|
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
Boracay Island Re-opens With Bans on Eating, Drinking and Swimming on the Beach
BORACAY has re-opened to the public after it was forced to close due to the high levels of sewage and damage that was ruining it. The six-month clean-up has led to a number of new rules for tourists to follow. The famous Boracay island has opened once more for tourists visiting the…
— Express
Why East Africa Should Be Your Next Winter Holiday Hotspot
he opening of the Zuri Zanzibar resort, at the undeveloped north-western tip of Zanzibar, promises to raise standards of luxury in the Tanzanian archipelago closer to those found elsewhere in the Indian Ocean, thanks to Václav Dejčmar. The Czech…
— Telegraph (London)
Tours and Activities
Six Flags: New Roller Coasters, Thrill Rides Announced for 2019
When you think of Six Flags, chances are you think of thrills. That’s because the amusement park chain has built its reputation on scaring the bejeezus out of anyone who dares to brave its roller coasters and other rides. For 2019, Six Flags will burnish its reputation…
— USA Today
Inside the Magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort
The magical adventures of Harry Potter first arrived in a series of popular novels by J.K. Rowling in 1997 and were followed by 8 motion pictures from Warner Brothers (2001-2011). Universal Studios added this wonderful Wizarding World to their Orlando, FL, theme parks in…
— Inside the Magic
Cruise
Disney Cruise Line Awaits Decision on Second Bahamas Destination
Disney Cruise Line’s planned growth in the next five years includes a new destination in the Bahamas, and the country’s government is set to make a decision this week on whether or not to move forward. The location is a 700-acre privately owned property…
— Orlando Sentinel
Carnival Cruise Line Plans Massive Makeover of 18-year-old Carnival Victory
Another Carnival cruise ship designed in the 1990s is about to be reborn. The 2,758-passenger Carnival Victory in 2020 will undergo a makeover so big the line plans to rechristen the vessel with a new name: Carnival Radiance. To be announced on…
— USA Today
Transportation
JetBlue Will Send You on a Free Trip to a Surprise Destination to Volunteer This November
JetBlue is offering a free trip to 50 travelers and their companions in exchange for volunteer work. Continuing its #CheckInForGood campaign from 2017, the airline will send the winners on an all-expenses-paid trip for three days as part of its November “JetBlue for Good…
— Travel+Leisure
Can You Gift Airline Miles to Someone Else?
You work hard to earn airline miles, but if you don't use them fast enough, they might expire or devalue. Or, maybe you want to help a friend fly for free with your miles. Here lies the question. Can you gift airline miles? In many cases, yes. But, the answer isn't always…
— Forbes
Lodging
Foreign Hotel Rates From Online Travel Sites Can Be Misleading And Wrong
I am often overseas, so getting the best hotel pricing becomes important for my clients, especially during high seasons. I usually book through an online travel site if the hotel is not part of an international group such as Marriott or Radisson and I routinely use Expedia because of…
— Forbes
Airbnb Bill May Limit Short-term Rentals in U.S. Capital
Short-term rentals of Jackie Howard’s two-bedroom home near major tourist attractions in Washington, D.C. have helped her family pay for everything from plumbing emergencies to braces for her daughter. After Tuesday, when the district council is…
— Reuters
Other and Odd
5 top Travel Trends in 2018
In ancient times, people traveled for subsistence, religious missions, to trade goods, and to explore new frontiers. In the late 16th century, it was important for young aristocrats and the wealthy to travel to the important cities in Europe while finishing their…
— Sonoran News
The Not-So-Glamourous Side of Solo Travel
We've said it once, and we'll say it again (and again): Solo travel is one of the most empowering ways to explore our world. You get to do what you want when you want to; you can secure a spot at some of world's best restaurants with ease (thanks to that solo seat at the…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Today in History
Marie Antoinette is Executed
At the height of the French Revolution, King Louis XVI and his Queen Marie Antoinette were imprisoned and deposed. No longer referred to by their royal titles, they became the "Carpets" a non-royal designation of their family name. At the age of 38 years, the former King was the first to go as he was tried for crimes against the French people and executed on January 21,…
— Travel Research Online
60-Second Geography
Bariloche with Aerolineas Argentinas
by Joseph DeLoach
Tuesday October 16, 2018
San Carlos de B ariloche, otherwise known simply as Bariloche, is a medium-sized city at the foot of the Andes Mountains in Argentina. Though the sight of the Andes is enough to excite the traveler with trekking and skiing opportunities, Lago Nahuel Huapi and the national forest in the area around Bariloche add to that. That’s why this edition of 60-Second Geography is brought you by Aerolineas Argentinas, Argentina’s largest airline and flag carrier — they’ll get the traveler to this land as one of only four airlines that travel to…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
|
Outposts
Córdoba with Back-Roads Touring
by Joseph DeLoach
Tuesday October 16, 2018
Once considered to be the cultural center and capital of Islamic Spain, Córdoba lies between the southern tip of Spain and Madrid in an autonomous area known as Andalusia. The city has well-preserved landmarks that have lasted throughout history and time, showcasing the many roles Córdoba has served. Thanks to Back-Roads Touring, today’s Outpost will dive into this diverse city and the features that make it a wonder for the traveler to visit.
