Destinations
When Is the Best Time to Visit Italy?When is the best time to visit Italy? I have had the good fortune of visiting the country twice in the past twelve months—once in August, and again this past March. While in Rome on both occasions, I stayed near the Trevi Fountain and so I was often made to …
Olympic Organizers Concerned Over Swimming in the Seine After Pollution Report
A European non-profit organization is warning the famous Seine may be too polluted to host Olympic swimming events, throwing an iconic part of the games into question. The Surfrider Foundation Europe tested the Paris river over the past six months and found …
Retreat to Crete: Why the Greek Island Is a Perfect Escape
Sometimes, when you travel, you arrive somewhere so ridiculously picturesque, so dictionary-definition of how you expect the country to look, that you half suspect it was built as a film set, or has been “Disneyfied” specifically for tourists. I get this feeling …
The European Region Where Young People Are Happiest
Czech Republic, Lithuania and Romania are all newly high on this year's World Happiness Report – and score especially high when it comes to happiness for people aged under 30. When the annual World Happiness Report was released in March 2024, it was no …
36 Hours in Toronto
Locals may insist (politely, of course) that Toronto doesn’t belong atop any traveler’s wish list, but don’t fall for that Canadian modesty. Proudly multicultural with an outstanding art scene, fantastic food and a patchwork of diverse neighborhoods to explore …
Tours and Activities
Road Trips: How to Plan an Accessible GetawayPlanning an accessible road trip is getting a little easier for people with disabilities. There are more resources created by and for the disability community, and the tourism industry is starting to recognize the value of accessible travel. As a disabled, chronically ill …
What It’s Like to Hike to the End of the World in Chile
Tracing the shoreline of the icy Ukika River, I follow a trail through an evergreen woodland of southern beech trees studded with clumps of orange fungi the shape and size of golfballs. The branches are miniature ecosystems, blanketed with tiny bryophytes (a …
These National Parks Require Reservations in 2024
Over the past few years, several national parks have implemented reservations systems for either entry or for activities such as certain hikes or visiting landmarks. The reason? National parks continue to face overcrowding. In 2023, visitation to park units was …
7 Boston Tourist Traps To Skip, Plus Local-Loved Alternatives
Skip overpriced and crowded tourist traps in Boston for hidden gems known and loved by locals. Opt for unique, less crowded attractions like Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and Neptune Oyster. Explore peaceful alternatives like Castle Island and Charles …
Experience the Thrill of Las Vegas’ Formula 1 Grand Prix Race—Now With Even More Affordable Tickets
Las Vegas is again gearing up to host the adrenaline-pumping Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix. This time, there’s an extra layer of excitement brewing—not just for the high-speed action on the tracks but also for the more accessible ticket pricing …
Cruise
Princess Cruises Introduces Three Table Service Options Across Its FleetPrincess Cruises is to roll out a range of new dining experiences across its fleet after their successful debut on the cruise line’s latest ship, Sun Princess. From mid-September 2024, Princess will offer three table service options: traditional, reservable, or walk-in …
This Cruise Line Was the Perfect Multigenerational Trip for My Family
Cruise vacations have always been an attractive choice for multigenerational family vacations. A hassle-free way to explore the world, family cruises balance together-time with opportunities for everyone in the family to pursue their own interests too. And …
San Juan Set for Major Cruise Upgrades
One of the Caribbean's most popular destinations is going to be seeing some major investments that will benefit every passenger coming ashore. Port infrastructure in San Juan, Puerto Rico will see a significant investment from Global Ports Holding, the largest …
I Took An Alaska Cruise And These Were The 6 Mistakes First-Timers Were Making
Are you planning an Alaska cruise this year? Cruises to Alaska are extremely popular right now, and 2024 is expected to be a record-breaking cruising season according to Cruise Industry News. Alaska is a unique and beautiful destination that is well-suited …
Windstar Cruises to Expand Fleet With Two New Ships
Windstar Cruises is expanding its fleet with two new all-suite yachts, Star Seeker and Star Explorer, the cruise line has announced at Sea Trade Cruise Global. The two ships are expected to be delivered by West Sea shipyard in December 2025 and 2026 …
Transportation
United Airlines Flight Attendant's Armrest Announcement Sparks Social Media FrenzyIn a bold move that has taken social media by storm, a United Airlines flight attendant recently addressed one of the most contentious issues in air travel: the battle over armrests. This announcement, shared by a passenger on Reddit, has reignited the …
Airlines Ask FAA to Extend New York Slot Waivers Through October 2025
Airlines want permission to operate fewer flights to New York without penalty through most of 2025; they're citing a continued shortage of air traffic controllers that carriers don't expect will sufficiently improve within the next 18 months. Last week, Airlines for …
Middle East Tension: How Worried Should Airline Passengers Be?
