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 »

Travel has been a part of human life since the migratory days of ancient ancestors. Though, it has changed quite a bit from having to walk for thousands of miles. Ships, horse-led carts, trains, cars, planes, and then jets. We have traveled through time to our destination in the here and now, where we travel this wonderful world more than any other population in history. Read the rest of this entry »

On dates ranging from March 17^th to October 11^th of 2024, Collette will be offering a special version of their ‘Memorials of World War II’ tour. The tour will focus on the 80^th anniversary of D-Day, June 6^th, 1944, during World War II.

The special tour will take the traveler through cities like London, where the traveler will learn about what is like during The Blitz and travel across the English Channel.

Also on the itinerary is France, specifically the first French town liberated from the Nazis, Saint-Mère-Église. While the tour ends in Paris, the city of light, with a dinner cruise along the Seine River.

And of course, a chance to experience the beaches of Normandy and honor the almost 9,000 Allied troop deaths when storming the shore.

“Throughout 2024, our travelers will have the opportunity to take this journey honoring the 80th anniversary of D-Day, traveling along the same paths as the nearly 160,000 Allied troops who battled for European freedom on June 6, 1944. The visit to Normandy is always an emotional one. It is such a moving experience to set foot on the same sand as so many heroes did that day.”, said Jaclyn Liebl-Cote Chief Customer Experience Officer at Collette.

Tour prices start at $3,499, and Collette says there are plenty of spots for travelers available.

Porto is a vibrant city located in northern Portugal on the banks of the Douro River. Known for its delicious wine, stunning architecture and rich history, Porto is a fascinating destination that offers something for everyone. In this article, we will explore some of the top things to do in Porto, Portugal.

In the past, Peru endured a significant wave of protests and violence that has led to many casualties. This path of unrest resulted from former President Pedro Castillo’s removal from power, which was viewed by many as a controversial decision. Nevertheless, things are now calm, and the United States State Department has lowered its travel advisory from level 3 to level 2.

The reduction of the travel advisory to Peru is excellent news for people who have been waiting to travel to the country. However, it is essential to note that there are still some considerations travelers need to make before embarking on a trip.

While the country is now safe to travel to, the recent unrest is a reminder of the need for adequate preparation before any journey. Therefore, it is vital to research thoroughly about the destination and stay up to date with any information that might be relevant to travelers.

Applause-Tickets.com is proud to announce their 36th anniversary this year. For over three decades, they have been providing travel agents with excellent service and superior seating for both Broadway and London Theatre. In addition to theatre tickets, they also offer tickets for nationwide events, local concerts, and sporting events. Read the rest of this entry »

If you’re a travel advisor or know someone who is, then you may have heard of HAR’s Travel Advisor Survey. For those who are unfamiliar, this survey is the only one of its kind that profiles different advisor segments, including income, fees, business operations, demographics, and career satisfaction. Read the rest of this entry »

When it comes to travel, we often think about the sights we’ll see, the food we’ll eat, and the experiences we’ll have. But what if we could travel in a way that not only benefits us, but also the communities we visit? That’s where G Adventures comes in. Read the rest of this entry »

Morocco, in North Africa, is known for its fascinating blend of cultures, including Amazigh, Arab, and European influences. These influences are reflected in its cuisine, music, and architecture. Morocco is also famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Sahara Desert, the High Atlas Mountains—and the beautiful coastline. Its cities, such as Marrakech and Casablanca, are filled with ornate palaces, bustling markets, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors to Morocco can expect to be charmed by the hospitality of its people, the vibrancy of its culture, and its rich history, which dates back thousands of years. Read the rest of this entry »

The arrival of a record-breaking amount of sargassum seaweed on the beaches of Florida has sparked concern over its potential to impact tourism, the environment, and human health negatively. While seaweed has been known to provide valuable habitat for marine life, its excessive accumulation can lead to several adverse consequences. Cocoa Beach has been particularly hard hit this year, and the west coast Florida beaches are starting to accumulate quantities of seaweed.  South Beach in Miami is reporting sargassum piles.  Authorities say this may be the largest bloom ever recorded.

According to experts, sargassum seaweed contains arsenic, and if left uncollected, it can leach into the groundwater, posing a health hazard to humans. This is particularly concerning considering that Florida has a large tourist population that frequents the beaches, increasing their potential exposure to this toxic substance.

Moreover, extensive amounts of rotting sargassum can provide an ideal environment for the growth of fecal bacteria, posing a significant health risk to beachgoers. The presence of fecal bacteria in seawater is known to cause skin rashes, ear infections, and meningitis, among other diseases.

In addition, the rotting seaweed can emit hydrogen sulfide gas, which can cause respiratory problems and eye irritation. The problem is compounded by the fact that the seaweed emits a pungent odor, which can make it unpleasant for tourists to visit the beaches, affecting the tourism industry.

