TRAVEL Archives - Page 5 of 12

Solo Travel With Your Dog: Top Destinations for Easy Adventures

August 23, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Going solo doesn’t necessarily mean traveling without company, especially when your dog is part of the journey. Some destinations make it easy to mix walks, cultural discoveries, and moments of relaxation with your animal. Others primarily offer wide open spaces, beaches, or scenic routes where a four-legged companion really matters. Here are seven ideas for destinations where traveling solo with your dog can be particularly enjoyable, according to journalist Becca Blond, who has roamed the world with her dog Poppy.

European cities where dogs easily fit in

Barcelona presents a compelling option for those who want to combine an urban stay with seaside excursions. With Antoni Gaudí’s architecture, lively neighborhoods, and the Ramblas, the Catalan capital offers numerous walking opportunities. Dogs can especially enjoy Playa de Llevant, one of the city’s beaches accessible to them. From June to September, AquaPark Canino also offers two pools, outdoor spaces, and a restaurant that welcomes owners accompanied by their animal.

Another European destination renowned for its dog-friendly hospitality is Italy, which lets you enjoy a blend of big cities, villages, and rural landscapes. In Rome as in Tuscany, dogs can accompany their owners on many outings. Vineyards, in particular, offer a chance to discover another facet of the country. Near Florence, the Il Borro estate, owned by the Ferragamo family, is among the addresses tested and approved by the expert.

Further north, Berlin stands out for its especially accommodating stance toward animals. Dogs can use public transport and are welcomed in many bars. Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport runway turned into a vast public space, also gives them more freedom. A feature that can greatly simplify organizing a stay when traveling alone and constantly balancing the needs of one’s animal.

Beaches, wide spaces, and iconic routes to change the air

For nature lovers, Alaska offers a dramatically different backdrop. From Anchorage, renting a car allows you to head north and reach the Denali National Park area. However, note that dogs are not allowed on most park trails, primarily to limit disturbances to wildlife. The nearby Denali State Park is more permissive and allows you to traverse the Curry Ridge Trail with your pet.

A change of scene awaits with Aruba in the Caribbean. The island welcomes many travelers accompanied by their dog, and several beaches are accessible to animals. In San Nicolas, Baby Beach can be suitable for dogs wary of water thanks to its shallow, calm waters. The island also offers a vibrant artistic scene through its numerous mural paintings.

In the United States, California’s Highway 1 is particularly well suited for a road trip. Between the cliffs of Big Sur, the Pacific landscapes, and stops such as Carmel or Santa Cruz, this route offers plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the scenery with your dog.

Finally, New Orleans presents a more urban alternative. The city features dog-friendly bars in the French Quarter and cafes with terraces where you can settle in with your animal. A way to discover the music and ambiance of the city without having to leave your companion at the hotel.

Before leaving, it is best to plan the trip carefully: food, water, a leash, medical documents, and a first-aid kit should be part of the essentials. With an itinerary tailored to you and stops checked in advance, traveling solo with your dog becomes, more than anything, another way to discover the world!

Summer 2027: Costa Reinvents Cruise Itineraries as a True Travel Experience

August 22, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Nouveaux itinéraires été 2027 © Costa Croisières

Et si chaque itinéraire racontait désormais sa propre histoire ?

Today, travelers seek far more than a simple sequence of ports of call. They want to experience an atmosphere, discover a destination from a different angle and choose a journey that aligns with their desires, whether it be relaxation, culture, gastronomy, or discovery.

More than ever, the overall experience, both onboard and on land, has become a decisive criterion in choosing a vacation. It is in this logic that Costa is rethinking its summer 2027 programming with a new generation of itineraries built around clearly identifiable travel universes.

