Destinations
The Three Cheapest Countries to Visit Right Now
Mexico, China and Poland are the cheapest places in the world to visit - at least, if you want to eat out three times a day and buy a suitcase full of branded clothes, that is…
— The Independent
Milan: Italy's Overlooked City is the Crossroads of Art, Fashion and Culture
Milan usually plays second fiddle to Italian vacation destinations such as Florence or Rome. It’s known by most Americans as a center for fashion and industry, but Milan is also a magnificent place to visit with incredible art, museums and attractions…
— Fox Travel News
Heading on Safari? Add a Visit to Namibia to Your Itinerary
Namibia isn’t most travelers’ first African vacation; it tends to be the destination of choice for a savvy third- or fourth-time visitor. But don’t let that stop you if you’re planning a first visit to the continent…
— Vogue
Tours and Activities
To Celebrate Bastille Day, Here Are 10 Things you Have to Do On a Trip to Paris
There's more to the City of Light than the obvious attractions. Here are 10 things to do in Paris beyond the Louvre…
— The Independent
Ken Burns's 10 Favourite Secret New York Hangouts
My relationship with New York City is unique in that I carry both the pride of a native New Yorker and the freshly minted infatuation of a transplant or visitor. Here are some of my favorite places in the city…
— Telegraph (London)
Expedition to the World's Largest Cave
I had applied for a spot on an expedition to Hang Sơn Đoòng; the world’s largest cave. Located deep inside the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park in North Central Vietnam, Sơn Đoòng was first discovered in 1991…
— Vancouver Sun
Cruise
11 Tips to Get the Most From a Family Cruise
Whether you’ve packed the bags already or you’re dreaming about a future escape, there are lots of things you can do to make the holy grail of family travel even more enjoyable…
— Escape
Fill your Cabin with Friends or Family with $99 Fares on Seven-Day Caribbean Cruises
A weeklong cruise in the Caribbean for as little as $99? That's the deal offered by Princess Cruises for third and fourth passengers who share an inside room, balcony room or mini-suite…
— LA Times
Transportation
Jet Blast Kills Tourist at Airport on Caribbean Island of St. Maarten
A New Zealand woman died after she was slammed by a jet blast on the small Caribbean island of St. Maarten, the first time anyone has been killed in what authorities said Thursday is a popular but dangerous tourist draw…
— NBC News
Qatar Airways Offers a Glimpse of the New Laptop Security Regime
Qatar was among nine airlines that the department prohibited in March from allowing electronics larger than cellphones in carry-on bags aboard direct flights to the U.S. The so-called laptop ban was a response to intelligence that suggested terrorists were finding better ways to hide explosives in electronics…
— USA Today
Why Your Airline Says It's Sorry
Air carriers have become more apologetic in the wake of the viral video spawned by that last episode, but those quick regrets have not led to broad systemic change in policy toward customers…
— New York Times
Lodging
Black Tourist 'Pushed Down Stairs by Airbnb Host' who said 'This is not Africa'
A South African tourist was hospitalised in Amsterdam after she was pushed down a flight of stairs in Amsterdam by her Airbnb host. She was checking out of her Airbnb late when the host lost his temper and threw her down the stairs…
— The Independent
'Alexa, Please Book a Hotel Room for Me.' Now, the Virtual Assistant Can
Sure, Alexa looks up things and answers questions for you. But as of Tuesday, you can ask the virtual personal assistant inside Amazon’s Echo to make hotel reservations for you too…
— LA Times
Brickell's Conrad is Getting a Renovation after Hotel Sells for $72 Million
The Conrad Brickell Downtown hotel in the iconic Brickell Arch Tower has been sold for $72 million to new owners, one of few hotel sales in the booming downtown corridor in recent years…
— Miami Herald
Other and Odd
15 Ways To Save Money While Traveling
Traveling can be expensive, but with the right strategy you can bring down the cost. Try these 15 tips on your next vacation and your wallet will thank you…
— The Huffington Post
Get Through the Airport as Quickly as Possible: 5 Expert Tips
Summer crowds in airports can be ugly, with so many people, so many immoveable lines, so much chaos. Most of us just suck it up, but there are better strategies for navigating terminals quickly, and they’re good year-round…
— Fox Travel News
Today in History
The Storming of the Bastille
France was on the verge of revolution. The citizenry had become increasingly demanding of King Louis XVI…
— Travel Research Online
Mike's Morning Missives
Statements and Phrases That Help Show Empathy
Further to yesterday’s article, here are a few sound bites to make it all make sense.
There are a number of different phrases and statements that help demonstrate that you have empathy for your target audience. Empathy is important, because it offers the "human touch" in business dealings and marketing. You don’t have to act like a pushy used car salesman to seal the deal if you master these empathetic words and phrases and use them in face-to-face meetings and in your sales letters…
— 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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Cartoons
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Upcoming Training Opportunities

Unique Aussie Rail travel ideas with Goway
Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
Join Goway and Great Southern Railways to learn all about some unique Aussie Rail travel ideas. Experience the iconic Ghan and Indian Pacific train journeys through the eyes of Libby Cooke, a Great Southern Rail Expert - just back from experiencing these great products and learn about the specific Goway Travel ideas featuring these iconic rail journeys, plus some other great rail themed travel ideas.
Register Now ➠

Scenic – What’s New for 2018
Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm 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 ➠

Universal Orlando Resort™ Three Parks. Endless Awesome.
Thursday, July 20, 2017 at 2 pm EDT/11 am PDT
BECOME AN EXPERT IN AWESOME.
Register Now ➠

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.
Register Now ➠
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