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Friday September 13, 2024

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

From Glitzy Malls to Fragrant Spice Stalls: Why Singapore Packs a Travel Punch
For such a small country – the smallest in south-east Asia – Singapore sure packs in a lot. In the 59 years since independence, it has gone from post-colonial minnow to roaring Asian powerhouse where gleaming skyscrapers and sprawling malls rub up against heritage-listed…

When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
The best time to visit Ireland—to see green countrysides and impressive castles, to learn about Celtic history, to rub elbows with friendly and funny Irish folks—is any time of year. Whether you want to visit for the breathtaking beauty of Ireland’s rock formations or medieval…

A First-Time Guide to Serbia: Explore This Gem in the Balkans
Set along the Balkans’ spine, in between tourism heavyweights Croatia and Greece, landlocked Serbia isn’t exactly known for bucket-list appearances. Yet the lack of crowds and globally recognizable Instagram-bragging snaps makes the experience of traveling here all the more…

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Tours and Activities

Where To Find The Most Underrated Fall Celebrations Globally
Fall travel is all the rage as people start to experience the first signs of the season. Whether it’s the cooler breeze, cozy outfits, or fall-themed drinks, there’s something for everyone. While events like Oktoberfest and Día de Muertos are iconic fall celebrations, they’ve become highly…

Walking From Manhattan to the Catskills on the ‘Long Path’
On the first day of summer, I stepped out into the blistering heat from my apartment building in Alphabet City and headed west on 4th Street, bound for my home in the Catskills, some 130 miles north. I carried a 35-pound backpack filled with camping gear and little idea of what lay…

How to Score the Best Vegas Meals Without the Waits
Bypass the long waits and indulge in Las Vegas' finest dining experiences with expert tips from renowned chefs and hidden culinary gems. Las Vegas is synonymous with over-the-top shows, all-night partying, and as the country’s gambling mecca. But in the past decade, Sin City has…

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Cruise

Carnival Cruise Ship Graze Ice in Alaska
A Carnival Cruise Line ship grazed a piece of ice during an Alaska cruise last week. “Carnival Spirit made contact with an errant piece of drifting ice last Thursday while sailing in Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska,” spokesperson Matt Lupoli told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. “An…

The 3 New Cruise Ships Debuting Before the End of the Year
So far in 2024, six new ocean cruise ships have made their debut. They have ranged from Royal Caribbean’s 231,000 gross ton Utopia of the Seas to Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s 37,000 gross ton Ilma. There are three more new cruise ships set to debut before the end of 2024. Here…

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Transportation

Study Reveals Air Travel Is Safer Than Ever Before
There has been a lot of unfavorable press on the airline industry lately. Incidents of increased turbulence, tragic crashes, and ongoing controversies involving Boeing do not appear to inspire people afraid of flying to venture into the sky. However, according to a recent study…

I Hate Turbulence. Where Should I Sit on the Plane?
You’re not a fan of turbulence. We get it. The shakes, the rattling, the pitching, the jerking, the dropping: It’s enough to make even seasoned travelers grip their armrests tighter. While it’s impossible to avoid turbulence entirely—it’s becoming a more frequent problem as the climate…

American Airlines Flight Attendants Will Now Get Paid for Boarding Time
American Airlines flight attendants ratified a new contract Thursday, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) said, ending a contentious negotiation process and securing long sought-after compensation for time spent boarding planes. With the new contract, American Airlines flight attendants became the “first unionized work group to lock in pay…

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Lodging

This Yosemite Hotel Is Closing Temporarily for Repairs – What to Know If You Have a Reservation
A popular National Park hotel will soon begin renovations. The Wawona Hotel, located within Yosemite National Park, will close temporarily in December as the the National Parks Service plans to conduct an audit of additional repair that may need to be made following its roof…

Married Woman Reflects on Her First Time at an Adults-Only Resort in Cancun
I’m about as timid as a peacock in full plume, but I trip on my tongue when my family asks which resort I'm going to in Cancun. Uh, oh, you know, one of those all-inclusive adult-only resorts. True. Just not entirely. My husband and I are headed to Temptation Cancun Resort, one of…

