By utilizing and combining data from user-generated content, transaction history and other online communications, AI and machine-learning (ML) solutions can help to give marketers a customer-centric approach, while successfully accounting for the vast diversity amongst their consumer base.

Tracking the Trends

AI creates significant value for travel brands, which is why 48% of business executives “are likely to invest in AI and automation in customer interactions over the next two years,” according to Deloitte. Using AI and a data-driven travel marketing strategy, you can predict behaviors and proactively market to your ideal customers. There are as many AI solutions in the market as there are questions that require data, so choosing the right one is important.

For example, a limited-memory AI solution can skim a review site, such as TripAdvisor, to determine the most popular destinations around a major travel season, like summertime. Or, a chatbot can speak directly with visitors to your site, and aggregate their data to give brands an idea on what prospective consumers are looking for. Other solutions offer predictive segmentation, which can separate consumers based on their probability of taking action, categorize your leads and share personalized outreach on their primary channels. Delivering personalized recommendations are a major end goal for AI solutions in the travel industry. For example, Booking.com utilizes a consumer’s search history to determine whether they are traveling for business or leisure and provide recommendations accordingly.

A major boon of today’s AI and machine-learning solutions are their ability to monitor and inform users of ongoing behavioral trends. For example, who could have predicted the popularity of hotel “day passes” for remote workers, as little as three years ago? Or the growing consumer desire for sustainable toiletries? Trends change every year— or, more accurately, every waking hour— so, having a tool that can stay ahead of the next biggest thing is essential.

Personalizing and Enhancing Experiences

In an industry where every element of the customers’ experience – travel costs, hotels, activities – is meticulously planned, delivering personalized experiences is critical to maintaining a customer’s interest. Consumers want personalization. As Google reports, 90% of leading marketers indicate that personalization significantly contributes to business profitability.

Particularly in the travel field, where there are as many consumer preferences as there are destinations on a map, personalization is essential in order to gain their attention. AI capabilities can solve common traveler frustrations, further enhancing the consumer experience. Natural language processors can skim through review sites, gathering the generalized sentiment from prior reviews and determining common complaints that may arise. Through these analyses from a range of sources from across a consumer’s journey, you can catch problems before they start.

For travel marketers already dealing with a diverse audience, and with a need for personalization to effectively stand out amongst the competition, AI and ML solutions can effectively help you plan and execute personalized outreach, foster brand loyalty and optimize the consumer experience. With AI working behind the scenes, your customers can look forward to fun in the sun, on the slopes, or wherever their destination may be.

The article Activating vacation mode: Utilizing AI and machine learning in your travel marketing strategy first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Things can even get worse, if you know what I mean, the reason why I’ll stick to the rising trend of private jet charters, what’s fueling this movement, and the logistics behind it. Everyone knows that chartering a private jet is expensive, however allowing your pet to travel safely and with utmost comfort is a price that many are willing to pay. In fact, some owners have paid a charter as a group to reduce expenses when flying their furry loved ones.

I envision this trend only growing in the foreseeable future as airline inefficiencies remain an industry standard, especially with Fourth of July travel right around the corner. Owners can decide to travel alongside their pets in the cabin or send their precious cargo with the crew and even on some occasions alongside the watch and care of a dedicated flight attendant. While the result is a happy family and a wagging tail, many variables go behind the coordination of a private charter flight for pets.

At Icarus Jet, we are in a prime position to support all types of domestic or international movements, thanks to a dedicated charter and trip support team of professionals – a fact that immediately separates us from the competition. We know exactly what is required in every country and what rules and regulations are needed for your pet to enter a specific air space. I’ll go through the most important information for pet owners thinking of using a private jet charter to transport their pets in the future.

Documentation for flying your pet on a private charter

Depending on the country, there might be strict rules and paperwork to have a pet on board. For domestic flights in the U.S., most operators do not require documentation to fly a pet, yet that may change drastically when flying internationally from the states. Some countries may differ from one requirement to another although the most common ones are vaccination certifications, a certification by the veterinary, and the pet’s passport and microchip details.

The purpose of the dog’s travel also needs to be informed, and if it’s pure leisure with a fixed number of days in a foreign country, then usually there are no further questions asked. More details are requested for importation or relocation purposes, the latter being one of the main reasons clients charter a jet with pets on board as they want the entire family moving together to another country.

For the UK, for instance, you can enter the country with a dog, cat, or ferret if it has been microchipped, possesses a pet passport or health certificate, and has been vaccinated against rabies. In contrast, the strictest policies can be found in the Middle East with operators requesting for pets to travel in a crate without being allowed to walk freely in the cabin when flying.

