Destinations
Why Now's the Time to Plan a Zimbabwe Holiday
While the beleaguered Nicaraguans and Serbs watched their savings erode, Zimbabwe seemed to be the success story of Southern Africa. It offered natural adventure, national parks and impressive heritage – notably the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe, from which the nation takes its name…
— The Independent
The Canary Islands – But Not As You Know Them
You may think the Canary Islands are just a fly-and-flop destination. But where else can you hop from prehistoric jungle to desert, thrill to top-notch watersports, spot whales then savour a Michelin-starred meal – in January?…
— Telegraph (London)
Tokyo offers Travelers a 'Fascinating and Unexpected' Vacation like no other
For Americans, the idea of visiting Asia can be daunting. There’s so much possibility, and it is, after all, literally the other side of the world. But an excellent introduction can be made with a visit to Japan’s capital city of Tokyo…
— Fox Travel News
Tours and Activities
Gaudí’s First Completed House Opens to the Public
The first house designed by Antoni Gaudí opened to the public on Thursday in Barcelona, Spain, after a major restoration. Casa Vicens, in the city’s Gràcia district, was the first house designed and built by the Spanish architect, who is best known for the eccentric Sagrada Família basilica in the city’s center…
— New York Times
Why a Bike Tour is the Best Way to See Soweto
We had come to Soweto on a bike tour organised by Lebo’s Backpackers, a hostel in Orlando, Soweto’s tourist hub. Cycling tours are so popular now that there are three on offer – an in-depth full day exploring the township, a four-hour ride and a two-hour rundown of the highlights…
— The Independent
Egypt displays Previously Unseen King Tut Artifacts
At least 55 pieces of fabric decorated with gold that were found in the tomb of the pharaoh, better known as King Tut, will be exhibited in public for the first time since its discovery in 1922, said German conservator Christian Eckmann…
— The Washington Post
Cruise
Celebrity Cruises to Build New Ship for the Galapagos
To be called Celebrity Flora, the 100-passenger vessel will feature all-suite accommodations the line says will be the largest and most luxurious in the destination…
— USA Today
Carnival Bringing New Cruise Ships to New Orleans in 2019
Carnival Cruise Line will swap out its local ships in 2019, including bringing in a larger ship to sail short cruises throughout the year. Starting in May 2019, the Carnival Triumph, based in New Orleans, will be replaced by the Carnival Valor, which currently sails from Galveston…
— NOLA.com
Transportation
Kuwait Airways Allowed to Refuse Service to Israelis
Kuwait Airways is not obliged to transport Israeli passengers, a German court has ruled. The verdict - delivered over a case in which the airline cancelled a passenger's ticket - has led to accusations of anti-Semitism…
— The Independent
Woman claims American Airlines ignored Safety Rules, forced her Child to Fly on her Lap
A woman is accusing American Airlines of forcing her to fly with her child seated in her lap, even though she purchased separate seats for both of her children. Kelly Duvall was flying with her 18-month-old daughter and 3-year-old son from Phoenix to Chicago back in August…
— Fox Travel News
How Clear Can Speed Up the Airport Screening Process
Clear uses biometric technology (fingerprints, iris scans) to help passengers get through security. Here' how the program works…
— New York Times
Lodging
Wilderness Reserve: The Perfect Country Escape For City-Weary Londoners
The view of Sibton Park Manor shrouded in mist and surrounded by sheep in the middle of the reserve is one worthy of a Thomas Hardy novel. The manor house itself is also easily imagined within in a spooky Victorian tale…
— The Independent
Epic Iceland Spa Resort Promises New Escape
There are already plenty of reasons to visit Iceland, but if its abundant waterfalls, lava fields, glaciers and natural baths aren't enough, there may soon be another.
Architects are proposing to build a stunning new spa resort north of Reykjavik inspired by an Icelandic saga and the country's majestic landscape…
— CNN
The Pilgrm, Paddington, London: Hotel Review
Space may be at a premium in this new hotel, but beautiful reclaimed fixtures and tempting food more than make up for the lack of elbow room…
— The Guardian
Other and Odd
Germany Replaces US as Country with Best International Image
Germany has been named the country with the best "brand image" according to a new study of 50 countries. It has leapfrogged the USA, which previously held the title…
— The Independent
America’s Love of Ancestry Hits the Road. Welcome to Heritage Tourism.
We not only want to know our country of origin, we want to explore it, too. Professional genealogists are seeing a rise in heritage tourism…
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Today in History
The Luxor Massacre
One of the darkest events in international tourism occurred on this date in 1997 in Luxor, Egypt. One of Egypt’s top tourist attractions, the Temple of Hatshepsut, was filled with tourists from around the world at around 08:45…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
Xiamen Airlines to Launch Los Angeles - Phnom Penh Route
Xiamen Airlines is proud to announce the launch of a new service from Los Angeles to Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh, by inaugurating flights between Xiamen (XMN) and Phnom Penh (PNH), commencing January 28, 2018…
— Travel Research Online
Agent Perspectives
A Whodunnit of Detectives
by Paull Tickner
Friday November 17, 2017
I don’t know  what the collective word is for a group of detectives, but I’m throwing my hat in the ring with this definition. Many of you will instantly recognise the images in this column because many of your clients may have organised their social calendar just to watch next week’s episode of Inspector Morse, Lewis, Poirot, Miss Marple or Foyles War to name just five of the popular British TV series screened on PBS in the past few years.
When imaginatively blended with our castles, stately homes, privately owned gardens, cathedrals, pubs and tea rooms, they and their counterparts can be converted into money making, customised UK…
— Travel Research Online
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Mike's Morning Missives
Learning Something New!
 Who ever coined the phrase "time flies" sure had his finger on the pulse.
It is almost December my friends and according to the Canadian Geese, a lot more cold weather lies ahead.
We are looking down the barrel of another winter season, but let’s take first things first. We are looking down the barrel of another week...and another day. Let’s not wish our lives away praying for warmer…
— Travel Research Online
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Soundings
Winter is Coming!!
by Susan Schaefer
Friday November 17, 2017
More accurately , WAVE SEASON IS COMING!! That thought is just as frightening for some in the travel industry as “winter is coming!” is to characters in Game of Thrones. There is general panic, anxiety and night terrors. It used to be that wave season didn’t kick in until after the new year rolled around, and it last for six to eight weeks. Then it began lasting longer. Nowadays, for some travel agents, it feels like wave season can last three to four months (feeling like an eternity). As for when it starts, it’s feeling like November is the new January.
Cruise lines are already announcing the 2019-2020 itineraries, and opening them for booking. Royal Caribbean released their 7 night Caribbean itineraries this week, available for booking…
— 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
Let Your Clients Discover the Beauty of China on Xiamen Airlines
Thursday, November 30, 2017 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST
Refreshing Fujian, beautiful Xiamen – China’s unique city has been recently voted the prettiest and greenest in the whole country! Located on the south coast in the Fujian Province, Xiamen offers a fine mix of city, cultural, and beach attractions. With origins dating back 5,000 years, trade has been the lifeblood of Xiamen, and the city has grown on the commerce from merchants, both Chinese and European, who used Xiamen as their ‘Gateway to China’.
Register Now ➠
Hotels.com TAI – The Obvious Choice for booking your Clients’ Perfect Stay
Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at 3 pm EST/12 pm PST
Choose from over 300,000 Properties
Register Now ➠
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