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Insider Travel Report assists travel advisors by discussing the changing travel landscape with a line-up of special guests VIP guests, the movers and shakers...
Episodes
12 hours ago
12 hours ago
Join Dominique Meyer, resident manager of JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, for an exclusive sponsored Insider Access tour of this breathtaking property located right on Eagle Beach. JOIA Aruba by Iberostar offers an all-suite escape where contemporary island design, ocean views, and personalized butler service create effortless relaxation, all guided by its Wave of Change commitment to sustainability. Guests enjoy exceptional dining across three restaurants and five bars—including a rooftop venue—featuring responsibly sourced seafood, premium drinks, and thoughtful touches like reef-safe practices. Rejuvenate at the serene spa with ocean-view cabanas and island-inspired treatments, knowing each stay supports a more sustainable future for Aruba and beyond. For more information, visit Iberostaragents.com.
14 hours ago
14 hours ago
Claudio Belli, general manager of The Place Firenze, part of The Hospitality Experience, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his very upscale boutique hotel in Florence and more. Belli, selected as the hotelier of the year at last year’s Virtuoso Travel Week, also reveals what it takes to be the consummate general manager and what it takes to get in the Hospitality Experience collection. For more information, visit www.theplacefirenze.com or www.thehospitalityexperience.it.
All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.
14 hours ago
14 hours ago
Francois Delahaye, chief operating officer for Dorchester Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show, about his famed group of luxury hotels in the U.K., France, Italy, the U.S. and Dubai. Known as the consummate hotelier, Delahaye tells us what’s new at Dorchester Collection and the company’s plans for the future. For more information, visit www.dorchestercollection.com.
All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.
4 days ago
4 days ago
Jeanette Ho, global head of brand and commercial for Banyan Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about her famed Bayan Tree Asian resort and spa brand, which just reached resorts around the world, including its first property in Singapore. Ho details Banyan’s growth and its plans for hospitality in the future. For more information, visit www.banyantree.com.
4 days ago
4 days ago
Gregor Wateler, general manager of Jing An Shangri-La Shanghai, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about his tenure overseeing the brand’s flagship property. A veteran Shangri-La general manager, Wateler previously managed the Pudong Shangri-La and other properties in the brand, which is well-known as one of the most luxurious hotel companies in Asia and the rest of the world. For more information, visit www.shangri-la.com.
5 days ago
5 days ago
Vangelis Daktylides, one of four Greek brothers who owner Myconian Collection, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his collection of 14 boutique properties on the island of Mykonos. Daktylides details how his resort company has grown on the island and the authentic experiences it delivers. For more information, visit www.myconiancollection.gr.
5 days ago
5 days ago
Kalia Konstantinidou, co-founder and group executive officer of Empiria Group, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her collection of boutique luxury resorts in Greece on the islands of Santorini, Paros and Peloponnese. Konstantinidou describes these properties and how her company works to create the best Greek experience for your clients. For more information, visit www.empiriagroup.gr.
6 days ago
6 days ago
Wolfgang Greiner, senior vice president for Althoff Hotels, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his company’s newest property, The Florentin, located in Frankfurt, Germany. The former Villa Kennedy, The Florentin offers guests an urban retreat in the middle of the bustling city of Frankfurt. For more information, visit www.althoffhotels.com or https://taj-hessischer-hof.com.
6 days ago
6 days ago
Albert Mayr, general manager of the upcoming Taj Hessischer Hof Frankfurt, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show about his brand-new Taj property in the heart of Frankfurt. The Taj Hessischer Hof, set to open in February as the first Taj property in mainland Europe, transforms the historic Hessischer Hof hotel near the Messe (trade fair) into a luxury destination featuring Indian heritage, the Bombay Brasserie and the iconic Jimmy's Bar. For more information, visit https://taj-hessischer-hof.com.
7 days ago
7 days ago
Andrea Grisdale, founder and CEO of IC Bellagio, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about what’s hot, what’s new and what’s luxury in Italy for 2022. Grisdale talks about what regions of Italy are growing increasingly popular, where to find off-the-beaten path destinations, and what experiences IC Bellagio can provide to your high-end clients. For more information, visit www.icbellagio.com.
