By Visit Rwanda, the official destination marketing organization for Rwanda, working with tourism partners and communities to showcase the country’s landscapes, culture, conservation, and people to travelers around the world. Visit Rwanda is a proud sponsor of the 2026 USTOA Future Lights of the Tour Industry.

In Rwanda, some of the most meaningful travel experiences begin long after the wildlife encounter ends. 

They might start with a conversation over a shared meal, a walk through a village guided by someone who has called the area home for generations, or an afternoon learning how traditional crafts are made. These experiences offer travelers something increasingly valuable: the opportunity to see a destination through the eyes of the people who live there. 

Community-based tourism has become an important part of Rwanda’s tourism story, connecting conservation and travel with local livelihoods. The philosophy is relatively simple: when communities benefit from tourism, they have a greater stake in protecting the places and traditions that make their home unique. 

Nowhere is this connection more visible than around Rwanda’s protected areas. Revenue generated through tourism has supported community development initiatives, including schools, health centers, water infrastructure, and other local projects. Around Volcanoes National Park, for example, community-focused initiatives have helped create opportunities for residents living alongside one of the world’s most celebrated mountain gorilla habitats. 

But community tourism in Rwanda extends well beyond conservation. 

Across the country, travelers can encounter experiences rooted in everyday life and local knowledge. In rural communities, visitors may learn traditional agricultural practices, explore local food traditions or discover the craftsmanship behind Rwandan basketry and textiles. Rather than simply observing, travelers are invited to participate — creating an exchange that feels personal and often continues well beyond the experience itself. 

There is also an important human element to these encounters. A community guide is not simply leading a traveler from one point to another; they are sharing their own connection to the landscape. A craftsperson is not demonstrating a cultural tradition for a visitor in isolation; they are helping sustain a skill that has been passed between generations. A meal becomes more than something on a plate when its ingredients, preparation and stories are connected to the community that produced them. 

This model reflects a broader shift in how travelers are thinking about responsible tourism. Increasingly, the question is not only How can I experience this place? but also What does my presence contribute to it? 

Rwanda offers one answer: travel can be a two-way exchange. 

The country’s community-based tourism initiatives demonstrate that meaningful travel does not have to be separated from conservation or local economic opportunity. In fact, the three can reinforce one another. When visitors slow down, listen and engage with local communities, they often leave with a deeper understanding of Rwanda — one that goes beyond its extraordinary landscapes and wildlife. 

Perhaps that is the most memorable souvenir of all: not simply having visited Rwanda, but having connected with the people who call it home. 

About Visit Rwanda

Visit Rwanda is the official destination marketing organization for Rwanda. Its work highlights the country’s diverse tourism experiences, from wildlife and conservation to culture, outdoor adventure, wellness and gastronomy, while supporting the continued development of a responsible and sustainable tourism industry. Through collaboration with local communities, tourism businesses and international partners, Visit Rwanda seeks to share the many stories that make Rwanda a distinctive destination. 

The post Beyond the Safari: How Community-Based Tourism Is Shaping Rwanda’s Travel Story  appeared first on USTOA Blog.

By Melissa Snape 

Two young men crouch over a blue bucket, kneeling in the sand on a beach in Kilifi, Kenya. The sun is setting behind them, and the air is hazy with mist rolling in on the tide. They look inside the bucket and smile at one another.  

The bucket is full of sea turtle eggs.  

Salim and Baraka are Turtle Rangers with Ocean Sole, and those eggs are about to be carefully relocated to a safer nesting area protected from predators, rising tides, and poachers. It’s a small moment, but it says a lot about the work they’re doing and why it matters.  

It’s also exactly the kind of impact Collette aims to support through responsible travel. Because responsible travel is at the core of how we operate, we partner with organizations that are creating real, lasting impact in the destinations we visit, and Ocean Sole is one of them.  

While they’re mostly known for transforming ocean waste, like discarded flip-flops, into colorful works of art, Ocean Sole’s mission extends far beyond the workshop. Through their TurtleSafe Project, they protect endangered sea turtles along Kenya’s coast and create employment opportunities for local people in the process.

That connection between conservation and livelihoods is what makes the work stand out.  

Collette supports this work through our Microgrant program, which provides funding to community organizations around the world. In 2025, we expanded the program with a $10,000 Impact Beyond Grant. Selected by votes from our employees, travelers, and partners, Ocean Sole was the recipient.  

With that funding, they were able to hire three new Turtle Rangers, strengthening protection around key nesting sites and expanding economic opportunities for local community members. At least one of these rangers once relied on poaching for income. Today, they’re protecting the same species they once hunted.  
  
That kind of impact isn’t possible in isolation. It’s the result of a partnership combining local knowledge with shared resources and a long-term commitment to doing things the right way. By working together, organizations like Ocean Sole and Collette can go further, supporting both conservation efforts and the communities connected to them. While much of that impact happens beyond what they see on tour, it’s all part of our broader commitment to investing in the communities and ecosystems tied to each destination.  

“We have been helped so much by Collette. More rangers are hired now to protect sea turtles. At our landing site, when turtles come to nest, they are safe and sound.”   

-Salim Karisa Dzengo, Turtle Ranger  

Travelers on our Plains of Africa tour visit Ocean Sole’s headquarters in Nairobi as part of an Impact Moment: an on-tour experience designed to give back to local communities. Here, they learn about Ocean Sole’s work and how it connects to conservation efforts on the coast.  For some, it’s a highlight of the journey.   