The company is gradually moving away from a purely geographical approach in favor of real travel concepts. Each itinerary now has its own identity, expressed from its name and carried by a strong emotional throughline. Thus, Dolce Vita speaks to lovers of the Mediterranean art of living, between Portofino, Taormine and the Amalfi Coast. Blue Islands highlights the finest Greek islands and their infinite shades of blue. Golden Islands takes travelers to the heart of the “Islands of Gold” in the Mediterranean, with four islands united by crystal-clear waters, vibrant atmospheres and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Nordic Soul invites travelers to discover Northern Europe through its grand landscapes, preserved nature and Scandinavian way of life. With Adriatic & Cyclades, Costa brings together the charm of the Adriatic and the mythical magic of the Cyclades for an immersion among cultures, traditions and iconic panoramas.

Exemple de nouveaux concepts © Costa Croisières

These itineraries are only a preview of the new Summer 2027 collection. Many other itineraries await discovery, each designed to offer a different way to explore a destination and experience the cruise. Through this approach, Costa turns the itinerary into a true travel experience, giving travel agencies new selling points and a more inspiring way to present its offer.

How do these new itineraries facilitate sales in agencies?

This new approach helps agents guide clients more easily according to their desires rather than a simple list of ports of call. The choice is no longer limited to Western or Eastern Mediterranean, but to different ways of living one’s vacation: relaxation, cultural discovery, spectacular landscapes, Mediterranean ambiance, or immersion in nature.

For advisors, the messaging also evolves. It becomes possible to recommend an experience before recommending a destination. A client drawn to elegance, gastronomy, and the art of living will naturally be steered toward Dolce Vita, while a lover of islands, turquoise landscapes and seaside atmosphere will find happiness in Blue Islands.

The company also reinforces this promise with exclusive experiences on board and on land. The Sea Experiences, the Land Experiences inspired by the visited regions create a stronger link between the itinerary and the traveler’s experience, offering a seamless journey from the first to the last day of the cruise.

How to entice a former client to sail again to a destination they already know?

This is one of the major strengths of this lineup. Many travelers already know the Mediterranean’s classics or the Greek Islands. Yet, thanks to this new approach, they now have new reasons to return.

The experience evolves both on land and at sea. A client who sailed in the Mediterranean a few years ago will not simply rediscover the same itinerary: they will find a new way to live their journey. The storytelling of journeys, the Sea Experiences & Land Experiences on offer allow re-discovering familiar places from a totally new angle.

Finally, among the highlights of the Summer 2027 season, Costa also signs the return of the highly anticipated Eclipse Cruise. After the success of the 2026 edition, sold out, it will once again offer the chance to observe a total solar eclipse at sea on August 2, 2027, departing La Seyne-sur-Mer on July 27, 2027 with a return on August 7, 2027, aboard the Costa Fascinosa. A 10-day rare experience that perfectly illustrates the company’s ambition: to transform every cruise into a unique and memorable journey.

Croisière de l’éclipse – Visuel généré par IA © Costa Croisières

Where to find all the information to sell these new concepts?

To assist agencies in marketing this new offering, the Italian company has also modernized Costa Extra, its sales portal dedicated to tourism professionals.

Summer 2027 sales are now open, with all the new itineraries available for booking. Agents can find all the information they need to sell: detailed descriptions, sales arguments, visual contents and videos dedicated to each travel concept, whether Dolce Vita, Blue Islands, Golden Islands, Nordic Soul, Seaside Dream or Lights of the Mediterranean.

Exemple d’une page de réservation C|Extra - © Costa Croisières

Tahiti Nui Travel: Expert Romantic Getaways in French Polynesia

August 22, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Intercontinental Thalasso Bora Bora © Damien Gobron

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A dream setting for lovers…

With its 118 islands spread across five archipelagos, Polynesia offers an exceptionally diverse range of atmospheres: from the understated luxury of an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora to the warm simplicity of a lagoonfront guesthouse in Huahine or Raiatea.

Each island cultivates its own charm:

Bora Bora, the ultimate romantic icon, for its turquoise waters, spectacular sunsets, and open-air spas.

Taha’a, the vanilla island, for its soft scents and secluded lagoons.

Rangiroa or Tikehau, for adventurous lovers seeking a remote corner of the world.

