Destinations
In the Yakima Valley, Serious Wines and Sweeping Vistas
A world away from Seattle, the “dry side,” as it is known to Washingtonians, is home to more tractors than Teslas. In addition to broad vistas and respite from rain, the region boasts a booming wine industry…
— New York Times
To Truly See Kyoto, Walk, Bike or Take a Train Through the Historic Japanese City
Many foreign visitors never find these everyday marvels. That’s probably because they see getting around Kyoto as a problem rather than an opportunity. Instead of walking, biking and riding Kyoto’s working museum of train lines, they turn to taxis (expensive and slow) and buses (extensive but even slower)…
— The Washington Post
8 Reasons to Visit Sarasota, Starting with the Circus
One might be excused for not immediately thinking of Sarasota when planning a Florida getaway. The city, located on the southern Gulf of Mexico, along with its surrounding beach communities of Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island, have a lot to recommend them…
— Sun Sentinel
Tours and Activities
This 'Hunger Games' Theme Park Is For The Bravest Of Souls
Will you survive it? Prepare to unleash your inner Katniss, because a “Hunger Games” district land is opening at a theme park on a South Korean island…
— The Huffington Post
The 'Fixer Upper' Silos are quickly becoming the Times Square of Waco
The 26,000-square-foot property houses a bakery, a home goods store, garden and garden supply shop, and a food truck park. The Silos and its “little something for everyone” is attracting people the nation over, driving tourism traffic up to record highs for the sleepy Texas town…
— Fox Travel News
The Best Things to Do in New York's SoHo
As one of Manhattan's best-known neighborhoods, there's also world-class food, drink and art as long as you know where to look. So check some of the best things to do…
— CNN
Cruise
Cruise Lines to Go Ahead with Barcelona Calls in Wake of Terror Attack
Most major cruise lines with ships scheduled to call at Barcelona in the next few days plan to go ahead with the visits, despite Thursday's terror attack…
— USA Today
Norwegian Cancels Far-Right Group’s “Rebel Cruise” From Miami
After pressure from an anti-racism advocacy group in the United Kingdom, Norwegian on Wednesday canceled a Nov. 12 sailing for a far-right Canadian media group…
— Miami Herald
Transportation
American adds Budapest and Prague to its Route Map
American Airlines is boosting its presence in Europe, announcing two seasonal destinations and additional flights to another…
— USA Today
High Speed Train cuts London-Edinburgh Journey to Four Hours
The high-speed train is named Azuma, the Japanese word for “East”, in homage to Japanese bullet train technology and the coast on which it will operate. The vehicle is able to accelerate faster than existing trains on the network…
— The Independent
16-year-old groped on United Flight feels Airline didn't Protect her from Attacker
The teen alerted the United terminal supervisor of the attack, but little came of it. According to the mother’s statement, no one informed anyone else of what the teenager had said…
— Fox Travel News
Lodging
This Hotel Comes with a Tennis School Designed by a Wimbledon Champion
Seclusion. Retreat. Peace. Music to the ears of those of us who live in a big city. D Maris Bay, nestled in a serene corner of South-West Turkey, offers these qualities in spades…
— The Independent
The Tropical Overwater Bungalow — Long a Symbol of Relaxation and Luxury — Turns 50
Since the early 1960s, stilted huts built over water have made dreams come true for many a traveler in the South Pacific and Caribbean…
— The Washington Post
Best Places to Stay in Seattle on Any Budget
New hotels are sprouting at speeds not seen since the gold rush, and Downtown is undergoing a big revival. In June, the famous Pike Place Market also saw a $US74 million extension. Whether you’re stopping over before or after a cruise or visiting the city on its own merit, here are three hotels for all budgets…
— Escape
Other and Odd
As Summer Draws to a Close, a Primer on Beating the Post-Vacation Blues
Welcome back. What’s that? You didn’t want to come home? You might have a touch of the post-vacation blues…
— The Washington Post
This Seemingly Small Discrepancy Could Cost You Hundreds On Economy Flights
Booking flights on airfare search sites is supposed to make things easier, but it turns out it can come with some costly confusion. Some airlines list seats on sites like Google Flights and Expedia as “premium” when in fact they come with fewer perks then you’d expect, as SmarterTravel points out…
— The Huffington Post
Today in History
The Birth Of Virginia Dare
The first child in the New World born to English parents was Virginia Dare, born August 18, 1587…
— Travel Research Online
Mike's Morning Missives
Less Is More! Three Words You Can Take To The Bank.
 That is the message I would like you to toss your way today. Less is more.
These three words are particularly poignant when it comes to promoting your company. Let's face it, what the world does not need more of is information. We have lots of information on every single subject known to man. Yelling louder in the direction of your prospect is not the answer. When people are ready to buy, they will buy and not…
— Travel Research Online
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Soundings
Blissful Cruising
by Susan Schaefer
Friday August 18, 2017
Norwegian Bliss has been available to book for some time now, although the ship does not start sailing until Spring 2018. As consumers and travel agents alike wait in anticipation, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) occasionally releases more information about the ship, and its innovations. This week saw Norwegian releasing more information about firsts at sea, such as laser tag and the largest race track at sea...
— 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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Cartoons
Upcoming Training Opportunities
100% Pure New Zealand with Air New Zealand and Down Under Answers
Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 2 pm EDT/11 am PDT
New Zealand is one country that continues to amaze everyone; with its diverse scenery, natural beauty and Maori culture.
Register Now ➠
It Takes Two to Tango!
Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Do you know how to sell Argentina?
Register Now ➠
Discover the Best of Canada by Rail this Winter
Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Canada is the perfect winter destination and is a must-see for your clients. From snow-capped mountains to frozen waterfalls, holiday festivals to activities both adventurous and serene, Canada truly is the quintessential winter wonderland. What better way to connect all of Canada’s fabulous destinations and wintry scenes than aboard one of Canada’s premier trains. Join Canada á la Carte and VIA Rail Canada for an educational discussion on winter rail vacations in Canada.
Register Now ➠
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