Destinations
Is It Safe to Travel to Iceland After Volcanic Eruption? Your Rights if You Have a Holiday BookedThe earth is at its most restless in Iceland right now. Since November 2023 the Icelandic authorities have been monitoring seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik. The latest eruption began on the evening of 16 March, with lava reaching the eastern edge of the fishing town of Grindavik – which has mostly been evacuated. The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) …
The 23 Best Places to Travel in 2024
Our expert travel writers circled the globe to find the next best destinations to visit—and why to go now. From beautiful just-built wilderness lodges, to fun sporting events in perfect adventure locales, to the most stunning place to see the Northern Lights, here are the trips you should take this year …
Aspen Has 153 New Acres of Terrain. Cue the Champagne.
The influencers were not in Aspen to ski. In their Barbie-pink ski suits and matching Moon Boots, they rode the Silver Queen gondola to the top of the mountain, smiling and jumping for their cameras and social media feeds. Soon they would get back on the gondola and ride down, perhaps to pose for more content with a glass of Champagne at Ajax Tavern at the resort base. They did not care …
Is It Safe to Travel to Haiti Now Amid Gang Takeover?
Several countries are advising their citizens against travelling to Haiti, including the US, UK, Ireland and Canada as gangs continue to take hold of the country. Earlier this month, gangs attempted to take Haiti’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport, located in Port-Au-Prince, the country’s capital and broke into a nearby port services terminal. Armed men have also stormed police stations in …
36 Hours in Sarasota, Fla.
Often overlooked in favor of Tampa to the north and Miami to the south, Sarasota, on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is a laid-back city that seems content to keep its white-sand beaches out of the spotlight. The city of 55,000 has long been home to the Ringling museum complex, set on a picturesque bay, where visitors can find artworks by Peter Paul Rubens, Titian and El Greco, and a circus museum …
Tours and Activities
Belgium or Brooklyn? 5 Bold New Places to Eat in Brussels.Brussels, long the realm of stuffy French restaurants packed with gray-flannel-suited diplomats, has suddenly gone bold and bright. Thanks to a crop of young chefs with iconoclastic ideas about flavor and sustainability, the city, in thrall to the rich sauces of Gaul for nearly two centuries, has emerged as one of the most exciting, and affordable, places to dine out in Europe right now. These …
Why Olympic Visitors Should Stay in the Paris Suburbs This Summer
The Ile de France region and the Paris suburbs offer a refreshing alternative to the capital for those travelling to France for the Olympics this July. Imagine: you wake up in the morning in late July, the Sun's sneaking through the curtains, the birds are chirping and you hear the neigh of a horse. You look out of the window onto the courtyard below where a rider is returning to the stables …
It’s Not Too Late to Plan a Road Trip for the Eclipse
Even though many eclipse enthusiasts have had April 8, 2024 marked on their calendars for years, there are some people who are just now deciding they want to experience this natural phenomenon in person. If this is you, it’s not too late. Decide which city you want to visit. According to AAA booking data, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio are the most popular cities along the path of totality …
Why Action Sports Travel Is Booming
I didn’t expect to swallow my bodyweight in saltwater on a trip to luxe Necker Island, yet here I am, zipping along the paradisiacal coastline atop an underwater scooter, my laughter building with each wave wallop. The device, a mix between a miniature jet ski and a bobsled, thrusts riders above and below the water at up to around 12 miles per hour. Between gliding undersea like a mermaid and …
Solar Eclipse Chasers Travel the World for a Few Minutes in the Shadow of the Moon
For David Makepeace, falling in love with eclipses was just pure happenstance. It was 1991. He was 28, and in love with a young travel agent in his hometown of Toronto. "She and I were moonstruck to begin with," he said. "We would sit and watch the moon rise and set … So the moon was already a part of … the culture of our relationship." His girlfriend was recruited to visit La Paz …
Cruise
Celebrity Cruises Food Guide: A Look at All the Restaurants and Dining Options on BoardIt's amazing how Celebrity Cruises' food has changed over the years! My first Celebrity cruise was on Zenith, the line's second purpose-built ship. It carried fewer than 2,000 passengers. Breakfast and lunch were served in the ship's buffet area, and dinner was served at set times in the main dining room. That was it. There were no specialty restaurants. Today, Celebrity Cruises ships are …
Disney Cruise Line News: Europe, Alaska and Caribbean Featured on Disney’s Summer 2025 Itineraries
The European debut of Disney Fantasy and the return of Disney Magic to Port Canaveral are some of the highlights revealed by Disney Cruise Line's lineup of Summer 2025 itineraries. The recently announced sailings also includes visits to the Bahamas and the Caribbean from Florida ports as well as a series of Alaska voyages from Vancouver. For its first-ever summer season in Europe …
Man Arrested After Woman Found Dead on Margaritaville Cruise Headed for the Bahamas
