Take a look back at our top five most-clicked articles of 2019, below.

1. Handling illness in the field: the do’s and don’ts (July 18, 2019)

No traveler wants to think about the possibility of getting sick when they’re in the field. But it’s important to be prepared, especially for group travel leaders. Our July article delves into some of the challenges of participant illness in a non-emergency situation, and how to navigate them as a leader. From social side effects to proactive precautions, here are some general “do’s” and “don’ts” for handling a challenging, unpleasant situation.

2. Dealing with Difficult Participants: Part 2 – The Before and After (March 13, 2019)

In a popular 2018 post, we shared strategies for dealing with difficult participants in the field. For 2019, we took a look at some of the ways difficult participants might drain your energy before and after the trip itself. Here are four common “types,” and strategies for managing them.

3. Destination Spotlight: An Inside Look at Mountain Gorilla Trekking (November 14, 2019)

For many, seeing mountain gorillas in the wild is a lifetime travel goal. So we talked to a gorilla expert, Dr. Mike Cranfield of Gorilla Doctors, and Holbrook’s VP of Product Development, Pelin Karaca, to learn more about planning for this bucket list expedition. Our November post shares their expertise on what to expect from a trekking experience, the benefits of different locations, and the conservation history of gorillas in the wild.

4. Here’s a Tip: Decoding Gratuities (June 13, 2019)

Ask anyone who’s been on a group travel program and they’ll tell you: figuring out tips in the field can be confusing, and even stressful. We took the topic to task and outlined the common pain points and potential pitfalls, then offered useful strategies to alleviate them. Holbrook Specialty Travel Consultants Debbie Jordan and Lisa Palmese-Graubard also provided insights from years of firsthand experience with this tricky situation.

5. Making real connections in Panama with new stopover program (November 14, 2019)

Equal parts travelogue, marketing insight, and destination spotlight, this November post explores the highlights of Panama, and the new ways their tourism industry is promoting them. Copa Airlines’ new stopover program allows travelers to extend their layover in Panama City for up to seven days at no additional cost, in an effort to open up more of the country to tourism dollars. Discover what makes Panama so unique and get a glimpse into the new program promotion, told by a member of Holbrook’s marketing team who attended its launch.