|
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
Athens City Guide: What to See Plus the Best Bars, Hotels and Restaurants
he revival of Europe’s classical capital has attracted plenty of artists, curators and digital nomads. But it’s entrepreneurial young Athenians who are opening pop-up restaurants, design collectives and guesthouses, regenerating derelict buildings in rough-around-the-edges areas such as Pangrati, Kypseli and Keramikos. Messy and unpredictable, Athens fizzes with an intense energy that burns bright into the…
— The Guardian
Switzerland Ranks As the Hottest Honeymoon Destination for 2018
Switzerland, the nation of stunning landscapes, arts, the Alps and, of course, chocolates has made its way to the highest rank. Yes, the country has topped the chart as per a study by Pinterest to emerge as the hottest honeymoon destination for the year. While India has been in irrevocable love with the land, the results have made its worldwide charm quite…
— India Times
Tours and Activities
'Bruce Lee's Chinatown' Tour Offers a Personal Look at Lee, Beyond Martial-Arts Stardom
Don Wong knew Bruce Lee. As young men, they worked at Ruby Chow’s restaurant together. When Wong, leading the Wing Luke Museum’s “Bruce Lee’s Chinatown Tour” describes his connection with the martial-arts star, it’s not the brag you might expect. He speaks with a touch of sadness as he reminisces about attending the judo classes Lee held at the restaurant after…
— Seattle Times
Lavazza Has Opened a Coffee Museum in Italy
If Italy's deep-rooted café culture and exquisite, inky espresso weren't enough reason to visit, here's one more: a museum dedicated to all things coffee has opened in Turin. The Lavazza Museum, opened this summer, is the latest venture from this veteran Italian company — founded in 1895 by a mustachioed grocer named Luigi, and now the market leader in Italy and…
— Travel+Leisure
Cruise
The World's 25 Most Beautiful Cruise Vessels
Many of the cruise ships that have debuted in recent years are big and blocky. Elegance in exterior design seems to be a thing of the past. But there still are a number of cruise vessels sailing the world's oceans and rivers that cut a sleek and alluring profile. Scroll through the carousel above for USA TODAY's picks for the 25 cruise vessels with the most beautiful exteriors.…
— USA Today
Top Family Cruise Lines in the Caribbean for Pre-School Children
You might see the Caribbean’s beaches as an invitation to relax, but for your toddler, they are one big adventure playground. Soft sand just begs to be built into castles, bowing palm trees are designed for clambering up, and that calm, warm Caribbean Sea is eminently splashable. The laidback atmosphere means there’s no need for formal behaviour, and boisterous toddlers…
— Telegraph (London)
Transportation
Airport Meals That Are, Yes, Healthy
Is it really possible to find healthy food at an airport? When it comes to airports in the United States, at least, the answer is yes, increasingly so. In recent years, airports around the country have amped up their availability of healthy snacks, meals and drinks to cater travelers who want to follow a balanced diet when they are away from home. “Health-conscious travel has…
— New York Times
JetBlue Says 'Refresh' is Coming to TrueBlue; Will Tweak Points 'Pooling'
Attention JetBlue frequent-fliers: changes are on the way. The airline isn’t making major changes to its points scheme, but JetBlue’s TrueBlue program members will soon see an updated website for tracking and redeeming their points. JetBlue is alerting customers to the change in an e-mail on Tuesday. “In addition to having a more intuitive, modern interface, the new TrueBlue portal…
— USA Today
Lodging
Ten Years of Airbnb: The Madcap Idea That Revolutionised Travel
For years, I never considered using Airbnb. In the back of my mind were various assumptions and prejudices. It was for students; the places would be dirty; the hosts certifiable; just not, well… proper. For middle-aged people with jobs, like me, there were hotels. Airbnb was one of those youthful pursuits, like camping, that was safely behind me. Then I found myself…
— Telegraph (London)
Why Pay More To Stay In A Great Hotel? Here Is A Reason From Budapest
Everyone comes back from a trip abroad with a story about traveling—that is, something about the experience beyond sightseeing. You know—airport hassles, or an unexpected act of kindness, perhaps a weird moment with a fellow passenger. But I must say that sometimes you get really lucky with an event that takes the edge off some of the little insults that are bound to be part of any…
— Forbes
Other and Odd
Order a New Globe: Macedonia Is Getting a New Name
Two months ago at Lake Prespa, on the northern Greek border, Macedonian prime minister Zoran Zaev emerged from talks with Greece and announced an agreement to change his country's name to "North Macedonia." National name changes are rare, but this was the second one to hit headlines in just a couple of months. And that little added "North" looks innocent…
— Conde Nast Traveler
15 Travel Books That Will Change The Way You See The World
The success of any great travel book can be measured not in awards, but in miles. The sheer distances they take our imaginations, and the miles they inspire us to hike, drive and fly—those are the things that matter when it comes to these books. And sometimes, reading a travel book can book can be as transformative as the journey itself. Ready for a reading list…
— Forbes
Today in History
The Founding of St. Augustine
The oldest continuously occupied city in the United States established by Europeans was first sighted on this day in 1565. Explorer Pedro Medendez founded St. Augustine, naming it for St. Augustine of Hippo. He and 600 of his soldiers arrived and settled in an Indian village which they…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
