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Friday November 08, 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

Is It Safe To Travel To Mexico?
Is Mexico safe? That’s the question many travelers are asking in light of the recent, horrific news of the brutal murders of nine Americans who were gunned down in a remote region about 100 miles from the U.S. border. The chilling incident comes on the heels of other highly publicized murders, including an American couple who was killed this summer in Guerrero in front of their…

Black Travel Vibes: Find Your Bliss In Belize
Often overshadowed by other destinations in the region like Costa Rica and Panama, Belize is an escape that often catches many by surprise. Known for its clear blue seas, coral reefs, amazing wildlife, underwater museums, and vibrant culture, the country is definitely a getaway on the rise. Travelers looking for authentic experiences will fall in love with the warm and welcoming vibes…

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Tours and Activities

'Peace corridor' opens to connect India and Pakistan
After more than 70 years, Indian Sikhs will now be able to visit one of the religion's holiest sites by crossing the international border with Pakistan without a visa. The Kartarpur Corridor is a 4.1 kilometer (2.5 mile) overland passage that links the Dera Baba Nana shrine in northwest India's Gurdaspur with the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan. The Sikh temple -- known as a…

Ikon Pass Is the Secret to Access 41 Iconic Ski Destinations Around the Globe
Flakes are starting to fly and ski destinations are opening across the globe for the start of the season. This winter, there is a way to gain access to 84,385 acres of prime ski terrain at 41 iconic resorts across five continents with zero blackout dates using one season pass. How? The Ikon Pass. Aiming to become the new standard in season ski passes by connecting participating Ikon Pass resorts…

Brazil's prison island turned paradise
Few can claim to have visited the white-sand beaches and lush mountain jungles of Brazil’s Fernando de Noronha archipelago, but that’s not for a lack of trying. Around 75% of these 21 scenic islands set 350km off Brazil’s north-east coast were declared a protected national marine park and sanctuary in 1988, and in order to promote sustainable development, only 420 visitors a day are allowed…

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Cruise

Hurtigruten Christens New Roald Amundsen Cruise Ship
Amid brilliant blue skies and pristine snow and ice, Norwegian cruise-ferry company Hurtigruten christened its newest expedition vessel, Roald Amundsen, on the shores of Antarctica on November 7. At a ceremony in Chiriguano Bay on Brabant Island, the line's new hybrid-electric-powered expedition vessel was named by polar pioneer and godmother Karin Strand, capping off the event,…

The Ultimate, Once-In-A-Lifetime Voyage: A Total Solar Eclipse In Antarctica
On Dec. 4, 2021, you have the rare opportunity in one trip to experience two of the greatest natural wonders available to travelers: a cruise to Antarctica, and a total eclipse of the sun. I’ve written about the wonder of seeing the last total solar eclipse in North America in 2017. But this trip to the south polar region will top them all. Adventure Smith Explorations, announces limited availability…

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Transportation

You Can Board Early on Alaska Airlines If You Have a Starbucks Holiday Cup
Go ahead and pick up that Grande Peppermint Mocha before your flight — it may have more perks than just caffeine. In select airports, Alaska Airlines is offering early boarding to passengers who are carrying a holiday cup from Thursday until Sunday, according to USA Today. Any cup, whether it’s hot or cold or even one of those reusable ones (as long as they’re holiday-themed), is eligible…

German Airline Lufthansa Grounds 1,300 Flights As Flight Attendants Strike
Germany's largest airline Lufthansa has grounded 1,300 flights as the carrier attempts to weather internal turbulence caused by thousands its flight attendants on strike. The walkout, expected to last two days, is impacting travel hubs throughout Europe. The airlines apologized to passengers for the inconvenience, while the flight attendants' union, UFO, says the strike was…

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Lodging

The best hotel credit cards of November 2019
If you’re loyal to a specific hotel chain, such as Hilton or Marriott, a branded credit card offering increased rewards and benefits can be an easy way to make your stay both more affordable and more luxurious. These mega hospitality companies often have a wide range of hotels in their portfolios — for example, Hilton owns both the high-end Waldorf Astoria and the more affordable Embassy…

