Destinations
Local Strolls: Exploring Las Vegas’ Strip on FootWhile there is so much more to appreciate about Las Vegas beyond its glitzy, mega-casino lined Strip, let’s be real here: the Strip is Las Vegas’ main attraction and is a total must for newbies and veterans alike. It is constantly evolving – be it imploding classic casinos to …
A Japanese Village Wants Tourists to Come for Heat, Soot and Steel
This past October, I found myself in Yoshida Village standing before a tatara, a giant open-top furnace that was filled with charcoal and raging with such controlled ferocity that it could have been a set piece in Lucifer’s bedroom. Deep within the belly of those orange flames …
A First-Timers Guide to Visiting Jamaica: Where to Stay, Eat, Drink and Visit
There are a whole host of reasons to visit Jamaica, not least for the delicious local cuisine, unbelievable beaches, rivers and deep valleys. From the lively music scene and hospitable culture to the soaring temperatures, the Caribbean island is the perfect escape from the …
7 Best Places in Japan That 'Shogun' Fans Need to Visit for Real
Shogun hit its stride right out of the gate when its first two episodes were released in late February, becoming Disney’s No. 1 scripted series premiere globally. With its finale scheduled for April 23, the 10-episode FX/Hulu series based on the bestselling 1975 …
Sling Yourself Into Singapore’s 8 Best Places
Singapore's allure goes beyond its iconic hotels, manicured gardens and world-class airport. A maturing local identity peeks through if you know where to look. At first glance, the city isn't really known for range when it comes to travel, especially with its headliners …
Tours and Activities
The 15 Best Small Museums in ParisAs all Paris lovers know, it’s not just the major monuments and museums that make this the world’s most compelling city. The real Paris lies behind the closed doors and in the hidden gardens of the city’s smaller museums: the mansions and townhouses of extraordinary …
China Has Reopened Mount Everest To Foreigners: Here's Everything You Need To Know Before You Visit
In a move that has thrilled adventurers, China has officially announced the reopening of Mount Everest to foreign climbers. This significant development comes after a period of closure due to global health concerns. The reopening marks a momentous occasion for …
Psychedelic Travel Experiences Are More Popular Than Ever
In a mountain town about three hours outside of Mexico City, I sat on the floor of a thatched-roof palapa with blankets wrapped around me as a facilitator (both a researcher and medicine woman) sang soothing chants. A few hours earlier, I had declared my intention for …
The 10 Best Bookstores in Seattle
While there is plenty to do in Seattle, it is essentially the Big Apple’s opposite in that it is the city that definitely sleeps. Nightlife is limited, especially when compared to other major U.S cities. This can be a disappointment to some visitors, so if that’s an important …
One of Hawaii's Most Controversial Attractions Is Being Demolished
Hawaii's Ha'ikū Stairs, known more famously as the "Stairway to Heaven," has been slated for demolition for years. Now, it's finally being removed. Preparatory work to remove the Ha'ikū Stairs started last week, according to the City and County of Honolulu, with …
Cruise
Holland America Line to Introduce Glacier Day in 2024 Alaska CruisesHolland America Line introduces “Glacier Day” and new Alaska-themed programming in the onboard “We Love Alaska” experience, featuring Alaska Up Close presentations and culinary and beverage experiences, starting the 2024 season on April 27 from Vancouver and …
Just Back From Celestyal Discovery
The mood was upbeat in the queue to check in for the maiden voyage of Celestyal's latest ship — Celestyal Discovery. The vessel's resident DJ pumped out tunes while an impromptu dance routine by staff was greeted by whoops from the waiting line; a party of …
After an Iconic River Cruise Line Shuts Down, Here's What You Should Know About Protecting Your Cruise Booking
American Queen Voyages, which brought the iconic American Queen paddle wheeler back to life on the Mississippi River in 2012, has ceased operations. “Despite great efforts by our team, crew, and partners, AQV has been unable to fully rebound from the …
Search Halted for Crew Member Who Jumped from Cruise Ship
The US Coast Guard suspended the search for the Holland America Line crew member who deliberately went overboard from the cruise ship on Friday evening while sailing the Florida Straits. The Rotterdam had just completed a six-night Western Caribbean …
I Bought a Cruise Ship Drink Package. Here's What I Discovered
I have a confession: For the hundreds of cruises I’ve taken, I’ve never purchased an inclusive drink package. Usually, the rationale for refusing is that I don’t drink that much. The thought of having to imbibe up to 15 beverages per day seems an unattainable goal …
Transportation