Moorea, with its emerald mountains and coves perfect for two-person kayak escapades…

© Philippe Bacchet – Bora Bora aérien

Each year, thousands of couples choose the Fenua to celebrate their union, to experience their honeymoon, to renew their vows, or simply to treat themselves to a two-person getaway. While Bora Bora remains the iconic image of romance, the islands of Moorea, Taha’a, Huahine, Raiatea, and the atolls of the Tuamotus each offer a distinct atmosphere, allowing for the creation of unique itineraries according to travelers’ desires.

But a romantic journey is not limited to a postcard landscape. It is built around thoughtful attentions, a rhythm carefully designed, and experiences that will be etched into memory. It is precisely this expertise that Tahiti Nui Travel has been bringing to the service of travel agencies and tour operators for more than six decades.

More than 60 years of expertise serving tourism professionals

Conrad Bora Bora
© Marc Gérard Photography

Newlyweds seeking an exceptional sojourn, a couple celebrating a wedding anniversary, a symbolic ceremony on a private beach, a vow renewal in an intimate setting, or a romantic escape off the beaten path: every project receives meticulous, bespoke attention.

The teams work closely with their partners to deliver genuine added value, far beyond a mere hotel or activity booking.

The excellence of a journey also rests on the quality of the partners who make it possible.

Over time, Tahiti Nui Travel has cultivated privileged relationships with leading hotels, charming properties, family-run pensions, and also with many local providers: guides, skippers, photographers, florists, spas, organizers of traditional ceremonies, and private chefs…

This long-standing network now enables us to offer carefully selected experiences, while also providing the flexibility essential for delivering the most personalized projects.

Memories that stand the test of time

When the sun sets… the magic begins!

Imagine a couple boarding an elegant traditional outrigger canoe as the sun slowly sinks behind Moorea’s ridges.

To the rhythm of the ukulele and guitar, the voyage carries them to a private motu where time seems to stand still. On the beach, a few lanterns, torches, and a large bonfire create an intimate atmosphere.

A trusted partner before, during, and after the journey

Four Seasons Bora Bora © D.Riddle

More than a local provider, Tahiti Nui Travel becomes a true extension of its partners’ commercial teams.

Tahiti Nui Travel brings its expertise, on-the-ground knowledge, and partner network to tourism professionals who wish to offer their clients exceptional romantic journeys in French Polynesia.

Because a honeymoon, a wedding, or an anniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, every project deserves special attention and flawless organization.

For travel agencies and tour operators, choosing Tahiti Nui Travel means opting for an experienced, attentive partner capable of designing fully customized journeys and turning every request into an unforgettable experience, worthy of the dreams that French Polynesia has inspired for ages.

Contact

Tahiti Nui Travel : L'expertise au service des plus beaux voyages romantiques en Polynésie française

Created in 1965, Tahiti Nui Travel is one of the oldest inbound agencies to the destination Tahiti and Its Islands and has since become the leading inbound agency with a team of more than 100 specialists. As an inbound tour operator, Tahiti Nui Travel is the unique, ideal solution providing more than 1,000 products and services to any partner seeking to promote and sell French Polynesia on their market.

For more information, please contact us at [email protected] .

Telephone: +689 40 46 41 41

https://tahitinuitravel.com/

>> Tahiti Nui Travel in the DESTIMAG Directory

Bali, Philippines and Malaysia: Stop Selling Unwanted Travel

August 22, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

CroisiEurope

Bali: the destination everyone already feels they’ve seen before departure

Bali has become a case study.

Everyone markets it. Everyone knows it. Everyone thinks they know it.

Before even booking a ticket, travelers have already watched hundreds of videos of Ubud, photos of the Tegalalang rice terraces, sunsets at Uluwatu, and infinity pools on Instagram.

The real challenge isn’t to introduce Bali anymore.

The challenge is to restore Bali’s ability to surprise.

Today, the main obstacle to selling isn’t price or competition. It’s the illusion of knowledge.

The client arrives with a preconstructed image of the destination. An image often idealized, sometimes distorted, but above all extremely precise.

