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The voice of the travel agency community. Travel Research Online is a free marketing resource for travel agencies providing over 750 destination guides, videos, e-postcards, articles and other content for travel agents to use to grow their business.
Getting to and from river (or barge) trips is one of the more challenging aspects of travel. First, we prefer air travel with the most convenient connections. Second, we prefer to trave… Read More
Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost state, is separated from mainland Australia across the Bass Strait by 150 miles. This small, heart-shaped island is too often overlooked by internati… Read More
September will bring two new all-inclusive options to Jamaica, as the Princess Hotels & Resorts Group debuts the adults-only Princess Senses the Mangrove (Princess Senses The Mang… Read More
“The World’s Largest Cruise Company” is growing even larger, introducing a new class of ships that hold 8,000 passengers each – and ordering three of them for… Read More
Have you ever heard anybody (perhaps even you) offer unsolicited information by saying publicly “I’m not good at remembering names.” I know you have heard it, and I know yo… Read More
While times change, concepts often remain consistent. Recently, I discovered a handout from college outlining the five questions every marketing person must be able to answer. At the time, i… Read More
The company known as Chinatour since its founding in 2002 by Alex Wang in San Francisco, has joined the U.S. Tour Operators Association, rebranded as Elite Voyages, and expanded its product… Read More
Picture this, cruising through the Rhine Gorge, taking in the scenic views of historic castles and the Lorelei Rock. As you reach the end of the gorge, you arrive in the picturesque town of… Read More
If you’re still among the travel advisors who say “I don’t sell cruise,” you might want to reconsider. The growing cadre of luxury cruise ships sailing to exotic and… Read More
Until recently, the sleepy and tired port of Nassau in the Bahamas was the stop many cruisers chose to skip. Some ponied up for a pricey excursion to Atlantis or a day pass to Margari… Read More
Ugh! Well, here we are in the dog days of summer. How about a bit of levity this week. Here are a few stories that could have been straight out of a Friends episode; and we’ve al… Read More
When Janet and Jeff Blackwell checked into Beaches Negril on June 26, no one was paying much attention to a tropical wave forming off the coast of Africa. Celebrating their 40th anniversary… Read More
Last week, AmaWaterways sent us a press release on their newest Nile River ship, AmaLilia. I was going to post the release with some photos for you all to read, but when I got to looking at… Read More
Remember when you had to have a paper ticket to get on a plane? Seems like ages ago that e-tickets took over—and now perhaps the paper passport book is headed the same way. The… Read More
The Eastern Cape province of South Africa is an up-and-coming area for safaris. While Kruger National Park, in the eastern part of the country, was set aside to protect wildlife in 1898, the… Read More
Disney will continue its expansion into Asia with year-round cruise vacations in the Land of the Rising Sun, under a new agreement with the owner of Tokyo Disney Resort, Oriental Land… Read More
There’s a buzz in the travel industry today as The Travel Institute kicks off its 11th Annual Promote Your Professionalism (PYP) campaign. Running through July, this beloved event aims… Read More
First things first! Following up from last week—does everyone still have the same number of fingers today that they had before the Fourth of July? Standing out can be a challenge… Read More
Here’s one thing I learned on my first-ever camping trip last week: There’s something kind of sexy about sleeping with your husband under a star-filled night sky, watching him wr… Read More
AmaWaterways has opened reservations for the 2026 season on all its cruise products and pre- and post-cruise land packages: Europe, Egypt, Asia, Colombia, Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruis… Read More
It started out much like other safaris. We piled into an open 4X4 safari vehicle with four rows of tiered seats and headed out into the bush. A few moments into the drive we encountered a wi… Read More
Located in southern Kenya, near the Tanzanian border, Amboseli National Park is more than an afterthought to the great Mount Kilimanjaro on the horizon. It has the “Big 5” of Afr… Read More
Caribbean resorts are hunkering down and cruise ships are scrambling out of the way as Hurricane Beryl roils the skies and seas around the Windward Islands on Monday. The only Categor… Read More
