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Destinations

This Maine Town Is One Of The Top Vacation Spots For 2024
From Acadia National Park, one of the most beautiful US destinations, to some of the most impressive lighthouses in the country, Maine boasts many amazing places to explore. However, the real charm of this East Coast state lies in the small towns, and while …

This Former ‘Sin City’ Is Now Incredibly Family-Friendly
Thailand’s Pattaya is finally outgrowing its reputation as a city of sin, arguably transforming itself into one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated family destinations. Brimming with water parks, golf courses, fine beaches, ocean sports, theme parks, indoor play …

7 Reasons Why You Should Visit This Authentic Underrated City In Italy
Italy is indisputably one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Home to numerous iconic landmarks, including Rome's ancient Colosseum, the UNESCO-listed canals of Venice, and the leaning Tower of Pisa to name a few, it attracts tens of …

Japan Tackles Overtourism With Restrictions for Some Iconic Sites
Japan is set to limit visitors at some popular attractions so that sites don't suffer from overtourism. Here's what you need to know. Japan’s enduring popularity for overseas visitors is bringing consequences as the country seeks to balance the benefits of tourism …

When Is the Best Time to Visit Lisbon?
Boasting a yearly average of 300 days of sunshine, Lisbon, Portugal is a top-tier destination year-round. It’s important to note that Portugal is a relatively conservative country and locals dress for the season, rather than the weather. So winter means beautiful …

Tours and Activities

An Expert’s Guide to the Finding the Best Cheese in Paris
While some come to Paris for the bread, pastries or three-hour bistro lunches, I came for the cheese. France is home to over a thousand of them, from the Loire Valley's days-old fresh chèvres (goat cheeses) boasting the barest whiff of the barnyard to the …

7 Things to Know Before Going to Yosemite National Park
Yosemite, established in 1864, is a superstar of the National Park System for good reason. A visit, whether you stay in well-connected Yosemite Valley or head out into the vast wilderness, is a humbling experience. Despite its fame and infrastructure (areas …

Dark Tourism: When Travel And Tragedy Meet
Death, disaster, tragedy, and atrocity are four words commonly associated with dark tourism. Becoming a dark tourist is a controversial, and complex type of travel that some people consider no different than historical tourism while others see it as taboo …

AlUla: The Middle East’s Once-Inaccessible Ancient Wonder
As a photographer, I've always been drawn to the unique way that light in the desert stretches, bounces off the sand and rock and illuminates the plains. There is a stillness in these landscapes that I've come to crave, but I'm also fascinated by the relationships …

This Swedish Overnight Train Takes You Straight to the Northern Lights
For travelers on the 17-hour train from Stockholm to Abisko, there’s a shared goal— seeing the northern lights. The small town, about 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle, is one of Sweden’s northernmost settlements and has some of the clearest skies in …

Cruise

Carnival Cruise Line Completes Roll Out of Digital Debark
Carnival Cruise Line has achieved a new milestone in guest services by extending its Digital Debarkation program to every ship in its North American fleet. After much anticipation, Carnival Cruise Line has released its Digital Debark program across the entire North …

Celebrity Cruises Adds New Perks for Their Most Loyal Cruisers
Celebrity Cruises has added new perks for their Zenith members, those who cruise the most with the cruise line. Zenith members are those who have earned 3,000 or more points sailing on Celebrity cruise ships, Celebrity Cruises’ highest loyalty tier. The cruise …

This Ultra-Luxury Cruise Whisks Travelers to 40 Countries in 5 Months
Imagine spending nearly five months exploring the most fascinating destinations in the world while living in a lavish suite on a luxury cruise ship. From your suite’s private balcony, you can watch the ship pull into secluded islands and alluring ports in Asia …

Windstar Announces Guest Chefs for 2025 Sailings
In 2025, Windstar Cruises celebrates the 10th year anniversary of its partnership with the James Beard Foundation. To celebrate the milestone, the cruise line will welcome five acclaimed chef to expand its series of annual culinary-themed sailings. The list includes …

Cruising to Kyoto: A Voyage Into the Heart of Japan
Kyoto Prefecture, home to Japan’s ancient imperial capital, is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. As the cultural heart of Japan, the prefecture offers a wealth of natural and historical treasures, from the shrines and gardens of the city to the …

Transportation

United Airlines Unveils Flight Filters for Wheelchair Users
United Airlines is officially rolling out new accessibility features Thursday that it says will make flying easier for wheelchair users. The updates, which the airline previously announced, include the ability to find flights that are the best equipped to handle their …

Why Airlines Tell You Not to Retrieve Your Phone if It Falls Between Seats
You may have noticed in recent years that during the announcements before takeoff, flight attendants have started telling passengers that if their phone falls between the seats, they should alert a crew member. Many passengers might try to retrieve …

Why Overhead Bin Space Is So Competitive
I’ll admit it. I will elbow you out of the way to get on the plane 30 seconds sooner and secure overhead bin space. I’m not proud of it, but I'll probably never see you again, and I really don’t want to have to check a bag on most flights. I’m part of the problem, but …