No matter the route and countries involved, working alongside an experienced company like Icarus Jet will allow pet owners to enjoy a worry-free travel experience regarding their pets’ documentation and status in a certain region while also knowing beforehand if there are any extra fees for cabin cleaning after the flight – although this is not a usual practice by operators. While I understand that price might be an issue for many, allowing a pet to travel right next to its owners while being petted and even fed is a priceless feeling – believe me. There are also more cost-efficient options like turboprops instead of larger aircraft that also enable passengers and pets to enjoy the all-around private jet experience, especially for shorter flights. The key is to receive advice from a trustworthy private jet provider with verifiable experience transporting domestic animals on domestic and international routes.

The article Pets on private jets: logistics behind growing travel trend first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

You’ve arrived at the airport, checked in your hold baggage and it has disappeared down the conveyor belt; you can now head for the café, indulge in some retail therapy or open your laptop and get on with your work. But as you order your flat white, your suitcase is setting off on a complex but tightly choreographed progression which will end in your reunion at the baggage reclaim belt.

Once your case has vanished from view, it enters the fully-automated handling system and passes through the baggage security screening machine, which is about twice the size of the hand luggage scanner, and a vital cog in the process of keeping everyone on board safe. Security officers calculate the density of scanned objects in their search for contraband and, although these machines can’t work out specifically what every item is, they will detect both metallic and non-metallic objects, and also most organic materials, including food items. The scanner will identify a suspicious package with a red light, whilst a white light indicates further inspection is needed. Your case, of course, sails through the green light and on its way.

Baggage is tagged, usually with a barcode, and sorted according to whether it’s early for the flight, on time or, in some circumstances, whether it’s just missed it. Early Baggage Storage (EBS) systems allow passenger bags to be checked in well before the flight; some also enable users to track the identity and location of any bag at all times. This largely removes the possibility of lost luggage and can also allow accurate removal from the process if necessary.

Although the sophistication of baggage handling systems varies considerably from airport to airport, they can detect and manage any blockages in the system, regulate the flow of bags according to demand, and even align and rotate bags if necessary to ensure smooth passage.

Once your luggage is ready to be loaded, it’s conveyed to assigned Make Up Points (MUPs) where the luggage is assembled before being taken to the aircraft. Transfer to the aircraft takes place either by manual loading, also known as bulk loading, or by container-based loading.

Bulk loading involves baggage being transferred by conveyor belt from a luggage cart to the aircraft hold and then manually stored. Holds have shelving and netting in place to secure the cargo, and it also needs to be distributed evenly to ensure the aircraft is safely balanced. Until relatively recently, manual loading was the only way to accomplish this part of the process. However, technological advances, such as robotic loaders and towing vehicles for baggage transportation, are paving the way for further automatic handling devices.

Container-based loading is mostly used for wide-bodied aircraft and involves luggage being packed into containers called Unit Load Devices (ULDs). These come in a variety of sizes and are locked into position in the hold to ensure restraint of the load and protection of the aircraft. They are frequently transferable between different types of aircraft, which speeds up turnaround at hub airports. Some are constructed for specific purposes, such as fire-resistance or temperature control; there is even a ULD for the safe transportation of livestock. They are manoeuvred onto the aircraft by a cargo loader fitted with automated rollers which move ULDs from its platform to the hold.

When you arrive at your destination, the whole process is reversed; your case is taken from the hold, conveyed to a baggage cart or cargo loader and towed to the airport building. If you have an onward journey, your case will be conveyed to your next aircraft as quickly as possible. If you’ve arrived at your destination, it will be unloaded onto the baggage reclaim belt, where your eagle eye can pick it out and you and your luggage can set off for your holiday or meeting.

The article A day in the life of luggage: how hold bags arrive at the correct airport first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

In the context of business travel and employee health, duty of care obligates an employer to research, plan, develop, and implement a set of policies and operational procedures to mitigate the risks that employees might face when they travel for business. Duty of care encompasses both the legal and moral responsibility of organizations to care for their employees when traveling. Successfully evading risks is a matter of careful planning.

Post-COVID-19, many companies have elevated their focus on employee health, especially for business travel. Cédric Fraissinet, general manager Central Europe at International SOS, says travel health and security policies need to be intimately linked. “Just as 9/11 completely changed the security rules of the air transport industry, COVID-19 has done the same to travel risk-management practices,” Fraissinet says. “A siloed approach to health and security risks is no longer adequate; assessing employee fitness to travel, and on-trip support, is now needed more than ever before.”

From our research and experience, we have become convinced of the value of an organization assessing its objectives, its traveler needs, its culture, its current policy status, and its own unique needs before developing or revising travel policy. We have seen too many businesses that have borrowed travel policies or used policy templates to create rules that no one understands, rules that are inapplicable, or rules that may even be unnecessary.

We recommend a seven-step approach to achieving duty of care for business travel:

1. Internal assessment
Conduct an internal assessment to determine the foundational components that will form the basis for the travel program in general and how it relates to employee health in particular. Gathering all relevant materials – not just position descriptions but also existing travel policy directives and perceived risks – gets everything on the table for review, analysis, and ultimately, coordination. For organizations looking to revise corporate travel policies under a duty-of-care model, we suggest inviting feedback from employees, those responsible for business travel, partners/vendors, and any other key stakeholders.

