Roaming with Scott: A Travel Agent's Tails

How to Pick the Right Alaska Cruise: A Travel Agent's Complete Guide Not All Alaska Cruises Are Created Equal If Alaska is on your bucket list, you're not alone. Every year thousands of travelers dream about seeing massive glaciers, spotting whales, watching bald eagles soar overhead, and experiencing one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth. After more than 35 years in the travel industry, I've learned that choosing an Alaska cruise is not as simple as picking a ship and a date. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes travelers make is assuming all Alaska cruises are basically the same. They're not. The cruise line, ship size, itinerary, departure port, cabin selection, and even the week you travel can dramatically affect your experience. Let's break down exactly how to choose the Alaska cruise that's right for you. First Decide What Type of Alaska Experience You Want There are generally two types of Alaska cruise travelers. The first group want...

A Year Worth Traveling For: America’s Big Celebrations & Milestone Anniversaries in 2026 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most celebration-packed travel years in modern history. From coast to coast, the United States will mark landmark anniversaries tied to history, culture, hospitality, and travel itself—making this an ideal year for meaningful trips, nostalgia travel, and once-in-a-generation experiences. At the heart of it all is America’s 250th anniversary, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. But the national spotlight doesn’t stop there. Cities, historic routes, iconic hotels, festivals, and cruise lines are all celebrating major milestones of their own in 2026. Here’s a curated look at the destinations and experiences making 2026 a must-travel year. Route 66: 100 Years of the Mother Road One of America’s most legendary highways reaches a monumental milestone in 2026—the 100th anniversary of Historic Route 66. Stretching...

The State of Travel in 2026: Trends, Insights & What It Means for Travelers As we move deeper into 2026, the travel industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, shaped by global events, shifting traveler priorities, innovative technology, and emerging destination trends. Whether you’re planning your next vacation, booking a group trip, or working with a travel professional, understanding the state of travel in 2026 helps you make smarter, more inspired travel decisions. In this guide, we’ll explore the key travel trends defining 2026 — from experiential travel and personalization to technology and purpose-driven journeys. 1. Purpose-Driven and Intentional Travel Is Taking Center Stage Travelers in 2026 are seeking more than just a vacation; they want meaning, connection, and memorable experiences. According to industry insights, the emphasis isn’t on racking up trips — it’s about making each journey count with deeper cultural and emotional value.  Trave...

✈️ Flying When It’s Snowing: What Travelers Need to Know Before Takeoff Winter weather doesn’t have to derail your travel plans — but it can change how your trip unfolds. Snow, ice, and cold temperatures create unique challenges for airlines, airports, and travelers. Understanding what to expect and how to prepare can turn a stressful winter travel day into a smooth and confident journey. Here’s what every traveler should know when flying during snowy conditions: 1. Expect Delays — Even If It Isn’t Snowing Where You Are Winter storms affect the entire aviation system. Your plane may be coming from a city hit by snow long before it reaches you. Airlines may also adjust schedules to keep aircraft and crews safe. What to watch for: “Crew time-out” delays The aircraft arriving late from another airport Gate changes as airlines reshuffle planes Longer taxi times after landing 2. De-Icing Is Normal — and It’s a Good Thing Before takeoff, your aircraft may head to a de-icing pad t...

Hurricane Melissa: How Jamaica Is Recovering and Rebuilding Stronger When Hurricane Melissa swept across the Caribbean, Jamaica faced some of the most challenging days the island has seen in years. The storm brought powerful winds, heavy flooding, and widespread damage to homes, resorts, roads, and beloved coastal communities. For a destination known for its warmth, hospitality, and vibrant spirit, the aftermath has been heartbreaking — but the resilience of the Jamaican people is shining through every day. The Immediate Impact Hurricane Melissa affected key tourism areas across the island, including Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril. Many local businesses suffered property damage, and some communities saw disruptions to power, water service, and transportation. Air travel temporarily halted in and out of the island, including operations at the Montego Bay airport, as crews worked to ensure safety. While the images and videos circulating online paint a difficult picture, t...

A Message to Our Spirit Guests At Spirit Airlines, you’re at the heart of everything we do. Today, we want to share an important update with you about how we’re building a stronger future for our airline. We’ve made the decision to enter a Chapter 11 restructuring process. This simply means we’re taking steps—under court supervision—to reorganize our finances and set Spirit up for long-term success. Many major U.S. airlines have taken this same path and come out stronger. Here’s what matters most to you : Your travel plans are safe. Our flights are operating as usual. Your tickets, credits, and loyalty points are secure. Nothing changes with the way you book or travel. Your perks remain in place. Free Spirit®, Saver$ Club®, and Spirit credit card benefits are all continuing. Our team is here for you. From booking to boarding, we’re committed to keeping your journey safe, reliable, and enjoyable. For details about our restructuring process, you can visit www.spir...