|
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
Italy's Florence Bans Eating In the Street
Italy might be the home of al fresco dining, but in the tourist mecca of Florence street-snacking has become such a problem that local authorities have introduced fines of up to €500 ($581) to combat it. The city ordinance, which came into effect on September 4, bans people from pausing in the historic center to eat food on sidewalks, roadways and on the doorsteps of shops and…
— CNN
A Portrait of Kirkenes, the Most Isolated Town In Europe
f Norway were the size of your right arm, Oslo would be your thumbnail, Bergen and the fjords on your wrist, and the Arctic city of Tromso perched on your tricep. Finally, there is the region of Finnmark going over the top of Finland, until Norway actually touches Russia at your shoulder joint. This is where you can find the remotest town in…
— Telegraph (London)
Tours and Activities
The Best Museums In the world, According to TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor has announced the winners of its 2018 Travelers’ Choice awards for museums. Winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for museums worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period. Click through the gallery above to see the top 25 U.S. and top 25 international…
— USA Today
The Best Fall Foliage Train Trips to Take This Year
Living in a world of pristine beaches and towering castles, it’s easy to forget that people from halfway around the world travel to our backyard to see the views we often take for granted. Some of the best foliage is right here in the U.S., and the autumnal scenery that photographers capture for postcards is something we can see on a leisurely drive just a few hours outside the…
— Travel+Leisure
Cruise
River Cruising is the Next Big Thing in Honeymoon Travel
Following the release of its full line-up for 2019, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises revealed that river cruising was the next big thing in honeymoon travel. According to Uniworld Marketing Manager Lieria Boshoff, river cruising is no longer the sole domain of baby boomers, it now attracting a younger generation of mid-30s to mid-40s…
— Independent Online
Norwegian Cruise Ship Rescues 4 People Stranded at Sea
While the Norwegian cruise ship had not long departed its homeport in Miami, Florida cruise passengers spotted a flash of light. After informing the ship crew about the light it turned out to be 4 Cuban nationals adrift at sea. The news was first reported by Fox News and was also confirmed by the cruise…
— Cruise Hive
Transportation
This Is How Disgusting Airport Security Trays Are
You know those plastic trays that you put your stuff in at the security lines in airports. If you are thinking of putting your face in them, don't. Just don't. In fact, a study just published in BMC Infectious Diseases suggested that these trays may be carrying more than your bags, shoes, and neck pillows. A team of researchers went swabbing at the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, the main airport in Finland.…
— Forbes
Emirates Plane Briefly Quarantined at John F. Kennedy Airport After 19 Passengers Sick
An Emirates airline Airbus A380 superjumbo jet was briefly quarantined at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport after numerous passengers fell ill on a flight arriving from Dubai early Wednesday. As many as 100 passengers, including some crew members, "complained of illness, including cough and some with fever," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).…
— USA Today
Lodging
Thomas Cook Finds E. Coli at Egypt Hotel Where Couple Died
Tour operator Thomas Cook Group Plc said it found high levels of bacteria at an Egyptian hotel where a British couple died last month. Tests on food and hygiene standards uncovered E. coli and staphylococcus at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic hotel in Hurghada, where John and Susan Cooper died on Aug.…
— Bloomberg
When (and How) to Talk to Your Hotel's General Manager
A hotel’s general manager can make your stay at a property that much better, said Bettina Landt, general manager of The White Elephant in Nantucket, Mass. But Ms. Landt, who has more than 20 years’ experience as a general manager, also said that most guests don’t take advantage of what they…
— New York Times
Other and Odd
11 Tips for Making Traveling With a Baby Easier
When my daughter was six months old, we took her to Chicago for a family get together. It was her first time on a plane and our first time with a baby on a plane. It was only a two-hour flight from New York to Chicago and yet, I frantically packed and repacked the diaper bag with multiple changes of clothing, dozens of diapers, and four meals worth of food. She slept the entire…
— Insider
Going Scuba Diving? Here's What You Need to Know to Get Certified
So you want to learn to scuba dive. Congratulations! This is an excellent decision -- not as good as going to therapy, but at least on par with getting a dog. Diving is pure magic, a word I almost never use because it causes that cringey face you’re doing right now, but anyone who’s ever found themselves suspended, weightless, in the middle of a gazillion fish, will get…
— Thrillist
Today in History
U.S. Nicknamed "Uncle Sam"
Samuel Wilson, a Troy, New York meat packer, began supplying United States troops with barrels of meat on this day in 1813 and continued to do so throughout the war of 1812. Wilson stamped the rations with the letters, "U.S.", and soldiers began referring to the meat as "Uncle…
— Travel Research Online
Mike's Morning Missives
Sales Mistake #10: Not Looking Your Best
 True, false, or indifferent; it is a recognized fact that a book is judged by its cover. This may not be totally accurate but it is true just the same. The same practice also pertains to movie trailers, magazine covers, cars, houses (curb appeal), and people, people, people.
You can’t afford to take the risk that your prospect might not approve of your “packaging.” I’m not talking about the price of your wardrobe. I’m referring to the condition of it…and yourself.
Here are a few…
— 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
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 ➠
Learn how to become an Australis Specialist and earn more!
Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Learn how to become an Australis Specialist and earn bonus commissions with host Kathy Simpson when you take a virtual cruise through Patagonia\'s wonderlands.
Register Now ➠
South Africa and its luxury, award-winning lodges and camps
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
Join South African Airways and Singta on a journey through our awe-inspiring country.
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 ➠
|
|
|
Use TRO every day to find travel guides, e-postcards, and other resources you can personalize and send to your clients.
|
TRO Travel Specials
|
|