Travel consultants who build a successful and thriving clientele base think nearly constantly about marketing, often without labeling it “marketing.” It is important, however, to… Read More
It amazes me how straightforward, logical, and fundamental approaches to solving problems often take years to settle in the adult brain. This question is only superseded by why it took so lo… Read More
As we approach the Fourth of July, here’s to a safe and happy holiday. We will have a finger count next week. Take some time off (it’s OK) and use the time to celebrate our natio… Read More
It’s been three days of presentations on travel marketing—from defining your market to branding and using social media to creating raving fans—at the TravelPro Marketing Su… Read More
Paris offers so many opportunities for river cruisers. You can hop on a barge and cruise the Oise (or the many other regional canals and rivers). You can cruise the Seine or make y… Read More
Luxury expeditions are a hot item for 2025, and PONANT has met the challenge by adding 18 new itineraries plus nine exclusive polar experiences in its new catalog, and promising at le… Read More
There isn’t a single wisp of smoke curling out of the top of Mount Vesuvius as we walk up its stony brown slopes. A few birds are twittering in the bushes, but we leave we them behind… Read More
There is probably no aspect of the entire spectrum of marketing that is as problematic as advertising. Done properly, travel agency advertising will influence a target audience. Done… Read More
National journalist Charles Kuralt once said, ” Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything. &r… Read More
Last week, we discussed how to prepare for a shift in the travel industry as many are shaking off that post-COVID travel bug. In today’s competitive travel industry, personalized servi… Read More
International travel becomes a bit more complicated when navigating with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction in your client’s rearview mirror. DUIs, seemingly straightforwar… Read More
If you are a travel planner, marketing is by necessity your constant companion. Too often, however, travel professionals treat marketing like a hand tool that is pulled out of the box only w… Read More
It’s June, traditionally one of the slowest months in the travel business. But there’s never a dull moment when you own a small business—and many travel advisors report the… Read More
Can children go on a river cruise? It depends. CroisiEurope is the only river cruise line to allow children under the age of three without exceptions. Emerald, Riviera and Scenic require tha… Read More
Disney Cruise Line shared details of its 2025 schedule this week, including plans to homeport three ships in Port Canaveral, as Disney Treasure debuts this winter and joins Disney Wis… Read More
It should come as no surprise that Gina Bang is having some serious impact on Avanti Destinations. It’s as if her name was a literal description of her effect on the Portland, Oregon-b… Read More
A trial program by the US State Department will allow a limited number of travelers to renew their passport online and get a new one in six to eight weeks. Beginning on Wednesday, June 19, a… Read More
On a sunny morning in 2019, I read that Dress Barn would be closing. To be honest, it meant absolutely nothing to me. It was my wife who let out a quiet scream of concern, “I have a fe… Read More
As the world gradually recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel industry faces new challenges. The surge of “revenge travel,” where travelers were eager to… Read More
Living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity poses significant challenges. Individuals affected by the autoimmune disorder often find it difficult to enjoy travel due to fear of gluten e… Read More
There’s a lot more to Puerto Rico than San Juan—and there’s a lot more to being a successful travel advisor than just sales skills. So when my Facebook friends Nina Sherman… Read More
Mooresville, NC, May 16, 2024 – Gifted Travel Network is excited to announce its partnership with Voyager Social, known for its innovative artificial intelligence engine Toby AI. This… Read More
Next year, 2025, will be the 100th anniversary of the founding of Tauck, and at this major milestone the tour operator is taking a serious look at its concept of group touring. Historically… Read More
Nestled in the Jiangsu province of eastern China, Suzhou stands as a captivating destination that weaves together the threads of ancient history, cultural richness, and natural beauty. Often… Read More
When a stick doesn’t work, reach for a carrot—and apparently that’s the smart new approach to its travel-agency partners at American Airlines. The carrier has follow… Read More
