Destinations
Matlock Illuminations: Take a Trip to the 'Seaside' in the Middle of the Derbyshire Dales
It may be nearly 100 feet above sea level, but with roughly one fish and chip shop per 100 residents, there’s something distinctively seasidey about Matlock Bath. An old spa town in a valley of lush woodland, it’s been referred to as Little Switzerland, as well as cropping up in “best places to retire” type lists…
— The Independent
Best New Things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii
The capital of Hawaii, Honolulu is the first point of call for most Hawaiian vacations, but whether it’s your first visit or your fifth this year there’s always something interesting to see, do, and eat…
— Escape
Why You Should Add Taipei to Your Must-Visit List
Buoyed by a bucolic backdrop of mountains, the capital of Taiwan is both cosmopolitan and welcoming. This is why your next Asian sojourn should include a stopover there…
— Vogue
Tours and Activities
The 9/11 Memorial Museum's most Poignant Exhibits - 16 Years After the Attacks
The museum exhibits profiles and pictures of all the victims of 9/11, as well as tributes to the six people who were killed in the World Trade Centre bombing on February 26, 1993…
— Telegraph (London)
You're the Engine for this Ride on the Rails
If you’re heading to Newport for the time-honored trifecta of mansion tour/alfresco lunch/harbor cruise, here’s a good reason to plan a pit stop in neighboring Portsmouth. Rail Explorers launched in Rhode Island in April, and 13,000-plus riders have come aboard so far…
— The Boston Globe
Oktoberfest in the Midwest: Five Beer Bashes You Won't Want to Miss
Bavaria will be bumpin' Sept. 16 to Oct. 3, when nearly 6 million revelers pour into Munich for the 184th edition of Oktoberfest, aka the world's largest kegger. If a trip across the pond isn't in the cards, don your dirndl or lederhosen and celebrate closer to home at these Midwestern spins on the beer-soaked bash…
— Chicago Tribune
Cruise
Irma Update: Royal Caribbean, Carnival to Resume Cruises from Florida on Tuesday
With Irma safely to the north, six Royal Caribbean and Carnival ships will depart from the ports of Miami and Fort Lauderdale on shortened sailings…
— USA Today
Hurricane Irma leaves Cruise Passengers Stranded with Unlimited Booze and Food
USA Today reported that the cruise liner was allowing those who couldn’t find transportation home on Thursday from Miami, or a safe place to stay, could sail back out to sea on the Escape to wait out the storm – free of charge…
— Fox Travel News
Transportation
Irma's Next Air Travel Target: The World's Busiest Airport
Nearly 900 flights Atlanta had been canceled Monday as airlines braced for poor weather from Irma, which spawned the first-ever tropical storm warning there…
— USA Today
Airline Staff Fume over Toxic Air on Planes
A growing number of flight attendants and pilots want answers from airlines about what they say is toxic air onboard flights. They argue this is causing serious health damage. Andreas Becker investigated their claims…
— DW.com
Lodging
Coolest Hotels in the Wild: From Glass Pods in New Zealand to Luxury Tree Houses in Thailand
With the rise of the trend for unusual digs, a range of back-to-nature options has popped up. Here are eight of the best places to spend a night under the stars…
— The Independent
Chicago Welcomes its Newest Mega Hotel, Marriott Marquis, opening Sunday
After nearly two years of construction, Marquis embraces, perhaps even flaunts, its scope: Spaces are broad, the lobby ceiling reaches 30 feet, the restaurant serving three meals a day seats 400, and natural light floods in through floor-to-ceiling windows…
— Chicago Tribune
California Hotel will Deliver 10-Pound Doughnut to Your Room
Dough-nut disturb, because your wildest pastry fantasies are about to come true. Thanks to an objectively sweet promotion from the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Dessert, Calif., guests can now have a whopping 10-pound pink doughnut delivered straight to their door…
— Fox Travel News
Other and Odd
This Little-Known Trick Will Save You Big Money At The Airport
All too often, we walk in for a simple bottle of water and find ourselves walking out with an armful of hardcover books that we regret purchasing as soon as the plane leaves the tarmac. But never fear: It turns out many airport bookstores will let you return those books for some money back, even after you’ve read them…
— The Huffington Post
What Happens when Lightning hits an Aeroplane?
After an easyJet plane was struck this week, Telegraph Travel investigates whether lightning poses a serious risk to air passenger…
— Telegraph (London)
Today in History
September 11 Terrorist Attacks
On this day in 2001, 19 terrorists hijacked four passenger jets, crashing two into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center and one into the Pentagon…
— Travel Research Online
Editorial Musings
Mother Nature just dealt a sucker punch to the travel industry
by John Frenaye Monday September 11, 2017
This one is a t ough one to write. It is Sunday afternoon and Hurricane Irma is starting her slam into the Gulf Coast of Florida after wreaking havoc as she tore across the Caribbean. Destinations all too familiar to us have sustained damage ranging from devastating to severe.
St. Barts, Barbuda, St. Martin, Turks & Caicos, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Anguilla, Bahamas, and too soon to tell about Miami, Naples, Tampa, Ft. Myers, and Sarasota. For an island by island look at the destruction, this is a good…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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Mike's Morning Missives
Focus - Think - Act
I am taking the short route this morning. Seems like I have managed to get myself behind the "8" Ball and have a very full plate today, but I didn't want to leave you hanging.
I am going to ask you a very simple question. Are you happy with the progress you made last week? This month? This year to date? For those of you following the 52-Week Planner, did you manage to earn your 100 points. (I…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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Publishers Corner
The importance of being empathetic
by Richard Earls Sunday September 10, 2017
This week I ran across a quote that will forever be a favorite: “Courage is the foundation of integrity.” I love this quote not only for its plain simplicity, but also because it surpasses all of the political ties these days threatening any significant or momentous thought. Nearly all of us can agree. I searched for its origin, but the quote is ascribed to a number of people. If you have a definitive source, please let me know.
With all humility I want to add to the thought captured in our quote. While courage may be the foundation of our integrity, it is equally true empathy is the foundation of courage. When we see others in a situation…
— 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

