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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
Hana, Maui Offers Lots of Wild Nature and Little Crowds
Growing up in Hawaii, I would chuckle if someone were to ask me for a "pristine and uncrowded" place to visit in the islands. That's because you'd be hard-pressed to find it. While there are plenty of paradisal experiences in Hawaii – from white sand beaches to epic waterfalls…
— USA Today
When Is the Best Time to Go to Rome?
With its rich history, fabulous food, layered culture and world-class sights, Rome is one of the top cities to visit on the planet. At any time of year, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to things to see and do, but some months are definitely calmer than others in the Eternal City…
— Lonely Planet
This Lesser Known European City Named The Safest Destination In The World
With the dire state of the world, with wars erupting left, right, and center and crime rates surging across all the most popular tourist destinations––Paris and London, we're looking at you––we don't really blame you for feeling anxious about leaving your little nook of America…
— Travel Off Path
Tours and Activities
Tour Operator to Relaunch Syria Trips ‘As Soon as Possible’ – Despite Foreign Office Warning
A British adventure travel operator is planning to launch holidays in Syria “as soon as stability returns” to the war-torn nation. The UK government has opened discussions with the Syrian rebels who toppled the dictator, Bashar al-Assad, but still urges British citizens to leave…
— The Independent
This Luxury Tour Group Just Launched 2 Around-the-world Private Jet Trips – Here Are the Details
A new gift idea for the traveler who has it all just landed. Luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent recently unveiled two new private jet itineraries for 2026, and updated two existing ones. The programs will take travelers on curated journeys to off-the-grid, or hard to reach…
— Travel+Leisure
Which European Cities Have the Most Christmas Markets?
Christmas isn’t really a numbers game, but if it were, I might measure cities based on features like Christmas markets. Markets are easier to measure than other holiday pastimes, such as decorating public spaces, hosting Santa meet-and-greets, and selling seasonal treats. I’d argue…
— Travel Awaits
Cruise
Can a New Cruise Tax Save Greece's Most Popular Islands from Overtourism?
Santorini, the volcanic Greek island that launched a thousand sunset selfies, and party isle Mykonos are popular for good reason. Luxury hotels carved into precipitous cliffs peer out over Santorini’s sunken caldera, and narrow alleys wind between blue-shuttered, whitewashed houses in…
— Afar
Viking Vela Sets Sail on Maiden Cruise
The Viking Vela recently embarked on its maiden season after being delivered by the Fincantieri shipyard earlier this week. For its inaugural cruise, the Viking ship is offering a seven-night cruise to the Western Mediterranean that features destinations in Spain, Italy and France…
— Cruise Industry News
In Some Port Towns, It’s Residents vs. Cruises: ‘We’re Going to Eradicate Them’
For now, the waterfront is a picture of serenity. On a recent fall morning in this historic Tidewater town, two men quietly fished on the pier. A scuba diver emerged from the York River like a slick seal. A couple walked their dogs by a young man dressed like a Founding Father…
— The Washington Post
Transportation
DOT Finalizes Rule for ‘Dignified Air Travel’: What Wheelchair Users Can Expect
The Department of Transportation announced a new rule that aims to protect travelers who rely on mobility devices has been finalized. According to the DOT, the rule addresses many pain points for disabled travelers and has provisions including increased penalties for…
— USA Today
I Booked a Small Suite in the Airport While Traveling With My Toddler. It Helped Us Take a Break From the Chaos Outside Our Door.
I've been going to my friend's lake house for more than two decades. Every year, my three closest friends from high school and I meet at the lake house for a long weekend, and when we started having children, we brought them along, too. It's really meaningful to induct the next…
— Business Insider
The US Department Of Transportation Fines Two Airlines Six-Figures For Flying Into Forbidden Airspace
Throughout 2024, we have seen several airlines slapped with major fines. Spain alone went after five low-budget airlines with fines totaling $180 million. The penalties were issued for "abusive practices." The fines included the likes of Ryanair and EasyJet. The US Department of…
— The Travel
Lodging
Surprise! Club Med Is Actually Kinda Cool
Consider me a wanderlust wanderer while traveling. If there’s a non-snobby market to peruse with people barking and haggling every which way, that’s the preference over an everything-handed-to-you, high-end stretch of boutiques. Bonus points if my shoes get dirty. Whatever the…
— Fodor's Travel
Waldorf Astoria’s New York City Revival Is Just the Beginning for Hilton’s Planned Luxe 2025
"Will it or won't it reopen?" hotel cynics have been wondering about Waldorf Astoria New York for years. (Not me, of course. I'm an eternal optimist who always thought it was coming back. Cough.) But now, the Waldorf Astoria New York finally has a clear path to reopening day. The…
— The Points Guy
Other and Odd
This Might Be The Most Fulfilling Type Of Vacation You Can Take
These days, it seems like more people are traveling than ever. So it makes sense that many travelers are seeking unique experiences that don’t feel like the same standard vacation everyone else is taking (and posting about on social media). Fortunately, there are plenty of fresh and…
— HuffPost
Early Christmas Travel Threatened by Series of Storms Packing Snow, Rain for Millions in US
We’re entering the final full workweek before Christmas, and if you’re getting an early start on holiday travel, you’re going to want to prepare for delays on the roads and in the air as a series of storm systems get set to sweep across parts of the U.S. The FOX Forecast Center said the…
— FOX Weather
Holiday Travel Expected to Break Records
The end of 2024 is expected to be the busiest holiday travel period on record, as experts predict it will narrowly beat the record set in 2019. Kris Van Cleave has more on the nation's travel plans…
— CBS News
Today in History
The Boston Tea Party
Smugglers in Boston were making good money bypassing British tax laws in the late 1700's. But when Britain permitted the East India Company to sell tea to the colonies without paying taxes, the smugglers' livelihood was…
— Travel Research Online
Editorial Musings
Happy Holidays, First We Rest, Then Bring on 2025
by John Frenaye
Monday December 16, 2024
As 2024 comes t o a close, it’s time to reflect, recharge, and prepare for an exciting new year in travel. It’s been a year of challenges and growth for the industry, and I want to thank all of you who have followed along, shared insights, and offered valuable feedback. Your engagement inspires us to provide the best resources and support at Travel Research Online.
Take a Well-Deserved Break
The holiday season can be as busy as it is festive. Before Wave Season's rush, pause, refresh, and reconnect with loved ones. Whether it's a quiet staycation or a brief getaway, it’s essential to refuel. After all, a well-rested mind leads to sharper insights and better client…
— Travel Research Online
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Mike's Monday Cup of Mo-Joe
The Curse of The Social Buffoon
 Today’s message has little to do with travel, and a lot to do with your social status.
In not so many words, the Social Buffoon Curse sounds like this: “You think that is cool, wait until you hear what I have to say.” It shows its ugly face when one person in a group shares some good news only to be trumped by the next person’s self-directed “exciting information.” The other people in the group immediately interpret this as a sign that it is time to play “one-upmanship.”
It may unfold something like this: “My daughter just graduated from The University of Miami.” “Oh! My son just graduated from Brown …and we had a big party …and he came with his fiancé …and we bought him a car…
— Travel Research Online
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