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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
Strolling with daffs on the Tamar, south Devon
‘You mustn’t miss the dock dung,” said our friend Jeremy. “But you’ll have to wait till lunchtime for the avocets,” added his partner Trish. Those words had rung in our ears as we stepped off the Tamar Valley train at Bere Alston station, ready to walk a 6½-mile route to Bere Ferrers, where we would stop for a picnic outside the Olde Plough Inn. We were in the Bere peninsula, a part of south-west Devon that…
— The Guardian
Japan warns against travel to US
Japan is warning its citizens against non-essential travel to the U.S. amid the worldwide coronavirus outbreak. Japan’s foreign ministry also issued similar warnings for most European countries as well as South Korea, Iceland, San Marino and some regions of Italy, Switzerland and Spain, The Associated Press reported. The decision comes after the State Department raised travel warnings for Japan and four…
— The Hill
During Barcelona's Lockdown, 8 p.m. Has Become My Favorite Hour of the Day
It happens every night at 8 p.m. sharp. Starting softly, like a distant roll of thunder, the noise grows louder as it echoes around the city. It’s the sound of tens of thousands of hands clapping in unison as we, the locked down residents of Barcelona, give a standing ovation to the city’s healthcare workers from our balconies. The same sound can be heard through Madrid. And Seville. And in many of Spain’s cities…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Tours and Activities
10 of the UK’s best spring walks
Pubs and restaurants may be closed and dark, but all over the UK wildlife is bursting into the light of longer days and it’s never been more important to get some fresh air. Nature writers select their favourite seasonal destinations. “If ever I heard blessing it is there. Where birds in trees that shoals and shadows are.” In April and May the Cotswold landscape still speaks in the soft, calm tones of Laurie Lee. For a…
— The Guardian
The UK Is Hoping to Protect Some of Its Rarest Species in a New 'Super National Nature Reserve'
The United Kingdom has opened its first “super national nature reserve” in the southwest of England. Purbeck Heaths in Dorset is the combination of three existing national natures reserves, conservation areas and a golf course. It is the largest lowland heathland national reserve in the country, measuring more than 8,000 acres. “For generations to come, Purbeck Heaths will be at the heart of a…
— Travel+Leisure
Outdoors Activist Pattie Gonia on Why National Parks Aren't the Place to Be Right Now
I went to Moab, Utah, on Monday of last week. I was headed there for a job and to do my first solo backpacking trip. Things were different then, but I also rationalized to myself that I wouldn't be in town that much, and I would be around fewer people than in my hometown in Nebraska. I started the week with friends in town. I was doing things that felt a little ridiculous, like wearing my glove at a gas station…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Cruise
Carnival Radiance Cruise Ship Debut Pushed Back as Shipyard Work Ceases
With COVID-19 shutting down shipyards throughout the world, Carnival Cruise Line is delaying the debut of Carnival Radiance. The ship, which is in dry dock in Cadiz, Spain, is undergoing a $200-million refurbishment, transforming Carnival Victory into Carnival Radiance. A Carnival spokesman said in a statement: "As the COVID-19 situation continues to escalate, Carnival Cruise Line is suspending work…
— CruiseCritic.com
Royal Caribbean Delaying Upgrades on Two Cruise Ships
Royal Caribbean has decided to put on hold upgrades on two cruise ships that were scheduled to receive new features later this year. The Amplifications to Allure of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas will no longer take place as scheduled. The cruise line confirmed the changes on social media saying that it is the result of the global developments of COVID-19. Royal Caribbean committed over a billion dollars…
— Cruise Fever
Transportation
Free rail travel for NHS staff due to coronavirus
NHS workers will just need to show their work ID to access services to get themselves back and forth to work until 30 April. Public transport is to operate on a reduced scale throughout Wales because of the coronavirus pandemic. New timetables are now in place for trains and buses until further notice. Announcing the move for NHS workers, Transport for Wales said on Monday: "At Transport for Wales our…
— BBC
The Latest On Which Airlines Are Still Flying And Why
This article from Friday pointed out that contrary to the expectations of many, there were still a huge number of flights operating around the globe. Incredibly, even as COVID-19 has shut borders and sent millions into self-isolation at home, you can book flights to a variety of destinations, and for the most part prices are good. As expected that picture has changed somewhat over the past few days, with…
— Forbes
Lodging
These Hotels Recognize Incredible Women
Even while March is coming to an end with the impact of the coronavirus on the forefront, this month still should be recognized as Women’s History Month. While statues, monuments and memorials are built to recognize their accomplishments and achievements, there’s another structure that makes their legacy more experiential - hotels. Yet, as right now is not the best time to be traveling, what we can share…
— Forbes
Rough sleepers in London given hotel rooms
Hotel beds have been offered to rough sleepers in London to help protect them against coronavirus. About 300 rooms were made available this weekend to vulnerable people already known to homelessness charities as part of an initial trial. London Mayor Sadiq Khan's office is working with Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) to block-book rooms at a discounted rate for the next 12 weeks. It comes as…
— BBC
Other and Odd
This Virtual Tour of the Carlsbad Caverns Will Entertain You (and Your Kids) for Hours
By now, you’re surely aware of the plethora of livestreaming and virtual options available on the internet. There’s the Metropolitan Opera, a virtual museum visit, a walk down the Great Wall of China, and much more. But, we want to add one more to the list because not only is it super cool, but it will also make you feel like you’re getting out in nature too. The National Parks Service (NPS) has long offered…
— Travel+Leisure
As governments limit nonessential travel, what becomes essential?
