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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
Feeling the Heat in Italy
There isn’t a single wisp of smoke curling out of the top of Mount Vesuvius as we walk up its stony brown slopes. A few birds are twittering in the bushes, but we leave we them behind as the path rises above fertile ground. It’s silent, except for the scrunch of feet on clinker. It’s too…
— Travel Research Online
How a Travel Agent Helped Turn My Family Vacation in Vietnam Into a Spectacular Trip
I didn’t mean to hire a Vietnamese travel agency to plan our three-week family adventure. In fact, when the agency asked if they could create an itinerary for our trip to Vietnam beyond a single tour, I scoffed. "No way, I always make my own arrangements,” I thought. But I found…
— Travel+Leisure
Paris Seeing Signs of ‘Healthy’ Travel Demand Ahead of Summer Olympics — But Plenty of Deals Remain
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are right around the corner, but if you're looking to travel there, it may not be too late to find a deal. The government in Paris is spending an estimated $9.7 billion on preparation for the Games, with hopes for 15 million visitors between late July…
— NBC News
Tours and Activities
Europe’s ‘Underdog Leader’ in Slow-Travel Biking
The glorious Velo Baltica cycling route along Poland's windswept Baltic Coast takes in endless dunes, romantic windmills, historic Hanseatic towns and abandoned forts. February isn't the most popular month to cycle along Poland's windswept and broad Baltic Coast. In fact, the…
— BBC
The 10 Best Free Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia
Brimming with Southern hospitality from every corner of its many squares, there is nothing more indicative of Savannah's generosity than the friendliness of its residents (and its free attractions). Together, these sites offer a thorough view into the area’s history, culture, economic…
— Lonely Planet
Michelin-Starred Dining Can Be Intimidating. Here’s Everything You Need to Know to Have a Great Time
Some lucky travelers might encounter a Michelin star at some point in their lives. The coveted awards are given to the finest restaurants inspected worldwide, a badge of honor they can place proudly at the entrance. Upon receipt of one, that business becomes the epicenter of…
— Fodor's Travel
Cruise
Affordable Island-Hopping in Croatia? What Could Go Wrong?
As Croatians tell the story, the Greek hero Odysseus was shipwrecked and held captive on the Croatian island of Mljet. Visiting in May, I and six other sailors embraced the myth when the motor on our 54-foot yacht failed. “Remember, Odysseus spent seven years on Mljet,” said Ivan…
— New York Times
Mein Schiff 7 Christened by TUI Cruises in Germany
TUI Cruises has christened Mein Schiff 7 at an onboard ceremony in the Bay of Kiel in Germany. The ship’s godmother Fenia Kalachani, who has been an environmental officer onboard the Mein Schiff fleet since 2020, was joined on the pool deck shortly after sunset by Wybcke…
— Cruise and Ferry
Transportation
Sky Travel Tips Ahead of Fourth of July Weekend
Going.com travel expert Katy Nastro is here with some travel tips to help navigate the skies ahead of the July Fourth holiday weekend…
— Good Morning America
American Just Launched a New Flight to One of Europe's Coolest Cities
The excitement was palpable earlier this month as the inaugural American Airlines flight from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Copenhagen Airport (CPH) geared to take off. Speeches were made, a balloon arch filled with red-and-white Denmark flags decked the…
— AFAR
Everything to Know About Flying With A Dog
If you’re a pet parent, you’ve probably spent more time than you’d care to admit fretting over what to do with your dog while you’re vacationing or traveling for work. Flying with a dog is one option, but it’s far from a straightforward decision. Whether you’ve flown with your…
— Condé Nast Traveler
Lodging
Summer Camp for Everyone: These Family Resorts Bring All the Fun in the Sun
You’re never too old to yearn for the summer camp experience of horseback riding, archery, swimming, crafts, and roasting s’mores underneath the stars at night. Places like The Resort at Paws Up in Montana and Sundance Resort in Utah capture that magic with an exciting…
— 10Best
Hilton Is Making a Luxury Play in Greece With the Conrad Athens, the Ilisian
Greece just keeps getting better and better — especially for Hilton Honors loyalists looking to visit Athens. Just announced, the former Hilton Athens will transform into a multipurpose destination called The Ilisian, which will include the Conrad Athens hotel, plus Conrad- and Waldorf…
— The Points Guy
Other and Odd
Breaking Barriers: How the Travel Industry is Evolving to Become More Accessible
As the global population ages and the number of individuals with disabilities increases, the demand for accessible travel options is growing significantly. Accessibility is a moral or legal obligation and a substantial business opportunity. According to the World Health Organization…
— Luxury Travel Magazine
9 Travel Fees That Will Cost You the Most in 2024, According to Experts
Whether you’re a regular globetrotter or you enjoy the occasional road trip, there’s just something about traveling that’s hard to resist. There’s just one downside, and that’s those pesky travel fees. Like so many other things, travel seems to get more expensive every year. If you’re…
— MSN.com
AI Impact: How Technology and UX Innovation Impacts the Travel Industry
Bernie McTernan, Senior Analyst at Needham, discusses how AI impacts the travel sector…
— CNBC
Today in History
Dancing Mania Breaks Out in Germany
On this day in 1374, a severe outbreak of "dancing mania", also known as "St. John's Dance" or "dancing plague", occurred in Aix-la-Chapelle, Germany. This particular outbreak soon spread across the European…
— Travel Research Online
Editorial Musings
Why Personalized Travel Experiences Ensure Repeat Business
by John Frenaye
Monday June 24, 2024
Last week, we d iscussed how to prepare for a shift in the travel industry as many are shaking off that post-COVID travel bug. In today's competitive travel industry, personalized service has become a key differentiator for travel pros seeking to build loyalty and ensure repeat business. As travelers have many options, travel professionals must emphasize bespoke experiences to maintain their edge. Here are some thoughts!
Travelers today seek unique experiences that resonate with their individual preferences and needs. By understanding and catering to these desires, we can offer something that online platforms can’t—that deeply personalized touch. Whether remembering a client's favorite hotel brand or arranging special surprises during their trip, these personal touches can significantly enhance the travel experience and your client’s loyalty.…
— Travel Research Online
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Publishers Corner
The Marketing Mindset: An Introduction
by Richard Earls
Monday June 24, 2024
If you are a tr avel planner, marketing is by necessity your constant companion. Too often, however, travel professionals treat marketing like a hand tool that is pulled out of the box only when sales are “needed,” when business seems a little slow. But effective marketing is a mindset, a constant preoccupation for the successful travel professional intent on growing their business.
Marketing drives sales. The marketing you do today may not have an effect for weeks or even months. Business a bit quiet right now? Want this time next year to look better? It’s a good idea to begin marketing more thoughtfully and consistently. It is absolutely possible for you to enhance the arc of your travel practice by learning fundamental marketing strategies and tactics. However,…
— Travel Research Online
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Today’s article is going to skip any sign of marketing mumbo-jumbo and cut right to the chase.