Destinations
Genoa Isn’t Rome or Florence. That’s Part of Its Charm
Why do so few people visit Genoa? I ask this question every time I visit the Italian city. Two summers ago, I heard one of the best answers from Mitchell Wolfson Jr., an American who moved to Genoa in 1968 and is the founder of the Wolfsoniana, a museum of decorative and propaganda arts in nearby Nervi…
— New York Times
Is this Europe’s most family-friendly island?
Friends recommended Tenerife as Europe’s most family-friendly island. There’s zero time difference. Flights from 20 British airports. Plus average winter highs of 22C…
— Telegraph (London)
Beyond the French Quarter: Experiencing New Orleans Like a Local
New Orleans, as has happened so many times during its history, is in the midst of a cultural transformation, and everywhere but the French Quarter is where you will find the latest and greatest in exciting restaurants, shopping, and things to see…
— Vogue
Tours and Activities
The most extreme adventures on Earth
It's easy to travel the world and feel oddly at home, particularly if you're in one of the planet's 24,000 Starbucks. But it's still possible to break loose from the rut and get experiences that are beyond the ordinary. (Indeed, some of these are arguably insane.) Spanning multiple continents and oceans, these adventures will make you feel alive... albeit in some cases terrified you might not be among the living much longer…
— CNN
Stunning medieval city of Bruges offers Canadians a unique attraction in ‘Bison Bridge'
Police officers, bus drivers, hotel clerks, passersby… no one could direct me to Canada Bridge – until I mentioned the bison. Bingo – everybody here knows “Bison Bridge” or “Buffalo Bridge.” That’s how locals refer to Canada Bridge because of the two large bison standing guard at its entrance…
— Vancouver Sun
Pinball wizards have a home in Delray Beach
Forty years ago, a person could go into a serious quarter deficit in a place like the Silverball Museum in Delray Beach. With 88 pinball machines as well as two dozen arcade games, the attraction has been attracting the flipper-obsessed since it opened in 2016…
— Sun Sentinel
Cruise
Carnival to offer longer cruises, new destinations from Mobile
Mobile tourism and government officials trumpeted the news Tuesday that the Carnival Fantasy will sail out of Mobile on some longer voyages in 2018. New destinations apparently will include Key West, Nassau, the Panama Canal and the Costa Rican port of Limon…
— AL.com
Holland America to Offer 6 New Cruise Tours in Montreal
Six new Signature Experience cruise tours will be available to Holland America Line cruisers on select 2018 itineraries departing from Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Rome, Venice and Montrea…
— CruiseCritic.com
Transportation
Travellers are turning to trains to bypass airport queues
Train travel agency Rail Plus has seen a 36 jump in Aussies and New Zealanders opting to ride the rails in the US over the past year, crediting the growth to travellers who want to avoid the stress of the airport. Unlike economy flights, trains offer travellers the luxury of space, comfortable seats with legroom and no set baggage limits, Rail Plus commercial director Ingrid Kocijan says…
— Escape
JetBlue CEO keeps no-overbooking policy
JetBlue Airways CEO Robin Hayes said Tuesday the carrier is sticking with its policy against overbooking flights, but that high bumping statistics resulted from reducing the size of planes on routes mostly before passengers arrive at the airport…
— USA Today
Wingly: Testing the Airbnb of Aviation
Wingly aims to connect aviators with amateurs like me who need to get from A to B but have some flexibility about where A and B happen to be, and can work around the pilot’s timing. For the passenger it promises an exhilarating experience along with transportation. And for the pilot? Carrying one or more passengers helps keep the cost of their indulgence down…
— The Independent
Lodging
Nicaragua’s Most Luxurious New Resort, Nekupe, Has a Social Mission
The six-month-old Nekupe Sporting Resort and Retreat is a stunning eight-room countryside compound in the shadow of the Mombacho volcano, an hour and a half south of Managua…
— Bloomberg
Best places to stay in Bondi Beach: Hot hotels to live the Bondi hipster lifestyle
With the launch of Airbnb Trips late last month, visitors can now also choose from about 20 curated Sydney-based activities designed and led by local experts, including a personalised Bondi Beach experience with Bondi Rescue lifeguard and local icon, Andrew “Reidy” Reid…
— Escape
Other and Odd
5 Tips for Finding Child Care for Your Next Vacation
finding reliable, affordable child care can be enough of a challenge at home. Where does one even begin to get such help on the road? Here are five strategies for finding the right fit for your family…
— New York Times
'Low-rent' airport lounges – and 10 more ways you're being ripped off at the airport
A new report has heaped criticism on Britain’s pay-as-you-go airport lounges for their “low-rent” decor and overpriced food and drink. Those flying from UK airports can now pay as little as £18 for entry to one of dozens of airport lounges - with the promise of peaceful surroundings, fast Wi-Fi, and all-you-can-eat food and drink convincing many to cough up the extra cash and ditch the crowded main terminal…
— Telegraph (London)
Today in History
Tanzania comes into existence
Britain and Germany had long been the colonial powers in eastern Africa, and the nation of Tanganyika was no exception. But when British rule came to an end in 1961, Tanganyika peacefully moved into independence with Julius Nyerere as its President…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
Windstar Cruises and the James Beard Foundation Announce Super-Star Chef Lineup for New Culinary Cruise Collection
At a celebration of Windstar Cruises as the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation at the famed Beard House in New York City, the two organizations unveiled the full lineup for their James Beard Foundation Culinary Cruise Collection. Offered on eight sailings in Windstar’s diverse portfolio of cruise destinations – including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean – cruise guests will have a chance to interact and taste creations from James Beard Foundation-selected chefs…
— Travel Research Online
Point-to-Point
Join ASTA's 2017 Research Family
by Kevin Wang
Wednesday April 26, 2017
The American So ciety of Travel Agents (ASTA) is calling on agency members to participate in the 2017 ASTA Research Family survey program. ASTA members who are chosen and who fulfill the survey requirements will earn a $60 credit toward their 2018 annual dues when they renew.
The information collected is critical for benchmarking agency members' day-to-day operations and is essential when ASTA advocates for travel agencies with the government and with the press. Your participation gives us perspective and insight into the realities of running a travel agency today so that we can better represent and serve you. We hope that you take advantage of this great opportunity to participate in the…
— Travel Research Online
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Supplier Profile
Bridge the Gap Between Travel Professionals and Suppliers with CCRA
 CCRA is a diverse family of brands designed to facilitate commerce between travel professionals and industry suppliers; Not quite a host or consortia, and definitely not your typical association, CCRA provides innovative marketing programs, booking tools, education and training, and even accreditation for their elite customers through their travel commerce network. Built by travel professionals from all corners of the industry, CCRA is passionate and undoubtedly committed to the success of both their travel agency…
— Travel Research Online
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Mike's Morning Missives
Think ”Unusual Alliances” To Bring In New Business
 Borrowing from a few famous biblical phrases, "Ask and you shall receive." "Seek and you shall find." "Knock and it will be open for you."
With these instructions in place, I would like to remind you of a few things you can do if you'd like to enhance your current position in your marketplace. Here are seven ideas designed to help you “make things…
— 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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Upcoming Training Opportunities
The Best of Alberta with Canada à la Carte
Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 12 pm EDT/9 am PDT
Alberta is a magical destination, where thrilling outdoor adventures blend with vibrant arts and cultural opportunities. From skiing and skating to spas, heritage museums and shopping, it is a vacation destination that offers something for everyone at any time of the year.
Register Now ➠
How to hit it the “Reset” button on your business
Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 11 am EDT/8 am PDT
Are You Driven by the Freedoms Your Travel Business Should Provide?
Register Now ➠
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