Destinations
36 Hours in Detroit
Detroit might be one of the most misunderstood cities in America. Founded in 1701, the Motor City has grappled with an ever-evolving automotive industry and well-publicized budgetary problems, exacerbated by years of population losses. Yet it remains defiantly proud. The Motown sound, embraced around the world, still resonates. Downtown, and in the Midtown and New Center neighborhoods, economic and residential growth has been exponential. The QLine streetcar on Woodward Avenue and MoGo, the city’s first public bike share program, are to begin operating this month. Later this year, the Detroit Pistons (N.B.A.) and Detroit Red Wings (N.H.L.) will move into the new Little Caesars Arena on Woodward. And at its core, residents old and new are injecting a remarkable vibrancy into the city…
— New York Times
The 50 Greatest Honeymoons on Earth (take note, Pippa)
One of the best bits of organising a wedding is planning the holiday afterwards. A honeymoon is the one trip on which many couples blow the budget and tick places off their bucket list. But it requires serious thought. Where do you want to go? Just because an overwater villa on a remote island seems like the “right” choice, it doesn’t mean you won’t be bored silly if it’s not really your thing. Plan a trip that excites you, rather than opting for what seems a classic honeymoon experience…
— Telegraph (London)
11 Lesser-Known UNESCO World Heritage Sites To Visit This Summer
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization maintains the World Heritage List — an index of sites worldwide that boast universal values and meet one of ten criteria. Some sites “represent a masterpiece of human genius,” some testify to lost civilizations, while others feature inspiring natural beauty. In recent years, UNESCO has expanded the catalog to include more examples from traditional cultures worldwide. By maintaining the list, the U.N. draws attention to that which we value as people living in a variety of cultures and ecosystems over a long arc of time. The World Heritage List is also a credible travel resource. AD rounds up 11 fascinating and remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit in 2017…
— The Huffington Post
Tours and Activities
Learning to Navigate the Venetian Lagoon Like a Pro
“You want to drive your own motorboat in the Lagoon?” The table of Venetians was openly incredulous at the idea. They offered dire predictions: I would surely get lost, fall overboard, become mired in mud — much of the enormous Lagoon is only a foot deep — or collide with any number of speeding watercraft. But I was adamant. Ever since I first visited Venice 15 years ago, having seen Italians happily bobbing along, I’ve wanted to pilot my own vessel. I had hired speedboats before in Capri, zooming around like Tom Ripley on a spree, but I’d never had any luck finding one in La Serenissima. From what I could gather, there was a byzantine system of licenses that ensured non-Venetians were stuck on…
— New York Times
The 10 Things You Must Absolutely Do in Baku
Inspired by Eurovision to visit Baku? You're in luck. Travelling to Azerbaijan used to mean a convoluted and inconvenient visa process that turned off travellers and stifled tourism. But in January of this year the new “ASAN e-visa” system came online, allowing citizens of 81 countries, including the UK, Australia, and US, to quickly apply and receive the visa via email. Visitors who take advantage will find plenty of things to see: a cosmopolitan, affordable capital of good eats, incredible architecture – and, most importantly, friendly cats…
— The Independent
6 Surprisingly Luxe Things To Do When You're In Manila
Manila may not be the first city that comes to mind when it comes to luxurious experiences. But that’s about to change. With the Philippines’ growing economy and its increasing purchasing power, demand is high for finer tastes and higher standards in life. If luxury experiences are what you’re after while in Asia, Manila is a truly underrated city that deserves a visit…
— Forbes
Cruise
Silversea Unveils Another Epic World Cruise for 2019
Luxury line Silversea is planning another epic world cruise for 2019. Announced on Tuesday, the 132-day voyage on the 382-passenger Silver Whisper will kick off Jan. 6, 2019 and include stops at 52 ports in 31 countries. It'll end May 19, 2019 in Greenwich, England…
— USA Today
Royal Caribbean Launching Non-Refundable Deposit Program
Royal Caribbean has announced a new Non-Refundable Deposit Program that will be launched fleet-wide on July 1, 2017. Cruisers will have the choice to choose the Non-Refundable Deposit Program when booking a cruise more than six months before sailing. Those that do choose this fare will receive up to $100 in onboard credit. The best part is that the early booking credit is combinable with the existing promotional offer available at time of booking, offering you the ability to stack on additional savings for the best deal out there…
— Cruise Fever
Transportation
United Airlines Tells Flight Crews to Assume They're Always On Camera
It has been a rough couple of months for airlines. In the weeks following the David Dao incident, it seems that not a day goes by without passengers capturing outrageous – or what they believe to be outrageous – behaviour on their smartphones. And now United Airlines has issued a memo to employees instructing them to “always assume you are being recorded or photographed.”…
— The Independent
Here's What it's Like to Fly First Class on Singapore Airlines, One of the Best Airlines in the World
Breakfast in bed and restaurant dining might not be what you picture when you think of air travel, but in first class on Singapore Airlines, it's all part of the service. The airline, named the third best in the world by consumer-aviation website Skytrax, is based at Singapore's Changi International Airport, which in turn has been voted the best in the world for four years in a row…
— Business Insider
It’s Not All the Airlines’ Fault. Sometimes it’s the Ugly American Traveler.
