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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
France faces second day of travel chaos as strikes continue
France is facing a second day of travel chaos and school closures after unions said there would be no let-up in nationwide strikes against Emmanuel Macron’s proposed changes to the pensions system. The far-reaching strike, which brought more than 800,000 people on to the streets on Thursday, is seen as the greatest test yet for the centrist president, who has promised to deliver…
— The Guardian
Black Travel Vibes: Experience Kenya From A Different Point of View
From savannah grasslands peppered with herds of wildlife to bustling streets with energy that rivals any major city, Kenya is truly one of Africa’s most treasured gems. While you might think you already know the many ways to experience the East African nation from checking out social media, the beauty of the country is that there’s always something new to discover. If you’ve ever…
— Essence
Best places to visit in Europe in winter
Peak travel season in Europe is summer. But if you have a high tolerance for colder weather and a low tolerance for crowds, winter in Europe could be your bliss. Plus if you love a bargain, prices tend to go lower this time of year. We've got five of the best places in Europe to visit in January 2020 with a few highlights of things to do. This Renaissance favorite gets quite cool in January. But this…
— CNN
Tours and Activities
What caused this great warship to sink?
When it set sail from the Bay of Stockholm in 1628, the Vasa was the world’s most high-tech warship. Built under King Gustav II Adolf, the Vasa was 68m long and carried an unprecedented 64 cannons. It is one of the earliest examples of a warship with two full gun decks. This vast, beautifully decorated vessel’s glory days did not last for long, though: 20 minutes into its maiden voyage,…
— BBC
'The snow is perfect:' Indoor ski slope opens at New Jersey's American Dream mall
Bruce Springsteen gave New Jersey his “Tunnel of Love.” More than three decades later, American Dream gave the state a tunnel of snow. Big SNOW at American Dream, the steel neck craning out of the new Meadowlands mega-mall and entertainment complex in East Rutherford, opened Thursday. Billed as North America’s first indoor, real-snow ski and snowboard center, the slope opened…
— USA Today
Cruise
Billionaire Sir Richard Branson Tours the Nearly Complete First Ship of His Adults-Only, All-Inclusive Cruise Line
Virgin Voyages’ first ship is one step closer to setting sail! Scarlet Lady, the first vessel introduced by the adults-only, all-inclusive cruise line is preparing for its maiden voyage on April 1, 2020, after successfully completing sea trials in November, according to a press release from the company headed by billionaire Sir Richard Branson. The Virgin founder, 69, boarded the ship in…
— People Magazine
Six Carnival cruise ships have been certified as sensory-inclusive. Here's what that means
Carnival Cruise Line is joining the ranks of the sensory-inclusive to help guests with autism, ADHD, PTSD, Down syndrome and other disorders. Carnival announced earlier this week that the crews of six ships based out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale have been certified as sensory-inclusive by KultureCity, an Alabama-based nonprofit group that promotes accessibility. The current list…
— USA Today
Transportation
British Airways unveils its newly revamped Geneva airport lounge
After opening a string of stylish lounges in New York, San Francisco and Johannesburg, British Airways has unveiled another makeover at Geneva airport, courtesy of the airline’s £6.5 billion investment promise to customers. The extended space has been intuitively redesigned to make the airport travelling experience as seamless and pain-free as possible. Zoned areas in the…
— Town & Country
This High-speed Train Is Expected to Go From Portland to Vancouver in Just Two Hours
An idea for a new train line may get you from Portland to Vancouver in less than half the time it would take to drive. The Cascadia Rail has a proposed project that would connect Portland, Seattle and Vancouver via a high-speed rail network — in just two hours. It’s been in talks for the past year, but last month the Cascadia Rail Summit met outside Seattle to discuss an American pipedream:…
— Travel+Leisure
Recline your seat or keep it upright? We asked, you responded
Full disclosure: I am not a tiny, magical elf (h/t CNN reader Aimee), nor am I six feet tall, but Geoff from Durham, North Carolina already guessed that. I am, however, not short as Dave from NYC hedged in his response to the recent CNN Travel debate on the seat recline. In fact, I am 5 feet, 8 inches and 128 pounds on a good day -- tall enough that when the person in front of me…
— CNN
Lodging
Le Refuge de Solaise
Formerly a cable station, this newly opened, Alpine retreat is now the highest hotel in France. At 2,551m, it offers exceptional mountain views from the bedrooms, apartments and open-plan dining areas, direct access to the ski domaine and a spa with a 25m indoor swimming pool. Formerly a cable station, this newly opened, Alpine retreat is now the highest hotel in France. At 2,551m,…
— Telegraph (London)