2. Risk assessment
The next step is to assess the health, safety, security risks, vulnerabilities, or exposure associated with the organization’s business travel requirements. The objective of any risk-management program is to mitigate risk to an acceptable level consistent with the organization’s business goals, governmental laws and regulations, and prevailing industry standards. Key risk factors to consider include:

• Destination and location risks – weather, crime rates, civil unrest, political and socioeconomic factors.
• Travel risks – issues with passports and visas, travel delays, missed connections, jet lag, fatigue.
• Health risks – hygiene and sanitation issues, infectious or food-borne or water-borne diseases, unfamiliarity with surroundings.
• Safety risks – the mode of travel, the accommodations, the neighborhood where the hotel or business meeting is to take place, the safety of local transportation.

3. Policy and procedure development
Travel policy is not about control or mere expense management. It should strike a fair balance between efficient use of the company’s resources and efforts to maintain the health, safety, well-being, and morale of traveling employees in a manner that encourages employee compliance with policy.

Key elements of establishing and revising policy and related procedures include:

• Stating the purpose of the policy
• Clearly stating your duty of care objectives
• Identifying the products of step 2, including determination of essential and non-essential travel and locations approved for travel
• Designating lead/responsible parties
• Establishing guidelines and/or acceptable exceptions, processes, and procedures for relevant groups/locations.
• Documenting policies and procedures for each step in the process, including pre-approvals, pre-travel risk assessment, reservations,
• monitoring, incident response, and feedback.

4. Employee education and training
Proactive communication is key to driving awareness and to anticipating or challenging misinformation. By educating everyone, an organization creates and reinforces a culture of risk awareness and discernment. Training everyone, including leadership, on policy and procedure is necessary for fulfilling duty-of-care responsibilities. All employees should be trained on the entirety of the policy itself, related procedures, processes, and protocols, and any supporting technology or other tools used by the organization.

5. Pretravel risk assessment
Identify anything that might compromise the safety, security, and well-being of a given traveling employee with respect to each specific business trip. Department managers and others responsible for managing travel should understand and carry out required reviews prior to each trip.

6. Monitoring employee travel
At a minimum, organizations should be able to track itineraries and see at a glance who is traveling, where they are, where they are staying, the length of stay, and how to contact them should an emergency arise.

7. Incident response
Should an incident occur, an organization must be able to coordinate efforts to react rapidly to the situation at hand and provide immediate and appropriate assistance to the employee. The capacity to respond quickly and efficiently is often hinged to measures taken to track and monitor employee well-being. Additionally, organizations should have comprehensive emergency response plans, including the ability to determine what constitutes an emergency, immediately implement emergency protocols, provide appropriate support and activate local support if needed.

Companies need to proactively, rather than reactively, develop policy that is thorough and explicitly addresses the health, safety, and well-being of employees. Outdated or ineffective policies create confusion and mistakes on the part of employees and often also their managers. Regular audits, analytics on compliance, and feedback collection are important tools in implementing policy and procedural changes that better ensure compliance.

The article 7 steps for protecting employees during business travel first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Aviation is at a key stage around sustainability. Targeted activism toward the industry’s carbon footprint is elevating, generating media attention, and misinformation campaigns, in contrast with what manufacturers are doing to go above and beyond to create more efficient aircraft and how the urban air mobility revolution is gaining ground with almost ready-to-market electric aircraft. This has been happening for years now but for some reason, it lacks the substance to countermeasure the negative noise.

What about private aviation? Well, the industry is an easy target when celebrities take a 10-minute flight to their destination. While I believe it’s hard to justify those operations, we are failing to control the narrative while educating end users about what propelled the industry to unparalleled success: flexibility to perform various missions and to allow passengers to control how they want to fly.

Did you know that aviation accounts only for 2.4% of global total carbon emissions (Business aviation only 0.04 % of that)? Hard facts yet using them as a tool to buy time in the discussion will get us nowhere and, most importantly, will not improve the public’s perception. And I believe the latter is key because once the industry’s image is improved, the end user will understand how they can be part of the solution.

In a nutshell, private aviation can change the public perception regarding its role in the sustainability debate by leading three important topics:

Communication: being more open about why clients are flying while controlling the narrative with hard facts about the industry and its technological advancements.

Education: countering misinformation in the media and the public eye about private jet types, emission numbers, operation definitions, fuel taxes, and overall purpose.

Innovation: the private aviation ecosystem can be a phenomenal tool for emission management research, and ultimately a force for good within aviation.

How can end users support sustainable flying?

At BitLux, we act by empowering the end user to assess which operators are aligned with their own environmental goals. We have a thorough understanding of those operators that are doing their due diligence regarding data collection and reporting while also investing in the latest
technology for more fuel-efficient flights.

While we truly believe that empowering client choice is paramount, creating and constantly updating the information to support customer choice, puts reasonable pressure on operators to start addressing a bigger picture of emission management and to innovate, communicate and collaborate.

