Destinations
14 Things to Know Before Going to SwitzerlandLittle did I know when I moved to Switzerland a decade ago that I’d still be here now. But with its supermodel looks, fine weather, easy-peasy public transport, multilingual mindset and penchant for cheese and wine, this is a country where it’s easy to get comfortable – even …
These 4 Mexico Caribbean Destinations Are More Affordable And Less Crowded Than Cancun
A record-breaking 1.2 million visitors descended upon Cancun over Easter weekend, and hotel occupancy soared past 85% according to Riviera Maya News. Cancun remains the most popular destination in Mexico for American travelers — in fact, it's the most popular …
The Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a treasure chest of exquisite art-filled cities and towns, canals, windmills and tulip fields, along with shiny-new sustainable urban environments, and glorious natural landscapes, coastlines and islands. While it’s one of Europe’s smaller nations …
36 Hours in Minneapolis
Minneapolis, with more than a dozen lakes and a sprawling urban park system, appeals not only to outdoorsy types but also to travelers seeking a robust cultural scene, top-notch restaurants and fun bars and breweries. In recent years, residents have struggled …
Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Trip to Paris This Summer
More than 15 million visitors are expected to travel to Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics, which will take place from July 26 to August 11. But as the world's attention turns to the City of Light, even non-Olympic related trips to France may feel the ripple effects …
Tours and Activities
I Saw Cosmic Visions at This Temple Complex in New Mexico“How many business cards do you have?” I asked James Jereb, whose penetrating eyes sparkled above his gray mustache and beard and underneath a beige bucket hat. He was dressed simply in a billowing, blue shirt and khaki trousers. “Well,” he replied, “I do a lot of things …
Paris Promised the Olympics Would Be Accessible. The Clock Is Ticking.
During a trip to Paris last November, Samantha Renke just couldn’t seem to find a taxi that could accommodate her motorized wheelchair. “Every time I logged on, it just kept saying, ‘Unavailable, unavailable, unavailable,’” Ms. Renke said, recounting her struggle to book an …
This Unknown Beach Town With White Sand Beaches Is Florida's Best Kept Secret
Some ‘Karen' once said, “Secrets, secrets, are no fun. Secrets, secrets hurt someone.” Who are we kidding, travelers love discovering the best secrets and it's seems like a no harm, no foul situation. Sure, locals might be peeved about tourists trickling in, but secrets …
Looking for Things to Do in New York City? Visit This Local Hidden Gem
Nestled in New York City's Greenwich Village, the Hess Triangle is a hidden gem with a story as compelling as it is defiant. Amid the bustling streets, this small triangular plot of land at Christopher Street and 7th Avenue South carries a legacy not known to most …
How to Get Off the Tourist Trail in Maui
Maui is the second most popular Hawaiian island for visitors, after the island of O‘ahu, with travelers descending in droves to experience a sunrise viewing atop the dormant volcano at Haleakala National Park, drive the winding road to Hāna, and head to the …
Cruise
Virgin's Newest Cruise Ship Set for NYC Debut in September 2025Virgin Voyages’ upcoming new ship, Brilliant Lady, will debut in September of 2025, giving US cruisers a first look at the line’s fourth vessel. The news follows a series of delays and cancelled voyages in 2024. The ship will sail across North America for the inaugural season …
British Isles and Ireland Cruise Guide
With stately homes and medieval castles, golden beaches, rolling hills and eclectic cities, the British Isles and Ireland are packed with exciting destinations on all points of the compass. From Cork and Dublin in Ireland to the Scottish Highlands and south coast of England …
You Asked: Do I Need a Passport for My Cruise?
There’s a difference between what you need and what is a good idea to have. Let’s begin with the first: On most cruise lines and for most itineraries, a voyage that starts and ends at the same U.S. port and stays in the Western Hemisphere will not require any …
Big Nude Boat Cruise Set for February 2025
The "Big Nude Boat" cruise, which allows passengers to bare all – yes, even at the buffet – is set to sail from Florida next year. The "11-day adventure" to the Caribbean is set for the first two weeks of February on the Norwegian Pearl, according to the Bare …
Holland America Line Guarantees Glacier Views on All Alaska Cruises
Holland America Line has been showcasing Alaska’s glaciers since 1947. The cruise line ensures guests will see a glacier during their Alaska cruise with the Glacier Guarantee, providing a 15% Future Cruise Credit if a glacier visit is missed. “Our guests, and especially first-time …
Transportation
Travelers Can Now Sign up for TSA PreCheck and CLEAR SimultaneouslyIn the fast-paced realm of modern travel, efficiency is key. Whether jetting off for business or embarking on a long-awaited vacation, every traveler seeks to streamline their journey through airports. Now, thanks to an innovative partnership between CLEAR and TSA …
No Eurotunnel Queues With New Travel System, Boss Says
The boss of Eurotunnel has insisted there will not be long queues of cars at its terminals when a new EU travel system starts in October. Brits heading to and from Europe will need to register fingerprints and a photo at the border, which has prompted warnings of delays …
Don’t Be a Jerk at the Airport: A Guide for Headphones
Listening to something on your personal device makes many of life’s dull moments more palatable. Waiting in line at airport security? Easy when you can watch YouTube gardening tutorials Twelve-hour flight? Piece of cake with the entirety of “Suits” downloaded to your laptop …
Passenger Caught With Bag of Snakes Hidden Down Trousers at Miami Airport
A passenger travelling from Miami International Airport in Florida was stopped by security after he was found with a bag of snakes hidden down his trousers. Alarms alerted security guards to an “anomaly” on the man’s person and he was taken for a pat-down …