Officials are seeking to put measures in place to prevent the accumulation of sargassum seaweed on Florida’s beaches. These measures may involve training beachgoers on how to discard sargassum responsibly, providing incentives for its collection, and investing in technology to remove the seaweed mechanically.

The Travel Institute, the only dedicated education provider in the travel industry, has launched the TRIPKIT℠ 5th Edition introductory training course. This extensive program packs the equivalent of one college semester into an easy-to-follow, 19-lesson self-paced course. TRIPKIT℠ is a cost-effective, 60 to 80-hour online program including three key areas of study: travel career development, destination knowledge, and a “how to” on establishing and running a home-based agency. Read the rest of this entry »

For travelers who daydream of wandering through streets filled with art, beauty and indulging in delicious Italian cuisine, Florence is a top destination to consider.

As you stroll through the charming city of Florence, you may feel like you have been transported back in time to the Renaissance era, and it is no wonder why it was the birthplace of the Renaissance. The city, nicknamed “the jewel of the Renaissance,” is located in central Italy and attracts millions of visitors each year.

Sky Bird Travel & Tours, one of the leading airline consolidators in the industry, has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Effective April 3, 2023, Norm Knowles assumed the role of CEO to lead the company’s future strategies and expansion plans. This announcement has been made by Arvin Shah, Chairman of Sky Bird Travel & Tours. Read the rest of this entry »

One more time, failed talks with labor unions are disrupting operations at Heathrow Airport.

Striking security officers at Terminal Five have caused British Airways to cancel around 5% of flights for 10 days, from March 31 to April 9 (midnight Easter Sunday), and stop selling new tickets.

For existing customers, the union says the strikes will cause disruption to flights, but Heathrow says it has contingency plans to keep passengers moving along. Still, approximately 1,400 members of Unite who are expected to take part in the walkout will be replaced by 1,000 extra staff being added by the airport.

Elsewhere in Europe, EasyJet cabin crew in Portugal have voted to strike April 1-3, and a wave of strikes by air traffic controllers continues to affect operations in France.

Do you know an adventure enthusiast looking for a travel tour supplier that can fulfill their wildest dreams? Costa Rica Dream Adventures is a perfect choice. Their tours are tailor-made to satisfy the traveler’s thirst for excitement, discovery, and fun. CRDA offers a vast array of activities including canopy tours and ziplining, which will challenge limits and make the traveler’s heart leap with joy.

Travelers entering the UK next week are being warned to expect delays at border control, as a result of a planned strike by Border Force officials.

The Public and Commercial Services union will be walking out next Wednesday in a dispute over pay. The stoppage is set to last through Thursday morning and will affect all international arrivals at UK air and maritime ports, and those arriving from Calais, Dunkirk and Coquelles in France.

The government has issued a statement urging travelers to prepare for longer wait times at the border during the proposed industrial action. It is recommended that those travelling into the UK during this period plan ahead and allow extra time at check-in to avoid delays or disruption. Furthermore, they have advised travelers to check their airline’s website for more information on their flight status before departing for the airport.

The strike will affect thousands of people across the country, with London Heathrow Airport likely to experience some of the longest queues due to its high volume of international passengers. This could have further implications for domestic flights, with airlines potentially facing staffing shortages due to staff unable to make it through border control in time for their shifts.

The government has urged both sides in this dispute to come together and agree an amicable resolution so that there is no disruption for passengers or businesses affected by these strikes.

Founded in 2016, WeTravel was built to support travel businesses by digitizing and simplifying the travel booking and payment process. Now used by more than 3,000 travel companies—to transact with nearly 500,000 travelers and thousands of suppliers, annually— the platform has revolutionized how the travel industry manages their businesses. With a suite of integrated SaaS and FinTech solutions that fit into an intuitive platform, WeTravel enables businesses to increase sales conversion, trim administration time, and manage fund transfers from travelers and to suppliers globally.

Cruise Lines International Association, the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community, today announced the appointment of four leaders to helm its Strategic Trade Advisory and Review Board (STARBoard) and Trade Relations Committee (TRC) in North America. 

Anita Pagliasso, Vice President of Industry Relations with KHM Travel Group, and Skip Fortier, Vice President of Network Expansion with Avoya Travel, will serve as STARBoard co-chairs. Dondra Ritzenthaler, ECC, Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support & Service, The Americas with Celebrity Cruises, will serve as TRC chair, and John Diorio, Vice President, North American Sales with Virgin Voyages, will serve as TRC vice-chair. The two-year terms for the four leaders will run through December 31, 2024.  Read the rest of this entry »

A powerful cold front is set to sweep across the entire Northeastern United States by Friday morning, bringing a preview of winter’s chill to the region. As temperatures drop, dangerous wind chills are expected throughout New England and parts of the Northeast, causing the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue numerous wind chill warnings and advisories for the area. Temperatures in New York City and other northeastern cities will hit in the low teens to single-digit temperatures by Saturday but recover by the end of the weekend.

