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
Qatar Launches First Global Destination Campaign
Qatar has launched its first global destination campaign aimed at positioning the Arabian Gulf country as an attractive destination for authentic and bespoke experiences. Under the tagline Qatar ‘Qurated For You’, the campaign seeks to…
— Breaking Travel News
Best Places to Travel in 2019
The world's most exciting destinations for the year ahead. From Mexico City to China and up to Greenland, National Geographic's Best Place of 2019 is a list keep in mind with traveling in…
— National Geographic
Tours and Activities
Tanzanian Tour Operators Give Up Hope
Tour operators in Tanzania are losing hope on the government’s delay to enforce the import duty exemptions on tourist vehicles as the clock ticks towards the onset of the high tourism season. During the 2018/19-budget session, Parliament amended the East…
— IOL Travel
Geographic Expeditions (GeoEx) Launches Its First All-Women's Group Tour
Trailblazing travel company Geographic Expeditions (GeoEx), which has spearheaded group travel to Tibet, Iran, Bhutan, Patagonia, and numerous other destinations, is offering its first women-only tour, a 13-day exploration of Egypt from Cairo to…
— PR Underground
Cruise
Douglas Ward on the World's Best Cruise Ships
Thinking of taking a cruise? Talk to a travel agent or travel planner by all means. But plan to spend a few evening immersed in the bible of the cruise industry, Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships, published by Insight Guides and written by Douglas…
— Forbes
Celebrity Edge Cruise Ship Suites and Cabins in Photos
The first new Celebrity Cruises ship in six years, Celebrity Edge, offers an array of upscale suites. The most luxurious accommodations on Celebrity Edge are its two Iconic Suites, which are located at the top of the ship and measure more than 2,500 sq. feet…
— USA Today
Transportation
Long Layover? These Airlines Have Discounted or Free Transit Hotel Stays
It's not uncommon to have a long layover when making your way to your final travel destination —especially if you'll be traveling a good distance on your journey. When your layover is more than just a few hours, you may want to consider leaving the…
— Forbes
Winter Storm Brings Heavy Snow to Midwest, Causing Major Travel Delays
A winter storm causing chaos on a busy travel weekend brought more high winds, snow and rain Monday as it pushed from the Midwest toward the Great Lakes and into the northeast US. More than 1,300 flights within, into or out of the US were canceled…
— CNN
Lodging
Airport Hotels Go Glam
In recent years, several properties have opened at airports around the globe with attractive amenities, sleek design and tasty food. They’re welcoming hotels for travelers to spend a night or even a multiday layover. “The old stereotype used to be that airport…
— New York Times
Best Hotels in the World That Are Surprisingly Cheap
There’s a common misconception that you have to pay top dollar to get the best. Sure, some luxury properties cost a pretty penny for the level of service you receive, but you could be surprised by just how many actually are affordable. A tiny budget doesn’t…
— USA Today
Other and Odd
How to Protect Your Travel Rewards From Being Stolen
Stolen travel rewards are a hot commodity on the darknet. Hackers typically steal points by obtaining a traveler’s login credentials through phishing and data servers. While all of it might seem a little far-fetched for the average internet-browsing…
— nerdwallet
The Ten Best Books About Travel of 2018
Visiting a locale in person is the single best way to experience a place and its people. The second best way: Reading a book about it. Luckily, this year there was no shortage of engaging books exploring every corner of the globe, from Canada to France to our home turf…
— Smithsonian.com
Today in History
Pope Urban II Launches First Crusade
On this day in 1095, Catholic Pope Urban II launched the First Crusade to reclaim the Holy Lands, and in particular Jerusalem, for the Christians. The motivations for the Crusades were multi-faceted: though often attributed to religious zeal, the Crusades were also ordered in part to quell in the unruly warrior class in Europe, who…
— Travel Research Online
60-Second Geography
The Eternal Beauty of Petra
by Joseph DeLoach Tuesday November 27, 2018
Out in the wide expanse of Jordan’s terrain is a city that was once lost to time. A city cut from the stone face of a deep and winding valley, Petra is a magnificent example of human ingenuity. Journeying through the rose-colored rock that surrounds and comprises the ancient city is a walk through the history of humankind. Considered to be one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and a UNESCO World heritage Site since 1985, Petra is for the adventurous that wish to have life-long memories of another world. Thanks to G Adventures, we’ll learn all about it in today’s 60-Second…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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Outposts
The Paths of Limburg in Belgium
by Joseph DeLoach Tuesday November 27, 2018
The Limburg reg ion is a peaceful area that spans across the borders of Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium. It is a place of calm and peaceful atmosphere, stone bridges that lead into historic cities, and rolling greens surrounding old villages. The Limburg region of Flanders has the some of the most scenic and safe rides in the world, whether it be for leisure or sport cycling.
The cycling routes around Limburg run almost 2,000 km, or 1,243 miles, of safe and well-marked paths. The traveler has many choices when planning to do any of the various routes that make up the journey. They can bring their own bike, pedaling the miles away in comfort. They can rent a well-maintained…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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Mike's Morning Missives
Accepting Responsibility
When I read this quote, I immediately recalled a passage from the movie actor and producer Woody Allen who once said that he had accomplished many fine things in his life but managed to come up short on a number of occasions. What he failed to accomplish was nobody’s fault but his own.
According to him, Woody was given every opportunity to do more with his life, but he can’t blame anybody but himself for his shortcomings.
“There is no tougher challenge than to accept personal responsibility for not only what we are, but also what we can be.” - David…
— 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

What’s New with Emerald Waterways for 2019
Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 4 pm EST/1 pm PST
Experience Exceptional Emerald Value with one of Europe’s newest and best-designed river cruise fleets. Emerald Waterways, voted ‘Best Value for Money’ by the discerning editors at Cruise Critic three years in a row, features all meals, complimentary beer and wine with lunch and dinner, a shore excursion almost every day, exceptional service from English-speaking crew, airport transfers, and all gratuities – all included in the price. Our Star-Ships are praised for their striking design, innovative amenities and contemporary approach to European river cruising. Join us for an Overview and Update on 2019 itineraries and hear about available special offers.
Register Now ➠

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 ➠
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