|
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 Destinations to Visit for a Warm Christmas
NOLA heats up the season for a Cajun Christmas that’s not too hot, not too cold. Throughout December, check out free Christmas New Orleans Style concerts in the historic St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square; then join the carolers in the square for a massive singalong the Sunday before Christmas. On Christmas Eve, a centuries-old tradition of…
— Reader's Digest
Snowboarding in Serbia: Deep Powder for Those Without Deep Pockets
I’m in a snowy forest, surrounded by spruce and fir trees, with branches so laden with snow that every now and then I can hear a faint pfff as the limb gives way and the powder falls to the ground. In spite of the heavy snowfall, the piste I’m snowboarding on, which cuts right through this magical forest, is perfectly groomed. This is Kopaonik, Serbia’s…
— The Guardian
Tours and Activities
First Look INSIDE the Millenium Falcon Ride Coming to Star Wars Land at Disney World
STAR WARS fans looking forward to the new themed lands at Disney World and Disneyland next year will be chomping at the bit after checking out their new videos inside the rides. The theme parks have released two clips showing what it will be like for guests to ride the Millennium Falcon and battle with the First…
— The Irish Sun
16 Festive Train Rides You Can Take For the Holidays
Taking a train ride with Santa and his helpers or scoping out magnificent winter scenery can make for a festive way to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you're a family looking for a playful way to provide children with holiday memories they won’t forget, or adults in search of magnificent ice adventures and mesmerizing views coupled with…
— Travel+Leisure
Cruise
Can Cruise Ships Be Powered With Dead Fish? Norwegian Line Hurtigruten is Betting On It
A cruise line based in Norway just announced it soon would power some of its ships with dead fish. And, no, it wasn't joking. Tromso, Norway-based Hurtigruten on Monday said it would become the first cruise operator in the world to power vessels using liquified biogas (LBG), a fossil-free, renewable fuel produced from dead fish and other organic…
— USA Today
Black Friday & Cyber Monday Cruise Deals 2018
It's the "most wonderful time of the year" for many reasons, but for cruisers in the know, the period surrounding Black Friday and Cyber Monday is one of the most fruitful times to find sales and perks on all your favorite cruise lines. This week, be thankful for friends, family, health and if a great cruise deal finds its way into the mix -- well, all the…
— CruiseCritic.com
Transportation
Airport WiFi Is Safe, Plus Travel Scoops You May Have Missed
It’s a short holiday week, which means we’ve got to mix it up. This week, we’re thankful for you, dear readers, who follow us through the strange vicissitudes of the car business. You are curious; you are tolerant; you are mostly kind, at least on Twitter. So please be gentle with me as I introduce the theme of this car roundup, which is holiday plane…
— Wired
Instagram Post That Got This Passenger in Trouble
A frequent flyer says he was bullied by Malaysia Airlines crew mid-air after he slammed the “horror” flight in an online review posted during the journey. But the passenger, who is an award-winning travel blogger who shares airline reviews with his 53,000 YouTube subscribers, has released a video explaining his “horror flight”, despite what he…
— news.com.au
Lodging
How Increased Air Travel is Fueling the Hotel Industry
Worldwide, the hotel industry relies on the airline industry to literally carry its demand. Sure, there are drive markets with little reliance on airlift, but the vast majority of the industry depends on guests arriving via airplane. Following the inception of commercial flight back in 1914, it required more than 75 years for annual air passenger volume to hit the…
— Hotel Management
Israel Retaliates After Airbnb Removes Settlement Rentals
Israel said Tuesday it would slap high taxes on vacation rental company Airbnb and encourage legal steps against the site over its decision to ban listings from West Bank settlements. The threats of sanctions ramp up Israel’s fight against a global movement advocating for boycotts over the country’s treatment of the Palestinians. The Boycott,…
— Time
Other and Odd
Hanoi's 'Train Street' Becomes Selfie Central
Gone are the days when polite travelers would avoid walking in front of people so as not to get in their vacation snap -- now, it's all about not walking behind people to ruin their selfies. Few places have selfie culture more on display than Hanoi, Vietnam, where the mix of old and new provides a fascinating photo backdrop for visitors. Hanoi's "selfie street"…
