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
A Winter Guide to Riga, Latvia’s Petite, Snow-Dusted Capital
Terracotta roofs peeking through a thick layer of snow, a frozen river carving its path through the city, smoke rising slowly from medieval chimneys — winter in the Latvian capital can be a magical time. The centre of this small northern European country on the eastern shore of the…
— National Geographic
The Best Time to Visit India—and Where to Go on Your First Trip
There’s no one easy answer to the question that is “When is the best time to visit India?” The good news is that, honestly, there’s no bad time to visit India. Given its huge size and varied landscapes, India has something to offer every traveler no matter the time of year: exciting…
— Condé Nast Traveler
13 Things to Know Before Heading to Puerto Rico
With breathtaking oceanfront vistas, lush, breezy mountains, tropical rainforest, some pumping nightlife and one of the coolest food scenes in the Caribbean, a Puerto Rico vacation is all about enjoying the ride. Learning a few of the island's unspoken social rules will go a long way to…
— Lonely Planet
Tours and Activities
The Best Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Mexico This Season
Christmas in Mexico blends deep-rooted traditions, delicious food, and lively celebrations. From the colorful posadas to midnight masses and festive feasts, spending the holidays in Mexico is a break from tradition for many. If you’re looking for travel tips on celebrating the right way in…
— Travel Noire
Disneyland Prepares to Celebrate Its 70th Anniversary With Hotel Deals, New Attractions, and More
Disneyland is gearing up to celebrate its 70th anniversary next year. Kicking off on May 16, 2025, celebrations at the "Happiest Place on Earth" will be running through the summer of 2026 and will be complete with special décor, food and beverages, limited-time entertainment, and…
— Travel+Leisure
6 Days National Parks Are Free to Visit in 2025
The national park system is one of America’s greatest treasures. It spans the country’s most wild corners and important cultural heritage sites, balmy beaches and breathtaking mountains. Our parks are backdrops for iconic family vacations, honeymoons and solo adventures…
— The Washington Post
Cruise
Cruises to Mexico Just Got More Expensive — But You Won’t Notice
Starting in 2025, cruises to Mexico will cost passengers $42 more per person if they book a sailing that includes calls on any of the country's ports. Mexico's Senate on Dec. 3 voted to include cruisers in an already existing tourist tax if their voyages stop at even one of the country's…
— The Points Guy
Greece to Charge Cruise Passengers $21 for Santorini, Mykonos Visits Starting 2025
Greece just approved new taxes for cruise ship passengers. Beginning in 2025, guests will be charged €20 ($21) to visit the country’s two most visited islands, Santorini and Mykonos. Meanwhile, a lower €5 (around $5.27) fee will apply to other destinations, including Crete, Corfu, and…
— Cruise Radio
Transportation
Southwest Airlines To End Cabin Service Earlier For Safety Reasons
Prioritizing passenger and crew safety, Southwest Airlines has changed its in-flight procedures. Starting December 4, 2024, the popular carrier will conclude its cabin service earlier than usual. This decision aims to reduce the risk of turbulence-related injuries. Under the new guidelines…
— Travel Noire
TAP Air Portugal Just Added 3 New U.S. Flights, Including a New Route to the “Hawai‘i of Europe”
Travelers in Northern California are about to get a nonstop flight to the Azores, a lesser-visited Portuguese island paradise. This offbeat routing is one of a trio of seasonal routes that TAP Air Portugal is launching for the summer of 2025, which will also include flights from its newest…
— Afar
Stowaway Who Snuck on Delta Flight Arrested, Will Face Charge: Reports
Svetlana Dali, the 57-year-old woman accused of hiding on a Delta Airlines flight from New York to Paris during Thanksgiving week, was arrested when she returned to the US and is expected to be charged, reports say. According to ABC News, officials said that the Russian…
— USA Today
Lodging
Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Debuts in Utah
Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott has opened. After undergoing a full property renovation, this newly branded and reimagined hotel unveils a design that reflects Zion's adventurous spirit and natural rustic beauty. Ideally located less than a mile from Zion…
— Hospitality Net
Avoid Times Square and Watch the Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve at These Hotels Instead
New Yorkers are a notoriously diverse and argumentative bunch — but there’s one thing that virtually the roughly eight million residents of the Big Apple can agree on: There is nowhere in the world worse than Times Square on New Year’s Eve. While the annual celebration may be fun…
— Quartz
Other and Odd
Would You Lie or Cheat to Avoid a Travel Fee?
What would you do to avoid an annoying travel fee? Jodi Blodgett is so sick of all the extras that she's stopped flying. "I avoid travel fees by driving," she says. Not only can she skirt ridiculous fees for luggage, but she also doesn't have to pony up more cash for the seat assignment…
— USA Today
I Grew Up Eating Filipino Food—These Are the Philippines’ 11 Best Dishes
Many Filipino foods that have become popular abroad (especially in the USA) are of the fiesta variety—the kinds of dishes you’d serve at a wedding or a debut, a Filipino coming-of-age ceremony for when a woman turns 18. Don’t get me wrong: I love my fill of lumpia and lechon…
— Afar
Today in History
The Thirteenth Amendment
On this day in 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution became law. The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude. It was the first amendment to the Constitution in over…
— Travel Research Online
The Incessant Traveler
AAT Kings Upgrades its Partner Agent Experience
by David Cogswell
Thursday December 05, 2024
AAT Kings, the  century-old operator of tours down under, has made some important upgrades in the ways it conducts business with travel retailers, making it easier to access their tours, information, training, and special offers.
The enhancements of AAT Kings’ business practices are designed to make it easier for travel advisors to work with the company and to easily and efficiently get what they need for their clients seeking to travel in Australia and New Zealand. That’s AAT Kings’ home territory and its only area of operations.
New… — Travel Research Online
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The Rosen Report
‘Tis the Season for Travel Advisor Conferences: Luxury and Tech Meet at Signature’s Elevate
by Cheryl Rosen
Friday December 06, 2024
I’ve  always loved learning something new. So for me, the best part of my job is attending different annual conferences, hearing many different smart executives and interesting guest speakers, and chatting with travel advisors who are following their passion with an amazing assortment of unique business models. This month, with back-to-back Signature Travel Network at the Venetian in Vegas and Dream Vacations/Cruise One on Celebrity Ascent in the Caribbean, I have so many stories to tell that I honestly don’t know where to start.
— Travel Research Online
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f it this way…Endless charming towns, historic landmarks and the beauty of Europe’s waterways rolling by as you sip wine on a sunny deck. That’s what I knew I was signing up for when I was invited on a 15-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest with Avalon Waterways. But many people who haven’t river cruised before often wonder about the perfect itinerary length. Is two weeks too long?