In honor of Father’s Day, and/or the issues fatherhood often brings up, the founders of The Journeymen Collective suggest that the best way to deal with and release the str… Read More
Lea Diele, CTIE, vice president of education for Travel Leaders Network, was named the 2024 recipient of The Travel Institute’s Educational Excellence Award. This annual award recogniz… Read More
For those who might be unfamiliar with America’s pastime, the position closest to the first baseman in the game of baseball is the second baseman. The defensive distance between these… Read More
A growing trend among travelers is pursuing authentic, local experiences beyond major urban attractions. This “life-seeing” trend is documented in studies such as Booking.com&rsq… Read More
Last week’s cautionary tale about travel advisor Debi King, who was put off an Oceania World Cruise in the Seychelles for “soliciting business” onboard the ship, resulted i… Read More
AmaWaterways announced two new river ships launching in 2026: AmaKaia will AmaDara on the Mekong River and AmaSofia will sail Europe’s Rhine and Danu… Read More
Tourism is booming and the Olympics are looming—but travel to Paris is on shaky ground once again. The air traffic controllers are calling for a strike at Orly next week and Rya… Read More
When I was in South Africa in May, I had the rare pleasure of visiting the Oyster Box hotel in Umhlanga Village, a few minutes’ drive north from the city of Durban. I say “rare&r… Read More
Don’t you just hate it when politics get in the way of travel? As if it’s not bad enough that the war in the Middle East has closed the Red Sea to cruise traffic, now its… Read More
In the ever-evolving world of travel and tourism, it’s crucial that we never become too complacent or overconfident in the relationships we’ve built with our cherished customers… Read More
As travel agents, much of what we do can become second nature. While escorting a trip recently, I was reminded of this when several clients thanked me for what I considered “just my jo… Read More
AmaWaterways on Thursday announced it will grow its fleet by two for the 2026 season, adding one new ship in Asia and one in Europe. The new AmaSofia will sail the Rhine and Danube Rive… Read More
When Debi King and her customer set sail on an Oceania World Cruise last month, it never even crossed her mind that the captain might put her off the ship in the Seychelles—with just $… Read More
AmaWaterways’ Military Savings offers active and retired service members a $250 savings on river cruises in Europe, Asia, Egypt or Colombia. This offer is combinable with… Read More
AA’s hard stance on pushing direct bookings, which included no longer offering frequent-flyer points to travelers who don’t book direct, apparently has backfired. AA cut i… Read More
For over two decades, Beyond Times Square has been the go-to destination management company for travelers seeking personalized, behind-the-scenes experiences in major US cities like New York… Read More
Most visitors to the State of Israel this summer will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) before they leave home. The form will be required beginning Aug… Read More
A recent article in INC Magazine promised to introduce the two words that the author considered the secret to future sales success. This immediately caught my attention, as I found myself se… Read More
Offering unique and personalized services is crucial for remaining competitive and maintaining client satisfaction and loyalty. One innovative tool that can help travel agents achieve this i… Read More
Since 2015, I have hosted nearly a dozen trips on hotel barges. These are narrow, custom-built vessels that putter along the French canals generally for six nights/seven days. Because the ba… Read More
Remember what the traffic was like in New York when LaGuardia was under construction? Things likely will be just as bad this summer, at the corner where a $19 billion renovation proje… Read More
It was just after Covid, about 18 months ago, that Jenn Lee and Travel Planners International owners Ken and Tony Gagliano Jr. agreed that the travel industry was coming back strong—an… Read More
CCRA Travel Commerce Network recently announced a series of significant updates aimed at advancing the company’s growth strategy and supporting independent travel advisors. Building on… Read More
Oenophiles have two reasons to rejoice this week: May 25 is National Wine Day – and AmaWaterways is celebrating by rolling out a new French itinerary that includes visits to some… Read More
Today’s article is coming to you from 31,000 feet above the ground. I am comfortably seated in an aisle seat in row 31 on an American Airlines flight en route to Philadelphia. Tomorrow… Read More
