What My Year of Solo Travel at 64 Taught Me

In August of 2016, at the tender age of 64, I gave away most of my possessions, rented my house to friends, and bought a small used RV, a nineteen-foot van conversion. I lived in the van for the next three months with my two dogs, learning the ropes of RV life before departing from my hometown in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for a nine-month cross-country journey.

Spotlight

Windstar Cruises

Welcome to Windstar Cruises – an experience that is truly 180 degrees from ordinary. We are boutique, small ship cruise line. Our luxury cruise line offers a wide variety cruise vacation packages to destinations like Caribbean, Mediterranean, Greece, Europe, Tahiti, Italy, Panama Canal, Costa Rica, Alaska, Canada & New England, Japan, Thailand, China.

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Hospitality Management

Top 7 Hospitality Management Certification and Courses

Article | June 19, 2023

Embark on transformative journey through top hospitality management certification in the tourism and hospitality industry. Elevate career prospects with industry-recognized hospitality certification. The hospitality industry is a dynamic and fast-growing sector that requires skilled professionals to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive business success. Whether you are an aspiring hospitality professional or a seasoned industry expert looking to expand your knowledge and enhance your career prospects, pursuing a hospitality management certification or course can be a valuable investment. Hospitality management courses are short-term, specialized training programs designed to offer learner with a comprehensive understanding of hotel management and the hospitality industry. 1. Management Foundations in the Hospitality Industry Experience a transformative journey in hospitality management with the hospitality management certification, Management Foundations in the Hospitality Industry. This advanced course caters to industry experts, equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of motivation, leadership, communication, decision-making, and effective human resources management. Delve into service-driven excellence, ethics, social responsibility, and enhancing consumer experiences. This course consists of four modules covering resource allocation, talent recruitment, interviewing, employee training, performance appraisals, and liability avoidance. To solidify your knowledge, the course features curated readings, interactive discussions, and practice quizzes. Elevate your professional prowess and unlock new horizons in the dynamic hospitality industry. 2. Guest Service in Hospitality and Tourism Enhance your hospitality and tourism industry expertise with the exclusive certification in hospitality management, Guest Service in Hospitality and Tourism. This advanced course caters to industry experts, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to excel in customer service. Dive into the intricacies of greeting guests with finesse, responding adeptly to complaints, and creating unforgettable experiences. From maintaining composure in challenging situations to demonstrating empathy, you'll master the art of exceptional service. With this course, you can learn and leverage practical strategies to handle common grievances, ensuring guest satisfaction at every turn. This certification program will unlock a world of opportunities in the dynamic field of hospitality management. 3. Introduction to Hospitality Management Embark on a transformative journey with a certificate in hospitality titled, Introduction to Hospitality Management. As you transition into a managerial role, renowned restaurant consultant Mike Ganino shares expert insights in this comprehensive online course. Acquire essential skills, from preparing for your first day as a manager to effective task prioritization, delegation, and confident leadership. This 30m 35s online course will help you to optimize staff rostering, master multitasking, and ensure exceptional service standards. Gain expertise in handling challenging situations with demanding customers and effectively respond to customer feedback. With this course you can unlock new possibilities and elevate hospitality management career. 4. Hospitality Management Cornell Certificate Program Uplift in the hospitality industry with Hospitality Management Cornell Certificate Program. As one of the premier hospitality courses developed by the renowned School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, this advanced certification equips industry experts with the essential skills and best practices to excel in management roles. From finance and marketing to team building and guest loyalty, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of every facet of hospitality management. The course allows one to learn from renowned experts and participate in virtual Zoom sessions, exploring the industry's trending topics. This certificate program is for a duration of three months, divided into weekly modules of three to five hours per week. 5. Teamwork in the Hospitality Industry Embrace the power of effective teamwork in the dynamic hospitality industry with the comprehensive Teamwork in the Hospitality Industry course to improve your work experience. As a hospitality industry expert, one must understand teamwork's crucial role in enhancing work experiences and driving success. In this microlearning program, organized with four lessons to fit seamlessly into a busy schedule, you'll develop the essential teamwork skills required to thrive in the fast-paced hospitality environment. From understanding the significance of effective communication within teams to practical applications and navigating noisy environments, this course empowers you to elevate collaboration and deliver exceptional results. 6. Understanding Travel and Tourism One of the best hospitality and tourism management certifications, The Understanding Travel and Tourism, a course published by NuYew, is one of the best hospitality management programs to enhance expertise in the thriving world of travel and tourism. This course provides a platform for learners and industry experts to gain valuable insights into the travel industry's fundamentals, benefits, and terminology. Acquire the essential skills necessary for success in this dynamic field and discover renowned global tourist destinations and attractions. In addition, the course also includes the intricacies of business travel, hygiene standards, food safety, and event planning within the hospitality and catering industry. 7. Accounting and Financial Management for Travel Agencies Overcome the difficulties of managing the travel and hospitality businesses' accounting transactions or financial statements with Accounting and Financial Management for Travel Agencies. Designed to help industry experts boost their financial management skills, this course will equip you with the knowledge to navigate accounting transactions effectively, interpret financial statements, and make strategic decisions that drive profitability. With the combination of practical case studies and interactive simulations, the course has been created to develop a deep understanding of accounting principles and learn proven strategies for financial success. Whether aiming to meet investment requirements or comply with industry regulators like IATA, this course ensures you have the skills to manage the agency's financial health. Summing Up Learning has become more accessible and convenient than ever before thanks to the advancements in technology. By embracing the listed hospitality management courses, individuals can equip themselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry. As we move forward, it is evident that continuous learning and upskilling will be crucial in staying relevant and competitive. The online hotel management certification allows professionals to adapt to the changing demands of the industry and stay ahead of the curve. By harnessing the power of digital platforms and innovative learning methods, individuals can unlock new opportunities and pave the way for a successful career in hospitality management.