“My favorite moment on tour? Visiting Ocean Sole.”  – Traveler Rita T.  

Back on the beach in Kilifi, Salim and Baraka finish securing the eggs, preparing to move them to safety. For them, that blue bucket represents a job, skill, and a way to protect their coastline for generations to come.  

For us, the bucket is a testament to the power of responsible travel, one that will help shape the ecosystem in coastal Kenya for years to come, and a reminder of the role we can all play in setting a higher standard for how travel supports communities and conservation.  

About the Author:  

Melissa Snape is an accomplished senior executive with over 25 years of hospitality, tourism and corporate citizenship leadership.  

She is experienced in strategy and product development, customer experience, marketing, partnerships, pricing & analysis, negotiation and consulting. Her talents include leading through change, strategic planning and facilitation, employee engagement, leadership development, and navigating the complexities of corporate impact, sustainability, and purpose.   

A proven leader adept at engaging stakeholders at all levels, she has served on the boards of businesses from startups to the middle market, as well as various non-profits; and consulted for startups, middle market and publicly traded companies. She is also a certified holistic wellness coach, with a focus on working with female executives and entrepreneurs, and a passion for mentoring those early in their careers. She currently serves as the Head of Corporate Citizenship at Collette and on numerous Board of Advisors in the non-profit and social enterprise community.  

Ms. Snape holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Colorado Boulder, and a JD from the Boston University School of Law.  

About Collette  

Collette has been a leader in guided travel for more than 100 years, offering tours across all seven continents. As a family-owned and run company, it’s focused on delivering exceptional travel experiences while making a positive impact worldwide. Through its Corporate Citizenship efforts, Collette supports community engagement, environmental stewardship, economic development and responsible tourism–partnering with local organizations and incorporating Responsible Travel highlights into its tours to benefit both travelers and the destinations they visit. To learn more, visit GoCollette.com.

The post Turtles, Trash, and the Power of Responsible Travel    appeared first on USTOA Blog.

By Classic Journeys

Languages are the true soul of a culture. They are living vessels of tradition, history, and identity, yet many of them are now on the brink of extinction. Of the roughly 7,000 languages spoken worldwide, at least 40% are endangered, and on average, one disappears every two weeks, taking with it generations of knowledge. 

Why languages are vanishing 

Language loss has accelerated in recent decades, driven by powerful social and economic changes. Globalization, economic migration, and the dominance of national and global languages steadily reduce the number of speakers of indigenous, minority, and rural languages. In cities and expanding urban areas, children grow up surrounded by the majority language that is used in school, media, and technology, and may never fully learn the mother tongue of their parents or grandparents. When the last fluent speaker dies, a language can disappear almost overnight, sometimes before its grammar, vocabulary, and oral history have been fully documented. Each language carries an irreplaceable worldview, encoding unique ways of understanding health, the environment, spirituality, and community. Family stories can vanish when a language falls silent, erasing archives that were never written down. 

UNESCO and global urgency 

UNESCO now describes this loss of linguistic diversity as a global emergency and has taken the lead in coordinating international efforts to protect and revitalize vulnerable languages. Its World Atlas of Languages tracks the status of thousands of at‑risk languages, categorizing levels of endangerment and calling for timely intervention. These efforts underscore that language preservation is not just about saving words, but about safeguarding entire systems of meaning and identity. When a community’s language is weakened, its cultural confidence and sense of continuity often weaken along with it. 

Regenerative travel and language 

A growing movement known as regenerative travel offers one powerful way to support linguistic resilience. While sustainable tourism aims to minimize harm, regenerative travel seeks to actively restore and enrich destinations, cultures, and communities. This approach is especially important for language preservation because linguistic diversity flourishes where communities feel their culture is valued, respected, and economically viable. Destinations that embrace regenerative travel – specifically where travelers engage with expert regional guides and interact together with locals – often see renewed pride in heritage, stronger intergenerational transmission of traditions. These authentic interactions allow more opportunities for local storytellers, artists, and guides to work in their mother tongues. 

How travelers can help languages 

Regenerative travel reframes visitors not as spectators, but as stewards and partners. When travelers engage with local people and explore with a regional expert, they affirm the dignity and relevance of minority languages in everyday life. Exploring the world, there are several practical ways this comes to life: 

• Travelers can seek experiences that include language immersion, story‑sharing, and participation in cultural events, so that the local language is used naturally rather than staged for show. 

• By choosing locally owned hotels, restaurants, guides, and shops—especially in rural areas where endangered languages are still spoken—visitors can help keep those languages economically and socially present. 

• Thoughtful travel challenges the “cultural commodification” that reduces traditions to performances, and instead encourages genuine conversation, listening, and mutual learning. 

• Intentionally small group encounters or one‑to‑one exchanges create space for meaningful conversation, allowing local voices to be heard rather than drowned out by crowd noise. Learning and using simple greetings (or even a heartfelt thank you) in the local language can become a quiet act of solidarity. 

Words as living commitments 

Partnerships with local experts, educators, and cultural organizations help travelers understand the pressures that endangered languages face and the efforts underway to sustain them. Learning a few phrases—whether “Egun on” (good morning in Basque), “Salam aleikum” (peace be upon you in Moroccan Arabic), or “Kia ora” (greetings in Māori of New Zealand)—is more than a courtesy. Each expression spoken with respect signals that the language and its speakers matter, here and now. In this sense, every exchanged greeting and shared story becomes a small but meaningful investment in the future of the world’s languages, helping keep them alive and loved, not just archived and remembered. 

