Destinations
The spectacular region of Italy you've probably never heard of
You’d think Abruzzo – the region east of Lazio and above Puglia, where you can stand on the powdery peaks of the Apennine mountains and survey the cobalt Adriatic Sea – would be a household name. Yet even regulars to Tuscany, Puglia and the rest of the 'bel paese' have never set foot in it…
— The Independent
23 reasons to visit Sri Lanka
Dive with blue whales in season or watch spinner dolphins leap about in Kalpitiya. Sri Lanka also has 5,800 wild elephants ambling about and the biggest concentration of leopards in the world. See them in Yala national park, along with…
— Telegraph (London)
Why Portugal is this year's hottest destination
Relatively affordable with fascinating history and even a little Harry Potter mystique, this tiny country is suddenly on everyone's must-visit…
— The Boston Globe
Tours and Activities
Stepping Into Mondrian's Shoes, and Other Adventures in Dutch Style
When the director of a major Dutch museum visited the Museum of Modern Art in New York a few years ago, he was distressed to see that its display of de Stijl works was far superior to anything the Netherlands…
— New York Times
11 best places to see the Northern Lights
A photo of an epic proposal under the Northern Lights went viral this week, proving once again that the shimmering natural phenomenon has the power to make any experience monumental…
— CNN
Cruise
What happens if a cruise ship is attacked by pirates?
After the first successful hijacking of a commercial ship by Somali pirates in five years, John Honeywell explains why cruise ships continue to visit the region - and how they protect themselves. For most, mention of the word “pirate” conjures visions…
— Telegraph (London)
Celebrity Cruises's new ship, built in VR, has a floating outdoor bar
Royal Caribbean Cruises' new Celebrity Edge is the first ship designed in 3D. Part of the new design includes open staterooms connected through balconies, a cantilevered bar and new technology that allows for key-less entry and seamless check-in…
— Miami Herald
Transportation
Are we about to see the end of first class carriages on trains?
Could first class rail travel be about to hit the buffers? The Department for Transport has floated the idea of ending class distinction on the South Eastern network, which connects Kent and East Sussex with London…
— The Independent
Qatar Airways' Business Class 'QSuites' offer double beds
Qatar Airways is raising the stakes in the battle for business fliers on ultra long-haul flights. Beginning in June, the carrier will roll out business class “suites,” pod-like cabins with sliding doors, and, for a few customers…
— Fox Travel News
Lodging
Come for the Guest Rooms. Stay for the Art Galleries.
Wander around this city’s 21c Museum Hotel for an afternoon and you’ll notice a subtle but distinctive dance happening in the hallways. Most of the steps tend to be slow — individuals wandering in a hypnotic, pensive trance…
— New York Times
Charming courtyards make these hotels a treat
When it comes to choosing a hotel, several key questions may cross your mind: Is this property centrally located? Does it fit my budget? How do its amenities stack up with my vacation needs (free Wi-Fi for business trips or a pool for family getaways)? While a courtyard…
— USA Today
Other and Odd
Traveling With Adult Children
There is nothing like traveling with your adult children to make you feel dazzled and impressed that they are truly all grown up, competent citizens of the world. And there is nothing like traveling with your adult children to remind you that they are still…
— New York Times
Titanic for tourists
Resting at a depth of 13,000ft (4,000m), the RMS Titanic continues to captivate the public more than a century after it sunk to the bottom of the North Atlantic Ocean. It has now been announced that those still intrigued by the vessel will be able to see it for themselves, by joining…
— Telegraph (London)
Today in History
The Ides of March
On this date in 44 B.C.E., members of the Roman Senate, including Marcus Junius Brutus, Gaius Cassius Longinus, and 60 other co-conspirators, stabbed to death Julius Ceasar. According to the contemporary historian Plutarch…
— Travel Research Online
Point-to-Point
Taking the Angst Out of Exotic Vacations
by Jane Behrend Wednesday March 15, 2017
So many agents I visit around the country seem afraid to sell what they perceive as “exotic” destinations to their clients. They always come up with lots of don’ts and can’ts on why their customers aren’t taking (or don't want to take) more adventurous trips.
I think the main reason more agents don’t branch away from selling traditional vacations and getaways is a fear of selling what they don’t know. I don't know if there's a fancy name for that—like fear of clowns (coulrophobia) or fear of chickens (alektorophobia). But it sure is easier to come up with reasons why you “can’t” or your clients “won’t” than actually branching out and learning about new destinations.
Here are my responses to common objections that I often hear in…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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Supplier Profile
Fly Aerolineas Argentinas
Founded in 1950, Aerolineas Argentinas is currently a major airline company in South America, with 82 aircraft/average 8 years, providing service to 11.265.000 million passengers transported in 2016, with over 300 departures daily.
Within the bustling cosmopolitan capital city of Buenos Aires, Aeolineas Argentinas has its base of operations at both the Jorge Newbery Aeroparque Airport as well as the Ezeiza International…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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Mike's Morning Missives
Follow Up: The True Differentiator
This step in the sales process is by far the one that requires the most attention. It has become known as the Achilles Heel of every sales person, professional or non, throughout the country … and I say with a high degree of confidence, “throughout the world.”
It is a common behavior pattern that implies “later” is always easier than “now.” It seems to be the initial knee-jerk reaction from just about “everybody.” Finishing what we start is a rarity today and I can only blame it on what has come to be referred to as “short attention spans.” The human need for instant gratification also might have a lot to do with it. Regardless of who or what you blame it on, or what excuse…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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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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Upcoming Training Opportunities

“Fun and Fast Facts” in Growing your Tour Sales
Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Join us for a webinar, where your knowledge about Insight Vacations and guided vacations will assist with increasing your tour sales.
Register Now ➠

Top Vacations to Celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday
Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
There has never been a better time to visit Canada. The exchange rate continues to offer great value for your clients and this year the country celebrates its 150th birthday! Learn why Canada à la Carte is your one source for booking Canada vacations in this insightful webinar.
Register Now ➠

Discover the Top-Selling Activities in South Africa
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
Join South African Airways and South African Tourism on a journey through the beautiful and inspiring country of South Africa. We’ll discuss top-selling activities, including the vibrant city of Cape Town, big 5 safaris, romantic train trips, world-class museums and great white shark cage diving.
Register Now ➠
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