U.S. airlines have received some well-deserved criticism lately for their routine mistreatment of customers. But maybe it’s time air travelers also look in the mirror to see why so many jetliners have become venues for Mile High cage fights. Those folks might see a reflection of the Ugly American. The whiny American. The entitled American…
— The Washington Post
Lodging
Universal Taking Reservations for Aventura Hotel
Universal Orlando has begun accepting reservations for its next on-property hotel, Aventura. But the first day for which you can book space in the 16-story resort is Aug. 1, 2018. The opening date for the hotel has been given as “summer” of next year since the project was officially announced last year. Aventura will be located near the Sapphire Falls resort that opened in July 2016…
— Sun Sentinel
8 Ways West Elm Hotels Is Revolutionizing the Hotel Industry
Design geeks went crazy last fall when West Elm announced it’d open a handful of new hotels in 2018, including in Detroit and Savannah. While details were scant—though lots of selvedge wood and plentiful pendant lamps were likely in the mix—we now know much more about what, exactly, will make these properties stand out in an increasingly crowded market of “lifestyle hotels.” “Everything is about that guest experience,” said David Bowd, a principle at West Elm Hotels. “Our tag line has been whole-hearted hospitality,” he added, speaking at an American Express Travel Salon event in New York last week…
— Conde Nast Traveler
A Hotel for Every Traveler, Sometimes Several Under One Roof
The name Marriott has come to mean many types of lodgings — a full-service hotel in a big city, basic low-cost hotels with free Wi-Fi that are aimed at the business traveler, a newly renovated beach resort. Through acquisitions of other hotel companies, including Starwood Hotels…
— New York Times
Other and Odd
Only The Super Rich Can Afford To Use This Terminal At LAX
Traveling just got even easier for rich people, thanks to a new amenity at Los Angeles International Airport. Now the wealthy can pay their way to a better airport experience when they use The Private Suite, an ultra-VIP airport terminal for commercial flights. The annual membership fee for The Private Suite costs $7,500, but it comes with some pretty amazing perks, like a literal private suite stocked with snacks and a complimentary glam team for hair, makeup and nails while you wait for your plane…
— The Huffington Post
These hotels want to boost your IQ
Sure, a cozy bed and warm shower will get the job done, but a hotel can provide much more than just a place to rest your head. Hotels are smartening up in new ways, with thought-provoking experiences for guests that make a more lasting impression.
From in-house neuroscientists to specially curated TED Talks, inspiring events and networking opportunities, these hotel experiences aim for travelers to leave feeling smarter, more productive and more energized…
— CNN
Today in History
ValuJet Flight 592
On May 11, 1996, technicians for the SabreTech corporation loaded cases of oxygen canisters aboard low cost carrier ValuJet's flight 592 from Miami to Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia. The canisters were mistakenly thought to be empty, but loading them into the cargo hold was in contravention of FAA regulations which forbid the transport of hazardous materials in the cargo hold of a commercial flight…
— Travel Research Online
Mike's Morning Missives
Be A Good Time Manager (Take Time to Plan)
 Whether you’re a WAHA (Work at Home Agent) or employed outside of the home, being a good manager of your time is paramount. You want to be able to plan out your day effectively to accomplish what needs to be done. This is necessary to ensure no important details fall through the proverbial cracks. As a small business practitioner, you can’t afford to make any needless mistakes.
If you work outside of the home you’re probably armed with a day planner or agenda of some kind. You know when you need to be in meetings or when the best time is to make phone calls. You know when your co-workers need you the most, and when you can take your lunch break and run quick…
— Travel Research Online
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Luxury Travel Tips
The Fee Question
by Dan Chappelle
Thursday May 11, 2017
I had just fini shed presenting my Selling to the Affluent Traveler seminar at a recent industry conference, when one of the attendees asked the question, “Dan, how do you feel about fees?” This is a loaded question and, while it was outside of the scope of the program, everyone in the room was waiting for my response.
“I love fees!” I replied, to which you could almost hear a collective sigh of relief. “Especially service fees, but in my opinion,” I continued, “you should only charge planning fees if you are adding value to the…
— 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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