Top Posts
Call (727) 726-9090
Copyright 2021 - All Right Reserved
Category:

Commentary

Adventure TravelAdventure TripsCommentaryElite Adventure TravelElite TravelGeneral TravelTravelTravel DestinationsTravel Trends

Driving the Coast of California: 5 Top Cities in 5 days

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent


elite travel group 1

Planning on driving the coast of California? Only have five days so wondering which five of the many beautiful coastal cities in California are a must see? The west coast offers many charming coastal beach cities, making deciding which ones to visit not an easy task. The simple solution is to choose five cities to visit while driving the coast of California now, and then simply choose to visit the next five cities on your list the next time the lure of the west coast beckons you.

Driving the Coast of California

Driving the coast of California makes for a wonderful west coast adventure! From fancy beach houses to cozy beachside cottages to modern condominiums, the Golden State really does have it all. And the sights never get boring when driving the Cali coast, as the views change as one drives along the coastline. From endless ocean views to jagged cliffsides to delightful beachside towns, this west coast adventure is one that people will take over and over again.

5 Top Cities in 5 days

Is watching the gorgeous sunsets over the Pacific Ocean on your bucket list? How about finding some coastal beach cities where you can spend the day sunbathing, shopping, lounging, eating and having fun adventures with family and/or friends? Whatever your goals are, the following five cities in California are to be explored and enjoyed during your five day coastal driving trip.

 

Top City #1 – La Jolla: The beaches in La Jolla are perfect for sunbathing, surfing, snorkeling, and exploring local sea caves. An exquisite golf course is available, as well as private helicopter tours.

Top City #2 – Santa Barbara: This coastal California city offers lots of picturesque landscapes, as well as historic and cultural landmarks, which is why the city of Santa Barbara is also known as the American Riviera. Some of the best California beaches are found here, as well as fun shopping opportunities.

Top City #3 – San Luis Obispo: The San Luis Obispo area is rich in diversity, making it the perfect west coast city for hiking, biking, surfing, horse riding, beach lounging, boutique shopping, visiting museums and attending art galleries and festivals.

Top City #4 – Carmel by the Sea: This spectacular seaside city in California offers dramatic views of mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy relaxing on the beach, shopping in the local boutiques and enjoy dining in the many fantastic restaurants available in this delightful coastal location.

Top City #5 – San Francisco: There are so many things to see and do in San Francisco that this City by the Bay would definitely need to be visited more than once when driving the coast of California. A few highlights include visiting Pier 39, riding a cable car and exploring North Beach.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Adventure TravelAdventure TripsAffordable Incentive Travelbucketlist travelCommentaryDelta AirlinesDestination WeddingsElite Adventure TravelElite Incentive TravelElite TravelFishingGeneral TravelLuxury TravelSecrets ResortsSnorkelingSouthwest AirlinesTravelTravel DestinationsTravel Trends

Highlights of Aruba

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent


elite travel group arubaThinking about traveling to Aruba? Where the weather is sunny all year long and the white sand beaches beckon all who walk by to come, sit down, enjoy the views and relax for a while? Add the friendly locals and the exotic cuisine and it’s easy to see why Aruba is a popular tourist attraction these days. This makes Aruba a perfect destination choice for newlyweds, families and groups of friends who are looking to have some fun and adventure. Ready to find out what some of the best highlights are when visiting this picturesque Caribbean Island?

Highlights of Aruba

The following is a list of some of the must see and must do’s when traveling to the beautiful yet fairly small island of Aruba. While Aruba is indeed a popular vacation island, it never feels too crowded. Best time to visit Aruba is between the months of April and August.

 

  • Visit Eagle Beach – ranked as one of the top ten beaches in the whole world, this highlight is a definite must see!
  • Visit the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
  • Take a Jeep Safari Tour
  • Visit the Museums – two must see museums are the Archaeology Museum and the Historical Museum
  • Go Reef Diving – Aruba has fantastic coral reef gardens
  • Sign up for a Snorkeling Tour
  • Sign up for a Kayaking Tour
  • Sign up for a Fishing Tour
  • Take a Cruise around the Island
  • Take a Sailing Tour around the Island
  • Visit the Natural Bridge – Aruba’s most photographed attraction
  • Sign up for a Taste of Aruba Tour – explore local products made on the island, i.e. Balashi Beer and Aruhiba Cigars
  • Visit the California Lighthouse and the California Sand Dunes – located near Arashi Beach
  • Take a guided tour in the largest passenger submarine in the world!
  • Visit Eagle Beach – famous for its turtle nesting area
  • Bon Bini Festival in Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital city – Every Tuesday evening in the outer courtyard of the Historical Museum Aruba’s history is expressed through local music, art, folklore dancers, and culinary specialties. Fun!
  • Explore Aruba on horseback
  • Explore Aruba while riding ATVs, UTVs and/or Trikes
  • Go Skydiving – jump out of an airplane and enjoy the gorgeous views all the way down
  • Explore Arikok National Park
  • Visit Palm Island – a fun day trip that includes water slides, small pools for kids, snorkeling and a huge buffet for all ages to enjoy
  • Explore the Antilla Shipwreck – the largest shipwreck dive offered in the Caribbean Sea
  • Visit the Hooiberg – this volcanic formation is a must see for nature lovers