FAA Lifts Ground Stop Advisory for Alaska Airlines FlightsThe Federal Aviation Administration lifted a ground stop that applied to all Alaska Airlines and subcarrier flights after about an hour Wednesday. The order was first instituted because of a software issue at the airline. "This morning we experienced an issue while …
How LaGuardia Became Cool
From an arriving plane, taxiing up to a gate in the new Terminal B at New York’s LaGuardia Airport is like approaching a steel-and-glass fortress. Flat gray walls at ground level immediately meet the eye. The building’s notable touches — its floor-to-ceiling windows …
The World’s Best Airports for 2024, According to Skytrax
For the last decade, Singapore’s Changi International Airport and Doha’s Hamad International Airport have been going back and forth, battling over the title of ‘world’s best’. Every year, UK-based airline and airport review and ranking site Skytrax surveys travelers from …
Airlines Suspend Flights and Reroute Planes Amid Heightened Tensions in the Middle East
Following Iran's missile and drone attacks on Israel late Saturday night, several airlines are canceling flights to and from Tel Aviv, as well as rerouting planes scheduled to fly over the Middle East. Over the weekend, much of the airspace over and surrounding the …
Atlanta, Dubai and Dallas Were the Busiest Airports in 2023
Airports Council International World released the list of 2023’s busiest airports on Monday. The top spots this year show how international travel has continued to rebound since the pandemic dip. “Global air travel in 2023 was chiefly fuelled by the …
Lodging
Go Stargazing at These Bubble Hotels and Airbnbs Around the WorldJust 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 …
I Went on a Girls Trip to This Luxury, Adults-only Resort in Jamaica — Here's Why It Made Me Love All-inclusives
I was lounging in the Jamaican sun, my face tipped to the sky in an effort to soak up every ounce of the vitamin D that my body had been deprived of all winter. Chicken tenders and nachos had just been delivered by a room service attendant who attempted to hide her …
Luxury Pods Make Their Debut in New Adults-Only Section at Dreams Curaçao
Why rent an Airbnb or go glamping when you can stay in a private pod of your own at the all-inclusive Hyatt Dreams Resort on Curaçao? When it opens on June 1, the new adults-only section at Dreams will debut a whole new look in hospitality, with 52 private home-sized …
Want to Travel Like a Local? Sleep in a Mongolian Yurt or an Amish Farmhouse
At Three Camel Lodge, travelers sleep in yurts in the middle of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. Views just outside of the round, tent-like dwellings feel zapped in from the age of Chinggis Khan: herders driving goats across the steppe, a lone woman trotting by on …
Overwater Bungalows Started as a Bottom-Tier Accommodation. Today, They’re a Status Symbol in the Luxury Travel World.
Overwater bungalows originated nearly 60 years ago in Tahiti. The first rooms cost $240 a night. Today, experts say they're a staple in the luxury travel market. The accommodations have since expanded in region, size, and amenities …
Other and Odd
These Are The 4 Safest Countries To Visit In South America Right NowGorgeous 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 …
Which European Cities Are Most Welcoming to Queer People?
When same-sex marriage was legalised in Greece back in February, LGBTQ+ campaigners celebrated. Now, though, the British Foreign Office has issued new travel advice for queer people travelling to the country. An update, published on the UK government’s foreign …
This New Luxury Private Airline Includes Champagne and a Chef, but It’s Just for Dogs
A new airline is launching in May, and it’s targeting a very specific customer: dogs. BARK, Inc., creator of the popular subscription-based Bark Box, has partnered with a jet charter company to launch BARK Air, the world’s first airline centered around dogs. The …
The Carretera Granma: One of the Most Spectacular Drives in Cuba
Few travellers venture to Cuba's south-eastern corner, but a little-known road offers a fascinating – and stunning – glimpse of the nation's revolutionary past. "We're going the back way to Santiago," I told the man at the car hire office in Bayamo, Cuba. The …
Alila Ventana Big Sur to Remain Closed Through May 26 — Here’s What We Know
One of California's best resorts and a World of Hyatt favorite, Alila Ventana Big Sur will remain closed through at least May 26. This is due to the closure of Highway 1 for construction following a series of events, including storms and multiple landslides, that …
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 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.
Luxury Travel Tips
Elvis Has Left the BuildingNot 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 HillsRwanda. 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 AgentsAAT 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.