Destinations
A $1,000 Day in Cape Town for $100
Taking a high-end itinerary in the charming South African city and, keeping its general spirit, remaking it on a more modest budget…
— New York Times
Napa and Sonoma Counties Welcome Wine Travel
Now is the time to pack up and make tracks for wine country before the crowds return. Despite the devastating images in the news, wine country by and large remains as lovely as ever…
— USA Today
7 Of The World's Best Shopping Destinations
Booking.com rounded up seven fabulous shopping destinations around the world just in time for the holiday season. From luxury department stores to mega malls, these retails hotspots will allow you to solve your gift-giving conundrums in one spree. We’ve also found the ideal place to stay in each spot where you can retreat with your haul and let that smoking credit card cool ― so grab an extra suitcase and head straight to shopping heaven…
— The Huffington Post
A Guide to Waiheke Island, the Hamptons of New Zealand
New York has the Hamptons, Milan has Lake Como, Tokyo has Shimoda, and Auckland has Waiheke. Although Auckland City is not exactly a concrete jungle, it shares a commonality with many other metropolitan centers: proximity to an escape that is high-end but low-key…
— Vogue
Tours and Activities
Unusual and Historic Miniature Golf Courses around the USA
Whether you know your way around the links or not, everyone can take a shot at a hole-in-one when it comes to miniature golf. Here’s a look at some historic, fun and unusual mini golf courses that are found today around the USA…
— USA Today
How to Spend a Weekend in Salvador
With beautiful beaches, Bahian beats and a strong African influence, Salvador is Brazil's coastal gem. Here's what to do in 48 hours …
— The Independent
Everything you Need to Know about Visiting the British Museum
The great Bloomsbury behemoth can claim to be the world’s first national collection, based on a bequest from Sir Hans Sloane in 1753 and added to over the centuries…
— Telegraph (London)
Cruise
World's Three Largest Cruise Ships Shifting Home Ports for 2019
The three giants of the cruise world soon will be on the move. Royal Caribbean on Tuesday announced that all three of its record-size Oasis Class vessels would be shifting home ports for 2019…
— USA Today
Venice just Banned Mega Cruise Ships from Sailing through the City
It has been a primary source of the tensions overboiling between locals and tourists in Venice, and now the matter of giant cruise ships sailing past St Mark’s Square seems to have reached an uneasy resolution…
— The Independent
Transportation
How to Earn Free Flights with Frequent Flyer Miles, According to our Expert
Being picky about credit cards is merely the entrance to an incredibly geeky labyrinth – and those prepared to navigate it can often get themselves the comfy seats on the relative cheap…
— The Independent
Roy Halladay Dies In Second Crash This Year Of New Plane Meant To Be Easy To Fly
The Icon A5 is a single-engine, two-seat aircraft with a quarter-million-dollar price tag that is the brainchild of Stanford University graduate and former fighter pilot Kirk Hawkins…
— Forbes
Voters Approve $1 Billion Project to Kansas City International Airport
After years of contentious debate, voters in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a plan to spend $1 billion to replace the current layout of Kansas City International Airport with a single terminal…
— cjonline.com
Lodging
Nine stylish hotels in New York's SoHo
The downtown neighborhood is well known as a shopper's haven, with hip boutiques and major chains lining the streets. If you’re looking to stay in SoHo on your next trip to New York City, consider booking a room at one of these nine appealing hotels…
— USA Today
Florida Hotels and Resorts line up Cyber Monday deals
Florida hotels and resorts hope to entice holiday shoppers with Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Several properties offer up to 30 percent off nightly rates for mutli-night stays. One hotel is offering a free three-night stay if you book a wedding on its property…
— Sun Sentinel
Once Just for Tennis, Midtown Athletic Club ups its Game with New Hotel
Founded nearly 50 years ago as Midtown Tennis Club, a changing neighborhood, changing city and changing consumer tastes have led the property at 2444 N. Elston Ave. to reinvent itself for a 21st-century audience. The result is the Midtown Athletic Club, which opened Labor Day weekend, and The Hotel at Midtown, debuting Friday…
— Chicago Tribune
Other and Odd
Travel Tips From Comedians: Iliza Shlesinger
Comedians know a thing or two about travel, since their job is to make people laugh in cities all across the world. Here are a few pointers from Iliza Shlesinger, the author of the new book "Girl Logic"…
— New York Times
US Takes Steps to Make it Harder for Americans to visit Cuba
Americans who visit Cuba must now avoid hotels, shops, tour companies and other businesses on a lengthy list released Wednesday by the Trump administration as part of a new policy aimed at cracking down on the communist-run island’s government…
— Vancouver Sun
Today in History
The Beer Hall Putsch
On this day in 1923, Adolf Hitler, a leader of the fledgling Nazi Party in Germany, attempted a violent overthrow of the government…
— Travel Research Online
Supplier Profile
Travel Leaders Network takes 2018 by Storm
 Given the consistent year-over-year increase in the number of independent agents in the US travel industry - now reported to be over 40% of all sales people - it’s perhaps not surprising that the depth and scope of support from leading consortia has also grown considerably for both agents and their hosts agencies. Travel Leaders Network gives independent agents and agencies the tools and support to help them succeed, from award winning marketing, to exclusive…
— Travel Research Online
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Mike's Morning Missives
A Failure To Communicate
 On a recent cruise I was once again reminded of a thing called "timing." I think this lesson (reminder) is worth sharing again.
During the opening night's cocktail reception hosted by the cruise line, more than one travel agent (guest) approached the cruise line's representative and began to air their complaints as it related to former experiences with this particular cruise line. (This is similar to an airline passenger becoming irate at a ticket agent demanding him/her to produce an airplane immediately so they can get to their next destination during inclement…
— 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
How to Sell the Islands of Tahiti
Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 2 pm EST/11 am PST
This webinar will introduce you to the islands of Tahiti.
Register Now ➠
Visit Japan in 2018!
Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 2 pm EST/11 am PST
Demand to Japan is on the rise.
Register Now ➠
South Africa: A World in One Country
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 3 pm EST/12 pm PST
Join South African Airways and South African Tourism on a journey through our awe-inspiring country. We’ll discuss top-selling activities, including the vibrant city of Cape Town, big 5 safaris, world-class museums and restaurants and adrenaline-fueled adventures. We’ll also review tips and tools to help you effectively sell and market South Africa to your clients with confidence.
Register Now ➠
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 ➠
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