Destinations
36 Hours in Birmingham, Alabama
Founded in 1871 at the junction of railroad lines, Alabama’s largest city is used to moving forward. Part stone-ground grits and part steely grit, Birmingham flourished so quickly that it earned the name “Magic City” during the heyday of its iron trade…
— New York Times
10 Things you Probably Didn’t Know about America’s (wannabe) 51st State
Puerto Rico held a referendum at the weekend to determine whether or not the Caribbean archipelago should become part of the US. The result was unequivocal: 97 per cent of eligible voters said they were in favour of their land becoming the 51st state of America…
— Telegraph (London)
19 Epic, Endangered Places You Should Visit Before It's Too Late
This week, UNESCO released its annual state of conservation reports, which outline which of its famous designated World Heritage Sites are in danger of losing the historic, cultural or natural characteristics that made them World Heritage Sites in the first place…
— The Huffington Post
Tours and Activities
In Boulder, Colorado, 5 Fun Things in 1 Whirlwind Afternoon
Not every destination lends itself to a whirlwind tour, but in the beautiful city of Boulder, Colorado, you can sample five fun and scenic spots in one afternoon. Of course, if you’ve got more time, everything on this list is worth savoring…
— The Washington Post
Lava Lands add Geologic ‘wow’ to Bend’s Big Attractions
Outside of Hawaii, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument near Bend is one of the best places in the nation to witness volcanic natural wonders…
— Seattle Times
Cruise
Is This the Most Extravagant New Cruise Ship on Earth?
Uniworld’s new ship was christened in glorious sunshine at her mooring in central Paris in March. Godmother Dame Joan Collins, dressed from head to toe in white, was joined by members of the Tollman family, which owns and operates Uniworld’s fleet…
— Telegraph (London)
Best Summer Camp at Sea? Which Cruise Lines have Splashy Fun for Kids
It might be too late to sign your kids up for summer camp at the beach or mountains, but you can do the next best thing: Sign them up for a kids' camp at sea. Most cruise lines offer complimentary activities that are fun and educational, tailored to the age of the child…
— LA Times
Transportation
American Backtracks on Legroom Plan after 'A Lot of Feedback'
American Airlines is backtracking from a plan that would have given it some of the tightest coach-class seats in the U.S. airline industry. The world's largest carrier will still trim legroom on its new soon-to-arrive Boeing 737 MAX jets…
— USA Today
This Incredible Airport With A Pool Is About To Get Even Better
Experts recommend arriving at the airport up to three hours before taking an international flight. If you happen to be traveling out of Singapore’s Changi Airport, though, you might want to push that number to two days…
— The Huffington Post
Tigerair Cheap Flights Sale: Fares from $24 as Melbourne Airport Upgrade Celebrated
You can’t expect much for $24 these days. A movie ticket, sure - but forget the popcorn - or, maybe a couple of hours’ parking in the CBD. So when Tigerair offers $24 sale fares - as it is today for flights from Melbourne-Sydney and Sydney-Brisbane - you’re probably not expecting all that much…
— Escape
Lodging
First Look: Margaritaville's Vacation Cottages
The public is getting its first glance at the vacation cottages that will be available at Margaritaville Resort Orlando, which is scheduled to open in late 2018. From the look of things, Floridians might feel right at home…
— Sun Sentinel
Snooze Above the Sea in One of San Diego's Crystal Pier Cottages
You won't find another pier in California with cottages on it, and this pier stands along one of San Diego's most popular beaches…
— LA Times
Southern Hotel Expansion in Covington aided by School Board
The St. Tammany Parish School Board has signed off on a proposal for the school district to sell a Covington building to the owners of the Southern Hotel for $801,000, clearing the way for a major expansion of the 40-room downtown hotel…
— NOLA
Other and Odd
The Science of Wanderlust
Todd Bliwise was nine years old the first time he tried to stow away on an airplane. Like many, Bliwise can’t remember a time when traveling wasn’t a central drive to his life, and to his personality. But can we be born wanderlusters?…
— Conde Nast Traveler
The Perfect Last-Minute Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Jet-Setting Dads
The clock is counting down to Father’s Day, but even if you haven’t gotten pops a gift yet, it doesn’t mean that you need to turn to a mundane tie or a trip to the golf course for a last-minute present. Hotels may just be your saving grace…
— Vogue
Today in History
George Washington Named Commander-In-Chief, Continental Army
True to the manners of gentleman at the time, George Washington never admitted to any ambition and never publicly sought power - but on June 15, 1775, his was the only serious name considered for the post of Commander-In-Chief of the newly created Continental Army…
— Travel Research Online
Mike's Morning Missives
Tip #10: Choose Your “Peeps” Wisely
 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 will soon learn that not everybody is a trusting, honest, and well-meaning soul. In fact, there are a number of people who feel it is their role in life to take advantage of others. They are good at fooling you. They actually enjoy being deceitful. Be cautious of who you trust. Don’t let your guard down too…
— Travel Research Online
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TRO SMITH
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The Challenge of Marketing Your Travel Practice on Facebook
By Richard Earls
Monday June 12, 2017
You probably know that fewer than 10% of your followers on Facebook are going to see any of your business page posts. The organic reach on Facebook continues to decline. The Facebook algorithms are getting more restrictive yet many business page owners are surprised by their low engagement rates. The surprise partly stems from their experience with their personal Facebook profile which always generates commentary and "Likes". However, the algorithms controlling the visibility of personal posts are completely different from those controlling business…
— Travel Research Online
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Departures
Leave No Stone Unturned in St. John’s with North & Leisure
by Simone Hasskew
Thursday June 15, 2017
St. John’s, the  capitol and largest city within Newfoundland and Labrador, is a city full of charm from years past. With architecture unlike anything found anywhere else in Canada, and historic roots that make the city one of the top ocean-side travel destinations, St. John’s should be on everyone’s travel list.
Thanks to North & Leisure, the sponsor of this article, you can see St. John’s in all of its grace...
— Travel Research Online
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Spotlight
Lisa and Steve Cavanagh, Proprietors of Le Bouleau Bed and Breakfast
by Simone Hasskew
Thursday June 15, 2017
Lisa and Steve  Cavanagh opened the doors to Le Bouleau, a bed and breakfast located in Aveyron, France, in 2015. Originally from South Africa, Lisa and Steve packed up and moved to Aveyron for a fresh start, and the idea of a bed and breakfast in the back of their minds. With previous experience in renovation and building they worked tirelessly to make Le Bouleau a reality. Lisa’s passion for cooking and Steve’s love of cycling make any stay at Le Bouleau an adventure; they host scenic cycling tours and culinary tours on top of providing fresh ingredients for their guests from their own gardens! Lisa and Steve go above and beyond to make any stay at Le Bouleau a memorable one...
— 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
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 ➠
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