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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
Coronavirus: Australia extends travel ban on people entering from China for a week
The Australian government has extended its travel ban on people who have travelled through China by another week, Scott Morrison has announced. The ban, initially set for 14 days and due to expire on Saturday, was extended on Thursday on the advice of Australia’s health authorities and the national security committee. The ban would be reviewed every week, the prime minister said. Australian…
— The Guardian
The Welsh island dedicated to love
The dunes rolled out from Newborough Forest towards tidal Llanddwyn Island off the coast of Anglesey, with a view absorbing the whole of Caernarfon Bay and Snowdonia National Park on the Welsh mainland. It was raining gently – the kind of light rain that seemed to hang in the sky – and a curtain of smoke-grey clouds curled over the islet’s medieval ruins, casting them in an almost ethereal glow. Locals here…
— BBC
Tours and Activities
Call of the wild: eco adventures in Argentina’s Iberá wetlands
Juan cut the engine and we drifted across Laguna Fernández, its mirror-flat surface reflecting cotton-wool clouds, the silence broken only by the raucous cry of a crested screamer. Soon, a leathery snout emerged from a tangle of grasses, a full set of jagged teeth followed by an unblinking eye. It was the first of many basking yacaré caiman, the crocodilian reptile once hunted for its skin but now protected. For…
— The Guardian
Yosemite 'Firefall' fans may be disappointed
It's that time of year again when Mother Nature plays a magic trick at Yosemite National Park and makes it look like lava is flowing off a cliff.
"Firefall" is the name for the annual phenomenon that creates the illusion at the park in California. It comes to life when the setting sun causes light to hit the waterfall at just the right angle. You can see "Firefall" for only a short time in February, and it draws hundreds…
— CNN
Cruise
Why Destination Vow Renewals at Sea Are Becoming So Popular
With celebs like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Kim and Kanye, and David and Victoria Beckham sharing high-profile vow renewals in recent years, it's no wonder the practice is enjoying a surge of popularity stateside. But in a new twist, demand for these ceremonies is growing on cruise ships. Cruises are already regularly booked for romantic getaways, often to commemorate significant wedding anniversaries (like 10th,…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Here Are Two Of Celebrity’s Best Cruise Excursions—Without Leaving The Ship
Suddenly, we were enveloped in a smoky fog, and I half expected Humphrey Bogart to walk out, as he did in the iconic ending of Casablanca. Every cruise ship offers a tour. But on Celebrity Edge, two of the most interesting tours are not on shore—but onboard, on the ship itself. The great ship is called Edge because it’s on the cutting edge of the mammoth cruise ships, just a few years old, with…
— Forbes
Transportation
Aviation gripes and wishes: 'Major airports are worse than a 1980s shopping mall'
It's a miracle of science that we can jet from town to town to get our business done and get our fun on, but today's flying experience can leave a bit to be desired. We're jammed into seats that are too small; often nickel-and-dimed over fees; fearful after the two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft crashes; and, more frequently, annoyed that some airlines still don't even have outlets to charge our many devices. That's…
— CNN
Doomsday Bunkers, Illuminati, and the Apocalypse: 5 Wild Conspiracy Theories About Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport (DIA) has some secrets. At least, that’s what conspiracy theorists on the internet will tell you. Built as a replacement for Stapleton Airport, near Denver, in 1995, DIA has always had its share of nefarious conspiracy theories about it. From the beginning, Coloradoans have theorized about the airport’s secret tunnels, clues to Nazi secret societies, and horrifying harbingers of…
— Travel+Leisure
Free food, drinks and an air of exclusivity: How to get into VIP airport lounges
With three hours to kill at Sacramento International Airport last fall, I searched online for one of those cushy lounges offering free food and drinks. Most lounges limit access to big-spending frequent flyers, premium credit-card holders and those who buy pricey memberships or top dollar international tickets. But some sell day passes, giving even the basic economy crowd entry to the havens of travel happiness.…
— USA Today
Lodging
Hilton Temporarily Closes 150 Hotels in China Due to Coronavirus
On Tuesday, Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta announced on an earnings conference call with investors that the brand has temporarily closed 150 hotels in China, totaling 33,000 rooms, until the novel coronavirus outbreak subsides. "Hilton has temporarily closed approximately 150 hotels in China at the direction of local authorities," Nigel Glennie, Hilton's VP of Corporate Communications, told Business Insider in…
— Travel+Leisure
Banksy And Cocktails: New Orleans’ Premier Boutique Hotel Mixes Art With Hospitality
New Orleans is a quirky city full of quirky characters with lots of uniquely quirky hotels. But even but those standards, the International House Hotel stands out for its local character. And that was true even before Banksy - arguably the world’s most famous living artist - checked in. Let’s backtrack for a moment. Ivy League and London School of Economics educated New Orleans native - and art lover -…
— Forbes
Other and Odd
I’m Traveling More in My 70s Than I Did In My 20s
No one can believe that my partner Lee is still traveling at 97. Everyone is surprised that both of us can still travel—and I'm 77. Partly, when you're retired, you are looking for things to do, and for us that's traveling. In a way, we're selfish in that manner, it’s all for ourselves to a degree. But by traveling, you get a much better perspective of the things you read in the newspaper and see on the news. It’s not that…
— Conde Nast Traveler
After 65 Years, the First African-American-owned Travel Agency Continues to Provide Travelers With Unique Experiences
Before the current boom of black travel nomads and influencers, there were African-American pioneers who charted a course that would revolutionize the way black travelers traversed the world. More than 80 years ago, postal service worker and travel writer Victor Hugo Green had the foresight to create The Negro Motorist Green Book, a travel guide that was initially the go-to source for black American travelers.…
— Travel+Leisure
Today in History
The First Peacetime US Bank Robbery
The end of the Civil War left much of the southern United States in physical and economic ruin, and the state of Missouri was no exception. Despite the high ideals of Reconstruction, the state's new constitution excluded former Confederates from voting, becoming corporate officers, or serving on juries. Groups of…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
Croatia’s Katarina Line Upcoming 2020 Travel Show Schedule Will Take Them Across the United States
Croatia's small ship cruising specialist and DMC Katarina Line is criss-crossing the United States to participate in agent workshops, travel shows and educational seminars, helping travel advisors to sell small ship cruising and land tours in Croatia. “We are strengthening our presence in North America and educating travelers…
— Travel Research Online
South African Airways Vacations® Offers A Sweetheart Deal On A South Africa Vacation Package From $2,599* Per Person
Fort Lauderdale, FL (February 11, 2020) – Just in time to give the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, South African Airways Vacations® (SAA Vacations®), the leisure division of South African Airways, has introduced a 6- night air-inclusive “South Africa Sweetheart” vacation package. Starting from $2,599* (restrictions apply)…
— Travel Research Online
Mike’s 1-Minute Marketing Memos
Go Buy A Motorcycle
by Mike Marchev
Thursday February 13, 2020
The word “reg ret” has very little room in your future vocabulary. What you don’t want, and can’t afford to happen, is to look back in your past and utter the useless phrase, ”If only I…
— Travel Research Online
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Upcoming Training Opportunities
Alaska, ShoreTrips Style!
Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 3 pm EST/12 pm PST
Join Sam, Director of Training with ShoreTrips, to learn all about his favorite destination – Alaska! It’s a narrow season but there is a lot of opportunity to earn additional commission and have happy customers at the same time.
Register Now ➠
Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations Overview
Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST
Learn what’s new and exciting at Universal Orlando Resort, along with a quick review of tickets, packages, and how to sell Universal to your clients.
Register Now ➠
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