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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
Why I Returned to Vietnam After 15 Years Away — and What's Changed Today
Right away, I notice the smells. Jackfruit in the sun. The woody spice of cloves. Star anise in a pot of steaming pho. It’s springtime in Hanoi, and the flame trees are in fragrant, coral bloom. Vendors pile bushels of lotus flowers onto their three-wheeled rickshaws and…
— Travel+Leisure
Mexico’s Controversial New ‘Superhighway'
The Oaxaca Coast has long been a dream destination of mine ever since a friend came home from a year in a yoga centre with tales of full Moon circles and plant medicine ceremonies held right on the beach. Last December, after living in Oaxaca City, the capital of…
— BBC
Tours and Activities
These Are the 10 Most Polluted National Parks, From Sequoia to Yosemite, New Report Details
The National Parks Conservation Association has listed the most polluted U.S. national parks. Five California national parks made the top 10 including Sequoia, Yosemite and Joshua Tree, according to the group's "Polluted Parks" report. The climate report found that…
— USA Today
Greece Introduces New Rules for Holiday Beachgoers in 2024
Greece has implemented strict new regulations for its beaches, aiming to address overcrowding and ensure fairness. The new "beach bill" calls for 70 per cent of beaches to be free of sunbeds, rising to 85 per cent in protected areas, and sunbeds will be completely…
— SchengenVisaInfo.com
24 of the Best Experiences in Japan
Japan sparks all the senses, from its temple bells, capsule hotels and breezy cat islands to outdoor sculptures, pine-forest hot springs and umami flavors in world-class dining. The downside of having so many incredible attractions in one country is feeling…
— Lonely Planet
Cruise
Ditch the Polar Gear: 7 Warm-Weather Expedition Cruises That Will Wow Nature and Adventure Lovers
If you thought expedition cruising was all about polar destinations, think again. The newest ships and itineraries will have you swapping the thermal gear for swimsuits, basking in bright sunshine and slipping into the warm crystal waters in some of the more…
— The Points Guy
MSC Cruises Sails to the Amazon River for the First Time
A MSC Cruises ship sailed the Amazon River for the first time earlier this month. As part of the company’s 2024 world cruise, the MSC Poesia marked the company’s debut on the Brazilian waterway and also made several maiden visits to destinations in the region…
— Cruise Industry News
Transportation
Air France Increases U.S. Routes to Paris Ahead of Olympic Games
Air France is boosting its service to Paris from the United States — just in time for the upcoming summer Olympic Games. Announce this week, the airline bring back it's route Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (MSP) to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) on a daily basis as…
— Travel+Leisure
Passengers at This US Airport Have the Longest Trek to Their Gate
While travel disruptions and long security lines are things most travelers keep in mind when planning their arrival at the airport, many may not consider the distance from check-in to their gates. With some airport terminals spanning over a mile in length, the walk can…
— USA Today
New Night Train Connects Four Capitals From Brussels to Prague
European travellers can now fall asleep in Brussels and wake up in Prague with the launch of a new sleeper train service. The first ‘Good Night Train’ service from the European Sleeper start-up departs Belgium’s capital this evening (25 March) bound for the Czech…
— Euro News
Lodging
Five Luxury Hotels Opening Around the World This March - And How Much It’ll Cost to Stay
Luxury hotel stays can elevate the entire vibe of a vacation. With plush bedding, high-end amenities, and designer touches, adding five-star accommodations can enhance any travel itinerary. From Italy to Australia, here are five new hotels opening around this…
— Travel Noire
Hotel Watchlist: Spring Openings Smart Travelers Should Know About
Spring is nearly here, and with the season comes a spate of important hotel openings: the Tokyo flagship of a new brand from Aman Resorts; a renovated historic hotel on New York City’s Upper East Side; and a castaway-style luxury escape in the Maldives that puts…
— AFAR
Other and Odd
Can You Travel With a Criminal Record? Here's What Experts Say
Many travelers may have convictions on their records and rightfully wonder if that can prevent them from traveling. Because of the complexities of the law and the nature of security procedures, that’s not always a straightforward answer. Traveling internationally…
— Fodor's Travel
‘Quiet Luxury’ Was Once All About Fashion — But Now It Describes How the Top 1% Travel Too
Stealth wealth is spilling into the travel industry, as the rich increasingly forgo glitzy see-and-be-seen destinations, such as Capri, for more discreet getaways. High-profile events are losing some luster too, as more opt for remote locations for mental health and family…
— CNBC
Today in History
The Slave Trade Act
The United Kingdom abolished the slave trade with The Slave Trade Act, an act of Parliament passed on 25 March 1807. The Act abolished the slave trade in the British Empire, but not slavery. The institution of…
— Travel Research Online
Editorial Musings
How Does a Home-Based Agent Navigate AA’s New Mileage Earning Policy?
by John Frenaye
Monday March 25, 2024
American Airlin es is introducing a significant update to its frequent flyer program starting May 1, 2024. This update will particularly impact the accrual of miles for basic economy tickets. This shift emphasizes direct bookings and New Distribution Capability (NDC) connections, marking a notable change in the airline's distribution strategy. Understanding and adapting to this change is crucial for independent, home-based travel agents.
From May 2024 onward, American Airlines will allocate miles and loyalty points for basic economy tickets only when booked directly through the airline or its partner carriers. This policy change is a clear strategy to drive customers towards American Airlines' booking channels. Earning miles remains possible for other fare classes, but only for bookings with "preferred travel agencies" or clients tied to American…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
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Mike's Monday Cup of Mo-Joe
Closing (Sales) is for “Beginners”
 Every book ever written on sales has a detailed chapter outlining the steps and apparent benefits of “closing the sale.” Ever sales manager promoted to the corner office reminds his team that they need to “close” more sales before the quarter’s figures are tallied.
Next to overcoming objections and up selling, closing is a very popular topic in the world of sales these days. But, could there be a better way? I believe there is. The answer? Opening…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
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Upcoming Training Opportunities
The Fundamentals of Selling Luxury Croatia
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Croatian group yacht charters are the HOTTEST trend in 2024 and 2025, and if your not selling them to clients, you're missing a massive opportunity to cash in! Join Zvonimir Androic, President of the renowned DMC 'Via Croatia', as you learn in 60 minutes or less:
Register Now ➠
AmaWaterways' Points of Distinction
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
From the start, AmaWaterways has been a leading force in the river cruise industry. Tune into this webinar to learn what sets us apart - discover our innovative twin-balcony staterooms, exceptional onboard dining experiences, diverse range of included shore excursions and more. These points of distinction will enable you to build your river cruise business in 2024 and beyond!
PLUS - One attendee will win a cruise on one of our European itineraries!
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