Bahamas police made an arrest after a 27-year-old Florida woman was found dead on a Margaritaville at Sea cruise ship bound for the popular destination. Members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department – Grand Bahama were notified around 5:30 p.m. on Monday that the woman had been found unresponsive in her cabin. “A team of medical personnel from …
This Might Be the Best Way to Travel With Your Mom
If you had told me even five years ago that I’d enjoy an international trip with my mother, I would have likely called you insane. Combine that with the close quarters of even the cushiest of cruise cabins, and I’d have gone running for the hills. Instead, after a half-decade of maturation, at age 33, I invited my mom on a work trip to experience Viking’s ocean sailing route, Malta & Adriatic …
RCCL Cancels Labadee Stop Amid Haiti Troubles
As of now, RCCL has cancelled all stops to Labadee due to the current unrest in Haiti. Michael Bayley, RCCL CEO, stated on Facebook “We have suspended calls into Labadee, Haiti for the next 7 days and will continue suspension on a rolling basis with 3 days advance notification to our guests sailing on itineraries impacted and changed as we monitor and evaluate the situation in Haiti …
Transportation
When Is the Best Time to Buy Flights for Summer and Christmas Travel?As almost everyone knows, summer and winter are the most expensive times of year to travel. But they are also the most active because many people only have the opportunity to travel with family during these dates. So, what are the best dates and techniques for getting flights at the lowest possible price? Here are some tips based on our experience analyzing flight costs at Mochileando.com …
6 Hacks to Get More Room on a Flight
The greatest luxury on a plane is not the first-class meal, warm hand towel or posh amenity kit. It is — not to be antisocial — the lack of someone else all up in your personal space. Some travelers might be able to afford that space by booking lie-flat seats or an exclusive pod at the front of the plane. The rest of us? We need to get a little creative — and maybe lucky. “I would rather have an …
Latam Air Flight Plunge Might Have Been Caused by a Mistake in the Cockpit, Wall Street Journal Reports
A terrifying plunge on a Latam Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight earlier this week might have been caused by a mistake made in the cockpit, and not any flaw in the Boeing jet, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. The Journal report, which cites unnamed US industry officials briefed on preliminary evidence from an investigation of the incident, said that a flight attendant may …
Train Fares Don’t Have to Be Expensive: Rail Europe’s CEO Reveals the Secrets to Cheap Tickets
Put off by the price of train travel? Rail Europe’s CEO shares his insights into how to find the best deal. Bjorn Bender, CEO of Rail Europe, is a man who knows trains. In the last year alone he travelled roughly 75,000 kilometres across Europe. For him, train travel is “not about going from A to B, it's actually a second home. It's my office, where I can really do my work.” Since COVID, there has …
LaGuardia Goes From Worst to Best Airport in New Passenger Survey
For decades, New York City’s LaGuardia Airport had been the butt of many jokes. Back in 2014, then-Vice President Joe Biden infamously said that if someone were taken blindfolded to the Queens airport, they would think they were in “some third world country.” Then in 2020, Saturday Night Live spent more than eight minutes mocking the airport in a musical extravaganza, calling out …
Lodging
Refined Elegance Meets Lean Luxury: Hotel Bristol Berlin Reimagines ItselfThe Hotel Bristol Berlin proudly presents modern elegance with its 301 rooms and suites. The first 50 freshly renovated rooms, inspired by the British Roaring 20s, embody a harmonious blend of contemporary comfort and timeless grace. These represent the initial phase of a comprehensive renovation project, with the remaining rooms and suites to follow in the coming months. Since its …
7 Spa Resorts in Kentucky to Recharge Your Batteries
Experience total relaxation at these gorgeous spa hotels and resorts across the state of Kentucky. These incredible accommodation options are sure to leave travelers feeling rejuvenated and recharged whether they’re visiting the state for a weekend or longer. Bachelorette parties will love the experience of staying at these spa hotels, as will couples on Valentine's Day or solo travelers who …
Choice Hotels Ditches $8 Billion Hostile Takeover Bid for Wyndham
Take it from me, a former high school mock trial and literary magazine nerd who wasn't exactly the star of the football team: Unrequited love usually never works. Just ask Choice Hotels. On Monday, the hotel company behind brands like Comfort Inn and the Radisson Americas portfolio finally walked away from its $8 billion attempt at a hostile takeover of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The …
Gay Hotel Company Brings Luxury to Puerto Vallarta
The Tryst Puerto Vallarta begins welcoming discerning gay guests this spring, just in time for the Mexican resort city’s Pride celebrations. The 55-room resort includes a penthouse suite featuring two terraces, three large suites with expansive living areas and terraces and several junior suites with unique features. A highly anticipated rooftop pool with a bar area and restaurant offering …
What Does $11 Get You in Vegas? A Surprisingly Decent Hotel Room.
