Destinations
Amsterdam as You've Never Seen it Before
Think you know Amsterdam? These 15 quirky attractions will make you think again…
— Telegraph (London)
The Best Island Honeymoon Destinations On Earth
It’s time to escape to paradise as newlyweds, but with so many options to choose from, what are the best island honeymoon destinations? These 5 islands never disappoint, from beautiful nature and exotic adventure to luxury and of course- plenty of romance…
— The Huffington Post
Here's Why Travelers are Calling Nashville the New Austin
There is a beat to Nashville now that has nothing to do with the boot-scooting boogie; a panache that extends way beyond Printers' Alley. You're likely to see just as many people wearing three-piece suits and designer frocks as dusty jeans and boots, and just as many carrying briefcases as carrying guitar cases…
— Miami Herald
Tours and Activities
Drinking Down Under on Darwin's Helicopter Pub Crawl
A Heli Pub Tour may sound outlandish, but Roy - a pilot with Airborne Solutions, the Darwin-based company behind this quirky day-trip - explains that popping out for a pint isn't always straightforward in Australia's Top End…
— The Independent
Video-Game Loving Millennials, Theme Parks are Making These Attractions Just For You
In the theme park industry, attractions that encourage head-to-head competition are growing in popularity because they entice visitors – particularly video game-loving millennials – to visit a park repeatedly to improve their score or to beat new challengers…
— Miami Herald
Olympic National Park: Mountains, Forests and Shores
Olympic National Park is located in the same state as Mount Rainier, the Cascade Mountains and volcanic Mount St. Helens, but it still holds its own as a tourist attraction and cultural touchpoint…
— USA Today
Cruise
Carnival's New Way To Pay For A Cruise
In what might be the best thing to happen since the ability to put Christmas gifts on layaway, Carnival Cruise Lines has launched a new program that will make it easier for passengers to pay for their upcoming trips. It’s an industry first, but we can’t help suspecting that other lines will follow suit, because the idea is just that good…
— CruiseRadio.net
Best Cruise Itineraries for 2018: Hottest New Places to Add to Your Bucket List
The 2018-19 cruise season will set new standards in terms of enticing itineraries designed to show passengers unfamiliar destinations and fresh ways to experience the world’s great oceans and…
— Escape
Transportation
The Dark Art of How (and When) to Buy an Airline Ticket
Buying a plane ticket has never been easier — or more complicated. Online travel agencies claim to offer the greatest fares; fare aggregators claim to offer the greatest selection of online travel agencies…
— New York Mag
'Gaping Hole' Ripped into Passenger Airliner after Leaving Sydney
A China-bound plane made an emergency landing back at Sydney after a gaping hole was ripped in an engine casing just after take-off. The China Eastern Airbus A330 twin-jet was flying to Shanghai as flight MU736…
— The Independent
Former President Jimmy Carter Shakes Passengers' Hands Aboard Atlanta Flight
Former President Jimmy Carter was recently spotted on a Delta Air Lines flight, where he shook the hands of every passenger before leaving Atlanta. James Parker Sheffield tweeted video of the event showing a smiling Carter walking down the aisle as he greeted the surprised passengers…
— Fox Travel News
Lodging
Tips for Regret-Free Villa Renting
Imagine this as your next vacation rental: One of 17 private residences set on 30 acres in the lush jungles of Costa Rica on the south side of Peninsula Papagayo. Your getaway home sits on a cliff with expansive outdoor-indoor living, four large bedrooms, a pro chef kitchen, and a private infinity pool and hot tub…
— Boston Globe
Venice Bans New Hotels as Crackdown on Tourism Continues
As part of a continued effort to protect the city from runaway tourism, the authorities in Venice have said they will prevent new holiday accommodation from opening up in its historic centre. The proposed ban is the latest in a series of measures aimed at protecting the iconic Italian city…
— Telegraph (London)
Inside the Luxury Outback Camp Where Pippa Middleton Is Reportedly Now Honeymooning
Pippa Middleton and James Matthews’s honeymoon has reportedly continued on to a third destination: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, a beach-set safari camp. Located on the western side of the continent, and more specifically, in Cape Range National Park, the camp bills itself as “Where the Outback Meets the Reef.”…
— Vogue
Other and Odd
7 Things to Know Before Going to Canada
