Destinations
'Like nowhere else': Madagascar casts a spell over Simon Reeve
I was completely gobsmacked by Madagascar when I first arrived in 2006, as part of a televised tour around the Tropic of Capricorn. It’s like nowhere else on Earth. The only place I can compare it to is the Galápagos Islands, but on a much bigger scale; it’s the fourth biggest island in the world…
— The Guardian
Don't just drive-by: Get close to nature at these national parks
Take off your flip flops and lace up some sturdy walking shoes. You’ll need them to get the most out of a visit to a National Park this Centennial year -- if you don’t want to be a “windshield tourist." The Parks Service turned 100 Thursday and sites all across are celebrating with larger than life experiences…
— Fox Travel News
Tours and Activities
The best beachcombing beaches around the USA
Is there a simpler summertime pleasure than strolling a beach to collect the shelled treasures that wash ashore? Well, only eating ice cream in bare feet, perhaps, though those can go hand in hand. Follow our lead for the best beaches for beachcombing across the USA and get ready to fill your buckets with sand dollars, shark’s teeth, sea glass and more…
— USA Today
From North Korea to Iran: these are the 5 most unusual surfing destinations
Surfers in search of the next big wave are now turning to more remote locations, from under-visited coastlines to extreme cold spots…
— The Independent
10 of the world’s best islands to explore by bike
We all love an island escape, but you don’t have to spend the entire time on the beach or by the resort pool. From favourite holiday haunts to remote destinations you’ve probably never heard of, here are 10 places that are paradise on two wheels, as featured in Lonely Planet’s new book, Epic Bike Rides of the World…
— Escape
Cruise
Emerald Destiny to Replace Fire-Damaged Cruise Ship
Evergreen Tours, also known as Emerald Waterways, has revealed another new ship to be launched in Europe next year. Emerald Destiny will replace Emerald Belle, which was destroyed by a fire in February, a few weeks before it was due to debut. Rather than repairing the “significantly damaged” vessel, the Australian company decided to start fresh with a new one…
— CruiseCritic.com
Norwegian Cruise Line to close private island for renovations
Earlier this year Norwegian Cruise Line revealed extensive plans to refurbish its private island, Great Stirrup Cay, as part of its larger $400 million Norwegian Edge investment program…
— Fox Travel News
Transportation
Lost baggage, cancelled flights: What are your rights when you fly?
If your airline loses your baggage, delays your flight or chucks you off due to an overbooked flight: would you know your…
— Sydney Morning Herald
All the U.S. Airlines That Are Flying to Cuba
Looking for a flight schedule to Cuba? We’ve got you covered. When JetBlue’s inaugural commercial flight to Santa Clara lands next week, it will become the first U.S. airline to begin regular commercial flights to Cuba in more than 50 years…
— Travel Leisure
Lodging
NYC Travel: The Hotel Elys
When staying in New York City, there is no better experience than rooming in a piece of history. The Hotel Elysée, a long standing landmark hotel designed in the 1920’s, and once a playground for the rich and famous, offers an extraordinary oasis of European charm in demanding city of cement and steel…
— The Huffington Post
Aloft Hotels Now Has Voice-Activated Rooms
Ever wished there was an easier way to turn on the TV or open the blinds than by pressing a button? Good news: two Aloft hotels now have "voice-activated hotel rooms," where you can ask Siri (aka, the voice of the iPhone, who is sort of like the telephone operator for a new generation) for a nearby restaurant recommendation without even having to lift—or tap—a finger. Dubbed "Project Jetson," the program just rolled out at Aloft's hotels in Boston and Santa Clara, California…
— Condé Nast Traveler
Other and Odd
How to Eat Like a Local on the Road
Enjoying good food is an essential part of any vacation — at least according to David McInerney, the co-founder of the New York City-based grocery delivery service FreshDirect, who spends most of his time traveling the world sourcing food for the company…
— New York Times
Dress code advice for Muslim travellers visiting France
As France’s highest administrative court deliberates an appeal to overturn the burkini ban in certain resorts - while former French President Nicolas Sarkozy calls for country-wide prohibition - we examine the dress codes that Muslim travellers should be aware of…
— Telegraph (London)
So far, it seems no one caught Zika at the Olympics
No one appears to have caught Zika at the Olympics, the World Health Organization said Thursday. WHO and other experts predicted the Olympics would not be a big source of Zika spread to the rest of the world. August is winter in Rio de Janeiro, and the Zika-bearing mosquitoes are less active then…
— NBC
Today in History
Nineteenth Amendment
A mere 96 years ago, women had no Constitutionally guaranteed right to vote in elections. In January of 1918, President Woodrow Wilson announced that he was supporting a new amendment to the US Constitution that would give women the right to vote…
— Travel Research Online
Agent Perspectives
Jacob Marek, Introvertravels
by Susan Schaefer
Friday August 26, 2016
Focusing on a n iche is something we hear about quite often. We have discussed some of what might be considered the typical niches: small ship cruising, luxury travel, all things Disney, vegan travel, etc. Jacob Marek has possibly touched on an underserved niche; introverts. We recently sat down with Jacob to discuss his business and his new-found niche.
Travel Research Online (TRO): Let’s start with what you did prior to starting your own travel agency.
Jacob Marek (JM): Straight out of college I spent about ten years in the travel industry on the marketing side. I mostly worked with tourism boards and private operators. After several years, I launched a travel marketing company specifically for travel consultants; Forty-Five Degrees…
— Travel Research Online
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Reading Between the Lines
Black Book of Connections: Relationships Come and Go
 “There are several elements that must be fully utilized in order to maintain meaningful long-term connections.”
The Little Black Book of Connections by Jeffrey Gitomer, page 186
One of my many “Ah-Ha Moments” in life came when I first heard that everybody who enters your life is not destined to remain in your life forever. What does this mean? It means that people come and go. And this is as it should…
— 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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