Unless you have been living under a rock for the past three weeks, you probably have heard about (or felt) the increased prices for gasoline. I filled up my car the other day and had flashbacks to driving my 1998 Ford Expedition with a $60 fill-up. But unfortunately, that pain will not stop at the pump. And yes, it will move into the travel sector as well.

The airlines are still reeling from COVID (despite the billions given to them) and are now looking at an increase in jet fuel. Fuel accounts for about 50% of operating costs for every flight. There has already been a 50% increase in cost this year and more increases are on the way.

But there is time. Experts believe that it…

If I may, I want to suggest we carve out a small section of our business plans for one more set of goals and promises. Travel professionals have a powerful opportunity to influence a wide swath of public opinion regarding the environment and the people with whom clients will interact in their travels. Our own self-interest suggests we do our best to be good stewards of both destinations and the indigenous, but the opportunity extends far beyond self-interest.

Florida's manatees are in serious trouble, having undergone two years of drastically declining numbers.   Maybe I shouldn't be turning up the volume on the plight of the manatee, but being from West Virginia I do know about the practice of taking…

Last week I reminded you of how important first impressions can be. We left the Theta Chi House at The University of Colorado in Boulder and began flying to the gold coast. We ended up in Fresno and, in particular, Fresno State University. Reread last week’s story to be brought up to speed. We made an interim stop in Salt Lake City before continuing our journey to Fresno, CA.

We knew where the inexpensive beds would be from our stay in Boulder. We began hunting for the Theta Chi Fraternity house. Before long we found the familiar OX sign above the front door, only to find the house was locked up tighter than a drum. No problem.

Foolishly believing that this was “our” house…