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 »

London is a city of history and culture, one of the most visited in the world. Yet, outside the city limits of this fascinating and rather large city are rolling hills of green around smaller cities that represent the varied paths of England’s past. The Cotswolds, and its rolling green hills. Bath, a city of Roman-era baths. Cornwall, where some still speak a Celtic language. These are all excellent examples of destinations outside the busy streets of London.

Romance Travel Forum, an exclusive B2B event focused on destination weddings, honeymoons, and other romantic occasions celebrated with travel, recently concluded with outstanding reviews, and strong optimism for increased business amongst participants.  Produced by Travel Show Marketing Group (TravelSMG), an independent event organizer catering to the Travel Advisor market, this exclusive event was held at the Secrets Moxché Playa Del Carmen resort in Mexico from June  25 – 29.  The sold-out 2023 edition was Read the rest of this entry »

If you need to renew or apply for a new passport, you may face longer than average wait times. The State Department is reporting significant backlogs for both renewal and new passport applications due to pandemic-related disruptions and delays.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Department had to temporarily shut down passport agencies and centers for health and safety. Operations have now resumed, but they are still not back to normal pre-pandemic processing times. The State Department estimates that it will take between 10 to 12 weeks for routine service.

The backlog is not just due to shutdowns, however. Many Americans put off applying for or renewing their passports during the height of the pandemic, due to travel restrictions and health concerns. Now that more people are beginning to plan travel again, the State Department has seen a surge in new applications, contributing to longer wait times. They are advising people who need a new passport to apply now for the holidays and avoid paying expensive fees for expedited service unless truly necessary.

The delays and increased demand underscore the importance of applying for or renewing your passport with plenty of lead time. While the State Department aims to eventually return to normal processing times, the backlog of applications may continue to impact turnaround times for some months. If planning international travel, ensure your passport is up to date and allow a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks to receive your new passport. With planning, most people should be able to get their passports in time for their trips, but flexibility and patience will be important in the short term.

For those looking to explore the waterways of Europe and beyond, CroisiEurope Cruises is an excellent choice. As Europe’s largest river cruise line, they pride themselves on welcoming over 220,000 passengers annually across its fleet of 51 ships, and more than 200 itineraries. With a range of unique destinations and ships, plus a commitment to reducing its environmental impact, CroisiEurope Cruises is a great option for travelers seeking a high-quality river cruise experience. Read the rest of this entry »

Tortuguero, Costa Rica is a stunning coastal village located on the northeast Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. The region is famous for its beautiful beaches, canals, lagoons, and swamps, which offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in nature and explore the country’s diverse ecosystem. The village’s name means “region of turtles” in Spanish, and it is a popular nesting site for sea turtles.

Every travel advisor knows that group travel can include quite a lot of details to arrange. From coordinating travel plans to collecting payments from each individual, organizing group trips can be time-consuming and frustrating. That’s where WeTravel comes in. The comprehensive platform streamlines the entire group travel process, making it easy for travel organizers to create and manage trips with ease. Read the rest of this entry »

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.

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.

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.