Destinations
This Wisconsin Town Is Named After a Food Fight
The map is full of towns named for quiet, ordinary things: beloved founders, geographical features, biblical settings, politicians. There are towns named for years, towns named for poultry, and even towns named for other fake towns. But there's only one town in America named for a food fight. Welcome to Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, population 203…
— Condé Nast Traveler
Stockholm as Strindberg’s Muse
Rare is the writer who can still rile his countrymen more than a century after his death. But in Sweden, August Strindberg remains lodged under the country’s proverbial skin. The author and playwright, known as much for his gossip-column lifestyle and controversial political views as for his prodigious literary output, died in 1912…
— New York Times
Tours and Activities
8 of the most memorable drives in the West
In national parks throughout the West, rangers and traffic engineers work long hours to nudge travelers out of their cars and onto trails — or at least onto shuttle buses and other less polluting alternatives…
— LA Times
Behind the scenes at Hollywood's Magic Castle
When's the last time you enjoyed a night of astounding magic and illusion with a festive supper-club crowd gathered in an old Gothic mansion on the edge of Hollywood? Chances are it's been a while…
— CNN
How to plan your life-changing (but expensive) safari
A lone Cape buffalo was crossing the arid, scooped-out plain at the bottom of Ngorongoro Crater when the lions seized upon it. Two were approaching from one side, three from another…
— Chicago Tribune
Cruise
One Crew Member Dead, Four Injured After Cruise Ship Lifeboat Drill Accident
One crew member has been killed and four others injured, including two in critical condition, after a lifeboat fell during a drill onboard Harmony of the Seas while the ship was docked in Marseille…
— CruiseCritic.com
Climate Change Creates Cruising Weather in the NW Passage - If You Can Afford the Insurance
The fabled Northwest passage isn’t what it used to be - an impenetrable ice-choked wilderness. For the first (but surely not the last) time, a high-end luxury cruise ship has traversed the Arctic Sea…
— The Huffington Post
Transportation
TSA boasts dramatic decline in airport wait times
Hiring more Transportation Security Administration officers. Shifting airport and airline workers for non-security work at checkpoints such as moving bins. Improving technology at the checkpoints…
— USA Today
Engine blade on Southwest jet showed signs of cracking
Investigators say that an engine fan blade on a Southwest Airlines jet broke off and the stub of the blade showed signs of metal fatigue…
— Fox Travel News
Lodging
Hotel review: Limalimo Lodge, Ethiopia
New openings in the Ethiopian Highlands are rare. When it comes to the Simien Mountains National Park, one of the richest wildlife areas in the country, visitors could previously stay either in the nearby town of Debark or, if keen to be inside the park’s borders, the decade-old Simien Lodge…
— The Independent
Now you can stay in New York for $39 a night - in a clapped out taxi cab
It might be owned by a stand-up comedian, but New York’s latest Airbnb listing is no joke: this clapped-out yellow cab is being marketed as a serious proposition for budget travellers, who can bed down in the timeworn motor for $39 (£29) a night…
— Telegraph (London)
Other and Odd
How to Have a Happy Vacation With Friends
Taking a vacation with friends could turn out to be the getaway of a lifetime, or one that’s a total disaster…
— New York Times
Know Before You Go: The World's Weirdest Alcohol Laws
While Americans regard prohibition as a romanticized thing of the past, alcohol bans still exist in countries like Brunei, Libya, and Saudi Arabia — and if Indonesia’s Parliament has its way, you can soon add tourist destinations like Bali to the list, too…
— The Huffington Post
Zika affected woman's brain and memory, doctors say
Italian researchers say they've found evidence Zika can affect the brains of adults, and may damage memory…
— NBC
Today in History
The Re-Discovery of the Lascaux Caves
On September 12, 1940, four teenagers and their dog were exploring the hills near their home village of Montignac, France. They discovered the entrance to a cave, and walked into its interior. On the stone walls were fantastic paintings of humans and large animals. They had discovered the Lascaux cave paintings, some of the best examples of pre-historic art…
— Travel Research Online
Travel Agent Diaries
En Route Travel -- Cementing supplier relationships
 September was devoted to Supplier Relations and evaluating all aspects of how much of the success of my business is dependent on securing amazing suppliers. This really took a lot of thought to determine what I need in a supplier, how to cultivate and maintain a positive relationship, and ultimately if a supplier falls short how to handle that situation. I started by breaking down the qualities that are a "must have" for people and companies I'd like to do business with…
— Travel Research Online
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Reading Between the Lines
Strategic Selling: There's No Right Way
 "There’s never only one correct strategy for a sales objective, but always a choice of options.”
Strategic Selling: The Unique Sales System Proven Successful by America's Best Companies by Robert B. Miller and Stephen E. Heiman with Tad Tuleja, page 53
This quote caught my attention, since it is my personal belief that most people in the travel industry do not have a strategy. It is my opinion and experience that the majority of people run their businesses reactively. They respond from day-to-day, accepting their good fortune when it surfaces while dealing with issues and problems as they…
— Travel Research Online
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60-Second Geography
Discover Breathtaking Patagonia with Yampu Tours
by Elizabeth Cody
Tuesday September 13, 2016
While many disc overies and breakthroughs have been made in this scientific treasure trove, Patagonia continues to hold her secrets close. This Argentinian region never stops delighting visitors with its natural wonders, from multiple towering and glistening glaciers, to waddling penguin colonies on the shores, to impassioned experts sharing their knowledge in dedicated spaces. Patagonia inspired awe and myths from the first navigators who set foot here in the 16th century, and she continues to do so today with every new visitor, be it from cruise ship or plane, who disembarks onto her shores.
— Travel Research Online
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Outposts
Take Your Next Excursion to the Capital of Kazakhstan with Air Astana
by Elizabeth Cody
Tuesday September 13, 2016
 On December 10, 1997, the capital of Kazakhstan was officially transferred to the city of Akmola. In line with the Presidential Decree signed on May 6, 1998, Akmola was renamed “Astana”. The new capital was unveiled internationally on June 10, 1998. In 1999, Astana was awarded the title of “The City of Peace” by UNESCO. Since 2000, the capital city of Kazakhstan has been a member of the International Assembly of Capitals and Major Cities. Astana is the northernmost capital city in Asia. At present, the territory of Astana makes up more than 722 square kilometers (279 square miles)…
— 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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