In response to this, many offers keep piling up the same steps, the same excursions, and the same sales pitches.

Result: programs become interchangeable.

Yet Bali remains one of Asia’s richest destinations. But its value no longer lies solely in the places visited. It lies in how we reveal them to visitors.

Philippines: an extraordinary product that defies standards

The Philippines probably stands as one of the greatest paradoxes in Asian tourism.

Everyone agrees on the country’s exceptional beauty. Yet it remains often harder to sell than other, less spectacular destinations.

Why?

Because we still try to fit it into marketing schemes that don’t suit it.

The Philippines is not a classic circuit.

It isn’t a destination told through a logical sequence of steps.

It is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands where each region possesses its own identity, its own rhythm, and its own personality.

Palawan isn’t Bohol.

Bohol isn’t Siargao.

Siargao isn’t Cebu.

And it is precisely this diversity that gives the country its strength.

Travelers don’t come solely for beaches or lagoons. They come seeking a sense of perpetual discovery, exploration, and freedom.

As long as the Philippines is sold as a simple beach circuit, it will remain commercially underexploited.

The destination isn’t complicated.

It’s our way of presenting it that has become so.

Malaysia: the most rational destination… therefore the least told

Malaysia suffers from nearly the opposite problem.

It may be the most complete destination in Southeast Asia.

It is modern.

It is accessible.

It is multicultural.

It has excellent infrastructure.

It blends modern cities, historic heritage, tropical nature, and beaches.

On paper, everything seems perfect.

And yet, it often remains in the shadows of its neighbors.

Why?

Because it generates fewer immediate fantasies.

In a world ruled by imagery, destinations that grab attention are often those that tell the simplest stories.

Bali evokes wellness.

The Philippines evokes paradise.

Malaysia, by contrast, is more subtle.

It demands more storytelling.

It demands more explanations.

It demands more staging.

Malaysia isn’t underestimated by travelers.

It is under-told by the market.

The real topic: clients no longer buy destinations

For a long time, selling a trip meant selling a place.

Today, this model is showing its limits.

Travelers don’t buy just a destination anymore.

They buy a projection.

They buy a future emotion.

They buy a story they will want to tell when they return.

They buy a sense of freedom.

They buy a feeling of exclusivity.

They buy the impression of living something that resembles them.

And that is precisely where the current misalignment lies.

A large portion of the tourism offering continues to describe itineraries while travelers seek experiences.

We keep selling kilometers while clients want memories.

We keep selling hotels while they seek emotions.

Bali, Philippines, Malaisie : arrêtons de vendre des voyages que personne ne veut vraiment acheter

Audrey Marc

Deputy Director France

+ 33 6 70 54 20 63

+ 33 1 61 30 30 06

[email protected]

jans.tours

>> JANS TOURS in the DESTIMAG Directory

🥨Bretzel Travel: Making Bespoke Travel Sustainable

August 21, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Bretzel Travel à l’ITB

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At Bretzel Travel, we have set ourselves the mission of uncovering the beauties of Germany and Austria for French travelers. It begins with a team of travel enthusiasts, culture lovers, and fans of original experiences. Naturally, they decided to share them, striving to customize each offer so that it matches the traveler who will embark. Bretzel Travel is therefore not simply about proposing itineraries; it always aims to fully take into account the needs and desires of travelers and to guide them as best as possible by drawing on its own experiences. And here comes the twist! Eco-responsibility will inevitably be part of it, as it is written as one of the company’s founding principles.

The Central Role of the Local Operator

It is with a clear awareness of its unique position that the team approaches this responsibility. Positioned at the crossroads between the traveler seeking advice and services and the destination itself (choice of providers, experiences, and places visited), we have a unique opportunity to positively influence the overall impact of travel! So why not favor options that are gentler on the environment? For example: trains are an excellent alternative to long car journeys. We leave behind the polluting and noisy jet skis, and instead head out onto the lake by kayak or sailboat. Snowshoeing, bike discovery tours, visits to local farms… The possibilities are countless!

