Destinations
Morocco or Egypt: Which Should You Pick?Bookending North Africa’s Mediterranean shores, Morocco and Egypt seem to have a lot in common. Sharing a language stemming from a thousand years of Arab and Islamic culture alongside Indigenous, Middle Eastern, and European influences, both countries represent a …
3 New Reasons Why You Should Visit This Gorgeous Caribbean Island This Summer
Though Jamaica has always been a dream bucket list destination for so many of us, it’s never quite reached the levels of astounding popularity it’s experiencing right now. The dreamy Caribbean nation has broken tourism record after tourism record these past few months …
14 Things to Know Before Going to Switzerland
Little 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 …
Tours and Activities
A Reason to Visit Tucson: Mission GardenAhumble city that prides itself on its quirks, Tucson doesn’t first appear to be a place of global gastronomic notoriety. But a closer look reveals that Arizona's second-largest city just may be one of the most important food destinations you’ll ever visit. Tucson is a UNESCO Creative City …
Sequoia National Park Is a Land of Giants Waiting for You to Visit
People all over the world watched with rapt attention in 2021 as wildfire threatened to engulf the world’s largest tree. Firefighters carefully wrapped the base of the General Sherman Tree in shiny, protective blanketing as flames drew closer at Sequoia National Park. Ultimately, the …
Grand Canyon's North Rim to Reopen Soon for the Summer
The less-visited North Rim of the Grand Canyon will reopen for the summer season next week, allowing travelers to explore even more of the breathtaking park. The North Rim, which closed to overnight visitors in October and closed its entrance gate about a month after that, will …
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 …
Cruise
Norwegian Cruise Line Launches Discount Program for EducatorsNorwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is commemorating Teacher Appreciation Week in the U.S. and Canada by introducing a new Teacher Cruise Discount. The special offering provides a year-round discount on cruise fares and onboard credit exclusively for educators. The discount will …
Carnival Cruise Line Celebrates 30 Years of Sailing From Port NOLA
Carnival Cruise Line has marked 30 years of sailing from the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) in Louisiana by hosting a ceremony onboard Carnival Liberty, which has now started homeporting in the US city. The cruise line’s chief culinary officer Emeril Lagasse, famous for his New …
Virgin's Newest Cruise Ship Set for NYC Debut in September 2025
Virgin 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 …
Transportation
7 Best Amtrak Routes To Experience During The SummerSummer Amtrak train rides offer unparalleled experiences through diverse US landscapes, from majestic canyons to stunning waterfalls. These scenic rides may come with a price tag, but the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and culture is worth every penny. Adventure …
How to Get Cheap Last-Minute Flights, According to the Experts
Taking a spontaneous trip is one of the most rewarding forms of travel. Finding cheap last-minute flights, on the other hand, can feel like an impossible barrier to flying by the seat of your pants. But booking with low-cost carriers isn't the only way to avoid forking over exorbitant …
Travelers Can Now Sign up for TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Simultaneously
In 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 …
Lodging
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas Unveils $1.5 Billion RenovationOne of the most popular Las Vegas casino resorts is turning 25, so what better time to reveal a $1.5 billion face-lift? The Venetian Resort Las Vegas unveiled details of its costly makeover amid its 25th birthday bash this month. The sprawling resort recently added a variety of new …
Amsterdam Implements New Restrictions on Hotels to Curb Overtourism
Over the past few years, Amsterdam has implemented highly publicized measures to combat the mass tourism problems that have plagued the capital city. Those initiatives include 2023’s “Stay Away” campaign squarely aimed at “nuisance tourists” coming to the city specifically for …
New Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa Opens on Florida’s Gulf Coast in June
A new Marriott on Florida’s Gulf Coast is accepting reservations beginning June 2, offering a new option for individual travelers as well as meetings and conventions. Overlooking the Manatee River, the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa is the largest hotel in the Bradenton Area …
These Are The 10 Best Hotels in Alaska
With 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 …
Other and Odd
When is the Best Time to Visit Tulum?Tulum is one of the most exciting destinations on Mexico’s Riviera Maya and will make for an unforgettable beach getaway. It’s got ancient Mayan ruins, beautiful weather, baby sea turtles, and a Burning Man-esque atmosphere. What’s not to love? Well, it’s interesting you ask …
Tourist Appreciation Day Celebrates the Joy of Travel and Its Global Impact
As the earth begins to warm up from its winter hibernation, a special day earmarked on the spring calendar reminds us to appreciate a vital segment of the global economy and cultural exchange: the tourists. Celebrating Tourist Appreciation Day on May 6 goes beyond simply …
Embracing Luxury Travel Trends: A Guide to Experiencing the Best of the Best
The 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 …
Press Releases of Interest
The Travel Institute Launches Vietnam Destination Specialist CourseFRAMINGHAM, MA, May 6, 2024 – The Travel Institute has released its newly created Vietnam Destination Specialist Course as traveler demand for the scenic, well-preserved, and culturally rich destination continues to …
Michael Brown Joins Travel Answers as National Account Sales Manager
Bellevue, 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 …
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…