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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
The 52 Places Traveler: Two Versions of the Slow Life in Central and Southern Italy
“You know the word decumano?” asked Armando Comi, a friend of a friend I had just met at a small bistro near his apartment in Bologna’s medieval city center. In an ancient Roman city like this one, he explained as we downed Campari and sodas, a decumano (Decumanus Maximus in Latin) was the most important street, where all business took place. In the daytime, at…
— New York Times
Paris of the East? Athens of the North? The Cities With Ideas Above Their Station
Not every destination can be a Venice, Paris or Rome. The next best thing? Add a suffix that describes your global location and hope it takes off. Here we look at some of the most ambitious - and ludicrous - alternatives to the greatest cities in Europe.…
— Telegraph (London)
Tours and Activities
This is What It's like to Be a Scare Actor at a Halloween Horror Night at Universal Orlando
“Fangs or no fangs?” ponders Nix, the make-up artist who’s just fitted my prosthetic, bulging brow. I’m backstage at Universal Orlando, one hour into a fake blood-splattered make-up session that will transform me into a vampire. I’m here because I’ve been given special permission, for one night only, to take on the role of the park’s terrifying scare…
— The Independent
Why Santorini Urgently Needs a Sustainable Tourism Plan
Europe is the undisputed travel ‘destination of choice’ in the world. Almost half of all global travel is destined for Europe and a number of its countries have the highest number of annual visitors in the world. All indicators show that this trend is only going to increase and in some cases at alarming rates. Europe is like a living museum and its many historic and culturally…
— Greek Reporter
Cruise
USA TODAY Picks: The 10 Most Spectacular Cruise Ship Suites
One of the biggest stories in the cruise world in recent years has been the arrival of a new generation of unprecedented, over-the-top suites on ships: Big, bold and beautiful cabins that can cost tens of thousands of dollars per voyage. Just how over-the-top are they? Scroll through the carousel above to see for yourself. We've assembled our picks of the 10 most spectacular suites at…
— USA Today
How to Get the Best Out of Cruising: Top Tips From a Cruise Expert
Here’s what I’ve learnt after more than 400 days on the world’s oceans and rivers on huge, medium and small boutique ships, from mainstream to ultra-luxe. Book early for discounts – cruise lines love having cabins booked and paid for a year in advance. Or book late for last-minute deals to fill empty spaces. Check for packages which include airfares, a hotel night…
— Escape
Transportation
Nordic Budget Airline Primera Air Has Collapsed - Another Blow for the Struggling Sector
Nordic budget airline Primera Air has become the latest European carrier to go bust, saying all flights were being halted and stranding thousands of passengers. "On this sad day we are saying goodbye to all of you," the airline wrote in a note on its website dated September 30. Here's the…
— Business Insider
Years After Airline Mergers, Flight Attendants Are Finally Flying Together
Some mergers take years to complete. Just ask a flight attendant. Travelers may not have noticed but in the eight years since United and Continental merged to form United Continental Holdings, the parent company of United Airlines, flight attendants from both carriers had been working separately. After a new contract, and scheduling system changes, the some…
— CNBC
Lodging
Rooms With New Views: Hotels Try Their Hand in Home-sharing
Travelers sometimes want a cookie-cutter room in a downtown hotel, and they sometimes want a cozy Tuscan farmhouse to share with friends. Hotels have always been good at providing the first one. Now, they're trying to figure out how to provide the second — and blunt the growth of competitors like Airbnb. But they're having mixed…
— AJC.com
Airbnb Says D.C. Bill Would Restrict It More Than Anywhere Except New York and San Francisco
Airbnb lashed out at a proposed bill to curtail short-term D.C. rentals Monday, saying it would cost property owners tens of millions of dollars in lost income and give Washington the most restrictive legislation of any major U.S. city except New York and San Francisco. Council member Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), whose Capitol Hill district includes large numbers of Airbnb…
— The Washington Post
Other and Odd
How to Improve Your Travel Literacy
Now that vacation season is over, it’s time to start thinking about ways to improve your travel literacy — loosely defined as your ability to get around without looking like a clueless tourist — before your next trip. “Travelers want to arm themselves with the skills to keep themselves safe in unknown destinations,” says Hailey Benton of Global Travel Academy, a site that…
— Seattle Times
How to Budget for Your Dream Vacation
Your two podcast hosts aren't exactly prime candidates for financial inspiration. We put everything on our credit cards (which aren't Chase Sapphire Reserve), don't do a very good job of budgeting (those souvenirs were just too good to be left behind), and somehow manage to have enough left over for New York City rent (the money fairies are looking out for us…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Today in History
Peanuts
On October 2, 1950 seven newspapers, including the Seattle Times, the Washington Post and the Chicago Tribune ran the very first Peanuts comic strip written and illustrated by Charles M. Schulz. The strip and its associated books, merchandise and television specials earned its creator…
— Travel Research Online
60-Second Geography
Ashdod and Israel with Celestyal Cruises
by Joseph DeLoach
Tuesday October 02, 2018
Ashdod has been a major port since before the existence of Israel. Modern Ashdod was established in 1956. It is known as a historical, and modern, port. Though, most travelers will know it for its white-sand beaches and captivating culture. Today’s 60-Second Geography, thanks to Celestyal Cruises, will cover Ashdod and nearby cities; focusing on the best of Israel’s travel…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
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Outposts
Adventuring the Atacama With Marnella
by Joseph DeLoach
Tuesday October 02, 2018
Atacama desert  is the driest desert on Earth. But, don’t let this turn you away from its stunning beauty and stillness. It is a place for adventurers, with many activities and sites: trekking, climbing, archaeological sightings, amateur astronomy, to even sand boarding down magnificent dunes—Marnella wants to show you the majesty of the Atacama Desert.
The Atacama desert, Desierto de Atacama in Spanish, is a plateau in South America, along the Pacific coast of Chile. It is the driest desert in the world with 1 mm of rain per year, and occupies 41,000 sq mi (105,000 km2). Within this area, a plateau covers 600 sq. mi (1,000 km). The terrain varies, and includes stony grounds, salt lakes, sand, and felsic lava from ancient volcanoes.
— Travel Research Online
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Mike's Morning Missives
#2: Repetition Works
 I have often reminded you that visibility is perhaps one of your major concerns. People can’t possibly decide to work with you if they do not know you are alive. Tell them once, and they will soon forget. You must devise a plan to remind them on a regular basis.
But you must be careful not to cross the line and become obnoxious. Your audience is just as busy as you are and they too have much on their to-do lists. Becoming a pain in the neck (even a mild one) is not in your best interest.
The secret is to remain visible over time as you continue to offer value to your prospects and customers. If you continue to give them information that is useful to…
— 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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