Most feasible solutions in aviation

There are competing efforts in the sustainability ecosystem to provide real solutions. That is exactly the best-case scenario for advancement in an industry, to have multiple actors searching for solutions with a collaborative approach. The most immediate solutions are separated into net reductions such as the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and offsetting, and real-time efforts such as empowering operator choice based on a combination of those two efforts. Electrification and the use of completely new fuels and propulsion, and the required aircraft simply can’t be seen
as a short-term widespread solution.

Private aviation collaboration needs to be industry-wide, with agreements, initiatives with deadlines, among others, but also with face-to-face commitments between providers and their customers, and operators. So again, a combination of discussion and action. Obviously, public pressure will drive such requirements, but the collaboration should always be intra-industry-led and executed.

In conclusion, the sustainability discussions need to turn into action while involving most actors in the industry – from authorities to manufacturers and private jet providers. To achieve improved efficiency and extensive buy-in, frequent and open information and education must be shared with end users to manage the narrative amongst the media and public eye levels.

Advancements will be made in technology nonetheless of the previous, although this process cannot be separated from the end user’s realm. At BitLux we are eager to transform into a consistent facilitator between those two realities – aviation’s advancements in the field and the end user’s role in deciding how it can immediately make an impact on greener travel. It will take education, frequent communication, and industry-wide collaboration.

The article How education can impact private aviation’s environmental footprint first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Hua Hin boasts a number of famous tourist spots, namely Vana Nava Water Jungle, Cicada Market, and its white sand beach, all of which are well known to foreigners who have visited before. In fact, this resort town actually offers a lot of charming aspects that are worth discovering. Thus, Proud Group and True Arena Sport Club, on behalf of the organizers, joined hands with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to carry out special activities to highlight Hua Hin as a city of culture and health to tourists from across the world using social media and word-of-mouth.

Gallery Hua Hin, a vintage automotive museum

The first Player ACES activity was held at the Gallery Hua Hin, a vintage automotive museum located on the second floor at Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall. Attending the event were 2019 Thailand Open champion and former world No. 21 Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine, former world No. 26 Anna Karolina Schmiedlova of Slovak Republic and world No. 142 Katie Boulter of Great Britain. The classic collection piqued the interest of the three WTA players, who even had the unique experience of sitting in some of the classic automobiles.   Apart from the antique cars, the gallery also displays paintings by world-class and local artists. The three players also received a tutorial on an Eco-printing technique, which showed them how to transfer colours and shapes of leaves onto cloth bags. In addition, the trio witnessed a session of shoe paintings by young students.

Muay Thai, the traditional form of self-defence

Another ACES activity focused on Muay Thai, the traditional form of self-defence that uses the fists, elbows, lower arms, feet, head and body in battle.  The program was made available to players by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the tournament’s organizers. On this occasion, world No 115 Tamara Zidansek of Slovenia and No 139 Nao Hibino of Japan donned gloves and honed their fighting techniques under the instruction of 2004 taekwondo Olympic bronze medalist and current boxing promoter Yaowapa Boorapolchai at the Legend Arena.

Meanwhile, the 96th-ranked Ysaline Bonaventure of Belgium and former world No. 105 Han Xinyun of China underwent beauty and body treatments conducted by doctor Chanunchida Choomwiset at Chevala Wellness Center on the 2^nd floor of Bluport.

Thai culinary class

One of the more unique activities Tourism Authority of Thailand and the organizers selected for players was a local culinary class. 2019 US Open winner and former world No. 4 Bianca Andreescu of Canada, No. 41 Lin Zhu of China and No. 330 Ellen Perez of Australia participated in the activity named “Make Thai Cuisine at Proud Thai” where they learned how to prepare “Pineapple Fried Rice” at Proud Thai on the first floor of Bluport. While Pineapple Fried Rice is a well-known and well-liked dish among foreigners, pineapple is a famous product of Prachuab Khiri Khan. The players also learned how to make Taro Balls and Sweet Eggs in Coconut Cream, a tasty Thai sweet dessert menu. A great assortment of coconuts grown by Hua Hin agriculturists were chosen for the session.  During the cookery lesson, a dulcimer band was performing, and Andreescu was so captivated by the Thai instrument that she requested to give it a try herself.

Thai provincial handicrafts

Later in the same location, Andreescu, Lin and Perez observed provincial handicrafts that reflected the Thai way of life and charms from communities nationwide. These artefacts included Benjarong porcelain ware which are the traditional man-made ceramics from the Tha Hong Thai factory in Ratchaburi, bamboo weaving products from Chonburi, Yan Lipao products from Nakhon Sri Thammarat, reed mats from Chanthaburi, wooden items, woven fabrics, goldware, silverware, brassware, accessories and brassware.

