Destinations
Michigan's Hottest Destinations Offer Something For Everyone
Spectacular scenery, family-friendly activities, and diversions to entice even the most avid sports enthusiast: That’s just the start of a Michigan vacation…
— USA Today
16 Amazing Things You Probably Didn't Know About Poland
In some ways, Poland is a hugely familiar part of our landscape – a large country at the heart of our continent; Europe’s ninth biggest state (bigger than the UK); the far-foraging nation whose language is now the second most spoken in Britain. But how much do we really know about this colossal slab of the European landmass?…
— Telegraph (London)
Flamingos, Whale Sharks, and the Magic of Mexico's Isla Holbox
The hidden treasure in Quintana Roo (the same state Tulum is part of), has long been a well-kept secret of off-the-beaten-path travelers, especially those for whom Gypset Living is something of a life manual…
— Vogue
Tours and Activities
Southeastern Railway Museum Plans Major Expansion Project
The Southeastern Railway Museum is planning its largest expansion project since it moved to its current site northeast of Atlanta about two decades ago, officials said…
— The Washington Post
10 Things to Do in Havana: Tips from WTTW's Geoffrey Baer
WTTW producer and host Geoffrey Baer got to know Cuba's capital city last year while making the upcoming PBS special "Weekend in Havana," premiering Tuesday. Here is Baer's curated list of 10 things to do in Havana…
— Chicago Tribune
Flying Across London – On The New South Bank Zip Wire Ride
From today, and until 1 October, Londoners, holidaymakers, anyone … can hurl themselves off a 35-metre-high tower in SE1, travelling 225 metres in a matter of seconds, and hitting speeds of more than 30mph in the process…
— The Guardian
Cruise
Luxury Line Regent Unveils Another Epic Around-The-World Cruise
Luxury line Regent Seven Seas has announced plans for another epic, around-the-world cruise. The 131-night voyage on Seven Seas Mariner will kick off Jan. 24, 2020 in San Francisco and include stops at 66 ports across six continents…
— USA Today
22 Cruise Ships Earned Perfect 100 Health Scores So Far in 2017
So far in 2017, the following 22 cruise ships have received perfect 100 scores during their heath inspection. The ships are grouped together by cruise line, making it easy to see which ships from your favorite cruise lines have scored a perfect 100…
— Cruise Fever
Transportation
The Magic Date When Summer Airfares Fall
If you’ve been staying home to avoid peak summer prices, start packing; the cheapest dates for summer fares are just a few weeks away…
— USA Today
Rail Firms will no Longer Be Able to Pretend Delayed Trains were 'On Time'
No longer will a train that arrives 10 minutes late be classed as “on time”. Britain’s rail firms have agreed to the revolutionary step of counting every delayed train as “late”…
— The Independent
NTSB interviews Air Canada Captain over Close Call on SFO Taxiway
Federal investigators say they have interviewed the captain of an Air Canada jet that descended toward a taxiway holding four other planes rather than the assigned runway and narrowly avoided disaster at San Francisco International Airport…
— NBC
Lodging
8 of the Best Resorts in the Seychelles
The Maldives isn't the only spot for Indian Ocean indulgence. The Seychelles -- a string of 115 tropical islands 1,000 miles east of Tanzania -- boasts some of the world's best beaches with a renowned collection of luxurious getaways…
— CNN
New Hotel Policies Mean a Late Cancellation Will Cost You
Business travel can be unpredictable: Flights can be delayed, meetings rescheduled or assignments changed — sometimes with little notice. But now, those last-minute changes could prove costly as more hotels impose 48-hour minimums for canceling a stay without penalty…
— New York Times
Inside Beverly Hills' Ritziest New Hotel
It’s not easy to steal the spotlight in La La Land, but the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills — a glamorous new build that opened a few weeks ago at a reported cost of $200 million — has done just that…
— New York Post
Other and Odd
Why You Should Go On A Holiday For The Holidays
Why not use your time off work to actually enjoy yourself, and go on holiday for the holidays? Depending on what you’re planning, the sweet spot for booking will vary. Here are five reasons to think about getting away for the season…
— The Huffington Post
Tips for Booking a Hotel Online
The keys to your current most effective hotel strategy elements are (1) use a good metasearch system to locate the best deal, then (2) arrange the deal directly through the hotel or its chain website…
— Chicago Tribune
Today in History
Rome Burns
On July 18, in the year 64 AD, a fire began in the shops and residences surrounding the Circus Maximus in Rome. Because many of the structures were wooden, they quickly caught fire and burned with a fury…
— Travel Research Online
Mike's Morning Missives
How “Price Pain” Affects Buyer Decisions
 In marketing, we have two "pains:" pain points and price pain.
Pain Points
One of the reasons why some agents are more successful than others is that smart marketers know their niche; that is, their prospective customers. In particular, they know their pain points - the things that cause them the most concern. Knowing their pain points allows you to offer them meaningful solutions to their issues through the services and destinations you…
— 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
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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