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Tuesday September 11, 2018

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

How Has Guatemala Remained Central America's Underrated Surf Destination?
I have been surfing in Central America for about 15 years, alternating between Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. All of these countries offer great waves, warm water, friendly people and really good food. Over those years, I have seen the lineups get more crowded, prices go up, and the locals getting more radical to protect their once empty lineups-turned-playgrounds for traveling…

A Moon Beach Here on Earth
Dazzling white rock formations, hidden caves and breathtaking beaches contrast with arresting blue seas to make Milos one of the most impressive islands in Greece. This craggy volcanic island in the Aegean Sea is the most southwesterly of the Cyclades group, and is where the Venus de Milo, the most graceful marble statue of antiquity, was…

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Tours and Activities

Why You Must Travel the Silk Road in Your Lifetime
History is full of long and legendary highways but none – frankly – come close to the Silk Road. It’s not just the magnitude (at least 4,000 miles, in more than 40 countries) but the mythic potency of the project. The world was cleft into east and west in the Middle Ages. But long before, the Silk Road – which has existed in one form or another since the fourth century…

The Freedom Trail in Mississippi Is a Chronicle of Outrage and Courage
A lot of people could have said “The past is never dead — it’s not even past,” but it was Faulkner who actually said it, which makes sense when you consider that Faulkner was from Mississippi, and in no place is the past less dead than Mississippi. I’ve never seen as many roadside historical markers anywhere as I have there, and I live in New…

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Cruise

Carnival's Newest Ship is Its Biggest Ever - Take a Closer Look at the Giant Cruise Liner
In April, Carnival launched its latest cruise ship, the Carnival Horizon, the most recent addition to its line of "Vista class" ships. The Carnival Horizon, the 26th ship in the company's fleet, departed from Barcelona, Spain on April 2, 2018 for its initial cruise. It then held a summer schedule of four-day Bermuda and eight-day Caribbean sailings out of New York. Beginning on September…

Five Things to Know About Crystal Cruises' Debussy Cruise Ship
Don’t assume that just because you’re on the river, and rivers aren’t known for butler service, that you won’t get the full Crystal treatment. Your butler can unpack for your when you arrive, bring you different pillows, pick up your dry cleaning, shine your shoes, and stock your mini-bar with your soft drink of choice. Butlers also deliver 24-hour room…

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Transportation

Hurricane Florence: Full List of Fee Waivers at U.S. Airlines
Airlines had waived change fees for travelers scheduled to fly to airports in the expected path of Hurricane Florence. One small airline -- Sun Country -- also had not published any fee waiver information. Nor had Hawaiian, which does not fly to the Southeast. Scroll down for the latest airline change-fee waivers that were in place as of 7 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Sept.…

Hawaiian Airlines Prepares for Possible Flight Disruptions Due to Olivia
Airlines are closely monitoring Olivia, which could end up disrupting Hawaii flights. The state's airports usually remain open unless there is damage to a runway or a problem with the facility, according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Officials are urging travelers to check with their airlines for the status of flights. Hawaiian Airlines is busy gearing up for this latest storm.…

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Lodging

More Hotels to Provide Employees With Alert Devices
More hotel companies have pledged to equip their employees with personal safety devices they can use to get help if they feel they are in danger. G6 Hospitality, parent company of Motel 6 and Studio 6, has promised to provide the devices to all its employees at its corporate-owned and managed hotels by the end of March 2019. The company will begin distributing the devices this…

This Hotel Company Takes Luxury to A Whole New Level
A world leader in the hospitality business, India-based ITC Hotels is one of the country’s largest hotel chains with more than 100 properties in over 70 destinations in the country. As India is currently experiencing economic growth of 7.6%,one of the fastest growing economies in the world, ITC is expanding, particularly its luxury…

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Other and Odd

Anthony Bourdain Posthumously Wins the One Emmy Award 'He Always Coveted'
Just months after his death, Anthony Bourdain won multiple posthumous Emmy Awards for his television work. At night two of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sunday, Bourdain won the honors for outstanding writing for a nonfiction program and outstanding informational series or special, according to Deadline. His CNN series, Anthony Bourdain: Parts…

You Can Bathe in Wine, Coffee, or Ramen Broth at This Japanese Spa
A spa 75 minutes outside of Tokyo has taken vinotherapy to new heights. At Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Spa and Resort in Hakone, Japan, you will find an assortment of themed baths, from the "Doctor Fish" foot bath (picture tons of tiny fish nibbling on your toes), to the jellyfish bath, where you can swim in a dark cave lit up by the fluorescent…

Today in History

September 11 Terrorist Attacks
On this day in 2001, 19 terrorists hijacked four passenger jets, crashing two into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center and one into the Pentagon. The fourth hijacked plane - United flight 93 - crashed in Pennsylvania after the passengers tried to reclaim control of the airplane from the…

Press Releases of Interest

Celestyal Cruises Unveils Amazing Savings of Up to $600 Per Person
All of these exclusive itineraries, as well as all of the line’s cruises, feature the Celestyal Inclusive Experience – the industry’s best all-inclusive program including delicious meals on board, unlimited drinks, award-winning entertainment, gratuities, port charges, and the best select shore excursions – all in one…

60-Second Geography

The Calm Coasts of New England with American Cruise Lines
by Joseph DeLoach
Tuesday September 11, 2018

In the northeast of the United States is an area with a distinct aesthetic and culture, an affinity for its shores, and phenomenal seafood. New England is comprised of six states: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. In today’s 60-Second Geography article, we’ll be focusing on the coasts and islands of New England. Thanks to American Cruise Lines today’s article is…

  — Travel Research Online
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Mike's Morning Missives

Why Treat Customers Like Dogs?

“The primary purpose of any organization is to create customers.”

This is a quote from the famous marketing teacher and consultant Peter Drucker.

So what does this quote have to do with today’s headline?…

  — Travel Research Online
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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
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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!


Upcoming Training Opportunities


What's New for 2019 with Image Tours

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.

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Learn how to become an Australis Specialist and earn more!

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 ➠


Discover Switzerland by Rail

Discover Switzerland by Rail

Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at 12 pm EDT/9 am PDT

Join Vacations By Rail’s Discover Switzerland by Rail webinar and uncover the top-rated adventures and memorable experiences that highlight a Swiss train vacation.

Register Now ➠


South Africa and its luxury, award-winning lodges and camps

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.

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How to Sell the Islands of Tahiti

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.

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