 214 crates originating in France. Inside the crates were the 350 individual pieces that would be assembled to create the Statue of Liberty…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
American Queen Steamboat Company Features Christmas Markets On Holiday Sailings
The American Queen Steamboat Company, operator of the most opulent riverboat in the world, invites guests to enjoy the holiday season aboard the elegant American Queen as it travels along the Lower Mississippi River beginning this Thanksgiving lasting through the New Year. Surrounded by southern history and culture, these nine-day voyages offer music as well as seasonal and locally produced crafts and goods. Exclusive to the American Queen holiday sailings this season are Christmas markets along the river as well as special onboard entertainment, strolling carolers in St. Francisville, La. and departure serenades from the levees of Vicksburg and Natchez, Miss…
— Travel Research Online
Celestyal Cruises Will Sail to Cuba's Punta Francés Throughout 2016 — 2017 Season
Celestyal Cruises is pleased to announce its newest port of call Punta Frances for the upcoming 2016-2017 Caribbean season. Chosen for its authentic vibe, impeccable coastlines, and crystalline waters shimmering in virtually every shade of blue, Punta Frances will replace Maria La Gorda on Celestyal Cruises’ all-inclusive seven-day Cuba itinerary. Located on the secluded Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth), Punta Francés features nearly two miles of sugary white sand beaches and crystalline Caribbean seas where travelers can discover the natural splendors of one of the country's most memorable marine sanctuaries: Punta Frances National Marine Park. The protected area is abundant with a multitude of bird species, gardens of sponges and corals, vast sea life…
— Travel Research Online
ASTA Releases Research Study on Time and Money Travel Agents Save Consumers
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) today announced the release of its new study, “Best of Both Worlds: Quantifying How Travel Agents Save Consumers Time and Money,” which was sponsored by Carnival Cruise Lines. The full report is now available for purchase on the ASTA website. “With the support of Carnival Cruise Lines, this project has allowed us to highlight a number of positive trends that will help ASTA member travel agents better communicate their value proposition when marketing themselves to new and existing clients,” said ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby…
— Travel Research Online
Windstar Cruises’ Star Pride Re-enters Fleet with $4.5 Million Renovation
Luxury cruise line Windstar Cruises announces the debut of Star Pride as it re-enters the six-yacht fleet. The 212-guest Star Pride is back in action after receiving a scheduled $4.5 million transformation, including a complete renovation of two exclusive Owner’s Suites featuring enhancements to an expansive private deck that commands a sweeping ocean view over the yacht’s bow. Also included were nautically-inspired remodeling of public spaces, dining venues and more throughout the yacht…
— Travel Research Online
NACTA Thanks Industry for Making Travel Consultant Appreciation Month a Success
The National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA) thanks the many travel industry suppliers that recognized the importance of travel consultants by participating in NACTA’s Travel Consultant Appreciation Month celebration in May. Travel consultants were offered a free webinar, media resources to help promote themselves, and had an opportunity to win thousands of dollars worth of prizes and bonus commissions such as 5,000 Starwood points, and a $200 AMEX card booking incentive from AAT Kings. Other prizes included a Carnival Cruise Line VIP package and “Hello Sunny” VIP cards with gifts…
— Travel Research Online
Agent Perspectives
Matt Schumacher, Travel Troops
by Susan Schaefer
Friday June 17, 2016
 Travel consultants come from all walks of life, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that some had previous lives on the supplier side of the industry. We recently spoke with Matt Schumacher about his road to becoming an agency owner.
Travel Research Online (TRO): What was your profession prior to getting into the travel industry?
Matt Schumacher (MS): Before travel I was in retail, I was working for the likes of Best Buy and Walmart as a manager. Actually at one point, I worked for Randy Alleyne in the retail arena (who is now with Liberty Travel). When my job was outsourced, I applied for a job with Sandals, and that was my entry into the travel world…
— Travel Research Online
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Reading Between the Lines
Hot Button Marketing: Fun is its Own Reward
 "Life is short. Meetings are dull. Selling is stressful. None of these alleged truisms have to be true if you add fun and games to the marketing mix.”
Hot Button Marketing by Barry Feig, page 144
Nobody appreciates the brevity of life better than a guy or gal who is looking at 60 years in the rearview mirror. It becomes crystal-clear that the remaining years must be filled with purpose and…
— 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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