Freedom of movement at the world's longest land border diminished on Wednesday when President Donald Trump announced restrictions on travel between the United States and Canada. "We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!" Trump tweeted. The decision, which goes into effect today, will transform life…
— CNN
Today in History
Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me Death!
On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry stood in front of a crowd gathered at St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia. Powerful forces in Virginia, where loyalty to the British crown remained, were resisting the call to arms on behalf of the American revolution. Patrick Henry, known for his rhetorical skill, was determined…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
South African Airways Suspends All International Flights Until 31 May 2020
JOHANNESBURG, 20 March 2020 –South African Airways (SAA) has announced that it will immediately suspend all international operations until 31 May 2020 in response to a government travel ban aimed at stopping the transmission of the Coronavirus (Covid-19). The COVID-19 pandemic and attendant…
— Travel Research Online
Editorial Musings
Do NOT lie to your clients during the COVID-19 pandemic
by John Frenaye
Monday March 23, 2020
I am at a loss  right now. I wish there were some encouraging words to offer or a crystal ball that had some accuracy. I have neither this morning, but I do have some facts. In two months, we have gone from zero to 26,747 of the COVID-19 virus in the US. And just between Saturday and Sunday we added another 7,123. This is spreading fast and we need to be very concerned for our health (primarily) and our businesses (secondarily).
The good news is that the virus is not particularly deadly. The bad news is that experts estimate 50% to 80% of us will get it with varying degrees of severity. The worse news is that it appears more likely to be a several month…
— Travel Research Online
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Publishers Corner
Hanging Tight
by Richard Earls
Monday March 23, 2020
“These ar e the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” ~ The Crisis, Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
There is nothing new about the presence of a crisis. Humankind's lack of animal instinct imposes trial and error as our preferred methodology for progress. Right now, it’s time to do an internal inventory. As difficult as things are, there are some very basic responsibilities we all need to assume rather…
— Travel Research Online
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Mike’s 1-Minute Marketing Memos
12 Word Marketing Plan
 For the next few days, I want to share my 12-Word Marketing Plan with you. “Get Up. Get Out. And Make More People Glad They Know You.” To many of my travel industry associates, these twelve words will be interpreted as absurdly simple and might even border on insulting their intelligence. No apologies from me, my amigos. 12 words are all that are needed to turn your businesses around.
To help internalize the message, I will dissect the words and provide my take on the subject accordingly. Today we will begin with the first two words… Get Up.
Get…
— Travel Research Online
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Upcoming Training Opportunities
Australis 102 – Itinerary Ideas in Patagonia
Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 2 pm EDT/11 am PDT
Our last webinar Australis 101 focused on the basics of Australis Cruises, our ships, itineraries, and some online tools to help you sell Patagonia and Australis to your South America bound clients. In this webinar we will do a brief review of the basics and then offer itinerary suggestions for other areas within Patagonia that can easily be combined with the cruise to form an incredible land/sea adventure.
Register Now ➠
Perillo's Groups and Learning Journeys Prepares You
Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Online Learning is now in session.Join Prof. Carol Dimopoulos for a little love, encouragement and a chance for some professional development. Learn effective crisis management methods to develop long term client retention. You will also learn how to be prepared to offer products which are historically in demand post travel slow down. A preview of the Learning Journeys and Groups Fall 2020 and 2021 season will inspire you and help with in creating a strategic selling plan for market return.Let’s connect and learn!
Register Now ➠
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