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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
Nesting Sea Turtles Are Thriving on Florida’s Empty Beaches
With the state’s beaches closed in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, researchers say that sea turtles have been able to build without any disruptions—good news for the threatened creatures. David Godfrey, Executive Director for the Sea Turtle Conservancy told CNN that less garbage, fewer people, and less disorientation caused by artificial lights for hatchlings, bodes well for this year’s…
— Travel+Leisure
New Zealand Will Be Waiting For You When This Is All Over
New Zealand remains on the top of many tourist’s travel bucket lists. A land of extreme natural beauty, New Zealand awes and impresses at every turn. From a trendy urban capital city to vineyards that stretch for miles, the deepest lush valleys and inviting beaches, New Zealand has earned its place as one of the most desirable places to visit on Earth. But now that the world is in lock…
— Forbes
Tours and Activities
Koalas injured in Australia bushfires re-released into wild
In a spot of good news, several koalas who were injured in bushfires in Australia in 2019 have been re-released into the wild. The marsupials were being treated at the world's only all-koala hospital, located in the New South Wales town of Port Macquarie. One of the most famous of the group is Anwen, a female whose photos went viral due to the severe nature of her burns -- they covered 90%…
— CNN
The best places to rock climb in the world – in pictures
We can only dream of travel and adventure right now, but a new book about the best climbs across the world might provide inspiration. From the deserts of Utah to a manmade mountain in Austria, it highlights the greatest locations for adrenaline junkies. Fifty Places To Rock Climb Before You Die by Chris Santella is published by Abrams…
— The Guardian
The Fascinating History Behind Why We Celebrate Earth Day
As the world celebrates Earth Day on April 22, many may not know how the holiday came about, or even that 2020 is the 50th anniversary of the holiday. Fifty years ago, a senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson, launched a national effort in 1970 and called it, of course, “Earth Day.” That year, communities around the country hosted “teach-ins,” rallies, and marches about man’s…
— Travel+Leisure
Cruise
Cunard Extends Suspension of Global Cruise Operations Until July 31, Cancels Alaska Season
Cunard has further extended its fleet operations until July 31st and cancelled its entire Alaska season on Queen Elizabeth. A statement from the line read: "For Queen Elizabeth, maintaining a shorter summer season in Alaska would not make these voyages viable, so the cruise line has taken the practical decision to cancel the entire Alaska season and all departures up to and including the 8…
— CruiseCritic.com
34 crew members positive for COVID-19 on docked Costa Atlantica; Costa Deliziosa docks in Italy
More than a month after the no-sail order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the cruise industry is continuing slow progress towards a halt in operations in the face of coronavirus. A few cruise ships have guests on board, and others are still hosting crew members, some of whom are facing difficult conditions, including time on board without pay. "All ships within the CLIA fleet…
— USA Today
Transportation
Ask the Captain: Would you fly domestically if you had to travel right now?
Do you feel that air travel domestically is currently safe, given all the cleaning and people wearing masks? Yes, If I needed to travel, I would fly. The higher risk is the interaction with people on the ground. I support the practice of social distancing and based on what I have seen, the airlines are doing a good job of cleaning the airplanes. I am looking forward to returning to regular travel once…
— USA Today
Should You Be Booking the Cheap Flights You're Seeing?
Despite the fact that we're all staying home right now, it's hard to deny the allure of really good, cheap flight deals. And with the entire airline industry in free fall these days, there are some once-in-a-lifetime deals to be had—we're talking $13 cross-country airfares, and $200 roundtrip flights from the U.S. to Europe. But should you book them right now? Before you mad dash to Google Flights and…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Lodging
You Can Chat With a Famous Author or Listen to Drag Queen Storytime With Airbnb’s New Literary Experiences
Book lovers, it’s time to celebrate. Thursday, April 23 marks World Book Day and Airbnb isn’t letting this day go by without a massive celebration. In honor of all our favorite reads, Airbnb is launching a collection of literary Online Experiences meant to further inspire your love of books. From sharing your favorite children’s book with your own kids to drinking book-inspired cocktails, and even…
— Travel+Leisure
Travel Bans During COVID Crisis Fuel Call For Timeshare Reform
In the wake of COVID-19, a flood of timeshare owners have tried to cancel their contracts, citing travel bans and health fears that make them untenable. Disastrous as it is, the pandemic alone is not a valid reason to exit a timeshare, according to timeshare exit companies. However, there are plenty of valid reasons to cancel a contract for a timeshare, including exorbitant maintenance fees,…
— Forbes
Other and Odd
The book that inspired me to travel
I read Jupiter’s Travels while living in Cambodia. Ted Simon’s tales of his motorcycle adventure around the world is so thrilling and adventurous that I immediately went out and bought an old Honda. I dreamed of following in his tyre tracks and travelling around the world, being welcomed as a hero everywhere I’d go. I didn’t get very far – the Vietnamese authorities wouldn’t allow the bike over…
— The Guardian
Dr. Jane Goodall Would Rather Sail Around the World Than Go Through TSA
Dr. Jane Goodall may be 86 years old and quarantined at home in London, but the respected primatologist says she's busier than ever.
Granted, Goodall has never been one for sitting still. The British scientist-turned-activist is best known for her 60-year-long study of Africa's chimpanzees, which included living among the primates in Tanzania's Gombe National Park at the ripe age of 26. Though…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Amabie: The Japanese monster going viral
In Japan, as parts of the country declare a state of emergency, people here have been reacting to the Covid-19 pandemic in a unique way: by sharing images online of a mystical, mermaid-like being believed to ward off plagues. Largely forgotten for generations, Amabie, as it’s known, is an auspicious yokai (a class of supernatural spirits popularised through Japanese folklore) that was…
— BBC
Today in History
Founding of the Conch Republic
Drug smuggling and illegal immigration during the early 1980's found a home in southern Florida. The United States Border Patrol set up a roadblock and an inspection point in Key West to stop vehicles for searches. Both local citizens and tourists were greatly inconvenienced. Delays became so notorious…
— Travel Research Online
TRO SMITH
8 Secrets to Improve YOUR Videos
by Catherine Heeg
Thursday April 23, 2020
 Do you ever wish your videos looked a bit more polished?
Do you wish your fans would share and comment more often on your videos?
Why even bother with video now in these crazy times? Here’s…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
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Mike’s 1-Minute Marketing Memos
I'll Try.
Over the years, I have taught myself to recognize this phrase (“I’ll try.”) and question its validity immediately.
I have come to learn from experience that these two words really mean, “I’ll give your idea or invitation a moment or two of consideration before I come up with some lame excuse of why I can’t follow through as suggested.”
“I’ll try” is similar to the shopper’s knee-jerk comeback… “I’m just looking.”…
— Travel Research Online
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