Destinations
How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Montreal — Luxury Hotels, Beautiful Parks, and Canada's Best Restaurant IncludedDespite its sometimes divisive language politics, extreme seasons, and chronic traffic headaches, Montrealers, or les Montréalais, are justifiably proud of their distinctive, if idiosyncratic, city — and for good reason. Travel + Leisure readers named Montreal one of …
These Are 7 Summeresque Alternatives to the Hamptons
As summer approaches, the allure of escaping the city’s heat and chaos becomes necessary. For decades, the Hamptons have been synonymous with luxury and relaxation, but with their popularity soaring, finding peace and tranquility in the crowds and high …
Why It’s High Time for Slow Travel in Gstaad
There’s something about soaring mountains, sparkling lakes and dense forests that can provide the perfect backdrop for a much-needed reset. Relax, recharge and lean into a more mindful summer getaway in the holiday region Gstaad …
When Is the Best Time to Visit Italy?
When is the best time to visit Italy? I have had the good fortune of visiting the country twice in the past twelve months—once in August, and again this past March. While in Rome on both occasions, I stayed near the Trevi Fountain and so I was often made to …
Olympic Organizers Concerned Over Swimming in the Seine After Pollution Report
A European non-profit organization is warning the famous Seine may be too polluted to host Olympic swimming events, throwing an iconic part of the games into question. The Surfrider Foundation Europe tested the Paris river over the past six months and found …
Tours and Activities
Heads Up: Wednesday Is Your Last Chance to Get Tickets for the OlympicsAfter years of planning and anticipation, we're just 100 days away from the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will occur from July 26 to Aug. 11. Multiple rounds of ticket draws and purchase opportunities have already occurred, but the final ticket release will be this …
10 Unmissable LGBTQ+ Events in Latin America
A thriving hotspot for LGBTQ+ travel, Latin America’s social calendar is crammed with thrilling queer events. Whether you’re planning a trip around Pride Month celebrations or looking for some cultural enrichment with special-interest festivals, there’s hardly …
Disney Rethinks Its Accessibility Services Programs for Those with Disabilities
Despite its long-standing reputation for inclusiveness and its focus on accommodating guests with disabilities—or perhaps because it has been so successful in promoting them—Disney is now revisiting its Accessibility Services program and adjusting the program’s …
Road Trips: How to Plan an Accessible Getaway
Planning an accessible road trip is getting a little easier for people with disabilities. There are more resources created by and for the disability community, and the tourism industry is starting to recognize the value of accessible travel. As a disabled, chronically ill …
What It’s Like to Hike to the End of the World in Chile
Tracing the shoreline of the icy Ukika River, I follow a trail through an evergreen woodland of southern beech trees studded with clumps of orange fungi the shape and size of golfballs. The branches are miniature ecosystems, blanketed with tiny bryophytes (a …
Cruise
Search Halted for Crew Member Who Jumped from Cruise ShipThe US Coast Guard suspended the search for the Holland America Line crew member who deliberately went overboard from the cruise ship on Friday evening while sailing the Florida Straits. The Rotterdam had just completed a six-night Western Caribbean …
I Bought a Cruise Ship Drink Package. Here's What I Discovered
I have a confession: For the hundreds of cruises I’ve taken, I’ve never purchased an inclusive drink package. Usually, the rationale for refusing is that I don’t drink that much. The thought of having to imbibe up to 15 beverages per day seems an unattainable goal …
St. Thomas Cruise Port: Piers, Overview and What to Do
Out of the roughly 50 unique islands that make up the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is one of the three largest. Since it is also one of the US Virgin Islands, it is a popular destination for American tourists and cruisers. Aside from the island having all the charm and …
Princess Cruises Introduces Three Table Service Options Across Its Fleet
Princess Cruises is to roll out a range of new dining experiences across its fleet after their successful debut on the cruise line’s latest ship, Sun Princess. From mid-September 2024, Princess will offer three table service options: traditional, reservable, or walk-in …
This Cruise Line Was the Perfect Multigenerational Trip for My Family
