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Friday May 18, 2018

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

A Guide to Melania Trump's Slovenia Hometown
It may have brightly painted walls and leafy gardens, but Savo Kladnik Elementary School is unlikely to be on anyone's must-visit travel list. Or at least that was the case until November 2016, when a certain former pupil -- Melania Trump -- was revealed as the next first lady of the United…

The World's Most Underrated Wine Regions
While researching his fascinating new book, Godforsaken Grapes: A Slightly Tipsy Journey Through the World of Strange, Obscure, and Underappreciated Wine (Abrams), drinks expert Jason Wilson set out to try a good share of the world’s nearly 1,400 types of wine grapes you haven’t heard of—a quest that took him to these regions you probably don’t know but definitely…

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Tours and Activities

Eating and Drinking Your Way Through A Trip, and Learning Something in the Process
From Texas to Turkey, food is a point of differentiation for many destinations and, according to the United Nation’s World Tourism Organization, has helped drive tourism to rural regions, giving often needy areas new income to supplement…

Discover Moscow's Colorful Cathedrals and Striking Palaces
Even those who’ve never been to Moscow recognize the colorful domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, which sits on Red Square below the ramparts of the Kremlin. The Kremlin’s tower-studded, walled complex of domed cathedrals and palaces, which dates to 1156 but occupies a site used for far longer, was the religious center of the Russian Orthodox Church and also the residence of the…

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Cruise

The Best Way to Tour the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland Is by Boat
That said, where Crystal really stands out from the competition is on the ship. After a long day in port, the first thing that greets you on the third deck of the Bach is a charming café offering French-press coffee and shaken Zotter hot chocolate—not to mention apple strudels and sandwiches.…

New Dubai Cruise Terminal Planned
The UAE is expanding its tourism sector with plans for a new cruise terminal in Dubai approved by the government this week. The Dubai Cruise Terminal will become Carnival Corporation’s primary hub for its homeporting and transit operations in the region, and Carnival Corporation has signed a deal with local developer Meraas aimed at developing the city into a major regional maritime tourism…

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Transportation

TSA Keeps List of Combative Travelers As Warning for Checkpoint Officers
The Transportation Security Administration keeps a list of travelers who have assaulted officers at airport checkpoints in the past, officials told a House hearing Thursday. The list has fewer than 50 names on it, according to Darby LaJoye, TSA’s assistant administrator for security…

AI to Airports' Rescue: Business Travel News
More than 75 percent of travelers would use biometrics if it streamlined their travel experiences, according to a December/January OAG survey of 2,164 U.S. travelers. Only one-third of them were business travelers, but business travelers have skin in the game regardless. Below are more traveler sentiments about how artificial intelligence can save the airport…

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Lodging

Honeymoon Destinations - the Most Luxurious Hotels for Newlyweds
There’s nothing like the thundering 21-gun salute of a royal wedding to signal the start of the summer nuptials season. Prince Harry is set to marry Meghan Markle next Saturday in what is expected to be a peony-strewn pageant featuring silver-plated trumpets and an elderflower wedding cake. But in a surprise move, Harry and Meghan will delay their honeymoon until later in the year and return to work within days of their…

Travel Industry Takes Another Look at 'All Inclusive' and Begins to Accommodate Special-Needs Guests
Henry is on the autism spectrum. Families like his — often round-the-clock caregivers under constant stress — really need vacations. But the limitations of behavioral or physical disabilities make that much, much harder for them than it is for other…

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Other and Odd

The Funniest Reasons Passengers Have Been Kicked Off Flights
An American Airlines passenger flying first class was removed from the flight after attempting to get the drinks in for his pals in economy. The man had already made a number of requests for alcoholic drinks on behalf of his friends prior to the plane taking off, but was informed that he was only allowed to order one drink at a time. The man then insisted that the second drink was for his neighbour, before being observed attempting to take both drinks into…

Take a 'Slothie' at Wild Florida
Up to 10 guests enter the sloths’ enclosure during each encounter. If you’re lucky, you’ll also get the bonus of an interaction with the iguana that resides with the sloths. During my encounter with Ari, the female sloth, she was happy to entertain her guests, while Guy, the male sloth, preferred his resting spot inside a ceramic…

Talking Up Travel Industry 'Chatbots'
Travel chatbots are having a moment. It’s about time. After a few false starts, these automated programs that answer basic questions, find deals or secure refunds are slowly coming into their own. And they might be worth…

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Today in History

The Eruption of Mount St. Helens
Mount Saint Helens had been largely quiet since the late 1850's. Some minor explosions occurred in the early part of the 20th century, but were quickly forgotten by all but a few scientists. However, a two month series of seismic episodes in 1980 caused concern that the mountain was becoming highly active. On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens exploded in a spectacular and devastating eruption that killed 57…

Mike's Morning Missives

Applause: The Much Needed Missing Link

It appears that the trend towards minimizing expenses and setting up camp in a spare bedroom or in the corner of your dining room table is still very much in vogue.

The mental picture that used to be referred to as “a consultant between real jobs” is now known as “home-based entrepreneurship.” The difference today is that the “home-baser” can truly be considered a professional in every way. The travel industry is very supportive of this category. It is a growing segment that requires some focused attention and understanding.

  — Travel Research Online
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Deck Plans

New AmaMagna Video

AmaWaterways released new renderings of its new ship – AmaMagna – including details on the ship’s public spaces, accommodations, multiple dining venues and expansive wellness studio. To show the new ship in all of her glory, I grabbed the renderings to create an AmaMagna video, which you can view below.

 

Water Sports…

  — 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!


Upcoming Training Opportunities


Australia's Gold Coast - Where the Fun Never Ends!

Australia's Gold Coast - Where the Fun Never Ends!

Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 12 pm EDT/9 am PDT

Ever wondered where Australian’s go on holidays to meet international travellers! Welcome to the famous Gold Coast, Australia’s endless playground of entertainment and adventure.

Register Now ➠



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