You are browsing the ‘Soundings’ category:

There are 24 articles in the category.


The 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. Read the rest of this entry »

AMAWaterways river cruise ship

Looking to its profitable and resurgent group business, AmaWaterways on Tuesday announced an extension of its bonus commission program and its online AmaAcademy for travel advisors selling groups.

SVP Sales Alex Pinelo told TRO, “During the Covid period, there was a lot of uncertainty about when travel would resume and what restrictions might apply when it did. Travel advisors had a difficult time promoting new groups because of that uncertainty. Read the rest of this entry »

Tommy Bahama Clothing Store Sign and Logo.

If Margaritaville can do it, why not Tommy Bahama?

Soon your wedding party will be able to put on those $100 Hawaiian shirts and sleep on colorful Tommy sheets in California’s Coachella Valley, at the upscale retail brand’s first hotel, the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells. Read the rest of this entry »

For hosted advisors, knowing all the facts about different host agencies is a must. Yet, sometimes the facts found on the host company’s website aren’t the whole story. That’s where Host Agency Reviews will come to the rescue, in specific Host Week 2023. Now in its third year, registration is open for this virtual event featuring notable keynote speakers, offers, and information for advisors of all levels.

Read the rest of this entry »

Catamaran boat in the Bahamas

It’s time for the charter yacht sector to move beyond its old base of Sea Dog do-it-yourselfers and reach out to all those travelers looking for a great, unique, private, easy seven-day all-inclusive vacation for as little as $1,500. Read the rest of this entry »

Delta Builds Links on the Ground and in the Air

mini-helicopter

One could say that Delta Air Lines is looking up and down for new ways to move customers to and from its planes. On the ground, it is partnering with trains in Europe to speed flyers on their way to midtown; in the air, it is looking at mini helicopters to pick them up. Read the rest of this entry »

Southwest Airlines offers $59 Flights for Fall

Southwest Airlines airplane

Southwest Airlines is offering fares as low as $59  available for departures through February 2023. The deep discount applies to select domestic and international flights.   Read the rest of this entry »

NCL Prima Inaugural

“Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am,” the song goes. “It’s so hard to keep the smile from my face.” Ok it’s not a Katy Perry song, but that’s how we all were feeling, I think, aboard the elegant new Norwegian Prima in Reykjavik Read the rest of this entry »

Home Tests OK, Say RCCL and Celebrity

Covid Test

It’s an honor system now onboard the mainstream cruise lines, as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity move to allow guests to board based on unmonitored home tests. Read the rest of this entry »

Sign of Royal Caribbean International

Taking one more step toward opening cruising, Royal Caribbean Group in its quarterly report today announced it will be allowing vaccinated guests on voyages of five days or less to board without Covid testing — and is “transitioning to the point where everyone will be able to vacation with us.”. Read the rest of this entry »

Silver Endeavour

Royal Caribbean Group today announced it has received court approval to acquire the former Crystal cruise ship Endeavor. Originally delivered to Crystal Cruises in 2021, the ship will be renamed Silver Endeavour when it officially joins the Group’s wholly owned subsidiary, Silversea Cruises’ fleet, this month. Read the rest of this entry »

Seven Seas Explorer - Regent

Regent Seven Seas invites seasoned travelers to cross five continents in five months aboard Seven Seas Mariner for its latest world cruise offering called “Away in Wonder,” which departs from Miami on January 7, 2025. Bound for San Francisco, this voyage will cross three oceans and call on 97 ports across 25 countries. Highlights include 16 overnight stays including Rio de Janeiro and Bora Bora; the opportunity to visit 48 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Rapa Nui National Park on Easter Island; and a choice of 395 included shore excursions — all included in the fare. Read the rest of this entry »

norwegian gem-aerial

At All Points Travel in Salt Lake City, Corina Johnson made an easy sale yesterday. A member of her Theater Lovers whom she books trips three or four times a year, saw a post about an interesting offering from Norwegian Cruise Line: “The Broadway Cruise” to Bermuda, launching in March 2023. Read the rest of this entry »

Elvis has left the chapel

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the company that controls the image of Elvis Presley and which licenses all use of his image, Authentic Brands Group, has issued a cease-and-desist letter to chapels in Las Vegas performing wedding ceremonies with chaplains dressed as the King. Read the rest of this entry »

Downtown Orlando

Personal finance website Wallethub has released a report on the best summer travel destinations. Read the rest of this entry »

Wedding guests

A recently released Priceline “Wedding Travel Report” indicates travel for weddings will surge this year as people make up for two years of lost time. The report estimates that Americans spend more than $2,700 on average to attend a wedding “out of town.” Read the rest of this entry »

Tower of London

Adventures by Disney this week announced new 2023 itineraries, including programs to Sicily and the British Isles. Their Private Adventures program, for groups of up to 12 guests, will return as well and will be available to book on May 13th. Read the rest of this entry »

When I stroll down the raised walkway to my tented bedroom in a safari camp, I almost bump into an elephant.

She’s as surprised as I am, and we both take a step backward. Then I quietly walk onto the wooden deck and pull up a chair as she continues eating. Soon more elephants jauntily stroll along to join her until 11 are standing in the mud 100 meters away, drawn by freshwater bubbling out of the ground at Deteema Springs, a five-star tented lodge in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. Read the rest of this entry »

A Week at Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a destination perfect for a getaway, provided you appreciate skiing or hiking or nature, golf, shopping, gambling, fishing, boating, or dozens of other outdoor activities.  Straddling the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe often exceeds the expectations of first-time visitors. Its natural beauty, crystal clear waters, towering Jeffrey pine trees, and mountains are stunning during any season.

But there is more. Lake Tahoe surprises with its casinos and city life. It is by no means a bustling metropolis, but part of it is in Nevada. The state is well-known for its casinos and gambling opportunities, so there is a subtle hint of this lifestyle infused into the otherwise tranquil destination. Places like Harrah’s and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino have a home here. These establishments have slot machines, table games, nightclubs, entertainment, and fine dining to accommodate guests. Read the rest of this entry »

AmericanTours International’s (ATI) Drive America customizable road trip packages make it easy for travel agents to set up, save clients money (compared to booking it on their own online), and generate commissions on a $3,000 couple booking and up to $10,000 or more for a small or multi-generation family. ATI support team knows about the ins and outs of traveling within your destinations and is always available to help you. Read the rest of this entry »

Underserved Niche Championed by Dina Farmer

As I interview travel professionals and persons in the travel industry, I find there are two camps for niching.

The first group plants a flag in the camp of, “choose a niche” you are passionate about, learn about it, visit it and then dominate you niche. The other camp says, “your niche finds you,” and often have incredible stories to back their claims. This is a story of the niche that found Dina Farmer.

Dina is an adventurer. Her world travels are exciting. Her past service to our country as a photographer in the United States Air Force is part of the tale. Falling in love with her husband, also USAF, is part of the tale. Marrying and having her beautiful children is where her niche emerges. Read the rest of this entry »