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Tuesday February 18, 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 Mexico Safe for Tourists Right Now?
Although Mexico is a popular holiday destination for both Brits and Americans, and most tourist areas are generally safe to travel to, there are regions that are are considered dangerous for travellers, with risk of drug-related violence and kidnapping. US tourists…

6 Things to Do in Florida's Hidden Gem: Lake City
When I think of Florida, I think about sunshine and beaches. From the tropical beaches stretching along the Gulf of Mexico to the more rugged Atlantic coastlines, Florida has a beach for every mood. But not all of the Sunshine State’s top destinations are located…

Italy Entry Requirements: The Easy Guide For US Travelers
Dreaming of Italy? Fantastic! Planning an international trip can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding entry requirements. This guide simplifies the process for US travelers, providing clear, concise information about what you'll need for a…

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Tours and Activities

I Hiked All 19,341 Feet Up Mount Kilimanjaro — Here's What It's Like
Thousands of climbers attempt to summit the roof of Africa each year. At 19,341 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro, in northeastern Tanzania, is the largest freestanding mountain in the world. Climbing one of the Seven Summits is no small feat, as hikers wrestle with the…

11 Exciting Astronomical Events in 2025–and How to See Them
There's a variety of astronomical events in 2025 well worth planning a trip around this year—whether that means driving to the closest national park for a meteor shower or booking a cruise to Norway to see the northern lights. Astrotourism is becoming…

5 of the Best Wildlife-Watching Destinations in the World
From the great herds of the African savanna to the dense tropical rainforests of South America, the world offers some truly amazing wildlife-spotting experiences, providing a window into ecosystems that are as diverse as they are spectacular. Whether it’s the raw…

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Cruise

Victory and Ponant Join Cruise the Great Lakes for 2025
Victory Cruise Lines and Ponant have joined Cruise the Great Lakes ahead of a busy 2025 season, strengthening their commitment to the region, according to a press release. The two cruise lines join existing members Pearl Seas Cruises, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines…

MSC Cruises' New Cruise Terminal in Barcelona Welcomes First Passengers
Barcelona’s new MSC Cruises terminal began operations this Saturday, with the first passengers disembarking from the MSC Fantasia. This marks the start of service for the state-of-the-art terminal, which Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura designed…

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Transportation

Trump Administration Begins Firings of FAA Staff Just Weeks After Fatal D.C. Plane Crash
The Trump administration has begun firing several hundred Federal Aviation Administration employees, upending staff on a busy air travel weekend just weeks after a fatal mid-air collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in January. Probationary…

18 Injured in Delta Plane That Crashed in Toronto
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon arrival at Canada's Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 of the 80 people on board, officials said. The airport confirmed on social media that there was an "incident" involving a Delta flight from…

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Lodging

IHG Hotels & Resorts Acquires Ruby
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) has acquired from Ruby SARL the RubyTM brand and related intellectual property for initial purchase consideration of €110.5m (~$116m1). Ruby is a premium urban lifestyle brand for modern travellers in must-visit city…

12 Hotels Opening This Year Worth Planning an Entire Trip Around
It’s my job at Afar to scout extraordinary hotel experiences that enrich travelers and take them beyond what they night expect to experience in a place. So unsurprisingly, I’ve been researching a number of exciting retreats that are new or majorly refurbished for…

This 100-acre Ranch in Texas Has a Private Lazy River, a Resort-style Pool, and a Gourmet Outdoor Kitchen
Social media is becoming ever more important to trip planning. According to the travel industry news site PhocusWire, a whopping 57 percent of people use social media to plan at least some part of their trips. And while there are plenty of posts out there that…

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Other and Odd

Measuring the ‘White Lotus Effect’: How TV and Film Locations Impact Travel
It's being called the "White Lotus effect": the way that major TV shows influence the way we travel, thanks to the hit TV show that's back on 16 February 2025. The black comedy-drama, written by Mike White, is in a new location for a third season, following…

Las Vegas Airport Offers Marriage Licenses On Arrival
Las Vegas has long been known for quick weddings and romantic getaways, but now the city is taking convenience to new heights—offering marriage licenses at the airport. Harry Reid International Airport, the gateway to the “Wedding Capital of the World,” has…

Today in History

The Duke is Drowned
Duke of Clarence is a title traditionally awarded to junior members of British royal families. The first, George Plantagenet, was the brother of kings Edward IV and Richard III. Never happy with his status…

Press Releases of Interest

Rental Escapes Reveals the Top 10 Travel Destinations for Luxury Villas in 2025
MONTREAL – (February 17, 2025) – Rental Escapes, a full-service luxury villa company specializing in providing unparalleled private villa rentals worldwide, today revealed its list of the most popular…

Mike's Monday Cup of Mo-Joe

Sales Mistake #2: Not Being Obsessed With Helping People

This is the second sales mistake in the series of ten.

If you want to get to the top of this profession, you have to stop focusing on yourself and start thinking about helping others succeed. Sounds absurdly simple. It isn’t.

As I mentioned earlier, your primary goal is to stop…

  — Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »

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