Destinations
The Amazonian Town Putting World Cities to ShamePuerto Nariño is a tranquil experiment in sustainable living where motor vehicles are banned and the streets are as clean as Copenhagen's. The boat dock in the Colombian town of Leticia was a hive of …
The 9 Best Places to Visit in the Gili Islands
The Gili Islands: the scenery around here is what most envision when they drum up mental imagery of "tropical paradise". This idyllic archipelago might be tiny in regards to landmass, but it's anything …
What Are the Azores? They Might Beat Out Hawaii as a Destination.
What’s the perfect island chain? The default has always been Hawaii: Its eight principal islands rising from the Pacific’s deep are verdant and vibrant. But if you switch your gaze to the Atlantic, you will find …
Our Favorite Family Destinations Across the U.S. for 2024
Travel changes when you have kids, but it doesn’t have to end; you just need to factor in a few more needs and opinions than before. Thankfully, the United States is packed full of must-visit destinations …
How to Spend a Long Weekend in Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is Europe’s self-assured big sister. She’s not as big or flashy as Paris or Milan, but she doesn’t need to be. She knows exactly who she is—a city of stately architecture and heady institutions …
Tours and Activities
How to Go Whale Watching in Los CabosWhales can be found in all the oceans of the world but for those who’ve long dreamt of laying eyes on them, Los Cabos offers a unique vantage point to embark on a scenic whale-watching pub crawl of …
One of Copenhagen’s Most Iconic Buildings Has Been Destroyed by Fire
One of Copenhagen’s most iconic buildings, the Old Stock Exchange, was ravaged by a massive fire on April 16 that destroyed much of the 400-year-old building—most notably, its iconic spire, a fairy …
This National Park Is The Most-Visited Natural Wonder In The World
The Grand Canyon in Arizona is the most-visited natural wonder on the entire planet. Most travelers visit the South Rim because of its accessibility, whereas the North Rim is quieter and harder to access …
Best Beaches Within A 1-Hour Drive From Honolulu
Beaches near Honolulu offer stunning views and various activities like swimming, snorkeling, and surfing for visitors to enjoy. From Sandy Beach's powerful shore break to the tranquil Ko Olina …
First-Timer’s Guide to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Unsurprisingly, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island is one of the state’s most popular attractions. This incredible landscape is home to two massive volcanoes – Kīlauea being one of the …
Cruise
Thousands of Passengers Affected as Princess Cruises Delays New ShipThe next new Princess Cruises ship won't be arriving as soon as planned. Princess on Friday pushed back the debut of the 4,300-passenger Star Princess from Aug. 2, 2025, to Oct. 4, 2025 — a two …
This New ‘Standby’ Cruise Fare Costs Just $49 Per Day—but Is It Worth It?
Would you be willing to wait at a port city with your bags packed, hoping to board a cruise at the last minute, all in order to secure one of the cheapest cruise deals out there? Holland America—with its …
3 of the World’s Biggest Cruise Ships Soon Will Battle for Supremacy Out of Miami
Get ready for the Battle of the Cruise Ship Giants out of Miami. Fast-growing MSC Cruises on Thursday officially announced its North America schedule for the summer of 2025, including a Miami deployment …
Popular Destination Introduces Strict Daily Cruise Passenger Limit
Iceland has gradually become one of Europe’s most popular cruise destinations with tourists travelling to see its glaciers and visit coastal towns and villages. Isafjordur, a town in Iceland’s northwest …
Cruise Line Offering $1 Deposits on Cruises for Today Only
Holland America Line is celebrating their 151st anniversary on April 18, 2024. They are offering two different cruise deals with each one lowering deposits to just $1 per person. Yes, you can reserve your next cruise on Holland America for just a dollar. The first deal is good …
Transportation
Construction to Begin on High-Speed Rail Between Vegas and CaliforniaPrivately owned train company Brightline will break ground next week on a $12 billion high-speed rail project connecting Las Vegas and Southern California. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg will …
Here’s How Joe Biden Can Lower Families’ Costs for Air Travel
Following the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Americans are reminded of how heavily we rely on mobility and how easily transportation options can vanish. This …
Europe’s Travel Strikes: Flight and Train Disruption You Can Expect in April and May
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 …
Deadly Storm Floods the World’s Second Busiest Airport
Two years’ worth of rain brought Dubai to a screeching halt this week. It was the heaviest rain ever recorded since records began 75 years ago and it soaked the desert. Social media was inundated with …
How to Apply for Global Entry: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you travel internationally at least a couple times per year, chances are you’ve thought about applying for Global Entry. The program gives members access to an expedited line at US Customs and …
Lodging
Do You Want an Early Hotel Check-in? Here’s What Is Happening Behind the Scenes.Joy Felicitas’ bed-making skills are an artform. Moving swiftly, Felicitas pinched the pillows in half with her forearm so they slid smoothly into the pillowcase. She flung the double-sized mattress up as if it …
Amsterdam Just Banned Nearly All New Hotels
The city of Amsterdam will ban nearly all new hotels and restrict the number of tourists who can stay overnight each year in its latest effort to combat overtourism. Amsterdam will now prevent all new …
The Fifth Avenue Hotel Review: Inside the Martin Brudnizki Project
As I approach the entrance of The Fifth Avenue Hotel, the grandeur that awaits is immediately apparent. Stepping into the lobby, the hustling commotion of the city evaporates as I am enveloped in …
These Hotel Beach Clubs Will Make You Feel Like You're In 'Palm Royale'
Live like a star at luxury resorts in Florida, evoking the glamour of the Palm Royale series with stunning beach views. Experience ultimate relaxation with spa treatments, beachfront cabanas, and exclusive …
Go Stargazing at These Bubble Hotels and Airbnbs Around the World
Just when you thought glamping couldn’t get any more aesthetically pleasing, bubble tents with stargazer-friendly transparent roofs have popped up everywhere—including the vineyards of Baja, California, and the Arctic Circle. These “five-million-star hotels” offer travelers …
Other and Odd
4 Travel Secrets of the Mega-Rich, From a Vacation Planner for BillionairesImagine closing down Versailles to enjoy a private candlelit dinner. That’s the reality for the ultra rich, and people like Jaclyn Sienna India make it happen. India is the founder of a Sienna Charles, a …
Autism Makes Travel a Challenge. Here’s How I Learned to Cope
Busy places and unexpected events used to send me into meltdown on holiday. An autism diagnosis helped me to adapt my plans and rediscover the joy of travelling …
The Ingenious Wines Birthed From Black Volcanic Craters
In Spain's Lanzarote Island, conical hollows built into layers of volcanic ash yield wines that have been created from generations of ingenuity and hard work. When viewed from a distance, the vineyards of …
Prince Harry Calls on Travel Industry to ‘Do Better’ for Communities in Tourist Destinations
The Duke of Sussex has urged the travel industry to “do better” by communities acting as custodians of tourist destinations. Prince Harry’s comments came in a online address to the annual general …
These Are The 4 Safest Countries To Visit In South America Right Now
Gorgeous as it may be, with its rich biodiversity, centuries-old colonial towns, and delectable cuisine, South America is not exactly well-reputed for being the safest continent compared to Europe, Asia, and even its northern counterpart. As it is plagued by higher levels of …
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
Scott Wiseman: Luxury Veteran Settles into Rising Villa MarketScott Wiseman has led a charmed life. He’s one of those people who knew what he wanted to do from an early age, and his career path, though varied, has remained consistent with his early aspirations. After a career that has included top positions at Accor; Abercrombie & Kent; Cox & Kings, The Americas; Travel Impressions and Apple Leisure Group, Wiseman is now chief executive officer of Nocturne Luxury Villas, a position he took in March 2023