Destinations
10 Bargain Destinations for 2018
Cities around the world that are currently trending in the right direction for budget fare hunters, and why you might want to visit them in 2018 …
— New York Times
Ecuador is a Bird-Watcher's Paradise
You don’t have to be a hardcore bird-watcher to be mesmerized by the dazzling display of hummingbirds and various other tropical birds that swarm to the feeders at the Jocotoco reserves…
— Chicago Tribune
A Guide to Aspen This Winter: New Haunts and Local Favorites
If you're heading to Aspen this winter (with 2017 marking the 50th anniversary of Snowmass, it's a great time to visit), here's a guide to some of the best spots to eat, stay, and play, from classic to brand-new…
— Vogue
Tours and Activities
The Ultimate Guide to New Delhi
Tourists don't usually stop long in New Delhi, continuing on to the Taj Mahal just four hours away, or Varanasi a little further to the east. But the Indian capital is having a moment. With world-class restaurants opening, luxury hotels popping up and a burgeoning creative scene, it's definitely worth a few days of your time…
— The Independent
See the Small World within this Carlsbad Museum of Miniature Engineering
The Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum in Carlsbad is novel and quirky – and proof that good things come in small packages…
— LA Times
The Best New England Mountains to Ring In the New Year
From mountaintop fireworks and torchlight ski parades to ballroom galas and beer-tastings, we’ve rounded up some New England mountain spots where you can kick this year to the curb…
— The Boston Globe
Cruise
Seabourn Cruise Line Brings Free Upgrades, On-Board Credits
Luxury line Seabourn is out with a promotion that brings free upgrades and other perks with new bookings…
— USA Today
Catch a Wave in 2018
As we round out the last days of 2017, it is time to look forward to 2018. And for cruisers, that means that now is a great time to plan for that midwinter getaway to somewhere warm and sunny…
— Vancouver Sun
Transportation
What to Do in January to Save on Airfare All Year
Unless you’re scrambling to make last-minute holiday plans, the next trip you take will be in 2018. And unless you have a good reason to wait, it’s almost time to start booking it, too…
— Fox Travel News
Blind Travelers can Get Around an Airport More Easily with New App
Using Bluetooth technology, the free “Indoor Explorer” function of the existing Nearby Explorer app transforms a smartphone into an audio guide that can tell users exactly where they are in the airport and guide them — turn by turn, step by step…
— Miami Herald
Plane Returns to LAX after Flying with Wrong Passenger for Hours
Chrissy Teigen and other Tokyo-bound passengers ended up right where they started after eight hours of flying: Los Angeles…
— CNN
Lodging
Disney Resorts add New Security Policy, removes 'Do Not Disturb' Signs from Rooms
The markers have been swapped out for “Room Occupied” signs that will alert maintenance and staff that guests are currently in their rooms, but will not stop Disney staff from coming in…
— Fox Travel News
Wine Country Hotels: Healdsburg's Camellia Inn
The Camellia Inn comes by its name honestly. More than 80 camellia plants flower in the gardens of this peach-hued Victorian inn, just a couple of blocks from the town square in Healdsburg, Calif…
— Miami Herald
What's Ahead for Hotel Guests in 2018? Probably more Resort Fees.
With pressure to squeeze even more profit from customers, you don't have to be an industry insider to see where this is going…
— Chicago Tribune
Other and Odd
There Is a Water Crisis in Cape Town. Travelers Should Be Prepared (and Can Help)
Visitors will be alerted to the need for conservation when they land at the airport. The city and hotels are encouraging sustainable practices…
— New York Times
How to Stay Safe in Your 2018 Travels
You can take the right precautions and make smart plans that'll keep you safe on the road, no matter where you go…
— USA Today
Today in History
The Grand Opening of Radio City Music Hall
On December 27, 1932, in the midst of the turmoil of the Great Depression, thousands of Americans still turned out for the opening of the Radio City Music Hall in New York City…
— Travel Research Online
Point-to-Point
How and Where Travel Agents Book Travel
by Kevin Wang
Wednesday December 27, 2017
ASTA has been a reliable source of research on the travel agency industry for many decades. We collect, collate and analyze data that is not available anywhere else on agency operations from agency business models to revenue sources. Our data can be used to pinpoint agency trends, compare and contrast agency operations, and develop marketing tactics.
Part of the American Society of Travel Agents’ (ASTA) wide-ranging benchmark reporting program, the recent 2017 ASTA travel agent travel booking survey provides some trends and information regarding the U.S. travel agents’ use of resources to book travel by various segments through a fraction of ASTA agency membership that participates in a survey research panel. The hard-to-obtain information is valuable especially during the times that the GDS’s continue to face fierce competition…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
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Mike's Morning Missives
You Can't Make This Stuff Up!
 Today’s message comes from my archives, but I feel it is worth repeating.
I once called a trailer dealer (boat) and was told that the salesman I asked for was on vacation for the next four days. Hey! I am the first one to endorse well-earned vacation time. An incredibly high percentage of workers today fail to take their vacation time which, speaking for you the travel professional, is a pity. What I found of particular interest (spelled chagrin) was that there was no offer to provide an alternative…
— 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
Everything Australia with Goway
Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST
Goway is your one stop shop for all your travel requirements to Australia. From accommodation to car rental, escorted tours to fully independent travel, we offer it all. Join Meghan Boyd, the Product Manager of the South Pacific Division on this educational webinar designed specifically to help you sell Australia.
Register Now ➠
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