With measles making a global comeback - cases increased 79 percent in 2023 - the CDC is issuing new guidelines for those planning to travel abroad.“Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles,” says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, adding: “The majority of measles cases imported into the United States occur in unvaccinated U.S. residents who become infected during international travel.”In particular, the CDC website says Americans who intend to visit other countries should consult with a doctor six weeks prior if there’s any question about whether they’ve had the measles vaccine. Travelers are at risk of contracting measles if they've not been fully vaccinated two weeks ahead of traveling abroad, says the agency's travel advisory.“All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.In another notable update, Russia and Malaysia have been added to the CDC’s map of 46 countries that are experiencing a significant uptick in measles cases. Some of the additional countries where health officials have reported large measles outbreaks include Afghanistan, Armenia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. To view the full list of countries experiencing a significant measles outbreak, visit the CDC website.And if you do travel abroad and develop any of the following symptoms, the CDC recommends seeking medical care:
Travel Advisor Success Story: Niki Rakowitz, Visionary CARE Travel and CT Signature Collection
05.03.2024 - 19:27 / travelpulse.com / North America / Claudette Covey
Success Stories focus on veteran travel advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Niki Rakowitz, founder of Visionary CARE Travel and CT Signature Collection.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
Travel had always been in my soul, as I was raised by my grandparents, and we traveled via RV all around the U.S. as I was growing up. Once I graduated high school, I applied for a travel agent program about an hour away. I was notified that the program was shutting down as there was not enough interest. They put me in touch with a company that assigned me to a mentor. I worked hard under my host agency and mentor for two years and took all the training courses I could with The Travel Institute.
How did you build your business over the years?
As I believe is the case with most of us, my business began with friends and family. I would book anyone I knew at the time. As I was learning what I enjoyed booking, I was able to find my niche as a romance travel advisor. Living in a college town, we had lots of people getting married and honeymooners who reached out for guidance on the best beach destinations. I was able to get my name out in the community by doing lots of bridal shows, and things kind of took off with referrals after about a year of shows and attending many – oh so many – community events.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
I feel that my personal passion for helping others and my love of travel are showcased in the communications I have with my clients. I love learning who they are, not only for the vacation but in general. I listen to their concerns and take the time to care about their investment and guide them to the best experience. Traveling is an investment, and I do not take that lightly.
What have been your greatest challenges?
When the world shut down during the pandemic, so did my business, which resulted in me laying off my team, leaving me to handle not only my book of business but theirs as well. It was an eye-opening experience for me and made me reconsider my business and how I ran it. COVID was the biggest challenge as well as the biggest blessing in my career to date. I now have a business model and host that work better for my team, which are structured to handle anything the future throws our way.
What have been your greatest accomplishments?
My greatest accomplishment was – and is – the restructuring of my business. After two years with a host, I had the growth and sales to go completely on my own, which felt like a success. However, after 22 years of having my own IATA number, I was learning the value of a host and having that support behind me when things happen, as I always do.
I have now joined the Sulit Experience/Montecito Village
Southwest Joins Electric Seaglider Initiative for Hawaiian Islands
As part of its Nonstop to Net Zero effort, Southwest Airlines is signing on to a project that's been dubbed the Hawaii Seaglider Initiative.A new mode of transportation designed to combine the speed of an aircraft with the “relatively lower cost of a boat to reduce the time and cost” of transporting travelers, seagliders are all-electric, zero-emission vessels. They operate exclusively over water and can move at up to 180 miles-per-hour, which dramatically reduces travel time. Seagliders function by floating on their hull before transitioning to “wave-tolerant underwater hydrofoils” and then take flight at ultra-low altitudes about 30- to 60-feet above the surface of the water. The vessels are being designed by Rhode Island based manufacturer REGENT.The Hawaii Seaglider Initiative (HSI) was first announced in January and includes a broad coalition of partners. Some of the high-profile corporate and community partners supporting the effort include AES Hawaiʻi, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii Building & Constructions Trades Council, Hawaiʻi Lodging and Tourism Association, Japan Airlines, Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, Mokulele Airlines, Molokaʻi Chamber of Commerce, Polynesian Adventure, and United Airlines.
India’s Weddings Are Big Business for Travel Brands
Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, March 19. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.
Iceland volcano 2024: Is it safe to travel and is the eruption affecting flights?
A volcano in Iceland has erupted for the fourth time in three months, with this being the most powerful so far.
Travelmation advisor champions accessible travel
Jordana Izzo has always been a traveler, well before the West Warwick, R.I., resident decided to become a travel advisor in 2019.
Department of Justice Opens Criminal Investigation of Alaska Airlines Incident
Boeing has been under increased scrutiny ever since a door panel blew off an Alaska Airlines plane in mid-flight.
What the Latest Supplier Shutdowns Mean for the Travel Industry
Travel advisors weighed in on the ramifications of Gogo Vacations and American Queen Voyages shuttering their doors, along with the termination of the JetBlue-Spirit merger, noting that nothing is off the table in the post-pandemic era.
This Talented Travel Advisor Takes Her Business’ IG Reels To the Next Level
Just when you thought you’d seen everything imaginable on Instagram, one woman comes along and defies all expectations. Ever seen a professional musical theatre actor-turned-travel advisor? Well, there’s one out there, alright, and she’s attracting plenty of attention with her cleverly written original lyrics about the world of travel, which she flawlessly sets to the tune of famous songs.
Travel Insurance Sector Is Soaring Amid Increased Consumer Spending and Concerns
The travel insurance sector is experiencing a meteoric rise, according to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association’s (UStiA) latest market report, which paints a picture of remarkable growth in the sector. According to its analysis, U.S. Total Consumer Spend on Travel Protection surged to $4.27 billion in 2022, marking a staggering 143.9 percent increase from the UStiA’s findings in 2020.
Walt Disney World Offering New Spring and Summer Ticket Deals
Walt Disney World Resort is offering three new special ticket offers for this spring and summer through its Disney Destinations Travel Agents program, including one way Florida residents can save big on their next trips to Disney this year.
Meet the heavy metal-drumming CEO bringing back cheap transatlantic travel, and learning from the mistakes of his airline's failed predecessors
Birgir Jónsson is well aware of how a budget airline's fortunes can quickly turn around.
Sea Cloud Announces 2025 Florida and Bahamas Sailings, Brightline Pre-Cruise Option
WHY IT RATES: Sea Cloud Cruises is offering a new round-trip Miami itinerary for 2025, allowing travelers to enjoy a fun private yacht-style cruise onboard a brand-new, three-masted ship unlike any other. — Lacey Pfalz, Associate Writer, TravelPulse