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Destinations
U.K. and Russia Report Their First Coronavirus Cases
The U.K. and Russia each reported their first cases of the dangerous coronavirus, and other countries moved to limit air traffic with China as the number of people infected there approached 10,000. Pakistan, a strategic ally of China, said Friday it would ban all commercial air travel to and from mainland China, a day after Italy suspended flights to China, including the territory of Hong Kong. Russia, too, said it…
— The Wall Street Journal
10 of the dreamiest places in Georgia
Georgia may be small in size, but it still packs an astounding geographical punch. In the west, you'll find subtropical citrus groves that edge toward the Black Sea, while in the east, rolling vineyards give way to parched steppes punctuated by thousand-year-old monasteries. It's also home to three of Europe's six tallest mountains; in their shadow, the wilderness of the Caucasus extends in every direction with…
— CNN
How to Spend the Perfect 5 Days in Istanbul
After several years of bad press that cast it as unsafe, the Eurasian megacity of Istanbul is now on the upswing, ready to reemerge into the spotlight as a safe and exciting destination. Hospitality's been part of the Istanbul way of life for nearly 2,000 years after all, and this year it's reinventing itself yet again at the confluence of ancient and modern while maintaining -- and re-upping -- its welcoming allure. With…
— Thrillist
Tours and Activities
How To Travel As A Vegan In Italy
People decide to go vegan or plant-based for various reasons, but mainly for the animals, to help stop climate change or to improve or maintain their health. Vegan travel is becoming more and more popular and it’s easier than ever to eat plant-based foods on your next adventure. With more people identifying as being vegan than ever before it’s no wonder vegan tours are on the rise. Intrepid Travel,…
— Forbes
Here's Why You Should Visit the Eiffel Tower at Exactly 1 A.M.
There’s never a bad time to see the Eiffel Tower, but there is one time that is arguably the most spectacular. According to HuffPost, while the Eiffel Tower is stunning during just about every part of the day, the absolute best time to visit is at 1 a.m. Most people know that as soon as the sun sets, the Eiffel Tower is lit up with golden lights that make the landmark look like it’s glowing. This brilliant light display…
— Travel+Leisure
Cruise
Cruise Ships Banned From South Pacific Islands Due to Coronavirus Fears
Fears of novel coronavirus spreading to the pristine South Pacific islands have prompted an unprecedented move by local tribal chiefs to close the ports of Lifou and Mare to cruise ships. The decision is understood to be temporary and will affect schedules for this weekend (February 1-2, 2020). Carnival Australia spokesperson David Jones confirmed the move. “On behalf of our guests, we are…
— CruiseCritic.com
All Carnival Cruises Are On Sale For Three Days
Carnival Cruise Line is offering a Sitewide Sale that not only has all cruises on sale up to 35% off, but cruise deposits have been reduced from $50 per person. Carnival Cruise Line is celebrating National Plan for Vacation Day with cruises starting at just $59 per person, per day. This three day sale from Carnival Cruise Line includes the…
— Cruise Fever
Transportation
Southwest’s Flash Sale Has Flights for $49 — Perfect For Spontaneous Spring Travel
It’s another blink-and-you’ll-miss-it flash sale from Southwest. Those who rush and book a flight before 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, January 30 will be rewarded with prices from only $49. The deals, good for those looking to spice up their spring travel, include flights within the continental U.S. from February 11 through May 20. International flights are included from February 18 through March…
— Travel+Leisure
No pillows, no hot meals: Airlines adopt preventative measures against the coronavirus
While multiple airlines have temporarily suspended all flights to China due to the coronavirus outbreak, those that are still flying to the country are adopting a series of measures to prevent the spread of the deadly disease. Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific announced it will no longer offer hot towels, pillows, blankets and magazines to passengers on Cathay Pacific and subsidiary Cathay Dragon flights to…
— CNN
Lodging
Inside KEX Portland, The City’s New Sustainable Design Hotel With Icelandic Roots
As you already know, Portland, Oregon, offers pleasures aplenty. Whether you hike Multnomah Falls, cycle through the city, or kick back at one of over 200 urban green spaces, spending time in the great outdoors here comes easily. Then, there’s the thrillingly diverse dining and drinking scene – with new spots popping up all the time. (Notable newcomers include Bar Diane, Mae, and Hey Love.) When you…
