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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
10 Can't-Miss Things to Do in Hawaii
Writer Paul Theroux famously said that Hawaii is not a state of mind but a state of grace. I’m inclined to agree. From its natural wonders immense in size to its sheer breadth of things to do, there’s a reason that the Aloha State is often the trip of a lifetime, a destination that tops bucket lists and inspires exhaustive research. I’ve done some of the…
— USA Today
Osaka: Why You Should Take Advantage of New British Airways Flights
For some Japanese, the essential difference between Tokyo and Osaka can be summed up in a single fact: residents in the capital stand on the left hand side while travelling on escalators - but Osakans prefer the right. Escalator etiquette may sound like an unlikely (and slightly surreal) cultural indicator, yet it is one example among many that reflects…
— Telegraph (London)
Tours and Activities
Get Up Close to Nature With These 10 Spectacular Animal Experiences
From witnessing a cheetah kill on the vast Serengeti plains, to catching stags rutting in the Scottish Highlands, encounters with animals can be some of the most rewarding experiences around. In honour of World Animal Day (4 October), here are some of the most spectacular ways to see wildlife, from traditional safaris to off-the-beaten-track…
— The Independent
SeaWorld’s Newest Thrill Ride Infinity Falls Gets an Opening Date —Finally
Attention, fun seekers: Start planning your trip to Orlando. Like now. Because the highly anticipated Infinity Falls ride at SeaWorld will open to the public on Oct. 4 at noon, the theme park announced on Friday. The rafting adventure is intended to simulate whitewater rafting through a rain forest, complete with 40-foot plunge over a…
— Miami Herald
Cruise
With Arrival of Norwegian Bliss, Los Angeles Gets Its Biggest Cruise Ship Ever
Los Angeles soon will be home to one of the world's biggest cruise ships. Norwegian Cruise Line's 5-month-old Norwegian Bliss on Friday will begin sailing out of the city after an initial summer based in Seattle. The 4,004-passenger vessel will operate a series of seven- and eight-night voyages from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera…
— USA Today
More Cruise Options Coming to the Great Lakes
A view of the bay soon will feature more floating steel. One passenger vessel, the MS Hamburg, already stops here twice a year, and is scheduled to anchor in Traverse City this fall today and Oct. 15, from 2-7 p.m. Another cruise ship, still under construction, in 2020 will begin stopping in Traverse City twice a year. Those short visits offer local…
— Detroit Free Press
Transportation
It's Not Just Baggage Fees: A Major Airline Just Raised Its Alcohol Prices
American Airlines passengers will pay more for alcohol on flights, starting today. As of Monday, October 1, American has raised the price of beer, wine, and spirits by $1 each on domestic flights. Here is American’s new alcohol pricing for most…
— Time
Airplane Makes Miracle Water Landing After Missing Runway in Micronesia
The Air Niugini flight was carrying 47 passengers when it landed short of a runway and plunged into a lagoon on Friday. A swarm of boats soon surrounded the plane, rescuing everyone…
— NBC
Lodging
The Future of Hotels? Extended-Stay
Hoteliers are increasingly playing the long game. The number of extended-stay luxury hotel rooms are on the rise–increasing 34 percent over the past five years–and occupancy rates are coming back higher than typical rooms at an encouraging 77 percent, according to the Wall Street Journal. Though guests pay a premium for their hotel…
— The Real Deal
Why This "Apart-Hotel" Startup Is Betting $50 Million On Group Travel
They say good things come in groups of traveling millennials. Domio, the vacation rental company, announced last week a $50 million joint venture with private equity firm Upper90 to open a new line of apartment-hotel hybrids, or “apart-hotels.” Domio aims to be the “Airbnb of group travel” by renting out curated vacation apartments to group…
— Forbes
Other and Odd
The Woman Who Ticked: 'I am a terrorist'
The online application asked if she was seeking to or had ever engaged in terrorist activities or genocide. Mandie, from Falkirk, mistakenly answered "yes". The 29-year-old, who was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer in 2015, only realised her error when her application was rejected. It meant she had to postpone a dream break to New York…
— BBC
Being Single Costs £2,049 a Year and Travel is the Main Reason – This Needs to Change
Being single, it seems, is the most indulgent of 21st-century luxuries, a position of envy, privilege… and expense. Earlier this year Good Housekeeping magazine crunched the numbers and put the cost of being single at an additional £2,049 per year, totting up charges including council tax, insurance, holidays and memberships of anything…
