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Editor’s Note — TRO wants to remind its Travelgram readers the articles presented here are meant to assist you in remaining informed and prepared to discuss travel news of the day with clients.
Destinations
Italy's Islands of Mermaids
In ancient times, sailors once lashed themselves to their masts to avoid being lured to death by seductive mermaids known as sirens. Today, on the sun-kissed western shores of Italy, mermaids are once again stirring up trouble as two rival destinations battle it out to lure tourists with claims of being home to the mythological fishy creatures.…
— CNN
A Beginners Guide to Canada: The ‘it’ Country of the Moment
With mountain vistas, world-class snow sports, captivating wildlife and cultural mix, Canada promises no shortage of bucket-list travel experiences. From British Columbia’s ruggedly handsome West Coast, to the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, all the way through the interior’s windswept prairies, to French-infused Quebec, and the historic east coast Maritimes, plus the impossibly friendly people who call these places home – it’s the “It” country of the moment.…
— Escape
Tours and Activities
Celebrate! 9 European Festivals Worth Traveling For
From Spain to Macedonia, celebrating food, flowers, seasons and traditions. Jasmine in France, truffles in Italy, medieval pageantry in Germany: Beyond Europe’s well-known music and literature festivals, there’s a panoply of celebrations, ranging from the mainstream to the decidedly quirky. Our writers share some of their…
— New York Times
For Fans of British Royals, a Sightseeing Itinerary
You got up in the wee hours to watch Prince William and Kate Middleton tie the knot in 2011. (And, if you’re of a certain age, ditto for Charles and Diana way back in 1981.) This year, with the nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the offing, perhaps you’re ready to visit England and enjoy some real-life crowning moments. From Windsor to window-shopping, here are some tips on where to get that regal…
— Vancouver Sun
Cruise
Rock and Heavy Metal Bands to Rule the Waves on Monsters of Rock Cruise
Hard rock bands Tesla, Extreme, Queensryche and Cinderella singer and guitarist Tom Keifer are among more than 40 featured acts scheduled to perform next year aboard the ninth Monsters of Rock Cruise from Florida to the Caribbean. The cruise, which typically sells out, also offers a roster of metal-themed events aboard…
— Sun Sentinel
Sailing the Nile in style
There’s plenty of good eating, dozing and Egypt’s magnificent past to enjoy on this leisurely cruise aboard a luxurious dahabiya – though not a hint of Agatha Christie melodrama,…
— The Guardian
Transportation
Trip Report: Reviewing the Delta One Suite With Sliding Privacy Doors
Flying 13 hours to Beijing is a delight in Delta’s new premier cabin on the Airbus A350. While Delta’s self-titled “flagship” doesn’t feel much like a flagship, it’s sure a lot better than the tired Boeing 767. The takeaway: The Delta One Suite is a game changer for U.S.-based carriers. Benefits: Comfy leather-padded seat. Lots of individual space with high walls. No unwanted eye contact with passengers. Uninterrupted sleep. Futuristic look and durable construction. Customizable lighting. And yes, the sliding…
— USA Today
April Route Roundup: Where Airlines Are Adding (or Cutting) Service
Airlines constantly tweak their schedules, trying to find profitable new routes or pulling the plug on ones that have underperformed. Airports and communities court these new services. There are dozens of changes to airline routes each month. Here's a look at some of the most…
— USA Today
Lodging
This Is Meghan Markle’s Favorite Hotel in London — and You Can Stay There, Too
Meghan Markle may soon become a resident of Kensington Palace, once she walks down the aisle to marry Prince Harry of course, but she’s still got a few favorite hotels around London that she recommends for a quick…
— Travel+Leisure
Legoland wants you to spend the night with knights and wizards
Greeting guests in the lobby is a 5-foot tall Lego model of a bearded wizard standing atop a pile of Lego spell books. With the tap of an oversized button, a spiraling chandelier overhead lights up with colored and white lights, the wizard speaks and the spiraling fixture speeds up. Nearby is a slide that carries kids from the first floor down to the…
— Miami Herald
Other and Odd
This is the Reality of Travelling With a Nut Allergy
On a recent Emirates flight, a brother and sister who both suffer from severe nut allergies were told that they should quarantine themselves in the lavatories for seven hours while the rest of the passengers were served a curry with nuts. My own peanut allergy is severe, and while I can travel on airplanes near people who are eating peanuts, it makes me uncomfortable, can cause hives and irritates my asthma (not that I say anything – I just move…
— The Independent
Here Are Some Alternatives to Reef-Damaging Sunscreen
From a distance, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is an underwater gem. The reef’s colorful corals serve as a submerged garden for a vibrant marine ecosystem that draws visitors to the area from all over the world. Snorkelers and scuba-divers alike can swim alongside some of the thousands of species of fish that make the reef their home. Lucky travelers might even catch a glimpse of the ecosystem’s dugongs or sea…