A Mindset We Share…

… with travelers :

Bretzel Travel stresses the importance of maintaining close relationships with the people who seek its services. In this way, it is able to effectively raise awareness during the exchanges conducted throughout itinerary design. Just before the trip, Bretzel Travel will provide participants with a Traveler / Traveler’s Charter of Responsibility.

… with partners :

This starts with a careful selection of local players who share the same values and awareness of the issues, but it goes far beyond that! A checklist to ensure the maintenance of as sustainable as possible excursions is, for instance, shared with our guides. Interactions with suppliers, client agencies, and other service providers are also an opportunity to share useful advice, destination recommendations, and lesser-known services. In recent years, an effective ecosystem has taken shape, mindful of the challenges and eager to integrate them into its operating methods.

The Travelife Partnership, the Final Step Before Certification

Words are fine, deeds are better… On June 5, 2026, Bretzel Travel officially achieved the status of Travelife Partner. This means that the agency meets more than 100 criteria of professional management covering respect and protection of biodiversity and human rights, in addition to attesting to the validity of its daily practices in energy efficiency among other things. For the team, this milestone brings recognition for the path traveled and confirms that the chosen direction is the right one.

A Future Made of Initiatives

Obviously, the effort continues far beyond the certification goals. To guide travelers in their choices from the discovery phase, Bretzel Travel is working on highlighting so-called “Low Carbon” itineraries that meet a set of criteria, notably by favoring certified establishments and gentle mobility for a positive environmental impact… This badge will be accompanied by a precise measurement of the kilograms of carbon emitted per traveler as well as a contribution donated to a decarbonization organization. Bretzel Travel aims, through these internal labels, to raise awareness among its users about the impact of activities in the tourism sector.

And this is (we hope) only the beginning! The planet is warming, and so are our heads…

Inbound Tour Operator of Tomorrow: The Rise of Group Travel Strategy

August 21, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

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The group journey has not spoken its last word. It is evolving, just as travelers, agencies and the ways of discovering a destination are evolving. In a world where everything seems bookable in a few clicks, the need to travel together, to share an emotion, to discover a culture with others, and to feel accompanied remains profoundly current.

At Únia Travel, this conviction guides the vision of tomorrow’s receptive partner: a hands-on ally capable of helping agencies design travel experiences that are more personalized, more reliable and more meaningful.

Group travel answers a need that will not disappear

We sometimes hear that group travel is coming to an end, as if new generations will inevitably travel solo, organize everything online, and do without support. At Únia Travel, we do not share this view.

Group travel still has a future because it answers a profoundly human need: the need to share, to meet, to exchange and to experience something together with others. Traveling is not just about moving from one point to another. It is about creating shared memories, discovering a culture with a guided perspective, being surprised by a meeting, a tradition, a flavor or a local story that one might not have found alone.

Even future generations will crave connection. They will likely want travel that is freer, more immersive, closer to the local culture. They will want to understand more, experience deeper moments, and feel like actors in their own journey. But that does not mean the end of the group. It means the end of standardized groups.

The group journey of tomorrow will be more personalized, more flexible, and better aligned with travelers’ real profiles. For agencies, this evolution represents a real opportunity, but it also requires more guidance, more anticipation, and a precise knowledge of the terrain. This demand is especially important for French-speaking senior groups, where pace, comfort, quality of meals, travel times, and accompanying support play a crucial role in the success of the stay.

Tomorrow’s receptive partner can no longer be merely an assembler

For a long time, the role of a receptive partner could be summarized fairly simply: find the right hotels, book the restaurants, coordinate the guides, organize the visits and ensure the program runs smoothly on site.

These tasks remain essential. But today, they are no longer enough.

An agency expects more from its local partner. It needs a counterpart who understands its clientele, its commercial constraints, its deadlines, its positioning, and its objectives. A group program must not only be feasible; it must be coherent, legible, well-paced, adapted to travelers’ profiles, and attractive enough to sell.

