Destinations
The Best Islands in the World, According to Travellers
the 22nd annual awards list revealed that Palawan in the Philippines is the top island in the world for 2017. The ranking is based on the results of a reader survey, in which participants rate their travel experiences. Keep reading to see the 10 best islands in the world, according to travellers…
— The Independent
10 Places to Find a Little Peace and Quiet in Paris
When you’re in Paris, you're visiting one of the most exciting and popular destinations in the world. Your feet are tired, and you’re ready for a break. Within nearly every block are lovely little sanctuaries where I can sit and renew myself, away from the mayhem. Here are some of the best quiet spots…
— LA Times
Asia’s 10 Most Underrated Places According To Lonely Planet
If you think you’ve already checked off the best of Asia, think again. Bali, Thailand and Vietnam don’t rate a mention in the latest “Best in Asia” list from Lonely Planet, which highlights the continent’s 10 best destinations to visit over the next 12 months…
— Escape
Tours and Activities
Take the Bon Jovi Tour of the Jersey Shore
For our Bon Jovi fans, we'd like to offer a little summertime diversion: a Bon Jovi tour of the Jersey Shore, and a few central Jersey landmarks, where the guys of Bon Jovi tread before superstardom. Plus, places they stop by today, too…
— USA Today
SeaWorld Adding Up-Close Tour With Killer Whales
The 45-minute Killer Whale Up-Close Tour, announced Tuesday, includes talks from the park’s whale trainers, face-to-face (but behind glass) meetings with the whales and other interactions…
— Sun Sentinel
7 Epic Horseback Excursions for the Equine Enthusiast
Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a total novice, there’s something undeniably alluring about setting off on horseback. And in a few of the world’s most stunning landscapes, it just happens that the best way to see the sites is with an equine…
— Vogue
Cruise
New Seabourn Itinerary Explores West Coast of South America
Upscale cruise operator Seabourn is out with a new, 24-night itinerary that takes a deep dive into the region with more than a dozen stops in Ecuador, Peru and Chile. Seabourn only is offering a single sailing of the itinerary for now that kicks off on Nov. 4, 2018. It'll take place on the 450-passenger Seabourn Quest…
— USA Today
Fewer Airplanes but More Cruise Ships Going to Cuba after Norwegian Adds Second Vessel
Visiting Cuba by sea is turning into the preferred method for American travelers — at least for now. On Monday, Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line announced it is adding a second ship for four-day cruises to Havana…
— Miami Herald
Transportation
A Spanish Airline’s Unusual Job Requirement: A Pregnancy Test
Expectant mothers are typically advised to avoid flying in their final trimester. But job candidates at one Spanish airline were required to take a pregnancy test before they were even hired…
— New York Times
'Greatest Aviation Disaster in History' Averted after Plane's Near-Miss with Four Other Aircraft
One of the "worst aviation disasters in history" was averted last week when an Air Canada plane was prevented at the last minute from landing into four aircraft on a busy taxiway. It is estimated the plane abandoned the landing at 400 feet, missing two aircraft on the ground by about 100 feet…
— Telegraph (London)
Airport Crews Suspend Strike in New York and Philadephia at 'Last Minute'
Several hundred workers, including baggage handlers, cleaners and customer service agents at three New York-area airports and Philadelphia International Airport have suspended a strike while contract talks continue…
— Fox Travel News
Lodging
July Roundup: A Look at the Latest Hotel Renovations
Hotels are constantly transforming themselves to keep up with the growing competition. Each month, USA TODAY will take a look at a few of the most notable hotel renovations. Here are the latest ones…
— USA Today
CBeebies Land Hotel Review: Inside Alton Towers' Kid-Friendly Hotel
Alton Towers has joined forces with the Beeb to create CBeebies World, a mini theme park within its grounds based on the characters and shows. Now, for those families wanting a fully immersive experience, a fully CBeebies-themed hotel has been built alongside it…
— The Independent
Mexico Spa Break: Chablé Resort
Mexico’s most enchanting new spa retreat, Chablé Resort…
— Telegraph (London)
Other and Odd
Essentials: Cracking the Hard-Shell Question
A new class of double-wheeled spinning roller suitcases make it easier to zip through the airport in style, while not having to worry too much about that duty-free bottle of wine you crammed in right before boarding…
— San Francisco Chronicle
Ten Reasons You’re Packing Too Much
Do baggage fees dominate your credit card statements? Does your luggage frequently come apart at the seams? If you’re giving a sombre nod, you’re packing too much and it’s time to lose the dead weight…
— Escape
Today in History
Alexander Hamilton Dies
Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. A prolific writer, he penned many of the Federalist Papers, long considered a primary source for interpretation of the US. Constitution…
— Travel Research Online
Point-to-Point
Believe
by Anita Pagliasso Wednesday July 12, 2017
If you were to walk into my home office the first thing that you might notice is that I have a collection. Oh yes, I have the standard collection of tourist tchotchkes and travel photos, but I also collect a word...BELIEVE. Right now as I glance around my office, I smile at my collection. The most noticeable is a carved wooden sign that sits seven inches high and sprawls across the top of my desk that spells out "BELIEVE". Over the years good friends started noticing my fondness for this word, so I have been sent various gifts including the word believe, such as an engraved notebook, a rock, a picture frame...okay you get the picture.
Why do I have a passion for this word? One…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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Supplier Profile
Cruise New Caledonia's Skies with Aircalin
For an airline who's priority is excellence and customer satisfaction, look no further than Aircalin: the official airline of New Caledonia. Not only do they have services that extend to other countries, but Aircalin offers comfort and safety on board all of their flights.
Aircalin was founded in 1983, and has been progressing forward since the beginning; this airline company has continued to develop innovative ways to give customers the services they deserve, and remain a leading airline…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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Mike's Morning Missives
How to Help Customers “Pull The Trigger” and Overcome Analysis of Paralysis by Taking Action
Everybody wants to feel as if they are getting a good deal on their vacation investment. Thanks to the ease of Internet shopping, customers can research the destination in detail, and compare prices to try to get the best bargain. However, in some cases all of this research can lead to what is termed an "analysis of paralysis", in which the customer is spending so much time trying to make a decision that they fail to take action.
Your job as an effective travel professional is to help them overcome their procrastination and encourage them to feel that doing business with you is a "no-brainer." You can create an impression of high value and low risk easily once you know how. You can also tap into…
— 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

Universal Orlando Resort™ Three Parks. Endless Awesome.
Thursday, July 20, 2017 at 2 pm EDT/11 am PDT
BECOME AN EXPERT IN AWESOME.
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Discover the Top Properties and Activities in South Africa
Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
Join South African Airways and a2b Destination Marketing and discover the beauty and essence of Southern Africa. We’ll discuss flight options, top-selling activities, and cover four remarkable properties in the region.
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Find the Ungoogleable!
Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
In this day and age, the internet is accepted as the standard repository of all knowledge and wisdom – but when it comes to travel, things change quickly, and there are many things that are still truly ‘un-google-able.’ Through years of practice, determination, and passion for travel, we’ve built our expertise about international travel planning into something you just won’t find in search results.
Register Now ➠
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