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Wednesday July 10, 2019

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

Zest of Italy: Discover Authentic Italy Through Its Cuisine
Many travelers have come to recognize that culinary travel is a unique way to experience a destination and connect with locals. This has led to an exponential increase in the number of tourists taking cooking classes, making winery tours and market tours; visiting farmers and food producers; participating in foraging…

India's 'all is well' approach to life
Walking in one of Panaji’s local markets one warm afternoon earlier this year, I found the shops shuttered all along the street. I was in search of a new pair of shoes to replace the ones that had just given up after years of walks in markets and towns such as this one in Goa. “You’ll have to wait until evening now,” said my friend…

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Tours and Activities

Swiss Aerial Team Gets Lost, Accidentally Performs for Yodeling Festival
The Swiss Aerial Team gave an accidental performance to a yodeling festival over the weekend because of a navigational error. The Patrouille Suisse is the aerobatic team of the Swiss Air Force (basically the Swiss equivalent of the Blue Angels). They are known for their air shows and demonstrations which, according to their…

UNESCO names 29 new World Heritage sites for 2019
From the ruins of ancient Babylon in Iraq to the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright to the Prosecco region of northeast Italy, UNESCO's World Heritage Committee added 29 new cultural and natural sites to its World Heritage List at its annual meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan. The United Nations' cultural body meets annually…

The UK’s best seaside events and attractions for summer 2019
Boardmasters (from £69 day ticket/£179 five-day camping ticket, 7-11 August) is a surfing and music festival in Newquay, Cornwall. Headliners at Watergate Bay are Wu-Tang Clan, Florence and the Machine and Foals, while pro-surfing, skating and BMX competitions take place on Fistral Beach. As well as surfing, festivalgoers can…

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Cruise

Is Cruising Safe? 10 Things To Know After Child Dies On A Cruise Ship
Being on a cruise ship the size of a massive hotel may appear safe at first glance, but there are inherent dangers when you're floating on a vessel in the middle of the ocean. With several headline-making incidents in the past week alone—including the tragic death of an 18-month-old child who fell through an open window on…

5 Reasons An Arctic Cruise Belongs On Your Bucket List
As part of its expansion with small ship cruising, Tauck has teamed up with French cruise line Ponant to offer sailings in Svalbard, an archipelago high above the Arctic Circle. We sailed on the tour operator’s inaugural cruise departing from the world’s northernmost town -- Longyearbyen, Norway -- into a wonderous, frozen and…

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Transportation

France Plans To Put An 'Ecotax' On Nearly All Air Travel
France plans to put an "ecotax" on nearly all airline flights starting in 2020, French Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne said Tuesday. The new tax could bring in some $200 million that would support modes of travel that pollute less — such as trains. "With the eco-contribution, air transport will play its part in financing the daily transport…

A guide to India's 10 busiest airports
The sheer volume of people traveling both to and within India each year is staggering. In 2017, the country recorded an impressive 1.6 billion domestic travelers. That same year, the number of international arrivals shot up to 10.04 million, representing a 14% uptick compared with 2016, according to the government's latest…

Uber Rolls Out 'Uber Comfort' to Give Passengers More Control
Uber launched its newest service, Uber Comfort, on Tuesday, allowing customers to request extra legroom, a specific car temperature, and other amenities right in the app. “Whether you're transporting visiting family or in need of a little extra legroom after a long plane ride, Uber Comfort aims to provide you with an option for…

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Lodging

North America's First 'Landscape Hotel' Blends Seamlessly Into Sedona's Rock Formations
Sedona has always been sought out by nature lovers and luxury travelers alike for its distinctive red rocks, gorgeous sunsets, and reputation for having some of the best resorts in the country. Now, an interesting new hotel set to open next year is making us all want to pack our bags and head for the desert. Ambiente,…

Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge
Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge overlooks the rugged Cederberg Mountains and rolling swathes of sage-green fynbos vegetation. Less than three hours from Cape Town, this peaceful retreat is surrounded by hiking trails, vineyards and sites of San bushmen rock art dating back thousands of years. Cederberg Ridge Wilderness…

