TRO Travelgram: Jan 7

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Destinations

The best U.S. cities to escape winter 
Most of us get a little cabin crazy at some point during our long winters. But a quick hop south can thaw you faster than a snowflake on a brandy-warmed tongue – so long as you know where to go…Globe and Mail
48 Hours In: Cape Town 
There's lots to celebrate in South Africa's dramatic coastal city this year, from a festival of design to a milestone for democracy… The Independent
Which Caribbean Island Is Right for You?
Whether you're a hiker, history buff, family traveler or foodie, there's a perfect Caribbean island for you… IndependentTraveler.com

Tours and Activities

These Are The Craziest Places In The World Where You Can Get A Drink 
If you've grown tired of all the establishments within a five-mile radius of your house, know that the world is bursting with weird, creepy, and mind-blowing spots for you to enjoy a spot of tea -- or delicious libations… The Huffington Post
9 quirky and brilliant Paris boutiques
Starbucks, McDonald's, Zara -- many of the international chains have tried to colonize Paris but the city seems to have put up more resistance than, say, London or New York… CNN
13 things you haven't done in Vegas 
Sin City has big plans in 2014 when its streets will glow even brighter with new attractions and hotels. December left us giddy with anticipation, already premiering multiple powerhouse acts that rock expectations of Vegas entertainment… USA Today

Cruise

Will stranded ship affect Antarctica cruise tourism?
Cruise lines that carry tourists to Antarctica say that the research ship stranded in ice since Christmas Eve did not indicate any increased risk for Antarctic tourism… USA Today
Peak-season European river cruises mostly sold out
River cruising's increasing popularity may mean anyone still hoping to ply Europe's waterways this summer will have to wait… USA Today

Transportation

American Eagle to change name and look
American Airlines officially changed its look last week… USA Today
Fierce weather forces more flight cancellations, delays
Airlines continued to cancel and delay thousands of flights Monday as freezing temperatures spread across the country in the aftermath of last week's winter storm… USA Today

Lodging

B&B and Beyond: The Steading, Aberfeldy 
This contemporary house showcases local produce, from Aberfeldy stone to eggs from the garden… The Independent
The Airds Hotel, Argyll: review
The Airds Hotel has pretty sitting rooms, charming staff and wonderful views of Loch Linnhe… Telegraph (London)

Other and Odd

Passenger jailed for slapping crying toddler on flight 
A former aerospace executive who while on a plane flight slapped a crying toddler and called the little boy, who is black, a racial slur was sentenced on Monday to eight months in prison for an incident his attorney blamed on his alcoholism… Sydney Morning Herald 
Traveling While Black
Exploring the many dimensions of what it's like to see the world as a black traveler, from discovering liberation to experiencing healing…New York Times

365 Guide Tip for the Day

5 Words to Jump Start 2014 – Passion
OK, I really mean passionate empathy. I know it sounds like I am trying to squeeze two topics into my column. But passion by itself can be misunderstood as a mere enthusiasm for travel… Travel Research Online

Press Releases of Interest

CTC and CTIE: New and Improved
Choose the certification that's right for you! Long recognized as the gold standard in the travel industry, the CTC program has been totally rebuilt with fresh content on a platform that's available 24/7; … Travel Research Online

Today in History

The Leaning Tower is Closed 
The cathedral in Pisa has a free-standing bell tower on which construction began August 9, 1173 and took 117 years to complete. Built on a small foundation in soft soil, however, the massive tower soon began to tilt and over the centuries came to be know as the Leaning Tower of Pisa… Travel Research Online