The Maldives’ Most Luxurious New Resort Has a Treetop Restaurant
In the Maldives, new hotels are popping up left, right, and center, with more than 20 openings in 2019 alone. There's now a rock-and-roll-themed property, a resort with an underwater coral sculpture garden, and a hotel where guests can sleep on nets hovering over the ocean. What makes the new JW Marriott Maldives Resort stand out is its stylish design and well-rounded roster of…

The Lodge & Spa At Brush Creek Ranch Now Has A Private Ski Mountain
Private powder is what many skiers dream of but the fact is that there are just a handful of private ski mountains in the United States. The Yellowstone Club in Montana, a ski and golf community getaway for high rollers, is probably the most famous. The Cimarron Mountain Club opened in Colorado just last year and has space for a few privileged families. Up in Vermont, the quietly luxurious…

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Other and Odd

Travel influencer says hacker stole his Instagram account and demanded ransom
A travel influencer says his Instagram page was recently hacked and held for ransom and wants his story to be a cautionary tale to others. Claudio Copiano Jr., with his account globalvagabonds, shares his travel experiences around the world with his more than 28,000 followers. The San Diego resident has traveled throughout the United States and 30 other countries so far, according to…

The future Rockefeller Christmas tree was cut down, and it's on its way to Manhattan
The Christmas tree that will light up Rockefeller Center this holiday met its end -- in the spirit of the season, of course. A tree-cutting crew arrived at Carol Schultz's home in village of Florida, New York, early Thursday morning to saw into her winning 77-foot Norway spruce. The sacrificial tree is already headed to its Manhattan pedestal. A small crowd of local schoolchildren and beaming…

Today in History

The Beer Hall Putsch
On this day in 1923, Adolf Hitler, a leader of the fledgling Nazi Party in Germany, attempted a violent overthrow of the government. In what became known as the Beer Hall Putsch, Hitler, Erich Ludendorff, and others unsuccessfully tried to seize power in Munich, Bavaria, and Germany. Hitler was arrested…

Press Releases of Interest

Collette Accepted Into Virtuoso®
PAWTUCKET, RI (November 6, 2019) – Collette has been accepted into Virtuoso®’s exclusive portfolio of luxury travel partners, comprised of more than 1,800 preferred suppliers in 100 countries. According to Christian Leibl-Cote, SVP of Global Business at Collette, inclusion in Virtuoso will open up new sales…

Agent Perspectives

Tea Rooms, Wedgwood, The Beatles and Some Great Flower Festivals
by Paull Tickner
Friday November 08, 2019

We have a saying here in England, “You wait ages for a bus and then three come along at once” – and so it is with UK Tea Room Tours. I’ve been banging on about them for a very long time and this week, 6 small group requests have come in one after another! Give my top story careful thought and then let’s start an email conversation.

Elsewhere, I’m commending a visit to the World of Wedgwood, a lovely hotel just north of London, some new Beatles shore excursions in Liverpool and some terrific flower shows and flower…

  — Travel Research Online
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Deck Plans

AmaWaterways’ 2021 Itineraries

AmaWaterways announced that its 2021 sailings are now open for reservations, with added rewards for those who book early. In 2021, the company will welcome a new ship, four new itineraries and new pre- and post-cruise land programs…

  — Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »

Upcoming Training Opportunities


Secrets of Selling to the Affluent Traveler

Secrets of Selling to the Affluent Traveler

Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 11 am EST/8 am PST

The affluent travel market is one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry. Luxury cruise lines are investing billions of dollars to meet anticipated demand over the next five years. It’s not just ocean cruises: affluent travelers are adventure seekers, expedition cruisers, and river cruisers. And yet, according to an annual survey conducted by a leading industry weekly publication, agency focus on luxury travel is DOWN 5%!

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