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Friday February 07, 2025

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

Is It Safe to Travel to Santorini? Latest Earthquake Advice and Rights if Your Destination Is Seismically Active
Flights are continuing to go in and out of Santorini airport despite a state of emergency being declared on the Greek island. Over the past week many hundreds of tremors have been recorded – culminating in a magnitude 5.2 earthquake late on Wednesday, the strongest since the tremors…

The Best Time to Visit Paris
Allow me to shout it from the Mansard rooftops: The best time to visit Paris is any time you can visit the City of Light. Whether you’re there for a walk through the Tuileries Garden, abundantly verdant in the spring, a summertime apéro or coffee on the terraces of the best cafés in Paris like…

Magical Towns & Golden Sand Beaches: This Underrated Mexico Destination Is More Popular Than Ever In 2025
Heading to Mexico in 2025, but Cancun, Tulum, and the like don't exactly float your boat? Maybe delving a little deeper into Mexican culture and experiencing real life outside the confines of an all-inclusive resort is what you've been craving: One of Mexico's trendiest destinations for 2025, the…

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Tours and Activities

The U.S. Bicycle Route System Added 3,568 Miles to Its Network — and It Lets You Explore Underrated Landscapes in the Midwest
Let's face it: Americans are obsessed with cars and road trips. Who can resist the call of the wide-open road? But one cyclist organization is imagining a different way to see the country — and it just made a huge addition to its network. Established in 1978, the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS)…

Avoiding These 3 Mistakes Could Save You Money When Booking Spring Break Travel
From arriving at the airport too late to forgetting your passport, we've all made our fair share of mistakes while traveling. But as many start to plan their spring break warm-weather getaways, experts say some mistakes could cost you more than others. Now is a great time to start planning a…

6 Day Trips From Cancún: Cenotes, Mayan Ruins and More
Since Cancún is one of Mexico’s crown jewels – a spectacular destination with stunning white-sand beaches and a nightlife that doesn’t stop – you might never want to leave. And we wouldn’t blame you. Yet just beyond this bustling beach city, there’s a world of excursions and adventures around…

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Cruise

Disney Cruise Line Reveals Summer 2026 Itineraries, Including a Second Ship Sailing to Alaska
Disney Cruise Line's lineup of family-friendly cruises is already packed with exciting itineraries across the globe, but it's about to get even more exciting in 2026. On Thursday, Disney revealed its summer 2026 sailings, including the introduction of a second ship to one of TPG's favorite Disney…

P&O Cruises Reports Record-Breaking Bookings in January
P&O Cruises said that January was its strongest-ever booking month, according to a press release. The month saw record-breaking sales volume across the board, in addition to its largest-ever number of newcomers, the cruise line said. The two most popular destinations for P&O guests were…

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Transportation

Can You Travel on Amtrak With Pets? Tips From a Small Dog Owner.
Amtrak is the best way for Olivia Peloquin to travel from New York City to see family in Boston. It's also the perfect mode of transportation for her dog, Betty. The 2-year-old Chihuahua-Jack Russell mix makes the round-trip journey four times a year in a stylish olive-green bag carrier. "She's a…

Would You Rent a Bunk Bed on a Long-Haul Flight? Soon You'll Be Able to
Air New Zealand has long factored sleep into its decisions, coming up with creative solutions to help its passengers find a sense of calm and peace on ultra-long-haul flights (up to 18 hours from the United States). The Auckland-based flag carrier first came up with the Skycouch—three side-by-side…

Delta Air Lines Stands Firm On DEI Commitment Amid Federal And Corporate Rollbacks
Despite mounting criticism and attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, Delta Air Lines has remained steadfast in its defense of these initiatives. Ignoring increasing pressure from federal policies and corporate trends, the Atlanta-based carrier — the city’s biggest employer — has…

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Lodging

Hotels And High-End Brands Unite To Elevate Luxury Travel
As you step into The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, you will find a carefully curated experience. And we don’t mean the picturesque pool where Slim Aarons shot photos or the quintessential Palm Beach aesthetic that pervades every corner. Behind its famously pink façade, the property has…

3 Ways to Book a Last-Minute Valentine's Day Hotel Escape
Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching—do you have a game plan in mind? If you don’t, you’re in luck. I’m full of romantic ideas and travel wisdom, which is just the combination you need to put…

