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Editor’s Note — TRO wants to remind its 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
Sofia, Bulgaria: Europe's Ultimate Bargain Destination
For tourists traveling on a tight budget, many European destinations are quite pricey. A hotel room and a decent meal in London, Paris or Rome can cost the proverbial arm and a leg. But not so in Sofia. Two-star hotels close to the city center offer rooms for 60 Bulgarian lev (about $40) a night. Wining and dining in Bulgaria’s capital is also affordable…
— USA Today
Why Sicily is Europe's Greatest Island for a Family Holiday (and Now is the Time to Go)
What a summer it was. And now that the school year has cranked up again, it’s almost refreshing to think that temperatures will drop a bit, look forward to that glorious autumn palette and see if the moths have had the grace to leave you anything of your favourite scarf. But it is much harder to look forward to the darkness and grey skies.…
— Telegraph (London)
Tours and Activities
The Best U.S. Cities to Visit This Fall for Foliage, Food, and Fun
There’s a lot that goes into making the perfect fall destination. Not only does it need fantastic displays of leaves (in all colors: red, orange and yellow), there needs to be a thriving apres-leaf scene. A glass of local wine, apple cider, a roaring fireplace and a good meal round out the perfect autumn day. This year, to help you whittle down your…
— Travel+Leisure
Toronto - 10 Ways to Love it Like a Local
The secret to feeling like an insider in Toronto is simple: Make a friend. Surprising, in this city that’s the fourth largest in North America, it’s not a hard thing to do. Whether you’re touring an iconic spot, holding a map on a street corner, or sitting in a local coffee shop, Torontonians will happily answer your questions or pull up a chair and suggest…
— National Geographic
Cruise
Cruise Ship Tours: Inside Holland America Line's Zaandam
Thinking about a cruise with Holland America? Our latest Cruise Ship Tour, in the carousel above, offers a deck-by-deck look at one of the most intimate of the line's 14 vessels, the 61,396-ton Zaandam. As can be seen in the tour, the 18-year-old, 1,432-passenger ship is chock full of cozy spaces such as the top-of-the-ship Crow's Nest…
— USA Today
Disney Magic to Host TCM Classic Cruise
Calling all fans of Turner Classic Movies. The channel for vintage movies will marks its 25th anniversary by bringing back the TCM Classic Cruise. The event will unfold for five nights on the Disney Magic next year. TCM billed it as “the majestic Disney Magic.” The cruise starts in New York and goes to Bermuda. Pre-sale registration starts Monday…
— Sun Sentinel
Transportation
Ryanair Passenger Escorted Off Plane by Police Over Leg Room Row
A Ryanair passenger who was denied the extra legroom seat he’d paid a £20 fee to book was escorted off his flight by police after refusing to pay his bar bill. Bob Hamilton, 64, asked cabin crew to waive his £17 drinks tab to make up for the fact that he was not able to sit in his assigned seat. The 6ft 2in retired oil broker from Peterborough told The Daily Mail…
— The Independent
What the New FAA Bill Means for Your Legroom on Planes
Air travelers, rejoice? After three years of toil, Congress has produced a massive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization bill, a 1,200-page doorstopper that—at least on a few pages—addresses passengers’ biggest pet peeves: tight coach seating, annoying airline fees, and transparency in pricing. Consumers won't get everything they…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Lodging
You Can Now Stay at 22 Rue de Berri, Elsa Schiaparelli's Legendary Parisian Address
Fate, Elsa Schiaparelli believed, led her to 22 Rue de Berri in Paris’s 8th arrondissement. She was distantly related to the home’s previous owner, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte (niece of Napoleon), and two plus two equals four, her lucky number. So the deeply superstitious designer bought it on the spot—and transformed it into a creative…
— Vogue
Airbnb Hopes to Give Hosts a Stake in the Company
If Airbnb has its way, hosting travelers won't just get you some spending money -- it'll get you a stake in the company's future. Axios has discovered that Airbnb sent a letter to the SEC asking for the regulator to permit offering equity to hosts. Airbnb primarily supported changes to Securities Act Rule 701 that would allow offering shares to gig…
— Engadget
Other and Odd
Is This Seat Taken? And Will You Marry Me?
