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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
Retreat to Crete: Why the Greek Island Is a Perfect Escape
Sometimes, when you travel, you arrive somewhere so ridiculously picturesque, so dictionary-definition of how you expect the country to look, that you half suspect it was built as a film set, or has been “Disneyfied” specifically for tourists. I get this feeling…
— The Guardian
Olympic Organizers Concerned Over Swimming in the Seine After Pollution Report
A European non-profit organization is warning the famous Seine may be too polluted to host Olympic swimming events, throwing an iconic part of the games into question. The Surfrider Foundation Europe tested the Paris river over the past six months and found…
— Travel+Leisure
When Is the Best Time to Visit Italy?
When is the best time to visit Italy? I have had the good fortune of visiting the country twice in the past twelve months—once in August, and again this past March. While in Rome on both occasions, I stayed near the Trevi Fountain and so I was often made to…
— Condé Nast Traveler
Tours and Activities
What It’s Like to Hike to the End of the World in Chile
Tracing the shoreline of the icy Ukika River, I follow a trail through an evergreen woodland of southern beech trees studded with clumps of orange fungi the shape and size of golfballs. The branches are miniature ecosystems, blanketed with tiny bryophytes (a…
— National Geographic
Road Trips: How to Plan an Accessible Getaway
Planning an accessible road trip is getting a little easier for people with disabilities. There are more resources created by and for the disability community, and the tourism industry is starting to recognize the value of accessible travel. As a disabled, chronically ill…
— New York Times
Cruise
This Cruise Line Was the Perfect Multigenerational Trip for My Family
Cruise vacations have always been an attractive choice for multigenerational family vacations. A hassle-free way to explore the world, family cruises balance together-time with opportunities for everyone in the family to pursue their own interests too. And…
— USA Today
Princess Cruises Introduces Three Table Service Options Across Its Fleet
Princess Cruises is to roll out a range of new dining experiences across its fleet after their successful debut on the cruise line’s latest ship, Sun Princess. From mid-September 2024, Princess will offer three table service options: traditional, reservable, or walk-in…
— Cruise and Ferry
Transportation
Middle East Tension: How Worried Should Airline Passengers Be?
The shortest route on the surface of the planet between Perth in Western Australia and London Heathrow airport begins with thousands of miles of Indian Ocean before making landfall over Sri Lanka. The track clips a southwestern corner of, successively…
— The Independent
Airlines Ask FAA to Extend New York Slot Waivers Through October 2025
Airlines want permission to operate fewer flights to New York without penalty through most of 2025; they're citing a continued shortage of air traffic controllers that carriers don't expect will sufficiently improve within the next 18 months. Last week, Airlines for…
— The Points Guy
United Airlines Flight Attendant's Armrest Announcement Sparks Social Media Frenzy
In a bold move that has taken social media by storm, a United Airlines flight attendant recently addressed one of the most contentious issues in air travel: the battle over armrests. This announcement, shared by a passenger on Reddit, has reignited the…
— Travel Noire
Lodging
A New Under Canvas Tented Camp Is Coming to This California National Park
There’s about to be a wonderful new way to visit the giant sequoias, waterfalls, two remaining glaciers, and dizzying granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome at Yosemite National Park. Under Canvas announced its first-ever camp in California just outside of the…
— AFAR
Why This Historic Luxury Villa From Only $250 A Night Is Perfect For An Idyllic European Getaway
I'm not sure about you, but testing my patience in long waiting lines at the gelato shop or bumping into sweaty bodies in narrow alleyways teeming with excursion groups while it's over 100 degrees outside is not exactly my idea of fun, much less relaxation…
— Travel Off Path
Inside the Largest Penthouse Suite in North America
Set on 620 acres of a nature reserve on the Yucatan Peninsula is EDITION’s latest hotel. Located in the heart of Riviera Maya, the lush, sprawling grounds include lagoons and mangroves as well as two miles of a pristine white-sand beach. Created by hospitality…
— Fodor's Travel
Other and Odd
An Introvert’s Guide to Surviving Group Travel
The thought of round-the-clock “togetherness” — with friends, family or strangers bound together in a tour group — can be overwhelming to the estimated 57% of people who lean toward introversion. Solo travel can suit introverts, who tend to re-energize…
— CNBC
U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Israel With Iran Attack Believed to Be Imminent and Fear Gaza War Could Spread
Israel is bracing for a worst-case scenario that U.S. officials believe could materialize within just hours — the possibility of a direct attack on Israeli soil by Iran in retaliation for a strike almost two weeks ago that killed seven Iranian military officers. Iran has…
— CBS News
A Guide to LGBTQ+ Travel in Latin America
Latin America is a vast region of over 656 million inhabitants. Stretching across two continents, it’s a storied location where people and cultures from Europe, Africa, the Americas and elsewhere mixed and settled. Spanish and Portuguese, vestiges of two rival…
— National Geographic
Today in History
The Debut of Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson's debut on April 15, 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers ended professional baseball's color barrier. During the early years following his debut, Robinson endured abuse at the hands of baseball players and fans alike. The scope of his accomplishments, however, won over even the most hardened racists. In 1947, Robinson won the first Rookie of the Year Award. In 1949, he was…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
Booking Is Open for Collette’s All-New ‘Historical Greenbrier Holiday’ Tour
Pawtucket, RI (April 10, 2024) – Collette reminds travelers that booking is now open for its brand new “Historical Greenbrier Holiday” tour. Two departures for the eight-day experience are available…
— Travel Research Online
Editorial Musings
What IS Your Messaging REALLY Saying To Your Client?
by John Frenaye
Monday April 15, 2024
Let’s talk ab out how we chat with our clients! Our words and actions play a huge role in shaping their experiences and how they see us. So, are we always hitting the mark in being effective and thoughtful communicators?
Picture this: I recently got an autoresponder saying, "In order to better serve you, we ask that you please allow 48 hours for an agent to respond to your request. Thank you." It's a nice enough response, but remember, people usually email expecting a quick reply. Using autoresponders all the time can make us seem a bit slow and not super attentive. Maybe a better way is to quickly acknowledge the email and then toss in other ways to get instant help or advice.
And here’s another one:…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
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Mike's Monday Cup of Mo-Joe
The Purple Cow Revisited
 As I often do, when I find myself in need of a little reading material, I open up a cabinet over my desk and grab the closest book that catches my eye. I have no intention of rereading the book itself, but to turn a few pages and focus on the highlighted passages earmarked from my initial reading.
On this particular day, I picked up The Purple Cow by Seth Godin. I was immediately reminded of the necessity in today’s competitive environment to properly differentiate yourself from the myriad of choices today’s buyer has at their fingertips.
Differentiate: to recognize or ascertain what makes (someone or something)…
— Travel Research Online
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Upcoming Training Opportunities
Explore Australia and New Zealand With AAT Kings
Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 2 pm EDT/11 am PDT
Embark on an unforgettable virtual journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Australia and New Zealand with Margot Windenburg, Senior Sales Manager, North America for AAT Kings. Get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of these two remarkable countries with this exciting webinar.
Register Now →
Journeying with Petrabax: Unveiling the Splendors of the Iberian Peninsula and Beyond
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 2 pm EDT/11 am PDT
We'll explore the unique travel experiences Petrabax offers. This webinar is perfect for anyone yearning to discover the enchanting realms of Spain, Portugal, and beyond.
Register Now →
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