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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
Japan Offers Lessons in Eating, Walking and Bridging the Distance
They looked so innocent: planks of wood that attached to my feet with cloth thongs, like flip-flops. But their contact surface with the ground was two blocks of wood, neither of which was under the toe. I pitched forward with each step and felt like I might launch face first into the ground. I had spent some 39 years of my life believing I knew how to…
— New York Times
10 Overseas Surf Trips that Aussies love
When it comes to beaches, in Australia we’re blessed with waves and beauty (and a climate hard to top). There’s the wild, rugged coastline of Margaret River, the famous peaks of Bells Beach and the longboarder dreamscape that is The Pass in Byron Bay. Manly in Sydney, Burleigh to Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast, and Noosa have even been…
— Escape
Tours and Activities
Vacations in Italy: Cooking Under the Tuscan Sun
We are on the terrace of Hotel La Costa in the 13th century hilltop village of Montefollonico, situated about 100 kilometres south of of Florence. George, along with his wife Linda and their daughter Whitney, are our wonderful hosts of Cook in Tuscany, a week of gourmet cooking classes run by local women, fine dining and excursions. We step inside…
— Vancouver Sun
The Pyramids Of Giza, Valley Of The Kings And The Nile: Egypt Is On Everyone's Mind For 2019
The Valley of the Kings has long been a place I’ve been fascinated by. I mean…mummies! And pharaohs! And gold! And curses! Oh my! Basically, I’ve wanted to visit Egypt for as long as I can remember. But today’s Egypt is a far cry from the Egypt I grew up dreaming about. Revolutions and continued political unrest along with terrorist attacks targeting…
— Forbes
Cruise
Captain Of His Destiny: The Man Who Has Lived On A Cruise Ship For 13 Years
Most guests on Seven Seas Navigator may not find anything unusual about the distinguished-looking man who eats alone every day, at lunch and dinner, at the same corner table of the Compass Rose dining room. But when I learned that this passenger—whom the crew deferentially refers to as the “Captain”—has been residing on this same ship for…
— Forbes
Adults-Only Virgin Isn’t a ‘Typical’ Cruise Line. Neither is Its New Miami Terminal.
Miami is becoming Virgin territory. Just days after the British company announced it was investing in Brightline’s rail service (and renaming it Virgin Trains), Sir Richard Branson himself came to town to unveil a palm-tree inspired design for a Virgin Voyages cruise terminal at PortMiami. And oh yes — the flamboyant entrepreneur also also let it slip that a…
— Miami Herald
Transportation
United Launches New 'Premium Economy' Class Between Coach and Business for Long Flights
Don't want to shell out $7,000 for business class but fretting spending a 16-hour flight crammed in coach? United Airlines is rolling out a new class of service for travelers looking for something between the two extremes on some of its longest international flights. United started selling seats in so-called premium economy class on Monday. Travelers…
— CNBC
New rule requires airlines to report number of lost bags, broken wheelchairs
A new rule will require airlines for the first time to report how many checked bags, wheelchairs and motorized scooters they damage or mishandle each month. The U.S. Department of Transportation will implement the rule starting on Tuesday, December 4. It’s expected to lower the number of wheelchairs that airlines damage each year and “bring a…
— KFVS
Lodging
New Resorts in the Caribbean for 2018-19
Whether you prefer lavish or laid-back, there is no shortage of options for families escaping the winter winds at home, couples in the mood for quiet time, and gaggles of pals celebrating a special occasion. From Antigua to St. Maarten, check out and check into elegant new hotels, refurbished luxe resorts and rebranded bargains on the…
— USA Today
Utopian Hotel Collection: Experiences Are The New Luxury
Millennials think and act differently. So naturally, they travel differently too. Research has shown that 72 percent of people would rather invest in experiences than materialistic purchases. According to TripAdvisor’s 2018 report, some of the most popular tourism trends this year were unique and non-traditional experiential opportunities, be they cooking…
— Forbes
Other and Odd
No Pictures Allowed at Some of the Most Popular Tourist Destinations
Planning to go see a popular tourists attraction? It's probably a good idea to find out the photography policies first. That's because some of the most popular sightseeing destinations around the world have strict photography rules, and you can face fines or intense reprimands for pulling out your camera. Images exist all over the internet of the Eiffel Tower…
— USA Today
Is It Okay to Lean Your Seat Back on a Plane?
Few things are more uncomfortable than a cramped plane. Some people think one of the few saving graces found in economy seating is being able to lean your seat back. Those extra few inches of space make a huge impact on your ability to sleep. Others feel that leaning your seat back on a plane is rude, as it takes space away from the person behind you. What do you…
— NOLA.com
Today in History
The Discovery of the Mary Celeste
On December 4, 1872, the captain of the commercial sailing vessel Dei Gratia, spotted the American ship Mary Celeste sailing toward the Straights of Gibraltar. Captain David Reed Morehouse of the Dei Gratia knew the Mary Celeste had sailed out of New York only a few weeks before. The Mary Celeste was sailing oddly, almost as though at drift, though it was…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
Windstar Announces New Additions to Key Positions As Small Ship Cruise Line Continues Strong Growth
Seattle, WA, December 3, 2018 — Windstar Cruises is pleased to announce the addition of John Gunner as Vice President of Expansion Projects and Captain Michael B. Ross as Director of Marine & Safety Operations. Both will make important contributions to the award-winning cruise line’s operations as it continues to add new destinations and expand programs, notably the recently announced $250 Million Star Plus Initiative in 2019.…
— Travel Research Online
Mike's Morning Missives
Finding and Keeping a Few Good Clients
 Opportunities to expand your agency’s business are all around you, but spotting opportunities and doing something with them are two different things. First of all, you must accept that you can’t be all things to all people.
The marketing law known as the 80/20 Rule, which says that 80% of your business comes from 20% of your customers, will help you establish firm footing. How do you know if this rule describes your current situation?
Ask yourself this question: Which customers are responsible for contributing the most to my agencies…
— 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
The Ultimate China Experience with Super Value Tours
Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 2 pm EST/11 am PST
A good China tour is hard to come by, a GREAT one even harder. That’s why Super Value Tours has designed High Quality-NO-Shopping tours for all travelers.
Register Now ➠
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 ➠
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