Everything We Know About Disney World’s Star Wars–Themed Hotel, Opening in 2021
Soon Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge visitors won’t have to travel to a galaxy far, far away to rest up for their next day of intergalactic adventures. Disney Parks has just revealed its highly anticipated hotel will be opening its cargo bay doors in 2021. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser isn’t just a hotel, it’s a two-night vacation experience at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, where…
— People Magazine
The 10 Coolest Places to Eat in 2020
Even though what constitutes an amazing meal is subjective, the restaurant world is satiated with lists. And lots of us who travel for food pay close attention to those lists. But the professional eaters are likely already onto the next thing. They’re unfurling their napkins in dining rooms from the Maldives to New Zealand in search of unexpected culinary pleasures. I asked a few of them…
— Forbes
Other and Odd
The Worst Travel Tips and Advice
Travel trends can change overnight, and yet the advice dispensed across the globetrotting community doesn’t always keep up with the times. Some claims still hold merit or have morphed and been reframed to advise today’s traveler. But other well-intentioned wisdoms and share-worthy hacks have been passed along and lauded by everyone from guidebooks to…
— Fodor's Travel
Thanks to an Adorable Seal, NASA Is Closer to Understanding the Currents Around Antarctica
NASA's non-human employee, an elephant seal, has been hard at work collecting data in Antarctica. The seal — that weighs as much as a midsize pickup truck — started work in May to find out how the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which flows in a loop around the continent, transfers heat, according to NASA. In an effort to gather data on the current, which NASA called “not…
— Travel+Leisure
Today in History
The Thirteenth Amendment
On this day in 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution became law. The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude. It was the first amendment to the Constitution in over sixty years. The Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Lincoln in 1863…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
American Cruise Lines Introduces Brand New Music Cities Cruises
Guilford, CT—December 4, 2019—American Cruise Lines announces brand new Music Cities cruises between Nashville and Memphis, which will sail along 4 great American rivers; the Cumberland, Ohio, Tennessee, and Mississippi Rivers, as well as Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley, KY. On board and on…
— Travel Research Online
Collette Celebrates International Volunteer Day
Pawtucket, RI (December 5, 2019) – Collette, global tour operator, is proud to reflect on their commitment to social responsibility in honor of International Volunteer Day. Throughout 2019, Collette has put in over 2,800 volunteer hours and plans to surpass over the goal of accumulating 4,000…
— Travel Research Online
Agent Perspectives
The Crime Writer’s Trail and Other Stories
by Paull Tickner
Friday December 06, 2019
Welcome to anot her inspired collection of short UK programmes which will help you to increase your profits from cruises sailing in, and out, of Southampton.
My top stories focus on well-known names like Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple and Inspector Morse; and I have highlighted a couple of Crime Writer Festivals which could be of interest. Elsewhere, there are reminders of the interest that can be generated when you offer clients tours that include names like Downton Abbey, Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter, Stonehenge and King Arthur, the Cotswolds and the Royal Horticultural Society flagship garden at…
— Travel Research Online
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Deck Plans
Avalon Waterways Will Return To The Nile In 2020
After a brief h iatus, Avalon Waterways is returning to Egypt in 2020 to invite travelers to stand at the foot of the pyramids, answer the riddle of the Sphinx and sail down the historic Nile River, aboard the MS Farah – a luxury cruise ship – on its new Taste of Egypt itinerary.
“We are thrilled to return to Egypt and the Nile River with this once-in-a-lifetime vacation,” said Pam Hoffee, managing director for Avalon Waterways.
— Travel Research Online
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Mike's Morning Missives
What Happened To The Human Element?
 “Injecting the personal into the professional can boost performance and increase quality of care. Yet, in the name of professionalism, we often neglect the human element and adopt a stance that’s abstract and distant.”
What this quote reminded me of was how many so-called ‘business professionals’ adopt the phrase, “Don’t take it personally, it’s just business.”
This positioning statement might have been true 20 years ago, but today it borders on lunacy. Business is personal today for the simple reason that today’s successful business is built on relationships. And by its very definition, relationships are…
— Travel Research Online
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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 ➠
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