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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
I Traveled to Japan During the Coronavirus Outbreak — Here’s What It Was Really Like
Japan is my favorite country to travel to — I love how different, yet totally modern and comfortable everything is; how everything is tiny and made to resemble an animal; and how there is no shame in being an adult male with a Hello Kitty keychain. So, when I had the opportunity to visit for the second time, I didn’t think twice. I booked my ticket on Feb. 12, a couple weeks after the World Health Organization…
— Travel+Leisure
Italy expands travel restrictions to entire country to contain coronavirus
Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte put his entire country on lockdown Monday to combat the coronavirus, banning all but the most important travel and putting the final kibosh on social gatherings after Italians failed to take previous warnings to heart amid skyrocketing infections. Two days after imposing the same strict measures on a quarter of the country, in the hard-hit north, Conte urged all 60 million Italians to…
— USA Today
Tours and Activities
Shanghai Disney Resort launches 'phased reopening,' requires guests wear masks 'during their entire visit'
Shanghai Disney has taken the “first steps” toward reopening the resort after temporarily shuttering in late January amid concerns over the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. As part of its plans for a “phased reopening,” the resort has reopened a “limited number of shopping, dining and recreational experiences” — but not the actual Shanghai Disneyland theme park itself. Rather, Shanghai Disney Resort has reopened…
— Fox Travel News
The Grilled Cheese and Natural Wine Spot That Made Me Want to Move to Dublin
I can't resist a wine bar—especially if there's grilled cheeses on the menu. So when on a recent trip to Dublin, Traveler contributor Nicola Brady sent me an emphatic DM urging me to hit up Loose Canon Cheese and Wine, it took no more than an hour for me to walk in its door. And then I stopped by again the next evening. And again the next afternoon. All in all, on a four-day, long weekend trip, I made…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Cruise
Florida Couple Sues Coronavirus-Hit Cruise Ship Operator For More Than $1 Million
A Florida couple stuck onboard the coronavirus-hit Grand Princess cruise ship in California are suing the ship's operator, Princess Line Cruises, accusing the company of gross negligence by allowing passengers to be exposed to Covid-19 on the vessel. Broward County's Ronald and Eva Weissberger are suing Princess Cruise Lines, owned by Carnival Corp, for more than $1 million. They claim that the operator sailed…
— Forbes
Cruise Lines Modify Cancellation Policies For Better Flexibility
Cruise lines are modifying their payment and cancellation policies in an attempt to provide reassurance and flexibility for passengers in the wake of the Covid-19 novel coronavirus outbreaks around the world. While also protecting those with previously-booked voyages, these new policies are also designed to provide comfort and flexibility to those considering booking a cruise this summer and fall, particularly as…
— CruiseCritic.com
Transportation
Delta, United, American broaden change fee waivers amid coronavirus concerns
Delta Air Lines on Monday said it will allow travelers holding tickets to any destination in March and April to change or cancel their flight without paying a hefty change fee, regardless of when they bought the ticket. The broad fee waiver, the first by a major U.S airline, provides travelers holding nonrefundable tickets more flexibility as trips are canceled due to the coronavirus crisis. "As concerns continue about…
— USA Today
Why airlines are running ‘ghost flights’ amid coronavirus panic
These “ghost flights” are spooky for environmental reasons. Controversial regulations are forcing British airlines to fly empty jets amid the coronavirus outbreak — or risk forfeiting vital airport slots, the Sunday Times reports. The “use it or lose it” rules governing European airports compel airlines to keep flying, even if it means burning five gallons of jet fuel per mile — and emitting more than a half-ton of carbon…
— New York Post
Lodging
The Future Of Toronto: 6 Hot Luxury Hotels Opening In 2020
Toronto is one of my favorite cities in the world. I have visited the Canadian capital of Ontario for decades and marveled at its ability to be a world-class metropolitan city with soaring skyscrapers as well as a remarkable dynamic landscape of cultures and people from around the globe. More than 50% of its population are minorities, and it creates the most vibrant community of neighborhoods, from Downtown…
— Forbes
This Treehouse Airbnb in Texas Has a Pool With a Swim-up Bar
Living like a kid again just got way easier thanks to the Redwood Tree Haus. Located in New Braunfels, Texas, about a 30-minute drive outside of San Antonio, guests will find what can only be described as one of the most unique and playful Airbnbs around. The two-bed, one-bath house is a tried and true treehouse, just like the ones you built as a kid — only cooler and more structurally sound. Oh, and unlike the one…
— Travel+Leisure
The 13 Most Beautiful National Park Hotels in the U.S.
There's not really a wrong way to experience America's national parks, whether you drive through during a road trip or camp out for a week. And while rustic cabins and tents are great, many of our 62 parks offer more luxurious alternatives within their established boundaries. National park hotels feature the best of both worlds, with king-sized beds and air conditioning (usually) set among some of the country's…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Other and Odd
Global travel slowdown means lots of deals
Coronavirus has no doubt put the travel industry into a tailspin. Airlines alone could lose $113 billion in sales if the virus continues to spread, according to the International Air Transport Association. Hotels, too -- both big brands like Marriott International and Hyatt Hotels as well as small family-run properties -- are hurting as reserved guests cancel their stays for fear of traveling and don't rebook. Henry Harteveldt, a travel…
— CNN
Canada's mysterious lake monster
Not long after I moved to Kelowna, a city in southern British Columbia known for its wineries, water sports and hiking trails, I saw a news story about a monster sighting. Two brothers had seen something undulating across the water in the middle of Okanagan Lake, an 84-mile long lake that curves down the Okanagan Valley past Kelowna in the shape of a serpent. The wave crested and fanned out like a wake,…
— BBC
Today in History
Founding of the French Foreign Legion
King Louis-Phillippe needed troops for the French colony of Algeria, but foreign soldiers were not permitted to join the French army. The King solved the problem by forming a new military unit on March 10, 1831. The recruits were a mixed bunch: soldiers from other countries, adventurers, and criminals. Forced to…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
Collette Stands By Worry-Free Experience
Pawtucket, RI (March 9, 2020) – Collette, global tour operator, is dedicated to providing a worry-free experience for both travel professionals and guests, from start to finish. It stands behind an industry-leading Travel Protection Plan, offering a full cash refund for any guest who has to cancel up to 24 hours before…
— Travel Research Online
60-Second Geography
La Fortuna and Arenal in Costa Rica
by Joseph DeLoach
Tuesday March 10, 2020
 There’s a reason that La Fortuna remains one of the most visited areas in Costa Rica. Simply put, it is paradise. This small town, located in an area named the same, is a fortune of relaxation and allowing the richness of life to wash over the traveler. With a magnificent volcano as a backdrop, La Fortuna’s lush natural surroundings and laid-back atmosphere lets the traveler settle into a worthwhile…
— Travel Research Online
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Although there may not be any “Do-Overs” or “Mulligans” in business these days, there is certainly a time and rationale for “Try-Agains.” Let me…