— CNN
We’re Stuck! A Not-So-Festive Look at an Enduring Travel Tradition
Late one night, in the early part of each November, there occurs an annual phantom hour. It creeps into the deserted region from 1 to 2 in the morning, and then vanishes, leaving everything changed. From this moment, 50 degrees is warm, not cold. Sunsets are confined to the realm of memory. Conclaves of blood-red cardinals congregate on…
— New York Times
Today in History
Bloody Sunday
One of the seminal events in the Irish fight with the UK for independence took place on this day in 1920. The Irish Republican Army's Chief of Intelligence Michael Collins devised a plan for the assassination of 35 British intelligence agents in Dublin. At an appointed time on the morning of November 21, 1920, squads of IRA hit men opened fire in eight different…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
American Harmony, 2nd Modern Riverboat Launched 4 Weeks Ahead of Schedule
Guilford, CT—November 20, 2018—American Cruise Lines announced today that it successfully launched its 2nd new modern riverboat American Harmony at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, MD, on Saturday, November 17th. American Harmony is the 2nd modern riverboat in the U.S. and the 2nd of 5 planned ships in American’s revolutionary new series. The 1st ship in the series, American Song, began cruising a sold out inaugural season on the Mississippi this October 2018 and was the first modern riverboat in U.S. history. American Harmony is 4 weeks ahead of schedule and was launched exactly one year to the day of its sister ship American Song. Construction has also begun on the 3rd ship in the modern riverboat…
— Travel Research Online
Supplier Profile
Get The Best In Payment Processing With National Transaction Corporation
 Traditionally, travel-related merchants have a difficult time obtaining merchant accounts. National Transaction Corporation (NTC) is a full service merchant account provider with extensive experience in the travel arena and related markets, servicing thousands of travel-related merchant accounts by specializing in non-cash electronic transactions. Our services include processing credit card transactions, gift card transactions, and e-commerce transactions, among others. We offer a full line of products including credit card terminals, cellular devices, supplies, and accessories…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
|
Mike's Morning Missives
Live for Productivity
 I am certain of one thing when it comes to rendering travel services to the general public, although you can try to be many things to many people, you can’t be all things to all people. This is particularly true if you have any intention of accomplishing your financial goals.
I bet you are already as busy as a 1-armed paperhanger, and you do not have enough hours in the day to complete all the tasks on your to-do list. You did not invent this conundrum, but you do have to find a way to deal with it.
“Productivity isn’t about being a workhorse, keeping busy or burning the midnight oil… It’s more about priorities, planning, and fiercely protecting your time.” - Gary…
— 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
The Best Rail Vacations of 2018
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 3 pm EST/12 pm PST
Take a look back at the top destinations, trains and experiences of 2018 with Vacations By Rail. This educational discussion includes an overview of the iconic trains that make each rail journey unique, from the scenic routes to the onboard experiences and amenities.
Register Now ➠
Go Luxury in China and Asia
Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST
Let us introduce you to new luxury products in China and Asia. The word of luxury (it may be cliche) has always been widely used in our industry.... Here's a definition of luxury that sounds much better according to Merriam- Webster Dictionary: a condition or situation of great comfort, ease, and wealth.
Register Now ➠
Advantage with WINGS
Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST
If you haven’t been using WINGS to manage your bookings, you’re working a lot harder than you need to. Learn exactly how the new WINGS booking engine makes your job easier by putting everything you need at your finger tips:
Register Now ➠
How You can Achieve Sales Success in 30 days or Less!
Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST
If I told you that you can build a successful travel career…with little or no marketing expense, would you be interested?
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
|
|
