Destinations
Puerto Rico Leaders Hope to Lure Tourists Back by Christmas
Puerto Rico still has a long road of recovery ahead, but tourism officials hope they can bring back visitors by December. José Izquierdo, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, said the primary focus is on rebuilding right now, but he hopes the island will be open for tourists by December 20…
— USA Today
Where to Go for a Sunshine Holiday in November
At this time of year, you’ll have to travel further for higher temperatures, even if Europe’s southernmost reaches can still offer mild days. And if you’re looking ahead to February, some of these ideas might inspire you…
— The Independent
Sanfang Qixiang: The 'Beverly Hills' of imperial China
Formed in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) before flourishing in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911), Sanfang Qixiang -- which translates to "three lanes and seven alleys" in English -- was once the most affluent neighborhood in the city and home to more than 400 rich, famous and powerful residents. Today, it's Fuzhou's most popular tourist destination…
— CNN
Tours and Activities
Legoland to Open New York Theme Park in 2020
State officials announced last week that a $350 million Legoland theme park and resort is coming to the Hudson Valley town of Goshen in Orange County, about 60 miles from New York City…
— Miami Herald
If You Missed Diwali in India, Dallas Is the Place to Be
Two weeks after the close of the State Fair of Texas, with the smells of deep-fried Oreos and funnel cake still lingering in the air, 60,000 Indian-Americans from across the country are expected to descend on the same site this Saturday to observe Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights and one of India’s most important holidays…
— New York Times
Vista's Clock and Watch Museum is a Timely Addition to Southern California Attractions
The exhibit is in an unusual location: a barn on the sprawling grounds of the Antique Gas…
— LA Times
Cruise
Six Amazing Cruises to Europe's best Christmas Markets
The Christmas markets cruising season will soon be in full swing. When you’ve had your fill of glühwein in souvenir mugs it’s easy to sidestep Europe’s more touristy markets to shop for vintage goods, contemporary designs and quality foodstuffs. Here's our guide to alternative Christmas shopping in some of Europe's most festive cities…
— Telegraph (London)
Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages Reveals First Peek at New Cruise Ship
The cruise line has released the first peek at its new superyacht inspired ship — and revealed the ship will be off-limits for kids…
— Escape
Transportation
The World's Best Airport has a New Nature-Inspired Terminal
On Tuesday (Oct. 31), Changi Airport’s new terminal, its fourth, began operations. The new terminal is infused with plants and shrubs and offers a “contactless” experience, including automated check-in, baggage drop and immigration clearance with the help of facial scanning…
— qz.com
Air France CEO Bullish on 'Dynamic' U.S. Market, Battle Against Low-Cost Rivals
Air France chief also discussed plans for Joon, but said it was too early to say if the new stand-alone subsidiary would fly to the U.S…
— USA Today
These Ultra-Cheap Airlines Could Get You To Europe For $99
Now is one of the most exciting times to be a budget traveler headed to Europe. These fares are no farce, and travel experts call them some of the cheapest the industry has ever seen…
— The Huffington Post
Lodging
Booking a Year Ahead for Cabins with No Electricity
Timberlock, in upstate New York, offers up rustic cabins with no electricity. Their guests love to return, often booking a year ahead…
— CNN
Bali’s Best Airbnb Stays: Why Travellers Are Ditching Resorts
Up until now, Airbnb has been known as the MO of citygoers; the accommodation pick for travellers on jaunts to bustling hubs like Amsterdam, Rome or New York. But, as the trend for more immersive, personalised travel experiences gains momentum, so too does the demand for alternative accommodation in less obvious, resort-laden destinations such as…
— Escape
Inside the Luxurious, Nautical-Themed Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
Hilton’s luxury brand Conrad, named after the hotel group’s founder, opened its first beachfront resort this month in Fort Lauderdale. The Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach towers over the North Beach strip with 290 all-suite accommodations, ranging from studios with two queen beds to three bedroom suites with expansive oceanfront terraces…
— Miami.com
Other and Odd
5 Easy Ways to Recharge with a Weekend Getaway
Sometimes wellness is about a change in diet, a change in fitness or even a change in mindset. Other times, it’s all about a change in scenery. In fact, a weekend away can be enough to relax, recalibrate and reboot you for the weeks ahead…
