Destinations
Nine Places that Aren't on your Bucket List (But Should Be)
Tourist-packed sights are the new normal in many places, thanks to expanding affordable air routes. Expand your bucket-list travel beyond the typical tourist favorites with these underrated islands, countries and cities around the world…
— USA Today
Aspen in Summer: The Colorado Ski Town that Isn't Just For Winter
When you think of Aspen, you might think snow and celebrities – the Kardashians famously sweep into town every January on a wave of furry snow boots and sponsorships. But this upmarket ski resort is the quintessential American town – except it has a rebel heart and a movie worthy location…
— The Independent
Putrajaya from above: Ballooning over Malaysia's most Architecturally Stunning City
Swathes of green forest are flanked by the curved navy lines of a river, while cutting-edge architecture is reduced to miniature art, its bold patterns contrasting with the subtler designs of nature. Floating high above Malaysia's administrative capital, Putrajaya, these beguiling sights have silenced the five occupants of our hot air balloon, a quiet broken only by the occasional roar of its fire release…
— CNN
Tours and Activities
1,100 miles: Discovering Florida's Hidden Trail
Dozens of hikers head to the trail's start every year, a small plaque engraved in stone behind a visitor's center on U.S. 41 halfway between Naples and Miami. Few of them make it to the end, to the northern terminus 1,100 miles away, among the faded brick ruins of a long abandoned military fort off Pensacola Beach…
— Sun Sentinel
10 of the Best New Summer Activity Holidays in the Alps
From ziplines in Switzerland to walking holidays in Italy and France, plus mountain bike breaks and an outdoor festival, the Alps are worth a ‘peak’ this summer…
— The Guardian
Totoro The Mystical Creature Is Getting Its Very Own Theme Park
The governor of Japan’s Aichi prefecture announced Thursday that it is building an entire theme park based on director Hayao Miyazaki’s cult classic animated film “My Neighbor Totoro” in partnership with Studio Ghibli Inc., according to The Japan Times…
— The Huffington Post
Cruise
The Latest Giant of the Seas, MSC Meraviglia, Christened in France
The short list of the world's biggest cruise ships now, officially, includes a vessel from MSC Cruises. The Switzerland-based line on Saturday formally welcomed its new giant, MSC Meraviglia, with a star-studded christening ceremony in Le Havre, France…
— USA Today
Royal Caribbean Cruises Confirms Return to Lifou in 2017/2018
Royal Caribbean Cruises has confirmed the line plans to call at Lifou during the upcoming South Pacific season after it cancelled several visits last summer…
— CruiseCritic.com
Transportation
Airlines Step Up Stopover Options
Travelers with ambitious travel plans may find additional multicity routes at bargain rates as international airlines add free stopovers and other incentives to make the midway hub a second destination…
— New York Times
This App Makes Pre-Flight Safety Demonstration Genuinely Fun
Air Safety World is a free app with cute graphics and quirky jokes which could help modernise airline safety manuals and increase passenger engagement, making us all safer as we fly…
— The Independent
Qatar Diplomatic Row: What to Do if Your Flight is Cancelled
Hundreds of passengers flying to cities in the Middle East via Doha from the UK have been told they will be issued full refunds and redirected to a nearby destination, in the wake of a diplomatic row to erupt in the Gulf region…
— Telegraph (London)
Lodging
Freepoint Hotel is a Best Western transformed
This North Cambridge oasis, the Fresh Pond Reserve, isn’t on most tourist’s to-do lists, but it’s certainly a bonus for those who choose to stay at the stylish boutique hotel, Freepoint, a couple of minutes walk away on bustling Alewife Brook Parkway…
— Boston Globe
So long, Furnace Creek Resort. $50-million Renovation Brings New Name: The Oasis at Death Valley
When Death Valley’s renovated resort reopens in the fall, it will have a new look — and a new name. The former Furnace Creek Resort will be called the Oasis at Death Valley…
— LA Times
Other and Odd
5 Things to Know Before You Take Your Pet on Vacation
Taking your pet on a foreign vacation isn’t as simple as you might think, but with the right preparation, it can result in an incredibly memorable holiday. The real work is done before the trip even begins, so you can relax and enjoy yourself once the plane takes off…
— Vogue
Where do British families Most Want to go on Holiday?
