Destinations
The Sicilian secret known to Plato and Churchill: the food and scenery of Syracuse
Back when Plato was philosophizing about virtue and Archimedes was defining pi, the most beautiful corner of the sprawling Greek Empire was Syracuse. That is Syracuse of Sicily, not upstate New York. How a city in a North American icebox could be named after a beautiful, sun-splashed town on the Ionian Sea would have baffled Plato himself…
— LA Times
48 Hours in Montpellier
This south-western French city has a charming medieval centre just 10km from the Mediterranean shoreline…
— The Independent
The 13 coolest cities you've never been to
Steer clear of the tourist hordes with a visit to one of these little-known but worthy destinations…
— Sydney Morning Herald
Tours and Activities
How to make the most of a weekend spa getaway
Weekend getaways can go one of two ways. At their best, they’re a chance to recharge from the work week without dipping into vacation days, to make you feel like you’ve really made the most of your two precious days off rather than whiled them away on chores and Netflix…
— Globe and Mail
Stunning Time-Lapse Video Captures The Magic Of Walt Disney World
It’s Walt Disney World as you’ve never seen it before. Filmmaker Anthony Cortese of Silver Pin Studios has captured Disney’s four theme parks in central Florida in high-definition time-lapse video with scenes made even more dramatic with a little help from nature…
— The Huffington Post
Japan’s okonomiyaki – pancakes served as you like them
Batter and cabbage are the basic ingredients for the street snack that spread from Hiroshima. Then you can add whatever takes your fancy…
— The Guardian
Cruise
Norwegian Cruise Line Bans Carry-On Water and Soda
As of July 15, Norwegian Cruise Line passengers may no longer bring bottled water or soda -- either bottled or in cans -- on their cruise ship. The line claims the policy will help speed up the embarkation process…
— CruiseCritic.com
Inside the Black Swan: The world's most elegant superyacht
As the name suggests, superyachts are meant to garner attention. From Zaha Hadid’s stunningly crafted ships to vessels featuring waterfalls, these massive floating crafts are becoming ever more exquisite in design. And the latest concept superyacht, by designer Timur Bozca, is no exception. Dubbed The Black Swan for its black exterior and graceful aesthetic, the striking structure is proof of the power of simplicity…
— Fox Travel News
Transportation
Will this TSA checkpoint test cut wait times at American's hubs?
American Airlines is teaming up with the Transportation Security Administration in the latest effort to alleviate long wait times at airport security checkpoints. The test program could lessen wait times at several of American’s hubs…
— USA Today
Five secrets to get the best seat on the plane
Let’s face it. No one wants to be stuck in the middle seat, in the middle row, or near the toilets. From getting a bit of extra legroom to sitting far away from crying babies, here are five handy tips from finder.com.au that can help make your next flight a lot more comfortable…
— Escape
Lodging
Checking In at Trump Hotels
If you were an alien and had just beamed down to Doral, Fla., the gold letters on a Spanish Revival-style building amid 800 acres of golf courses would leave no doubt as to who owns the resort: TRUMP…
— New York Times
Top 10: the best hotels in Manhattan
An insider's guide to the top hotels in Manhattan — from five-star icons to stylish boutiques and budget accommodation — including the best Manhattan hotels for spas, indoor swimming pools, Michelin-starred restaurants and rooms with Central Park views, in neighbourhoods including the Upper East Side, Lower Manhattan, Tribeca, Broadway and the West Village…
— Telegraph (London)
Other and Odd
Post-Brexit, Things Could Change For U.K. Sports, Pets And Duty-Free Booze
Amid all the macro-level questions about the effects of Britain's decision to leave the European Union — its broad economic and political repercussions — the Brexit will be felt in small, practical, everyday terms as well. Although it's impossible to predict exactly how things will play out, here are a few of the possible ways Britons may experience repercussions of the…
— NPR
U.A.E. Warns Its Citizens Against Wearing Traditional Garb While Traveling
The request comes after Ahmed al-Menhali, a U.A.E. national, was mistaken for a terrorist after speaking Arabic on the phone at an Ohio hotel. The U.S. State Department has issued and updated a number of travel warnings and alerts to its citizens over the past year—including in Turkey and all of Europe—in the wake of terrorist attacks. Now, the government of the United Arab Emirates has issued its own travel warning to its citizens, but it's not about avoiding crowds or staying away from certain tourist attractions—instead, it's about what not to wear. An Emirati tourist was detained at gunpoint in Avon, Ohio, after a hotel clerk thought he was an Islamist terrorist, and the U.A.E.'s government has since warned its citizens on Sunday against…
— Condé Nast Traveler
Today in History
A Man for All Seasons
On July 6, 1535, Sir Thomas More was beheaded when he refused to sign the Act of Supremacy declaring King Henry VIII Supreme Head of the Church of England. More was appointed the lord chancellor in 1529 after a distinguished career as a Member of Parliament and as a leading intellectual…
— Travel Research Online
Point-to-Point
10 tips + 10 weeks = 100 New Methods to Grow Groups–Week 5, Package the package
by Stuart Cohen
Wednesday July 06, 2016
 Just as a waiter would never bring you an ingredients list and say, “Go make it yourself,” a group agent should never present an option list and say, “Go make it yourself."
There is no better group success strategy than to create a fully-baked package. If you don’t, you’re taking the easy way out (and the easy way to lose business). In boot camp I show you how. First, understand why…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
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Supplier Profile
Book Your Next Costa Rican Experience with Costa Rica Dream Adventures
 Costa Rica Dream Adventures (CRDA) is a single destination, leisure, meeting, and incentive division of DTI (Duluth Travel Incorporated) of Atlanta, Georgia. Costa Rica Dream Adventures is dedicated exclusively to providing first class travel for individuals, couples, and groups desiring to visit and experience Costa Rica. Costa Rica Dream Adventures provides hands-on support for the client from the moment the reservation is made until their return. The support within the country is provided by the local…
— Travel Research Online
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Reading Between the Lines
Ex Fida Bona
Ending the Ban on Travel to Cuba is Closer to Becoming Reality, But Congress Must Now Decide
by Daniel Zim
Wednesday July 06, 2016
 Starting September 7, you will be able to board an American Airlines carrier on one of the first scheduled flights in decades to Cuba. For Americans making that voyage, it could remain one of the most regulated, red-tape ridden trips on the planet, despite the Obama administration’s efforts over the last two years to drastically loosen restrictions through executive action. As Congress returns to regular business this week, the House of Representatives will consider legislation that could end the ban on travel to Cuba…
— 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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Further to yesterday’s message, here are some general guidelines to help make your meetings more productive:
