Destinations
Cuzco, Peru, Can Be Breathtaking (in More Ways Than One)
In some ways Cuzco, often spelled Cusco, seems like a city frozen in time: cobblestone streets and clay-tile roofs, men and women in indigenous garb selling fruits and vegetables, and meticulously preserved traditions and relics dating back centuries. I was able to get a taste of it all — on a reasonable budget, of course…
— New York Times
The 10 Best Cities in the World for Vegan Travellers
For many vegans, travelling and eating out can be a frustrating and isolating experience. But as more chefs and restaurants are catching on to vegan food – even Mr Vegas Steve Wynn introduced plant-based options in his casino restaurants when he made the switch himself – things are changing. Gone are the days of drab Hari Krishna, cafeteria-style establishments, or restaurants removing the ham from a dish. Today’s vegan digs are helmed by top chefs, have smart, fashion-forward decor, and many carry impressive bar offerings…
— The Independent
A trip to Iceland to Chase the Northern Lights
Arriving in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital and its largest city, we were enticed by an illuminated glass dome structure on a hill and drove up a side road to see it. It was the Perlan, a hot water tower perched over the city. In town, we were lucky to be accommodated at our guesthouse hours before check-in and took a much-needed nap before sunrise…
— Miami Herald
Tours and Activities
On Safari in the City: A Guide to Urban Wildlife Viewing
Urban wildlife watching isn’t limited to spying on Pale Male, the red-tailed hawk known to nest seasonally on a high-rise opposite Central Park in New York. Several cities in the institute’s research network offer D.I.Y. urban safari opportunities for travelers — and residents — who think animal-watching should be part of the urban experience…
— New York Times
Big Apple picnics: Enjoy New York like a local
As summer approaches, New Yorkers and tourists will be tempted away from the city’s many restaurants to picnic and frolic outdoors. “New York City has no shortage of green space and outdoor recreation for visitors, especially in the warmer months,” says Fred Dixon, president…
— USA Today
Women of Paris tour: Meet the Guide who's Trying to Gender Balance the History Books
Evans started running her ‘essential’ tour last year. It’s based in the Left Bank and takes in the Panthéon and the Jardins de Luxembourg, “unravelling stories of incredible women at every turn”. Its goal is to demonstrate how women have shaped the city. Last month, she launched a second tour: Sugar…
— The Independent
Cruise
Royal Caribbean Announces Return to New Orleans
Royal Caribbean has announced that after a three year hiatus, the cruise line will once again have a cruise ship based out of New Orleans for the 2018-2019 winter season. Vision of the Seas, a 915 foot cruise ship, will sail seven night cruises to culture-rich destinations across the Bahamas and Yucatan Peninsula. Before repositioning to its new home in “The Big Easy” on Dec. 15, 2018, Vision of the Seas will offer two, 16-night sailings through the Panama Canal from Miami to Los Angeles, California and from Los Angeles to New Orleans…
— CruiseFever.net
Norwegian Sky Becomes Line's First Ship To Visit Cuba
When Norwegian Sky pulled into Havana this morning, it became the first ship in Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet to visit Cuba, a country long off-limits to American travelers because of a long-standing embargo. The ship arrived to port at about 8 a.m., and passengers snapped photos from the top decks and waved at Cubans watching from ashore…
— CruiseCritic.com
Transportation
Aeroflot turbulence leaves passengers with fractures and bruises
At least 27 passengers were injured when an Aeroflot flight from Moscow to Bangkok, Thailand, hit severe air turbulence on Monday.
Twenty-four Russians and three Thais were hurt, with some suffering serious fractures and bruising, when the plane unexpectedly hit an "air hole" during its approach to Suvarnabhumi Airport, according to the statement from Russian Embassy in Bangkok…
— CNN
Hawaiian updates its aircraft livery, logo
Hawaiian Airlines revealed an updated logo and a new livery for its aircraft Monday, though the changes are more a tweak to the previous versions than a complete overhaul. Hawaiian debuted its new look by rolling out one of its Boeing 717 jets (tail number N488HA) in the new paint scheme Monday, celebrated as "Lei Day" in Hawaii. The carrier also provided the media an image (above) of an Airbus A330 painted in the new livery…
— USA Today
Japan's Ultra-Luxurious Train hits the Tracks for its Maiden Journey
Japan's Shiki-shima luxury train has hit the rails and we just know you'd love to go for a ride! The Train Suite Shiki-shima is designed to give you the ultimate luxury experience - but you'll need some loose change to afford it: tickets range from $2,860 (£2,220) to around $10,000 and you can choose between a two- or four-day trip…
— BBC
Lodging
Relax, renew at Woodloch in the Poconos
An all-inclusive family resort, located in the Pocono Mountains, Woodloch offers the best in lodging, dining and entertainment for all four seasons. Rent a cabin or a room and enjoy time with family and friends. With views of Lake Teedyuskung and mountain vistas a vacation here is a chance to relax and renew yourself…
— Miami Herald
Now you can use Facebook Messenger to book your reservation at Vegas' Venetian
The Venetian on Tuesday becomes the first hotel in Las Vegas to offer bookings using Facebook Messenger, with help from a chatbot named Luis. Beginning at 9 a.m., the Venetian will allow potential guests to check room rates and obtain other information about the resort without leaving their Facebook accounts…
— LA Times
Norway’s Arctic north: Eco-cabins and Sea Eagles
The resort’s design plays its part in this, with a strong emphasis on natural materials, chiefly wood. Its main feature is four sea cabins that look like outsize sound-system speakers jutting out from the island. The cabins have walls clad in larch and are of modular construction, with floor-to-ceiling glass wrapped around their fronts. Placing minimalist boxes into natural settings has become an architectural cliché. No matter. Manshausen’s designer, Snorre Stinessen, won several prizes at the Architizer A Awards in New York for the cabins – and deservedly so…
— The Guardian
Other and Odd
How to Make the Most of a Staycation
The next time you’re looking to take a short trip, why head out of town when you can have an enjoyable vacation by staying close to home? “Exploring your backyard with a staycation is a relaxing break and one that’s very special because most of us have never visited the highlights in the area where we live,” said Marla B. Schaffer, the president and chief executive of Leaders in Travel, a New York travel consultancy…
— New York Times
The Company Cleaning up the World's Biggest Hotels
ext time you check out of a hotel, spare a thought for the barely touched bar of soap left behind in your room. Around the world, five million hotel soaps make their way to landfills every single day. But Clean the World aims turn those discarded slabs into a life-changing commodity. With recycling centers in the United States and Hong Kong, the not-for-profit corporation has partnered with 5,000 hotels internationally to recycle soap from nearly one million hotel rooms daily, distributing them instead to families, schools and organizations in need…
— CNN
Today in History
The King James Bible
On this date in the year 1611, the King James Version of the Bible was first published…
— Travel Research Online
Mike's Morning Missives
Is it Time for a Fresh Coat of Paint?
 Why not enhance your online presence with great niche-related features?
These days, any serious business owner with a brain has a website or blog to help market their business. A website with your own domain name (URL) establishes a professional online presence, and offers a central hub for all of your online and offline marketing efforts. However, if you have not posted fresh content or updated your website recently, it’s time to enhance your online presence to improve your chances of succeeding in a competitive…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
|
Outposts
Antwerp Baroque and the Flemish Masters with VISITFLANDERS
by Simone Hasskew
Tuesday May 02, 2017
If Belgium is o n your list of travel destinations, do not miss out on the opportunity to see the city of Antwerp, located in Flanders. Known for its culturally rich architecture, and prominent fashion presence, Antwerp is home to a population of over 500,000 residents, giving it the title of the most prosperous city in Belgium. From the 15th to 17th century, Flanders was the dominating presence in Western Europe when it came to art, even inspiring some of the largest art movements in history, including Baroque, Primitive, and Renaissance.
Peter Paul Rubens, Flemish…
— 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!
|
Upcoming Training Opportunities
Getting Ready for Alaska!
Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
With 30 years of global travel experience, ShoreTrips co-owners Barry and Julie Karp have an intuitive sense of the desires of today's travel savvy audience. They have focused on creating smaller, more personal tours and experiences. ShoreTrips currently offers more than 2,400 excursions and activities in more than 420 cruise ship ports of call and 180 cities throughout the world.
Register Now ➠
All-Inclusive Mexico and Caribbean with Sirenis Hotels & Resorts
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Sirenis Hotels & Resorts boasts three breathtaking all-inclusive properties in the Caribbean and Mexico. Grand Sirenis Matlali Hills Resort & Spa is a boutique luxury hotel with 117 adult only suites located in the hills of Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, just 10 minutes from Banderas Bay. Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa is known for its award winning Spa Grand Sirenis, onsite Dolphin Discovery, EcoSirenis nature trails, and exceptional coral reef snorkeling right by the beach. At Sirenis Punta Cana Resort Casino & Aquagames, guests enjoy a variety of fine dining options, a long stretching beach with crystal clear Caribbean Sea water, and free access to the onsite water park, Sirenis Aquagames.
Register Now ➠
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 ➠
|
|
|
|