8 Resorts For Couples Taking A Romantic Fall Getaway
Travel is my love language, and my dear husband is often dragged around with me on my globetrotting adventures, whether he really wants to do it or not. But even when I’m traveling solo, I’m often racking up ideas of where and when to take him with me, especially when we’re in…

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Other and Odd

Hotels, Agencies Say Travel Demand Is Softening
Some major hotel chains and travel agencies are reporting a plateau in travel spending. Nina Ruggiero, senior editorial director for Travel + Leisure, joined CBS News to discuss the travel landscape and some deals that are popping up thanks to the slowdown in demand…

Travelers Are Flocking These 5 Trending U.S. Destinations This Fall
There’s something so comforting about a city break in the fall – the views are spectacular, the weather is perfectly mild, and you don’t have to spend thousands to have the time of your life. That’s exactly why so many Americans are choosing to keep their travels domestic this season…

Today in History

The Star-Spangled Banner
During the war of 1812, Francis Scott Key was a prisoner aboard a British war ship anchored in the Chesapeake Bar during the Battle of Fort McHenry. He boarded the ship under a flag of truce to secure the release of…

Press Releases of Interest

The Travel Institute Launches the Netherlands; Its Fourth New Specialist Course in 2024
September 9, 2024 – The Travel Institute has released its newly created The Netherlands Destination Specialist Course—the fourth specialist course released this year by the global leader in travel agent education—following…

Deck Plans

Avalon Waterways is Breaking Booking Records for 2025

On the heels of a record-breaking year for Avalon Waterways in 2024, the river cruise company is poised to smash sales goals for 2025.

“We’re coming to the finish line of our strongest sales year ever. And I’m thrilled to share that 2025 is on another record pace and gaining. In recent weeks, 2025 bookings are outpacing 2024 by more than 50 percent year-over-year,” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. “Leading the way are France and Portugal as well as off-season, ‘special interest’ cruises, including our exclusive series of ‘Active & Discovery’…

— Travel Research Online
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The Rosen Report

Bringing a Laptop and an iPad to Mexico Can Cost You Hundreds of Dollars
by Cheryl Rosen
Friday September 13, 2024

A story on Forbes.com has travel advisors abuzz over an old rule in Mexico travel that many never knew existed: Inbound travelers may bring in one electronic device—but pay a heavy tax if they are caught bringing in two. So if you need a MacBook Pro for work, forget the iPad for watching movies. You could end up coughing up 3,690 Mexican pesos, or about US$190.

Mexico allows tourists to bring in “two cameras or camcorders and camera gear; three cellphones or other wireless devices; one GPS; one electronic organizer; one laptop, notebook, omnibook, or other portable computing device; one portable copier or printer; one CD burner and one portable overhead projector and its accessories duty-free (What objects can I bring in my…

— Travel Research Online
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Upcoming Training Opportunities


Avanti Advantage: Explore Perks & Digital Tools

Avanti Advantage: Explore Perks & Digital Tools

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 2 pm EDT/11 am PDT

Since opening our doors in October 1981, Avanti Destinations has evolved into a leading B2B tour operator, specializing in customizable international travel. What began as a European FIT specialist has grown into a robust portfolio spanning Europe, Asia, Central and South America, North Africa, the Middle East, and the South Pacific. Our success and milestones have been driven by your continued support, inspiring us to strengthen our commitment to you—our valued Travel Advisor Partners.

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NYC, DC & Southern Gems: Elevate Client Travel With BTSQ

NYC, DC & Southern Gems: Elevate Client Travel With BTSQ

Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT

Join Content Manager Carole Peck as she introduces you to what - and where - Beyond Times Square (BTSQ) - can offer your clients. Hint: New York City is only ONE of SIX destinations BTSQ offers!

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What’s New for Image Tours in 2025

What’s New for Image Tours in 2025

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 3 pm EDT/12 pm PDT

Having been in business since 1939, Image Tours is one of the most experienced Europe tour operators in the world and they have earned a reputation for high quality tours at an affordable price. While their emphasis is on introducing your clients to the European way of life, Image Tours remains aware of the small details appreciated by American travelers.

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