In an attempt to get beyond the bubble, we asked Airbnb which destinations British families are booking. Data from the online property rentals marketplace over the past six weeks shows a range of destinations - some well-trodden by British families, but with some surprising entries…
— Telegraph (London)
Today in History
Elvis appears on Milton Berle’s Show
On June 5, 1956 Elvis Presley appeared on the Milton Berle Show. The entertainer performed the song “Hound Dog”, singing without his guitar…
— Travel Research Online
Editorial Musings
London: Two attacks in two weeks, what now?
by John Frenaye
Monday June 05, 2017
First, a bomb e xploded at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester on May 22nd. Then on June 2nd, a coordinated attack in central London has left 8 more dead. While it is still too early to know if they are connected, it is not too early to start planning on how the travel industry will (once again) deal with the risk of a terror attack in a destination that is usually deemed pretty safe.
What…
— Travel Research Online
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Mike's Morning Missives
Tip #2: Don't Quit
 This tip is from my Special Report written for recent high school graduates. It is also relevant to most adults. (Make that all adults.)
The facts in this article are 100% true and yes, I did get into Notre Dame. Read on with a low class rank and an even lower SAT Score.
Many Americans seem to have been stricken with the disease “quit-itis.” I think it may have something to do with expecting “instant gratification.” We have become impatient as a rule and we want and expect things…
— Travel Research Online
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Publishers Corner
Clients for life
by Richard Earls
Saturday June 03, 2017
Glance back thr ough the articles in the TRO archives and you will see some very strong opinions on a wide range of topics from travel agents and suppliers. The temperament of the industry as seen through the strength of those articles is a good indication why the industry has endured through the changes it has experienced since the mid-1990's. Resilience and persistence, a dedication to craft, is inherent in the best travel professionals. Though not without concern for the challenges the industry might be facing in the next few short years, these agents seem to be saying, very simply, they are here to stay.
Here's yet another change that I want to commend to agents, one that each individual agent can bring on for themselves: clients…
— Travel Research Online
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One-to-One Interviews
Jeffrey Pawid, Business Development Manager, Events 365
 Jeffrey Pawid, Business Development Manager for Events 365, powered by Ticket Evolution, has been traveler at heart since a young age. Jeffrey started his career in travel working in sales, but since making the switch to the supplier's side he has never looked back. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communications, and currently finds himself working with the suite of booking solutions that are custom built for the travel agency community, where consultants can now make commission on shows, concerts, sporting events, theatre, and so much more. Jeffrey is thrilled to be in a position to help travel companies evolve by being able to offer their clients a wider variety of ticketing options.
— 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
Experience deluxe river cruising with Emerald Waterways
Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
Experience the Exceptional Emerald Value on one of Europe’s newest and best-designed river cruise fleets, Emerald Waterways. Voted Best River Cruise Line For Value by the discerning experts at Cruise Critic in both 2015 & 2016, our ships and river cruises are praised for their striking design, innovative highlights and contemporary approach, setting a trip with us apart from any other river cruise. During our webinar you’ll learn what’s new for 2017, what we have coming up in 2018, hear about our brand new promotions and find out about the re-launch of our online training tool, Emerald Specialist. Sign up today to join our SE Regional Sales Manager, Linda Gruneklee, to learn how you can build your business with Emerald Waterways.
Register Now ➠
TRUEYou – What’s in it for You?
Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
CCRA Travel Commerce Network Presents TRUEYou – What’s in it for You?
Register Now ➠
Scenic – What’s New for 2018
Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
At Scenic, when we say all-inclusive, that’s what we mean. Learn more about Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours’ 2018 all-inclusive river cruise offerings. From transfers and gratuities, exclusive Enrich, Freechoice and Tailormade excursions and even the mini-bar in our cabins, your clients won’t have to worry about money at all.
Register Now ➠
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