The shortest route on the surface of the planet between Perth in Western Australia and London Heathrow airport begins with thousands of miles of Indian Ocean before making landfall over Sri Lanka. The track clips a southwestern corner of, successively …
Delta’s Expanded Miami Sky Club Is Now Open With Seating for 300
Delta Air Lines' so-called gateway hub in Miami just got a big glowup with the opening of an expanded Sky Club. The carrier has added over 4,000 square feet and 100-plus seats to the Miami Sky Club, which is located between terminals H and J at Miami …
Inside Lilium, the German Company Trying to Revolutionize Air Travel
German aerospace company Lilium wants to revolutionize air travel with its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet. “Revolutionize means make it absolutely zero emission,” Lilium CEO Klaus Roewe told CNBC Tech in an interview. “We want to make …
Lodging
Inside the Largest Penthouse Suite in North AmericaSet on 620 acres of a nature reserve on the Yucatan Peninsula is EDITION’s latest hotel. Located in the heart of Riviera Maya, the lush, sprawling grounds include lagoons and mangroves as well as two miles of a pristine white-sand beach. Created by hospitality …
Why This Historic Luxury Villa From Only $250 A Night Is Perfect For An Idyllic European Getaway
I'm not sure about you, but testing my patience in long waiting lines at the gelato shop or bumping into sweaty bodies in narrow alleyways teeming with excursion groups while it's over 100 degrees outside is not exactly my idea of fun, much less relaxation …
A New Under Canvas Tented Camp Is Coming to This California National Park
There’s about to be a wonderful new way to visit the giant sequoias, waterfalls, two remaining glaciers, and dizzying granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome at Yosemite National Park. Under Canvas announced its first-ever camp in California just outside of the …
Esquire Names the Top New Hotel in North America and Europe: It’s in San Diego
El Cajon Boulevard is hardly a hot spot for San Diego tourism, but when the more than $30 million redo of The Lafayette Hotel made its debut last year, it was an almost instant success — so much so that it’s just been named the best new hotel of the year by …
Traveling for the Olympics? Try HIGHSTAY, a New Vacation Rental Option
As the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics approach, thousands of travelers eager to be a part of the athletic excitement are likely searching for the perfect accommodations. The Olympics will take place from July 26 to Aug. 11 and are expected to attract around …
Other and Odd
U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Israel With Iran Attack Believed to Be Imminent and Fear Gaza War Could SpreadIsrael is bracing for a worst-case scenario that U.S. officials believe could materialize within just hours — the possibility of a direct attack on Israeli soil by Iran in retaliation for a strike almost two weeks ago that killed seven Iranian military officers. Iran has …
A Guide to LGBTQ+ Travel in Latin America
Latin America is a vast region of over 656 million inhabitants. Stretching across two continents, it’s a storied location where people and cultures from Europe, Africa, the Americas and elsewhere mixed and settled. Spanish and Portuguese, vestiges of two rival …
An Introvert’s Guide to Surviving Group Travel
The thought of round-the-clock “togetherness” — with friends, family or strangers bound together in a tour group — can be overwhelming to the estimated 57% of people who lean toward introversion. Solo travel can suit introverts, who tend to re-energize …
How to Cope With Restless Legs While Traveling
Through the windows of an express train from Kyoto, Japan, to a whisky distillery on Mount Kaikoma, my colleagues admired the views and calmly discussed the agenda for the day. Distracted and annoyed, I punched my quads while counting down the minutes …
Hopper Data Shows Travel Price Trends for the Spring and Summer
Spring is springing and according to Hopper, it’s time to start thinking about your summer vacation plans. New data from the online booking site shows some favorable trends for travelers in the next few months, including slightly lower airfares compared to 2023 …
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
A Sea Change in How to Fix the Airline IndustryThe American Economic Liberties Project released its white paper on how to fix the airline industry in late January. It was co-written by Ganesh Sitaraman of Vanderbilt University, author of Why Flying is Miserable and How to Fix It, and William McGee, author of Attention All Passengers: The Airlines’ Dangerous Descent and How to Reclaim Our Skies. The paper is called “Economic Liberties and Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator Release Blueprint to Fix the Airline Industry.” I was able to talk to William McGee recently, and that’s an accomplishment itself, because it…