For Únia Travel, this evolution is obvious: a receptif must do more than just organize a trip. It must help the agency sell it, secure it, and build customer loyalty. It must become the agency’s eyes and ears on the ground, anticipate constraints, and ensure that every choice serves the final experience of the group.

Receptives capable of advising, personalizing, anticipating, and securing will become even more indispensable partners for tourism professionals.

Personalization begins with listening

In a market where many offerings look alike, personalization becomes a genuine lever of differentiation for agencies.

At Únia Travel, this personalization starts with listening. Who are the travelers? What is their rhythm? What have they already visited? What level of comfort do they expect? Does the agency seek an accessible program, an original experience, an in-depth cultural circuit, or a proposal capable of surprising a loyal clientele?

The answer cannot be the same for everyone.

That is why Únia defends a simple idea: the product must adapt to the client, and not the other way around.

This approach requires field knowledge, proximity, and flexibility. A successful program is not necessarily the one that offers the most; it is the one that finds the right balance between discovery, comfort, pacing, pleasure, budget, and flow.

It is in this spirit of personalization and listening that Únia Travel develops more differentiated ideas, notably through the Únia Signature universe: proposals built around local flavors, celebrations, traditions, lesser-known experiences, or themes capable of giving real personality to the journey.

Technology at the service of the field, not in place of it

Talking about the tomorrow’s receptive partner also means talking about technology. But at Únia Travel, technology is not an end in itself. It only has value if it concretely improves the service provided to agencies and the smooth running of on-site operations.

This reflection particularly focuses on new tools that can facilitate exchanges with agencies, speed up certain communication steps, make proposals clearer, and simplify file tracking. The aim is to give professionals more legible, more practical, and easier-to-use supports in their own commercial work.

It also concerns how to better convey information to the various participants in a trip: internal teams, guides, drivers, local partners. A well-prepared, well-shared, and easily accessible file directly contributes to the stay’s success. In group travel, the quality of the experience depends as much on program design as on how precisely information circulates before and during the trip.

Technology should save time, streamline exchanges, organize information more effectively, and improve responsiveness. But it does not replace field knowledge, professional intuition, or human relationships.

A tool can speed up a response, but it cannot sense whether a program is too dense for a senior group, nor know whether a step is enjoyable in theory but not suited in practice. It does not replace the experience of a team that knows destinations, suppliers, the habits of French-speaking groups, and agencies’ expectations.

The modernity of tomorrow’s receptive partner will thus be hybrid: more tools, yes, but still more guidance. More speed, but without sacrificing quality. More structure, but without standardizing the travels.

Tell us about your projects: we are here to help you build them, adapt them, and succeed with them.

Le réceptif de demain : pourquoi son rôle devient plus stratégique pour les voyages de groupes

A receptive DMC agency specializing in the design and organization of tailor-made group trips, stays, and guided circuits in Andorra, Occitania, Spain and Portugal.

For your group projects, programmed itineraries, tailor-made stays, or specific requests:

[email protected]

[00376] 720 600

www.uniatravel.com

>> Únia Travel in the DESTIMAG Directory

Shanti Travel Launches GIR 2027 Collection and Bets on a New Generation of Small-Group Travel

August 20, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

An Offering Now Structured into Three Ranges

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To respond to this evolution, Shanti Travel is now structuring its offer around three distinct ranges to simplify the choice for travelers as well as for agencies.

The first, named Integrales, brings together major discovery itineraries. It covers the iconic Asian destinations with complete circuits designed for first-time discovery or for deeper exploration. Among the novelties is the program « Paths of Imperial China », a new addition entering the 2027 catalog and marking China’s return to the heart of the specialist’s offer. This range also includes itineraries in Japan, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bali, and the Philippines.

The second range, Treks & Adventure, targets travelers who want to venture off the beaten path. From the high passes of Ladakh to the Torajan villages of Sulawesi, via the trails of Annapurna or the mythical cities along the Silk Road in Uzbekistan, these programs emphasize hiking, lesser-known regions, and on-the-ground experiences.