Thai dancing performance by the Lookmai Nattasin Hua Hin group

Last but not least, during a welcome party on the beachfront of InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, Thailand Open players and VIP guests were mesmerized by a traditional Thai dancing performance by the Lookmai Nattasin Hua Hin group, which comprised of school and university students in the area. That was a part of the promotional campaigns run by the tournament organizers in response to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s campaign which called for using The 2023 Thailand Open Hua Hin presented by E@ as a soft power tool to increase Hua Hin’s economy and tourism.

In the end, The 2023 Thailand Open Hua Hin presented by E@ was a huge success. Chinese Lin Zhu was the last woman standing in the competition. She did, however, leave the Kingdom with a memorable experience of Thai culture in addition to the singles trophy.

The article Hua Hin Magic during the 2023 Thailand Open first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The report further revealed that customers in emerging markets such as India, Indonesia, and Mexico are more likely to pay a premium for good customer service. As these markets continue to grow, it is essential for travel and hospitality brands to recognize the significance of customer experience and invest in it accordingly.

According to another recent report by Euromonitor, travelers are looking for unique experiences that cater to their personal preferences. This highlights the importance of personalization in the travel and hospitality sector and brands need to understand their customers’ preferences and offer tailored experiences to meet their expectations.

Moreover, the report indicates that travelers are increasingly conscious of sustainability and are looking for eco-friendly options. Brands that prioritize sustainability and take steps to reduce their carbon footprint will have a competitive advantage in the market.

The State of Travel 2022 report by Skift Research further emphasizes the significance of customer experience in the travel and hospitality sector. The report states that in today’s highly competitive market, brands need to focus on creating a differentiated experience to stand out from the competition. This can be achieved by leveraging technology to offer personalized and frictionless experiences to customers.

The report also highlights the importance of customer feedback in improving customer experience. Brands need to actively seek feedback from their customers and use it to improve their services continually. This will not only help in enhancing the customer experience but also foster customer loyalty and retention.

In conclusion, the relevance of customer experience and customer service in the travel and hospitality sector continues to be of the utmost importance. With changing consumer preferences and increasing competition, brands that prioritize customer experience and invest in it will have a competitive advantage in the market. By betting on their customer service, leveraging technology, offering personalized experiences, and actively seeking customer feedback, travel and hospitality brands can enhance customer satisfaction and foster loyalty.

The article Latest customer service trends in the travel industry first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

We began in Dublin where we delighted in the elegant charm of the Trinity Townhouse Hotel. Right in the heart of Dublin, it’s the perfect location for any and all excursions, plus it serves a delicious, complimentary breakfast before you head out for the day. It also provides a discount on the convenient parking garage directly next door to house your rental car. That benefit is huge because it’s nearly impossible to park anywhere in and around the city. The hotel is happy to arrange taxi service to wherever you’d like to go. That being said, you are actually a 3 minute walk from Grafton Street’s upmarket shops where you are entertained by some of the most talented buskers in all of Europe. From Grafton Street, you are a short walk to the Book of Kells at Trinity College. For those not familiar, the Book of Kells is an illuminated medieval manuscript from around 800AD, consisting of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament called out for its visual brilliance and striking, painted illustrations consisting of both gold or silver. Impressive as that may sound, the Long Room upstairs, a working library since 1732, houses an astounding 200,000 of Trinity’s ancient books and at 65 meters (213 feet long), it truly is the Holy Grail of libraries and simply awe inspiring.

The Guinness Storehouse is a bucket-list must as it’s a veritable amusement park of “Everything Guinness” from the ground floor, introducing the beer’s four ingredients to the Gravity Bar on the 7th floor featuring spectacular views of Dublin where you can drink a pint of the prized brew, included in the price of admission. Other attractions feature the 9,000 year lease signed by Arthur Guinness, the history of Guinness advertising, the Brewery Bar for Irish cuisine and a cavernous gift shop for your every desire.

The Irish Whiskey Museum is another, alcohol related attraction where you don’t need to be an aficionado to enjoy. The upgraded tour features a highly amusing one woman show relating to the history of Irish Whiskey. After the presentation, you are treated to a savory whiskey tasting whether you like it or not!

We also caught “Absent the Wrong,” an excellent play at the Abbey Theatre’s Fringe Festival that was a wonderful treat as the writing and acting ensemble was, as one Irish native would put it, “Brilliant!” So, watch out for my outstanding theatre when you are in Dublin!

The hop on, hop off bus provides further attractions in Dublin including the serenely beautiful urban park, St. Stephens Green (walking distance from the hotel), St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the expansive Phoenix Park, encompassing 707 hectares (1,750 acres) of grassland and tree-lined avenues.

Restaurants to recommend are a lively Fade Street Social with Irish-inspired tapas, or for a more intimate dining experience, try Suesey Street for the best, contemporary European fare in all of Dublin.