Throughout history, Córdoba has been settled by Muslims, Romans, and Spanish cultures. Its close proximity to northern Africa makes for a cultural blend that lasts to this day. This is not only evident in historical texts and timelines, but in the architecture as well—particularly the Old City. The Old City, in the…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
|
Mike's Morning Missives
Make This Month Count
 Don’t give me that again. Don’t tell me how next month is going to be different. I’ve heard it all before. You’ve heard it all before. I’ve said it all before, and so have you.
Next month blah, blah, blah. But, what if…
What if, this month, we mean what we say? What if this month proves to be the pivotal month: the month we turn our business around and reach that elusive spot in the winner’s circle?…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
|
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
Explore the wildlife of Patagonia with Australis on a journey to
Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST
Set sail with Australis Cruises on a journey of discovery and learn about the wildlife that inhabits this region. Find out why your nature-loving clients should consider a journey with us. Patagonia is perfect for anyone interested in seeing landscapes and habitats largely untouched by man for thousands of years. With a huge variety of birds, sea life and more this region is sure to please wildlife lovers and bird watchers alike. Australis delivers our guests to even more via the pristine and remote waterways of the Patagonian Fjords. Otherwise inaccessible by most other methods, our custom built ships are designed to navigate these areas in safety and comfort. Our all-inclusive rates include meals, open bar and excursions allowing you to get up close and personal with our landscapes with tremendous value.
Register Now ➠
Scenic Eclipse, the World’s First Discovery Yacht
Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
Scenic Eclipse, the World’s First Discovery Yachts, launching in January 2018, has captured the imagination of cruise fans everywhere. The “6-star” luxury mega yachts, carrying just 228 guests, (200 in the polar regions) marries luxury, discovery and safety. The ships intimate size allows for docking in smaller ports; its GPS dynamic position technology allows it to ‘anchor’ in areas where the use of a real anchor would make it off-limits and its innovative zero-speed stabilizer fins are 50% larger and provide even greater stability.
Register Now ➠
ARGENTINA FOOD WINE COUNTRYSIDE
Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Hosted by: Mercedes Bassi “Wine & Gastronomy” coordinator and Ariel Cohen, National Institute of Tourism Promotion, and Aerolineas Argentinas.
Register Now ➠
The Art cities in Flanders-Belgium
Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
Flanders, the northern Dutch speaking part of Belgium, continues to surprise visitors with its wide array of culture, gastronomy, cycling and lifestyle & fashion opportunities. Join us for this webinar to learn more about the six major art cities where visitors can have these unique travel experiences: Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, Mechelen and Leuven. Learn why each city is different and find out about the highlights in 2019.
Register Now ➠
Experience the mystical magic of the ‘Happiest Country on Earth’
Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
Experience the mystical magic of the ‘Happiest Country on Earth’ with Drukair Royal Bhutan Airlines & Drukair Holidays.
Register Now ➠
|
|
|
Use TRO every day to find travel guides, e-postcards, and other resources you can personalize and send to your clients.
|
TRO Travel Specials
|
|
get or Mary...or whoever is reading this,