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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
Lonely Planet Picks the Top Travel Destinations for 2019
Looking for some inspiration for your next trip? Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2019 names the top 10 countries, cities, regions and best value destinations that Lonely Planet experts recommend travelers experience next year. Click through the gallery above to see the winners in all four categories. To find out more about the winners – and to also…
— USA Today
Where The Independent's Travel Team Are Going Next Year
It's that time of year where publishers, travel agents, tour companies and journalists start making predictions for what's in store for the year ahead. Here, The Independent's travel team has put together its forecast for what will be big in travel in 2019: whether that's a hot new destination, a must-do journey or a trend that you need to know…
— The Independent
Tours and Activities
In Zambia, Groaning Hippos, Growling Leopards and Mango-Stealing Elephants
Word had begun to spread throughout South Luangwa National Park in east Zambia: A male leopard had killed an aardvark and dragged the carcass up a tree. My guide, Abraham Banda of Norman Carr Safaris, shook his head when he heard. Aardvarks, he explained, are an incredibly elusive animal. They are nocturnal and spend most of their lives…
— New York Times
Take the kids to...Legoland Discovery Centre, Birmingham
The latest UK collaboration between global heavyweights Merlin Entertainments and the Lego Group recently opened in Birmingham city centre (in a former car park) at a cost of £7m. It’s an indoor (more compact) version of a Legoland theme park: imagine a giant playschool designed by a creative, six-year-old Lego…
— The Guardian
Cruise
Cruise ship tours: Inside Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line's Grand Celebration
Thinking about a quick getaway to the Bahamas? Our latest Cruise Ship Tour offers a deck-by-deck look at one of two cruise vessels operating super-short, two-day trips to the island nation from Florida: The 1,486-passenger Grand Celebration. Operated by three-year-old Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, the former Carnival Cruise Line ship sails from…
— USA Today
European Cruise Line MSC Cruises Sailing Into Luxury with Four New Ships
Cruisers seeking a luxury experience are about to have even more options. MSC Cruises announced Thursday it will roll out four new 1,000-passenger ships aimed at the luxury market. The first will launch in 2023. The expansion will bring MSC’s total fleet to 29 ships by 2027. The move comes as the cruise line seeks to increase its presence in…
— Miami Herald
Transportation
Higher Costs are Killing Airlines in Europe
Europe's largest airline is expecting to emerge from the holiday travel season with fewer competitors.
Dublin-based Ryanair said Monday that it is "inevitable" that weaker budget airlines will fold over the coming months as costs rise. "We think it's certain," said Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary. "There will be more and larger failures this…
— CNN
This Airline Will Take You to New Year's Eve Celebrations in Tokyo and Las Vegas in One Night
A New Year’s Eve countdown can be so exciting. But then it’s 3, 2, 1, happy new year, and it’s all over. Don't you ever wish you could celebrate that magical moment just one more time before officially starting the new year? If you’re in the right spot, you actually can. Crystal AirCruises, a luxury airline, is offering an exclusive New Year’s Eve package…
— Travel+Leisure
Lodging
Tented Camps are Fast Becoming the World's Best Resorts
At one point in the mid-2010s, "glamping" became a four-letter word. A sudden boom in upscale tented accommodations-which ultimately felt neither glamorous nor like camping-saw the trend go from boom to bust as quickly as spaghetti donuts and ramen burgers. But now, glamping is back, and the glamour factor is through the…
— Chicago Tribune
Nine Hotel Openings to Look Out for in the Coming Year
Richard Branson comes to San Francisco, Rosewood raises the luxury stakes in Hong Kong, Nobu makes its long-awaited debut in Cabo San Lucas and the Shinola empire continues its brand extension in Detroit. These are among the more intriguing hotel openings scheduled for the end of 2018 and the first half of…
— New York Times
Other and Odd
How I Learned to Relax and Vacation Like a Grown-Up
You're not a 22-year-old anymore — why travel like one? In the third installment of a new series about travel gone wrong, Travel & Outdoors Editor Megan Burbank describes the bittersweet reality of adapting her vacation style to her grown-up…
— Seattle Times
China Opens World's Longest Sea-Crossing Bridge Linking Hong Kong to Mainland
China on Tuesday opened the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge linking Hong Kong to the mainland, a feat of engineering carrying immense economic and political significance. Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over a ceremony in the city of Zhuhai to open the 55-kilometre (34-mile)-long bridge linking it to the semi-autonomous…
— Vancouver Sun
Today in History
1st Parliament of Great Britain
The first Parliament of the Kingdom of Great Britain was held on October 23, 1707. Evolving from the merger of the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland, the existing members of the English House of Commons became the British House of Commons along with 61 Scottish Counterparts appointed by Scotland.…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
American Cruise Lines Has Done it Again! 1st Modern Riverboat in the U.S. Concludes Inaugural Cruise on Mississippi…Here’s A Peek at What They Did
GUILFORD, CT—October 22, 2018—Brand new riverboat, American Song, arrived to a warm Southern welcome in Memphis on Friday, October 12th after a week’s long inaugural cruise up the Mississippi from New Orleans, stopping at Oak Alley, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, Natchez, and Vicksburg. Guests were buzzing with excitement as they came ashore at the…
— Travel Research Online
Outposts
Nouméa with Aircalin
by Joseph DeLoach
Tuesday October 23, 2018
Off the east co ast of Australia is the city of Nouméa, the capital and largest city of the French special collectivity known as New Caledonia. The city is known for its crystal-clear waters and colorful coral that is accessible just off the coastline. While beaches and relaxation will lure the traveler to Nouméa, there are plenty of other activities and sites as well. Thanks to Aircalin, the sponsor of today’s article this Pacific island city with a French feel.
Nouméa is on the south end of New Caledonia’s main island, Grand Terre. The city overlooks a deep-water harbor that is the primary port of the country, giving a great ocean views from most of the city. In…
— Travel Research Online
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Mike's Morning Missives
Has The World Lost Its Touch?
 Technology makes it easy to speed through (and around) sincerity. Be warned. I can tell when I am number 345 on your database even though you launch into your message with, “Hi Mike!”
Please don’t get me wrong. I have all the toys and I love playing with them. I am the first one to check my emails while exiting an airplane and sending the latest gizmo whammy by FTP up to my website. But, after reading this article again, I also think that I am going to sit right down and write somebody a letter, with a pen…on paper, and stick it in an envelope…and write from my heart…and lick the stamp myself.
I bet that it will take more time than I am used 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
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 ➠
Top Travel Trends and Great Escapes to Africa
Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
You are invited to join the experts at South African Airways and a2b Destination Marketing and learn about the best way to fly to Africa and how to experience some of the most iconic properties in South Africa.
Register Now ➠
Discover Aboriginal Australia with Down Under Answers – a cultural journey
Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
When people are asked why they travel internationally, one of the most common responses is to learn about the people!!
Register Now ➠
Perillo's Learning Journeys - 2019 Products and Blue Ocean Strategy-Grow Your Business
Monday, October 29, 2018 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
Join Professor Carol Dimopoulos on an unforgettable professional development webinar. Learn about the 2019 Learning Journeys portfolio and the "Blue Ocean" strategy to develop skills to attract new business and grow market segments for groups and independent travelers.
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 ➠
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