Book—Don’t Cook! Celebrate The Holidays With American Cruise Lines
GUILFORD, CT—August 27, 2018— American Cruise Lines announces its full line-up of holiday cruises for the upcoming 2018 season. Whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s, gather your loved ones and book—don’t cook! Take a joy filled holiday cruise and let American handle every detail while you relax and enjoy an unforgettable stress-free holiday. American’s holiday cruises aboard their new fleet of intimate small ships are wonderful for solo travelers, couples, or family…
— Travel Research Online
60-Second Geography
Bliss in Barcelona with ShoreTrips
by Joseph DeLoach
Tuesday August 28, 2018
Barcelona is seaside city on the northeast coast of Spain. It is known for its unique culture and excellent cuisines. The city shows architectural designs from over 2,000 years. From ancient ci ty walls to the Gothic quarter to the iconic cathedral that juts from the center of the city – Barcelona is a magnificent city to behold. Thanks to ShoreTrips, you’ll learn a little about why the traveler should take a holiday in beautiful…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
|
Mike's Morning Missives
Sales Mistake #4: Not Empathizing With The Prospect
 Regardless of what side of the political fence you are on, don’t you find it hard to believe that supposedly intelligent people can actually believe the things they do? Don’t you find yourself asking yourself, “How can people think like that? How can they behave like that?” In your eyes, the solution is so obvious. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to sort through the BS and interpret the situation intelligently. Why can’t others see the world as I do?
Because they don’t. Because they are the product of a zillion different inputs that have influenced their thinking over the many years of their existence. Parents, schools, friends, teachers, religious beliefs, towns, cities, states, TV News Channels, sporting affiliations, educational level, hobbies, likes, dislikes, and the…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
|
Independent Consultant
I Love My Boss! I'm Self-Employed!
by Anita Pagliasso
Tuesday August 28, 2018
I saw this on a bumper sticker this morning and it really made me laugh. Moments before I could feel my stress level rise as I was maneuvering through extremely heavy morning commute traffic to get to a supplier meeting. I spotted the slogan at the same moment I wondered, “How can people do this every day?!”
Working from home means “No More Rush-Hour.” Being my own boss means that in most cases I can control my appointments. I realized this morning it took me nearly an hour to go 20 miles. Do you realize how much time is wasted sitting in traffic? Not to mention the stress and anxiety you endure when traffic doesn't move the way it should. Rush-hour is just bad, no matter…
— 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
Emerald Waterways in 2019 - Europe Rivers, Dalmatian Coast & Nile River
Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
Join us to learn about Emerald Waterways award-winning Star-Ships that cut a chic figure on the waterways of Europe where comfort and innovation combine across our custom-built boutique fleet offering an indoor heated pool with retractable roof that transforms into a cinema or sports bar in the evening and our all-weather balcony systems allow you to enjoy your balcony, whatever the weather. Inspiring days ashore offer EmeraldPLUS – authentic excursions focusing on the culture aspect of your destination. Take advantage of EmeraldACTIVE with biking, hiking or canoeing on Portugal’s Doro river. With Emerald Waterways exceptional value – even onboard and shore side gratuities, airport transfers and a selection of beer/wine/soft drinks with lunch and dinner are all included.
Register Now ➠
Get to Know the newly renovated Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort
Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
The Sirenis Hotels & Resorts group is excited to announce that the final leg of the renovation process is underway at Grand Sirenis Punta Cana. By December, 2018, the newly updated luxury resort plans to re-open the property to guests from around the world.
Register Now ➠
How to Attract Affluent Clients
Thursday, August 30, 2018 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
The big mystery to many advisers is how to attract luxury and affluent clients. In this session I will share several proven strategies to attract your ideal luxury client.
Register Now ➠
Getting to Know The SCENIC Group – Scenic and Emerald Waterways
Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
Please join Tom Van Dorn, Business Development Manager, Midwest, for an informative webinar presentation highlighting The Scenic Group brands – Emerald Waterways, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and the Scenic Eclipse – with a specific focus on the Scenic Eclipse: the World’s First Discovery Yacht. Enjoy learning what makes Scenic’s river cruises so special and truly all-inclusive, and learn about many of the features of the Scenic Eclipse that set a whole new benchmark in design innovation and luxury. With Scenic’s commitment to world-class safety, innovation in design and quality appointments throughout, the Scenic Eclipse will offer guests the experience of discovering the world in all-inclusive luxury!
Register Now ➠
|
|
|
Use TRO every day to find travel guides, e-postcards, and other resources you can personalize and send to your clients.
|
TRO Travel Specials
|
|
