Destinations
Beat The Dubrovnik Crowds With These 4 Equally Beautiful Ancient Towns In EuropeDubrovnik is one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe not only because it's balmy and coastal, but largely thanks to its picturesqueness: we're talking fairytale-like forts, cobbled streets leading to hidden courtyards and Romanesque churches. You …
Peccioli: The Stunning Tuscan Town Even Italians Don’t Know
The winner of this year's national "Borgo dei Borghi" competition blends its medieval past with an eye-catching contemporary art scene and wandering robots. For the last 11 years, Rai, Italy's state-owned television station, has held a contest to find Il Borgo dei …
How to Have the Perfect Weekend in the French City for Wine-Lovers
The hub of the famed wine-growing region of the same name, Bordeaux is a fantastic city break destination to rival Paris, Porto and Florence, to name just three. From its wine tastings and fabulous food scene to its antique and vintage shopping, and classic sights …
The Best Way to Experience Alaska According to 8 Alaskan Natives
I 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 …
Tours and Activities
How to Plan a Copper Canyon Train TripTravelling 220 miles through northwestern Mexico from the coastal city of Los Mochis in Sinaloa to the mountain town of Creel in Chihuahua, the Chepe Express is one of Mexico’s few long-distance passenger trains –– and an epic one at that. The train travels …
Everything You Need to Know about the Black Food Truck Festival
The Black Food Truck Festival is set to happen in Charleston, S.C. on April 26-28. The weekend-long event will include an opening party, karaoke, a morning workout, and the festival itself. Created to be a celebration of delicious food and culture, showcasing the …
I Spent 72 Hours Partying at a Luxury Music Festival in Switzerland
It’s a balmy summer Saturday in Switzerland, and the crowd is nursing lukewarm Aperol spritzes on the poop deck of Lake Geneva’s oldest sailboat. Although high heels are strictly forbidden to avoid destroying the centuries-old wood floorboards of the Neptune …
A Complete Guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
For 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 …
Cruise
Here is What You Need to Know Before Booking a Cruise for Your HoneymoonNow that you’ve tied the knot and officially said, “I do,” it’s time to kick off your new journey together with an unforgettable honeymoon adventure. And what better way to celebrate your love than by embarking on a romantic cruise? Get ready to sail away …
Monster Growth! The Cruise Boom at Carnival Continues With Debut of Another New Ship
Make that five new ships for Carnival Cruise Line in just 18 months. The world's second-biggest cruise brand on Thursday welcomed the first cruisers aboard yet another new vessel, the 4,126-passenger Carnival Firenze, in Long Beach, California. The 135,156-ton …
5 Holland America Line Cruise Myths, Busted
Holland 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 …
Transportation
Is Southwest About to End Its Free-For-All Seating?Southwest Airlines fans know the drill: Check in to your flight exactly 24 hours in advance and secure your spot in line to board the plane. What seat you’ll end up in? That’s a mystery until the last minute. A puzzle to some and an invigorating challenge to others …
Why Are Flights So Expensive Right Now? We Asked the Experts
If you’re preparing for summer travel, you’re likely experiencing some sticker shock when searching for airfare. Even though the Department of Transportation just announced new rules to curb airline "junk fees," there's still some mystery around what exactly …
New DOT Ruling Guarantees Credit Card Refunds for Canceled Flights within Seven Days and More
The Biden-Harris Administration yesterday announced a new US Department of Transportation (DOT) ruling that promises to speed up and simplify travelers’ refunds for canceled flights and lost luggage. When a passenger cancels a flight after it is delayed more …
What Fliers Need to Know about New Refund Rules for Airlines
New 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% …
Lodging
My Recent Airbnb Stay Reminded Me Why I Prefer HotelsI’ve always been a hotel person. There’s a kind of magic about hotels—not having to make your own bed is chief among them—that is difficult to match in other types of accommodation. Yet I also understand why they have their detractors. The cookie-cutter, box …
12 Best Hotels in Mykonos
Dive into the allure of Mykonos, a Greek island nestled in the Aegean Sea. It showcases stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and a party scene fused with glitz and glamour. Venture beyond the vibrant Super Paradise Beach and discover the serenity of Greek …
There’s a Luxury Hotel on the Grounds of Versailles—and There Are Still Rooms Available During the Olympics
If you have ever fantasized about staying in one of the most opulent palaces in the world, your dream can now become a reality. In 2021, French hotel company Airelles opened Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle, a luxury hotel located within the the …
12 Best Hotels in the Bay Area
Oh, 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 …
Other and Odd
The Future of Ethical Elephant Tourism in ThailandMy most shameful moment as a traveler occurred in Thailand. On my first backpacking trip at the age of 20, I sought out an elephant sanctuary in the Golden Triangle region of Northern Thailand hoping to see an elephant up close. I assumed “sanctuary” …
Expert Tips for Autism-Friendly Vacations: What to Know Before You Go
Many people with autism thrive on routine and predictability. That means traveling somewhere with new sights, sounds, and foods may be difficult for children with autism. However, that doesn't mean that autism and travel don't mix. It may take a little more …
Venice Introduces New Entry Fee for Visitors
Today 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 …
Press Releases of Interest
Travelers Can Save up to $400 on Select Collette’s ‘Netherlands, Belgium & France’ Explorations Tour DeparturesPawtucket, 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 …
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 …
Agent Perspectives
FyndTravel at One Year, Lisa Watson Showcases a Streamlined Travel Event CalendarMy first interview with Lisa Watson went great. She was easy-going and her dedication of work to the creation of FyndTravel was obvious. However, a dead computer on my end took all text and recordings with it to the scrapyard. Chaos happens, I suppose. We tried again and, as expected, I found the conversation just as enjoyable and informative. Lisa started our conversation by pulling up a screen share
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.
Soundings
The Travel Institute’s New Survey Signals Need for Additional Agent Recruitment & RetentionThe Changing Face of Travel Agents 2023, the report released by The Travel Institute, offers valuable insights into the current state of the travel industry. Based on the findings, the gig economy continues to thrive, and more agents are interested in part-time work that provides greater flexibility and independence.
Deck Plans
South Africa On The African QueenFrom Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, we’ll marvel at wildlife against a backdrop of spectacular panoramas. We’ll pitch camp in romantic lodges and sail on the beautiful African Queen. We’ll explore beautiful natural reserves and the secrets of Lake Kariba before taking in the grandeur of the “smoke that thunders,” Victoria Falls
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