TRO Travelgram - Travelers Stranded in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa Batters Island

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Destinations

Travelers Stranded in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa Batters Island
Honeymooners Tiera Coleman and Laquon Triplett have already had two return flights home to Milwaukee canceled as Hurricane Melissa continues to batter the coast of Jamaica. Making landfall on Oct. 28, the first-ever Category 5 cyclone to slam into the island nation has brought…
— USA Today
The Black Girl's Guide To Travel: My 10-Day Journey Through Jordan And The 5 Adventures Worth Booking Now
When people think of Jordan, images of bubble tents scattered across the desert, cinematic scenes from Dune, and the sandstone city of Petra, one of the world’s wonders, might come to mind. As a Black woman traveler who craves adrenaline-fueled adventures, I experienced a different …
— Essence
My 6 Favorite Experiences in Montreal–Plus, What I Missed
Recently, my partner in travel crime invited me to meet her in Montreal for a short getaway. She lives just across the border in Vermont, only a two-hour drive away. The stars aligned perfectly. Not only were we able to take time off, but the trip dates also aligned with the height of…
— Travel Awaits

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Tours and Activities

The Top Trending Destinations for Christmas and New Year Travel - From Winter Sun to Festive Fun
In just over two months, we will be in a brand new year. If you’ve already started planning your 2026 getaways we get it – have a look at some of Expedia’s top-trending destinations for next year if you need some help – but what if we told you that there’s still time to fit in one more…
— Time Out
The Northern Lights May Be Visible Across 14 States in the U.S. Tonight—Here’s Where to Look
A unique astronomical phenomenon will soon be visible across parts of the United States. Outdoor enthusiasts have long planned epic trips to far-away destinations like Norway or Iceland in search of the northern lights, but for the next few nights, millions of Americans may get a…
— Travel+Leisure
Ikon Pass Holders Can Now Ski 9 More Mountains in Asia
With waist-deep powder, aprés-ski onsen soaks, and slope-side ramen, Japan has quickly risen to become one of the most popular winter ski destinations in the world. Ikon Pass, Alterra Mountain Company’s global multi-resort access pass, is expanding to six new destinations in Japan…
— Condé Nast Traveler

Cruise

Star Explorer Opens 2027 Europe Voyages
Windstar Cruises will debut Star Explorer in 2027, the second all-suite yacht to join its fleet. The 224-guest ship will sail year-round in Europe, with voyages open through March 2028. Itineraries include Circumnavigating Ireland and Seven Gems of the Baltic, with longer stays and…
— Porthole Cruise and Travel News
Melissa Forces Cruise Lines to Adjust
Hurricane Melissa is impacting cruise ships that were scheduled to sail to destinations in the Eastern and Central Caribbean this week. After intensifying and making landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, the hurricane led to the cancellation of scheduled visits to destinations in…
— Cruise Industry News

Transportation

AI and Analytics Help Emirates Reduce Severe Turbulence Incidents
Emirates has reported a significant reduction in unexpected severe turbulence incidents across its global network after introducing a series of data-driven initiatives that use artificial intelligence, real-time analytics, and advanced weather prediction tools. The Dubai-based airline said the…
— Focus on Travel News
Man Accused of Stabbing Two Teens With Metal Fork During Flight
A man allegedly stabbed two teenagers with a metal fork and attempted to slap a crew member aboard a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany over the weekend, causing the plane to divert to Boston, authorities said Monday. A short way into Saturday’s flight, just after…
— The Washington Post

Lodging

A New Under Canvas Tented Camp Is Coming to California's Most Popular National Park
There’s about to be a wonderful new way to visit the giant sequoias, waterfalls, two remaining glaciers, and dizzying granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome at Yosemite National Park. Under Canvas has announced its first-ever camp in California, just outside the park. A brand known…
— Afar
8 Best Ski Resorts in Utah
Unlike other states, most of Utah's world-class skiing is less than an hour drive from its metropolitan airport. In fact, there are 10 resorts in the vicinity, spread across the famous Cottonwood canyons, Park City and Ogden. Better yet, Utah has incredible, fluffy snow and several resorts…
— Lonely Planet
Wyndham Hotels And Resorts Announces $95 Annual Rewards Program - What To Know
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts just launched a new annual rewards program that offers members accelerated ways to earn loyalty points, along with complimentary status perks and exclusive discounts. Announced on October 21, the Wyndham Rewards Insider program offers subscribers…
— Travel Noire

Other and Odd

“Extremely Dangerous” Hurricane Melissa Lashing Cuba After Pounding Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa made landfall over eastern Cuba near the city of Chivirico early Wednesday as an "extremely dangerous" Category 3 storm, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said, after pummeling Jamaica as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. Melissa…
— CBS News
10 Popular Vacation Activities Not Covered by Travel Insurance
Most people may think that once they buy travel insurance, they're set for any issue that comes their way. Turns out, your typical vacation activity, like a morning hike, may not even be covered. "One of the biggest misconceptions among travelers is that once you buy a policy, you’re…
— USA Today

Today in History

The Beheading of Sir Walter Raleigh
By varying accounts, Sir Walter Raleigh was either a true gentleman or a pirate. He was a poet, a soldier, a favorite of Queen Elizabeth, and an explorer. He was knighted in 1585 and assisted with the settlement of…
— Travel Research Online

Agent Perspectives

Why Compliance Is the Line Between a Hobby and a Real Travel Business
by Sheila Folk
Wednesday October 29, 2025

For many independent travel advisors, the appeal of this business is freedom. Freedom to work from home, freedom to set your own hours, freedom to build a career around something you genuinely love: travel. It’s an intoxicating vision — the laptop lifestyle, the flexible schedule, the thrill of matching people with unforgettable travel experiences.

But freedom without responsibility is a mirage. Too many travel agents enter the travel industry focused only on sales and marketing while ignoring the less glamorous side: legal compliance, travel agency regulations, insurance, contracts, and financial safeguards such as trust accounts. And it’s exactly this blind spot that destroys more independent travel businesses than “not enough clients” ever will.

The reality? Most independent travel advisors are one lawsuit away from…

— Travel Research Online
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Top Headlines

VacationPort Acquires Voyager Websites, Expanding Digital Marketing Solutions for Travel Advisors
by Richard Earls
Tuesday October 28, 2025

October 27, 2025 – Portland, OR & Tallahassee, FL – VacationPort® (formerly Passport Online, Inc.), a leading provider of digital marketing solutions for the travel industry, today announced the acquisition of Voyager Websites, a premier website and content platform founded in 2016 by Richard Earls, publisher of Travel Research Online.

Over the past nine years, Voyager Websites has empowered hundreds of travel agency owners to promote their businesses with highly customizable websites, integrated social media posting tools, and access to one of the largest content libraries in the travel industry. Designed specifically for travel advisors, Voyager Websites has become a trusted platform for agencies seeking to strengthen their digital presence and client engagement.

“As the travel industry evolves, digital visibility is more important than ever for advisors,” said Richard Earls, founder of Voyager Websites.…

— Travel Research Online
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Upcoming Training Opportunities

South Africa & Beyond: Explore Africa's Wonders from Cape Town to Kilimanjaro & Unlock the Exclusive Offer

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST

Take a deep dive into South Africa and its neighboring gems — Tanzania, Kenya, and Zimbabwe — in this captivating session designed to spark new ideas and boost your Africa sales.

HOLIDAYS at Universal Orlando Resort

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 1 pm EST/10 am PST

Are you ready for Holidays at Universal? Don't miss Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's and Seuss Landing™ all spruced up for Grinchmas™.