Our next stop was the vibrant medieval town of Kilkenny, 90 minutes south of Dublin. I highly recommend the upscale Pembroke Kilkenny hotel for your accommodations as it is situated in the heart of town, has a super friendly staff and features Statham’s, an excellent fine dining venue where you can decompress after a long day of sightseeing. Speaking of, the Kilkenny Castle is a short walk from the hotel which inspires and educates at the same time. It’s a good idea to secure a guided tour to grasp the castle’s colorful and lengthy history. The castle also features a tearoom, a playground for kids ages 2-14 and a spectacular rose garden overlooking the Nore River.

Since the whole town is walkable, it’s nice to just stroll down High Street with no specific plan as you wander down an endless array of alleys discovering coffee shops, art galleries, street musicians, restaurants and even St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum, a 13th-century church and graveyard featuring medieval sculpture and Renaissance era tombs. You should walk a little further to St. Canice’s cathedral, dating back to the 13th century and the second longest cathedral in Ireland after St. Patrick’s in Dublin. Beside the cathedral is a well-preserved 100 foot, 9th-century “Celtic Christian” round tower, still climbable for the extremely fit traveler!

As you depart Kilkenny for Cork, a stop at the Blarney Castle and gardens is imperative. Personally, I’d rather have spent more time exploring the exceptional, 60 acres of gardens and arboretums than waiting hours to kiss the Blarney Stone. That being said, kissing the Blarney stone is a popular undertaking for a cherished photo op, but be warned of the wait. Now, back to the gardens! One path leads to an even more impressive array of botanical wonders and idyllic streams than the other. It feels so other worldly, it’s almost like being on the set of “The Hobbit!” Of course, don’t forget the history of the castle, the restaurant and the gift shop before you leave.

Continuing on towards Cork, our next stop was the stunning, 5-star Fota Island resort set on 780 acres which includes three golf courses, an indoor heated pool, a full service spa, restaurant, gym, tennis courts and more. During a trip such as this, where you are covering a lot of ground, it’s essential to unwind and relax for a day or so and Fota Island resort delivers. Guest rooms feature a calming zen feel with every amenity imaginable. Consequently, my wife treated herself to a grounding ritual at the spa which employs light breathwork and hands-on rhythmical pressures utilizing 100% natural aromatherapy oils for a one-of-a-kind, “grounding” experience. If you happen to be a golf aficionado, whether novice or pro, you’ll relish in their professional courses overlooking the joyous scenery across Cork Harbor. As for fine dining, the Cove restaurant does not disappoint, along with the Amber Lounge for cocktails. For exercise, take an enchanting stroll through the “Fairy Trail,” a path through the resident forest and be on the lookout for fairy sightings as there are quite a few. Camp Fota for kids 4-12 has a variety of activities from soccer and swimming to baking and arts and crafts to keep the kiddos entertained. For other recreational pursuits, the Munster Tennis club makes its home here where you can rent a court for an hour and fifteen if you’re a hotel guest. All in all, it’s a thumbs up “Ah” experience.

Some interesting sojourns while in Cork include the English Market, chock full of culinary delights, fresh produce and luscious delicacies. The current building dates back to 1788 and it’s a fun way to spend an hour or two. After the market, you may want to work off some calories, so take a walk through lovely Fitzgerald Park on the banks of the River Lee then visit the Cork Public Museum for some historical background of the city.

Since there is much to do in Cork, we then ventured to the Fota Island Resort’s sister property in the heart of town, the Kingsley Hotel where we enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea overlooking the river and later experienced a therapeutic massage at the Kingsley’s outstanding spa, where, after your treatment, you are sent to the relaxation room with a calming juice, fruit and refreshing yogurt to reenergize.

Next on our itinerary, we stopped at the quaint little town of Kenmare in county Kerry. Even though it is small, it is a lively place buzzing with energy including great places to eat, art galleries and an enjoyable flea market surrounding the town square. After the excitement and spending spree in town, it’s time to head to our accommodations nearby as we enter the gates of heaven also known as the entrance to Sheen Falls Lodge. A flower lined gate beckons you forward as you drive a few miles through a scenic country road, replete with grazing deer and a refreshing breeze that drifts aimlessly through the open windows of your car. Finally, we arrive at this mystical place. As we checked in, my wife was enamored with an incredible, floral mural behind the reception desk which was commissioned by prolific local artist, Christine Bowen. Moving on to our suite, I have never seen such magnificent appointments and stately country manor charm in all my travels. The open floor plan (I believe the room was fascinatingly hexagonal) was copious consisting of a majestic king bed replete with comfortable sofa and reading chairs placed strategically in front of the fireplace. To the right, a refined, wood paneled wet bar, to the left, the roaring sounds of Sheen Falls directly outside our window. We rested up nicely after the long day and looked forward to our fine dining experience at the Falls Restaurant, a split-level affair that is elegance personified. Have the sommelier select your wine of choice from Ireland’s largest wine cellar then graduate to surf and turf (you can opt for the tasting menu) and finally, we reveled in a mouth watering mascarpone mousse with raspberry sorbet. Sheen Falls also has other culinary options including an afternoon tea, the Stables brasserie, or the Sheen bar and lounge.