Last-Minute Cheap Airfare to See the Total Solar Eclipse 2024
With less than two weeks until the total solar eclipse, hopeful spectators who haven't booked their flights to destinations along the path of totality need to move fast. Over 4 million people are expected to witness the rare celestial event, which will take place on …

Europe’s Travel Strikes: Flight and Train Disruption You Can Expect in March and April
Strikes are a regular occurrence in Europe, as employees withhold their labour to fight for better pay and conditions. Walkouts are sometimes planned months ahead but others are announced last minute, showing that it always pays to check before you travel …

Lodging

T&C Hotel Awards 2024: The Best-Looking New Lodges in the Wild
Entering one of Royal Portfolio’s hotels or lodges, you may well wonder whatever happened to classic safari khaki. Each interior is an exuberant collage of colors, textures, and contemporary African art handpicked by co-owner Liz Biden, whose design motto …

Best Places to Stay in Tennessee: From Treehouses to Rat Pack Vibes, These 8 Sites Will Have You Extending Your Stay
So you didn't make it to the beach for spring break but you still desperately need a getaway? Try elevating your standard staycation or day trip with a night or two in a truly special hotel. Luckily, National Geographic's got you covered, with a handy guide to eight of …

These Are the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Maldives
A trip to the Maldives — that dreamy equatorial archipelago of white-sand beaches, swaying palms and vibrant reefs — might seem like Champagne wishes and caviar dreams. And its luxury resorts certainly offer plenty of both delicacies. However, there are also …

I’ve Been to 35 All-Inclusive Resorts. Here Are 10 Mistakes I Always See First-Timers Make.
Vacationing at an all-inclusive resort is very appealing for many travelers — and with good reason. Being able to budget before you arrive and not having to worry about toting around cash or credit cards, can alleviate a lot of travel headaches. As a travel writer …

Hilton Garden Inn Celebrates Its 15th Hotel in Mexico with the Opening of Hilton Garden Inn Guadalajara Airport
Today, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announces the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Guadalajara Airport, representing the award-winning Hilton Garden Inn brand's 15th hotel in Mexico, joining a portfolio of more than 90 hotels welcoming guests across the country …

Other and Odd

These Are the Most Popular Destinations for Summer 2024, According to Google
Travelers are just chuffed with London this summer, and are planning to head there in droves. That’s according to Google, which named the city in the United Kingdom the most popular destination for summer 2024. The list reflects searches in the United States …

I’m a Luxury Travel Agent: Destinations My Wealthy Clients Don’t Visit Anymore
The lifting of post-pandemic travel restrictions released a flood of demand for destinations worldwide, but those with the most money to spend on experiences changed their priorities and preferences along the way. GOBankingRates spoke with two travel …

Corporate Travel Titans Merge as Amex GBT Acquires CWT
In a major merger that underscores its faith in business travel, American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) is acquiring CWT in a $570 million deal. Amex GBT is the world’s largest travel management company, with 20,000 global customers and about …

‘Bigger Than the Super Bowl’: Americans Are Spending Big on Eclipse Tourism
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the total solar eclipse in April, there’s no shortage of options. Six Flags Over Texas is hosting a “Solar Coaster” viewing party. Holland America has a 22-day Solar Eclipse Cruise. And after filling up one path-of-totality flight, Delta …

U.S. Issues Travel Security Alert For France
Another day, another travel security alert from a U.S. Embassy. This time, it's for the most popular country in the world. Yesterday, the U.S. Embassy of France issued an alert for the entire country of France. As the host of the Summer Olympics, it's not entirely …

Press Releases of Interest

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 …

The Travel Institute Launches Group Travel Course Amid Growing Interest
FRAMINGHAM, MA, March 18, 2024 – The Travel Institute has released a new Group Travel Specialist Course amid growing demand from travel agents to learn more about the niche market and its scalable revenue model for group reservations and bookings. While the concept of group travel is not new, its …

Collette Offers $1,000 in Bonus Commission for Group Bookings
Pawtucket, 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…

Mike's Morning Missives

And That’s a Wrap

2019 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-Shoulda

  Don’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.



Luxury Travel Tips

Elvis Has Left the Building

Not long after starting my training firm, The Wealthy Travel Agent, I received a call from my friend Richard Earls, publisher of Travel Research Online (TRO), asking if I would write a column on luxury travel. I immediately agreed. Over time, it morphed into one that advocated sound sales-based business practices with luxury travel as the product of choice – but could be applied to any model. I don’t want to be that person who overstays their welcome.



Departures

Unveiling Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills

Rwanda. The Land of a Thousand Hills and the horrific genocide of 1994. One of the most rapidly developing countries in Africa, where one-quarter of the population is still illiterate. A country with many faces which, after years of turmoil, has risen and is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination.



Spotlight

New Short Break Tours in Australia’s Red Centre Ideal for Travel Agents

AAT Kings has announced two new short break tours in Australia’s majestic Northern Territory, presenting travel agents with exciting new packaged offerings. Lasting 3-4 days, these immersive experiences balance efficient travel with in-depth discovery of Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon.



TRO SMITH

An Overview of Marketing Tactics