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Adventure TravelCommentaryTravelTravel Trends

Why Visit the La Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent

elite travel groupCurrently planning a trip to Barcelona? How exciting! Barcelona, Spain is an absolutely gorgeous vacation destination and should be on everyone’s vacation bucket list. While there are definitely many fun and exciting things for you to see and do while you’re vacationing in Barcelona, adding the La Sagrada Familia Cathedral to your list is a definite must. You can choose to explore this famous architectural site on your own, or you can book a guided tour to learn much more about its impressive and interesting history.

The La Sagrada Familia Cathedral

Why visit the La Sagrada Familia Cathedral in beautiful Barcelona, Spain? Because it’s an absolutely spectacular vision to behold! The unique architecture used to create this truly impressive building structure is both striking and poetic, and is currently the second most visited attraction in all of Spain. One of the many things the La Sagrada Familia Cathedral is famous for? The fact that it has been a work in progress since 1882.

Antonio Gaudi was the famous Spanish architect who spent more than 40 years designing this architectural masterpiece, until his death in 1926. Since he planned his vision using a number of drawings and detailed instructions, other workers were able to continue with the construction. The completion date for this ongoing Roman Catholic Church construction project is currently scheduled for 2026, as this is 100 years after Gaudi’s death.

Both the interior of the church and the exterior of the church offer many sites to behold. The outside towers are impressively noticeable, and is where the bells will eventually be hung once the construction is finished. The classical construction of the inside of the building intertwines with a number of unique symbolisms, which means every door and pillar comes with its own special symbolic meaning. There are also two chapels inside that include many of the symbols Gaudi wanted to include in the building’s architecture, making them both a must see.

Free tours are available and are highly recommended for those who want a guided exploration of this absolutely spectacular area. Because the La Sagrada Familia Cathedral is a Catholic church, visitors must pay very close attention to the rules in place, i.e. no see through clothing, no back exposure, shoulders must be covered, special clothing related to other types festivity celebrations.

Other nearby sites to see include Park Guell, Gaudi’s Avenue and Flora Tristan’s Gardens.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Adventure TravelAdventure Tripsbucketlist travelCommentaryDelta AirlinesElite Adventure TravelElite TravelTravelTravel DestinationsTravel Trends

Bucket List Travels – Greece: The Island of Spetses

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent


elite travel bucketlist Spetses Greece
Greece is a fantastic bucket list destination! Located in Southern Europe, the Island of Spetses in Greece offers vacationers some of the most beautiful unspoiled beaches that are just perfect for spending the afternoon with family and friends. Spetses is a perfect location for those who are wanting a more secluded vacation experience, making it a great choice for those who are looking for a little privacy during their trip.

Driving through the stunning countryside is a must. There are plenty of backroads to take, all giving unforgettable views of the gorgeous scenery that exists here. The Greek island of Spetses is also full of interesting history, which can be seen through their style, and architectural buildings. Walking through and around town is necessary as no cars are permitted on the narrow-cobbled streets of Spetses. If feet get tired, a horse and buggy will be the mode of transportation.

The local cuisine fully represents the culture and is delicious! Some favorite seafood options include grilled octopus, stewed mussels in white wine, tuna fillets and salmon tartare.     

Boat racing is a popular attraction and people from all over the world will come to watch the Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta, which takes place every year. The backdrop is the beautiful Mediterranean Sea dotted with islands, blue skies and white clouds, making for a perfect day for boat lovers.

Other fun things to do on the Island of Spetses include taking a day hike, sailing on the ocean’s blue waters for the day, taking long walks through the countryside, soaking up the Greek sun while lying on beautiful white sand beaches and taking long horse and buggy rides through the cobbled streets of town.