About Classic Journeys

Classic Journeys is a luxury walking tour company dedicated to culturally immersive travel experiences around the world. For more than 30 years, the company has designed journeys that explore destinations on foot, allowing travelers to connect more deeply with local cultures, landscapes, and people. Each itinerary is thoughtfully paced and led by expert local guides who bring regional history, traditions, and daily life into focus. By traveling in small groups and prioritizing meaningful local relationships, Classic Journeys believes travel can foster genuine connection, cultural understanding, and a deeper appreciation for the places and communities visited. 

The post Walking with Words: Keeping Ancient Languages Alive  appeared first on USTOA Blog.

by Ricko Tindage, Director of Sales and Marketing at Elite Voyages

The fan favorite HBO hit TV show White Lotus‘ season 3 in Thailand proved to be a runaway success. The series filmed at Four Seasons and Anantara resorts in Koh Samui and Phuket has triggered a significant “White Lotus Effect,” driving massive surges in luxury bookings (up 590% for some properties) and overall tourism interest from US and European markets. 

The White Lotus Season 3 will join the legacy of Thailand’s long list of many Hollywood hit movies such as The Man with the Golden Gun, The Beach, and The Hangover 2 (pictured below). 

While Thailand as we know it has the most beautiful landscapes, hence, the movie locations above chosen by Hollywood, they are also blessed with amazing culture and friendly people, however, their cuisine is next level. That’s how this blog will focus on this amazing gastronomy. This blog will dissect how Thai foods in America and worldwide are gaining popularity second only to Chinese food.  

My hometown of Los Angeles can be proud of calling themselves the place where Thai Food started its popularity. Unlike these days, in the early 80s finding good Thai restaurants were a challenge. Surprisingly, Hollywood played a big role in making Thai Food such a popular cuisine in America. Hence, you will find LA’s designated Thai Town in the Hollywood area. One such restaurant in Los Angeles with a strong Hollywood connection is Jitlada, a Southern Thai-style cooking. Siblings Jazz Singsanong and Tui Sungkamee are chef-owners of Jitlada. When Sungkamee passed away in 2017, Singsanong was the sole owner of this Thai restaurant to the stars.  

In the late 70s, while living in Jakarta, Indonesia during my college year in hotel management, I had the opportunity to do my internship at Brussels Hilton in Brussels, Belgium. Since the internship does not pay, to earn money I moonlighted in a restaurant owned by the sister of my co-worker at the hotel and her husband. This brand new and small Thai restaurant next to an antique shop on Chaussee de Waterloo is called The Blue Elephant. This was my first introduction to Thai food ever. Unbeknownst to me, and upon my return to the city in 1995, the restaurant had become an international success with five restaurants in London, Paris, Copenhagen, and Bangkok besides the original location in Brussels.  

Founder of Blue Elephant Group, Mrs. Nooror SOMANY-STEPPE is recognized as a leading Ambassador of Thai Cuisine and one of the five best Thai Chefs in Thailand. Mrs. Somany-Steppe was indeed the same restaurant owner when I was working part-time in her small restaurant in Brussels back in 1980. Now, she’s a world-renowned celebrity chef with restaurants in Bangkok (its flagship restaurant), Phuket, Malta, and Copenhagen. The restaurants in Bangkok and Phuket are also equipped with a cooking school where a certificate will be given at the end of the class. I was lucky enough to visit its two beautiful locations in Bangkok and Phuket (pictured below) during my last visit to Thailand in 2018.  

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has many projects overseas to keep promoting Thailand as a tourist destination and Thai cuisine worldwide, and Mrs. Somany Steppe is one of their most important ambassadors. Besides restaurants, Blue Elephant also produces Thai cooking mixes you can use at home, and you can find them easily in the grocery aisles near you.  

In line with our blog on Thai cuisine, you may also check out our Thailand Tour Program where we recommend dining options outside of your hotels. We also feature a cooking class at The Blue Elephant as an optional tour.

About the author:  

Ricko Tindage is Director of Sales and Marketing at Elite Voyages. His task, besides sales and marketing to the travel agent community, is also creating new tour products.  Originally from Bali, Indonesia, Ricko has called Los Angeles home since 1981.  His academic background was in hotel management. He has had hotel stints in Jakarta, Indonesia; Brussels, Belgium, and Los Angeles. Instead of a career in the hotel industry, the tour and travel industry has shaped the majority of his professional career.  He started in the travel industry in 1990s, Ricko has always been in the hospitality industry, even his spouse was a former director of sales at a major U.S. hotel chain. Before working for Elite Voyages he served in several major U.S. tour operators, namely UNIWORLD River Cruises and SITA World Tours. In between, he has developed and created small boutique-style tour operators specialized in incentive travels, honeymoons, destination weddings, luxury travels, and leasing private jets. One of these tour companies was Romance Travel Concierge, a luxury boutique outfit based in Pasadena, CA, and he was president of the company.  