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Hospitality Management

Travel Managers speak out: 3 business travel topics post-pandemic

Article | July 4, 2023

Despite the global pandemic controlling business travel headlines for the past twelve months, there are quite a few other topics top of mind for travel managers today in North America. Egencia has taken a dive into the other important topics that are weighing on the minds of travel managers, and we’ve taken a look at what’s creating a buzz in the industry and within the Egencia travel manager Connect Community.

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Hospitality Management

10 Must-Attend Hospitality Management Events for Professionals

Article | July 18, 2023

Discover the future of travel at the Hospitality Management events. Upcoming hospitality conferences 2023 & 2024 will have experts share insights about the rapidly evolving hospitality industry. Warehousing and distribution play crucial roles in the logistics industry. To enhance the expertise and gain a competitive edge, professionals must attend logistics conferences in 2023, including the Supply Chain Management and warehousing conferences and events. These gatherings offer a platform for industry leaders to exchange ideas, learn from experts, and explore the latest advancements. The following warehousing conferences and events will provide tailored discussions on warehouse optimization, inventory management, and process improvement. 1. PRSA Travel and Tourism 2023 Section Conference June 20-23, 2023 | Madison (Wisconsin) The PRSA Travel and Tourism Conference, presented by the PRSA's Travel Media, the global media network, will be held in June this year at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison, WI. This annual conference will bring together industry professionals to address evolving media and public relations changes. With notable speakers like Amy Alipio and Kelly Barbrey, attendees can gather timely strategies, resources, and diverse perspectives to excel in hospitality, tourism, and event management. Media and professional development experts, including esteemed speakers such as Amy Alipio, Kelly Barbrey, Casey Barks, Andrea Braustein, and Tykesha S. Burton, will impart their insights and expertise, providing attendees with timely strategies, resources, and diverse perspectives. 2. HITEC: The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference June 26-29, 2023 | Toronto (Canada) HITEC is one of the leading hospitality conferences for tourism and hospitality industry leaders. HITEC showcases cutting-edge technology tools that support the breadth of hospitality operations. With an unparalleled education program curated by top industry experts, attendees gain invaluable insights about the latest travel technology and solutions. Notable speakers such as Shawn Kanungo, Amandeep Sarna, Bharat Patel, Frank Wolfe, and Michael Levie will share their expertise, enhancing attendees' knowledge in hospitality management and tourism hospitality. HITEC 2023 promises to be a transformative experience for professionals seeking to stay at the forefront of the hospitality industry. 3. The Hospitality Show June 27-29, 2023 | Las Vegas (US) The Hospitality Show is an exciting new addition to hospitality conferences that aims to bring together the entire tourism and hospitality industry with a shared goal of optimizing hotel operations for efficiency and profitability. With a focus on networking opportunities, industry leaders, senior executives, hotel brands, owners, operators, management companies, developers, investors, and technology partners will convene at this one-stop shop for collaboration. The show boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including Kat Cole, Adm. William H. McRaven, Anthony Capuano, and Larry Cuculic, who will provide valuable insights and expertise about hospitality management. 4. Hospitality Upgrade’s CIO Summit September 6-8 2023 | Austin (Texas) A hospitality management events’, CIO Summit is designed for tourism and hospitality industry leaders. Over two days, this exclusive event will offer a unique blend of networking opportunities, insightful programs, and immersive social events. Participation is limited to top technology leaders from major hotels, casinos, cruise lines, management companies, and timeshare companies, ensuring a small peer networking experience. With its successful track record since its launch in 2002, the CIO Summit has become a prominent gathering for over 400 hospitality CIOs. Notable speakers such as Greg Duff, Vaughn Davis, Kelly McGuire and others will share their expertise, providing industry leaders with valuable insights and innovative strategies. For professionals in the hospitality industry, the CIO Summit in 2023 promises will be an invaluable platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of technology and tourism hospitality. 5. Gartner IT Symposium|Xpo September 11-13, 2023 | Gold Coast (Australia) The Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2023 conference addresses the needs of CIOs and IT executives in the tourism and hospitality industry. In a time of intense economic and social volatility, organizations in the industry must find innovative ways to drive efficiency, scale productivity, and pioneer new business models. By participating in this global gathering of experts and peers, attendees will gain valuable insights, expert guidance, and real-world examples to shape the future direction of technology in the hospitality industry. Key topics to be covered include business transformation, cybersecurity, AI, customer experience, data analytics, and executive leadership. With esteemed speakers like Holly Ransom and Mathew Luhn, this event will equip industry leaders with the knowledge and tools to navigate the ever-changing technology landscape and drive success in the hospitality industry. 6. Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia September 10-12, 2023 | Saudi Arabia The Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia is a highly influential hospitality management events and trade conference that serves as a gateway to explore the future of Saudi Arabia's hospitality industry. With a comprehensive market report, this event will delve into the key trends, industry dynamics, and the development of giga-projects, offering invaluable insights for industry leaders in the tourism and hospitality sector. By attending this expo, professionals can network with leading experts, conduct businesses, and stay updated on the latest industry developments. The event will feature conferences where hospitality leaders can share their expertise and host the prestigious Saudi Hospitality Awards. With participation from numerous local and international brands, the expo will be a valuable platform for professionals to source relevant products and services to enhance their operations in the hospitality industry. 7. Digital Travel Summit September 12-13, 2023 | South Carolina (US) The hotel conference and trade event, Hotel & Hospitality Expo Saudi Arabia, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia. Industry leaders in the tourism and hospitality sector can expect valuable insights from the event's comprehensive market report, which will explore key trends, industry dynamics, and the development of giga-projects. Attending this expo will allow professionals to network with top experts, engage in business opportunities, and stay up-to-date with industry advancements. Additionally, the conference will feature renowned speakers such as Kate Powell, Priya Rajagopal, Steven Paganelli, Derek Schoen, and Andrea Cole, who will share their expertise and contribute to the knowledge exchange. By participating in this event, industry leaders can get access to source relevant products and services to elevate their operations within the hospitality industry. 8. Skift Global Forum September 26-28, 2023 | New York City (New York) Skift Global Forum 2023, the flagship global conference on the business of travel, is set to make its return to New York City. This tourism and hospitality conference will offer invaluable insights into the future of the tourism hospitality industry. With a focus on the theme 'Connection in the Age of AI,' the conference will delve into the evolving relationship between generative AI and the travel industry. Notable speakers such as Ariel Cohen, Glenn Fogel, Christopher Nassetta, Jason Calacanis, and Gary Morrison will provide unique perspectives and inspire industry leaders to navigate the dynamic landscape of the hospitality and tourism industry. 9. The Phocuswright Conference November 13-16, 2024 | Florida (US) One of the renowned hospitality conferences, Phocuswright Conference, has catalyzed innovation and business growth for over 25 years. It will offer industry leaders an unparalleled platform to immerse themselves in professional development, advocate for innovation, and cultivate talent. The event will further foster valuable connections with an influential and elite group, providing inspiration and insights to drive success in the dynamic landscape of the hospitality and tourism industry. Notably, the conference prioritizes sustainability by fully offsetting the carbon footprint of the entire event, including every attendee. With esteemed speakers such as Timothy Hughes, Tania Platt, Nadim El Manawy, and Mary Li, industry leaders will be able to gain valuable knowledge, expand their networks, and stay ahead of the rapidly evolving hospitality industry. 10. 4th International Conference on Tourism Management and Hospitality March 01-03, 2024 | Vienna (Austria) The Hospitality Conference 2024 is known as the International Hospitality and Tourism Management Conference (ICTMH). It is the fourth edition of the conference this year and promises that it will be a gathering of industry leaders, academics, and professionals. Attendees can expect to engage with world-renowned experts who will present their groundbreaking research on critical topics such as customer experience, medical tourism, economic sustainability, ICT and tourism, social media marketing, and tourism law. Notable keynote speakers, including Dr. Hsuan Hsuan Chang, Dr. Kelly La Venture, Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, and Prof. Koustab Ghosh, will provide valuable insights and expertise, ensuring that industry leaders will return the conference equipped with fresh perspectives and ideas to elevate their organizations and shape the future of the hospitality industry. The hospitality management events and conferences mentioned in the article provide a promising outlook for the future of the tourism and hospitality industry. These gatherings serve as crucial platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration within the industry. By attending hospitality conferences and hotel conferences, businesses can gain insights into tourism and hospitality management, explore new trends, and learn about innovative strategies for success. These events also focus on tourism and event management, providing valuable opportunities to stay updated on industry developments and form partnerships.