The Island of Spetses is able to offer those who are wanting a truly exceptional and unique vacation experience an adventure they will treasure forever.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Adventure Tripsbucketlist travelCommentaryElite TravelGeneral TravelHikingIncentive TravelLuxury TravelSkiingTravelTravel DestinationsTravel Trends

Sheldon Chalet

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent
elite travel group

PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRIS BURKARD

The Sheldon Chalet is everything luxurious comfort is all about. The more than a mile high elevation allows for the most spectacular breathtaking views, making this a truly unique environment that any luxury traveler will enjoy and appreciate. Whether you’re someone who is looking to take your next luxury vacation for leisure reasons or for adventure reasons, the Sheldon Chalet can easily accommodate you and your particular wants and needs.

Ready to find out more about the Sheldon Chalet that’s located in the middle of Denali National Park in Alaska?

North America’s Highest Mountain

At an elevation of 6000 feet, the Sheldon Chalet sits perfectly in the Sheldon Nunatak. The Chalet itself is a fascinating structure and includes 5 bedrooms that are able to accommodate up to 10 guests at one time. This makes for a very private luxury vacation, which is something that many luxury travelers are looking for nowadays.

The inside of the Chalet includes a full kitchen, a wet bar that is fully stocked, a sauna for relaxing, and a large fireplace that quickly warms when coming in from the cold outdoors. The surrounding deck allows for relaxing outdoor views, including views of the Aurora Borealis when available. Each extremely spacious bedroom includes lavish beds for extreme comfort, as well as a sitting area to enjoy the panoramic views of Alaska mountains.

Experienced Staff & Personal Guides

Experienced staff is available for every guest and can provide them their requests. Personal guides are available for guests who are looking to seek adventure and can guide them through all of the beauty that can be found in the Alaska mountainside. Options guests can choose to participate in include skiing, sledding, building igloos, digging snow caves, fancy picnics and going for long luxurious walks to observe and enjoy the absolutely stunning scenery.

Aurora Borealis

The Aurora Borealis can be seen during the winter months, which are best seen when the sky is clear as well as dark enough to provide the proper background.

Fine Dining

Fine dining is available and all meals will be created by a private chef in the onsite restaurant. This means all guests will get to enjoy the most exquisite cuisine, all paired with the perfect fine wines. Wine tasting events are also available.

The Sheldon Family

The Sheldon Chalet is privately owned by the Sheldon family and is the only holder of private land in the park.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Adventure TravelAdventure Tripsbucketlist travelCommentaryElite Adventure TravelTravelTravel DestinationsTravel Trends

Discover the Natural Splendor of Northern Vietnam

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent

elite travel group vietnam

Did you know that there are more than 50 different ethnic groups living in Vietnam? And each group has their own culture and linguistics, making it easy to see why Northern Vietnam is a place so rich in culture. The northern regions of Vietnam are also full of natural splendor, with villages, mountains and valleys that are all absolutely gorgeous, creating its own unique environment. This uniqueness is a large part of the Northern Vietnams allure, and is why so many travelers decide to visit this Southeast Asia location.

Discover the Natural Splendor of Northern Vietnam

There are many natural splendors to be discovered in Northern Vietnam! Over the past few years or so travelers begin to recognize Northern Vietnam for its interesting history, amazing cultures, absolutely delicious food, simply gorgeous scenery, and the hospitality of locals. The locals in Northern Vietnam are some of the most welcoming and friendly people vacationers will ever meet when traveling the world, making a Northern Vietnam vacation one that’s very sociable.

The following are some of the top-rated natural splendors to be discovered while in Northern Vietnam.

 

  • Halong Bay. Halong Bay is located very close to the Chinese border and is made up of 1600 limestone islands and islets. The biodiversity found here is impressive, and the scenery is absolutely picture perfect. Due to the uniqueness of this area it has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
  • Tam Coc. Tam Coc is known for its magical beauty and is sometimes called a smaller version of Halong Bay. One of the more popular areas is the three caves region. The green lushness of the peaceful countryside is breathtaking, and is truly unlike any other area found on the planet. Eco-touring is popular here, with one of the more popular tours involving rowing boats through caverns while enjoying the views of rice paddy fields.
  • Sapa. While Sapa is one of Northern Vietnams more popular tourist attractions, it’s not overly crowded. Located on a high plateau overlooking the natural splendor of mountains and rice terraces below, this gathering place for local tribes is a definite must see when visiting Northern Vietnam. Local tribe members often come to Sapa to sell their homemade items, including traditional clothing.
  • Bac Ha. About a day’s trip away from Sapa, Bac Ha is the perfect location for exploring the region’s mountains, highlands and villages. Mountains surround the quiet town of Bac Ha, which is located about 1200 m above sea level. A large market where locals come to sell their wares every Sunday is an absolute must. Vacationers can shop for homemade textiles and more, all while listening to the natural splendor of locals singing their native songs.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Adventure TravelAdventure TripsAffordable Incentive TravelAirlinesbucketlist travelBudgetingCaribbean TravelCheap TravelCommentaryDelta AirlinesElite Adventure TravelElite Incentive TravelElite TravelGeneral TravelJetBlue AirlinesMexico TravelNewsTravelTravel AgentsTravel DealsTravel DestinationsTravel Trends

