|
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
The Top 20 Places to Travel in 2020
Every year, we here at AD bring you a list of the top travel destinations that should be on your radar for the year ahead. It’s not enough for a destination to be a nice place to visit—it’s got to be appealing to architecture and design lovers, perhaps because of an exciting new museum, a major design-themed event, an important anniversary, or just because it’s at the forefront of a…
— Architectural Digest
Black Travel Vibes: Discover Sunken Treasures In The Solomon Islands
Social media might have you thinking that the travel road is worn out, but that’s far from true. Beyond the trending destinations lies untouched, hidden wonders just waiting to be discovered – and the Solomon Islands is one of them. No ritzy, instagrammable resorts to be found here, the Solomon Islands is truly one of the world’s purest adventures. Hikes on volcanic islands, lush…
— Essence
No cars, few people: Brazilian island is a true escape
There are no established roads, no cars. There's not even a school bus; children are picked up and taken to school by boat. Electricity is generated by solar panels, and the generator shuts off at 10:30 each night. Ilha do Cardoso is a protected area in Brazil, and only those who are born there are allowed to live there -- unless you marry a local. Just 480 people inhabit the island's…
— CNN
Tours and Activities
We Tested Disney’s New Star Wars Ride — and It’s Unlike Anything You’ve Ever Experienced
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the banner attraction opening tomorrow at Walt Disney World Resort, isn’t a ride at all. With four ride systems, two ships, a battalion of Stormtroopers and multiple Kylo Ren encounters, it’s an experiential journey to space and back; an ace in the hole of Disney storytelling that is as close as any of us will ever come to being inside a Star Wars film. In…
— Travel+Leisure
The 29 best beaches in the world in 2019, according to travel experts
Sand, sea, and something to sip on are usually standard ingredients for what makes a pretty good beach. But then there are some beaches that reveal a little something extra and leave a memorable mark on your sand-between-the-toes experience. Insider spoke to industry experts including tour operators, travel editors, and bloggers to find out where they found the best beaches in the…
— Insider
Cruise
USA TODAY's guide to cruise ship gratuity fees and service charges
In the world of cruising, gratuities and service charges are the apex controversy. Many of the biggest cruise lines, including Carnival, Princess and Norwegian, automatically add to passenger bills, saying that money will be passed on to crew members in recognition of their service. Fees factored into the bill can range up to $23 per person, per day, and some lines recommend even…
— USA Today
Inside FriendShip: A Music Festival Cruise
Setting sail this January is FriendShip, an experience that fuses a music festival and a cruise for four days of dancing on a ship and on a private island. This upcoming sailing will mark the second year of the event, and it will take place on the Royal Caribbean’s luxurious Navigator of the Seas and stop at Coco Cay, Bahamas for two days. According to Gary Richards—president of…
— Forbes
Transportation
American Airlines offers passport scanning on its mobile app for international travel
American Airlines passengers are now able to scan their passports onto their mobile apps when they check in to international flights, the company announced Wednesday. Before the airline released the new feature, passengers who checked in to international flights on the app still had to get their passports checked at the airport by a customer service agent -- even if they already uploaded…
— Fox Business
United Airlines Purchases 50 Fuel-efficient Airbus Planes to Replace Its Old Boeings
United Airlines announced on Tuesday that it has ordered 50 new Airbus jets to replace its aging Boeing aircraft. In a press release, the airline detailed the purchase of 50 A321XLR aircraft that will fly select transatlantic routes, starting in 2024. As it phases in the new aircraft, the airline will phase out its Boeing 757-200 aircraft, which are expected to reach the end of their lifespan in about…
— Travel+Leisure
Air New Zealand testing edible coffee cups
What's better than a nice, warm cup of coffee? If you ask Air New Zealand, the answer is following the java up with the sweet taste of ... cup. Yes, that's right -- New Zealand's national carrier is experimenting with a new edible coffee cup that will further reduce waste produced on board. Although the airline had already made the big switch to biodegradable cups both on planes and in…
— CNN
Lodging
Rent the Runway and W Hotels’ New Partnership Offers Travelers the Ultimate Vacation Wardrobe
Rent the Runway is already many a fashionista’s favorite vacation packing resource, since you can essentially get a brand-new (albeit temporary) wardrobe for your next getaway without having to shell out a substantial amount of money on apparel you might not wear again. And now, RTR is making it even easier for guests at select W Hotels to get the ultimate vacation wardrobe, as…
— Observer
Enter the Vault: the 'secret' room at Edinburgh's new hostel
How does a hostel stand out from the crowd? Sometimes by embracing novelty. A former courthouse in London threw off the shackles to become Clink; in Reykjavik the crumbs of a biscuit factory were swept away to create Kex; and in Amsterdam, one of the city’s most famous brothels has a new life as Cocomama. Now, an Edinburgh hostel looks to be upping the ante by turning what…