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Travel Technology, Hospitality Trends

Hotel Operations Software: Increase Revenue and Strengthen CX

Article | June 24, 2022

Hospitality professionals from all over the world are relying on hotel operations software to optimize their standard procedures. In a survey by Duetto, a hospitality application supplier, 77.6% of 210 industry professionals said they planned to increase their spending on hotel technology in the next three years. “Tech adoption in hotels has been increasingly accelerating as hotels seek greater efficiencies in both front and back of the house, It’s promising to see that more industry leaders are focusing on tech adoption, tech upgrades, and creating an integrated tech stack.” -David Woolenberg, CEO, Duetto The increasing traveler demand for automated services is fuelling the widespread deployment of technology in the travel industry. What Does Hotel Operations Software Do? Hotel operations software or a property management system eases daily tasks like prioritizing hotel room cleaning for early arrivals and automates operations such as housekeeping, front desk, reporting, POS systems, and more. Let us take a look at the features of hotel operations software that make it an indispensable technology solution for hoteliers: Provides Ease of Access A single dashboard for all operations lets team members collaborate without errors. Cloud-based hotel operations software can be accessed 24/7. Allows Unlimited Users Unlimited users can access the platform at no additional cost. New hotel staff can easily use the software. Integrates Major Channel ManagersSeamless integration of the software with major channels lets hotels manage their inventory in real-time, so no double-booking issues arise. Records and Analyzes Guest DataCloud-based hotel operations software securely gathers guest data, records preferences, and predicts and analyzes guest behavior to help hotels elevate their customer experience. Offers Data Security and Payment Gateway Secure card payments and the choice to integrate payment gateways make it easy for hotels to accept payments through methods modern travelers prefer and frequently use. Integrates With Other Applications Third-party integrations with other applications like Global Distribution System (GDS) connect, TripAdvisor connects, and Booking Suite can help hotels manage their sales and operations. Creates Detailed Reports The software creates detailed reports and audits of departments like housekeeping, POS, accounts, etc., that give deep insights on how to increase revenue. Growing Revenue with Hotel Operations Software Hotel operations software minimizes operational expenses and adds value to the service offered to the guests. Automating time-consuming processes alleviates the pressure on employees and reduces labor costs. Here are other ways in which hoteliers can grow their revenue using the software: Entice tech-savvy and modern travelers Increase rate level utilization Improve internal communication Cut down on unnecessary expenses Retain customers through outstanding CX Manage hotel sales efficiently Anticipate demands and address them Reduce the cost of third-party bookings Cross-sell services in owned hotels A Success Story Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts optimized their revenue and loyalty at seven of their mixed-use condo hotels with Maestro PMS, a centralized hotel operations management system. “Maestro PMS hotel software manages all our properties and maximizes revenue on one centralized system,” -Helen Staton, Director of Reservations and Revenue Management for Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts. Summing It Up Hoteliers must enthusiastically adopt technology like hotel operations software to enhance guest experience and aid revenue growth through streamlined, error-free, automated operational processes.

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Spotlight

Windstar Cruises

Welcome to Windstar Cruises – an experience that is truly 180 degrees from ordinary. We are boutique, small ship cruise line. Our luxury cruise line offers a wide variety cruise vacation packages to destinations like Caribbean, Mediterranean, Greece, Europe, Tahiti, Italy, Panama Canal, Costa Rica, Alaska, Canada & New England, Japan, Thailand, China.