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Other and Odd

Will Travel For Goats: A Feminist Awakening In The Swiss Alps
"It's easier to deal with goats than men," Nicole Buess announced. A goat yoga instructor in St. Moritz, she was the first of her kind. Though she wasn't lacking in local support. "Goats before guys," echoed the immaculately dressed man to my right, his fingers poised above a lemon scone, his Swiss-German accent giving his words…

Two thirds of disabled passengers experience problems travelling by train
Two thirds of disabled rail passengers experience problems travelling by train, according to new government research. Looking at the experiences of disabled travellers all around the UK, the Department for Transport found that inaccessible toilets, ticket offices being closed and attitudes of other passengers all created barriers to…

Today in History

The Great Fire
Medieval London was a tinder box. Wooden structures and shoddy construction, plus the use of live flame for heat and light made for a combustible mix that often resulted in disaster. One of London’s “Great Fires” began on July 10, 1212 just south of…

Point-to-Point

Take Off Your Training Wheels
by Stuart Cohen
Wednesday July 10, 2019

This is the second of seven articles in a series titled Discover Your Group Niche. You will be able find the others in our Point-to-Point section.

As a kid I loved pedaling around in my Big Wheel. This three-wheeled tricycle had low proximity to the ground and kept me safe (even when we’d play bang-up derby).

I can’t recall when Dad graduated me to the two-wheel bike but I do remember teaching my kids. I am not sure who was more terrified! Running alongside and then letting them go was a true test of…

  — Travel Research Online
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Supplier Profile

Easing the Burden of Booking with CTS Fares

Cosmopoliton Travel Service (CTS Fares) has been consolidating the details of getaways for over 50 years. They work closely with airlines, and hotels to help the travel consultant and their clients save money. Their goal is to do good business, and help agents do good business in return; meaning that, not only do they provide some of the best discounts in the travel industry, the complete process of booking through CTS is transparent: mark-ups, net rates, and…

  — Travel Research Online
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Mike's Morning Missives

Focus On The Little Things

Customer Service Wisdom #3:

You don’t need theatrics to impress me. What grabs my attention are small courtesies that clearly indicate that I am important to you.

I am not suggesting that you need to come up with some grandiose scheme. Perform small courtesies daily. That is all it takes. Let me know that you…

  — Travel Research Online
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Upcoming Training Opportunities


Coming to Australia? First Stop Melbourne!

Coming to Australia? First Stop Melbourne!

Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT

Australia is a country that is always on the North American traveler’s bucket list. The question is always where to start.

Register Now ➠


Join South African Airways and South African Airways Vacations on a Voyage to Africa

Join South African Airways and South African Airways Vacations on a Voyage to Africa

Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT

Learn about South African Airways, the largest airline in Southern Africa. SAA offers convenient connections from more than 100 cities in North America and daily flights from  New York JFK  and Washington Dulles with connections to over 75 destinations on the continent. 

Register Now ➠


Make the World Your Classroom with ASTA

Make the World Your Classroom with ASTA

Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT

At the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), we strive to bring travel agency professionals events that are designed to help you thrive in the always evolving industry of travel. Industry events are vital for travel advisors to continue to learn about the industry, further expand your network and make connections that can take your business to the next level. Choosing an event that's right for you can also be tricky.

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

South African Airways Vacations Travel Partner E-News - July 2019

Independent Travel Advisors, this is the conference for you!

A Star May Be Born

Earn 5X Cash-In Club points on weekend rentals through July

Enter by July 14th to Win a Hotel Stay in Washington DC!

There's Still Time

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Western Australia: Four Tour Ideas

Work at home...but don't be home alone!

EgyptAir - Celebrate July 4th with Super Savings!

China Classic 10 Days FAM Trip Only USD 780 With Bullet Train Experience

Cruise the Amazon with Anakonda

Belize Beach & Rainforest Adventure - Save up to 50%!

Low Fares from 2 New Gateways

Indonesia - Three Amazing Tours

Costa Rica All Inclusive Experience. Earn commission

Still not too late to sip wine in Croatia this summer!

Explore Melbourne and Beyond with Air Canada

Work at home...but don't be home alone!

Peru Odyssey - Small Group Tour, Private Guide