Destinations
The Best Way to Experience Alaska According to 8 Alaskan NativesI had only been in Alaska for a few days when I realized how little I had learned about Alaska Native culture and history in school, despite the fact that, as Aaron Leggett, President of the Native Village of Eklutna, says, “Alaska represents one fifth the size of the …
36 Hours on Maui
Maui is the Goldilocks island: It is neither too big nor too small, and for its three million annual visitors, its perfect year-round temperature, rainbow-splashed volcanic summits and sugary beaches are just right. But last August, Maui’s equilibrium met disaster …
A Sustainable Travel Guide to Central New York
The wonderful waterways and unique natural formations of Central New York tell a story of conservation and appreciation for the environment. Through consistent preservation, many of the area’s most fantastic formations retain their beauty, while others are in …
How to Spend 3 Perfect Days in Madrid
Spain’s capital city has plenty to offer on a 24/7 basis, no matter whether you’re looking for entertainment at 2 PM on a cool winter’s afternoon or 2 AM in the heat of the summer months. But even if you’re only popping by for a fleeting visit, it’s easy to tick off the …
The True Story of Japan’s Samurai City That Chose Art Over War
The breakout series Shogun has renewed interest in the clashing swords and political maneuvering of Japan's feudal era – and the city of Kanazawa is an excellent place to learn more. Long after the end of Japan's feudal era, there's still a sense of power and …
Tours and Activities
A Complete Guide to the Kentucky Bourbon TrailFor whiskey lovers, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a bucket-list trip, full of opportunities to visit distilleries and learn about bourbon—plus, of course, plenty of sampling along the way. Kentucky is the spiritual home of bourbon, an American whiskey made with at …
This Gorgeous California State Park Was Just Named the Best Place for Stargazing in the U.S.
The 2024 eclipse may have come and gone, but it left plenty of people hungry for more astrotourism. And luckily, there are plenty of fantastic spots to stargaze across the United States, and HomeToGo has rounded up a few of the best destinations in its new …
11 Fabulous Gardens Around the World
Stop and smell the roses. And the jasmine, the frangipani and the lavender, too. At these verdant sanctuaries around the world – all featured in Lonely Planet’s The Joy of Exploring Gardens – travelers can experience a connection to the natural world, giving us the …
Where Is California's Bowling Ball Beach? (How To Visit)
Discover Bowling Ball Beach's mystical concretions along California's beautiful coast for a unique beachside experience. More than a quirky stop on a road trip, the small boulders found on the beach are geological marvels formed in sedimentary rock. Arriving at low …
Tracing the Long, Winding Path of an Ancient Roman Aqueduct
The stone arches looped solemnly over their shadows, some teetering above the grass, some sinking into it. It was a dazzling January morning, and I was standing in the Park of the Aqueducts, about 20 minutes by metro from central Rome. Here, the ruined …
Cruise
5 Holland America Line Cruise Myths, BustedHolland America Line can trace its roots back to 1873, when it began operating shipping and passenger voyages between the Netherlands and North America. Today it operates cruises around the world aboard its fleet of “smaller” and more intimate cruise …
Carnival Cruise Ship Late Returning to Homeport, Embarkation Delayed
Guests eager to board Carnival Elation on Thursday, April 25, 2024 will have a few extra hours to wait as the ship is delayed in her return to Jacksonville, Florida. Because of the delay, embarkation has subsequently been revised and boarding guests have been …
Will I Get Seasick on a Cruise? Here’s What Travelers Should Know.
