So close and yet so far, Eastern Europe was and is a source of marvel. Among the many states to have enjoyed a rich and illustrious history over the years, the region once known as Czechoslovakia still stands out in its rich, if altogether brief, place in history.
When Travel Agent featured the region in 1989, the Czech Republic and Slovakia were still one state. An easy stop on the State Railway grid connecting Vienna, Budapest, Warsaw and East Berlin, it isn't hard to see what made it so remarkable. One might begin their trip in the castle wonderland of Prague and then venture into the rural area in Eastern Slovakia of wooden Orthodox churches. (For the full article, see page 1 here and page 2 here.) Since its separation in 1993, the area continues its legacy of art and wine, personified by the Czech Republic's Bohemia, known as much for its history as a cultural center as it is for its romantic countryside.
As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we're taking a look at what was happening in the industry in the past and asking agents to share their thoughts on what has changed in the industry up until the present. So please share your thoughts by posting a comment below, writing us at our Facebook page, sending a tweet to our Twitter page or by engaging in a discussion in real time at AgentNation (the only social community online for all kinds of travel agents, which certainly wasn't around 80 years ago). We want to hear from you.
And while you're here, learn more about how we're celebrating eight decades of covering the travel industry for travel professionals.