Titan sparks more interest in extreme adventures, luxury agent says

Wealthy adventure-seekers have shown a “marked increase” in booking an extreme trip despite the tragic implosion of the Titan submersible, according to the founder of a luxury travel company.

London-based travel agency Brown and Hudson — which offers white-knuckle experiences including heli-skiing, mountain climbing and trekking in remote locations — said its rich clientele have not been deterred by the disaster.

“Tragedies sometimes generate interest in other areas of extreme travel,” Philippe Brown, the firm’s founder, told The Post on Wednesday.

He also noted a “marked increase” in travelers’ interest in the agency’s pricey membership, with many inquiring about “risk assessment, management and mitigation — a subject that is not spoken about in luxury travel,” Brown said.

The submersible’s demise last week as it headed to the Titanic shipwreck in the North Sea led to the deaths of British billionaire Hamish Harding and the other four people aboard.

But Brown

…

This year’s Hajj brings 2 million people to Mecca post-pandemic

Over 2 million Muslims will take part in this week’s Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, as one of the world’s largest religious gatherings returns to full capacity following years of coronavirus restrictions.

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims are required to undertake it at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so. For the pilgrims, it is a profound spiritual experience that wipes away sins, brings them closer to God and highlights Muslim unity.

For the Saudi royal family, which captured Mecca in the 1920s, organizing the pilgrimage is a major source of pride and legitimacy. Authorities have invested billions of dollars in modern infrastructure, but the Hajj has occasionally been marred by tragedy, as in 2015, when over 2,400 pilgrims died in a stampede.

Here’s a look at the

…

A look at a legacy player in the commission payment space: Travel Weekly

One legacy player still working in the commission payment space is Onyx Center Source, which serves as a conduit between hotels and agencies, helping hotels process stay data and send payments to agencies and working with agencies to commission chases.

Onyx offers tiered levels of service to agencies: The base level, receiving a commission check, is free for agencies if a hotel uses Onyx to pay commissions. Onyx charges agencies for additional services, including a consolidated weekly electronic payment with stay details; booking data for reconciliation and commission recovery; and reporting, benchmarking and analysis.

Chief commercial officer Tony Wagner said that in most cases, hotels send commission payments to Onyx within 30 days of checkout, and the funds are remanded to the agency the following week.

A common agency complaint about Onyx is its cost. Wagner would not disclose what percentage Onyx charges for commission recovery, but did point to

…

Parents traveling with breast milk are allowed through airport security. Here’s what to do about TSA screening issues.

woman pouring breast milk into bottle

I donated 2 gallons of my breastmilk.Jamie Grill/Getty Images

  • TSA’s website says breastmilk, formula, and other baby and toddler food can be taken through security.

  • Parents should let TSA agents know they are traveling with these things

  • Actress Keke Palmer said she recently experienced “breast milk discrimination.”

Actress Keke Palmer, who starred in the 2022 film “Nope,” said that security agents threatened to throw away the 16 ounces of breast milk that she was trying to bring through airport security.

“Breast milk discrimination at the Houston airport ruined my mood,” she said Tweeted. “I should’ve popped my tit out right then because the discretion and comfort of pumping is thwarted with threats to throw out over 16oz of my babies food?!?!!! Why is that not a crime?? I’M A MOTHER for crying out loud.”

TSA policies allow breastmilk and other baby food to go through security. Here’s what

…

G Adventures & Visit Jordan explains why they invest in travel agents

G Adventures, Visit Jordan and Royal Jordanian Airlines are hosting the 2024 Next Door Travel Agent conference. TTAND agents will fly on a private, chartered Royal Jordanian Airlines jet to the 2024 event.

we asked David GreenVP and managing director, G Adventures and Omar Banihanidirector of marketing, Visit Jordan why they are investing in hosting TTAND agents at next year’s conference.

TTAND: Despite predictions that travel agents would become extinct, they seem to be more in demand than ever since the pandemic. Explain the importance of the travel agent to your business.

