Destinations
What Are the Azores? They Might Beat Out Hawaii as a Destination.What’s the perfect island chain? The default has always been Hawaii: Its eight principal islands rising from the Pacific’s deep are verdant and vibrant. But if you switch your gaze to the Atlantic, you will find …
Our Favorite Family Destinations Across the U.S. for 2024
Travel changes when you have kids, but it doesn’t have to end; you just need to factor in a few more needs and opinions than before. Thankfully, the United States is packed full of must-visit destinations …
How to Spend a Long Weekend in Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is Europe’s self-assured big sister. She’s not as big or flashy as Paris or Milan, but she doesn’t need to be. She knows exactly who she is—a city of stately architecture and heady institutions …
Local Strolls: Exploring Las Vegas’ Strip on Foot
While 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 …
Tours and Activities
Best Beaches Within A 1-Hour Drive From HonoluluBeaches near Honolulu offer stunning views and various activities like swimming, snorkeling, and surfing for visitors to enjoy. From Sandy Beach's powerful shore break to the tranquil Ko Olina …
First-Timer’s Guide to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Unsurprisingly, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island is one of the state’s most popular attractions. This incredible landscape is home to two massive volcanoes – Kīlauea being one of the …
The 15 Best Small Museums in Paris
As 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 …
Cruise
3 of the World’s Biggest Cruise Ships Soon Will Battle for Supremacy Out of MiamiGet ready for the Battle of the Cruise Ship Giants out of Miami. Fast-growing MSC Cruises on Thursday officially announced its North America schedule for the summer of 2025, including a Miami deployment …
Popular Destination Introduces Strict Daily Cruise Passenger Limit
Iceland has gradually become one of Europe’s most popular cruise destinations with tourists travelling to see its glaciers and visit coastal towns and villages. Isafjordur, a town in Iceland’s northwest …
Cruise Line Offering $1 Deposits on Cruises for Today Only
Holland America Line is celebrating their 151st anniversary on April 18, 2024. They are offering two different cruise deals with each one lowering deposits to just $1 per person. Yes, you can reserve your next cruise on Holland America for just a dollar. The first deal is good …
Holland America Line to Introduce Glacier Day in 2024 Alaska Cruises
Holland 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 …
Transportation
Deadly Storm Floods the World’s Second Busiest AirportTwo years’ worth of rain brought Dubai to a screeching halt this week. It was the heaviest rain ever recorded since records began 75 years ago and it soaked the desert. Social media was inundated with …
How to Apply for Global Entry: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you travel internationally at least a couple times per year, chances are you’ve thought about applying for Global Entry. The program gives members access to an expedited line at US Customs and …
Paris Public Transport Will Double in Price During the Olympics. Here’s How to Avoid Paying Extra
If you’re planning to be in Paris for the 2024 Olympics, investing in a transport pass could save time and money. We’re just a few months away from the 2024 Olympics and host city Paris is gearing up for …
FAA Lifts Ground Stop Advisory for Alaska Airlines Flights
The 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 …
Lodging
The Fifth Avenue Hotel Review: Inside the Martin Brudnizki ProjectAs I approach the entrance of The Fifth Avenue Hotel, the grandeur that awaits is immediately apparent. Stepping into the lobby, the hustling commotion of the city evaporates as I am enveloped in …
These Hotel Beach Clubs Will Make You Feel Like You're In 'Palm Royale'
Live like a star at luxury resorts in Florida, evoking the glamour of the Palm Royale series with stunning beach views. Experience ultimate relaxation with spa treatments, beachfront cabanas, and exclusive …
Go Stargazing at These Bubble Hotels and Airbnbs Around the World
Just 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 …
Other and Odd
The Ingenious Wines Birthed From Black Volcanic CratersIn Spain's Lanzarote Island, conical hollows built into layers of volcanic ash yield wines that have been created from generations of ingenuity and hard work. When viewed from a distance, the vineyards of …
Prince Harry Calls on Travel Industry to ‘Do Better’ for Communities in Tourist Destinations
The Duke of Sussex has urged the travel industry to “do better” by communities acting as custodians of tourist destinations. Prince Harry’s comments came in a online address to the annual general …
These Are The 4 Safest Countries To Visit In South America Right Now
Gorgeous 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 …
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 …
Agent Perspectives
FyndTravel at One Year, Lisa Watson Showcases a Streamlined Travel Event CalendarMy first interview with Lisa Watson went great. She was easy-going and her dedication of work to the creation of FyndTravel was obvious. However, a dead computer on my end took all text and recordings with it to the scrapyard. Chaos happens, I suppose. We tried again and, as expected, I found the conversation just as enjoyable and informative. Lisa started our conversation by pulling up a screen share
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.
Soundings
The Travel Institute’s New Survey Signals Need for Additional Agent Recruitment & RetentionThe Changing Face of Travel Agents 2023, the report released by The Travel Institute, offers valuable insights into the current state of the travel industry. Based on the findings, the gig economy continues to thrive, and more agents are interested in part-time work that provides greater flexibility and independence.
Deck Plans
Dear AmaWaterways, Thank YouLast year, I wrote this note to AmaWaterways during a time that I was feeling grateful. As I embark on a new chapter, and another set of change, I am feeling grateful once more. So, I thought I’d share this note again. You see, Ama gave me my first introduction to river cruising way back in 2009, but that’s just the beginning. Since then, I’ve had many unforgettable journeys with Ama – and they deserve a big thank you
Anita’s Tips and Tools
The Incessant Traveler
Scott Wiseman: Luxury Veteran Settles into Rising Villa MarketScott Wiseman has led a charmed life. He’s one of those people who knew what he wanted to do from an early age, and his career path, though varied, has remained consistent with his early aspirations. After a career that has included top positions at Accor; Abercrombie & Kent; Cox & Kings, The Americas; Travel Impressions and Apple Leisure Group, Wiseman is now chief executive officer of Nocturne Luxury Villas, a position he took in March 2023