TRAVEL WATCHER
Insider news & notes from your business travel authority 
SEPTEMBER 2016
UP IN THE AIR
American Airlines Rolls out first Boeing 757-200 with retrofitted cabin
American Airlines (AA) has rolled out the first retrofitted Boeing 757-200 for its transatlantic routes to Europe and Latin America. This program is part of the carrier's $3 billion investment, which also includes 24 757s being fitted with 16 new lie-flat B/E Parallel Diamond Business Class seats, and 160 Main Cabin (Economy) seats. According to AA, the retrofit is intended to give aircraft "a more modern look, newer technology and connectivity." Business Class passengers will be provided with individual tablets to stay entertained throughout the flight. These aircraft will also receive satellite wifi in the future, so customers will be able to download and stream content to their personal electronic devices.
Visa news
Vietnam: Beginning September 6, 2016, the Consulates of Vietnam in the United States will only issue one-year multiple entry business and tourist visas to US passport holders. The visa requirements will remain the same.
Argentina : The government of Argentina has revoked the reciprocity fee for US citizens. US passport holders can now travel to Argentina for stays of up to 90 days for business or tourism without having to pay a fee.

Airport Hacks
HOTELNEWS
Accor offers extra value in New York & Chicago
Discover the charms of downtown New York and Chicago while enjoying the luxury of the best hotels with this unique offer!  Book your stay between September 1st and October 31st at Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, Sofitel New York or Novotel New York Times Square (pictured below) and receive a complimentary upgrade plus a $30 food & beverage credit per room, per night.  This offer is valid for travel between September 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017, and is subject to availability. Contact your Protravel agent to book.
Corporate travel buyers weigh in on hotels
Brands across the hotel industry are racing to modernize their products and technology to stay competitive. Yet, corporate travel buyers in  Business Travel News 2016 Hotel Survey rewarded brands that not only embraced modernity but also turned their attention back to a bedrock principal of hospitality: service.  BTN's survey ranked brands across seven tiers. Of last year's winners, only one brand returned to the top: Starwood Hotels & Resorts' Westin brand, which this year shared the No. 1 spot in the upper-upscale tier.  High-speed Internet has become table stakes for hoteliers, and it's showing in where the industry is allocating its money. Bjorn Hanson, professor at the New York University School of Professional Studies Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism, said spending on Wi-Fi upgrades could prove to be one of the largest capital expenditure costs for hotels in 2016.  An emerging theme among many of the best-performing brands this year, though, was an increase in service initiatives. 


Travel Leaders: London most popular international destination this Fall
London is the most popular international destination for fall travel amongst Travel Leaders Group agents, up from its 2015 ranking of third, which the company attributes to the falling British pound following the U.K.'s June vote to leave the European Union.  The ranking was based on booking data reported by 1,145 agents, agency owners and managers in the U.S., who were surveyed about fall bookings from July 28 to Aug. 24.

