Destinations
The 30 Most Beautiful Towns in Europe
These are the 30 prettiest towns in Europe, according to the fine people at the Japanese Association of Travel Agents (JATA). It was challenged to come up with 30 smaller destinations to promote to holidaymakers. This is what they came up with…
— Telegraph (London)
Syria Promotes Tourism, Despite Devastation of Civil War
Syrian authorities were hoping that foreign visitors would look past that devastation, as they promoted the country at an international tourism fair in Spain on Saturday…
— New York Times
Spend a Weekend in Byron Bay, Where the Motto Is "Cheer Up, Slow Down, Chill Out"
This dreamy town in New South Wales is known for its stunning beaches, excellent surf breaks, and hippie hospitality. If your Australia itinerary includes Sydney, Melbourne, or a Gold Coast road trip, then be sure to add a weekend jaunt to Byron Bay to the list…
— Vogue
Tours and Activities
10 Incredible Winter Wildlife Holidays
Winter exerts a special magic for anyone who puts wildlife and wild places at the top of their holiday wish list – and many of the most exciting trips coincide with the next three months…
— Telegraph (London)
A Local's Guide to Sydney
Ringed by national parks and blessed with more than 100 beaches, the best bits of Sydney are outdoors, active and (mostly) free. Here's how to enjoy it like a local…
— The Guardian
5 Great Free Things To Do In Healdsburg
The Sonoma Wine Country town of Healdsburg is know for vineyards, tourism and luxury lifestyle, but is it budget-friendly? No so much. But there are a few places to get the Healdsburg experience while spending next to nothing…
— San Francisco Chronicle
Cruise
Passengers Can Help with Hurricane Recovery on these Caribbean Cruises
Two sailings aboard Princess Cruise Line are paired with Fathom Travel, which creates on-board activities and shore excursions aimed at giving back to islands hit hard in the fall storms…
— LA Times
Woman Dies After Falling from a 14th Deck Balcony on a Carnival Cruise
A woman fell from her cabin's balcony on the Carnival Elation and died Friday morning, according to Carnival Cruise Line…
— Miami Herald
Transportation
Delta Cracks Down on Passengers' Emotional Support Animals
Passengers who wish to take their support animal on board a Delta Air Lines plane will have to show proof of health and vaccinations 48 hours in advance, as well as other requirements, the airline said Friday…
— MSN.com
Eleven Etiquette Rules To Remember Next Time You Fly
Unless you're fortunate enough to be flying in a first class suite, air travel can often be a stressful and exhausting experience. However, for those of us who can't afford a luxurious upgrade, there are a few basic etiquette rules that can improve the comfort of your journey…
— The Independent
Orlando Airport Begins Construction of $2.1 Billion South Terminal
As Orlando International Airport tries to keep up with passenger growth, its main project this year is construction of a new terminal that will rank as one of the most costly public-works projects ever in Central Florida…
— Orlando Sentinel
Lodging
In Tel Aviv, a Futuristic Hotel With a Past
Poli House, a Bauhaus landmark, is a journey through geometry: a circular bar, a curving staircase, slanting shelves, oblong mirrors…
— New York Times
Why Your Hotel Amenities Are Better Than Ever
Both boutique and big box hotels are swapping out shoe horns for bespoke experiences and local beauty brands, competing to appeal to travelers who have seen it all…
— Vogue
Hotel Test Drive: Denver's New Downtown Hotels
Many new hotels have opened in Downtown Denver in recent years, but the latest is a unique attached at the hip complex of sister properties, both within the greatly expanded Marriott International portfolio…
— Forbes
Other and Odd
US Shutdown Hits Tourists Hard
The political paralysis in Washington DC will affect tourists to the US, whether they are hoping to explore some of the world’s best museums in the American capital or the natural wonders of the national parks of California and Wyoming…
— The Independent
How an EU Ban on Credit Card Charges Could Make Your Holiday More Expensive
Since last Saturday, all surcharges for paying via a credit or debit card were banned. The ban applies to all payments for any goods and services, but such charges were particularly common in the travel industry…
— Telegraph (London)
Today in History
Roe v. Wade
On January 22, 1973 the United States Supreme Court issued its opinion in the controversial landmark case of Roe v. Wade…
— Travel Research Online
Editorial Musings
Travel dodges a bullet in the government shutdown (for the most part)
by John Frenaye
Monday January 22, 2018
Disclaimer: Thi s is a fluid situation and like anything in Washington, it can change in a heartbeat!
Well, the government is shut down. And while we bemoan any governmental intrusion into our lives, it is a necessary evil and often times we simply go about our lives oblivious to the government. Not so much with a shut down. A government shut down can have far reaching impacts on the travel industry.
But, as of now, it seems that our industry may have dodged a bullet in this latest shutdown. In 2013, President Obama seemed to use much of the public facing aspects of the government shutdown as a bargaining chip in negotiations with congress. National parks were closed, lines were out of control in the airports, Veterans…
— Travel Research Online
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Mike's Morning Missives
Enthusiasm Sells
 Today’s message calls for a little imagination on your part. I want you to envision a large pie cut into three, large pieces. One piece consists of half the pie, while the other two represent 25% each. Can you see it?
I want you to now name each piece. One is Attitude; One is Skills; and the last piece…
— Travel Research Online
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Publishers Corner
Competition Understood
by Richard Earls
Sunday January 21, 2018
I once had a tr avel professional take me to task because I provided them with an article in USA Today which also contained advertising for other travel programs. That would never do, she assured me, because like so many other papers and magazines, USA Today was “filled with travel advertising.” Likewise, many agents will not link to travel articles that include the contact information of hotels or tour operators.
I believe many travel professionals sometimes work with an over-broadly image of their competition because they have failed to properly define their customer base and their proper relationship to their clients. To these few, the landscape is filled with competition. This perspective is informed by the idea that the travel consultant is “selling” travel. That is what Travelocity does, just as suppliers do. …
— 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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