This glancing shot of arctic air comes as part of a larger winter storm system that is follows on the snowfall and icy conditions in Texas and other southern states before it dissipates late Saturday. While this blast of cold weather will not last long, residents can expect extreme conditions in its wake. More than 6,000 flights have been canceled this week as a result of the weather in the deep South. The impact of the Northeastern cold front is likely to be less impactful.

The NWS has warned that anyone venturing outside should dress warmly with multiple layers, hats, scarves, gloves and boots. Residents should also keep an eye out for any signs of frostbite or hypothermia. Wind chills could reach as low as 25 degrees below zero Fahrenheit in some areas on Friday night into Saturday morning due to strong winds gusting up over 30 miles per hour.

In addition to chillier temperatures during this time, travelers may experience significant delays due to hazardous road conditions throughout the region. Motorists should plan extra time if they’re driving near snow-covered ground or icy surfaces such as bridges and overpasses. Extra caution should be taken when driving in these areas as even short periods of exposure at these extreme temperatures can cause vehicles’ tires and brake lines to freeze up.

Further north in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and other New England states, residents can expect several inches of snow accumulation along with gusty winds that could make visibility poor at times as well as icy roadways from blowing snow drifts. Meanwhile those living closer to major urban centers such as Boston and New York City are more likely to see rain showers rather than snowfall but still face strong wind gusts which could reach speeds up over 40 mph at times on Friday night.

Power outages may occur in areas where ice accumulates on power lines while flooding or significant sea level rise may occur in coastal communities due to higher tides associated with stronger winds offshore pushing water ashore in a phenomenon known as “storm surge”.

The NWS urges all residents living in impacted states along the East Coast from Georgia through Maine to pay attention and prepare adequately for this upcoming winter storm system before it arrives on Friday morning so they can stay safe during its brief yet potentially dangerous impact through Saturday afternoon.

Social media platform Pinterest has announced the launch of a new program to celebrate Black History Month – the Black Travel Hub. This initiative is designed to provide users with inspiration, education and guidance for travel to destinations across the world. Read the rest of this entry »

The headlining weather story over the next few days will be the ongoing ice storm affecting portions of the southern Plains and Mid-South that is forecast to continue into at least early Thursday. In the wake of an arctic cold frontal passage, warm and moist air overrunning cold air at the surface draped over the region will produce freezing rain and sleet that could lead to significant impacts. Furthermore, multiple rounds of wintry precipitation are forecast, with brief lulls followed by bursts of sleet and freezing rain that could drastically deteriorate road conditions. Widespread total ice accretion of greater than 0.25″ is likely from West Texas to western Tennessee, with localized areas receiving as much as 0.75″. In addition to potentially hazardous travel conditions, this amount of ice will likely lead to tree damage and scattered power outages across the hardest-hit regions. Sleet accumulations around a half inch or locally higher are also possible from West Texas to Arkansas, which can also lead to treacherous travel or add to the already slippery conditions. As a result, Ice Storm Warnings, Winter Storm Warnings, and Winter Weather Advisories have been issued. Travelers are advised to check road conditions and airline schedules before venturing out and drive with extreme caution. At publication time, over 1,000 flights have been canceled.

The winter storm is forecast to bring icy weather conditions to parts of Western Texas, Southeastern Oklahoma, Southern Arkansas, and West Tennessee. Upward of a quarter-inch to half-inch of ice accumulation is expected along the I-20 corridor in West Texas, stretching eastwards towards I-35 and eventually encompassing the aforementioned additional regions. The storm system has been intensifying since its first signs at the beginning of January, with meteorologists predicting an increase in precipitation by late February.

The NWS has also projected snowfall with this storm system and warns that some areas may experience accumulations of up to 6 inches or more. Sleet is also a possibility for some areas where temperatures will be hovering near freezing levels during storm activity, making travel conditions very dangerous if not avoided altogether. The NWS advises people to limit or avoid outdoor activities if possible during this period, as low wind chills can occur even when air temperatures remain mild. 

The NWS forecasts that the storm should pass quickly through the aforementioned regions before departing. However, the aftermath of this event may take time to recede as temperatures drop below freezing at night, leading to frozen surfaces that can cause slick driving conditions over several days following the storm’s departure. It is important for everyone residing in affected areas or traveling through them during this period of time to stay updated on changing weather conditions so they can make informed decisions depending on their circumstances.