Small Group Travels to Europe are Best

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent

elite travel group

Thinking about planning your next trip to Europe? Great! A European vacation is able to offer travelers a number of unique and exciting things to do, giving them memories that are easily going to last a lifetime. When you choose to take your next vacation in Europe, you’re going to get to experience all of its rich history and fascinating culture, which is one of the main reasons why Europe is still a top vacation destination. If you’re wanting to get a group together, be sure that it’s a fairly small group, as small group travels to Europe are best.

A European Vacation

The history, the culture, the splendid cuisine, the exciting nightlife, the charming villages, the lovely ambiance and much more are all to be found when vacationing in Europe! Because there is so much to do and see when in Europe, the following is a list of some of the more popular things to do or must see attractions when vacationing  in Europe.

 

  • While Paris, Rome and Florence may be crowded, they are a must see and accordingly are well worth the visit!
  • The Swiss Alps are a perfect vacation stop for travelers who enjoy winter sport activities and small charming towns.
  • The Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is a must see for its sheer beauty, a perfect place for nature lovers.
  • The European architecture includes many styles and is absolutely spectacular, making it a good idea to schedule in some tours of famous architectural buildings.
  • European museums are many and include some of the most impressive collections worldwide.
  • Eating musts include – tapas, pizza, cheeses. Drinking musts – wine.

Why Small Travel Groups are Best

Why are small travel groups best when traveling to Europe? Because small group travels allow travelers to explore their destinations in a much better fashion when compared to large travel groups. Smaller traveling groups are simply able to better enjoy seeing and exploring all of the many sights there are to see when vacationing in Europe. Small groups allow everyone to get to know each other. When there are too many people in a group, it’s easy for travelers to get lost in the crowd.

 

Small group travel benefits:

  • See things the way locals see them – more intimate – places are more easily accessible – can make new friends – has access to places larger groups cant go, like small, local restaurants – impact of small groups is smaller, important when visiting smaller European villages.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Adventure TravelCommentaryDelta AirlinesElite Adventure TravelElite TravelNewsTravelTravel AgentsTravel DealsTravel DestinationsTravel Trends

Padmanabhaswamy Temple

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent

elite travel group 2Sometimes it’s okay to travel just to see the beauty of the other cultures and Padmanabhaswamy Temple in India is one of the richest temples in the entire world. It’s a sight to see for every tourist.

Located in Thiruvananthapuram, it has been dated as far back as around 500 B.C. Other historical texts have described the Temple as being “made of gold.’

Overall, however, the origins of the temple remain a mystery that has been hard to uncover. It is most notably famous for its underground vaults, each containing a massive amount of gold and jewels. Only five of those vaults have been opened and explored as of right now, adding even more mystery to the temple.

Other than the vaults, the temple also has many other notable features. There are nine entrances to the temple, which relate to the nine orifices of the human body. This includes murals, sacred sources of water, grand corridors, shrines, and other architectural wonders.

There are multiple shrines for many of the deities worshiped at the temple. Some of these are Sree Padmanabhaswamy, Vishwaksenan, Sree Yoga Narasimha Moorthi, and Thiruvambadi Sreekrishnaswamy. While these names might not be familiar to you, seeing the shrines in person are a wonder to behold. They are beautiful works of artwork in their own right, and serve as a piece of history and religious importance within the Temple.

There are festivals and ceremonies that take place in the Temple on various days to celebrate the importance of these deities. These are ceremonies and festivals that have been celebrated for centuries and have a large religious connection to the culture.

If you go to visit the shrine when these festivals are taking place, you can see some of the culture right before your eyes. If you do decide to visit, however, you have to make sure you follow the customs and regulations required of the Temple. For one, you cannot enter if you are a practicing Hindu. You must bathe and put on clean clothes before entering, and those clothes must be the proper attire. Photography is prohibited inside the Temple as well as holding any type of electronic equipment. You also cannot smoke or spit inside the Temple. There are many other regulations and customs required to enter the Temple that are required as well. Make sure that you learn them before you go.