Finally, Shanti Travel inaugurates a third category dedicated to family travel. The first representative of this new range, Bali with Family, proposes an itinerary crafted with children in mind, featuring suitable activities and pacing designed so that both parents and children can fully enjoy the stay. Other destinations will enrich this collection in the coming seasons.

Small Groups of Manageable Size to Enhance Immersion

Beyond this new segmentation, the tour operator preserves what defines its GIR: groups limited to twelve participants maximum, with certain departures guaranteed with as few as two or four travelers depending on destinations, French-speaking local guides, including on trekking itineraries, as well as a Francophone support available before and during the trip.

This format allows for a more flexible approach to travel, access to more intimate accommodations, and fosters exchanges with local populations. Travelers also benefit from more personalized guidance throughout their stay.

“The Shanti Moments”, a throughline across all circuits

The 2027 collection also introduces a throughline named “The Shanti Moments”, present across all non-trekking circuits.

Four experiences punctuate the itineraries: a welcome meal to foster early exchanges among participants, a farewell dinner, an offbeat activity allowing the discovery of a lesser-known facet of the destination, and a high-impact experience carried out in partnership with an NGO or a local community.

The aim is to strengthen encounters, create a genuine group dynamic, and add meaning to travel by offering experiences that go beyond mere sightseeing.

A Response to Travelers’ Emerging Expectations

This evolution reflects a market-wide trend. Travelers no longer seek merely a well-constructed itinerary; they want to experience a collective journey while preserving a certain level of intimacy. The success of small groups hinges precisely on this balance between guidance, logistical comfort, and immersion.

With this 2027 collection, Shanti Travel aims to accompany this shift in expectations while reaffirming its long-standing Asia expertise. More than a simple catalog of circuits, this new offering expresses a commitment to providing journeys where meeting, sharing, and discovery hold as much importance as the sites visited.

Through this new organization and the arrival of new programs, the specialist thus confirms its ambition to make small-group travel a credible alternative between bespoke individual journeys and traditional tours, in a region of the world where cultural immersion remains one of the primary motivations for departure. Beyond exploring destinations, this format also fosters connections between travelers. Small groups naturally create a convivial dynamic, conducive to exchanges, sharing experiences, and, often, the birth of genuine friendships that endure long after return.

PromPerú Trains Travel Agencies in Marseille

August 18, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Louis Roche, PDG de ProDesti, a animé à Marseille une session de formation « Connaisseur du Pérou » organisée par PromPerú à destination des agences de voyages - DepositPhotos.com, pawopa3336

After obtaining the Qualiopi certification and strengthening its portfolio of specialized trainings, ProDesti continues its development in the tourist destinations segment. This time, PromPerú has called on the organization to train travel agencies in the Marseille region, with a clear objective: to improve their expertise of the destination.

A free training session for on-site travel agencies.

For almost four hours, participants alternated between presentations of the destination, exchanges of experience and technical questions.

An approach faithful to ProDesti’s philosophy, which prioritizes trainings led by active tourism professionals and centered on the commercial realities of agencies.

“PromPerú’s objective is really to showcase Peru in the Marseille region, to help travel agents better master the destination and thus sell it better.”, explains Luis Roche, CEO of ProDesti and trainer on Peru and Chile.

A Destination That Goes Beyond Machu Picchu

The program notably covered the country’s different regions, the circuits, the visits to Machu Picchu, the railway connections, the domestic flights, as well as possible extensions.

Throughout the training, Luis Roche sought to dispel the image of Peru being limited to Machu Picchu. “There are many things to explore beyond Machu Picchu. It should be noted that two-thirds of the country is jungle.”, he recalls, by highlighting the regions of Iquitos, Madre de Dios, Chachapoyas and also the sites of the Moche and Lambayeque civilizations.

The objective is also to give travel advisers concrete arguments to tailor their recommendations according to their clients’ profiles.

The questions, moreover, addressed very operational topics: the various circuits to Machu Picchu, the categories of trains, or the domestic air services.

