Destinations
A Remote Island Draws Thousands of Turtles Each Year. Could It Attract Tourists?Each year, thousands of baby green sea turtles clamber across a beautiful, white-sand paradise that is one of the largest hatching sites of this species in the Atlantic, adorably making their way to the sea. There’s one noticeable absence: people. The spectacular …
10 Ways to Experience Oregon on a Budget
Oregon is like dozens of vacation destinations rolled into one. In addition to the natural beauty of its many landscapes, the Beaver State is home to vineyards, dazzling cities and exciting cultural events like the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The only catch? With …
City Guide to Amsterdam for Wine Lovers
The Netherlands might not be synonymous with wine culture: both its northerly latitude and the fact that much of the country is below sea level make it a little difficult to grow vines (although the southernmost regions are increasingly home to many of the …
The Amazonian Town Putting World Cities to Shame
Puerto 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 …
Tours and Activities
The Barely Visited Us National Park That Requires a PassportWith the astronomical growth in US national park visitation in the last few years, the National Park of American Samoa is a literal breath of fresh air. After 15 hours of flying, I finally reached my destination. I'd started my journey in Boulder, Colorado, and three …
This Island Has the Best Beach in the World, According to Travel Experts
The best beach in the world is often selected for its beauty — places where the water is so clear it appears turquoise and the sand is so soft it feels like powdered sugar. But it takes more than physical beauty to make a great beach. A great beach should …
How To Plan A Cheap Amtrak Train Trip With Friends
Amtrak's Share Fares offer up to 60% off tickets for groups up to 8 passengers, making train travel more affordable for families and groups. Apply code V291 on Amtrak app or book on Share Fare page to receive group discounts. Advance purchase required …
How to Go Whale Watching in Los Cabos
Whales 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 …
Cruise
Scenic Eclipse II Makes Its Debut Down UnderScenic Eclipse II officially arrived in Australia sailing into Sydney Harbour on Friday ahead of its first-ever exploration of Australian waters. The second ultra-luxury ship from Scenic Cruises stayed in Sydney for the weekend and then headed to Newcastle today …
Fincantieri Delivers Queen Anne to Cunard
Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has officially delivered Queen Anne to Cunard in a traditional ceremony held at its Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy. The event was attended by Katie McAlister, president of Cunard; Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director …
Thousands of Passengers Affected as Princess Cruises Delays New Ship
The 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 …
Transportation
Air New Zealand Falls After Earnings Outlook Cut on Stiff CompetitionAir New Zealand (AIR.NZ), opens new tab trimmed its annual earnings estimates on Monday, citing economic headwinds and a cost-of-living crisis leading to softer revenue in domestic and North American markets, sending the carrier's shares to a near two …
Former Boeing Engineer: Ground All Boeing Dreamliner Aircraft
Travel ground to a halt last week at the world’s second busiest airport in Dubai when a severe storm flooded the city. Airport operations were severely impacted and the CEO of Emirates Airlines issued a letter of apology. But travel chaos also struck closer …
You Can Now Fly Directly From Chicago to Rome Thanks to ITA Airways
ITA Airways, Italy’s flagship carrier, has launched a new direct service connecting Chicago and Rome. This development heralds a significant boost for travelers. This direct route will offer a simplified trip to one of Europe’s most popular capitals from the Windy …
Construction to Begin on High-Speed Rail Between Vegas and California
Privately 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 …
Lodging
A New Glass Dome Resort Is Coming to Bryce Canyon National ParkIf you like the notion of experiencing southern Utah’s crimson-colored rocks and hoodoos by day and the majesty of the Milky Way by night—from the comfort of your bed—a new glamping resort could be calling. Clear Sky Resorts recently announced that on …
7 Insights I Learned From Hilton Executives on New Brands, Partnerships and Hotel Innovations
Over the last few months, Hilton has been on a major growth campaign, announcing strategic partnerships and acquisitions to help beef up its global footprint and strengthen its luxury and lifestyle offerings. On the luxury front, Hilton recently announced it …
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 …
Other and Odd
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 …
The State of Sustainable Travel in 2024
As we recognize the importance of protecting our planet’s natural resources and bounty on Earth Day once more, we can also recognize the travel industry’s role in protecting those resources and limiting its negative impact on the world around us. The …
4 Travel Secrets of the Mega-Rich, From a Vacation Planner for Billionaires
Imagine 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 …
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