Elite Travel Management Group. Inc

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Adventure TravelAdventure TripsAffordable Incentive TravelBudgetingCheap TravelCommentaryCorporate Incentive TravelElite Adventure TravelElite Incentive TravelElite TravelGeneral TravelIncentive TravelSurfingTravelTravel AgentsTravel DealsTravel DestinationsTravel Trends

Eden Roc All-Inclusive 4-Star Miami Beach

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent

elite travel group 1

Now that summer is almost officially here, travelers are looking for the best all-inclusive hotels to spend their summer vacation! This means that there’ll be a lot of vacationers looking for the best beach vacations, and all over the world. Because it’s summertime, this also means that families are looking to take their family summer vacations, making finding a family-friendly hotel a top priority for vacationing families.

The Eden Roc is an all-inclusive 4-star Miami Beach hotel and has been recently updated. This top vacation spot is perfect for both couples and families who enjoy the beach cosmopolitan lifestyle, which is what the Eden Roc Hotel in Miami is all about.

The Eden Roc All-Inclusive 4-Star Miami Beach Hotel

The Eden Roc is now an updated all-inclusive family-friendly hotel as it has recently undergone some huge transformations. While the Eden Roc has always been a popular hotel choice for those vacationing in or around the Miami Beach area, the $250 million they spent modernizing the hotel ensures every guest experience will be one they will never forget.

One of the many reasons why the iconic hotel has been so popular over the years is because it isn’t located directly on the beach, which allows for a more relaxing vacation. The Eden Roc also offers many of the modern room packages vacationers are wanting nowadays, making it easy for them to choose a package that’s going to best meet their wants and needs.

While all-inclusive vacations are a top choice for couples who are looking to take a luxury summer vacation, they’re also a top choice for vacationing families as it simply makes everything so much easier.

Eden Roc Rooms

Rooms now include private balconies that offer the most spectacular ocean views, high speed wi-fi, a flat screen TV, radio speakers, coffee machine, rainfall shower heads, 24 hour room service and more! There are four different pools to choose from so any age is easily accommodated when staying at the Eden Roc Hotel.

Fun Things to do!

Guests who stay at the Eden Roc all-inclusive hotel in Miami Beach are able to:

  • Enjoy organic farm to table poolside dining
  • Book a private yacht charter
  • Participate in water sports, like jet skiing
  • Visit the Bass Museum of Art
  • Visit the Miami Children’s Museum
  • Visit the Miami Seaquarium
  • Play golf on the Bayshore Golf Course or the Miami Beach Golf Club
  • Get full body massages, spa treatments

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
CommentaryElite TravelPressTravelTravel AgentsTravel Insurance

What Happens When a Resort Closes?

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent


elite travel groupSo what do you do when a resort closes due to an emergency situation?

It’s always a good idea to have a plan in place so you’re able to handle any type of emergency situation that may arise. This is one of the reasons why I always work with a tour operator, as you never know what’s going to happen!

Knowing exactly how to handle a travel emergency can help you be seen as a better travel agent. Travel agents are expected to handle every single aspect when booking travel arrangements for their clients, and if you can learn how to properly deal with any travel emergencies that come your way then you’re definitely on the right path.

I recently got an email from one of my clients who saw a Facebook post that said somewhere in the Caribbean Islands a resort was shutting down. They announced they would be temporarily closing starting the very next month and wouldn’t be opening up again until for a few more months, at least.

Unfortunately, not everyone is personally advised when a resort is going to be shutting down. So you can only imagine how people would be scrambling in order to find a new resort location due to such short notice that was given! These types of quick shut downs can really make for bad business.

And it’s the clients  who pay the price, as they have to scramble when on their vacation. Now they are on the hook for finding another resort to stay at, and with very little time to do so. Not a good situation to be in!

When resorts shut down they do often offer choices – relocate and stay at another resort, reschedule the client’s vacation, or cancel the booking and receive a full refund. None of these options are ideal. Especially if the client wants to cancel because the resort states that they have no control over airline bookings and therefore can’t offer them any refunds for airfare. So what happens to their airfare if they cancel?

Yes, a resort closing last minute can really throw everyone for a loop! I definitely recommend having a tour operator on your side that you can trust and work with on an ongoing basis to help you out when these types of situations come up.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

image source: Copyright: <a href=’httww.123rf.com/profile_parilovv’>parilovv / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts