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Destinations

Japan Tackles Overtourism With Restrictions for Some Iconic Sites
Japan is set to limit visitors at some popular attractions so that sites don't suffer from overtourism. Here's what you need to know. Japan’s enduring popularity for overseas visitors is bringing consequences as the country seeks to balance the benefits of tourism …

When Is the Best Time to Visit Lisbon?
Boasting a yearly average of 300 days of sunshine, Lisbon, Portugal is a top-tier destination year-round. It’s important to note that Portugal is a relatively conservative country and locals dress for the season, rather than the weather. So winter means beautiful …

This Underrated, Scenic Small Town Is A Great Alternative To Austin, Texas
Wimberley, TX is a hidden gem, scenic alternative to Austin, TX with fewer crowds, wineries, and natural beauty. Embrace the vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreation, and Texan elegance of Wimberley for a unique experience. Enjoy rustic lodge-style accommodations …

Why These 2 Sunny European Countries Are The Trendiest Destinations Of 2024
Europe has always been a popular region of the world for travel, but 2 countries in particular are breaking all-time tourism records right now. Travelers just can't seem to get enough of neighboring countries Spain and Portugal. These two European countries are …

7 of the Best Things to Do in Washington, DC: Get to Know the US’ Capital
Washington, DC, is a city with endless appeal. This is where you'll find some of America's most famous buildings – places such as the White House and the Library of Congress, the world's largest library. At its heart is the National Mall, a linear park filled with …

Tours and Activities

AlUla: The Middle East’s Once-Inaccessible Ancient Wonder
As a photographer, I've always been drawn to the unique way that light in the desert stretches, bounces off the sand and rock and illuminates the plains. There is a stillness in these landscapes that I've come to crave, but I'm also fascinated by the relationships …

This Swedish Overnight Train Takes You Straight to the Northern Lights
For travelers on the 17-hour train from Stockholm to Abisko, there’s a shared goal— seeing the northern lights. The small town, about 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle, is one of Sweden’s northernmost settlements and has some of the clearest skies in …

The 10 Best Boutique Stores in Madrid
As Spain’s capital city, you’d probably expect Madrid to have a great shopping scene. But you might not quite realize just how varied the array of boutiques and stores is here, from independent retailers hidden in unusual parts of the city to thriving multi-story …

Aurora Tourism in Iceland: You Can Seek, but You May Not Find
From the outside, it may seem like the northern lights dance across Iceland’s skies each night. On Icelandair ads, planes fly across shimmering curtains in the sky. On social media, travelers gaze at the green bands above them. The lights are even on some …

24 of the Best Experiences in Japan
Japan sparks all the senses, from its temple bells, capsule hotels and breezy cat islands to outdoor sculptures, pine-forest hot springs and umami flavors in world-class dining. The downside of having so many incredible attractions in one country is feeling …

Cruise

Windstar Announces Guest Chefs for 2025 Sailings
In 2025, Windstar Cruises celebrates the 10th year anniversary of its partnership with the James Beard Foundation. To celebrate the milestone, the cruise line will welcome five acclaimed chef to expand its series of annual culinary-themed sailings. The list includes …

Cruising to Kyoto: A Voyage Into the Heart of Japan
Kyoto Prefecture, home to Japan’s ancient imperial capital, is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. As the cultural heart of Japan, the prefecture offers a wealth of natural and historical treasures, from the shrines and gardens of the city to the …

Oceania Cruises Shares Free Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay on Select Itineraries
Oceania Cruises will now provide complimentary pre-cruise hotel stays for guests on select sailings in late 2024 and 2025. Travelers can arrive a day early and explore the departure port before boarding one of Oceania Cruises’ ships! “This exclusive free pre-cruise …

Three Cruise Passengers Jump Ship During a Port Stop in British Virgin Islands
Mystery surrounds the whereabouts of three cruise ship guests who failed to return to their ship after a shore visit in the British Virgin Islands earlier this month. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the BVI Department of Immigration seek information from …

Caribbean Cruise Port Has Record-Breaking Passenger Day
Antigua experiences a record-breaking day, welcoming over 15,000 cruise passengers across six cruise ships. The historic event marked a significant milestone for the port and the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, showcasing the area’s growing …

Transportation

Last-Minute Cheap Airfare to See the Total Solar Eclipse 2024
With less than two weeks until the total solar eclipse, hopeful spectators who haven't booked their flights to destinations along the path of totality need to move fast. Over 4 million people are expected to witness the rare celestial event, which will take place on …

Europe’s Travel Strikes: Flight and Train Disruption You Can Expect in March and April
Strikes are a regular occurrence in Europe, as employees withhold their labour to fight for better pay and conditions. Walkouts are sometimes planned months ahead but others are announced last minute, showing that it always pays to check before you travel …

Navigating Air Travel Etiquette: The 18 Do’s and Don’ts for Passengers in 2024
Air travel remains one of the safest and most widely utilized modes of transportation. After flying over 200,000 miles last year (and developing a frequent flyer packing list), I’ve encountered a plethora of passenger behaviors both in airports and aboard airplanes …

What Travelers Should Know about FAA Advisory on Total Solar Eclipse Before April 8
The total solar eclipse is nearing, so the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is offering guidance to commercial planes and private aircraft ahead of the phenomenon. The "Great North American Eclipse" will occur on April 8. During this cosmic event, the Moon will …

United Airlines Offers New Seating and Points-Sharing Options
Amidst the hullabaloo over its use of Boeing jets, United Airlines this week is rolling out two programs that reach out to its customers. If you are the kind of flyer who checks every day to see if a better seat is available for your upcoming flight, you’re going …

Lodging

I’ve Been to 35 All-Inclusive Resorts. Here Are 10 Mistakes I Always See First-Timers Make.
Vacationing at an all-inclusive resort is very appealing for many travelers — and with good reason. Being able to budget before you arrive and not having to worry about toting around cash or credit cards, can alleviate a lot of travel headaches. As a travel writer …

Hilton Garden Inn Celebrates Its 15th Hotel in Mexico with the Opening of Hilton Garden Inn Guadalajara Airport
Today, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announces the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Guadalajara Airport, representing the award-winning Hilton Garden Inn brand's 15th hotel in Mexico, joining a portfolio of more than 90 hotels welcoming guests across the country …

After Devastating Wildfires, One of Australia's Most Iconic Lodges Has Been Reborn
Australians call sunbathing being “flat out like a lizard.” That’s a good description of me as I lounge poolside at Southern Ocean Lodge’s new spa, contemplating a stark landscape of sand dunes covered in hillocks of fresh green coastal vegetation and spiked by …

Connecticut's Mayflower Inn Quite Literally Inspired Gilmore Girls, and I Visited So I Could Review It for You
Idon't know about you, but I'm exhausted. Like, pretty much always. So when I got an invite to check out Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection—a gorgeous boutique resort in Washington, Connecticut, damn near designed to help chill you out—it …

‘The White Lotus’ Thailand Is Next. These Hotels Do It on a Budget.
HBO’s hottest hotel group, “The White Lotus,” is expanding to Thailand — on screen at least. The location for season 3 has been confirmed, and Bloomberg reported in January that loose-lipped industry insiders say filming is taking place at the Four Seasons …

Other and Odd

‘Bigger Than the Super Bowl’: Americans Are Spending Big on Eclipse Tourism
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the total solar eclipse in April, there’s no shortage of options. Six Flags Over Texas is hosting a “Solar Coaster” viewing party. Holland America has a 22-day Solar Eclipse Cruise. And after filling up one path-of-totality flight, Delta …

U.S. Issues Travel Security Alert For France
Another day, another travel security alert from a U.S. Embassy. This time, it's for the most popular country in the world. Yesterday, the U.S. Embassy of France issued an alert for the entire country of France. As the host of the Summer Olympics, it's not entirely …

Port of Baltimore Suspends Ship Traffic After Bridge Collapse: What It Means for Travel
Travel is being impacted by Tuesday’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse along Interstate 695 in Baltimore, Maryland. Drivers were immediately directed to take alternate routes through the city, following the early morning incident. What’s less clear is what the …

These Trailblazing Black Women Are Paving the Way In Travel and Tourism
It’s no secret that Black representation in travel and tourism still has a long way to go. Despite Black travelers spending more than $109 billion on leisure travel in 2019, from advertisements to the C-suite, the travel industry’s look is still very homogenous …

Spring Break 2024 Is Rife With Spreading Germs—Here Are Ways to Prevent Illness During Travel
Spring break is in full swing and while it’s a fun time, being the first proper vacation many of us have this calendar year, it also comes with the risk of getting sick. With everyone traveling to and from various places across the country, and many clustering in …

Press Releases of Interest

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 …

The Travel Institute Launches Group Travel Course Amid Growing Interest
FRAMINGHAM, MA, March 18, 2024 – The Travel Institute has released a new Group Travel Specialist Course amid growing demand from travel agents to learn more about the niche market and its scalable revenue model for group reservations and bookings. While the concept of group travel is not new, its …

Collette Offers $1,000 in Bonus Commission for Group Bookings
Pawtucket, RI (March 14, 2024) – Collette is offering advisors $1,000 in bonus commission on all group bookings for 15 more travelers through April 15, 2024. The offer is valid for any booking made on departures through March 31, 2025. Collette makes booking groups easy. There’s no minimum deposit …

Travelers Can Be the First to Embark on Collette’s New ‘Spotlight on Northern Italy’ Tour
Pawtucket, RI (March 7, 2024) - Collette reminds travelers that they can be among the first to embark on their all new “Spotlight on Northern Italy” tour. Seats are still available on the first-ever departure for this tour on Aug. 15, 2024.Collette reminds travelers that they can be among the first to embark on their all new …

Travelers say aloha to paradise with Collette’s ‘Grand Hawaiian Adventure’
Pawtucket, RI (February 21, 2024) – Collette is reminding travelers of its “Grand Hawaiian Adventure” tour, which takes them across four of the state’s islands. The Classic tour is a great way for travelers to enjoy paradise while exploring its natural beauties and also its rich history and culture. Over the course of 13 days, travelers will venture to Oahu, Big Island (Kona), Maui, and Kauai. Some of the tour’s highlights include, a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial to remember Pearl Harbor, a wonderful drive along Oahu’s…

Mike's Morning Missives

And That’s a Wrap

2019 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-Shoulda

  Don’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 Building

Not 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 Hills

Rwanda. 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 Agents

AAT 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.



TRO SMITH

An Overview of Marketing Tactics