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
Slovenia's Soča Valley is straight out of Narnia
Winding around the forested hillsides of western Slovenia, we have the roads all to ourselves – a good thing, since we keep stopping abruptly to admire the views. A dramatic valley stretches below and the Julian Alps rise in the distance. In the centre of the scene, the Soča River swirls through the valley, so icy blue it gives me…
— The Independent
How Old-Fashioned Madeira is Reinventing Itself as Europe's Adventure Capital
Buffeted by wind, the plane banked sharply above the Atlantic, filling my window with blue swell and white horses. We straightened but still rocked side to side. The runway ahead stood on struts in the ocean, exposed and precarious. It was like landing on a trestle…
— Telegraph (London)
Tours and Activities
The Best Things To Do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Despite being a firm favorite with surfers and backpackers, Puerto Escondido, on the Oaxacan coast of southern Mexico, has remained under the mainstream tourism radar for years. The lack of big resort hotels, which is part of its appeal, probably has something to do with this, as well as that there are no direct flights from the United States or Canada.…
— CNN
Los Angeles for Tourists: Hollywood, Beaches - and Pot?
Recreational marijuana sales became legal in California this year, and the industry is targeting tourists as well as locals, with tours, shops, lodging and ads. “Just seconds from LAX,” says an ad for the MedMen…
— Vancouver Sun
Cruise
Virgin Promised Its Ships Will Be Unlike Any Other Cruise - Here Are the First Images
Virgin Voyages, the forthcoming cruise line from business magnate Richard Branson, has promised its future guests that it will be unlike anything the cruise industry has ever seen. In a set of renderings released Wednesday, Virgin unveiled what that may look like. Hint: There is a lot of lounging.…
— Miami Herald
Dr Seuss, Waterworks, and Family Fun on Carnival Horizon Cruise
She’s big, bold and brash, home to the first Dr Seuss waterworks fun park and a two-lane bike ride in the sky, plus there’s smashed avocado on toast and good coffee. Welcome to Carnival Horizon, the latest blockbuster on the new ship circuit that’s joined Carnival Corporation’s global fleet of more than 100 ships across nine cruise…
— Escape
Transportation
Lufthansa Shows Off New Airbus A350 at Vancouver International
Lufthansa gave press an inside look at its Airbus A350-900 in early May, as the airline made this British Columbia city its latest destination to be served by the jet. Lufthansa currently flies eight of the long-haul, widebody aircraft, with a total of 25 on order. The first was delivered in December…
— USA Today
Passenger Jet Crashes Near Havana With at Least 110 Aboard
A Cuban-operated airliner with at least 110 people on board crashed into a yucca field just after takeoff from Havana's international airport on Friday. There appeared to be mass casualties as Cuban officials said three people had survived, but had yet to give an official…
— NOLA.com
Lodging
This New York Hotel Offers Zen-Like Tranquillity Just Five Minutes From Times Square
In a nutshell: This luxury hotel – nestled down a quiet street barely 10 minutes’ walk from Times Square – oozes old-fashioned glamour yet boasts all the modern touches you could ask…
— The Independent
The World's Most Exclusive Hotels
There's a special breed of hotels that cater to the most discerning and tasteful of luxury travelers, so profoundly unforgettable and special you want to keep them all to yourself. Set apart by their location, sheer luxury, history or venerability -- and in many cases, all of the above -- we've handpicked 25 of the world's most exclusive hotels where you can…
— CNN
Other and Odd
Hundreds of Flights Cancelled as French Air-Traffic Controllers Go on Strike
Hundreds of flights have been cancelled as French air-traffic controllers join a national strike by public sector workers in France. The USAC-CGT union said its members would strike from Monday evening to Wednesday morning “for the defence of public service,” adding: “We must resist the erosion of human…
— The Independent
Carnival Australia President, Sture Myrmell, Shares His Top Packing Hacks
During a career spanning almost 25 years – including the past 10 at P&O Cruises Australia – Sture Myrmell has carved out a niche as one of the most experienced execs in the industry. Now in the top job of Carnival Australia president, Sture’s job sees him take about 30 flights a year to a dozen or so countries – alongside plenty of cruises, of…
— Escape
Today in History
The Founding of the American Red Cross
On this day in 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross. A school teacher during the American Civil War, Barton traveled to Europe and there saw the work of the International Red Cross during the Franco-Prussian War. Upon her return, Barton began the process of generating the necessary financial and political support for the new organization. She met resistance despite the experience of the country during the Civil…
— Travel Research Online
Editorial Musings
Online advertising--Facebook rules, but a warning for others
by John Frenaye Monday May 21, 2018
As I have said, I am a huge fan of technology and embrace each new evolution as much as I can. Facebook—check. Podcasting—check. Blogging—check. Twitter—check. Snapchat—un-checked…sorry, just can’t wrap my head around it. And since the local newspaper is all but dead as far as advertising goes, I look online.
Facebook, for me, is the absolute best bang for your buck. Because their billions of users have been so generous in telling Facebook about every nuance of their lives, there is no better targeting tool out there. If you have a trip to Mongolia to experience Italian wines and Big Macs in a rainstorm—Facebook can find the people to fill it. It may be a boost of a post from your page; or it may be…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
|
Mike's Morning Missives
The Favorite Doesn't Always Win
Back in 2002, after a horse called Sarava won the Belmont Stakes (70-1 odds), I wrote a piece reminding you how the simple practice of "showing up" can prove to be the secret formula you are looking for.
I was not discounting practice and preparation. I was not suggesting that you wait until the stars are aligned properly along with a dozen other important aspects of success. I was saying that "showing up" is an integral part of the whole.
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
|
Publishers Corner
Your Travel Practice and Social Consciousness
by Richard Earls Sunday May 20, 2018
Anyone who read s this column with any regularity knows I have a strong prejudice for written business plans. If I may, I want to suggest we carve out a small section of our business plans for one more set of goals and promises. Travel professionals have a powerful opportunity to influence a wide swath of public opinion regarding the environment and the people with whom clients will interact in their travels. Our own self interest suggests we do our best to be good stewards of both destinations and the indigenous, but the opportunity extends far beyond self…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
|
One-to-One Interviews
David Morris and Marilyn Conroy of David Morris International

David Morris | President
For more than 35 years, David Morris sailed to the top of his profession with Cunard, Crystal and most recently, as Exec VP Sales & Marketing Worldwide for Silversea Cruises. "Starting DMI has put all the pieces together where I could further expand my expertise, while bringing companies an added level of sales and marketing experience." Throughout his career, David has maintained contacts & friendships with the "Who's Who" of industry, both inside and outside of travel. These relationships are key to his unique ability to revitalize existing business and cultivate new business where it had not previously existed. His work on behalf of philanthropic foundations and organizations is…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
|
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!
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 ➠
|
|
|
|