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Editor’s Note — TRO wants to remind it’s 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 Return Trip to the Beaches and Mountains of Çıralı, Turkey
The second time you visit an area is always a test. You are presumably going back because you enjoyed it the first time. Will the second visit live up to expectations? We were first recommended Çıralı, on the Turkish coast south of Antalya, by a friend who had lived in Kardamyli in Greece. It was apparently very similar: a beautiful but low-key resort, surrounded by mountains and lots to…
— The Guardian
6 Wild and Beautiful Places to Practice Yoga
The word “yoga” is Sanskrit, meaning “yoking” or “union.” For some yoga practitioners, that may mean union of breath, body, mind, or spirit. For the traveling yogi, it may be about that special union with an unforgettable place. With the very practice of yoga calling for your complete awareness, it’s perhaps one of the most fulfilling ways to enjoy the solace of nature. Fortunately, some of the world’s…
— National Geographic
Tours and Activities
Disney Signature Experiences Go Beyond the Parks
First there was Disneyland, Walt Disney’s groundbreaking foray into the amusement industry and the prototypical theme park. That inspired the massive Walt Disney World in Florida and a collection of theme park resorts across the globe. Disney’s parks have made a tremendous impact on the tourism industry and the ways that people vacation. The company has parlayed its expertise in travel and…
— USA Today
Hot Air Ballooning Over the Ancient City of the Sun is the Ultimate Mexico Excursion
The sun was just starting to appear from behind the mountains of the Valley of Teotihuacán, northeast of Mexico City, as flames were pumped into the hot air balloon that we would soon be climbing aboard. All around me, people with tired eyes from their pre-dawn awakening were trying to keep warm in the early morning freshness, sipping greedily on hot coffees. The huge balloon inflated slowly…
— The Independent
Cruise
Norwegian Cruise Line Adds All-You-Can-Ride Passes for Go-Carts on Norwegian Bliss
Would you pay $99.95 for unlimited go-cart rides on a cruise ship? Norwegian Cruise Line is betting that at least a few people will. The Miami-based cruise operator has begun selling a $99.95 pass to the much-ballyhooed go-cart track atop its new Norwegian Bliss that is good for unlimited rides during a week-long voyage. Unveiled in April, Bliss is the first vessel aimed at the North American market…
— USA Today
This High-Tech Planetarium Is on a New Cruise Ship
Viking Orion, the newest Viking Ocean Cruise ship, made its debut in Italy on June 14, revealing a unique high-tech feature: a planetarium at sea. The ship is named after the constellation Orion (the hunter) and NASA's Orion spacecraft, the first crewed capsule designed to carry astronauts beyond low Earth orbit. The ship's name also honors retired NASA astronaut Anna Fisher, who is the…
— Space.com
Transportation
Amtrak Adds Hot Meals for Long-haul Customers
Amtrak is continuing to improve its dining menus. A month after revamping the menus on its Northeast Corridor route, Amtrak is now beefing up its Capitol Limited and Lake Shore Limited sleeping car food choices with, among other things, beef. Starting this week, customers will get a hot entrée option in addition to chilled meals. Now for lunch and dinner, they can order slow braised beef short…
— USA Today
The Top 10 International Airlines
Long-haul flights tend to bring into sharp relief the best and worst qualities of airlines. Customers expect a seamless experience from check-in to touchdown, and they notice when something goes awry. This year’s World's Best winners, as voted by our readers, consistently exceed expectations across every class of service, including premium economy — an increasingly prevalent offering on…
— Travel+Leisure
Lodging
At These Hotels and Spas, Cancer Is No Obstacle to Quality Care
It was a big deal for Melanie Kennedy, a former accountant from Bangor, Northern Ireland, to indulge in a massage at the spa at Culloden Estate and Spa, in Belfast, earlier this year. Ms. Kennedy has stage four incurable breast cancer, and getting spa treatments have been a challenge ever since she was diagnosed almost six years ago at the age of 35. The lymph nodes she had removed in her…
— New York Times
You Can Stay in this Boeing 727 Airplane-Turned-Hotel Suite Perched 50 Feet High in Costa Rica
Upon first glance, you might think this Boeing 727 in the photo above had an unfortunate crash landing in the jungle. But it's actually a hotel — and yes, you can stay in it. The fuselage, or the frame of an aircraft, is one of many accomodations offered by Hotel Costa Verde, a vacationer's dream resort nestled in Manuel Antonio National Park, located in Quepos, Costa Rica. Its many lodgings and…
— Business Insider
Other and Odd
23 Injured When Lava Bomb Hits Hawaii Tour Boat
A lava bomb hit a tour boat on Monday morning in Hawaii, injuring 23 people, the Hawaii County Fire Department said.
