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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
Move Over Punta Cana! Unveiling The Dominican Republic's Next 3 Vacation Hotspots
Punta Cana isn't old news by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, it was reported recently that the Dominican Republic continues on a record-setting tear, primarily backed by its renowned resort town. Despite the perpetual surge year after year, the D.R. is investing beyond Punta Cana's pizzazz, deeper…
— Travel Off Path
Explore More of Belgium in the Historic Southern City of Dinant
Sure, Bruges is a fairy-tale town with its centuries-old architecture, serene 13th-century Begijnhof and romantic atmosphere that makes it perfect for a cozy weekend break. And yes, Brussels dazzles with its gilded Grand Place and vibrant energy. But why not escape the crowds and head south in Belgium…
— Lonely Planet
What Santiago's Many ‘Camino’ Pilgrims Often Miss
Europe's most famous pilgrimage destination is also one of Spain's most stunning – and under-explored – cities. Now, the city is keen to show off its artsy side. For the last 1,200 years, the Unesco World Heritage city of Santiago de Compostela has best been known as a pilgrimage…
— BBC
Tours and Activities
Why You Should Visit These 5 European Lakes
As the summer heat rises along the coast of the Med, turn your gaze instead to Europe’s dazzlingly diverse array of lakes. Beyond swimming, kayaking and standup paddleboarding in crystal-clear waters, there’s plenty to explore — think medieval castles and vineyards, prehistoric pile dwellings…
— National Geographic
New Report Names the Most Frustrating Beaches in the World—and a Famous U.S. Spot Tops the List
There's nothing like a beach day. Ideally, you'll set up your towel on a stretch of white sand near clear water, with just the sound of rushing waves as your main soundtrack. But, at some of the most popular beaches in the world, that picture-perfect day might not be possible. A new report from…
— Travel+Leisure
Disneyland and Disney World Unwrap 2025 Holiday Plans
It's Christmas in July. Disneyland unwrapped its 2025 holiday plans on July 23 amid the resort's ongoing 70th anniversary celebration. That may seem early, but fans plan well in advance because the holidays are among the most popular times to visit both resorts. Walt Disney World shared its…
— USA Today
Cruise
Disney Fantasy Embarks on Repositioning Cruise to Northern Europe
The Disney Fantasy is setting sail from Barcelona today for a repositioning cruise to Southampton, England. Ahead of a series of cruises in Northern Europe, the open-jaw itinerary features visits to destinations in Portugal and Spain, such as La Coruña and Vigo. Before arriving in the United…
— Cruise Industry News
“We Were Treated Like Criminals”: 100+ Crew Members Deported from Carnival Cruise Line
The highly publicised deportations of immigrants in the United States are now being felt in the cruise industry as well. The Filipino Workers Centre and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations has alleged that Filipino cruises ship members are being removed from cruise ships and…
— Cruise Passenger
Transportation
Southwest Profit Drops, but Airline Says Travel Demand Has Stabilized
Southwest Airlines on Wednesday posted second-quarter earnings and revenue that fell short of Wall Street’s estimates but said travel demand has stabilized, echoing other airlines in recent weeks. The airline also announced a new $2 billion share buyback. Here’s how Southwest performed in the…
— CNBC
What It's Like to Fly in Air New Zealand's New Business Class
“Is this the new plane?” the man in seat 1K asks the flight attendant, who is dressed in a well-tailored, deep purple Emilia Wickstead uniform. “That it is,” she says with a happy little curtsy. “It’s quite nice,” is the man’s initial review—we’ve only just boarded, after all. I’m one row behind in seat…
— Condé Nast Traveler
Making Connections on Flights to the U.S. from Europe Could Get Easier
If flying home to the United States from London requires a connecting flight, your journey may be about to get easier. The experience can be stressful: With the clock ticking, travelers race through customs, pick up and re-check bags, then have to go through security again to board the next leg of…
— New York Times
Lodging
For a Cooler Summer Escape in France, Head to This Gorgeous New Hotel on the Country's Western Coast
Originally built as a private home in the 1920s and run as a hotel for decades, this French seaside villa in Perros-Guirec was restored and reborn as Les Bassans, the first property in Brittany from the French-owned Fontenille Collection. Although it opened in June, Les Bassans was years in the making…
— Afar
Most Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica: 10 Lush Mid-Range Picks
There are around 7,000 Caribbean islands spread across the region—and they’re the stuff of vacation dreams. Americans regularly flock to hotspots like the Bahamas, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and even Cuba. Jamaica is also a perennial favorite for a few reasons. First, it’s massive, being the…
