We recently wrote about how we were observing a downward trend in airfare prices (at least seasonally). For example, September roundtrip economy flights between Asheville, North Carolina (where we live) and Paris, France (where we wish we lived) are running in the $2,000 range. In October, those fares drop to the $500 range. We’re seeing business class fares significantly lower in November.

This piqued our interest in further researching trends in airfare. After all, the costs of flights has the potential to make or break a river cruise trip Read the rest of this entry »

There were four interesting takeaways from the Travel Leaders Network press conference in New York last week, but this one really caught my eye: An air booking system, already in beta testing at new TLN member Avoya Travel, that holds the promise of increasing airline commissions and making it possible to build and price your own resort packages.

Also on the agenda were membership numbers that keep on growing, a new cruise booking tool, and more education around potentially profitable niches.

Looking for extra income or just something to do while business was slow, travel advisors have expanded beyond their usual routines into new avenues—both inside the business and out.

At My Path Unwinding Travel in Waxhaw, NC, for example, Karen Shelton noticed that 11 of the 12 customers in her Disney Wonder group had booked suites—and decided to promote an all-suite group on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas for the first time, so customers can compare the two.

“I’m super excited about this,” says Shelton, whose specialty has traditionally been Disney concierge-level suites. “I booked the Royal Suite for myself and got the ball rolling.”

The numbers are still coming in, she says Read the rest of this entry »

Set in a 19th century Ottoman palace, The Four Seasons Istanbul At The Bosphorus blends ancient Turkish architecture with contemporary accommodations that provide world class service. The property has a rich cultural location, sitting on the Bosphorus where east meets west, Asia meets Europe. One of the two Four Season’s in the city, it boasts postcard style scenery of Istanbul. From traditional hamams, retail shops, outdoor pool and some of the finest eateries in town, the FS at The Bosphorus houses large rooms to make any stay in Istanbul both Read the rest of this entry »