About Elite Voyages:  

Bespoke journeys are our specialty at Elite Voyages. Founded in 2019 as a luxury entity for Chinatour.com (established in 2002), our parent company, we have been a strong believer in providing the most authentic and enriching tour experiences for our discerning travelers through the relentless commitment of our earnest and knowledgeable team before, during, and after all journeys. Nothing is left to chance when every itinerary is carefully planned – selecting the best accommodation guests can enjoy, exciting connoisseurs with select culinary exploits, and amazing travelers with must-see sights and entertainment – so that every guest can always be assured of top quality and uniqueness in travel experiences. 

The post A Tale of Two Cities on Thai Cuisine  appeared first on USTOA Blog.

By: Jamie Gallerani, EF Go Ahead Tours 

In India, almost everything is a dance. Here, balance is found as you go from the bustling, rickshaw-lined streets of Delhi to the serene backwaters of Kerala, where palm trees dot emerald shores. Along the way, royal palaces sidle up to nature preserves, daily life reaches a crescendo at vibrant markets, and spirituality shines in Hindu temples, Islamic mosques, and Sikh community kitchens. With 28 states, 22 official languages, and 1.4 billion people, the country is like a ruby with endless facets: varied and impossible to pin down. Ready to see something new everywhere you look? Here are five experiences that will weave you into the layered fabric of India. 

Zip through Old Delhi’s bustling streets on a rickshaw   

Frenetic vibrancy bursts from every corner of India’s big cities, and one of the best ways to witness it is from the seat of a rickshaw. There’s nothing quite like being whisked into the heart of it all on these motorized, three-wheeled vehicles, which offer an in-the-thick-of-it vantage point that you can’t get any other way. One unforgettable place to ride through? The most storied neighborhood of India’s capital city: Old Delhi. Here, history spills from narrow streets lined with tangled telephone wires, vendors hawk rounds of flatbread called parathas from Moonlight Square—and you’ll discover that how you get around is just as interesting as what you see.  

Watch as fire is offered to the goddess of the Ganges  

From the playful toss of colorful powder at Holi celebrations to candlelit flower bowls floating down holy rivers, spiritual moments spring up everywhere in India. Want to bear witness to one notable practice? Each evening in the cities of Varanasi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh, the bathing steps along the Ganges are the place to watch one of the most sacred Hindu rituals: the Aarti, a ceremony of light devoted to the goddess Ganga. During this illuminated, prayer-filled event, bells and conch shells sound, incense swirls, and mantras are chanted as priests offer fire to the deity using large brass lamps. Purification and gratitude underpin this daily ceremony, which is capped off as devotees release small oil lamps called diyas onto the river.  

Go behind Bollywood’s silver screen in Mumbai 

India’s glittery side shines in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), where Bollywood got its start. The name of the Indian film industry is a Bombay-Hollywood mash-up that’s become synonymous with some of the most colorful moments in cinema, from Kashmiri musicals and comedies to Rajasthani dramas and romances. Most of the storylines play out alongside elaborate song and synchronized dance numbers, and you can get a behind-the-scenes peek while touring Film City or taking a Bollywood dance class in the city that launched this cinematic art form.  

Seek out Bengal tigers on a Ranthambore safari 

The busy streets of India only tell one side of the country’s story. Beyond the mesmerizing rush, natural beauty unfurls in the form of Himalayan peaks, sprawling deserts, South Goa beaches—and the world’s largest population of Bengal tigers. Dreaming of spotting the country’s national animal? Lush nature preserves like Ranthambore National Park are calling. This royal-hunting-ground-turned-tiger-reserve is your place to step into quietude on a guided safari (and, if you’re lucky, to catch a glimpse of one of India’s most notable residents). 

Head south to visit the spice capital of India  

Of all the amazing things India offers, plates of culinary greatness sit right at the top. There are the richer, creamier, ghee-cooked dishes in the north. Think: tandoori meats and savory dal scooped up with naan. Then, there are the lighter, spicier, more aromatic spreads in the south, which are often made with coconut oil and served with rice. It’s here in southern India where Kerala reigns as the country’s spice capital, and where markets are dotted with heaping piles of cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, pepper, turmeric, and more. Visit for yourself to find that each of India’s far-flung corners offers its own regional flavors—and that some of the best spring up along the southern backwaters.  

About the author 

As a Senior Copywriter for EF Go Ahead Tours in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Jamie Gallerani has been sharing the magic of seeing the world with others for more than 10 years. Her love of travel took root during a homestay in Mannheim, Germany, and has since taken her to 21 countries and counting. From studying in Florence to sipping corn beer with Peruvian highlanders in the Sacred Valley, she’s found inspiration and connection around the world—and strives to capture the wonder of experiencing new cultures in her work. When she’s not writing about guided group travel, she’s looking for her new favorite memoir, visiting her family on Cape Cod, and reminiscing about how blue the water on the Amalfi Coast is. 

About EF Go Ahead Tours 

EF Go Ahead Tours offers more than 200 guided trips across six continents. Each carefully planned, expertly led tour makes it easy for curious travelers of all ages to get to the heart of a destination. With a maximum group size well below the industry average, each trip has the perfect balance of planned sightseeing and free time to explore. EF Go Ahead Tours is one of three tour operator brands within EF World Journeys, a leader in guided, experiential travel. EF World Journeys is part of EF Education First, a world leader in international education that has helped millions of people since 1965 learn a language, discover the world, or earn an academic degree. 

The post Uncovering the many sides of India: 5 insider experiences to have in this country of contrasts  appeared first on USTOA Blog.