7 days ago
7 days ago
David Tobin, founder of DreamEscape U.K., talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at last month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his bespoke destination management company offering designed trips to England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Using a team of experienced travel design planners, dedicated guides and expert curators, DreamEscape can handle every aspect of a client’s journey from concept to completion, as well as private access to attractions, sights and activities usually off-limits to the public. For more information, visit https://dreamescape.co.uk.
Sunday Jan 04, 2026
Sunday Jan 04, 2026
Ler Medina, general manager of UNICO Riviera Maya, and Ash Tembe, vice president of sales and marketing for North America at AIC Hotel Group, talk with Olivia Fleming of Insider Travel Report about the adults-only all-inclusive resort, its emphasis on local culture, art and gastronomy, and what distinguishes UNICO in the luxury all-inclusive market. For more information, visit www.unicohotelrivieramaya.com and www.allinagents.com.
Sunday Jan 04, 2026
Sunday Jan 04, 2026
Milena Milic, sales and marketing director for Casa del Mar, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about her boutique hotel’s casa-style approach in Montenegro, its focus on local gastronomy, and how it serves as a base for exploring the Bay of Kotor. She also discusses working with local partners and supporting artists and community programs. For more information, visit https://casadelmare.me.
Thursday Jan 01, 2026
Thursday Jan 01, 2026
Francine Carter, representative of the Jamaica Tourist Board, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about Jamaica’s recovery two months after a Category five hurricane, including which resort regions and attractions are open, cruise and air access, and the pace of rebuilding across the island. She also discusses reliable sources for real-time updates and the role of tourism in supporting communities and workers. For more information, visit www.visitjamaica.com.
Thursday Jan 01, 2026
Thursday Jan 01, 2026
Kyle Mais, managing director of the Jamaica Inn, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about the property’s recovery in Ocho Rios two months after Hurricane Melissa, its location on Jamaica’s north coast, and why the inn was able to reopen quickly. He also discusses nearby attractions that have opened, including Dunn’s River Falls, nature and cultural experiences, and community tourism initiatives. For more information, visit www.jamaicainn.com.
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Danesha Clarke, director of sales and marketing for Ocean Eden Bay and Ocean Coral Spring, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about Jamaica after Melissa, the Category 5 hurricane, including the state of power, water and connectivity at the resorts and what travelers can expect today. Clarke also discusses giveback efforts, support for employees and communities, family and adults-only resort options, and what attractions are accessible today. For more information, visit www.oceanhotels.com.
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Monday Dec 29, 2025
How different types of accommodations cater to the family market today with even more features. Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report talks with Jhenelle Clarke, leisure sales coordinator for Princess Hotels & Resorts in Jamaica about how an all-inclusive can fulfill the needs of your family clients.
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Monday Dec 29, 2025
How different types of accommodations cater to the family market today with even more features. Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report talks with Tina Lee-Anderson, director-leisure sales for Atlantis Bahamas, about how a large, full-service luxury resort can meet the needs of your family clients.
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Monday Dec 29, 2025
Andrés Cope, general manager of S Hotels Jamaica, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about visiting Jamaica today, the island’s recovery after Hurricane Melissa, and how S Hotels has supported relief efforts while welcoming guests back to Montego Bay. Cope also discusses meaningful travel, ways visitors can give to local communities, and what makes the Jamaican-owned S Hotels special. For more information, visit www.shotelsjamaica.com.
Thursday Dec 25, 2025
Thursday Dec 25, 2025
How can you work with destination management companies (DMCs) and destination specialists to customize the perfect family vacation? This interview examines how one of these companies, ANZCRO, a DMC for Australia and New Zealand, organizes a trip that includes hotels and resorts, transfers, sightseeing and activities suitable for family travel. James Shillinglaw, editor in chief of Insider Travel Report, interviews Nick Guthrey, CEO of ANZCRO.
Thursday Dec 25, 2025
Thursday Dec 25, 2025
Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his group’s dramatic expansion in revenues and independent properties and hotel chains around the world. Hartley details how travel advisors can work with GHA to find the perfect hotel for their clients. For more information, visit www.globalhotelalliance.com.
