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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
6 Reasons Why Solo Travelers Will Love This Off-Path Country
South of India lies a magical island full of warmth, unique culture, and the island’s desire to be noticed by travelers. No, it’s not the Maldives, as that’s already a well-known bucket-list destination. The beautiful country of Sri Lanka has been through…
— Travel Off Path
Two Americans Found Dead at Oceanfront Mexico Hotel
Two Americans were found dead this week at an oceanfront hotel in Baja California Sur, authorities said. In a statement posted on Facebook on Thursday, the Mexican state’s attorney general’s office wrote that there were not signs of violence, but that the…
— The Washington Post
The 15 Best Free Things to Do in Madrid
The capital of Spain is a city of fine food, rich history, buzzing nightlife and creative exuberance, but taking in its sights and experiences can burn through your travel budget. By the time you've factored in a morning trip to the Museo del Prado, tapas…
— Lonely Planet
Tours and Activities
Paris Is Cleaning the Seine River—Soon You’ll Be Able to Swim in It
For hundreds of years, the Seine River has inspired artists, served as the backdrop for scenic romantic strolls, and provided a thoroughfare along some of the most familiar Paris landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. But it’s not been a…
— AFAR
Where to Watch the Seattle Pride Parade–and the Best Events to Hit All Month Long
With ten percent of Seattle identifying as LGBTQIA+, and so many more locals of this dynamic and progressive city showing up and support them in droves, the city’s annual Pride festivities spill out from June’s Pride Week into the entire month—with a few…
— Condé Nast Traveler
The Most Unexpected and Magical Way to See Wildlife in Africa
The solar-powered boat quietly made its way along the serene waters of the Chobe River, flanked on one side by the craggy banks of Botswana’s Chobe National Park–thick with mopane and mahogany trees–and the marshes and fields of neighboring…
— Fodor's Travel
Cruise
10 Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships for Adults
The Royal Caribbean is the world's second-largest cruise line operator, and its ships are among some of the most popular ones that sail the seas today. A big reason for its worldwide popularity is the fact that most Royal Caribbean cruise ships are catered…
— The Travel
A Day in the Life on a Vacaya Gay Cruise: From Sunrise to the Late-Night After-Party
The sun lazily peeks through the curtains, signaling the start of another day aboard a Vacaya gay cruise. Given the plethora of activities available, what should you decide to do for the day (and into the night)? In February 2023, I sailed with Vacaya on a…
— The Points Guy
Transportation
American Airlines Ends Free Bag Check on International Trips
Even as President Biden promises to crack down on tacked-on fees in the travel industry, American Airlines has rolled out a new one. Effective immediately, travelers on international flights booked in basic economy now will be charged $75 for the first…
— Travel Research Online
How Simple Luggage Trackers Became the Hottest Travel Accessory
Out of the post-pandemic travel chaos, a hero has emerged. Unassuming and undercover, this hero has spent much of the past year traveling the globe, stepping in when airlines mess up to save people’s precious vacations. Its name? Well, it goes…
— CNN
New Speeds on Amtrak Trains Will Get You From Chicago to St. Louis Quicker — How Fast They Travel
Amtrak’s rail service from Chicago to St. Louis is popular for good reason: Driving the 298 miles takes more than 4 hours and can be nerve-wracking for drivers. Now, in what’s hailed as good news by anyone making that trip by train, as well as Amtrak…
— Travel Awaits
Lodging
Fort Worth's Juneteenth Celebration At Hotel Dryce Celebrates Black History And Its Community
Juneteenth is set to be celebrated in grand fashion across North Texas this Monday. Thousands will gather for cookouts, live music performances, and enlightening history lessons that delve deep into the holiday’s Texan roots. In 1865, Union soldiers…
— Travel Noire
Score Up to 30% Off Walt Disney World Hotels for the Holidays
Walt Disney World just announced several deals on hotel accommodations — just in time for the holiday season. Available to all guests, the resort is offering up to 25 percent off on most stays Sunday through Thursday nights from Oct. 2 through Nov. 18…
— Travel+Leisure
Other and Odd
The Art of Being a Flâneur
Your “first care must be to ignore the very dream of haste, walking everywhere very slowly and very much at random,” Henry James advised visitors to Perugia, the capital of the Umbria region in Italy. A self-described flâneur, or idle stroller, James applied…
— New York Times
Plantations Aren’t the Only Destinations Tied to Slavery: What to Know Before Visiting
Throughout the South, people can visit plantations and other destinations tied to slavery, but the connections aren’t always clear. They can be in surprising places and look nothing like expected. “The most important thing for people to remember in…
— USA Today
Today in History
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg Executed
On June 19th, 1953, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed in the electric chair at Sing Sing prison. Their deaths marked the first execution of civilians for espionage in U.S. history. Accused…
— Travel Research Online
Editorial Musings
Embracing Juneteenth: A Remarkable Opportunity for Travel and Marketing
by John Frenaye
Monday June 19, 2023
I feel ripped o ff. And at the risk of showing my ignorance, I will say that I only learned about Juneteenth within the past few years. How did my education let me down so badly? However, as with any segment of people, there is an opportunity to engage and teach.
As travel professionals, we always need to keep our eyes on the diverse interests of travelers. One such occasion that presents an exciting opportunity for both travel and marketing is Juneteenth. Recognized as a significant milestone in American history, Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. But since today is Juneteenth, this is advice that I will include in my 2024 marketing plans.
Commemorating…
— Travel Research Online
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Publishers Corner
The Rise of AI Image Generation
by Richard Earls
Sunday June 18, 2023
Artificial inte lligence has made massive strides recently with image generation. AI systems can now generate highly realistic and customized images that will soon significantly reduce the need for generic stock photography. For travel advisors, AI image generation offers an opportunity to provide clients with personalized visuals of destinations and experiences that are hard or expensive to otherwise capture.
Stock photo websites currently offer an array of generic images of locations, landmarks, hotel rooms, and activities. While useful as a reference, stock photos can lack originality and personalization. Stock photography is often easily identified, and finding a wide variety of images of ethnically diverse people can be challenging. In addition, coming up with the exact photo you want, such as a cat in an astronaut suit in…
— Travel Research Online
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Mike's Monday Cup of Mo-Joe
Don’t Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth
 It was a crisp fall day back in 1984 when I stumbled upon the travel industry… totally by accident. Not a day goes by that I don’t thank my lucky stars that I did. At the time, I was interested in turning the page (changing jobs) and my strategy was to spread the word via those vendors whom I had established a good relationship with. My company’s travel agency was high on the list since I traveled quite a bit. As luck would have it, they were looking to expand their corporate business and I signed on as an outside salesman thinking that the world would soon become my playground.
— Travel Research Online
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Upcoming Training Opportunities
Navigating Summer Travel Risks: Essential Insights for Travel Advisors
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT
Summer travel is in full swing, and this year is even busier than last year. Help your clients safeguard their summer vacations while maximizing your revenue with the power of travel insurance.
Join Bailey Foster, VP of Trip Cancellation for Trawick International to gain essential insights on:
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