Destinations
14 Things to Know Before Going to SwitzerlandLittle did I know when I moved to Switzerland a decade ago that I’d still be here now. But with its supermodel looks, fine weather, easy-peasy public transport, multilingual mindset and penchant for cheese and wine, this is a country where it’s easy to get comfortable – even …
These 4 Mexico Caribbean Destinations Are More Affordable And Less Crowded Than Cancun
A record-breaking 1.2 million visitors descended upon Cancun over Easter weekend, and hotel occupancy soared past 85% according to Riviera Maya News. Cancun remains the most popular destination in Mexico for American travelers — in fact, it's the most popular …
The Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands
The 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 …
Tours and Activities
I Saw Cosmic Visions at This Temple Complex in New Mexico“How many business cards do you have?” I asked James Jereb, whose penetrating eyes sparkled above his gray mustache and beard and underneath a beige bucket hat. He was dressed simply in a billowing, blue shirt and khaki trousers. “Well,” he replied, “I do a lot of things …
Paris Promised the Olympics Would Be Accessible. The Clock Is Ticking.
During a trip to Paris last November, Samantha Renke just couldn’t seem to find a taxi that could accommodate her motorized wheelchair. “Every time I logged on, it just kept saying, ‘Unavailable, unavailable, unavailable,’” Ms. Renke said, recounting her struggle to book an …
This Unknown Beach Town With White Sand Beaches Is Florida's Best Kept Secret
Some ‘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 …
Cruise
Virgin's Newest Cruise Ship Set for NYC Debut in September 2025Virgin Voyages’ upcoming new ship, Brilliant Lady, will debut in September of 2025, giving US cruisers a first look at the line’s fourth vessel. The news follows a series of delays and cancelled voyages in 2024. The ship will sail across North America for the inaugural season …
British Isles and Ireland Cruise Guide
With stately homes and medieval castles, golden beaches, rolling hills and eclectic cities, the British Isles and Ireland are packed with exciting destinations on all points of the compass. From Cork and Dublin in Ireland to the Scottish Highlands and south coast of England …
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 …
Transportation
Travelers Can Now Sign up for TSA PreCheck and CLEAR SimultaneouslyIn the fast-paced realm of modern travel, efficiency is key. Whether jetting off for business or embarking on a long-awaited vacation, every traveler seeks to streamline their journey through airports. Now, thanks to an innovative partnership between CLEAR and TSA …
No Eurotunnel Queues With New Travel System, Boss Says
The boss of Eurotunnel has insisted there will not be long queues of cars at its terminals when a new EU travel system starts in October. Brits heading to and from Europe will need to register fingerprints and a photo at the border, which has prompted warnings of delays …
Don’t Be a Jerk at the Airport: A Guide for Headphones
Listening to something on your personal device makes many of life’s dull moments more palatable. Waiting in line at airport security? Easy when you can watch YouTube gardening tutorials Twelve-hour flight? Piece of cake with the entirety of “Suits” downloaded to your laptop …
Passenger Caught With Bag of Snakes Hidden Down Trousers at Miami Airport
A 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 …
Lodging
These Are The 10 Best Hotels in AlaskaWith its snow-capped peaks, shimmering glaciers, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, Alaska beckons millions of adventurers from around the globe each year. Enabling travelers to explore the state’s untamed terrain are enchanting accommodations where modern …
Family Sues Hawaii Resort After Tourist Died Suddenly Snorkeling
A Michigan woman and her family are suing a Maui resort, the Hawaiian Tourism Authority, and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau after her husband died while snorkeling. She doesn’t believe it was a drowning. Patricia and Ray Johnson, along with four friends, arrived …
10 of the Best Hotels in Tokyo, From Charming Ryokans to Japanese Onsen Retreats
With its glinting skyscrapers, narrow alleyways, lantern-festooned temples and neon-clad arcades, Tokyo is one of the most diverse and thrilling cities on Earth — but its sheer size can make choosing a hotel daunting. Over the past decade, accommodation options have …
10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Belize in 2024
When 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 …
Other and Odd
Embracing Luxury Travel Trends: A Guide to Experiencing the Best of the BestThe concept of luxury travel has evolved over time, reflecting changes in the way people perceive and experience leisure and adventure. Keeping up with the latest travel trends is essential for those seeking to indulge in the most exclusive and sought-after experiences around …
Your Vacation Was Ruined, and the Company Apologized — With a Heartfelt Note Written by ChatGPT
Responding to angry customers is one of the hardest parts of her job, Natasha said. Finding the right words, conveying the appropriate level of contrition — especially when the hotel isn’t at fault (read: rain complaints) — is a tedious and time-consuming process, said the …
Where (Not) to Go, How to Save in 2024
Revenge travel is so last year. “It's not necessarily about just getting out of the house anymore,” said Sydney Stanback, Global Insights and Trends lead at Pinterest, which has seen more than 1 billion travel searches and more than 10 billion travel saves over the past year …
How Exactly Will the EU’s New Entry-Exit System Work? All Your Questions Answered
The 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 …
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
Unveiling the Secrets: Harnessing A NicheIn the ever-changing travel advisory, mastering the art of specialization is not just an option; it’s a strategic imperative for those aiming to grow. Embracing niche markets opens doors to a new audience and increases profitability. Whether it’s catering to adrenaline junkies with adventure tourism, indulging discerning clientele in luxury travel, or tantalizing taste buds with culinary journeys, find your niche and reap your rewards.
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…