Destinations
10 reasons to visit Berlin in 2017
The Berlin terror attack shouldn't deter visitors, says our expert to the city. Here are 10 reasons to visit in 2017…
— Telegraph (London)
9 Reasons You Need to Visit Mongolia in 2017
Travelers often overlook Mongolia for its bustling neighbors, China and Russia. But in Mongolia—one of the world’s most sparsely populated countries—by venturing into the wild with epic horse rides through the valleys, climbing up to Buddhist villages and temples…
— Vogue
A Long Weekend in Cornwall, England—Pets Included
Contributor Amanda Brooks spent a weekend writing, eating, and hiking with her dog Ginger along England's southern coast…
— Condé Nast Traveler
Tours and Activities
10 cool new theme park developments in the works
Each November, the people that operate theme parks, create rides, and others engaged in the serious business of fun gather in Orlando for a massive trade show…
— USA Today
Top 10 new museum openings in 2017
History, art and design will be celebrated in their many forms, and disciplines, at new institutions from Paris to Los Angeles and London to Cape Town…
— The Guardian
At the Grand Canyon, a cancer survivor rises to the challenge of a rim-to-rim-to-rim hike
A survivor marks her "cancer graduation" by attempting to go from the South Rim to the North Rim and back…
— The Washington Post
Cruise
Port Everglades Cruise Ships Delayed After Shootings at Fort Lauderdale Airport
Five of six cruise ships scheduled to depart from Port Everglades yesterday were delayed, after a shooting on Friday at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport that killed five people and seriously injured six. The time changes were posted on Broward County's vessel traffic site…
— CruiseCritic.com
How to ensure your cruise holiday is carefree
We all love a carefree holiday – so come venture into the “forbidden zone” of things you don’t see in cruise brochures to ensure your carefree holiday really is free of cares…
— Escape
Transportation
What it's really like to fly by private jet
Somewhere between 18-hour delays and contorting your limbs into a seat you know is too small for you, all travellers, even the most die-hard backpackers, have wondered what it would be like to travel by private jet…
— The Independent
Suspect Charged In Shooting Death Of 5 People At Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Airport
The U.S. Attorney has issued several charges against 26-year-old Esteban Santiago for carrying out the deadly shooting. Maximum penalty is possible death sentence…
— NPR
Lodging
'Hidden' hotel resort fees come under fire in FTC report
Long a thorn in the side of travelers, the practice of hotels charging nebulous "resort fees" has once again come under scrutiny from the government. On Thursday, the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Economics released a report on resort fees which broke down how hotels…
— Fox Travel News
Luxury chalet of the week: Chalet Oscar, Megève
Located on the edge of the swanky French resort of Megève, Chalet Oscar is a luxury retreat away from the masses…
— Telegraph (London)
Other and Odd
This Tour Company Will Make A Nature Documentary Out of Your Next Vacation
Grab three friends and hit the tundra, savannah, or rainforest along with a fully-equipped camera crew…
— Condé Nast Traveler
Threats Remain to This Ancient Archeological Site in Iraq
The extremist organization known as the Islamic State group no longer occupies the archeological site of Nimrud, Iraq, but the city and its treasures remain in danger as looters continue to ransack its artifacts, according to a special report by the Associated Press…
— Travel+Leisure
Today in History
The RMS Queen Elizabeth Burns and Sinks
The Cunard Line, then known as the Cunard White Star Line launched the RMS Queen Elizabeth in 1938. Named for Queen Elizabeth (not the current Queen but her mother) the RMS Queen Elizabeth was the largest passenger liner ever built, a record she held for 56 years…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
American Cruise Lines’ Give-Back Program Raises $14,000 For Connecticut Food Bank
American Cruise Lines, operator of the newest cruise ships in the United States, has raised $14,000 for the Connecticut Food Bank with its Holiday Give-Back Program.
American Cruise Lines continues to support the Connecticut Food Bank through its Give-Back program by donating $50 for each ticket sold on select holiday cruises, which include…
— Travel Research Online
Editorial Musings
Ocean Medallion: Cool or creepy?
by John Frenaye
Monday January 09, 2017
I have to give  them credit: the cruise lines are always at the forefront of the technology train. Flat screens in the cabins, digital images, sea passes. They also have been at the forefront of the customer service train as well. Now it appears that Carnival Corporation has married the two into a gizmo called the Ocean Medallion, which was released at the CES this past week in Las Vegas. I am not sure if it is incredibly cool, incredibly creepy, or a little of both!
John Padgett, who came to Carnival from Disney where he was a primary architect of the brand’s MagicBand, dreamed up the Ocean Medallion. The MagicBand was such a success and made navigating Disney parks and resorts so simple, it makes…
— Travel Research Online
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Mike's Morning Missives
Are You Asking For The Business?
 I recently asked a seasoned travel professional what he thought the difference was between an average salesman and a special sales professional.
His answer was quick and was shared without hesitation. He said, “Professionals ask for the business. Amateurs don’t.”
Contrary to a popular belief, asking to be of service has nothing to do with aggressive or manipulative behavior. The question is, “Do you want to sell by accident or do you want to position yourself as a leader in your…
— Travel Research Online
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Publishers Corner
The Language of Obligation
by Richard Earls
Monday January 09, 2017
I once had the  good fortune to attend a couple of three day seminars conducted by Breakthrough Enterprises entitled Falling Awake. Lead by a group of exceptional individuals, Falling Awake is geared to the idea of taking full responsibility for creating the life you most want. Many of my columns are informed by the lessons I have learned as a result of the work I did with this organization. I truly believe any professional would benefit from the Falling Awake curriculum and I commend it to you with the highest of regard.
One of the most interesting and useful pieces of information I brought back home with me was their description of the power of language and the way it shapes our reality. According…
— Travel Research Online
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One-to-One Interviews
Jim Tedesco, Vice President of Sales, North America for Back-Roads Touring Co.
 Jim Tedesco a proven leader with strong connections in the travel community, and currently serves as the Vice President of Sales for North America at Back-Roads Touring. He is the winner of two Magellan Awards by Travel Weekly, has twice been named a “Rising Star in Travel” by Vacation Agent Magazine and Agent@Home Magazine, and currently sits on the USTOA Associate Member Advisory Committee. With 10 years of travel industry experience, he has a proven track record of taking ideas from concept to market with successful results and continues to develop positive relationships with travel agents and suppliers across the globe. After 9.5 years of leadership within the Flight Centre Travel Group Retail and Wholesale divisions,…
— 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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