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Other and Odd

Thanks Influencers! Monkeys Are Attacking Tourists at Angkor Wat
The archaeological site of Angkor Wat in Cambodia is grappling with a growing monkey menace. Wild monkeys are attacking tourists, stealing food, and damaging the historic temple, prompting authorities to urge visitors to stay away from the aggressive macaques. The problem, however, has…

The Alabama Museum Grappling With the ‘Gulf of America'
The world's only museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Gulf of Mexico may be in hot water following Trump's decision to change the name of the planet's largest gulf. Last year Karen Poth decided it was time to rename the museum she runs in Mobile, Alabama, to better reflect its…

Today in History

Charles Dickens Is Born
The great English novelist Charles Dickens, was born on February 7, 1812. Dickens was born in Landport, Portsmouth in Hampshire, the second of eight children in a solidly middle class family. However, financial hardship befell the…

Deck Plans

AmaWaterways Debuts Celebration of Wellness Themed Cruises

AmaWaterways is elevating its focus on wellness with the launch of Celebration of Wellness River Cruises, offering travelers an experience focused on physical health and mental well-being.

These specially crafted itineraries provide guests with the opportunity to explore Europe’s destinations through a wellness lens. With excursions tailored for active travelers, including hiking, biking, and guided runs, guests can enhance their best selves throughout their journey. Onboard, they will enjoy healthy, fresh cuisine with specially curated menus, as well as a series of daily wellness classes led by expert Wellness Hosts. The first Celebration of Wellness River Cruises are available on two summer sailings in 2025: Melodies of the Danube (August 2-9, 2025) and Paris & Normandy (August 9-16,…

— Travel Research Online
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The Rosen Report

Reaction to Celebrity Getting into River Cruise—And Tips on Taking Advantage of It
by Cheryl Rosen
Friday February 07, 2025

Despite some concerns about overtourism in the river cruise market, just a week after Celebrity announced its entry into the small-ship river cruising (Royal Caribbean’s Celebrity Brand Roars into River Cruising | Travel Research Online, it’s fair to say response across the industry—from the consortia to the travel advisors to even competitors—ranges from the positive to the jumping for joy.

Virtuoso Board Member (and former CEO of Azamara, Seadream and Cunard) Larry Pimentel said, “As one of the world’s leading sellers of river cruise vacations, Virtuosos global network welcomes Celebrity Cruises entry into the river cruise market in 2027. As a key premium ocean-going cruise line, Celebrity’s expansion into river cruising marks a significant milestone for both the brand and the industry.

Virtuoso travel advisors…

— Travel Research Online
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Top Headlines

Design Changes on the New Celebrity Xcel Transform Eden Into a Local Bazaar
by Cheryl Rosen
Thursday February 06, 2025

The Bazaar erases the line between ship and shore on Celebrity Xcel The Bazaar. Credit: Celebrity Cruises

 

The swells keep coming this Wave Season, as Celebrity Cruises this week followed up its entry into river cruising by releasing details of the new Celebrity Xcel, which will debut in November. The focus, it seems, is not only on bringing the outdoors in, but on bringing the destination onboard during sea days as…

— Travel Research Online
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Upcoming Training Opportunities


How to Market and Sell Luxury Villas and earn Top Commissions

How to Market and Sell Luxury Villas and earn Top Commissions

Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST

DATE & TIME CHANGE Join Willie Fernandez, CMO for an in depth look at the fastest growing and most in demand segment of travel. Get answers to how to successfully sell villas, earn high commissions, Bespoke concierge services, and learn about the many destinations offered by Rental Escapes. Plus learn about some of the marketing secrets to driving villa sales.

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Why Touring: Selling Land the GFOB Way

Why Touring: Selling Land the GFOB Way

Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST

Escorted touring is more than just a convenient way to travel- it’s a smarter choice for your clients. In this webinar, we will outline how this style of travel saves time, maximizes value, and delivers immersive experiences that independent travel can’t match. Learn how the Globus family of brands continually reimagines touring for today’s travelers, from expertly planned itineraries to behind-the-scenes experiences, all with a special focus on Italy- our top destination- and a perfect location to showcase the benefits of escorted travel.

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