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The Top Three Spa Resorts in the World

by Tammy Levent August 14, 2019

written by Tammy Levent

Thinking about taking your next retreat in one of the top rated spas in all the world? Good for you! When you choose to take your next vacation centered around a spa resort, you can expect to experience a great deal of luxury.

Top Three Spa Resorts in the World

The below list includes the top three spa resorts in the world as of today.

1. BodyHoliday, Castries, St. Lucia. This top spa resort is one that places a large focus on overall wellness. Every suite is designed to offer guests a private sanctuary experience, with the ocean views suites offering panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. These luxury suites also offer guests tropical garden views, giving them choices. The resorts food philosophy is centered around healthy eating, and includes organic fruits and vegetables grown in their own garden.

The Wellness Centre is considered to be a true sanctuary, as it offers a variety of soothing treatments that were specifically created to help guests return to a place a wellness. A focus on helping guests reach their optimal health is a priority, and includes using relaxation therapies as well as a variety of pampering spa treatments.

2. Chablé Resort & Spa, Chocholá, Mexico. This top luxury spa resort offers guests deluxe villas, of which all include their own private pool. The overall atmosphere is one that immerses guests into the rich culture and history of this part of Mexico, allowing them a true blend of exotic nature and comfortable luxury. The culinary offerings are like no other, as one of the best chefs in the world designed the menu. With a total of only 36 suites, guests will enjoy this luxury experience while enjoying their privacy.

The Chablé Spa focuses on combining ancient healing techniques with modern science. The spa gets its natural energy from a power source created by the Mayans, allowing for the ancient healing the spa is well-known for.

3. Andronis Concept Wellness Resort, Santorini, Greece. This top spa resort is located on one of the more romantic coastlines in the world. Guests can expect to receive the personalized service they deserve, all while relaxing in one of the luxurious suites. Many of these suites include an infinity pool, which are built in a way that allows guests to enjoy the setting sun over the Aegean Sea. While this top luxury spa resort offers guests all the amenities they can imagine, the overall atmosphere is one that is sophisticated, warm and welcoming.

The Kallos Spa is located within the resort and offers guests beauty treatments, health enhancing treatments, therapeutic relaxation treatments, yoga sessions, detoxing meals and a variety of holistic therapy techniques that support one’s overall well-being.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

August 14, 2019 0 comment

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Where is the Best Place to go to Exchange Currency for Travel?

by Tammy Levent January 16, 2019

written by Tammy Levent

Getting ready to travel abroad? Wondering where the best place is for you to exchange currency? Because currency exchange rates are going to vary, understanding where you can exchange your currencies so you can get the best rate is a smart idea. Carefully choosing a place where you can exchange your currency for another can save you lots of money, as you’ll be avoiding both poor exchange rates and potential high fees.

Where is the Best Place to go to Exchange Currency for Travel?

In order to make sure travelers are not taken advantage of when traveling to another country, it’s best for them to exchange their currencies before they take their trip at a well-known bank or hotel.

Before Leaving Home: there are many banks in the United States that will allow their customers to purchase foreign currencies before taking a trip outside the country. All someone needs to do is contact their bank and ask if they offer this service. If they do, they need to also ask what their exchange rate is and whether or not they charge any fees for this service. Comparing the bank’s exchange rate to the global exchange rate will let people know if they’re indeed getting a good deal by using their bank to exchange their currency for travel.

Using a Known Hotel for Currency Exchange: many hotels in other countries will allow their guests to exchange their currencies at the front desk. Be sure to understand their buy and sell exchange rates. And know if they charge you 10% or less to do the transaction, that this is a fair fee.

Using a Credit Card to Exchange Currency: while using a credit card to exchange currency is often an option, understand that the exchange rates when using most credit cards are going to be high. Using a credit card that doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees is therefore recommended.

Travelers who happen to have any foreign currency left over after their trip should exchange it before leaving the country, as this will allow them the best rates.