— The Guardian
Other and Odd
Venus Williams Throws Themed Parties on Her Family Vacations
Venus Williams travels—a lot. In 2019 alone, the 39-year-old athlete found herself on four continents, in eight countries, and in 30 cities. And with next summer's Olympics rolling out in Tokyo, it doesn't seem like she'll be slowing down anytime soon. Williams credits her tennis career, and the constant globetrotting that accompanies it, with turning her into a nomad. “No matter…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Which? brands most travel comparison sites a 'waste of time'
Most travel comparison websites are a waste of time and fail to find the cheapest prices, according to new research from Which? After asking more than 2,200 holidaymakers about their experiences of using comparison sites, the consumer body found that only Skyscanner, Kayak and TripAdvisor scored highly in terms of finding the best deals and being easy to use. “Holidaymakers…
— The Guardian
Today in History
The End of Prohibition
The Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed in 1919, over the veto of President Woodrow Wilson. Under pressure from religious and other temperance groups, the manufacture and consumption of alcoholic beverages became illegal. Almost immediately, millions…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
South African Airways Named “Best Airline In Africa” And “Best Business Class To Africa” By Business Traveler Magazine
Fort Lauderdale, FL (December 4, 2019) – South African Airways (SAA) is honored to be named “Best Airline in Africa” and “Best Business Class to Africa” in the annual 2019 Best in Business Travel Awards survey by readers of Business Traveler Magazine. The Best in Business Travel Awards distinguishes…
— Travel Research Online
Central Holidays’ Group Travel Experiences Presents Promotion for Travel Advisors and Group Planners
Moonachie, NJ – (December 4, 2019) – Central Holidays’ Group Travel Experiences is unveiling a booking bonus of up to a $1000 gift card for new group bookings made with deposit by January 31, 2020. Travel advisors and group planners that book and deposit a group with a minimum of 30…
— Travel Research Online
Departures
Osaka: Tastes of History
 Leading into the southern part of Japan is Osaka. A city known for its love of food and a good time. It is a bit less conservative than the rest of Japan. This opens the way for a different kind of experience from the well-known cities of Tokyo and Kyoto. The traveler will enjoy the change of pace in Osaka, where the locals are good humored and the city moves with culinary breaks at almost every corner.
A major landmark to see, after a few foodie stops, is the Osaka Castle. This magnificent castle sits near the central part of Osaka, and is surrounded by almost a mile of pristine park. The 13 buildings on the castle grounds cover about 15 acres. It was built in…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
|
Mike's Morning Missives
Email Nuances
 “Research has discovered that the reason some subject email lines are more effective than others is directly related to ‘utility and/or curiosity.’”
Emails still play an important role in many people’s lives, although the term “spam” is bandied about freely and directed towards a great percentage of incoming messages. It has become a daily practice to delete as many unwanted emails as possible in the least amount of time. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may soon be over-shadowed by Email Delete-itis.
In fact, many emails are important and deserve to be read and internalized. The accepted way to manage incoming emails is to determine as quickly as possible whether they are worth keeping or deleting. This often boils down to interpreting two main criteria when interpreting the subject…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
|
Upcoming Training Opportunities
Australis 101
Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST
Navigating the Patagonian waterways for 29 years, Australis offers passengers an exclusive look into remote areas of the region, that include visits to glaciers, sub-polar forests and a view of amazing marine and terrestrial wildlife.
Register Now ➠
A Journey to South Africa with South African Airways
Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 3 pm EST/12 pm PST
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 in Africa.
See why South African Airways, a Star Alliance Member is Africa’s most awarded airline, which includes earning a 4-star rating for 17 consecutive years and recently named as having the “Best Airline Staff in Africa” by Skytrax.
Register Now ➠
Hungary – The Wellspring of Wonders
Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST
Hidden in the centre of Europe is a country where water roils under the earth and erupts to the surface, hot and healing. A country, where you can refresh your body and mind by relaxing in the hot water of genuine medieval Turkish baths, both in the summer and winter. Where you can always find something historic or modern that touches your soul, and the atmosphere is vibrant and relaxing at the same time. Where the ”aszú” grape berries are harvested during autumn, from which beautifully balanced “gold wine” is produced. Where on hilltops, deep in the valleys and on endless plains, you find the hustle of small, centuries-old villages, charming towns, luxurious castles and a lively metropolis.
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
|
|