Rounding out the top five destinations after London are Caribbean cruises (first last year), Cancun (second last year), Rome (fifth last year) and Paris (sixth last year).
"The Brexit vote and resulting fluctuation in the British pound has been incredibly favorable for American travelers, whether for leisure or business," Travel Leaders Group CEO Ninan Chacko said in a statement. "While London has always been among the top international destinations on our list, this is further proof that travelers are very willing to adjust and seize upon a prime opportunity when there's increased value in a particular destination."
TECHNOLOGYCORNER
Cell data tips when traveling
Following the tips below can help keep your mobile bill within your travel budget:
  • Manage your apps: Some apps consume more data than others, particularly those that use location services like navigation, news, weather, social media, video chat and games with heavy graphics and those requiring an internet connection. Disable any apps running in the background that you're not using to avoid unexpected charges.
  • Avoid streaming: Streaming content is extremely data-intensive. You can download content before leaving the U.S. to avoid streaming movies, videos, music or other content while abroad.
  • Track your usage: You can track your cellular data usage with your device's auto-check feature. This feature is generally indicated as "Cellular Data Usage" within "Settings" on your device. Reset the tracker once you reach your international destination.
  • Disable email auto-check: Switch your phone's email settings from "Push" to "Fetch." This allows you to manually download your email only when connected to Wi-Fi.
  • Use Wi-Fi connections when available: Because it does not count toward your data allowance.
  • iMessage: When you're traveling abroad, iMessage (and other calling and messaging apps) are treated and billed as data rather than as text messages. To disable iMessage, go to "Messages" in the "Settings" menu.
  • Turn off data roaming: When you don't want to use cellular data, turn it off entirely. Go to "Settings" and look for "Cellular" or "Network" options. 
YOURLIFE
13 things you didn't know about online travel sites
(or why you need a human travel agent)
Here are just a few reasons from the list why using a travel agent for business and leisure is the smart choice:
  1. They know who's a Mac and who's a PC--and who's going to spend more: Last year, Orbitz tracked people's online activities to test out a little experiment: Do Mac users spend more on travel than PC users? Turns out that on average, Mac users lay out $20 to $30 more per night on hotels and go for more stars, according to the Wall Street Journal. As a result, the online travel site shows these users different, more expensive travel options first.
  2. Their software doesn't always hook up to the hotel/airline system: A guaranteed reservation is almost impossible to come by-but the risk of finding out your flight or hotel is overbooked increases with third-party providers. Travel agents can connect directly into hotel and airline reservation systems, guaranteeing rooms and seat assignments
  3. Don't be fooled by packages: Often, they're low-end items grouped together. Ever notice how travel sites recommend one-stop shopping, like a hotel, rental car and tour package all in one click? These deals usually feature travel that no one wants, like flights with multiple layovers. 
  4. You aren't likely to build airline or hotel loyalty: Don't book online if you want to rack up those miles or points--at most, you'll get the minimum, and your booking won't make you eligible for any special offers, like double points on weekend stays. Work directly with a travel agent to build up the loyalty points that will get you upgrades and priority rewards.
  5. Travel agents often can share exclusive perks: Online booking sites are all about dates, rates, and space, meaning their goal is to put heads in beds, says Misty Ewing at Virtuoso luxury travel network. But for the same price, an agent might have connections and special access. "For example, when traveling in Italy, you can take a cooking class with a local resident in her home-a level of authenticity not provided by the Internet," she says. [Protravel has been the highest-producing agency member of Virtuoso for 12 consecutive years and our clients are at the top of the VIP list.]
  6. Corporate travel needs are better done in person: Planning a small business trip can become a logistical mess, and online travel sites offer little help. But Travel Management Companies [such as Protravel] can help their clients with corporate events, meetings, and special services that online travel sites don't deal with--and are more likely to get you refunds on unused tickets.
  7. Online, you will not see every option: No travel site will show you options from every airline. And travel sites leave out even more options for lodging, listing big names and omitting comfy little inns, boutique hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and villas.
  8. Once your trip is purchased, you're on your own: All trips, no matter how well planned, are vulnerable to cancelled flights, subpar hotel rooms, or torrential weather. An online travel agency can't provide assistance the same way an agent can. Basically, when you arrive at the airport or hotel, you're just another client who booked at the lowest rate. "You can't VIP yourself," says Ewing.
Did you know that your Protravel Agent can help you experience the impossible?
Through our network of exclusive partnerships, we open the doors to the most exclusive events, parties, and happenings around the world. Whether it's front row seats or backstage access at a sold out concert or festival, VIP seating at an Awards Show, exclusive passes for the most coveted events, Protravel has you covered. The only limit is your imagination: nothing is impossible.  From must-see Broadway shows and plays, operas and ballets, we have access to a wide range of ticketing options. We can even take you or your clients backstage!  Maybe you're an epicure craving  one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. With Protravel,  the world is your oyster. We can source top chefs to cook in your home, curate the ultimate food truck experience, or even get you the best table at the new restaurant that has yet to open to the public. Contact your Protravel to make you a hero.
THEGREATESCAPE

One&Only Resorts 
Some of the world's most spectacular resorts in the world's  most exotic destinations. And clients of Protravel are always treated as VIPs with exclusive perks & amenities 
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, Australia. Click the links below to be inspired...
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