— National Geographic
Today in History
George Washington Takes Office
On this date in 1789, George Washington took the oath of office at Federal Hall in New York City to become the first president of the United States. He remains the only president ever to have received 100% of the Electoral College votes. John Adams was elected as his Vice President. Only reluctantly did he agree to serve a second term and he was again elected by a 100% vote of the Electoral College. He served two terms, refusing a…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
Collettte Launches Trip of a Lifetime Itineraries
Pawtucket, Rhode Island (April 26, 2018) – Collette, global tour operator, is excited to announce a collection of tours being garnered as a “trip of a lifetime” to immerse, impress, and indulge guests in an extraordinary way. For the past century, Collette’s guided the way, taking people on their trip of a lifetime. That’s 100 years of dreams made reality, 100 years of memories made, and 100 years of making someday today. “At Collette, we understand travelers and what motivates them to explore.…
— Travel Research Online
Editorial Musings
1000 new leads for $35
by John Frenaye
Monday April 30, 2018
And for $50 I c an get you 2500. Have I piqued your interest? Are you at least interested in hearing more about this tried and true lead generation system? I promise it is not a multi-level marketing scheme or a “network marketing” program. In fact, it is so simple that with very little up-front cash, you can get your name and message in front of thousands of potential clients. There is no downside to this program; just an upside. Interested? Read on.
It’s the business card!
And no, they are not dead! I am convinced that they are one of the cheapest forms of marketing available…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
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Mike's Morning Missives
Allow The Sales Process To Unfold
 I once attended a Home Trade Show and was introduced to a number of entrepreneurs in booths manned by good, hard-working individuals trying to make a living.
Some booth sitters came on stronger than others. Some caught my attention as I passed by. Others actually repelled me from their…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
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Publishers Corner
Marketing and Sales - Setting the stage
by Richard Earls
Sunday April 29, 2018
Over and again, this column has emphasized the need for a strong marketing plan set in writing. However, it is equally true that regardless of how good a marketing program you have, it is the sales process that is going to make or break your business. You can spend lots of money getting consumers to your front door, to give you a call or to visit your website. But if they then don't allow you to plan their trip, nothing happens and all of that fantastic marketing is for naught. Marketing drives sales, there is little doubt about that. But it is your own understanding and execution of sales technique that, at the end of the day, makes something happen.
— 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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Upcoming Training Opportunities
Following the footsteps of Darwin in Patagonia
Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Visit Patagonia and explore the old stomping grounds of world-famous naturalist, scientist and author, Charles Darwin.
Register Now ➠
Why Flanders-Belgium should be among the top destinations in 2018
Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Join us for this webinar about Flanders-Belgium and learn why it should be among the top destinations your clients can visit in 2018. Located in the north of Belgium, Flanders manages to surprise visitors with a huge range of opportunities for culture, gastronomy, nightlife, shopping, art, architecture and cycling. Flanders encompasses the art cities of Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, Mechelen and Leuven.
Register Now ➠
Auckland: Where all good New Zealand vacations begin
Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
As North America’s leading Destination Specialist Wholesaler, Down Under Answers recognizes the importance for travel agents to recommend Auckland to their clients when traveling to New Zealand.
Register Now ➠
Get to Know the newly renovated Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort
Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Grand Sirenis Punta Cana is a five star, all-inclusive, family oriented hotel, located just 45 minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown Bavaro. Our 1300 ft. stretch of white sand and turquoise waters along the Uvero- Alto beach is the epitome of paradise, with countless lounge chairs scattered amongst the palm trees. This breathtaking property is decorated with lush, vibrant gardens and boasts one of the largest water parks in the area, Sirenis Aquagames, as part of the all-inclusive package!
Register Now ➠
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