Discover hidden treasures of Flanders, Belgium
Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Flanders, Belgium is known for beer, chocolates, its well preserved architecture and UNESCO world heritage cities such as Bruges. But Flanders has so much more to offer. Experiences that we haven’t covered in great detail in previous webinars. Join us for this webinar and discover what hidden treasures Flanders has to offer. Learn about Belgian wines and whiskey. Get to know some amazing castles and off the beaten bath landscapes. Find out about world renowned museums. Understand multi-generational and accessible travel in Flanders. And discover why the world famous Smurfs are just one of many Belgian comics.
Register Now ➠

What's New for 2018!
Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Having been in business since 1939, Image Tours is one of the most experienced Europe tour operators in the world and they have earned a reputation for high quality tours at an affordable price. While their emphasis is on introducing your clients to the European way of life, Image Tours remains aware of the small details appreciated by American travelers.
Register Now ➠

KwaZulu-Natal - South Africa’s Awe-Inspiring Province
Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Join Kirsty Perring, General Manager of the Africa and the Middle East at Goway as she takes you on a journey through the magnificent South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. The Zulu Kingdom, is right up there on "must-see, must- do" lists of discerning travelers around the globe. Nowhere else in the world will you find such a unique fusion of raw natural beauty, modern sophistication, cultural diversity and pulsating energy – all in the most breathtaking natural setting. These are all just some of the reasons why KwaZulu-Natal should be on your clients bucket list. Experience awe-inspiring world heritage sites such as the coastal iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the mountainous 'Barrier of Spears' in Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. Follow in the footsteps of legendary Zulu kings. Witness the unforgettable wildlife in prestigious game reserves. The truth is; there is just no comparison.
Register Now ➠

Explore the World of Transformative Travel with Perillo's Learning Journeys
Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Join Learning Journeys President Carol Dimopoulos to explore the world of transformative travel.
Register Now ➠

Top Travel Trends and Great Escapes to Africa
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
You are invited to join the experts at South African Airways and South African Airways Vacations and learn about the best way to fly to Africa and the more than 80 air-inclusive packages available offering value and variety for your clients.
Register Now ➠
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