A few currency exchange tips:

Don’t let a foreign merchant charge your credit card in dollars
Don’t use your credit card to get cash advances in foreign countries
While using a currency converter website may seem convenient, the exchange rates will not only be higher, you also have to pay for the delivery charges

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

January 16, 2019 0 comment

Small Group Travels to Europe are Best

by Tammy Levent September 18, 2018

written by Tammy Levent

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

September 18, 2018 0 comment

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Global Entry Do I need it?

by Tammy Levent May 24, 2018

written by Tammy Levent

Seems the buzzword of the day is “Global Entry.” Everybody is talking about this new way of getting through the airport faster, but is it worth it for me to apply?

First, let’s define this buzzword of the day: According to the website, Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports. Global Entry cards are issued to Global entry members who are U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and Mexican nationals.

What does all that mumbo jumbo mean? The whole idea behind this program is to move travelers along a little faster. Its members skip the line and head directly to a kiosk where they put their fingerprints on a scanner for verification, get a receipt and keep going.

As a travel agent who travels often, I figured I would finally apply for Global Entry. First, there’s a whopping 30-page questionnaire, a background check, an appointment that took about three months to get and, finally, an interview.

Now, you should know that they do not approve everyone. For example, if you have ever been convicted of a criminal offense or have charges pending, including outstanding warrants or if you are subject of an investigation of any kind.

If you just want to apply for Global Entry simply because you want to get into a shorter line at the airport, sign up for the TSA pre-check instead. Global entry is just for ease of customs.

Keep in mind, however, that Global Entry isn’t permanent, so think about if this is what you really need before you cough up the $100 bucks that you need for your application fee. You need to renew your credentials in five years, so if your passport expires sooner than, you are still good you just have to add the new credentials to the new passport.

If you violate the terms of the Global Entry just once, you will never be approved again. Violations include smuggling livestock, smuggling anything really and lying about how much to declare, get it?

On the cover there is a little gold square bar like the chip that is on your credit card. Protect this little gold square bar more than anything when you traveling overseas. Identity theft is definitely an international issue right now.

That’s it, in a nutshell.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

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May 24, 2018 0 comment

Ayers Rock, Australia (Uluru) sights and sounds

by Tammy July 22, 2016

written by Tammy

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation that was created over 600 million years ago, and is located in the southern part of the Northern Territory in Australia’s Red Centre.
Ayers Rock, which is located at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, is an iconic landmark in Australia that some travelers just want to climb and stand on top of (it’s heavily encouraged that you do not do this due to the danger involved), while others want to witness the changes in color as the sunsets strike the rock. The Rock is owned by the Anangu aboriginal people. At the Park, you can take a free guided walk and visit the cultural center where you will learn more about this Anangu culture and see Anangu art.

The Aboriginal landowners of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, are Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people who speak their own language. You may see the locals in your travels.

According to the Australia Parks Department, Ayers Rock is higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Chrysler Building in New York. Walking around it can take approximately 3.5 hours, but it can be done.

Even if you just want to get some great photos of Ayers Rock, you should plan on spending at least a day of your Australian trip here. There are other features to see too, which could add to your trip for a few days. Close by the Rock is the Kata Tjuta, formerly called “the Olgas”, and the second major feature of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

In 1950 Ayers Rock, today known as Uluru, was declared a national park. The park has special sunset viewing areas for both the Uluru and the Kata Tjuta.

If you love watching birds, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has been home to 178 species of bird in the park. This has included such rare species as the scarlet-chested parrot and the grey honeyeater. You can also look for many examples of historic Aboriginal rock art around Uluru and you can see it along the Mala Walk and Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole.

Elite Travel Group

For more amazing facts about the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the Aboriginals, visit http://www.parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/people-place/amazing-facts.html

July 22, 2016 0 comment

Craft Beer Tours

by Tammy Levent July 8, 2016

written by Tammy Levent

Beer lovers, take notice. There are an endless amount of Craft Beer Tours that you can take for your next vacation. Here is just a sample of where you can enjoy a day of sightseeing and beer tasting.