You never know where you will find love. Even on a crowded airplane or a cruise ship. Here are four stories of love found while in transit. It was March 2015, when Amanda Sidman, 32, and Max Mancuso, 30, met on Delta Flight 401. They were both heading back from Austin to New York after bachelor and bachelorette parties. After a serendipitous…
— New York Times
Travel Secrets Only Flight Attendants Know
While most of us are being mindful of Mother Earth these days and trying to reduce our waste, Southwest Airlines flight attendant Holly Hansen told Women’s Health that bottled water is best when flying for one very hygienic reason. “Drink bottled water to be safe,” she said. “The storage tanks for the jet’s tap water are difficult to thoroughly…
— Reader's Digest
Today in History
Sandra Day O'Connor Appointed to Supreme Court
President Ronald Reagan on this date in 1981 appointed Sandra Day O'Connor to the United States Supreme Court, the first woman to hold the position. A judge from Arizona, O'Connor was notable for her moderate political views and votes from the bench. She retired on January 31, 2006, replaced by Samuel Alito. She is now the Chancellor of the College of William and Mary in…
— Travel Research Online
60-Second Geography
Cuba with Victory Cruise Lines
by Richard Earls
Tuesday September 25, 2018
Cuba is crystal blue water, salsa, coffee, cigars, and it's own music underlying the beat of the nation. The country is a wonderful enigma the US travel industry is still waking up to exploring. Fortunately, we have great cruise lines like Victory Cruise Lines to lead the way! Thanks to Victory Cruise Lines, the supplier sponsor of this column, you can use this 60-Second Geography article in your own travel agency’s newsletters and…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
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Outposts
Visiting Israel with Celestyal Cruises' 3 Continents Cruise
by Richard Earls
Tuesday September 25, 2018
Celestyal Cruis e's 7-Day All-Inclusive 3 Continents Cruise is a unique itinerary visiting Europe, Asia and Africa. If you’re interested in archaeology, religion and culture, this is a once in a lifetime experience you shouldn’t miss. The Continents Cruise includes a visit to Israel, encompassing the port city of Ashdod, Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
For the western world, no land is as heavy with history as is Israel. In a country with over 200 museums, every step echoes with the past. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all found homes in Jerusalem and the convergence of these three world religions in Israel reverberates today. Sites of immense spiritual importance draw pilgrims from around the world to the streets, cities, towns and national parks.
— Travel Research Online
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Mike's Morning Missives
Why People Object
 There are a number of reasons why people elect not to move forward with any single purchase. The sooner you understand these reasons, the sooner you will be in position to address these concerns. There are nine of them.
They See No Need
This may or may not be true; but if they don’t see a need for what it is you are representing, you have your work cut out for you. You can give it a shot, but my money is against you on this…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
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Independent Consultant
Starting at Square One
by Anita Pagliasso
Tuesday September 25, 2018
Most of us gene rally start out by marketing to a so-called "warm market." Your warm market is basically everyone you know: friends, family, colleagues, advisers, teachers, doctor, lawyer, neighbors and other acquaintances.
Reactions will vary once you let those know that you are in the travel business. You close friends and family's reaction will probably run from excitement to humoring you. Others who don't know you well may be dismissive or even downright hostile to your approaches. Some agents have reported people crossing the street to avoid them when they see them coming! So you may need to develop a thick skin in this…
— 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!
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Upcoming Training Opportunities
Discover the Wonder of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Thursday, October 4, 2018 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
In this webinar, you will learn how Scenic takes the all-inclusive luxury to a higher level of guest experience with its innovative and custom-designed Space-Ships. From its Salt Therapy Lounges to Scenic Culinaire on board cooking school in Bordeaux and the South of France. Our exclusive Scenic Enrich encounters take your clients to behind the scenes to enjoy private access and unique experiences. By offering a butler to every guest combines 5-star quality with personal attention to detail. So please join us today to learn more about the Wonder of Scenic!
Register Now ➠
BECOME AN EXPERT IN AWESOME
Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
With new attractions, new hotels, and the opening of a whole new water theme park, your clients may not be aware of all we have to do – or that they’ll need multiple days to see and do it all. Be sure to register to take our webinar course so you can stay an expert on everything going on at Universal Orlando Resort™.
Register Now ➠
ShoreTrips 202 – More Advanced Features
Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
Join ShoreTrips for a more advanced look at sales tools, the checkout process and other features you have access to with ShoreTrips. Regardless if you just refer clients to ShoreTrips and let them book themselves – or if you prefer to be more ‘hands on’ – you will come out of this webinar with more knowledge!
Register Now ➠
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 ➠
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