There is an endless array of unique activities such as horseback riding, archery, golf at the nearby Kenmare Golf Club, bicycling, not to mention a fitness room, the Easanna spa and yoga on certain mornings. I have to say that the Sheen Falls Lodge experience is unequivocally, off-the-charts glorious!

Moving on to Killarney, stop off at the Ross Castle in Killarney National Park overlooking Lough Leane, the largest of Killarney’s three lakes. Take the short tour as it’s a gruesome look at the realities of castle life in the 15th century. After Killarney, it’s off to the Cliffs of Moher, the astounding sea cliffs located in County Clare. Tourists galore and gift shops but worth the long drive!

Our next stop was Dingle, a charming town overlooking Dingle Bay. We stayed at the Greenmount House B & B. Gary Curran is a highly entertaining host of the property which features a delicious breakfast overlooking Dingle Bay with a reading room, a piano parlor and cozy guest rooms. From the B & B, it’s a short walk to the main drag of Dingle which includes great pubs featuring Irish music as well as fine dining offerings that make a killer, seafood chowder. For a day trip, skip the Ring of Kerry Loop and opt for the Slea Head Drive. It’s 2 hours around the Dingle Peninsula and undoubtedly the most spectacular drive on the planet featuring breathtaking views of the coastline, offshore islands, cliff top roads and fun places to stop along the way.

The bustling town of Limerick came next as we stayed at the Strand Hotel overlooking the river Shannon. The hotel features upscale rooms with an excellent bar and restaurant on the ground floor. For a good workout, they have a massive indoor pool, hydrotherapy and a fitness room. I recommend spending a few hours at King John’s castle within walking distance of the hotel. It’s a fascinating look at the turbulent history of the castle with interactive films and displays. Plus, my wife said it has the most authentic gift shop in all of Ireland.

As our trip comes closer to its end, we visited the quaint coastal town of Clifden and stayed at the Hillside Lodge with hosts Ruth and Stuart. The Lodge is within walking distance of the town that consists of great pubs, coffee shops, Michelin restaurants and local gift shops. You can drive the Sky Road, a scenic 12 mile loop right outside of Clifden with jaw dropping scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way. The B & B has an incredible breakfast that includes porridge with cinnamon and honey and the freshest scrambled eggs and salmon you’d ever want to eat. Stuart is an old rock and roller who played guitar with some very famous bands and helps his wife out when he’s not on the road. Meanwhile, his wife Ruth is a wonderful cook.

Our final stop was a long trek to Belfast and the phenomenal Fitzwilliam hotel featuring luxurious rooms, attentive and friendly staff and a wonderful fine dining restaurant and bar downstairs.

One of the main reasons we wanted to travel to Belfast was to visit the massive Titanic exhibit. It’s a mind boggling, six story tribute to the doomed ocean liner built at the historic port site where Titanic was designed, built and launched. Multi-media displays, reenactments and reconstructed state rooms are all part of the gargantuan attraction. There is, of course a café and gift shop on the first floor. A fitting end to an unforgettable trip to the Emerald Isle. Envious? Then get yourself to Ireland!

FYI: Driving in Ireland can be harrowing with one lane, narrow roads and tour busses coming the other way. Consequently, you want to rent the smallest car possible that can carry you and your bags comfortably.

The article Journey to the Emerald Isle. There’s so much more to Ireland than just being green! first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Here we’ll cover everything you need to know about renting a car for a cross-country road trip, from a AAA membership and rental car insurance to budgeting and map planning.

1. Decide on a route and map out your stops
The first step to planning any road trip is to map out your route and decide on your stops. When you’re crossing the country, there are a few different ways you can go about this.

You can either take the scenic route and make lots of stops along the way, or you can take the more direct route and drive straight through.

If you’re planning on making lots of stops, you’ll want to map out your route in advance and make sure you have an idea of where you’re going to stay each night.

This will help you budget for hotels and other expenses along the way. If you’re planning on driving straight through, you can still map out your route in advance, but you’ll just need to make sure you have a plan for where you’re going to stop for gas and food.

Either way, it’s important to have a plan before you start your trip so you know what to expect. By maintaining a flexible plan and established route, you can ensure your next road trip is the most fun one yet.

2. Rent a car that’s the right size for your group and budget
Once you’ve mapped out your route, it’s time to start thinking about what kind of car you’ll need. If you’re traveling alone or with a small group, you can probably get away with renting a smaller car.

However, if you’re traveling with a larger group or plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, you’ll want to rent a larger car.

You’ll also want to make sure you rent a car that fits your budget. If you’re on a tight budget, you can look for deals on rental cars or even find cars that are being offered for free. However, if you have a little more to spend, you can splurge on a luxury rental car.

No matter what kind of car you rent, make sure it’s comfortable for everyone in your group and has enough space for all of your luggage.