— The Huffington Post
From Cancun to Cabo, Wave of Violence Keeping Tourists Away from Mexico
At a time when the weaker peso should be luring American travelers in droves, many are staying away, spooked by a wave of violence that's come dangerously close to tourist hot spots…
— Chicago Tribune
Today in History
The White House
On this day in the year 1800, President John Adams became the first United States President to move into and take up residence in the Executive Mansion, later to be called "The White House."…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
American Cruise Lines Triples Capacity in the Entire Pacific Northwest
American Cruise Lines, the leader in U.S. cruising, announces two new itineraries for 2018 in Puget Sound—5-day Highlights of Puget Sound and 11-day Grand Puget Sound…
— Travel Research Online
Supplier Profile
Saga Cruises Debuts New Partnership and New Ship Build with David Morris International
 David Morris International is a company that offers a plethora of services including sales, marketing, and operational services to cruise lines and tour operators. Founded in 2009, David Morris International (DMI) combines experience, contacts, resources, and the exceptional talent of professionals in the industry. With their industry knowledge and successful track record, David Morris International has been selected exclusively to represent Saga Cruises, and their launch into the North American market.
— Travel Research Online
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Mike's Morning Missives
Don't Sell Yourself Short!
 You have heard me say this before and you'll probably hear it again, the reason being that it may very well affect your life life for the better....or worse. On a Sunday morning I was sitting at our breakfast table talking to my wife Barbara about a math book we just bought for our niece the evening before at Barnes & Noble. Title: Math Sucks written by Danica McKellar…the girl who played Winnie Cooper in The Wonder Years. (Yep! I'm coming out 20 bucks light regardless of who I buy one for...reference to a previous message of my being a bookstore junkie.) We (Barbara and I) were sharing thoughts about something (I don't remember what) when she hit me with a sentence that sat me right back in my chair, and…
— 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
Experience the Journey: North America’s Top Rail Vacations
Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST
Whether your clients are interested in the Canadian Rockies, America’s national parks or historic cities, a memorable experience awaits when embarking on a rail vacation. This special Vacations By Rail webinar showcases classic rail journeys across North America, each featuring an iconic rail adventure. From scenic heritage railway excursions to classic overnight train vacations, the variety of itineraries and experiences showcasing the World’s top trains are unmatched.
Register Now ➠
The Scenic Group: Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours – Agent Productivity Tools
Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at 3 pm EST/12 pm PST
Our ExpressBook and other tools in our Agent Portal, enable agents to easily find availability, quote and book specific trips, pay deposits and final payments and manage reservations.
Register Now ➠
An introduction to Australis Expedition Cruises and Patagonia
Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST
Australis, a Chilean award-winning company with 27 years experience in operating expedition cruises and named 2017’s Best Small-Ship Ocean Cruises by Travel + Leisure. Born on the waterways of Patagonia and sailing out of Punta Arenas, Chile & Ushuaia, Argentina; The new Ventus will soon join sister ship Stella Australis as the only passenger vessels that can venture through the narrow fjords of Tierra del Fuego and disembark at fabled Cape Horn. Come see penguins! We are the only cruise line who’s passengers get to walk on Cape Horn (weather permitting) on a regular basis.
Register Now ➠
Introducing the newest and finest boutique hotel at sea
Monday, November 6, 2017 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST
Join Marilyn Conroy, Executive VP of David Morris International, exclusive sales and marketing representatives for Saga Cruises, and discover an exciting new era of “boutique” cruising launching July, 2019.
Register Now ➠
Time to Discover Enticing North Africa: 2x Weekly from Montreal on Tunisair
Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
From fascinating sandy beaches drenched in sunshine to grand ancient ruins and the vast, rolling dunes of the Sahara, Tunisia encapsulates everything that’s enticing about North Africa. Located just a stone’s throw from Europe, Tunisia sits on the Mediterranean coast, midway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Nile Delta.
Register Now ➠
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