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Thursday September 02, 2021

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

Mixed reactions to EU safe travel list: Bulgaria prohibits travel, Portugal plans to remain open
Some countries are tightening travel restrictions in light of new guidance from the EU, but Portugal plans to continue welcoming U.S.…

The Latest Vaccine Requirements For Travel
While the EU continues to roll out its Green Pass for European residents and international visitors, a common agreement between the United States and the EU took a step back at the end of…

What you need to know about traveling to Greece right now
There are new domestic restrictions in place across Greece and the Greek islands as the Delta variant…

Ireland and Croatia Are Staying Open For U.S. Travelers
The EU has recommended new restrictions on travelers from the U.S., but Ireland, Croatia, and Portugal say they will not be changing entry…

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Tours and Activities

A Truffle-Hunting Tour Might Just Be Your New Favorite Pastime In Florence, Italy
No one truly understands truffle culture until they've been to Italy, and hunting these prized edible gems gives visitors a new appreciation for…

The Best Vacation Spots for Couples In the U.S.
From the islands of Hawaii to the farmland of Wyoming, these picks for the best travel spots for couples will encourage you to book a trip near or far to reconnect with your partner. Bookmark this now, set your flight notifications, and get ready…

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Cruise

Carnival Cruise Ship Delayed at Amber Cove After Authorities Request Additional Details
Passengers were delayed in debarkation at Amber Cover from the Carnival Magic cruise ship after crew member COVID…

Princess Cruises Alaska Review: What I Loved About the Cruise and Ship
Majestic Princess was originally built for the Chinese cruise market and because of that, the cruise ship has some unique locations that are not found…

Kusadasi Welcomes Blue Sapphire, First Cruise Ship Since Pandemic
After a long pause, Ege Port Kusadasi has welcomed its first cruise vessel, the Blue Sapphire sailing for Turkey-based cruise line, Selectum Blu…

8 Tips For Preparing to Cruise in 2021
Cruising today looks a bit different than it did back in 2019. We've put together a list of tips for preparing to cruise in…

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Transportation

Major Airlines Are Now Banning Cloth Masks on Planes
As COVID cases continue to rise around the world, many major airlines have decided to start banning cloth masks on…

Delta Air Lines Partners With Spotify For Onboard Entertainment
Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership with Spotify for customers to enjoy onboard music. Exclusively through the airline’s Delta Studio onboard entertainment…

Alaska Airlines to require COVID vaccination for new hires
Alaska Airlines announced that it will require all new hires to be vaccinated against…

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Lodging

HotelStats: Hotel profit climbs higher, but could Delta derail it?
Global hotel performance is improving month by month. That's the good news. The more pressing concern is if it will remain that way. The hotel industry…

The Buzziest New Hotels to Discover in Italy
Travelers from all over the world have long had a love affair with Italy, and it’s not hard to see why: the country has endearing locals, incredible food and wine, scenic landscapes, and historical sites that would take many lifetimes to…

Man facing charges after escaping quarantine hotel in New Zealand
New Zealand authorities said Thursday that a man who tested positive for COVID-19 could face a fine or jail time after he escaped a quarantine hotel to return…

Disney Showcases MASSIVE Suite at Most Luxurious California Hotel
Disney Parks have taken to TikTok to showcase the massica El Capitan Suite located at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel at Disneyland…

Other and Odd

5 tips to pack like a pro so you always have exactly what you need
Packing for your next trip can be an overwhelming headache. If you pack too light, you won’t be prepared. If you pack too much, traveling will be cumbersome — not to mention all those extra luggage…

People used to book one vacation at a time. Now they've started 'trip stacking'
A growing number of people are booking two or even three trips over the same travel period in case Covid-related problems ruin their preferred…

If You're Unvaccinated, The CDC Wants You To Stay Home This Labor Day Weekend
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has expressed concern about the further spread of the delta variant. Health officials have been concerned about holiday weekends during the…

Welcome to 'trip stacking,' where travelers wary of COVID-19 cancellations book multiple trips for the same vacation
One traveler told CNBC they booked a cruise from Athens to Rome and a trip to Hawaii for the same 10-day…

Today in History

The Great Fire of London
The Great Fire of London began on September 2, 1666 at the storefront bakery of Thomas Farriner on Pudding Lane. The mayor of London delayed calling for demolition of buildings around the fire, the chief means of fighting urban fires at the time. As a consequence of the delay, the fire spread rapidly. The conflagration consumed more…

Press Releases of Interest

Collette will Continue to Offer tours to Europe for Fully Vaccinated Travelers
August 31, 2021 — COLLETTE will continue to operator tours to the European Union, amidst changes made for unvaccinated travelers earlier this week. The company, which requires travelers to be fully vaccinated for international travel, has successfully operated tours to Europe for the past six months. Collette has worked alongside government officials, tourism boards, and key partners during this time, to ensure a…

Point-to-Point

What Will Happen to Americans Seeking to Vacation or Cruise in Europe Anytime Soon?
by Steven Frankel
Thursday September 02, 2021

I jumped on a call Monday morning, which involved travel advisors from all over the nation speaking to the execs in our agency. The #1 topic was: Why is the EU recommending against Americans vacationing in Europe?

The Council of the European Union has just removed the United States from the EU’s Safe Travel List. American regulations already don't permit Europeans to vacation here.

The travel advisors on the call wondered if the EU recommendation would generate a new round of vacation and cruise cancellations. Asia and Oceania are already tightly closed to Americans, and Hawaii's governor is pleading with tourists not to visit. The loss of Europe as a vacation destination will only leave Latin America and the Caribbean as the major international…

  — Travel Research Online
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The Incessant Traveler

It Matters Who You Travel With
by David Cogswell
Thursday September 02, 2021

I noticed recently that Expedia is using the slogan, “It matters who you travel with.” I found that to be a curious choice for the mega online travel agency. I agree with the statement wholeheartedly, but applying it to Expedia is a mismatch. It would be appropriate if you applied the slogan to the American Society of Travel Advisors.

ASTA used to use the slogan, “Without a travel agent, you’re on your own.” And it was, ironically, Expedia who taught me the truth of that statement. It was a hard lesson.

It’s surprising to me that after so many years Expedia still has customers. I have to think that the people who still book with Expedia have never had anything go wrong on a trip. Because if…

  — Travel Research Online
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