Cruise vacations have always been an attractive choice for multigenerational family vacations. A hassle-free way to explore the world, family cruises balance together-time with opportunities for everyone in the family to pursue their own interests too. And …
Transportation
Some American Airlines Flyers Won’t Earn Miles for Flights Starting Next MonthSeveral trade groups representing travel advisors in the Americas are pushing back on American Airlines plans to restrict the earning of AAdvantage Miles on some travel agency bookings. The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), World Travel Agents …
World’s Busiest Airports Show Surge in International Travel. Here Are the Rankings
Airports in Tokyo and London jumped in the rankings as international travel returned last year. Domestic U.S. airports had become more popular during the pandemic amid international travel restrictions. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport once again …
United Airlines Flight Attendant's Armrest Announcement Sparks Social Media Frenzy
In a bold move that has taken social media by storm, a United Airlines flight attendant recently addressed one of the most contentious issues in air travel: the battle over armrests. This announcement, shared by a passenger on Reddit, has reignited the …
Airlines Ask FAA to Extend New York Slot Waivers Through October 2025
Airlines want permission to operate fewer flights to New York without penalty through most of 2025; they're citing a continued shortage of air traffic controllers that carriers don't expect will sufficiently improve within the next 18 months. Last week, Airlines for …
Middle East Tension: How Worried Should Airline Passengers Be?
The shortest route on the surface of the planet between Perth in Western Australia and London Heathrow airport begins with thousands of miles of Indian Ocean before making landfall over Sri Lanka. The track clips a southwestern corner of, successively …
Lodging
10 Most Affordable And Highly-Rated Hotels In New York City For A Memorable StayEnjoy a luxurious stay in New York City without breaking the bank at these top-rated and affordable hotels with modern amenities. From the historic Jane Hotel to the elegant DoubleTree By Hilton, NYC offers a range of budget-friendly options for travelers. Get …
Shadow Lake Lodge: Canada’s Remote Bike-in Mountain Stay
Set in one of Banff National Park's most stunning locations, these historical cabins are only accessible to those who hike, ski, snowshoe or bike in. I battled another incline, sucking in sharp alpine air and huffing out what little breath I could spare from my …
Inside the Largest Penthouse Suite in North America
Set on 620 acres of a nature reserve on the Yucatan Peninsula is EDITION’s latest hotel. Located in the heart of Riviera Maya, the lush, sprawling grounds include lagoons and mangroves as well as two miles of a pristine white-sand beach. Created by hospitality …
Why This Historic Luxury Villa From Only $250 A Night Is Perfect For An Idyllic European Getaway
I'm not sure about you, but testing my patience in long waiting lines at the gelato shop or bumping into sweaty bodies in narrow alleyways teeming with excursion groups while it's over 100 degrees outside is not exactly my idea of fun, much less relaxation …
A New Under Canvas Tented Camp Is Coming to This California 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 announced its first-ever camp in California just outside of the …
Other and Odd
How I Booked a Vacation in Bora Bora (Almost) for Free by Using Points and MilesFlying in business class to a faraway bucket-list destination like Bora Bora and staying in an overwater bungalow can take years of planning and saving. But it doesn’t have to. With credit card points and miles, you’ll often find some of the best deals and …
Travellers Remain Confused About Single-Entry Schengen Visa Rules, Searches for Its Validity Jump by 5000%
Searches for the validity of single-entry visas have increased by 5,000 per cent. Holders of a single-entry visa can enter multiple Schengen countries as long as they do not exit the Schengen Area. The single-entry visa becomes invalid immediately after the …
U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Israel With Iran Attack Believed to Be Imminent and Fear Gaza War Could Spread
Israel is bracing for a worst-case scenario that U.S. officials believe could materialize within just hours — the possibility of a direct attack on Israeli soil by Iran in retaliation for a strike almost two weeks ago that killed seven Iranian military officers. Iran has …
A Guide to LGBTQ+ Travel in Latin America
