The COVID-19 pandemic did more to the travel industry than just slash business travel and shrink the travel market—it thoroughly disrupted the status quo and forced executives to rethink policies and innovate offerings to stay relevant in today’s wonky travel landscape. One such area ripe for retooling was ancillary fees, namely those known as “flight…
ADTRAV Earns Best Org™ Award ADTRAV has earned the Best Org™ designation from CustomInsight for its exceptional scores from employees in a wide range of important metrics, including engagement, strategic alignment, and manager competency. To qualify for this designation, organizations must score in the top quartile compared to hundreds of other organizations. Touted as a…
Plane Ride Not Required As we navigate the new norm of 2020—social distancing, mask wearing, and traveling—we thought it would be nice to inspire you with some exciting destinations close to home. Locations are beginning to open and are ready to welcome USA travelers! We realize you may not be ready to jump on a…
How airlines navigate the COVID-19 crisis will directly influence their future success. It is a defining moment: survive, thrive, or expire. How does United Airlines aim to not only survive this pandemic but continue working toward their goal of becoming the best airline on the planet? Roger Hale sat down with Jake Cefolia, Senior Vice…
ADTRAV is excited to announce its philanthropic foundation, the ADTRAV Community Impact Foundation (ACIF), has become a member of the Big 12 Club of the Big Oak Ranch. Members of the Big 12 Club make an annual pledge of $12,000 to cover the cost of raising one child for one year. This commitment covers the…
A Pandemic Creates Pandemonium The COVID-19 pandemic has created business challenges across the globe, negatively impacting many industries and creating unforeseen disruptions. One such disruption is already underway as we approach the upcoming hotel RFP season. Amid the COVID-19 crisis, travel buyers and hoteliers both are experiencing challenges and uncertainty in how to best navigate…
You’ve reserved your much-needed vacation and you’re ready to go–but are you really? Let’s say the day before you head out, you, your child, or your parent falls ill and are unable to travel. Or, like a personal client of mine, trips over the curb at the gas station and breaks their leg. Will you be able…
With so many ships sailing the rivers of Europe, it’s essential for travel advisors to do their homework and find the best overall value and the ship that’s right for every traveler. Of all the brands, Crystal River Cruises stands apart for several key reasons: Watch this new video and learn more about Crystal River…
The third and final online booking tool (OBT) we recently explored in our OBT series was GetThere, part of the Sabre family. ADTRAV President and CEO, Roger Hale, interviewed Andy Finkelstein, Senior Vice President of Global Accounts and Corporate Solutions at Sabre, and Chris Rosa, Director of Corporate Solutions at Sabre, to take us on…
It has now been nearly five years since the online booking and expense management tool Concur was acquired by SAP. The organization has experienced great successes, but what does it hope to accomplish in the future? And as new players break into the market, how does SAP Concur feel about up-and-coming VC ventures into the…
If you’re dreaming of a family escape, let Adventure Travel turn those dreams into reality. We left Mexico with full hearts, sandy toes, and a renewed sense of connection. Where will your travel dreams take you next?
Let your hotel arrange your cab for peace of mind, and ask about rates ahead of time. While Tulum is generally safe, it’s always smart to stay cautious, especially outside the tourist zones.
Pack snacks, set an early alarm, and hit the road by 5:30 AM to beat the crowds and the heat. You’ll thank me later!
Regular sunscreen is a no-go in cenotes. Protect your skin and the environment with reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen. Our guide carried a large umbrella for extra shade—a thoughtful touch that was much appreciated.
The Yucatán Peninsula’s heat is no joke, so keep everyone hydrated. We stayed at a fabulous all-inclusive Hilton, where water quality wasn’t a major concern, but when you venture out, stick to purified water. For an extra layer of safety, consider a reusable straw with a filter. It’s eco-friendly and practical—no need to rely on single-use plastics.
The Samburu village is only an option in the late afternoon, after children are home from school and shepherds are returning with their flocks/herds.
Guests are specifically asked not to give money or goods to the village directly to not create an unhealthy and disruptive association with tourists. However, it’s important to note both The Safari Collection and other operators are well-known for philanthropic and conservation efforts and they provide opportunities for guests to give back.
The staff will set up beds on the rooftop for clients who want to sleep beneath a blanket of stars. From my experience, this property would make a great choice for couples and families. There are two family rooms: the Riverside Family Suite and the Poolside Family Suite. These have connected rooms with central living areas.
It was surprisingly cold in the mornings and evenings, but the lodge provides fleece ponchos for guests to keep warm on game drives. They also have flip-up seats on top of the safari vehicle to enhance wildlife viewing. Wellies and rain jackets are provided in guests’ room. While I didn’t need them, it is a thoughtful touch.
The “retreat” is the spa area, and there are several day rooms that are available for clients since departure flights are generally late evening. This is a great option for guests who want the interactive experience (i.e., an Instagram moment) without the full price tag of an overnight stay.
Many people may already know this, but army-type camouflage uniforms and hats are forbidden. (Khaki is fine, but not camo). While on safari, it’s generally advised not to wear white or brightly colored clothing as this sometimes spooks animals. Light-colored, lightweight clothing that can be paired with layers works best.
It’s chilly then, so we recommend guests bring layers to add and remove as needed. Some game drives begin early, so it’s good to be prepared to enjoy them. Oh! And take a bandana or some type of face covering for game drives on dusty roads.
For clients traveling specifically for the Great Migration, you should book both Kenya and Tanzania. Wildlife and weather are unpredictable, and migrating herds are impacted by the amount of rainfall.