By Goway Travel

In the West, there’s no region of the world that people misunderstand more than the Middle East. This ancient part of the world is pitched as an area of unending political conflict in the news, but the reality is much more nuanced and startling, especially when traveling there. As travelers, we should strive to see other parts of the world clearly. Travel brings clarity and wisdom and humility about what it’s like to live in other parts of the world. So let’s bust some myths and learn about what travel to the Middle East is really like. 

It’s not too dangerous. 

This is the big one and perhaps the most controversial the longer that wars within the region cloud out any other news about the Middle East. But it’s true, even if it seems hard to believe. The Middle East is not dangerous. It’s a place that people have been travelling to for as long as there have been travel routes across our great planet. Arabs are notoriously hospitable. It’s a core part of their culture. 

In fact, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates all rank as safer than the United States according to the Global Peace Index, which measures safety and social peace based on 18 different national factors. We’re not talking about entering warzones (God forbid). And petty crime exists everywhere (walk down an alley at night in any North American city and you might run into trouble). But that doesn’t mean you should worry when exploring the pyramids outside Cairo, touring Petra in Jordan, or shopping through the metropolises of the Arabian Peninsula, including Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh. 

It’s not too hot. 

The Middle East is a desert region, and the desert is hot, especially in the height of summer in July and August, but it is not exclusively hot. Furthermore, if you travel in the spring, fall, or winter, it can be downright temperate, comfortable even. Deserts are warm under the heat of the blazing sun, but they can be cool once that sun dips towards the horizon. Spend a night under the stars in Wadi Rum, Jordan and you’ll be surprised at the chill of the wind on your face as you watch some of the brightest stars you’ve ever seen. The Jordanian capital, Amman can even get snow from December to February, as the high elevation attracts low temperatures and precipitation. In hotter destinations such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia, travel in the winter months and you’ll assure yourself comfortable conditions to see historic wonders and modern marvels. 

The Middle East is not only desert. 

There’s more to the Middle East than just desert. Northern Jordan is mountainous, with a temperate climate and even snow (as mentioned above). Coastal stretches of Egypt, Israel, and Saudi Arabia are almost tropical, with sandy beaches and humid temperatures perfect for a beach vacation. Head to Sharm el Sheik in Egypt, Tel Aviv in Israel, or Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, and you’ll be shocked at the coastal vibes. The diving is also great in many spots, notably along the Red Sea, where the coral reefs are stunningly vibrant. And even within the rocks and sands of the desert, there are oases that explode the idea of a desert being dead. AlUla in Saudi Arabia is a perfect example of this, where palm plantations stretch as far as you can see within the valley, providing a burst of green in the red desert. 

It’s not too old-fashioned. 

Have you been to downtown Riyadh, where the streets are buzzing with people chatting energetically over espresso at 1am? Have you been to the malls of Dubai, where people shop for designer goods and walk around in outfits worth more than most people’s homes? Have you been to the streets of Amman, where young Jordanians bond over football matches and hit up the clubs for a night on the town (drinks included)? The Middle East might be ancient, but being there shows the vibrancy of youth and development and the promise of life as it’s lived in the 21st century. 

The Middle East is a diverse, welcoming, youthful region of the world. Don’t let the news dissuade you from experiencing its breathtaking landscapes, ancient landmarks, and astounding culture for yourself. 

About Goway Travel

Goway is one of North America’s leading travel companies, offering customized travel experiences to over 115 countries on all seven continents. Goway is a family-owned company still owned and operated by Founder & President Bruce Hodge that employs over 700 staff members worldwide. Its global headquarters is in Toronto, and it also has offices in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Sydney, and Manila. Goway sells both retail and wholesale travel packages, planning trips for Globetrotters and helping travel professionals make their clients’ travel dreams a reality. It also has groups, air consolidation, and corporate travel departments. 

The post Busting 5 Myths About Traveling to the Middle East  appeared first on USTOA Blog.

Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, is blessed with the best of Europe’s winter weather. 

Winter feels different in Lanzarote. 

Thanks to its geography, the island of Lanzarote is under stable and pleasant temperatures all year round: mild winters and summers, with an average of 22 and 26 degrees Celsius (71-78 degrees Fahrenheit) and far from the extreme temperatures that dominate the European continent. It’s usually described as an eternal spring-weather like! 

We’ve compiled some plans for those adventurous travelers seeking experiences that offer authentic insight into a community’s way of life. 

César Manrique and Tourist Centers 

César Manrique (1919-1992) was a local artist inspired by the incredible natural beauty of his homeland. Lanzarote holds the secrets of living and not fighting against natural elements. “Being born here influences any moderately sensitive being,” with this wisdom, Manrique reflected his work creating The Centres for Art, Culture and Tourism. 

One of Manrique’s spectacular projects blending art and nature is Jameos del Agua. These magnificent caves sit in a seven-kilometer-long lava tunnel formed some 25,000 years ago with some parts that collapsed forming some sorts of ‘holes’ in the ceiling (jameos). Here, Manrique represented Lanzarote’s landscape most iconic colors: blue (ocean), green (vegetation), red (volcanic eruptions) and white (houses walls and architecture). 

