Destinations
Amsterdam, Revisited
This year we decided to take our summer vacation in Amsterdam. For my family, Amsterdam is not just any destination. I lived in the city for seven years and wrote a book about it. My partner, Pamela, lived there for 23 years. We met in Amsterdam. Our son was born in the city…
— New York Times
48 hours in Milan: hotels, restaurants and places to visit
Milan is a city that strides out in style, from its fashion houses to its cultural delights. Get there before the impeccably dressed crowds arrive for Milan Fashion Week (21-27 September) and you’ll find the city much more manageable…
— The Independent
25 amazing facts about Kyrgyzstan
As Kyrgyzstan celebrates 25 years of independence, here are a few things you didn't know about the country…
— Telegraph (London)
Tours and Activities
Eat around the world in London
London’s a global hub, especially when it comes to the food scene. In the last five years, London has roared ahead of other capital cities in embracing pretty much every food trend that has challenged our stomachs. Korean fried chicken? You betcha…
— USA Today
Spinnaker Tower: England's impressive 170m tower
It's 16 years since Portsmouth won its Spinnaker Tower, a millennium project begun in the year 2000 and rising majestically over the next five years above one of the most historic harbours in the world…
— Traveller
Best countries for solo travelers
There are many travelers who say that traveling alone is the best way to see the world. Without the influence of a friend or partner’s tastes, prejudices or preferences, you allow yourself a journey of true self-discovery…
— Chicago Tribune
Cruise
Don't worry about packing on pounds on Hungry Girl's cruise to the Caribbean
Cruising is the downfall of many a dieter, but it doesn’t have to be. Now there’s the Hungry Girl cruise, led by Hungry Girl creator Lisa Lillien aboard Holland America’s Eurodam…
— LA Times
P&O Cruises Introduces New Wi-Fi Packages as Part of their Stay Connected Programme
Whether you're an avid Instagram user looking to share envy-inducing images from your cruise ship sun lounger or you're simply keen to keep in touch with the office through email, P&O Cruises has made it easier to stay connected 24/7 with three brand-new 24-hour Wi-Fi packages as part of their Stay Connected internet programme…
— CruiseCritic.com
Transportation
First U.S.-Cuba Scheduled Flight In Decades Set To Depart
Among the passengers on the 150-seat Airbus A320 will be U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, JetBlue Chief Executive Officer Robin Hayes, news reporters and photographers…
— The Huffington Post
These 3 simple words will save you time and money when traveling
Whether you squeeze in a last summer trip, plan a fall getaway or head to family for Thanksgiving, this tip – it’s actually a series of tips - will help save money, time and energy. Maybe even a little heartache. It all boils down to three little words: Grab and go…
— Fox Travel News
Lodging
17 awesome islands you can have all to yourself
If you’ve ever dreamt of living the castaway life, these opportunities to enjoy a whole island to yourself are bound to impress. Whether your budget is $500 or $100,000, check out some of the world’s most private island escapes, from the simple to the seriously swanky…
— Escape
The Hotel Room of the Future Will Listen to You
Is the air conditioning turning you into a popsicle? Is the television too loud? Are you hankering for a midnight snack? Don't just sit there. Tell your hotel room…
— Travel Leisure
Other and Odd
Grim news kept people away from theme parks
Heading into this summer, all signs were pointing to another banner year for Florida’s attractions. But it has been a cruel summer, especially for Orlando. In June, Orlando was stunned by the shooting death of “Voice” singer Christina Grimmie at a local venue, a massacre at the Pulse nightclub and a fatal alligator attack on a child at Disney World…
— Miami Herald
How to Get a Passport in 24 Hours
Common knowledge dictates that getting a passport takes time and a good bit of paperwork: According to the State Department, routine processing takes four to six weeks, and expedited processing two to four weeks—and it's all even more of a hassle if you're applying for the first time. Got a trip to Mozambique on Friday, and no passport to show for it? Worry not: You can actually get a passport in 24 hours…
— Condé Nast Traveler
Today in History
The Murder of Mary Ann Nichols
Charles Cross, a market stall operator, was the first to discover the body of Mary Ann Nichols, laying on the ground on what is now Durward Street, in the Whitechapel area of London near the London Hospital. She had last been seen alive walking the Whitechapel Road in a new bonnet, one she hoped would assist her earning capacity in the lurid trades plied in the area…
— Travel Research Online
Point-to-Point
Some very good reasons for post Brexit UK travel
by Paull Tickner
Wednesday August 31, 2016
 With economic data showing that the British economy is faring better than many experts predicted from Brexit uncertainty, the exchange rate has gone from $1.47 on 23rd June to $1.31 today; setting up a perfect scenario for a short fuse UK trip. That said, the news gets even better for enterprising travel agents because everything I’ve listed here will take place all over again in 2017, which gives you a full year to convert at least one of these events into an even more valuable piece of new business.
Quilts and Malts
This combination could appeal to couples where wives might enjoy 3 full days with quilters from all over the world at the Scottish Quilting Championships while their husbands head off to Dufftown for…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
|
Supplier Profile
Go Rollin' Down the River with American Cruise Lines
 American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. river cruise company and operator of the newest fleet of river cruise ships in the United States. It offers more than 35 itineraries ranging from 5 to 22 days in length, with destinations around the country including the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, New England, the Southeast, and the entire Mississippi River system. The line has been continuously recognized for providing superb service to guests and travel agents before, during,…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
|
Reading Between the Lines
Selling Your Services: Be Ready To “Do Your Thing”
 "What do you do when someone says no I’m not interested or I haven’t made up my mind yet?”
Selling Your Services by Robert W. Bly, page 123
At the risk of repeating myself and sounding like a broken record, today’s quote demands that I remind you of the following percentages:
50% of sales people quit after the first contact.
25% of sales people quit after the second contact.
The majority of sales occur after a salesman contacts a prospect a number of times. If you’re looking for a concrete number, I will say after six times. This may approach 10 or 12 in certain instances…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
|
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!
|
 |
|