— Forbes
The resort with the biggest swimming pool in Koh Samui
It's a big call, but Spanish hotel group Meliá is laying claim to the title of largest swimming pool in Koh Samui, Thailand. The 159 rooms and 41 suites of the spanking new Meliá Koh Samui are set around a lagoon pool that meanders in a loop around the beachfront property, and also has a two-level 1000-square-metre pool. If that's not enough water, the new hotel overlooks Choeng Mon Beach and the Gulf…
— Traveller
Other and Odd
Why your bucket list is hurting your travel experience
What do the Mona Lisa, the Great Wall of China and Trolltunga have in common? It sounds like a bad travel joke, but the answer is — they are popular bucket list destinations for travelers around the world. The pop culture vernacular for “a checklist of things to do before one dies” has become a buzzword for travel planning, often shaping itineraries with specific hotspots and activities. The trend was advanced…
— CNBC
Turning 50 Made Me Rethink Why I Travel
During the summer of 1995, I was 33 years old and recently dumped at the altar. My heart was torn to shreds, I was unemployed, and sabotaging everything in my wake while feeling very sorry for myself. If I didn’t take drastic action to remove my head from my ass, I was going to implode into my own misery. The only way I’d snap out of it was by actively doing something meaningful. So off I went on a…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Today in History
Guy Fawkes is Hanged
The infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1605 was an attempt by a group of conspirators to kill King James I of England, his family, and most of the House of Lords by blowing up the Palace of Westminster during the State Opening of Parliament. Fawkes and his fellow conspirators, supporters of a Catholic England, rented a…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
Finalisation Of The South African Airways SOC Limited Post-Commencement Funding
The business rescue practitioners of South African Airways SOC Ltd (the Practitioners), supported by the Departments of Public Enterprises (DPE) and National Treasury (NT), have been successful in obtaining the balance of the post commencement funding (PCF) required to meet the short term liquidity requirements…
— Travel Research Online
Agent Perspectives
Celebrate the Year of the Bookworm in Britain
by Paull Tickner Friday January 31, 2020
As 2020 is the ‘Year of The Bookworm’, with 17 conversation-starting itineraries on my website, here’s a list of potential sources where your literary contacts may already be customers. Chapters of the American Library Association looking for literary/on location fundraisers; general and specialist bookstores and antiquarian book dealers; teachers and lecturers in English literature at schools, colleges, universities and continuing education colleges; Murder Mystery Book clubs/stores; Reading Circles; Fans of Masterpiece Theatre; North American Dickens Festivals looking for a UK Dickens Festival tour in the spring. These ideas are available for couples, 4 friends travelling together, families and small groups.
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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Deck Plans
Crystal Offers Reduced Deposits On Select Summer 2020 Sailings
Travelers seeki ng summer vacations along Europe’s rivers can now book a Crystal river cruise for a $500 reduced initial deposit. The line announced a new reduced deposit for more than 50 voyages across its all-suite, all-balcony sister ships – Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel – which, combined with Crystal’s Book Now Savings, present compelling…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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Mike’s 1-Minute Marketing Memos
Out of the Mouths of Babes
by Mike Marchev Friday January 31, 2020
I recently spot ted a headline that read, "Young entrepreneur has business bean for marketing coffee."
The article was about a ten-year-old boy named Stephen who was running a three-person business from his front lawn while learning about the rudiments of turning a buck. Little does he know that what he is learning today will serve him well for the next 50+ years.
Says the young man: "It takes a lot of hard work to show up every morning." There are literally thousands of adults today who were apparently sick on the day this lesson was taught. FACT: Too many of today's working class reluctantly show up for work physically, but remain in the sack…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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