Southwest Will Now Have Discounted Flights Every Wednesday — What to Know
Wednesday may now be the cheapest day to book flights on Southwest. This week the airline introduced a new promotion, “Wanna Go Wednesdays”, which provides weekly discounted fares between popular markets. For example, sample fares from the program’s …
Lodging
These Are The 10 Best Hotels in AlaskaWith its snow-capped peaks, shimmering glaciers, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, Alaska beckons millions of adventurers from around the globe each year. Enabling travelers to explore the state’s untamed terrain are enchanting accommodations where modern …
Family Sues Hawaii Resort After Tourist Died Suddenly Snorkeling
A Michigan woman and her family are suing a Maui resort, the Hawaiian Tourism Authority, and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau after her husband died while snorkeling. She doesn’t believe it was a drowning. Patricia and Ray Johnson, along with four friends, arrived …
10 of the Best Hotels in Tokyo, From Charming Ryokans to Japanese Onsen Retreats
With its glinting skyscrapers, narrow alleyways, lantern-festooned temples and neon-clad arcades, Tokyo is one of the most diverse and thrilling cities on Earth — but its sheer size can make choosing a hotel daunting. Over the past decade, accommodation options have …
10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Belize in 2024
When you close your eyes and think of Belize, visions of a dreamy, tropical vacation likely dance through your mind. Think: sugary shores, brilliantly blue water, bright green palms and thick, verdant jungles. Maybe throw in a luxury villa or a palapa-topped …
15 Best Family Resorts in the U.S., According to Parents and Travel Experts
As a mom and travel writer, family travel is something that I’m super passionate about. People often say, “It’s not a vacation once you have kids," — but I disavow that statement. Yes, there will be challenging moments. That’s a given. But exploring new places or …
Other and Odd
Embracing Luxury Travel Trends: A Guide to Experiencing the Best of the BestThe concept of luxury travel has evolved over time, reflecting changes in the way people perceive and experience leisure and adventure. Keeping up with the latest travel trends is essential for those seeking to indulge in the most exclusive and sought-after experiences around …
Your Vacation Was Ruined, and the Company Apologized — With a Heartfelt Note Written by ChatGPT
Responding to angry customers is one of the hardest parts of her job, Natasha said. Finding the right words, conveying the appropriate level of contrition — especially when the hotel isn’t at fault (read: rain complaints) — is a tedious and time-consuming process, said the …
Where (Not) to Go, How to Save in 2024
Revenge travel is so last year. “It's not necessarily about just getting out of the house anymore,” said Sydney Stanback, Global Insights and Trends lead at Pinterest, which has seen more than 1 billion travel searches and more than 10 billion travel saves over the past year …
How Exactly Will the EU’s New Entry-Exit System Work? All Your Questions Answered
The EU's post-Brexit Entry-Exit System (EES) was originally supposed to launch in 2022, then was rescheduled for May 2023 before being pushed back even further to the end of last year. Despite continuous setbacks, it’s finally set to launch this autumn. But a …
Dollar Scholar Asks: What Are the Best Money Tips for Traveling Abroad?
All that pasta must have messed with my brain. When I traveled to Italy last summer, I froze every single time a cashier asked whether I wanted to pay in local currency or U.S. dollars. It was hard enough for me to wrap my head around prices being listed in …
Press Releases of Interest
Michael Brown Joins Travel Answers as National Account Sales ManagerBellevue, WA, April 1, 2024 - Luxury global travel wholesaler Travel Answers, comprising the brands of Down Under Answers, Africa Answers, Asia Answers, Travel2 and Islands in the Sun, has announced a …
Travelers Can Save up to $400 on Select Collette’s ‘Netherlands, Belgium & France’ Explorations Tour Departures
Pawtucket, RI (April 24, 2024) – Travelers can save up to $400 on select departures on Collette’s “Netherlands, Belgium & France” Explorations tour. North America’s longest-running tour operator’s …
Avanti Celebrates National Travel Advisor Month With Gift Card for Each Land Booking Of $5,000 or More Made in May
Portland, OR, April 23, 2024 – In honor of National Travel Advisor Month 2024, independent travel specialist Avanti Destinations is offering a $25 gift card for each FIT* land booking of $5,000 or more …
Booking Is Open for Collette’s All-New ‘Historical Greenbrier Holiday’ Tour
Pawtucket, 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 …
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
An Emerald Jewel on the Caribbean Coast: Tortuguero, Costa RicaTucked away in the northeastern corner of Costa Rica, the small village of Tortuguero is a true ecological gem. Nestled within a vast protected national park, it is one of the most important nesting sites for sea turtles in the Western Hemisphere. Each year, thousands of endangered green turtles arrive en masse to lay their eggs on the long, isolated stretches of beach. This incredible natural phenomenon draws visitors from around the world hoping to witness one of nature’s ancient reproductive rituals.
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
Cloud Tours: Greece in DepthIt’s hard to imagine any place more fundamental to being a well-traveled person than Greece, the source of Western Civilization. It’s even closer to the root than Italy. The culture of Rome was essentially appropriated from Greece. The Romans were practical. Why re-invent the wheel when the Greeks had covered so much? Greece is Western Civ 101. It provides a solid basis for exploring the rest of Western Civilization. But aside from all that history and culture, the Greek Islands, in the sparkling blue Aegean Sea, are among the most…