3. Know the car rental agreement and insurance coverage
When renting a car for your next trip, it’s essential to be familiar with all aspects of the car rental agreement and any associated insurance coverage.

Rental car insurance
When you’re renting a car for your road trip, you’ll need to decide whether you want to purchase rental car insurance.

This is optional, but it can provide some peace of mind in case you have any problems with your rental car.

If you decide to purchase rental car insurance, you’ll need to choose a policy that covers you for the length of your trip.

You’ll also need to decide whether you want collision coverage, which will cover damage to your rental car if you’re in an accident.

It’s very important to take the time to understand things like deductibles and exclusions so there are no surprises later on if something goes wrong.

Overall, taking the time to familiarize yourself with these details will help to provide a smooth and hassle-free experience when renting your next vehicle.

Rental driving restrictions
When renting a car, it’s important to be aware of any driving restrictions that may be in place.

For example, some rental companies do not allow their cars to be driven across state lines.

Some other rental driving restrictions may include:

• Maximum number of days the car can be driven
• Mileage limits
• Minimum age requirements

In addition, to even rent the vehicle in the first place, you need to show that you’re over 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. You might even need to prove your good driving record.

Be sure to check the rental car agreement for any other driving restrictions that may apply.

4. Pack snacks and drinks, first-aid kit, and map
When packing for your road trip, be sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks for the journey. This will help keep you fueled up and hydrated during your travels.

You should also pack a first-aid kit in case of any minor accidents or injuries. Additionally, it’s a good idea to pack a map of the area too, just in case.

5. Drive safely
While car accidents are always a possibility, there are a number of steps you can take to help keep yourself safe on the road.

First and foremost, always wear your seat belt and make sure everyone in the car is buckled up as well.

Additionally, avoid distractions while driving, such as talking on the phone or texting. If you must use your phone, pull over to a safe location first.

You should also be aware of your surroundings and avoid any actions that could put you or others at risk, such as speeding or tailgating.

The goal is always an incident-free trip. You certainly don’t want to be involved in a car accident while traveling.

AAA memberships
If you’re planning on renting a car for your road trip, it’s smart to have a AAA membership. AAA membership provides a number of benefits, including discounts on rental cars, hotels, and restaurants.

It also provides 24-hour roadside assistance in case you have any problems with your car while you’re on the road. You can sign up for AAA membership online or at your local AAA office.

Once you have your membership, you’ll be able to use it to get discounts on rental cars from AAA-affiliated companies.

6. Have fun and enjoy the journey
Don’t forget to have fun on your road trip. Take the time to enjoy the scenic routes and visit small towns along the way.

This is a great opportunity to bond with your friends or family members and create lasting memories.
So go ahead and explore all the United States has to offer. Just be sure to follow these tips so you can have a safe and enjoyable journey.

Luke Williams writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, BuyAutoInsurance.com. His passions include best practices for insurance and road trip travel.

The article How to prepare for a U.S. road trip using a rental car first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The travel industry is one where the authenticity of online reviews is critical in shaping customer decisions and building trust in a brand. In this article, I will discuss why AI-generated fake reviews pose a threat to the travel industry and what can be done to combat it.

One of the primary reasons why AI-generated fake reviews are a threat is that they can be highly convincing and difficult to distinguish from genuine reviews. AI algorithms can analyze real reviews and then generate similar, but fake ones that can appear authentic. These fake reviews can sway customer opinions and decisions, leading them to make a decision that might not meet their expectations. This not only hurts the reputation of the business but also undermines the trust customers have in online reviews.

Another reason why AI-generated fake reviews are concerning is that they can significantly impact a business’s ranking and visibility on review platforms. For example, a business with many positive fake reviews could receive a higher rating, which would make it more prominent in search results. This could result in genuine, high-quality industry players being pushed down the search rankings, making it more difficult for them to attract customers.

So, what can be done to combat AI-generated fake reviews in the travel industry?

One solution is to adopt sophisticated AI-based technologies that can detect and flag fake reviews. These technologies use machine learning algorithms to analyze reviews and determine their authenticity. By doing so, review platforms can eliminate fake reviews, ensuring that only genuine ones are displayed. Basically, AI fighting AI! And after the computers have done their battle, the ones that the system is still in doubt, could be sent to a queue to be revised by a human agent, like what is being done in social media networks regarding Trust & Safety procedures like Moderation, Labeling, Categorization and so on.

Another solution is to implement stricter verification processes for online reviews. For example, review platforms could require users to provide proof of their experience, such as photos or videos. This would make it more difficult for fake reviews to be created and would increase the transparency and authenticity of the review process. Although, it could also make the process of reviewing less appealing to real reviewers.

In conclusion, AI-generated fake reviews pose a significant threat to the travel industry. However, this threat can be reduced, and the industry can continue to grow and thrive. By ensuring the authenticity of online reviews, the travel industry can build trust with customers and provide them with a more accurate representation of the experiences they can expect.

The article The potential rise of fake reviews in the travel industry first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.