Destinations
North Carolina vs. South Carolina: Which Is Better This Summer?North Carolina offers more diverse natural scenery, from mountains to beaches, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. South Carolina is ideal for beach lovers with year-round beach destinations and a rich cultural and historical experience. South Carolina is more affordable to visit …
Visiting David Attenborough’s ‘Favourite Place’ – Why You Should Explore the Reefs and Rainforests of North Queensland
In Australia’s Cairns airport, David Attenborough looked down on us as we collect our bags. His familiar smiling face is on a huge billboard, with some of his equally huge quotes. They adore Sir David in this part of the world and it’s not hard to see why. He has described tropical …
Morocco or Egypt: Which Should You Pick?
Bookending North Africa’s Mediterranean shores, Morocco and Egypt seem to have a lot in common. Sharing a language stemming from a thousand years of Arab and Islamic culture alongside Indigenous, Middle Eastern, and European influences, both countries represent a …
3 New Reasons Why You Should Visit This Gorgeous Caribbean Island This Summer
Though Jamaica has always been a dream bucket list destination for so many of us, it’s never quite reached the levels of astounding popularity it’s experiencing right now. The dreamy Caribbean nation has broken tourism record after tourism record these past few months …
14 Things to Know Before Going to Switzerland
Little 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 …
Tours and Activities
Tourists, Stop Getting Naked Where You Shouldn’t! Here’s Where You Can Legally Bare It Allourists everywhere have been stripping down lately in places where they shouldn’t. Tourists angered Namibian authorities when they posed naked on the “Big Daddy” dune. Tourists were kicked out of Machu Picchu for taking nude photos. Bali has been similarly clamping down on …
Why This Japanese Town Is Blocking Their Best View of Mount Fuji
A Japanese convenience store in the northern foothills of Mount Fuji has turned into an unlikely tourist attraction in recent years thanks to a popular viewpoint of the iconic volcano. On clear days, hoards of visitors have lined up in the parking lot of Fujikawaguchiko's Lawson …
This Growing Travel Trend Is Way More Fun Than A Regular Vacation
There’s been a lot of buzz lately in the travel industry about “gig-tripping,” as fans of Taylor Swift and other musical artists plan vacations all around the world just for the live concert experience. Meanwhile, another experience-driven trend is also on the rise: sports tourism. Whether …
A Reason to Visit Tucson: Mission Garden
Ahumble city that prides itself on its quirks, Tucson doesn’t first appear to be a place of global gastronomic notoriety. But a closer look reveals that Arizona's second-largest city just may be one of the most important food destinations you’ll ever visit. Tucson is a UNESCO Creative City …
Sequoia National Park Is a Land of Giants Waiting for You to Visit
People all over the world watched with rapt attention in 2021 as wildfire threatened to engulf the world’s largest tree. Firefighters carefully wrapped the base of the General Sherman Tree in shiny, protective blanketing as flames drew closer at Sequoia National Park. Ultimately, the …
Cruise
Cruise Ship Worker Accused of Stabbing 3 People With Scissors on Board Vessel Bound for AlaskaA cruise ship worker from South Africa was arrested Tuesday in Alaska’s capital city, accused of attacking a woman and two security guards with scissors on board the vessel, according to authorities. The U.S. attorney’s office says the man is charged with assault with a dangerous …
Royal Caribbean Canceled An Alaska Cruise With People Already On Board
Passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas were disappointed when the cruise company canceled their much-anticipated Alaska vacation due to a propulsion issue. As a result, guests had to change their holiday arrangements at the last minute. The cruise, set to …
Norwegian Cruise Line Launches Discount Program for Educators
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is commemorating Teacher Appreciation Week in the U.S. and Canada by introducing a new Teacher Cruise Discount. The special offering provides a year-round discount on cruise fares and onboard credit exclusively for educators. The discount will …
Carnival Cruise Line Celebrates 30 Years of Sailing From Port NOLA
Carnival Cruise Line has marked 30 years of sailing from the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) in Louisiana by hosting a ceremony onboard Carnival Liberty, which has now started homeporting in the US city. The cruise line’s chief culinary officer Emeril Lagasse, famous for his New …
Virgin's Newest Cruise Ship Set for NYC Debut in September 2025
Virgin 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 …
Transportation
Mexico's Hidden Gems Unveiled! Take The New Maya Train To These 4 Colonial Cities From CancunCancun may be the number one tourist destination in the whole of Mexico, famous for its five-star resorts, powder-white sands hugged by teal-colored seas, and balmy weather, but it lacks something other Mexican destinations have in abundance: Cultural value. Unlike a majority …
The UK’s E-gate Failure Explained: How Does It Impact Your Travels?
