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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
Spain's Canary Islands to Introduce Tourist Tax in 2025
Mogan town in the Spanish region of Gran Canaries has announced it will charge taxes to visitors starting in 2025 in an effort to generate more revenue, which could be allocated to make tourism more sustainable. Apart from other destinations where taxes often fall on foreign tourists only, a…
— Schengen.News
A First-Time Guide to Athens
Founded in 508 BCE, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and it's regularly touted as one of the Mediterranean’s best capital cities to visit. From the iconic Parthenon and the unique street art rivaling that of Berlin to the city's glittering coastline, there’s so much to see and do in this…
— Lonely Planet
Morocco’s Capital Is a Historic Seaside Jewel. Where Are the Tourists?
The National Photography Museum in Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, sits right on the Atlantic Ocean inside a 19th-century fortress. On a recent visit, I was surprised to find just a few people inside admiring its innovative galleries. The only other people enjoying the stunning views…
— The Washington Post
Tours and Activities
Guyana Explores Turning Infamous Jonestown Site Into Tourist Attraction
The South American nation of Guyana is exploring the possibility of turning the infamous Jonestown site into a tourist attraction. The location is known for one of the most tragic mass deaths in modern history. This initiative aims to transform the site of unimaginable tragedy into an…
— Travel Noire
Ride the Real Polar Express With Santa in London
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the animated film, The Polar Express, and the train arrives for the first time with Santa in London from now until 23 December. The Polar Express, the award-winning children's book by American writer and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg, has become…
— BBC
Cruise
Over 4,000 Passengers Impacted as MSC Cruise Ship Experiences Mechanical Issues
MSC Cruises was forced to cancel two voyages of the MSC Bellissima after the ship encountered engine and navigation issues. The mechanical failure left approximately 1,880 Taiwanese and other cruise passengers stranded in Okinawa while disrupting the ship’s planned itineraries. The…
— Cruise Radio
Norwegian Cancels 35 Cruises Sailing from Florida and LA
Norwegian Cruise Line is making more changes to cruise ship schedules that will impact four vessels with the cruise line. These impacted cruise ships include Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Joy. These are all Breakaway-class ships with the…
— Cruise Fever
Transportation
Unlike American And Delta, United Is Bringing Back The Red-Eye Flight To Europe In 2025
US airlines are making major changes heading into 2025. Southwest is set for an upgrade in 2025, announcing a new assigned seating initiative for the new year, one that includes extra legroom…
— The Travel
Air Passenger Rights in the U.S. Just Got Way Better. Here’s What to Know
When Michael Spanel booked his family’s summer vacation last year, the American Airlines flights he snagged to Greece were ideal. The Spanels would fly from Richmond International Airport to Athens, Greece, with just one short connection through Philadelphia. At least, that was the plan…
— Fodor's Travel
Frontier Airlines Pilots Travel in “Mobile Strike Center” to Spread Word on Contract Negotiations
For more than 500 days, Frontier Airlines pilots have been in negotiations with the Denver-based airline over a new contract. Several Frontier pilots are traveling around the county in a RV that was given the name the Mobile Strike Center. They are looking to spread the word to other Frontier…
— CBS News
Lodging
Delano Miami Beach to Reopen in Late 2025
One of the hotels that put the lifestyle hotel movement on the map is set for a renaissance on Miami Beach late next year. The long-awaited revival of Delano Miami Beach will make a splash on the city's hotel scene next year. The extensive renovation will result in 171 transformed guest…
— The Points Guy
Holidays in Iceland: Best Hotels in Reykjavik for Families
Iceland is high on my travel list—and I’m not alone. The country is rich in natural wonders, from its famous lagoons to its stunning northern lights displays and even its black-sand beaches. In terms of culture, it also packs an oddly medieval punch, from its dishes to its language to its…
— Travel Awaits
Hilton Honors Members Can Score Double the Points Right Now When Booking a Hotel Stay
Booking your next hotel stay just got more rewarding with an easy new promotion from Hilton Honors. “The new double your stay promotion,” Hilton shared about the promotion on its website. “Reach your dream stay twice as fast.” To qualify for double points on stays worldwide from Jan. 1…
— Travel+Leisure
Other and Odd
How to Avoid Pickpockets and Street Scams
Street theft isn’t petty to a victim. Having your pocket picked or bags stolen can ruin your trip and your finances. The best ways to avoid street crime is to maintain awareness, travel asset-light and understand where it tends to happen (be sure to read the destination’s State Department profile)…
— New York Times
I Was Born and Raised in Hawai’i—Here’s Where Locals Go to Escape the Crowds
Hawai’i has been a vacation destination for travelers seeking sun, sand, and surf for decades. In 2023, more than 9.6 million visitors arrived in the islands, up 4.6 percent from 2022 and inching closer to pre-COVID arrival numbers. It may seem hard—if not impossible—to escape the crowds…
— Afar
Today in History
The First African American Congressman
On December 12, 1870, Joseph Hayne Rainey became the first African American to be elected and serve in the United States House of Representatives. Another African American, Hiram Revels, had earlier been…
— Travel Research Online
Soundings
Ecuador: A High Altitude Handicraft Hunt
by Steve Winston
Wednesday December 11, 2024
Every once in a while, even the most jaded travelers come across a delightful surprise. And if you take the time to peruse some of the “Tourism Hot-Spot” lists, you’ll come across such a surprise – Ecuador.
This country sits astride the sky-piercing spine of the Andes, and everywhere you look reveals scenes of breathtaking natural beauty, of bursting-with-color valleys, meadows and wildflowers punctuated by snow-capped peaks. But Ecuador offers even more. It’s filled with ancient Colonial cities and towns, classic architecture, and history at every turn.
Surprises? It’s filled with those,…
— Travel Research Online
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