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
Travel Advisory Update: Caution Urged For Popular Central American Destinations
The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisories and issued warnings for two popular Central American tourist destinations: Guatemala and Belize. These updates, released in late December 2024, highlight ongoing safety concerns in both countries. The advisories…
— Travel Noire
Fiji's Most Romantic Beaches and Resorts
With renowned resorts, scenic white-sand beaches, and shimmering lagoons, Fiji lives up to its reputation as one of the world’s most romantic destinations. Its picture-perfect beauty perhaps shines brightest on the Mamanuca Islands and Yasawa Islands, which have become a top…
— Afar
Move Over London! This Timeless U.K. City Was Just Named The World's Best Destination For 2025
London, it was a good run! Now it's another timeless city's turn in the spotlight, at least according to the New York Times. Naming 2025's ‘52 Best Places to Travel', taking home gold is a U.K. city often left in the shadows of London. But, travelers have been more receptive to exploring…
— Travel Off Path
Tours and Activities
REI Shutters Experience Division Known for Excursions, Tours, and More after 40 Years
It’s the end of an era for a popular outdoor tourism service. REI Co-op, the beloved outdoor retailer, announced Wednesday that it would be closing its Experiences division. Known for providing classes, selling group travel excursions, and operating various tours for 40 years…
— Travel+Leisure
Park City Strike Ends With Increase in Wages for Ski Patrollers
Ski patrollers at Park City Mountain in Utah triumphantly returned to the slopes on Thursday, after ending a nearly two-week strike over union wages and benefits. The strike hobbled the largest U.S. ski resort during a busy holiday period and sparked online fury about deepening…
— New York Times
Cruise
Can I Get Cell Service, Wi-Fi on a Cruise? Yes, Here’s How.
I traveled for more than two days to board an expedition cruise through Western Australia last summer. But even in the remote Kimberley region, far from major population centers, I could FaceTime family back home like we were still in the same city thanks to strong Wi-Fi from…
— USA Today
This Cruise Line Just Announced Its Longest Cruise Ever – An Epic 6-Month Voyage
Azamara is out with another epic world cruise itinerary — and this one is currently one of the cruise industry's longest. The small-ship cruise line on Wednesday announced its longest-ever world cruise departing in 2027. Travelers on this 188-night voyage will visit a whopping 103…
— The Points Guy
Transportation
Frontier Airlines Is Giving Away a Year of Free Flights – How to Enter
For those with the New Year’s resolution to travel more, Frontier Airlines recently launched the “New Year, New Adventures!” promotion which will give away free flights for a year. "We're giving away a year of free flights to one lucky winner to start crossing the dream destinations off…
— Travel+Leisure
What Is Air Turbulence And Is It Getting Worse?
What is turbulence, and how bad can a bumpy flight really be? The answer to the latter question is, well, pretty bad, as four Alaska Airlines crew members learned the hard way over the holidays after a severe bout of rough air proved injurious and led to their hospitalization. The…
— Condé Nast Traveler
Lodging
Blasted for Response to Los Angeles Fires, Airbnb Agrees to Refunds
The rental platform Airbnb has reversed its position on providing refunds for travelers affected by fires in the Los Angeles Basin after a customer went to social media with her complaints. Ana Mostarac had booked accommodations on the service near—but not directly inside…
— Fodor's Travel
Dozens of San Diego Hotels Offer Discounted Rates for Families, Pets Amid Los Angeles Fires: Full List
Amid the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, the city of San Diego and the tourism community have worked together to offer a safe place to stay for those affected by the wildfires. San Diego, located 120 miles south of L.A., is currently unaffected by the ongoing wildfires. See a full list of…
— Variety
Other and Odd
8 of the World’s Best Places for Stargazing: Have an Astrotourism Adventure
Standing in the starlight under the swath of the Milky Way, the pristine night sky is one of the most incredible wonders many of us have not seen – and which is under threat due to the constant march of human progress and resultant light pollution. From April 21 to 28, the world will…
— Lonely Planet
When to Visit to Save Money, Skip Crowds
Walt Disney World is known as the "Most Magical Place on Earth." It can also be one of the most crowded. Traditionally, holidays and school breaks are among the busiest and most expensive times to visit the parks, but what about the cheapest and least crowded dates? We've…
— USA Today
Updates on LA Travel during the Wildfires
Even as smoke fills the skies above Los Angeles and residents flee the flames, the City of Angels always believes that the show must go on. So while many public spaces are closed, area airports and hotels remain open to travelers, with few cancellations. FlightAware reported 13…
— Travel Research Online
Today in History
The London Underground
On January 10, 1863, the London Underground became the first underground rail system in the world. In 1890, the world's first electric trains began operation at the Underground. The original track ran between London's…
— Travel Research Online
Press Releases of Interest
The Travel Institute Helping Industry Newcomers Kickstart Travel Careers Through Special Fund
FRAMINGHAM, MA, January 7, 2025 – The Travel Institute is again offering its dedicated TRIPKITSM Scholarship Fund, available throughout Q1 while funds last, with tuition assistance for the education leader’s award-winning…
— Travel Research Online
Deck Plans
Family River Cruises With AmaWaterways
Cruising has lo ng been a popular option for family vacations, offering unparalleled convenience. There’s no constant packing and unpacking, lugging bags through train stations, or figuring out a daily itinerary. The ease and simplicity of cruising are what make it such an appealing choice for travelers of all ages.
But still, many families overlook river cruising as a viable option. Traditional river ships weren’t designed with families in mind. But times are changing. New ships now feature connecting staterooms, as well as triple and quad cabins, making river cruising more accessible for families, including those with younger children…
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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The Rosen Report
In Search of Off-Season Luxury at Mexico’s Velas Resorts
by Cheryl Rosen Friday January 10, 2025
Pue rto Vallarta, Mexico — The mornings are cool and the afternoons are hot. The beach is empty and beautiful and free of seaweed. The signature bougainvillea is coming into fiery bloom against the poinsettia and the Christmas tree. And the food is nothing like you would expect at an all-inclusive in Mexico.
— Travel Research Online Read the rest of this article »
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