Wednesday Dec 24, 2025
Wednesday Dec 24, 2025
Chris Walker, senior vice president and chief commercial officer for Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about how travel advisors remain one of LHW’s most strategic partners, representing 40 percent of global revenue and driving double-digit growth. LHW also is deepening its investment in the travel trade through expanded resources, targeted tools, and personalized support, and rewarding advisor loyalty. For more information, visit www.lhw.com.
Wednesday Dec 24, 2025
Wednesday Dec 24, 2025
Can an expedition cruise to a remote destination be the perfect family vacation? We talk to an expedition cruise specialist about how they organize a family vacation, including what ages they cater to, what accommodations they offer, what dining options they have and what experiences they provide that make an expedition cruise a truly unifying experience for families. James Shillinglaw, editor in chief of Insider Travel Report, interviews Nazli Rodriguez, marketing and sales manager for Australis.
Wednesday Dec 24, 2025
Wednesday Dec 24, 2025
How top destinations cater to the family travel market with suggested tours, itineraries, hotels, activities and more. This panel examines in depth what these destinations offer for family travel and how travel advisors can sell them. Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report moderates a panel that includes: Fernanda Rosas, account director, Baja California for the U.S. and Canada Tourism; Francisco Blanch, director-leisure sales for Discover Puerto Rico; and Melanie Schinkel, Aussie Specialist program manager-the Americas for Tourism Australia.
Tuesday Dec 23, 2025
Tuesday Dec 23, 2025
Lindsey Ueberroth, president and CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about the many new properties that have joined Preferred over the last year. Ueberroth also details how travel advisors can profit from booking Preferred hotels as well as its grown “green” hotels group, Beyond Green. For more information, visit www.preferredhotels.com and www.beyondgreen.com.
Monday Dec 22, 2025
Monday Dec 22, 2025
John Diorio, vice president and managing director for Celestyal, talks with James Shillinglaw about his destination-focused cruise line, which is basing two ships in the Gulf of Arabia right now, offering immersive sailings of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oatar, Oman, Bahrain and more. Diorio also details the relaunch of Celestyal’s training program, now called Celestyal Stars, and other programs to help travel advisor sell more Celestyal. For more information, visit www.celestyalcompass.com.
Monday Dec 22, 2025
Monday Dec 22, 2025
What can stimulate more togetherness than experiencing a tour program to a top destination and visiting historic sites, great scenery and great destinations as a family. This panel examines how top tour operators cater to the family market with special programs and activities. Moderated by James Shillinglaw, editor in chief of Insider Travel Report, the panel includes Kathy Writer, president of Celtic Tours; Simon Jones, business development director-Central Region & Africa for Ultimate Jet Vacations; Shauna Sullivan Reilly, director of sales & trade marketing for Tauck; and Cory McGillivray, vice president, of sales operations and channel marketing for the Globus family of brands.
Sunday Dec 21, 2025
Sunday Dec 21, 2025
Shawn Tubman, senior vice president of sales, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about the future for the ultra-luxury cruise line as gets ready for the first of a whole new class of ships next year when Seven Seas Prestige makes its eagerly awaited debut. Tubman also details all the programs Regent has for travel advisors to help them sell even more of its cruises. For more information, visit www.rssc.com.
Sunday Dec 21, 2025
Sunday Dec 21, 2025
How can you work with destination management companies (DMCs) and destination specialists to customize the perfect family vacation? This panel examines what these companies provide and how they can organize a family trip. James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report moderates a panel that includes: Mina Agnos, president or Travelive; Émilie de Vigan, senior experience designer for Decouvertes DMC France; and Jane Behrend, president of Emerging Destinations.
Friday Dec 19, 2025
Friday Dec 19, 2025
Nikheel Advani, chief operating officer and co-founder of Grace Bay Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes luxury show about his collection of spacious, luxury resorts in Turks and Caicos. Advani gives us an update on his flagship property, Grace Bay Club located on the famed Grace Bay Beach, and tells us about his newest resort, South Bank. For more information, visit www.gracebayresorts.com.
