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
19 Amazing Things You Didn't Know About Namibia
The name ‘Namib’ translates as “vast place”, which is apt given that Namibia is one of the least crowded destinations on the planet. Only Greenland, the Falkland Islands, Mongolia and Western Sahara (in that order) have fewer people per square…
— Telegraph (London)
'Dynamic' Dundee Earns Place on Lonely Planet's Best in Europe 2018 Hotlist
The “thriving, creative” city of Dundee has been rated as one of the best places in Europe to visit this year by Lonely Planet. The travel guide publisher has attempted to tackle the issue of overtourism in its annual holiday hotlist, by highlighting lesser-visited destinations across the…
— The Guardian
Tours and Activities
10 Wildlife Trips Where You Can Get Up Close With the World's Coolest Animals
Just as humans gather for festivals every year, animals congregate around the world to put on impressive shows. And it’s easy to get where the wild things are if you know when and where to go. Migration and calving patterns make for some of the most breathtaking natural shows on the planet. What can compare to the sight of whales breaching just a few feet away from your boat or watching a baby gazelle wobble across the…
— Travel+Leisure
Colorful Destinations Around the World
Lavender paints a field purple in Provence, France. The apex of the Dome of the Rock shrine glints gold in Jerusalem, Israel. The red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, jut into a boundless blue sky. Color makes us stop short in our journeys, compelling us to linger, gawk, and—long after we’ve returned home—remember a…
— National Geographic
Cruise
Five Things to Love About Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Bliss
Cruise fans are buzzing about Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, the 4,004-passenger Norwegian Bliss, and for good reason. Scheduled to be christened later this month in Seattle, the Miami-based cruise operator's largest vessel ever ranks among the most activity-packed ships at sea, with a wide array of eateries, bars, nightspots and deck-top…
— USA Today
The Gigantic Cruise Ships Taking Over the Seas
When Symphony of the Seas, an 18-deck cruise ship measuring longer than a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, sailed out of port for the very first time this April, it smashed yet another size record in the cruise industry. But the current largest passenger ship in the world is hardly one of a kind.…
— CNN
Transportation
This New Airline Seat Could Make Flying Incredible for Tall People
A new airline seat aimed at making flying more comfortable for tall people has been developed by a London-based design company. The PearsonLloyd Eco Seat, named after the company behind it, has a removable headrest with a central spine and neck running through the back of the chair. This maximises personal space for those in Economy, the company says, letting passengers put their knees either side of the spine and recline further in the seat without imposing on neighbouring…
— The Independent
Alaska Airlines Ditches Plastic Straws on All Flights
Your sipping habits at 33,000 feet are about to get a makeover: Today, Alaska Airlines became the first U.S. airline to ban single-use plastic straws and citrus picks in its lounges and on all flights starting July 16. The airline will replace the plastic utensils with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified, white birch stir sticks and a bamboo alternative for the citrus picks; non-plastic, marine-safe straws will be available upon request. The airline has partnered with Seattle nonprofit Lonely Whale on the…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Lodging
Gilded Age Grand Dame: The Copley Square Hotel And The Fad For Japan
A stay in a historic hotel is always more than just a bed for a few nights. It's a history lesson and a time travel machine all wrapped up in one. Guests at Boston's legendary Copley Square Hotel have the spirits of Ella Fitzgerald, Babe Ruth, Billie Holiday and President William McKinley as companions, along with the fact that it is the city's second oldest hotel (built in…
— Forbes
How Our Hotel Chain Uses Data to Find Problems and Humans to Fix Them
At Dorchester Collection of ultra-luxury hotels, we use big data and analytics to help us improve our guest offerings and marketing. Our tool, Metis, analyzes data from online reviews and social media to uncover problems and opportunities. But, as the Dorchester Collection’s director of global guest experience and innovation, I’ve discovered that often the data can only tell you where there’s a problem, not why it exists, or how to fix it. That requires human…
— Harvard Business Review
Other and Odd
Inside Bangkok's New Death Cafe
Could you pass the coffin test?
Take off your shoes, climb into a Buddhist coffin and relax on your back on soft padding as a wooden lid slides over you. Now stay inside for three very dark minutes.…
— CNN
Disney World Pictures From 1972: What the Magic Kingdom Looked Like After 6 Months
Disney World pictures from 1972 were not what I expected to find when I started going through my grandmother’s boxes of old Kodak Ektachrome slides. But there they were: pictures of the Magic Kingdom’s still brand-new Cinderella Castle, the gleaming monorail and even an appearance by Snow White. How did I end up with my personal Disney time…
— Sun Sentinel
Today in History
Aer Lingus is Founded
On May 22, 1935, Aer Lingus was founded as the flag carrier of Ireland. In Gaelic, Aer Loingeas means "Air Fleet" - the term was anglicized to name the airline. Established as the national carrier owned by the government, the airline today is owned 25% by the government of Ireland and 29% by Ryan Air, with the balance owned by the public on the stock exchanges. It employs more than 4,000 people and is a member of the OneWorld Alliance.…
— Travel Research Online
Mike's Morning Missives
The Word Was Balance
This is an important concept as we all struggle to make ends meet while trying to keep our sense of humor as we make our livings. Like everything else in life, achieving BALANCE is easier said than done. We chuckled at the notion that as we grew older (more experienced) life would get easier. No such luck!
I was reminded of a bumper sticker that read: “Don’t Believe Your Parents: Adulthood Is Way Over-Rated.”
Not unlike the word SUCCESS, the definition of “BALANCE” becomes a personal choice. We all have our own definition, and we all seem to struggle with…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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60-Second Geography
Portugal with Back Roads Touring
by Joseph DeLoach Tuesday May 22, 2018
Portugal is one of the oldest states in Europe. It lies on the very western edge of Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula. This country has influenced the world through its maritime explorations, art, and literature. The streets will often be filled with colorful festivals, and many UNESCO World Heritage sites dot its landscape. Back Roads Touring wants you to know all about this glorious country.
— 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

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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