O Canada, land of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's equally gendered cabinet, health care for the masses and plenty of plaid. As far as travel goes, you're unlikely to experience culture shock visiting the country - but knowing a few things can make your trip go more smoothly…
— Chicago Tribune
9 Reasons You Should Go Abroad At Some Point In Your Life
Moving abroad – the most terrifying and exhilarating step that a person can take to completely turn their life upside down. It’s a thrilling and amazing adventure, riddled with challenges and learning opportunities, that will change you in ways you didn’t think were possible…
— The Huffington Post
Today in History
Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down this Wall
On June 12, 1987, US President Ronald Reagan stood in front of cameras poised at the Berlin Wall…
— Travel Research Online
Editorial Musings
Travel agents, competitors; yet on the same team
by John Frenaye Monday June 12, 2017
With Europe (no tably the UK) in a bit of turmoil lately with terror attacks and a surprising election, it was a welcome respite to notice some good news last week.
I belong to several travel agent groups on Facebook. If you don’t belong to any, search them out; they are a great resource. But I digress. I was checking posts and I came across one that made me smile.
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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Mike's Morning Missives
Tip #7: Ask More Questions and Practice What You Learn
This tip is from my Special Report written for recent high school graduates. It is also relevant to most adults. (Make that all adults.)
You already know everything you already know. The secret is to find out what other people know (and think and believe) and then take what “fits” and internalize it for your own benefit. That can only be accomplished by asking more questions and listening to the answers. This lesson will significantly affect your worth in the next 50 years. Please be one of the few who see the wisdom behind my…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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Publishers Corner
Craft
by Richard Earls Saturday June 10, 2017
The word "craft " is a wonderful word. Both a noun and a verb, "craft" denotes expertise, intelligence, intuition and skill. A craft is more than a hobby, more than a pastime. When you craft an answer, you work it, paying attention to details, to the magic that is in the turns and twists in the subtleties of language and insight. A craftsman is devoted to a chosen trade and practitioners of a craft are both learned and wise in application of their practice.
Not everyone will be a craftsman. Not everyone has the passion for their trade; and when craftsmanship shades into artistry, when it merges with design, we call it genius. Craftsmanship denotes a learned skill, one that takes time, patience, study and apprenticeship -…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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Support Desk
John Gunning, Sales Manager for Down Under Answers, Africa Answers, and Asia Answers
by Simone Hasskew Monday June 12, 2017
John Gunning, Sales Manager for Down Under Answers and the three different brands within the company, goes in depth about his experiences in the travel industry and the beautiful places it has taken him and what he has learned along the way.
Growing up on a small country property in central west New South Wales (Australia) who knew what lay ahead when I packed my bags and headed off to London in 1998. This was to be the beginning of my love and dedication to travel...
— 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

New Caledonia: Where to take your clients next
Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Where to take your clients next
Located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, New Caledonia is the third largest island in the Pacific. Offering one beautiful beach after the other, here you can immerse yourself in crystal clear turquoise lagoons, and vast open spaces.
Register Now ➠

Flemish Masters – then and now
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Flanders, the northern part of Belgium, has a reputation for cutting edge craftsmanship. Craftsmanship that has come alive throughout the centuries and found it’s expression in the world famous Flemish Masters, painters like Rubens and van Eyck who created world famous art masterpieces. Today’s Flemish Masters are known for crafting the world’s best beers, chocolates, Michelin star dining and many more experiences for today’s sophisticated travelers.
Register Now ➠

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 ➠
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