Rising from the volcanic ashes – wine at La Geria landscape 

After the volcanic eruptions, the island’s farmers had to develop clever engineering to adapt cropping methods to the landscape that was now covered in ashes. Since grapevines could survive, the secret ingredient was the dreaded ash itself. With conical hollows built into layers of volcanic ash – three meters wide by three to four meters deep -, collecting the sparse rain and dew, and funneling the water to the plant’s root, the volcanic ashes draw moisture from the air and retain it in the soil. The low semicircular wall, built from lava stones, shields the vines from the winds creating a landscape like no other in the world! 

In the Protected Landscape of La Geria one can find several bodegas (wineries) which sell international award-winning wines, like some of the best-known wines of the malvasia grape. 

Gastronomy 

With rain so rare, both viticulture and agriculture exist in Lanzarote through the daily miracle of crops sprouting from the black grit found almost everywhere. Plum, firm and with concentrated flavors, grains and vegetables highlight local stews. 

The Atlantic surrounding the island provides seasonally local seafood and fresh-caught fish together with La Santa prawns, a culinary delicacy. The most common variety of meats include pork, chicken, rabbit and goat. 

Papas arrugadas, or Canarian wrinkly potatoes, are a must in regional cuisine! They are usually served with red mojo sauce, made from either red bell peppers or chili peppers, and green mojo sauce, made from coriander and/or parsley. 

La Graciosa 

Small, quiet, with no paved roads and barely inhabited, La Graciosa is just a half an hour by boat from Lanzarote. There are wonderful, deserted beaches, turquoise water and an unspoiled landscape that make it the perfect place to enjoy a few days of calm and relaxation. 

An island rooted in sustainability 

The unique model of development that the island has experienced, with sustained economic growth and clear protection and conservation of nature and the environment, has helped to obtain in 1993 the declaration of UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve. Such recognition was the definitive confirmation of the islanders’ continued commitment to respect for and conservation of their environment. 

Lanzarote and mainland Spain – the perfect match! 

Combining Lanzarote with bucket-list Spanish destinations like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville or Bilbao is easily feasible thanks to daily flights from these cities for the adventurers. Welcome to this winter sun destination paradise that is just around two and a half hours by plane southwest from mainland Spain. Flip flops in winter? Not crazy! 

The post One of Spain’s warmest places for winter sun: Guide to discover Lanzarote  appeared first on USTOA Blog.

By Gina Bang, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Avanti Destinations 

It’s hard to read about travel today without encountering the word overtourism. From overcrowded streets in historic cities to visitor taxes and cruise restrictions, the challenges are real. Popular destinations are struggling under the weight of too many visitors, while travelers themselves face long lines, higher prices, and experiences that feel anything but authentic. 

The good news? With the right strategies, travel advisors can guide clients toward vacations that are more rewarding and help reduce strain on the world’s most beloved places. This is where regenerative tourism comes in: travel that not only minimizes impact, but actively benefits communities, preserves cultures, and restores ecosystems—all while creating more memorable journeys. 

Here are four practical ways to put it into action: 

1. Rethink the Calendar: Travel in the Off-Season 

Most Americans head abroad in summer, spring, and early fall. But from November to March (outside the holidays), even iconic destinations feel less crowded. The perks? Shorter lines, friendlier prices, and a richer cultural vibe. 

• Europe: enjoy opera, theater, and festivals in vibrant cities; ski in Austria or Switzerland; or chase the Northern Lights in Scandinavia. 

• Southern Europe: explore Spain, Portugal, or Italy in cooler but comfortable weather. 

• Warmer latitudes: trade winter coats for beaches in Southeast Asia, wildlife adventures in Central and South America, or desert treks in Morocco and Jordan. 

Shifting the travel calendar also reveals a more intimate, authentic side of destinations. 

2. Go Beyond the Capitals 

Paris, London, Rome, Madrid—spectacular, yes, but only part of the story. Beyond the capitals lie towns and regions that are equally rich in culture, cuisine, and scenery—yet far less crowded. 

• France: Lyon’s gastronomy, Strasbourg’s history, Avignon’s charm. 

• Italy: Bologna’s trattorias, the Dolomites’ alpine trails, Sardinia’s island escapes. 

• Spain: Toledo’s medieval streets, Granada’s Moorish wonders, Valencia’s futuristic design. 

• The UK: Cornwall’s coast, the Lake District’s landscapes, the Hebrides’ rugged beauty. 

These places welcome visitors eager to experience traditions and lifestyles that often get overshadowed by capitals and most visited destinations. 

3. Choose Independence Over the Herd 

Cruises and large group tours funnel hundreds of visitors into the same sites at once. Independent travel (FIT) is the antidote. With guidance from a skilled advisor and a trusted FIT operator, travelers can design journeys that are personal, flexible, and freeing. 

Prefer a quiet cathedral at dawn? Or a lively market at midday?  

Independent travel lets you choose your rhythm. It allows time for cooking classes, wine tasting, or cycling ancient backroads—whatever fuels your curiosity. Instead of checking boxes, you create a journey shaped by your interests and pace. 

4. Support Local, Travel Sustainably 

Regenerative tourism isn’t just about where you go, but how. Choosing suppliers who prioritize sustainability and community creates ripple effects of positive change: 

• Stay in boutique or locally owned properties instead of big chains. 

• Hire local guides and drivers who bring authentic insight. 

• Opt for walking or cycling tours that connect you more deeply with neighborhoods. 

• Travel by train whenever possible for a greener, more scenic and relaxing journey. 

These choices don’t just reduce impact; they add richness and connection to the experience. 