— Travel Awaits
Other and Odd
EU Border Entry System and ETIAS Fee Hike Raise Travel Sector Concerns
EU border entry system and ETIAS fee hike raise travel sector concerns as major changes approach for non-EU visitors. The European Commission has confirmed that the long-anticipated Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin rolling out on 12 October 2025, followed by the European Travel Information…
— Focus on Travel News
Why Shoulder Season Delivers The Ultimate Vacation Value
Shoulder season represents that sweet spot between peak tourist crowds and complete off-season lulls. It offers savvy travelers the perfect mix of affordability and experience. This golden window typically falls during early spring, before summer tourism explodes, or mid-fall, after school starts…
— Travel Noire
U.S. Drops to Lowest Ranking Yet on Index of Most Powerful Passports
Americans once held the world’s most powerful key to international travel, but in the latest edition of the Henley Passport Index released this week, U.S. passports dropped to their lowest position yet, outranked by affluent Asian countries that dominated the top of the list, European…
— The Washington Post
Today in History
Machu Picchu Discovered
On July 24, 1911, American explorer Hiram Bingham discovered the remains of the Incan city Machu Picchu. Located high in the mountains, the city remained intact after the Incans abandoned it in the 17th Century due to lack of…
— Travel Research Online
Spotlight
Sell Smarter with Trawick International’s New Pathway Plans: Flexible Coverage Built for You and Your Clients
by Trawick International
Thursday July 24, 2025
Today’s trave lers want options, and travel advisors need insurance solutions that are easy to explain, easy to sell, and tailored to the way clients actually travel. That’s exactly what you get with Trawick International’s new Pathway collection.
Built with feedback from travel advisors like you, these new trip cancellation plans give you more flexibility, more value to offer your clients, and a streamlined sales experience that makes it easier to match the right plan to the right…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
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The Incessant Traveler
Avanti Is Helping Travel Advisors Navigate a New Environment
by David Cogswell
Thursday July 24, 2025
As the travel i ndustry moves from the post-pandemic surge into more uncertain terrain, advisors are finding that sustained success increasingly depends on proactive marketing, branding and finding the right niche.
Gina Bang, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Avanti Destinations, a wholesaler of custom packages for Europe, Latin America, and Asia, is seeing a wide range of variation among its travel advisor partners in the results they are achieving in 2025.
In a recent interview, Bang said, “The market’s changing constantly. Some people are overwhelmed with new business. Others are struggling, and usually that’s because they’re newer or less…
— Travel Research Online
Read the rest of this article »
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Upcoming Training Opportunities
Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights – Get All The Killer Details!
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Halloween Horror Nights is the home of horror with the biggest names in the genre. Endure 10 haunted houses, scare zones and more. Find reprieve, if you can, with live entertainment and select rides and attractions. Lidia Markser will be your guide through all the gory details, including tickets, RIP Tours, vacation packages and more!
Register Now →
A Glimpse into Deep Patagonia with Australis Cruises
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Join us for an exclusive webinar to discover the unparalleled beauty of Patagonia aboard Australis Cruises. Operating two intimate ships with just 100 cabins each, Australis offers immersive, educational voyages through the pristine and remote waterways of the southernmost Patagonia. Learn how your clients can explore majestic fjords, towering glaciers, and rich wildlife, all while enjoying the comfort and personalized service of a boutique cruise line. Whether you're looking to deepen your destination knowledge or expand your adventure travel portfolio, this is a must-attend event for travel advisors ready to offer something extraordinary.
Register Now →
Globus Independent
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT
Ready to help clients explore the world on their own terms? Discover Globus Independent—our unique travel style that pairs expert planning with full flexibility, no group tour required. We’ll show you how it outshines traditional FIT travel, preview top itineraries, and share tools to grow your Independent travel business.
Register Now →
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