— Telegraph (London)
Today in History
Disney World Opens
Walt Disney World Resort opened on this date near Orlando, Florida in 1971. As the largest recreational resort in the world, Walt Disney World Resort now consists of four theme parks, two waterparks and 23 hotels. Walt Disney began looking for an appropriate location as early as…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
‘TRIP of a Lifetime’ October Promotion Gives Potential New Agents Jump Start to Join Growing Industry
FRAMINGHAM, MA, September 28, 2018 – The Travel Institute today announces its TRIP of a Lifetime October promotion for new travel agents, offering substantial tuition assistance savings of nearly 40 percent on its TRIPKit introductory training course bundle. The October promotion also includes additional content further focused on new agent learning and distributed via a dedicated webpage, webinars, and other targeted communications, along with advertising to attract potential new agents and educate the general…
— Travel Research Online
Editorial Musings
More thoughts on surviving 2018 and beyond in the travel industry
by John Frenaye
Monday October 01, 2018
Last week I lis ted 10 tasks/items/points/thoughts I felt were needed to survive and thrive in 2018 and beyond. By point 10, I was running up against a word-maximum and had to stop. For those that know me, it is nearly impossible to get me to stop talking….and I guess it is the same for writing. So, here is my continuation (I promise not as long) from last week of some skills I think you need to master!
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
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Publishers Corner
Venturing Outside the Comfort Zone
by Richard Earls
Sunday September 30, 2018
Over the past c ouple of months I have racked up a serious number of air miles, mostly on domestic carriers. Each trip demonstrated what everyone already knows: the flights are packed to capacity. Fewer flights, tighter schedules, baggage restrictions, and a surlier than usual set of passengers: this, we are told, is the “new normal.”
But not everywhere. Hang with me here, beyond the airline discussion.
I contrast my recent flights on Delta, United, and American, with one I took last year on Thai Airways and another to London on British Air. The seats were comfortable. The flight attendants were friendly and service oriented. The food was well above the average, even in the coach class seats my budget afforded. The entire experience was most pleasant. Smooth as silk, you…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
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Mike's Morning Missives
#1: Eye Contact: A Sign Of Confidence
 For the next eight days I’m going to offer little “stings” of information, which I believe will make all the difference in the world to you and your future.
Most individuals believe they do not have to be reminded of something as simple as looking somebody in the eye. Wrong!
Most individuals think they do this. They don’t. Their eyes wander all over the place during a conversation with just a brief second or two, periodically glancing at their target…
— 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
A Sneak Peek of 2019 with Canada à la Carte
Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at 12 pm EDT/9 am PDT
Join Canada à la Carte’s 2019 Sneak Peek webinar and get an in-depth preview of new vacations available for 2019 travel. From nature and wildlife getaways to coastal and culinary adventures, discover new trips steeped in indelible experiences and how each can be tailored to your client’s tastes and budget. Plus, get advance access to early booking offers for your clients—and qualify for exclusive bonuses for yourself.
Register Now ➠
Discover Peru with Super Value Tours
Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
Super Value Tours, in partnership with the Trade Commission of Peru in Los Angeles, brings you Peru! Travel through the Land of the Incas on October 9th with Super Value Tours’ Nancy Lemus and Elisabeth Hakim from PROMPERU (Peru Tourism Board). As one of the most popular destinations in South America, Peru offers a splendor of activities and sites that will satisfy everyone. From Machu Picchu to the Spanish colonial cities of Lima and Cusco, Peru is a world-class cultural and culinary destination that is truly special. In this webinar series, learn about Super Value Tours’ brilliantly designed Peru program and discover how they balance adventure with high quality experiences for guests.
Register Now ➠
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 ➠
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