About Avanti Destinations: 

Since 1981, Avanti Destinations has been selling custom-crafted independent travel vacations in Europe, Asia, North Africa/the Middle East, the South Pacific, and Central and South America. The Portland, Oregon-based wholesale tour operator offers a wide range of FIT components to travel advisors only, including air, rail, rental cars, hotels, sightseeing/attractions, transfers and hard-to-find experiential travel options.   

Avanti specializes in hand-picked, locally-owned hotels in both large and small cities and in connecting all the pieces of complex or multi-destination itineraries. The company also creates complete packages for custom groups of 10 or more passengers. In 2024 Avanti launched a sustainability initiative, the Avanti Footprint program, to help advisors identify accommodations, tours, and transfers within the company’s portfolio that are making a conscious commitment toward product sustainability.  

For more information: https://book.avantidestinations.com.  

The post Regenerative Tourism: Smart Strategies to Ease Overtourism and Elevate Every Journey  appeared first on USTOA Blog.

By Cindy Clarke, Tauck 

Food has long served as a delicious passport to other cultures, revealing the traditions, values, and rhythms of life in cultures around the world. Whether you are hand-rolling pasta in an Italian kitchen with an affable chef, sipping wine with a vintner among the sun-drenched vines of Tuscany, sampling just-caught sushi at a bustling market in Tokyo, or savoring the hearty comfort of Guinness stew in a firelit Irish pub, new friends all around, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re taking part in a legacy handed down through generations. 

And the journey doesn’t end there. Bring those flavors home and let them transport you—one bite, one aroma, one memory at a time. From wood-fired Italian pizza to delicate Viennese strüdel, Spanish tapas to French crêpes, zesty Middle Eastern tabbouleh to handmade Mexican tamales, buttery Maine lobster to earthy French truffles, the tastes of travel linger long after the trip is over, evoking memories and cultural connections that can last a lifetime. 

Street markets, bustling with locally sourced flavors, tell tales of daily life around the world. Hop aboard a Vespa for an after-dark foodie tour of the lively street markets of Saigon, embodying the soul of the city in a diverse array of local treats and goods. Stroll through a farmer’s market in Avignon to select fresh ingredients for a chef-hosted cooking class tempting with fine French fare. Or enjoy handcrafted sausage smothered in homemade sauerkraut, hot mulled glühwein in hand like I did as I wandered through festive holiday markets along the Danube. These sensory experiences—scents, sounds, colors, tastes—can spring back to life the moment you find something familiar at home. 

Local restaurants, from corner paladars in Cuba and neighborhood trattorias in Italy to chic French bistros and centuries-old English pubs, showcase recipes distinctive to their country and are a great way to meet the locals. Travel with local guides to visit chocolate shops, cheeseries, and olive oil farms where time-honored regional secrets are shared in tastings of products, locally produced and personally served by the proud people who made them. Dining on farm-to-table fare, sustainably grown and always authentic – think truffles that I saw being unearthed by specially trained dogs on my trip to Provence, vegetables and herbs freshly picked from my host’s, Catherine Fluvio, Irish garden for a savory soup that captured the season, or a flavor-rich lunch at the Slow Food University in the Langhe Hills of Piedmont – takes you back to those intimate, mindful moments you shared with surprising clarity.   

Culinary workshops and cooking demonstrations offer more than just instruction—they’re an invitation to bring the world into your own kitchen. Vintners, bakers, and chefs teach you how to taste, pair and plate dishes that are as meaningful as they are delicious. Imagine the joy of recreating a recipe you learned abroad and sharing it with friends at a dinner party they’ll never forget. 

Home-hosted meals, whether they’re in a Viennese palace, a country château in Normandy, an Icelandic farmhouse, a baron’s Sicilian villa or a tea house in Kyoto, engender a genuine connection to the long-held traditions of the people you meet in the places you dine. And while you enjoy dishes that reflect the tastes and the times, the conversations and camaraderie you experience promise unforgettable memories too.   

Exploring North America affords opportunities to work alongside lobstermen off the coast of Maine and savor the catch of the day, warm up to chiles at a cooking school in Santa Fe, go Creole in Louisiana, oystering on Prince Edward Island and maple sugarin’ in Quebec. Stays on western ranches wow with cowboy culture in chuckwagon cook outs and campfire s’mores. Coastal New England resorts welcome with summer clam bakes, and Hawaiian luaus are a feast of food and traditional dance you’ll long remember.  

So, whether you want to immerse yourself in the history, the culture, the adventure or the natural treasures of the places you travel, you can discover it all in the local foods you eat. Served with heartfelt stories and smiles, it’s the best way I know to foster friendships, understanding and appreciation for the world around us while enjoying every bite. 

About Cindy Clarke 

Passionate about seeking out and celebrating locally known gems in the destinations she explores, Cindy Clarke is a long-time travel writer and storyteller for Tauck. Her articles have been featured in publications worldwide and have included stories about art, culture, cuisine, wildlife and wilderness adventures, each personally experienced and happily shared.    

About Tauck 

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, Tauck delivers authentic travel experiences through exclusive access with some of the best guides in the world. With all-inclusive trips spanning 70+ countries across seven continents including river and small ship cruising, land journeys, safaris and family adventures, they continually raise the bar to find new ways to connect travelers more deeply with the places they explore. 

The post A Culinary Journey Across Borders: How Food Connects Us to the World  appeared first on USTOA Blog.