Friday Dec 19, 2025
Friday Dec 19, 2025
Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys and Chris Austin, president-North America, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes, about their luxury lifestyle brand at sea. Nash and Austin reveal the latest plans for their growing fleet of designer ships, as well as new itineraries, new features and amenities, and new programs and support for travel advisors to help them better sell this unique luxury experience. For more information, visit www.explorajourneys.com.
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Nikola Piric, representative of Forza Group, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about luxury hotels, restaurants and experiences along Montenegro’s coast, including Porto Montenegro, boat tours, and a cable car linking the seaside with mountain views. He also discusses locally sourced dining and how travelers can combine coastal, cultural and nightlife experiences in one trip. For more information, visit https://forzagroup.me and https://www.montenegro.travel.
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Angie Licea, president of Global Travel Collection (GTC), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show, about how GTC is evolving from a collection of luxury travel agencies into a single force in luxury travel, backed by parent Internova Travel Group. Licea tells us what the future holds for GTC and its group of luxury travel advisors and why GTC and Internova had such a big presence at this year’s ILTM Cannes. For more information, visit www.globaltravelcollection.com.
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Svetlana Cukic, a tour guide in Kotor, Montenegro, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about visiting Kotor’s old town near the border with Croatia, including local food, churches, museums, boat trips and hiking. Cukic also discusses how long to stay, seasonal travel, local history and how to care for Kotor’s cats. For more information, visit www.meetmontenegro.com and www.montenegro.travel.
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Jonathan Wilson, president and CEO of Aman at Sea, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at ILTM Cannes this month, about Aman’s newest resort, which this time will be at sea. Luxury yacht Amangati is scheduled to launch and begin sailing as early as spring 2027, with voyages in the Mediterranean, offering a 47-suite floating sanctuary that reflects Aman's signature style. For more information, visit www.amanatsea.com.
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Andrew Barnard, CEO of SunSwept Resorts, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his now growing collection of wellness resorts, which include BodyHoliday and Stolentime in St. Lucia. And now the company, with some of the first dedicated wellness resorts in the world, is about to start growing well beyond St. Lucia. For more information, visit www.sunsweptresorts.com.
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Gayle Wilkinson, general manager of The Printing House in Nashville, talks with Olivia Fleming of Insider Travel Report about the hotel’s location near Broadway and its design inspired by Nashville’s printing history. She also details the property’s service-focused team and amenities including lounges, terraces, pet-friendly access, and a writer’s room tied to Music City culture. For more information, visit https://printinghousenashville.com and www.hilton.com.
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Sara Maestrelli, creative director of Collezione Em, gives James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report an update on her family-owned collection of boutique hotels at this month’s ILTM Cannes luxury travel show. Collezione Em now has two hotels in Florence (Minerva and Brunelleschi), one in Venice (Violino d’Oro), and two in Forte del Marmi (Villa Roma Imperiale and the newest Pensione America) on the coast of Tuscany. For more information, visit www.collezioneem.com.
Sunday Dec 14, 2025
Sunday Dec 14, 2025
Chris Sariego, chief operating officer for LionGrove, operator of Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach & Golf Resort in Puerto Rico, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his company’s newly reimagined resort. After a $60 million redesign, the resort has emerged three new pools, 400 refurbished rooms, vibrant dining venues, plus a soon-to-open casino and sports betting lounge anchored by The Vault—a speakeasy-style cabaret. For more information, visit www.riomarreimagined.com.
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Stephen Cotter, managing director of CIE Tours, and Rosanne Zusman, chief commercial officer for the company, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about customer-driven product development, new light-active walking and hiking tours in Ireland. They also discuss CIE's expansion in Italy and Spain, the company’s all-inclusive value and small-group approach. For more information, visit www.cietours.com.
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Jennifer Tombaugh, CEO of Tauck, which is celebrating 100 years in business, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the company’s new Roam by Tauck brand, its expansion in river cruising, and programs designed for the 40- to 50-year-old traveler. She also discusses small-group growth, new ships coming through 2027, advisor-focused initiatives such as Cruise Control, and Tauck’s plans for its second century. For more information, visit www.tauck.com.