During this year’s Super Bowl in Las Vegas, fans were stunned to see hotel rates skyrocket, with budget properties charging ultraluxury prices. The following month, I received my own surprise: A night at some of the same lodgings on the Strip cost less than a stadium beer and pretzel. Hotel rates always vary, but none as wildly as Las Vegas properties. Sin City hosts some of the country’s …
Other and Odd
EES App Might Not Be Ready in Time for the Launch of the Entry/Exit System in OctoberWhile officials from the European Union claim that the app will be ready on time, those from the United Kingdom have raised concerns that such a thing will not happen, thus prompting chaos at the EU-UK borders, SchengenVisaInfo reports. Asked about possible delays, the EU Commission’s spokesperson for Home Affairs, Anitta Hipper, has told POLITICO that the mobile will be indeed …
You Can Get Your Passport Faster at the ‘Special Passport Fairs’
The U.S. Department of State recently announced new opportunities to get a passport. For many people, getting a passport for the first time can feel intimidating and complicated. Between the special photo, the application and mailing the documents off for approval, the process can be confusing and prone to mistakes. But this series, known as Special Passport Acceptance Fairs, is being …
Going Abroad? Time to Check if You’re up to Date on Measles Immunity, CDC Says
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance Wednesday for travelers in the wake of a global rise in measles outbreaks, as cases have mounted across 17 states. Americans planning to travel abroad should consult their doctors at least six weeks before traveling if they are unsure about whether they are up to date on their vaccines, the agency now says, in order to …
Black Female Entrepreneurs Shaping the Travel Industry
When we consider travel’s current state and future, it is apparent that Black female entrepreneurs are and will continue to play an important role. For example, the five entrepreneurs listed here are just a few of the numerous Black women influencing the travel business. They are more than just entrepreneurs; they are leaders, innovators, and storytellers. Their contributions are influencing …
This Company Will Pay for Your Vacation If It Rains — What to Know
A rainy day can ruin a long-planned vacation, but a new company is aiming to provide some peace of mind. WeatherPromise, a tech company that launched February, offers travel protection services and full vacation refunds if it rains for a pre-specified duration of a trip with the help of artificial intelligence. The company will refund everything from hotel reservations, theme park and sports tickets …
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
Collette Offers $1,000 in Bonus Commission for Group BookingsPawtucket, RI (March 14, 2024) – Collette is offering advisors $1,000 in bonus commission on all group bookings for 15 more travelers through April 15, 2024. The offer is valid for any booking made on departures through March 31, 2025. Collette makes booking groups easy. There’s no minimum deposit …
Travelers Can Be the First to Embark on Collette’s New ‘Spotlight on Northern Italy’ Tour
Pawtucket, RI (March 7, 2024) - Collette reminds travelers that they can be among the first to embark on their all new “Spotlight on Northern Italy” tour. Seats are still available on the first-ever departure for this tour on Aug. 15, 2024.Collette reminds travelers that they can be among the first to embark on their all new …
Travelers say aloha to paradise with Collette’s ‘Grand Hawaiian Adventure’
Pawtucket, RI (February 21, 2024) – Collette is reminding travelers of its “Grand Hawaiian Adventure” tour, which takes them across four of the state’s islands. The Classic tour is a great way for travelers to enjoy paradise while exploring its natural beauties and also its rich history and culture. Over the course of 13 days, travelers will venture to Oahu, Big Island (Kona), Maui, and Kauai. Some of the tour’s highlights include, a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial to remember Pearl Harbor, a wonderful drive along Oahu’s…
Collette’s ‘Spotlight on Paris’ tour soars during Bon Voyage to Europe Sale
Pawtucket, RI (February 14, 2024) – Collette is celebrating Valentine’s Day by shining the spotlight on the Ville d’Amour, Paris. The “Spotlight on Paris” tour is amongst the most popular Spotlight tours. Collette’s Spotlight tours give travelers the opportunity to explore each destination to the fullest and get to know the area like a local…
Pearl Seas Cruises Celebrates Wave Season Offering Free Airfare on Spring & Summer Great Lakes Cruises
Guilford, CT— February 5, 2024— To celebrate Wave Season, Pearl Seas Cruises announces Free Airfare plus additional Savings for May, June, July, and early August 2024 departure dates of the company’s 11-Night Great Lakes & Georgian Bay cruises. Pearl Seas’ Great Lakes season opens in May and the 11-Night cruises operate in both directions, between Milwaukee, WI, and Toronto, ON, through mid-September. The company is also offering a 7-Night Great Lakes & Georgian Bay itinerary and an all-new 14-Night Great Lakes Explorer cruise…
1:1
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
Navigating Turbulence: The Crucial Role of Periodic Audits in Travel Agency ManagementNote: This column is aimed at the ownership of the traditional agency model with employees and independent contractors As a travel agency owner, you navigate an industry where trust in your employees is paramount. However, balancing trust with periodic audits is essential in steering your business away from potential pitfalls. It’s not about fostering a culture of paranoia; rather, it’s about ensuring the integrity and sustainability of your agency.
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
Training Your ClientsWe have previously discussed the need to train clients. Let’s revisit the discussion. It is not an exaggeration to indicate the success or failure of your travel business will depend on the extent to which you are capable of taking charge of your client relationships and professionally leading them into behavior conducive to traveling safely and well. Top travel professionals train their clients to be good clients. Training your client assists both you and the client to achieve optimal results from every travel planning effort.
1:1
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…