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
Best Places to Retire in the Caribbean
More often reserved for vacations than retirement, many Caribbean territories roll out the red carpet for baby boomers ready to rev up their next big adventure. Beyond the perks of warm weather and a closet without winter coats, the islands welcome those exiting the fast track with a laid-back lifestyle, tax incentives, affordable health care…
— USA Today
Silversea Cruise to the Galapagos Islands: Like Nowhere Else on Earth
The vertical wall of Kicker Rock feels close enough to reach out and touch. Ecuadoreans call this eroded volcano towering 140m out of the Pacific Ocean, Leon Dormido or Lion Sleeping. But unlike four of the island group’s 12 volcanos which have erupted during the past decade, Kicker Rock is dormant. Fast asleep. From the top deck…
— Escape
Tours and Activities
A Complete Guide to the Northern Lights
They are one of nature’s most jaw-dropping sights – a spectacular celestial dance across Arctic skies that features on most, if not all, travellers’ bucket lists. But what exactly are the ethereal aurora borealis, and what’s the best way to spot them? As light-hunting season begins, the Royal Astronomical Society’s Ian Ridpath explains everything you need…
— The Independent
Don't You Dare Light Up at Las Vegas' New Cannabis Museum
Inhale — we mean through your nose — in the new marijuana museum in Las Vegas. You won’t smell a thing, even though recreational pot is legal in Nevada. Signs in the elevators at Neonopolis, the downtown entertainment, dining and retail center that’s home to the “immersive” Cannabition museum, make it clear that consumption in public is still against the…
— LA Times
Cruise
Carnival Cruise Line Hikes Prices at Steakhouse Restaurants Across Fleet
It'll cost you more this fall to dine in one of the steakhouses on Carnival Cruise Line's 26 ships. The Miami-based line in recent days has hiked the flat fee it charges for its steakhouse restaurants by nearly 9%. Adult passengers now pay $38 per person at Carnival steakhouses, up from $35. The child rate (for children 11 and under) is now $12, up from $10.…
— USA Today
5 Ways for Adults to Have Fun on a Disney Cruise
The Disney Cruise Line is known for its world-class entertainment and family-friendly atmosphere, but their ships are also a blast for adults. With so many adults-only activities onboard, cruising with Disney has become one of my favorite ways to travel. Each of Disney's four ships has lounges, bars, pools, activities, and experiences that make…
— Insider
Transportation
September Route Roundup: Where Airlines Are Adding (or Cutting) Service
Airlines constantly tweak their schedules, trying to find profitable new routes or pulling the plug on ones that have underperformed. Airports and communities court these new services. There are dozens of changes to airline routes each month. Here's a look at some of the most…
— USA Today
How to Bring Your Drink Through Airport Security
You've been there, right? Ready to breeze through that airport security line, only to remember that bottle of water you stashed in your carry-on to help you get hydrated, pre-flight, but somehow still haven't touched. It gets dumped—along with the dream of not having to pay $8 for a beverage past security. But good news: There's actually a way to bring your…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Lodging
The $29,000 Secret That Makes This Greek Hotel So Instagrammable
On a recent trip to Santorini I was sipping a glass of rosé at Katikies, a swanky boutique hotel, when I glanced down and noticed that my sandal had created an unsightly scuff mark on the pristine white terrace. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to ask my waiter a question I’d been pondering all afternoon. “How often do you paint this place? Is it done once a season,…
— Time
Entire Swiss Village to Become a Hotel
The tiny mountain village of Corippo, arranged higgledy-piggledy on the green slopes of southern Switzerland's Verzasca valley, looks like something out of a fairytale. But here, in what is Switzerland's smallest municipality, the citizens are facing a harsh reality. What was once a thriving farming community of around 300 people has dwindled…
— CNN
Other and Odd
Delta, JetBlue Accused of Getting "Kickbacks" for Selling Travel Insurance
Delta and JetBlue, two of the largest U.S. carriers, are facing separate class actions that accuse them of failing to disclose to consumers that they receive payments from sales of travel cancellation insurance promoted on their websites. According to the nearly identical lawsuits, which were both filed earlier this month by Florida law firm Leon…
— CBS
Shh! Introverts Share Travel Survival Secrets
Travel can be busy, noisy and crowded — a potentially daunting environment for anyone. But if you’re an introvert, it can drain your internal battery. Studies and experts suggest this personality type processes social stimuli differently from extroverts, who don’t mind frequent interaction. Introverts gain energy by reflecting and expend energy when…
— The Landmark
Today in History
Launch of the RMS Queen Mary
From 1934 to 1967, the RMS Queen Mary sailed the North Atlantic Ocean for the Cunard Line. The ship was named for King George V's queen consort. The Queen Mary and her sister ship, the RMS Queen Elizabeth, were pressed into service during World War II…
— Travel Research Online
Point-to-Point
5 Tips on Using Digital Marketing to Grow Your Business
by Geraldine Ree Wednesday September 26, 2018
You have a fant astic idea for starting a Travel business, or shifting your business to focus on a specific travel niche. You imagine hundreds, maybe even thousands of highly satisfied customers working with you!
You begin to write your marketing “to do” list – social media, newsletters, flyers, website etc., and suddenly you feel overwhelmed. There is so much to do! You wish you knew more about, well everything!
Help is here! Here are 5 steps to get you on your…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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Supplier Profile
Taking the Journey with Central Holidays
Central Holidays began its operation in 1972. Since then, they have adapted and evolved with the travel industry throughout the many changes over the years. These 45 years of service in helping the traveler experience the world include travel programs to ever-increasing selection of destinations around the world. The award-winning service of Central Holidays proves the passion and authenticity of how they treat the traveler to amazing experiences.
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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Mike's Morning Missives
Sales, Marketing, Service, and Teamwork
About Marketing
Shrewd marketing starts after the sale is made. Once the sale is completed, many customers suddenly feel they’re not getting the same attention they got when the sales person wanted their business. While marketing to new customers is good business, maintaining current customers is even better business.
About…
— 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

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 ➠
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