Destinations
Ajijic: Mexico's Expat Paradise on the Lake
The compact town of Ajijic has narrow streets with rough cobblestones. Strolling through the town, there are hints of past hippy glory, such as a Volkswagen Beetle festooned with stuck-on flowers, or a distant sound system playing Creedence or the Stones…
— USA Today
10 Reasons Why Nicaragua Should Be Your Next Holiday Destination
Sandwiched between Costa Rica and Honduras, and with both Caribbean and Pacific coasts, Nicaragua is enjoying something of a tourism boom - overnight visits to the country rose by around 25 per cent last year, to almost two million, according to early estimates…
— Telegraph (London)
A Decadent Visit to Jaipur, Rajasthan's Fabled Pink City
Known as its pink capital, Jaipur is also Rajasthan’s largest city. The cityscape is so beautiful that it’s no wonder models, fashion editors, designers, and style lovers alike have become completely intoxicated by its…
— Vogue
Tours and Activities
Flower Show's Focus on Water Lets Visitors Dive into Spring
As the East Coast continues its slog through chilly temperatures and general winter dreariness, the Philadelphia Flower Show offers a colorful sneak peek into warmer, longer days…
— The Washington Post
CityPass lets Tourists Zip Through Lines in Major U.S. Cities, including Chicago
CityPass was the brainchild of two tourism pros who wanted to simplify travel by curating a list of popular attractions and then market them as a group…
— Chicago Tribune
Stairway to Heaven: Hiking Ancient Pilgrimage Trails in Southern Japan
Mountainous Kumano is the holy ground of Japan and pilgrims have been trekking there for centuries. Shrines, mist, forests and waterfalls combine to create an entrancing hike…
— The Guardian
Cruise
Aussie Invited to Hide Out on Australia’s Biggest Ship, Ovation of the Seas
the folk at Royal Caribbean, the owners of the mega ship, are upping the stakes by inviting Australia’s official national Hide & Seek team (yes, who knew?) on board for the world’s first official game of Hide & Seek at…
— Escape
8 Things to Know About Cruising to Alaska in 2018
Travelers have known about the wild beauty of Alaska for years, but those who haven't experienced the 49th State by sea are catching on -- quickly. If you're taking a cruise to Alaska this year, here are a few new things to keep on the radar…
— CruiseCritic.com
Transportation
No Passport or Ticket: How a Woman Evaded Airport Security and Flew to London
Marilyn Hartman has successfully sneaked onto three flights since 2014 and attempted to breach airport security at least a dozen times…
— New York Times
Tuesday: Flight Disruptions Linger in Midwest, Could Affect East
Nationwide, more than 220 flights had been canceled Tuesday as of 7:35 a.m. ET, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware…
— USA Today
No Luggage, Last to Board: How Basic Economy Air Fares are Taking Over the World
The reputations of so-called legacy airlines, traditionally known for offering high levels of service, are being slowly eroded as they are forced to offer stripped back fares to compete for the business of budget-conscious travellers…
— Telegraph (London)
Lodging
What's It Like to Stay in Europe's Best B&B
The Old School was today named the best B&B in the UK and Europe in the 2018 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards and, before my visit, I had wondered what could make it so special…
— The Independent
Here Are The 10 Best Hotels In The World In 2018, According To Travelers
The award winners are determined using millions of reviews and opinions left on TripAdvisor’s site each year. The site analyzed more than 8,000 properties in 94 countries to determine this year’s winners. Take a look below at the 10 top hotels in the world in 2018…
— The Huffington Post
8 Eco-Lodges in South America That Combine Comfort and Adventure
Weather in South America is best from January through March, which means it's prime time to explore all of the wildlife, volcanoes, and hot springs that the continent has to offer. Here, eight eco-lodges to help you get started…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Other and Odd
Five Reasons Why Travel Is Good For Your Mental Health
It's no news that travel is good for your physical wellbeing, but a significant amount of scientific research suggests that exploring a new place can do wonders for your mental and emotional health as well…
— Forbes
Jamaica State of Emergency: What Travelers Need to Know About the Gun Violence
The Jamaican government issued a state of emergency Thursday, as law enforcement has looked to tackle organized crime, including gang violence related to drug and gun trafficking. Local authorities imposed a temporary curfew and increased the military presence in St. James Parish…
— Travel + Leisure
Today in History
The Assassination of the 1st Earl of Moray
The assassination of regent James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray threw Scotland into civil war. Moray was assassinated by Hamilton of Bothwellhaugh, a supporter of Stewart's half-sister Queen Mary…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
The 2018 Inaugural Cruise Aboard Brand New Ship American Constitution
American Cruise Lines, is pleased to announce that on April 18th, its brand new 2018 ship, American Constitution will make its inaugural cruise on Chesapeake Bay with an all new American Revolution itinerary…
— Travel Research Online
Mike's Morning Missives
Myth: “Selling” is a Numbers Game
 The truth is selling is like a game of darts.
Everybody who has ever had anything to do with sales was taught early on “sales was a numbers game.” Make enough calls, meet enough people, shake enough hands, send enough proposals…and the business will follow. The sales gurus of yesteryear led us to believe that quantity was more effective than quality. With much of the thanks going to the Internet, this sales strategy has long been blown to…
— Travel Research Online
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Independent Consultant
Even the Lone Ranger Had Tonto!
by Anita Pagliasso
Tuesday January 23, 2018
Many home-based agents have found how difficult it is to run a business all by themselves. You have to wear so many hats, and quickly find out that most of those hats do not fit. Home-based agents frequently don't make the time and effort to determine their strengths and weaknesses at the outset of starting their business, and thus set themselves up for failure or disappointment.
Many agents have found that one of the keys to their success is not only finding a good host agency, but mutually benefiting from understanding the skills and strengths of each party in this type of partnership…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
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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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