By Melissa DaSilva 

 Deputy Chief Executive Officer of TTC Tour Brands  (Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Brendan Vacations, Costsaver, Contiki, and Luxury Gold )

It’s undeniable: Modern travel has evolved beyond simply checking off bucket list items. Yes, travelers are hoping to visit their dream destinations and must-see sites, but that’s just one facet of their vacation. Those same guests also want deeper, more authentic connections with their destinations.  

They said it. We heard it.  

TTC Tour Brands has followed this culturally integrative mindset for decades, consistently drawing on our knowledge of global communities, 100+ years of experience and the passion of our Travel Directors and Local Specialists to bring our guests immersive, deeply real travel, offering guests moments they couldn’t find on their own.   

Beyond being a hallmark of how we think about tour travel, by drawing on knowledge to inform authenticity, we progressively built our iconic, unforgettable moments like Be My Guest and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience into every tour. 

It takes work to find just the right places, plates and people to give guests what they want. But the challenge is matching that with a connection they may have never considered, striking a balance between the unexpected, the authentic and often, the delicious.

Breaking Bread, Bridging Cultures 

Foodie travel is easily one of the most significant trends that shows no signs of slowing down. It’s not just the rare dishes, upscale dining or the elite tables. There’s a strong demand among travelers for genuine and accessible dining experiences where guests can break bread together with local communities. Think “I want to eat where the locals eat,” and that’s where Trafalgar’s Be My Guest shines. 

Be My Guest brings our guests into homes, restaurants, farms and orchards where real people, share their culture and heritage, with travelers and show their pride for what they do. They foster cultural exchange through food, making every bite a story worth telling. 

Consistently a top “Must-Visit” destination, Italy is celebrated for its eating, and after a long day of touring the Vatican, seeing the ruins and tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, what a Be My Guest Experience brings is a sense of community, and a real “Famiglia Style” dining cultural experience. It’s not just eating dinner at the end of the day – it’s meeting the family who owns and operates the restaurant and sharing Nonna’s personal favorite pasta dish made just for the occasion with everyone in the group.  

Amplifying Local Voices 

In addition to exploring culture and heritage, embedded in the careful selection of our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences is a focus on conservation, connection, cultural preservation, and also diversity and inclusion, and wildlife protection.  

Connecting our guests with projects from TTC Tour Brands’ nonprofit TreadRight through MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences means their travel supports the communities in the places that we visit beyond just the high tourism centers.   

These experiences bring cultures, traditions and heritage arts into focus such as traditional frame loom weaving atelier Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti in Italy, The Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art in Spain, and the Warrior Women experience in Jasper, Canada. 

Matricia Bauer founded Warrior Women to share educational Sturgeon Lake Cree First Nations women experiences to travelers based on traditions and learnings passed down within their community. It not only offers a different perspective for guests, but it allows the Warrior Women group the opportunity to put their traditions into practice, bringing outsiders into their culture for a rare look at customs nearly lost through colonialism. 

Bauer has said that when tourists attend her events and are specifically interested in the work of Warrior Women, a visit becomes a reciprocal exchange providing a unique space for relationships to be formed, authentically.  

“If colonization is defined as the lack of relationship, then decolonization is the creation of relationship, and tourism is the connector,” said Bauer recently. “I get to tell my story through my voice.” 

Unlocking The World, One Connection At A Time 

It is easy to say (and commonly heard) that, “Travel is the best way to better understand our world.” 

Behind the warmth of that sentiment is our reality: Vast networks of people who are working in tandem to make travel a reality, all committed to sharing global, cultural experiences. From sourcing and prioritizing souvenir purchases directly from local artisans to vetting and curating experiences that benefit locals in their communities, we have built a worldwide community relationship founded on trust, and a passion for sharing our world with a range of tour options to meet any and everyone. 

About the Author 

Melissa DaSilva is Deputy Chief Executive Officer of TTC Tour Brands with an industry career spanning 30 years and has worked in both the US and the UK.  She has been recognized for her ability to rapidly adjust in a changing business environment, resulting in enhanced business practices, increased productivity, and profits.  She has a proven success record of recruiting and developing strong, collaborative teams and delivering consistency in multi-channel organizations  

The Travel Corporation family of brands is deeply committed to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER.  We recognize our responsibility to ensure our impact on the planet, the people we visit, and the wildlife we find there. Choosing to travel with us means choosing a travel company that puts sustainability at the heart of everything we do.  

Travel is both a personal passion and a professional pursuit. She is motivated by the impact travel has and believes that travel has a tremendously positive effect on people.  It helps broaden perspectives through the connectivity of shared experiences of adventure, exploration, learning and laughter showing how we are all more alike than different.              

An avid traveler herself to more than 50 countries, Melissa currently resides in Southern California with her Brazilian husband and two daughters, with whom she has shared the travel bug.  

About TTC Tour Brands   

The ease of touring has never been more important nor relevant, and no one does tours better than TTC Tour Brands. The portfolio includes the award-winning brands of Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Brendan Vacations, Costsaver and Contiki. TTC Tour Brands are the global leaders in tours for any and everyone.  From budget to luxury and everything in between, the portfolio brings agents access to over 1000 tours, across 80+ countries via one single sales, reservations and marketing team, with the added ease of a single sign on booking platform. 

The post Surrounded by Knowledge: Transforming client experience with authentic cultural connection   appeared first on USTOA Blog.