A Highly Advanced Training

Present at this session, Barbara Roussel, director of Voyages Couture, believes that this type of training provides real added value. “We already know the destination, but this gives us access to all the information. Even when we are experienced, it remains valuable. It makes us much more confident and brings additional expertise.”, she explains.

The professional also underscores the quality of Luis Roche’s intervention: “It is an extremely advanced training. It is not generic; we go into the detail of the circuits. The instructor is passionate and engaging, and it makes you want to discover the destination.”

According to Luis Roche, Peru also possesses strong commercial arguments. “It is a destination that is sold almost all year round, between March and November. It has the best value-for-money in South America.”, he notes, before adding: “Peruvian gastronomy is clearly a major selling point for French travelers.”

Oman, Qatar, UAE: Travel Guidelines for French Travelers

August 16, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Le Quai d'Orsay a actualisé ses conseils aux voyageurs pour plusieurs pays du Moyen-Orient - DepositPhotos.com, titoOnz

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While several Gulf destinations remain accessible to French travelers, the Quai d’Orsay is calling for heightened vigilance.

The recommendations vary by country, but French authorities consistently urge travelers to follow local guidelines, to regularly check the information from their airline and to enroll in the Fil d’Ariane scheme before departure.

In Jordan, where the territory is regularly overflown, and at times targeted, by missiles and Iranian drones since July 9, the ministry recommends particular vigilance.

Travelers are urged to heed the alert sirens, to seek shelter immediately in case of an alert and to avoid the Azraq and Mafraq areas, in the northeast of the country.

A particular vigilance is also recommended in the Qatr region (Aqaba). If airspace remains open, travelers are advised to verify the status of their flight with their airline.

Vigilance renforcée dans plusieurs pays du Golfe

To Oman, French nationals are urged to exercise the greatest vigilance following Iranian strikes that targeted the territory.

Travel within the Salalah, Duqm, Musandam regions as well as along the border with Yemen is discouraged unless there is an imperative reason.

In case of an alert, the Quai d’Orsay recommends following the authorities’ instructions, taking shelter and staying away from military or security installations.

The ministry has also updated its recommendations for the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.

In these four countries, French authorities urge travelers to demonstrate heightened vigilance, to follow the instructions of local authorities and in case of an incident to stay informed about the progression of the regional situation.

Travel Compositor Integrates AskIA with AI Trips to Streamline Travel Booking

August 15, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Travel Compositor poursuit le développement de son offre basée sur l'intelligence artificielle - Depositphotos.com, toppercussion

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Travel Compositor, the Spanish publisher of booking engine solutions for online leisure travel distributors and a subsidiary of the Travelsoft group, announces a new evolution of its AI Trips platform.

Named AskIA, this feature introduces a conversational interface enabling users to design, quote, and book a complete itinerary from a simple description of their travel project.

The company explains that this evolution aims to limit the steps of the booking journey, by reducing the number of clicks and simplifying the choice among the different offers available.

A booking guided by conversation

Unlike a traditional search engine, AskIA relies on a conversational approach.

Users describe the desired trip, for example a multi-week circuit or a stay tailored to specific preferences, and the artificial intelligence automatically generates a customized proposal.

The solution selects the various services needed for the trip and then allows finalizing the booking in a few steps. According to Travel Compositor, the entire process can be completed in three clicks.

The tool is capable of assembling different tourism products within a single booking, including flights, accommodations, transfers, activities, insurance, car rental, rail journeys or tickets for various services.

A rollout reserved for Premium Innovator customers

This novelty will initially be offered at no extra cost to clients participating in the Premium Innovator program. They will benefit from early access to this feature as part of its launch.

For Travel Compositor, this integration marks a new milestone in its AI-driven strategy for travel booking.

Alongside the arrival of AskIA, Travel Compositor also unveils Smart Filter, a feature intended to improve the display of search results for hotels and transport.

This intelligent filter should help travelers identify more quickly the options deemed most relevant, with the aim of streamlining searches and improving the user experience across the company’s various booking engines.

Publié par Amelia Brille Rédactrice TourMaG.com
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