David: I’ve never bought into this concept that Travel Agents will become extinct. In the same way that people need great real estate agents, they also need great travel agents. Sure, people can do their own research, they can find their own deals, but a Travel Agent does so much more. They are there

…

Tips and tricks for smooth travel

As we swing into summer, many of you will be hitting the open road and friendly skies, and maybe even staying in a place where they “leave the light on for you.”

Due to my day job, my life revolves around the world of travel and my experience has helped me compile some tips that may help you on your own journeys — with or without the family.

My iPhone has a folder of all my travel apps, and believe me, they come in handy and offer a variety of services such as the ability to check into my flight while at the dog park or checking out of a hotel at the crack of dawn.

When I book family trips, I book directly with the airlines, hotels and rental car companies. I find it easier to deal with them directly than with third parties. When it comes to third-party

…

Galapagos Islands: An Incredible Vacation Experience

The Galapagos Islands are a unique destination that offers travelers an unforgettable experience. From the islands’ diverse wildlife to its stunning landscapes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Rocks jutting out of the waters by the Galapagos Islands

Opportunities for Hiking, Snorkeling, Diving, and Boat Tours

The Galapagos Islands offer an array of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, snorkeling, diving, and boat tours.

Hiking on the islands provides an opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and observe the unique wildlife up close. Snorkeling and diving are ideal for exploring the underwater world and observing various marine species, such as sharks, sea turtles and colorful fish.

Boat tours and island hopping offer visitors the chance to explore multiple islands and enjoy breathtaking views of the archipelago.

With so many activities available, visitors can create a customized itinerary that fits their interests and preferences, ensuring a fulfilling and unforgettable experience. A Galapagos trips is an experience you will never forget.

…

TDC Strengthens Commitment to agent@home Program

There’s lots happening at Transat Distribution Canada (TDC), one of the country’s largest full-service, 100% Canadian and bilingual travel agency networks lately.

The company recently launched its new gift card program, under the name ‘zaluna.’ Gift cards can now be purchased exclusively online from the full-service travel agency network.

ADVERTISING

There have also been many management changes, which Transat Distribution Canada’s Karine Gagnon says were made “with the objective of improving efficiency and synergies within our organization.”

Among the changes, Anthony Mormina was promoted to Senior Director, Sales & Corporate Operations. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading and strengthening sales & operations for all TDC’s company owned and managed retail points of sale. This includes TDC’s Loyalty partners & Club Voyages Affair division, Voyages Transat, and Transat Travel agencies across Canada, as well as the Agent@Home sector.

The company remains focused on TDC Campus, the most

…

MO man charged with planning to murder a US border agent

A New York Times file photo shows Border Patrol agents.

A New York Times file photo shows Border Patrol agents.


Photo files

Th New York Times

Two self-styled militia members, who were arrested after one shot at FBI agents at the Lake of the Ozarks, planned to travel to Texas shoot at undocumented immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexican border and murder Border Patrol agents who would have tried to stop them, according to new charges filed against them.

[–

Jonathan O’Dell, 33, of Warsaw in Missouri’s Benton County, and 37-year-old Bryan Perry, of Tennessee, were arrested in October after Perry allegedly fired 11 shots at multiple FBI special agents trying to execute a search warrant at O’Dell’s residence.

[–

At the time, little was known about why the FBI was searching the residence in the 30000 block of US 65 Highway, about 100 miles southeast of Kansas City.

[–

But a 44-count second superseding indictment, returned this week by a federal

…

Take the hassle out of business travel with Uniglobe Direct’s corporate travel department – Think Local

Business travel.

Those two words together often send shudders down spines in offices across the globe, including the Okanagan. Traveling for work can be a drag when you consider there are early-morning flights, all work and no fun on the agenda, and big costs if you are the one having to pay for each journey.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Corporate travel management companies offer benefits such as saving time and money, providing travel support, emergency assistance and travel insights, and enhancing travel policy compliance. Kelowna’s Uniglobe Direct offers a corporate travel department that takes the worry out of your mind, keeps money in your pocket and can also serve as your connection to travel incentive plans that will get your employees motivated to deliver.

Managing business travel can be complicated. With an array of routes and fares, confidence in securing the best fare

…