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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
36 Hours in the Dolomites
A travel tip for the Dolomites: You don’t want to be the driver, negotiating steep hairpin turns and bands of Italian cyclists pedaling through dangerously narrow mountain passes. You want to be the passenger, the one hanging her head out the window, mouth agape, transfixed on the mountain peaks and gloriously green valleys. This…
— New York Times
What You Need to Know Before Visiting Petra, Jordan's Lost City
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Lost City of Petra hides coyly behind Southern Jordan’s pink sandstone cliffs. The rock-cut ruins of the lost Nabatean Kingdom feature Corinthian pillars, Hellenistic urns and, in the case of the Treasury, classical relief sculptures fit for a king. The contrast between the jagged desert cliffs…
— USA Today
Tours and Activities
September is the Greatest Month to Travel – Here's Where to Go
September is a lovely month for travelling in Britain and Europe. The summer crowds have gone, prices have fallen, the Mediterranean is at its warmest and, while temperatures have eased, it is still reliably sunny – a great time for a city or a beach break. Even in Britain, there is a good chance of decent weather. So our…
— Telegraph (London)
How to Get the Most Out of a Theme Park Trip
Visiting theme parks is always a popular pick for family vacations, and this year is no exception: according to a recent survey by AAA, a membership-based federation of motor clubs, more than one in three people who are planning a family vacation this year will visit a theme park. AAA’s research shows that the Orlando area, which has the…
— New York Times
Cruise
Campaign Planned to Attract Cruise Ships to Great Lakes
A coalition of government and business groups is kicking off a campaign to attract cruise ships to the Great Lakes. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and other officials are scheduled to attend an announcement of the "Cruise the Great Lakes" initiative Thursday on Mackinac Island. The announcement will coincide with a port of call by Victory…
— Chicago Tribune
Cruise Lines Ditching Plastic: An Environmental Win for the Sector?
As Hurtigruten announces plans to become the world's first plastic-free cruise company, more and more lines are following suit. What are cruise lines doing to get rid of plastic on board, and why are they jumping on the bandwagon now? board, and why are they jumping on the bandwagon now? For years, plastic has steadily seeped into the…
— Ship Technology
Transportation
How Airlines Are Carrying More Passengers on Fewer Planes
You’re flying with more people than ever before. According to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), airlines smashed records last year by transporting 741 million passengers across the country. Over the past 10 years, there has been a 9.2 percent increase in passengers. But, at the same time, there were 18.5 percent fewer…
— Travel+Leisure
American Airlines Flight Attendants Will Picket Their Own Airline Today Over Its 'Inhumane' and 'Punitive' New Policy
There are 27,000 flight attendants currently working for American Airlines, and their union is trying to get as many of them possible to protest against American Airlines on Thursday. The reason for the planned pickets at American Airlines global headquarters near Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport? Actually, there are at least three, at least…
— Inc.com
Lodging
Thousands of Short Term Rentals in Vancouver Have Until Friday to Get Their Licence
Vancouver’s new short-term rental regulations, which limit who can list a property and requires operators to get a business licence, went into effect April 19. At the time, the city set out a grace period to allow operators to understand the new rules and apply for a licence, before enforcement ramps up and it starts fining operators who don’t have a…
— Vancouver is Awesome
Family's Payout for Egypt Hotel Bug
The family-of-four, from south Wales, had vomiting and diarrhoea while on holiday in Hurghada in April 2016. Their solicitors found food hygiene failings at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel. Thomas Cook, who were ordered to pay £26,000 in compensation and costs, said the safety of guests was its priority. John Cooper and his wife…
— BBC
Other and Odd
We Compared Google Flights and Kayak to Find Out Which One is Better for Booking Travel
Before booking any kind of travel, I always start in the exact same place: Kayak. The travel site has been my go-to for years, helping me book everything from business trips to vacations to quick weekend getaways. But as time goes on, I've started wondering: Am I finding the best flights? Is there an easier-to-use site out there? I turned to…
— Business Insider
Get Ready for Higher Fares and Fees to Jolt Sagging U.S. Airline Profits
U.S. airlines, bruised by higher fuel prices, are stepping up efforts to raise fares and increase fees to avoid a third straight year of declining profits. “Carriers have struggled to keep pace with the rising cost of fuel, among many others,” John Heimlich, chief economist of Airlines for America, a trade group, told reporters on a conference call…
— Bloomberg
Today in History
Mary Shelley
Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin was born on this day in 1797. Her mother died 11 days after her birth, and she was raised by her father who provided her a somewhat eccentric, but rich, education. She married the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and traveled extensively through Europe. In 1816, the couple spent the summer near Geneva, Switzerland with Lord Byron, where she conceived the idea for her novel…
— Travel Research Online
Mike's Morning Missives
Sales Mistake #6: Becoming Distracted
 Have you ever heard of “The Shiny Bauble Syndrome?” That is when a short attention span plays havoc with us entrepreneurs and we bounce, bop, and weave from project to project. It is a more sophisticated term for a short attention span.
You can’t allow your focus to drift away from the task at hand. Becoming distracted is often considered normal. You simply can’t be considered normal in this regard.
If your primary responsibility is to help people, then it is in your best interest to pay attention to the people you were trying to help. Reality, as well as my personal experience, confirms that our mind will wander at times. If you have a short attention span like I do, recognizing this as a possible shortcoming…
— 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
What's New for 2019 with Image Tours
Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Having been in business since 1939, Image Tours is one of the most experienced Europe tour operators in the world and they have earned a reputation for high quality tours at an affordable price. While their emphasis is on introducing your clients to the European way of life, Image Tours remains aware of the small details appreciated by American travelers.
Register Now ➠
How to Sell the Islands of Tahiti
Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
Overwater Bungalows, Paradise & Romance are Tahiti’s most famous trademarks, but there is so much more to the Islands of Tahiti. Let Goway teach you how to sell Tahiti, sharing tips on ways to create value and create the dream trip of a lifetime.
Register Now ➠
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 ➠
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