Mackenzie Pollock had a feeling she’d get seasick on her first cruise. The 29-year-old Oregon resident tends to get carsick, so when she felt nausea on a Caribbean sailing with Princess Cruises in February, it wasn’t a surprise. And she came prepared. Pollock talked …
New Consumer Law Mandates Clear Pricing for Cruise Lines
Are you frustrated that cruise prices suddenly balloon when finalizing your booking? Starting July 1, 2024, consumer protection legislation will require cruise lines to display the total price, not just the fare. California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) goes …
Viking Valued at $10.8 Billion As It Heads to IPO
Travel advisors, like the general public, soon will be able to own a piece of Viking Holdings Ltd. Headed to an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange, the company expects to soon be selling ordinary shares at $21-$25, for a total market capitalization of between …
Transportation
What Fliers Need to Know about New Refund Rules for AirlinesNew federal rules for airlines will go into effect later this year, giving travelers a better picture of the full cost of flights before they book — and getting them an easier refund if things go awry. After a process that lasted more than a year, the Biden administration …
American Airlines Forecasts Upbeat Q2 Profit as Business Travel Rebounds
American Airlines (AAL.O), opens new tab forecast current-quarter profit largely above analysts' expectations on Thursday amid a rebound in business travel and expectations of strong demand in the upcoming summer season. Shares of the carrier were up 5.3% …
America’s Smallest Airports Are Hurting, Even as More People Than Ever Are Flying
In many respects, 2023 was a record-setting year at airports. The Transportation Security Administration saw its busiest summer ever. All-time, single-day passenger traffic records fell on two occasions. Airlines fielded historic demand for overseas travel …
European Airlines Report Thousands of Problems During Flights Due to Suspected Russian Jamming
European airlines have reported 46,000 cases of jamming or spoofing over the Baltic Sea. Russia can be causing such GPS interferences, as the destinations where this practice occurs are near the country. Jamming or spoofing includes disrupting signals by …
Biden Administration Cracks Down on Junk Fees in Air Travel
The Biden administration finalized rules on Wednesday requiring airlines to automatically refund passengers for canceled or significantly delayed flights and to share baggage, change, or cancellation fees upfront. “Passengers deserve to know upfront what …
Lodging
12 Best Hotels in the Bay AreaOh, the San Francisco Bay area! Encompassing cities and towns in nine counties that surround the San Francisco Bay, there’s so much to see and do during your visit to California – but first, where to stay? Well, that’s what we’re here to help you with …
Europe's Most Spectacular New Hotel Is Set in a Former WWII Railway Station
A few years ago, I was flicking through a magazine when I saw a photo essay about abandoned train stations. They were images of sublime squalor. The grand Greco-Roman columns of Michigan Central Station in Detroit were covered with graffiti. The Art Deco …
Is Hilton Within Striking Distance of Dethroning Marriott as the World's Biggest Hotel Company?
Marriott International, with more than 30 brands under its belt, is the undisputed leader in the world's hotel orbit. However, Hilton leaders Wednesday morning outlined a growth strategy signaling why their cross-town rival in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan …
These Are the 15 Best Hotels in Chicago
With its world-class cultural institutions (the Art institute of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra among them), 24 sand beaches right in the city, and a richly diverse population, Chicago remains one of the United States’ most visited metropolises. The …
Travel + Leisure’s Best Hotels in Phoenix and Arizona for 2024
Five Arizona hotels were just named among the best in the world for 2024. Travel + Leisure unveiled its 2024 T+L 500 list of the world's best hotels, compiled based on ratings from its readers, in its May issue. The list includes five Arizona hotels, including four …
Other and Odd
Venice Introduces New Entry Fee for VisitorsToday marks a big change for Venice as it officially rolls out an entry fee for day trippers. This long-anticipated measure aims to ease the heavy toll of overtourism that the UNESCO-listed city has struggled with for years. Alongside cities like Barcelona and …
We Can Get Tourism Policies Right — These Three European Cities Show How It Can Be Done
To harness the power of travel, alleviate the drawbacks with smart policies, and make our world more tolerant and inclusive in the process — that’s the vision I’d like to offer, Peter Lochbihler writes. What do we know about travel? And by that, I don’t just mean …
7 Destinations That Do Not Want Travelers To Visit This Summer (And Where To Go Instead)
Overtourism is a real problem that has blighted many of the world’s most popular cities. As a result, many destinations are asking tourists to stay away. But that hasn’t stopped our desire to travel the world. So where should you go? Here are 7 destinations that …
Planning an Upcoming Celebration? Keep All-Inclusive Travel in Mind
In an era where people increasingly value experiences over possessions, milestone celebrations have taken on a new meaning. Hilton’s 2024 Global Trends Report found that travel this year will be all about building and strengthening connections. Nearly half of …
Climate Change Is Here. Are National Parks Ready?
On a hazy day in June, Jessie Haffener, a guide for Wildland Trekking, was leading a backpacking trip in Yosemite National Park when she saw smoke along the canyon rim near Glacier Point. As she arrived at the scene, flames ignited from the smoldering …
Press Releases of Interest
Avanti Celebrates National Travel Advisor Month With Gift Card for Each Land Booking Of $5,000 or More Made in MayPortland, 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 …
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 …
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…
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.
Luxury Travel Tips
Elvis Has Left the BuildingNot long after starting my training firm, The Wealthy Travel Agent, I received a call from my friend Richard Earls, publisher of Travel Research Online (TRO), asking if I would write a column on luxury travel. I immediately agreed. Over time, it morphed into one that advocated sound sales-based business practices with luxury travel as the product of choice – but could be applied to any model. I don’t want to be that person who overstays their welcome.
Departures
Unveiling Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand HillsRwanda. The Land of a Thousand Hills and the horrific genocide of 1994. One of the most rapidly developing countries in Africa, where one-quarter of the population is still illiterate. A country with many faces which, after years of turmoil, has risen and is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination.
Spotlight
New Short Break Tours in Australia’s Red Centre Ideal for Travel AgentsAAT Kings has announced two new short break tours in Australia’s majestic Northern Territory, presenting travel agents with exciting new packaged offerings. Lasting 3-4 days, these immersive experiences balance efficient travel with in-depth discovery of Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon.