Destinations
The Best Places to Visit in the NetherlandsThe 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 …
36 Hours in Minneapolis
Minneapolis, with more than a dozen lakes and a sprawling urban park system, appeals not only to outdoorsy types but also to travelers seeking a robust cultural scene, top-notch restaurants and fun bars and breweries. In recent years, residents have struggled …
Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Trip to Paris This Summer
More than 15 million visitors are expected to travel to Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics, which will take place from July 26 to August 11. But as the world's attention turns to the City of Light, even non-Olympic related trips to France may feel the ripple effects …
The 6 Best Road Trips to Explore Germany
Birthplace of the autobahn, Germany is a wonderful country for driving tours. It’s big and varied enough to allow longer, more ambitious trips, yet has plenty of small, distinctive regions begging for in-depth exploration. Throw in a superb road network (including over 13,000km of …
A Full Throttle Weekend Guide to Miami
Pietro Fittipaldi is racing royalty and the first Fittipaldi heir to be born and raised in Miami. Here are his picks for enjoying his hometown, during F1 season and beyond. Primarily known for its glorious weather, luscious beaches and vibrant nightlife, Miami has also established …
Tours and Activities
This Unknown Beach Town With White Sand Beaches Is Florida's Best Kept SecretSome ‘Karen' once said, “Secrets, secrets, are no fun. Secrets, secrets hurt someone.” Who are we kidding, travelers love discovering the best secrets and it's seems like a no harm, no foul situation. Sure, locals might be peeved about tourists trickling in, but secrets …
Looking for Things to Do in New York City? Visit This Local Hidden Gem
Nestled in New York City's Greenwich Village, the Hess Triangle is a hidden gem with a story as compelling as it is defiant. Amid the bustling streets, this small triangular plot of land at Christopher Street and 7th Avenue South carries a legacy not known to most …
How to Get Off the Tourist Trail in Maui
Maui is the second most popular Hawaiian island for visitors, after the island of O‘ahu, with travelers descending in droves to experience a sunrise viewing atop the dormant volcano at Haleakala National Park, drive the winding road to Hāna, and head to the …
These Are The Top 5 Destinations For Unforgettable Train Journeys in Europe
While there’s no shortage of stunning places around the world that have embraced and perfected the concept of rail travel, there’s just a special type of charm to a European train ride. Be it the movies we’ve seen or just the fact that it’s hard to come across another continent …
The Ultimate Guide to Magic Kingdom, According to Disney Experts
When the Magic Kingdom opened its gates on Oct. 1, 1971, it became an iconic place to not only see favorite Disney characters but to experience innovative attractions and visit lands carefully crafted to transport guests to another time or place. No trip to Walt Disney World …
Cruise
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 …
Big Nude Boat Cruise Set for February 2025
The "Big Nude Boat" cruise, which allows passengers to bare all – yes, even at the buffet – is set to sail from Florida next year. The "11-day adventure" to the Caribbean is set for the first two weeks of February on the Norwegian Pearl, according to the Bare …
Holland America Line Guarantees Glacier Views on All Alaska Cruises
Holland America Line has been showcasing Alaska’s glaciers since 1947. The cruise line ensures guests will see a glacier during their Alaska cruise with the Glacier Guarantee, providing a 15% Future Cruise Credit if a glacier visit is missed. “Our guests, and especially first-time …
Cunard Queen Anne News: Cunard's New Ship Arrives to Southampton
Cunard’s fourth ship, Queen Anne, arrived in her homeport of Southampton yesterday, accompanied by a water cannon salute. The 3,000-passenger ship is staying in the city for two nights before embarking on her maiden voyage Friday to Lisbon. Queen Anne is the first new …
HX ESG Report Reveals Cruise Line Reduced Emissions by 18 per Cent in 2023
Expeditions cruise line HX has published its latest Environmental, Social and Governance report, revealing the progress of its sustainability initiatives. According to the report, HX reduced Scope 1 emissions per available guests night by 18 per cent between 2022 and 2023, despite …
Transportation
Passenger Caught With Bag of Snakes Hidden Down Trousers at Miami AirportA passenger travelling from Miami International Airport in Florida was stopped by security after he was found with a bag of snakes hidden down his trousers. Alarms alerted security guards to an “anomaly” on the man’s person and he was taken for a pat-down …
Southwest Will Now Have Discounted Flights Every Wednesday — What to Know
Wednesday may now be the cheapest day to book flights on Southwest. This week the airline introduced a new promotion, “Wanna Go Wednesdays”, which provides weekly discounted fares between popular markets. For example, sample fares from the program’s …
Should You Allow Children to Run Free in the Airport?
Have you noticed all the kids at the airport lately? Not so long ago, you could only find them at the terminal playground areas or the gates, where their parents kept a watchful eye on them. But no longer. "It's a free-for-all," said Lisamarie Monaco, an insurance …
A Snake on a Bullet Train in Japan Caused a 17-Minute Delay for Over 600 Passengers
A small serpent caused a substantial delay on one of Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains, shaking up the country’s typically timely rail service routine. More than 600 passengers experienced the unusual interruption when the 16-inch snake was discovered on a train traveling from …
What Happens When an Airline You’ve Booked Goes out of Business?
Earlier this week, Australian low-budget airline Bonza entered voluntary administration, meaning they appointed an external administrator in case of financial distress. The airline canceled all flights, stranding passengers across Australia. It’s not the first airline to go belly up with no …
Lodging
10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Belize in 2024When you close your eyes and think of Belize, visions of a dreamy, tropical vacation likely dance through your mind. Think: sugary shores, brilliantly blue water, bright green palms and thick, verdant jungles. Maybe throw in a luxury villa or a palapa-topped …
15 Best Family Resorts in the U.S., According to Parents and Travel Experts
As a mom and travel writer, family travel is something that I’m super passionate about. People often say, “It’s not a vacation once you have kids," — but I disavow that statement. Yes, there will be challenging moments. That’s a given. But exploring new places or …
Airbnb Adds Once-In-A-Lifetime Stays Category and Easier Group Booking Tools
Airbnb's latest update is here, and it will have guests staying in awe-inspiring Airbnbs and making it easier than ever to plan a trip with friends. Over the years, Airbnb has been known to create some of the wildest once-in-a-lifetime guest experiences, from spending the night …
Go Glamping At These 7 National Parks
Glamping combines luxury with nature, offering a glamorous way to experience the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Glamping options range from cabins to treehouses, allowing travelers to enjoy national parks with resort-like amenities. Glamp in iconic US national parks like …
Romer House Waikiki Is Cute, Affordable and Near All the Action
A slew of exciting new hotels have been popping up in Honolulu — and starting June 1, there will be a new lifestyle hotel in the heart of one the city's most vibrant neighborhoods. Here's a first look at Romer House Waikiki. An adults-only hotel, this Romer …
Other and Odd
How Exactly Will the EU’s New Entry-Exit System Work? All Your Questions AnsweredThe EU's post-Brexit Entry-Exit System (EES) was originally supposed to launch in 2022, then was rescheduled for May 2023 before being pushed back even further to the end of last year. Despite continuous setbacks, it’s finally set to launch this autumn. But a …
Dollar Scholar Asks: What Are the Best Money Tips for Traveling Abroad?
All that pasta must have messed with my brain. When I traveled to Italy last summer, I froze every single time a cashier asked whether I wanted to pay in local currency or U.S. dollars. It was hard enough for me to wrap my head around prices being listed in …
Adaptive Adventures Are Making National Parks More Inclusive
New resources available at Great Smoky Mountains National Park help visitors with disabilities explore hiking trails, go mountain biking, paddle kayaks and camp overnight in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. After launching a program of free, adaptive activities …
How to Use AI to Plan Your Next Vacation and What You Should Know First
Where should I go on vacation this summer? The question is simple enough, but the possibilities are endless. “Feeling adventurous or more like chilling by the beach with a drink in hand?” Layla replies to narrow the list. Chilling by the beach sounds nice. “Alright, for that laid-back …
This Banned Drink Is Making a Comeback
We’d just wrapped up an epic, authentic lunch in Bogota’s famed La Perseverancia Market. I was ready to start walking off my arepas, ajiaco, and aguardiente shots when a young man selling bottles from a small cart caught my eye. “Maria, what’s that over …
Editorial Musings
Are you bringing your “A-Game” to the table with the human touch?The competition is fierce out there. Not only are we competing with the travel agency down the road, we are competing with the one across the globe. We are competing with the big, bad Internet. And, we are even competing with our “valued partners” who are still leveraging their direct to consumer sales. So, how does a small agency (or a large one for that matter) compete in today’s market? Easy! Bring your “A-Game” to the travel table. It’s just that easy. I am not sure about your neighborhood, but 10 years ago, Home Depot was the place to go for any hardware store type needs. I remember walking into a cavernous building with millions of items. An associate would approach me and ask if he or…
Publishers Corner
Good examples of bad examplesIn the past I’ve written articles about how travel professionals can learn from really good companies and industries. An incident over the past week, however, reminds me of how much we have to learn from companies whose sense of customer satisfaction was apparently developed in a vacuum. On a positive note, because most consumers have to deal frequently with these bungled attempts at customer service, the cosmic bar has been lowered and good customer service is a very welcomed change you can deliver on with surprising ease. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to briefly study some good examples of bad examples: Cable companies - certainly Comcast and Time Warner have worked hard to earn the top
Press Releases of Interest
Michael Brown Joins Travel Answers as National Account Sales ManagerBellevue, 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 …
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 …
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Interview with LeeAnn Roper Cumbow, Senior Business Development Manager for Vacation ExpressLeeAnn Roper Cumbow’s career within the world of travel began in 1992 with Northwest Airlink as one of their flight attendants. In 1997, she shifted gears and launched her career with Vacation Express as one of their travel agents. She immediately caught the attention of Vacation Express executives, and in 1998, Cumbow became their Business Development Manager for Memphis. In 2001, she was promoted to Inside Sales Manager and simultaneously served New Orleans and Nashville as their Business Development Manager. In 2012, Cumbow became the Senior Business Development Manager for Vacation Express. Today, she provides strategic direction for overall business development and implementation. Her knack for developing pricing procedures, contract negotiations, and overall strategies…
Editorial Musings
The Evolution of the Travel Agency Industry: From Casual Hobby to Professional VentureThe travel agency industry has significantly transformed over the past few decades. Once a pastime predominantly pursued by the wives of wealthy businessmen who organized leisure trips more for social interaction than profit, it has evolved into a true professional sector.
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.
Publishers Corner
Champions of the Natural World“We cannot protect something we do not love, we cannot love what we do not know, and we cannot know what we do not see. Or hear. Or sense.” ~ Richard Louv Non-profit organizations dedicated to conservation and animal welfare play a critical role in safeguarding our planet’s biodiversity. From protecting endangered species and their habitats to advocating for better animal welfare practices, these groups work tirelessly to ensure a healthier future for all living things. Here’s a closer look at some of the most respected organizations making a difference…
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Toby AI, Artificial Intelligence, VoyagerThe following article is a republish of an unedited interview with Voyager’s new artificial intelligence, Toby. Starting with “tell us about yourself.“ Toby uses an artificial intelligence language model created by OpenAI, and I’m glad to be of service to you and to the travel professional community. I’m capable of processing vast amounts of data and providing responses to a wide range of inquiries. I’m also constantly learning and improving, thanks to the advanced machine learning algorithms used in my development. Whether it’s helping companies improve their customer service, assisting…