Let’s face it: today’s consumer doesn’t expect much. Remember when gas station attendants would pump your gas, check your oil, and clean your windshield? Unless you’r… Read More
It’s been a long time since I’ve stayed at an all-inclusive resort, and even longer since I’ve been to Jamaica, where we celebrated our honeymoon 50 years ago. And I’… Read More
This week on the Rhine River, while cruising on AmaWaterways’ AmaLucia, I chose to straddle a saddle on four excursions by bicycle. “It’s the best way to see a place,&rdquo… Read More
If you’re planning to go to France, I’ve got an idea for you. First, let’s define our terms. The US airline industry is an oligopoly. An oligopoly is “a state of limi… Read More
Just nine months after the debut of Silver Nova, Silversea already has given her a new sister. The cruise line today celebrated the official handover of Silver Ray, its second N… Read More
E-X-E-C-U-T-I-O-N is a nine-letter word that identifies the reason most companies and individuals fail to meet their full potential. More realistically, it is a lack of execution. According… Read More
Travel has evolved dramatically, from paper maps and printed tickets to today’s digital itineraries and virtual tours. Yet, despite the technology overhaul, the core of being a travel… Read More
AmaWaterways shared the way it commits to sustainability by sharing a short video showcasing current initiatives to eliminate single-use plastics, minimize food waste and contribute positive… Read More
Next week is the week of Africa’s Travel Indaba, the travel trade show for all of Africa. It will be held in Durban, South Africa, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention… Read More
It’s been five years since the federal government announced that it would require REAL IDs for travelers over 18. But in just a year from now, the regulation actually is likely… Read More
Travel 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 Ans… Read More
A new Marriott on Florida’s Gulf Coast is accepting reservations beginning June 2, offering a new option for individual travelers as well as meetings and conventions. Overlooking the M… Read More
In 1982, I remember asking myself two questions before stepping up to the microphone, “What difference are you going to make? How are you going to improve upon the silence? 42 years la… Read More
In the ever-changing travel advisory, mastering the art of specialization is not just an option; it’s a strategic imperative for those aiming to grow. Embracing niche markets opens doo… Read More
It’s no secret that we love to keep moving when we travel. From bicycling-themed cruises to excursions that get our heart rate going, we think the best way to see the world is by getti… Read More
Be careful what you ask for, ASTA. The new US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations offer many benefits to travelers, including some for which ASTA has long been lobbying. But at th… Read More
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Costa Rica, the small village of Tortuguero is a true ecological gem. Nestled within a vast protected national park, it is one of the most important… Read More
It’s hard to imagine any place more fundamental to being a well-traveled person than Greece, the source of Western Civilization. It’s even closer to the root than Italy. The cult… Read More
North 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 Nor… Read More
More than 300 union members are on strike at London Heathrow, but local media reported few issues at the airport today. UK Border Force workers have begun a four-day strike scheduled… Read More
Two weeks ago, reminded you how important it was to differentiate yourself from your competition. In an effort to clarify my point, I referenced Seth Godin’s book titled The Purple Cow… Read More
The travel agency industry has significantly transformed over the past few decades. Once a pastime predominantly pursued by the wives of wealthy businessmen who organized leisure trips more… Read More
“We cannot protect something we do not love, we cannot love what we do not know, and we cannot know what we do not see. Or hear. Or sense.” ~ Richard Louv Non-profit organi… Read More
The Biden-Harris Administration yesterday announced a new US Department of Transportation (DOT) ruling that promises to speed up and simplify travelers’ refunds for canceled fli… Read More
From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, we’ll marvel at wildlife against a backdrop of spectacular panoramas. We’ll pitch camp in romantic lodges and sail on the beautiful African Q… Read More
There’s no way to summarize a weeklong press trip to Israel in just one column. So I’ve taken two. For the background on our amazing journey, see my column from last week, One St… Read More