Thousands of travellers were forced to queue for hours, with some resulting to sleeping on airport floors, following a “nationwide issue” that saw e-gates fail in the UK’s largest airports. The e-gate failure, which began on the evening of Thursday 7 May, has been resolved. However …
Real ID License Deadline in May 2025 Means You’ll Need New Card to Fly
If you plan on flying around the country in 2025 and beyond, you might want to listen up. You have about 365 days to make your state-issued driver’s license or identification “Real ID” compliant, per the Department of Homeland Security. The Real ID compliance is part of a …
7 Best Amtrak Routes To Experience During The Summer
Summer Amtrak train rides offer unparalleled experiences through diverse US landscapes, from majestic canyons to stunning waterfalls. These scenic rides may come with a price tag, but the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and culture is worth every penny. Adventure …
How to Get Cheap Last-Minute Flights, According to the Experts
Taking a spontaneous trip is one of the most rewarding forms of travel. Finding cheap last-minute flights, on the other hand, can feel like an impossible barrier to flying by the seat of your pants. But booking with low-cost carriers isn't the only way to avoid forking over exorbitant …
Lodging
Marriott’s Four Points Express by Sheraton Will Expand Into JapanOne of Marriott's newest and most affordable brands is slated to grow in one of the world's most-visited countries. Four Points Express by Sheraton will expand into Japan with an initial lineup of 14 hotels, Marriott announced Tuesday. The deal came together after investment firm …
In Paris and Beyond, 6 Sumptuous European Hotels
If you’re planning to attend the Paris Olympics and see a bit of Europe this summer, you have a variety of plush new hotels from which to choose (though they’re likely to fill up quickly). Whether you’re going to the Games or simply going on vacation, you’ll find fresh boutique …
These Are the 15 Best Hotels and Resorts in Greece
While most travelers tend to think of Greece as a summer island destination, there are treasured places across the country that make it a fantastic place to visit at any time. That’s especially true in 2024, as a number of new and renovated hotels and resorts open their doors in …
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas Unveils $1.5 Billion Renovation
One of the most popular Las Vegas casino resorts is turning 25, so what better time to reveal a $1.5 billion face-lift? The Venetian Resort Las Vegas unveiled details of its costly makeover amid its 25th birthday bash this month. The sprawling resort recently added a variety of new …
Amsterdam Implements New Restrictions on Hotels to Curb Overtourism
Over the past few years, Amsterdam has implemented highly publicized measures to combat the mass tourism problems that have plagued the capital city. Those initiatives include 2023’s “Stay Away” campaign squarely aimed at “nuisance tourists” coming to the city specifically for …
Other and Odd
How to Plan an Affordable Family GetawayNow that you’re a family, traveling is more expensive. We get it. It’s not just that prices for flights and accommodations spike during school breaks. (This is a constant, and it sucks.) It’s that the ongoing bite of inflation has made food, attraction tickets, gas, babysitters...everything …
Should I Use a Travel Agent? Our Travel Experts Says It Makes All the Difference.
Technically, I’m a professional traveler. As a journalist, it’s my job to research and connect with locals to get beneath the surface of a destination. So I have never really used travel agents. What could they plan better than I could? A lot, it turns out. Over the years, I’ve …
When is the Best Time to Visit Tulum?
Tulum is one of the most exciting destinations on Mexico’s Riviera Maya and will make for an unforgettable beach getaway. It’s got ancient Mayan ruins, beautiful weather, baby sea turtles, and a Burning Man-esque atmosphere. What’s not to love? Well, it’s interesting you ask …
Tourist Appreciation Day Celebrates the Joy of Travel and Its Global Impact
As the earth begins to warm up from its winter hibernation, a special day earmarked on the spring calendar reminds us to appreciate a vital segment of the global economy and cultural exchange: the tourists. Celebrating Tourist Appreciation Day on May 6 goes beyond simply …
Embracing Luxury Travel Trends: A Guide to Experiencing the Best of the Best
The 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 …
Press Releases of Interest
The Travel Institute Launches Vietnam Destination Specialist CourseFRAMINGHAM, MA, May 6, 2024 – The Travel Institute has released its newly created Vietnam Destination Specialist Course as traveler demand for the scenic, well-preserved, and culturally rich destination continues to …
Michael Brown Joins Travel Answers as National Account Sales Manager
Bellevue, 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 …
Point-to-Point
Three New Routes to Switzerland: Two by Air, One via MatterhornNorth American tourism to Switzerland has doubled since 2019 and the demand for increased transportation has been answered. Convenient and culturally immersive, Switzerland has given the North American tourist, and diligently planning travel agents, a giant transportation high five. There are now three new and noteworthy options for entering this picturesque, storybook country. For business or leisure tourists, getting to Switzerland has never been easier or more culturally immersive
Supplier Profile
Travel Answers Unveils Unified Brand for Travel AdvisorsTravel advisors now have a powerful new tool with the launch of Travel Answers, a unified brand consolidating five leading wholesale travel companies. This rebranding combines Down Under Answers, Travel2, Islands in the Sun, Africa Answers, and Asia Answers into one platform. The move aims to streamline operations, marketing, and travel advisor experience across these DMCs specializing in
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.
Anita’s Tips and Tools
Travel Agent Diaries
SOS! Are You Providing 24/7 Service to VIP Clients?A conversation with one of our Society of International Railway Travelers (IRT) clients one recent Sunday morning went like this: Text to my phone early morning: “My passport is lost! We are in London. Help!!”