The lava punctured the boat's roof and it returned to Wailoa Harbor, the fire department said. The roof of the boat after an explosion sent lava flying onto it Monday morning in Hawaii. Hilo Medical Center confirmed 13 passengers were treated at the hospital, and…
— CNN
A Lava Island Comes Into Being, For a Few Days
Last week, a small new island was born. It fit the major criteria—surrounded by water and smaller than a continent. The island emerged just a few yards off the coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, formed by the lava that’s been pouring from Kīlauea since May. Just a few days later, the small island had transformed. By Monday, July 16, according to the USGS, it had become an isthmus. The island…
— Atlas Obscura
Today in History
Disneyland Park Opens
On July 17, 1955 Disneyland opened as America's premiere theme park in Anaheim, California. The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts division of The Walt Disney Company held ceremonies led by company president Walt Disney. Mr. Disney had personally supervised every aspect of the park's design and…
— Travel Research Online
Mike's Morning Missives
Play Detective With Your Local Newspaper
 Reading your morning newspaper (digital or newsprint) can become a fascinating part of your day. That is, if you know what to look for and how to respond in an expeditious and meaningful fashion.
Here is an example of what I’m talking about:
Rutgers, the state university of New Jersey, after years of playing the doormat, finally positioned itself on the collegiate football map. In reading an article in the morning paper, I found myself focusing on a quote written by a fellow who apparently has a Rutgers-related football blog. It happened to be a quote I can use in future seminars. It really hit home with…
— 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
DESTINATION: ARGENTINA With Aerolineas Argentinas, Inprotur and Delta Airlines
Monday, July 30, 2018 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
There are many reasons why you should sell Argentina with Aerolineas Argentinas:
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How To Engage Prospects: Stuart's 15-Step Plan
Friday, July 27, 2018 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
To sell more, engage more. But how do we get people to respond? How do we grow our list and win more sales? Stuart's 15 methods are a fresh approach to radically increasing your success: 5 ways to engage prospects already on your list, 5 ways to engage brand new leads, 5 ways to engage at networking events.
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Fly Solomon Airlines and Discover a ‘Hidden Gem’ in the South Pacific
Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Tucked away in the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands are a little known, unspoiled paradise. The Solomon Islands are an archipelago of almost 1,000 islands, located between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu – a three hour journey from Australia. These islands are laid-back, welcoming and often surprisingly untouched. Crystal clear waters with an abundance of the world’s most colorful fish, rays, and turtles make it a paradise for diving and snorkeling.
Register Now ➠
Small Group Touring through Europe
Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Do you have clients interested in the concept of an escorted tour but no desire to travel long days in a large bus? Look no further! Join us for an informative webinar about Back-Roads Touring Co and give those clients an option they will love! Back-Roads Touring Co, a London based tour company, has specialized in leisurely paced scheduled departures through the UK, Europe, and Asia for the last 28 years. This webinar will cover their touring portfolio, including their newly released 2019 schedules, all the selling features you’ll need to know to sell their destinations, and give a more in depth look into the unique travel experience provided to your clients.
Register Now ➠
Boutique All-Inclusive Cruising
Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
Join Bruce Nierenberg, Chairman of Victory Cruise Lines for a live chat at 3:00 PM Eastern Time on Wednesday July 18th, 2018
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Discover the Best of Banff Lake Louise This Holiday Season
Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
The Banff Lake Louise area is the one destination your clients must visit in winter. It is the quintessential winter wonderland where thrilling outdoor adventures blend with the rich heritage of this magical destination.
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