Latin America is a vast region of over 656 million inhabitants. Stretching across two continents, it’s a storied location where people and cultures from Europe, Africa, the Americas and elsewhere mixed and settled. Spanish and Portuguese, vestiges of two rival …
An Introvert’s Guide to Surviving Group Travel
The thought of round-the-clock “togetherness” — with friends, family or strangers bound together in a tour group — can be overwhelming to the estimated 57% of people who lean toward introversion. Solo travel can suit introverts, who tend to re-energize …
Press Releases of Interest
Booking Is Open for Collette’s All-New ‘Historical Greenbrier Holiday’ TourPawtucket, RI (April 10, 2024) – Collette reminds travelers that booking is now open for its brand new “Historical Greenbrier Holiday” tour. Two departures for the eight-day experience are available …
American Cruise Lines Announces American Patriot & American Pioneer New Ships in the Project Blue Fleet
Guilford, CT—April 8, 2024— American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce two more new small ships coming in 2025, American Patriot and American Pioneer. These 125-passenger sister ships represent …
Collette’s ‘Hello Spring’ Presale Live Through April 7: Travelers Can Save up to 20% *
Pawtucket, RI (April 1, 2024) – Collette’s “Hello Spring” presale is now live through April 7. Advisors are able to help clients save up to 20% if they book seats during the window. The sale will open to the public on April …
Collette Launches ‘Collette Connection’ Service for Advisors
Pawtucket, RI (March 28, 2024) – Collette announces the launch of its new “Collette Connection” service. With the print-on-demand service, travel advisors will be able to send their clients Collette’s Explorations brochure …
Elite Voyages Joins the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA)
NEW YORK (March 26, 2024) – Terry Dale, president and CEO of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) announced today that Elite Voyages has joined USTOA as its newest Active …
Mike’s 1-Minute Marketing Memos
Woulda-Coulda-ShouldaDon’t allow yourself to fall victim to this behavior: I would’ve done it if I had more money. I could’ve tried if I had more time. I should’ve called them but … This happens more often than not, when you get an idea and fail to act on it. This simply does not have to happen. Once you have an idea for a notion to do something, do it. Don’t think it to death. And don’t procrastinate until you forget what it is you were going to try.
Mike's Morning Missives
And That’s a Wrap2019 is just about yesterday’s news. I don’t want to use a beat up worn-torn saying but I will: “Where has the time gone?” I also refuse to suggest that you have a Happy New Year. I’d rather remind you that time waits for nobody, and whether your New Year will be happy or not is entirely up to you. As I look down the barrel of another year I see an empty slate. Yesterday’s news is exactly that… yesterday’s news. Not a single evening news program goes by without…
60-Second Geography
More Than Mount Fuji, ShizuokaAs the home of Mount Fuji, there’s already an expectation that Shizuoka will be a scenic delight of any trip to Japan. But outside the shadow of Japan’s highest mountain is a cultural heritage, beaches, and fresh seafood cuisine.
Outposts
WeTravel’s: Where to Go List 2024WeTravel, a booking and payment platform, has recently released a Where to Go 2024 list outlining hot spots in travel for 2024. They’ve based the suggestions on bookings through the WeTravel platform. London, Ghana, Paris, and more. These recommendations are complete with popular activities from cruises to festivals, and museums to nature.
Independent Consultant
What to Do If a Host Agency Defaults on Commission PaymentsI’m doing something a little unusual for this TRO installment! In order to maintain privacy, I’m answering a question without providing the specific exchange. Over the past two weeks, several travel advisors reached out to me to let me know that their host are not paying their commissions (sometimes to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars).
Anita’s Tips and Tools
The Incessant Traveler
A Sea Change in How to Fix the Airline IndustryThe American Economic Liberties Project released its white paper on how to fix the airline industry in late January. It was co-written by Ganesh Sitaraman of Vanderbilt University, author of Why Flying is Miserable and How to Fix It, and William McGee, author of Attention All Passengers: The Airlines’ Dangerous Descent and How to Reclaim Our Skies. The paper is called “Economic Liberties and Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator Release Blueprint to Fix the Airline Industry.” I was able to talk to William McGee recently, and that’s an accomplishment itself, because it…