Exploring in Iceland

Published on September 26, 2017

  By Colu Henry, AFAR Ambassador   I had always yearned to visit Iceland and finally this summer I was able to make the trip. I longed for lava fields and moon-like landscapes and the trip didn’t disappoint. We landed in Reykjavík, the countries capital and largest city, and upon arrival Lindblad Expeditions, whom I […]

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It’s Time to Travel Together!

Published on August 30, 2017

This September, the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) marks its annual Travel Together Month with more than 100 exclusive savings on bucket list destinations and experiences around the globe. Travel Together Month showcases a curated selection of offers from the country’s leading travel companies with dates available through 2019. Offers can be found through […]

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Holiday Travel You’ll Look Forward to All Year Long

Published on August 25, 2017

  The thought of planning holiday travel is known to strike fear into the hearts of even the most energetic travelers. The tour operator members of USTOA instead believe that the holidays can be an ideal time to bring families and friends closer together and create lasting memories for years to come. The key is […]

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Four Reasons to Travel to China Now

Published on August 15, 2017

  Whether it’s sharing lunch with a local family in a private home in Beijing, marveling at one of China’s 52 famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or riding the Mag Lev bullet train into the modern metropolis of Shanghai, there are so many ways to experience the vast and varied country of China. Credit: go-today […]

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Finding Beauty in Day to Day Life in Historic Cuba

Published on August 14, 2017

By Ben Schuyler, AFAR Ambassador I’ve often found that when you mention visiting Cuba to someone, it’s undoubtedly the case that you will be asked about a combination of the following things – communism, cigars, rum, music, and classic cars.  It’s not without good reason that these are common topics, but the diversity of this […]

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Cortaditos and Old Stories Brought to Life in Cuba

Published on August 8, 2017

By Ben Schuyler, AFAR Ambassador I was eighteen when I began working at a locally owned café in the suburbs of Seattle. The modest eatery was the byproduct of two passionate foodies – Angela and Miriam. The latter, a Cuban immigrant, ran the day-to-day operations of the shop. Memories of my midday shifts are peppered […]

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Six Reasons to Visit South Africa Now with USTOA Tour Operator Members

Published on July 12, 2017

  When you think of South Africa, safaris and exotic wildlife come to mind, but our members are encouraging travelers to explore six additional reasons to travel to the fascinating destination of South Africa. Africa’s southernmost country offers holidaymakers a diverse selection of experiences within a close proximity, stunning natural beauty, a temperate year-round climate, […]

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Travel that Transforms

Published on July 6, 2017

By: Terry Dale, President and CEO, USTOA   The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) recognizes the power of giving back, learning from different cultures and using travel as a tool for transformation. USTOA is proud to be a Strategic Association Partner of Tourism Cares, a non-profit organization that works to protect and restore attractions […]

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70 Advocacy Experts Share Their Best Tips

Published on June 19, 2017

By Ann Dermody   CQ Roll Call asked 70 advocacy experts for their best advocacy planning, strategy, skills, and training tips for advocacy professionals. See what they had to say about advocacy skills they wish they had known day one, the first thing they do when planning a campaign, and much more: 70 Experts Share Their […]

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Colombia is More Than Just Trendy Cities, Escape to Cocora Valley

Published on June 14, 2017

By Intrepid Travel   There is a certain allure to Colombia that is undeniable. Its rough past paired with the vibrant nightlife of Medellin, graffiti lined streets of Bogota and romantic colonial vibes of Cartegena have placed Colombia on everyone`s must-see list for 2017. But one destination that is often overlooked (and shouldn`t be) is […]

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