Related News

The 10 best solo vacations for 2019

USA TODAY | January 03, 2019

Don’t have anyone to travel with in 2019? That’s no reason to stay home. Solo travel is on the rise, and tour operators, hotels and cruise lines are expanding their offerings to meet the increasing demand. Below are the 10 best solo vacations for 2019, covering every corner of the globe. Some of these trips made the list because they’re specifically designed for solo travelers; others offer discounted single supplements or roommate matching so you don’t have to pay extra fees for traveling alone. Note that all trips and single-supplement discounts were available at the time of publication, but they could sell out at any time. If you’re interested in these solo vacations, it’s best to book early.

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Millenials are fastest growing travel demographic, increasingly exploring solo

Fox News | November 01, 2018

While making money and earning a steady income are important factors in life, what’s the point of it all if you aren't actually enjoying it? Welcome to the world of millennial travel. The newest demographic taking over the world of travel values once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Instagramable moments and living with no regrets. They prioritize photo-worthy aesthetics, fast and free Wi-Fi everywhere and coveted location-independent jobs that afford them the luxury of working from anywhere in the world. Millennials are the fastest growing demographic of travel. Three out of every four millennials would rather buy an experience than a material possession, and for most that means travel. The United Nations reported that 20 percent of all international travelers are millennials—that’s nearly 200 million people.

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The 6 Best Destinations For Your First Solo Trip

Elite Daily | October 17, 2018

Solo travel is totally having its moment right now. From someone who's spent the past few years traveling the globe alone, I can definitely understand why. At first thought, solo travel may seem like an unusual choice. A lot of people book trips to share their experiences with family and friends. However, travel can be equally rewarding when you go by yourself. It's an incredible opportunity to connect with yourself and the world around you. You also get the chance to meet like-minded people from all over the world. Here are some of the best destinations for your first solo travel if you're ready to give it a try. In the beginning, the idea of solo travel can seem a little intimidating. You're traveling to a new place by yourself without knowing a soul. There's also the fear of getting lonely or feeling bored. It's important to ease your way into solo travel so that you feel as comfortable as possible. You'll definitely understand the hype once you do. You'll learn to love your own company and truly embrace unknown adventures, with or without someone by your side.

Read More

The 10 best solo vacations for 2019

USA TODAY | January 03, 2019

Don’t have anyone to travel with in 2019? That’s no reason to stay home. Solo travel is on the rise, and tour operators, hotels and cruise lines are expanding their offerings to meet the increasing demand. Below are the 10 best solo vacations for 2019, covering every corner of the globe. Some of these trips made the list because they’re specifically designed for solo travelers; others offer discounted single supplements or roommate matching so you don’t have to pay extra fees for traveling alone. Note that all trips and single-supplement discounts were available at the time of publication, but they could sell out at any time. If you’re interested in these solo vacations, it’s best to book early.

Read More

Millenials are fastest growing travel demographic, increasingly exploring solo

Fox News | November 01, 2018

While making money and earning a steady income are important factors in life, what’s the point of it all if you aren't actually enjoying it? Welcome to the world of millennial travel. The newest demographic taking over the world of travel values once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Instagramable moments and living with no regrets. They prioritize photo-worthy aesthetics, fast and free Wi-Fi everywhere and coveted location-independent jobs that afford them the luxury of working from anywhere in the world. Millennials are the fastest growing demographic of travel. Three out of every four millennials would rather buy an experience than a material possession, and for most that means travel. The United Nations reported that 20 percent of all international travelers are millennials—that’s nearly 200 million people.

Read More

The 6 Best Destinations For Your First Solo Trip

Elite Daily | October 17, 2018

Solo travel is totally having its moment right now. From someone who's spent the past few years traveling the globe alone, I can definitely understand why. At first thought, solo travel may seem like an unusual choice. A lot of people book trips to share their experiences with family and friends. However, travel can be equally rewarding when you go by yourself. It's an incredible opportunity to connect with yourself and the world around you. You also get the chance to meet like-minded people from all over the world. Here are some of the best destinations for your first solo travel if you're ready to give it a try. In the beginning, the idea of solo travel can seem a little intimidating. You're traveling to a new place by yourself without knowing a soul. There's also the fear of getting lonely or feeling bored. It's important to ease your way into solo travel so that you feel as comfortable as possible. You'll definitely understand the hype once you do. You'll learn to love your own company and truly embrace unknown adventures, with or without someone by your side.

Read More

Events