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
Jeff Roy, the new chair of the U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA) and chief revenue officer for Collette, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about member priorities, the role of advocacy and the cautious optimism reflected in this year’s industry outlook. Roy discusses survey findings on sales performance and late bookings, the growth of small-group and high-end travel, rising demand for Africa and Southeast Asia, and how AI, accessibility and sustainability will shape the future. For more information, visit www.ustoa.com.
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
Steve Perillo, president and owner of Perillo Tours, and Devin Perillo Buonanno, director of product and air operations, talk with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at the USTOA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., about the company’s 80-year family legacy, with Buonanno representing the fourth generation. They detail the growth of Perillo’s FIT business and the expansion of its escorted tour portfolio beyond Italy into Greece, Portugal, Ireland and Hawaii, and more. For more information, email devin@perillotours.com or visit www.perillotours.com.
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Graham Carter, CEO of Unforgettable Travel Company and Cruise Croatia, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his company taps its destination experts to design bespoke luxury travel to destinations around the world. No trip is the same, as Carter and his team deliver memorable and unique experiences to suit each client. Plus, he has a booming coastal cruise business with Cruise Croatia. For more information. For more information, visit www.unforgettabletravel.com or www.cruisecroatia.com.
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Terry Dale, president and CEO of the U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at the association’s annual conference at the Gaylord National Convention Center in Washington, D.C., about how U.S. government policies have strained international travel relations and why USTOA is stepping up its advocacy to counter the impact. Dale explains why the new Beyond Borders Tourism Coalition is critical for advocacy, outlines upcoming USTOA events, and reinforces why travel advisors remain essential. For more information, visit www.ustoa.com.
Monday Dec 08, 2025
Monday Dec 08, 2025
Debbie Fiorino, chief operating officer of World Travel Holdings, parent company of Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the highlights of their 2025 national conference aboard Star Princess, including record attendance, surging demand and why this is the strongest booking period the company has seen all year. Fiorino discusses the mindset advisors need to thrive in 2026, the importance of planning fees and groups, and how new marketing tools, website upgrades, AI-supported email and a rebuilt booking engine will help advisors grow. For more information, visit www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com.
Monday Dec 08, 2025
Monday Dec 08, 2025
Leigh Barnes, president-the Americas for Intrepid Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how the growing adventure tour operator is ramping up its efforts to get a much bigger foothold in North America. Intrepid’s strategies include a new partnership with REI, new Short Breaks trips and additional sales and marketing executives. For more information, visit www.intrepidtravel.com.
Sunday Dec 07, 2025
Sunday Dec 07, 2025
Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager for Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about highlights from the groups' 2025 national conference aboard Star Princess, including the “Thrive in ’25” theme, the power of storytelling and the mindset travel advisors need to grow their business. Daly discusses why advisors should charge planning fees, explains how groups and new marketing and martech tools drive business, reflects on his CLIA Hall of Fame recognition and the future of the advisor community. For more information, visit www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com.
Sunday Dec 07, 2025
Sunday Dec 07, 2025
Jeff Rednour, general manager for the Equinox Hotel, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his luxury property, the only hotel in the Equinox fitness empire so far (more to come). Rednour talks about the property’s trendy location in Manhattan’s Hudson Yards, its innovative sleep programs, its high-end restaurant, and yes, one of the biggest fitness clubs and spas in the city. For more information, visit www.equinox-hotels.com.
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
Kaitlyn Birkinshaw, vice president of marketing for Railbookers, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report at the Railbookers Group Global Summit about why travel advisors should book rail first instead of treating it as an add-on. As demand grows and rail enters a river-cruise-style boom. Birkinshaw outlines how Railbookers’ consumer marketing drives customers to advisors, new Stars and Stripes itineraries for the U.S. 250th anniversary, and a redesigned website with AI search and improved logistics. She also describes new advisor resources—including maps, social assets and a robust portal—that simplify selling and fuel conversions. For more information, visit www.railbookers.com.