Durham, North Carolina. Beltline Brew Tours has various tours throughout North Carolina. The one in Durham starts with Bull City Burger and Brewery, then Ponysaurus Brewing Company, and then the unique highlight; Fullsteam Brewery, known for their unusual variety of flavors, including brews made with sweet potatoes, rhubarb, and hickory-smoked malt. Better still, dogs are welcomed and encouraged to visit the brewery. The tour ends back with more sampling at Bull City.

Cooperstown, New York. When you hear about “Cooperstown”, the first thing you probably think is baseball. But the town has much more to offer than that. For example, Ommegang Brewery has tours that go through six different local breweries, where you can see demonstrations, tour specialty shops, and of course, taste some beer. Ommegang also hosts many concerts throughout the summer, and they have a special, limited-edition ‘Game of Thrones’ inspired beer line.

Hood River, Oregon. Oregon has a plethora of different breweries to check out. If you’re looking for one with a tour that’s free, allows children with a parent or guardian, and is shorter than most other tours (about 30 minutes), than Full Sail Brewery is the tour for you. From the pub, you can view Mount Hood and the Columbian River Gorge, filled with sailboarders and kiteboarders. Nothing can beat a beer with a view.

Pottsville, Pennsylvania. If you’re looking for a tour with some history behind it, than look no further than the small-town feel that D.G. Yuengling & Sons Brewery provides. It started in 1831, and is the oldest working brewery in America. On the tour, you can learn how the brewery survived the Prohibition and look at the fermentation caves originally used to keep the beer cool. It’s a great look back in time.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Do you want to make a day trip out of your tour? Then come on down to Dogfish Head’s Brewings and Eats. Founded by Sam Calagione of Brew Masters, the location hosts two different types of tours, one of them free. Once you’ve finished your tour, you can check out some of the musicians above the pub, get some food, or see the sights at Rehoboth Beach. There’s enough to do there to more than satisfy your day trip needs.

EliteTravelGroup

July 8, 2016 0 comment

Travel Scams

by Tammy Levent April 20, 2016

written by Tammy Levent

Traveling is exciting, but unfortunately travelers are also prey for scammers who will do what they can to cause a distraction and take your money and belongings. There are so many travel scams it’s hard to keep track of them all, but here are a few common ones and some tips on how to prevent yourself from becoming the next victim:

You’ve won a trip! Before you have even gone anywhere, you’re already being scammed by online sites that claim you won an all-expenses paid trip to Belize. The problem? They want your credit card and driver’s license information to hold your prize. Then you find out that before you can get the information there are fees you need to pay.

Tip: First, do not give out any personal information. Ask questions! Consumer Fraud Reporting says to find out exactly what the prize does and does not cover and contact these businesses to verify. If the person on the phone cannot give out information, it’s probably too good to be true.

Fake phone call: You checked in and you’re all snug in your hotel bed when the phone rings. It’s the front desk telling you that there’s a problem with your credit card. You stumble out of bed and read your number again, then return to slumber. The problem? It wasn’t the front desk calling and you’ve just given your credit card information to a scammer.

Tip: If you get a call like this, tell them you’ll bring it down to the front desk (you can also call the front desk to verify). Most likely, if it’s a scam, the caller will hang up.

Skimmed. Forget about criminals watching you at the ATM to get your pin number. It’s gotten much easier now with “skimmers” that capture your data when they get close to you. A New York Times article reported a sixfold increase in the number of machines in the United States compromised by criminals in 2015, compared with 2014.

Tip: Take a good look at the ATM machine before you put your card in. If anything seems out of place, don’t use it.

Distraction: You’re taking pictures on your trip when little kids come up to you and wave papers in your face or someone bumps into you and spills something and holds your arm while they clean it up. Scammers will do what it takes to distract you so they can take your belongings and your money.

Tip: Be alert at all times. When you’re traveling, this is the best tip to avoid any scam that might happen to you.

EliteTravelGroup

April 20, 2016 0 comment

What Happens to Your Body While You Fly

by Tammy Levent February 23, 2016

written by Tammy Levent

Though not every form of transport is completely safe, flying at high altitudes and speeds inside a sealed space spanning multiple time zones could cause a number of issues that make the journey somewhat inconvenient. Let’s take a look at some of the major issues the body really goes through when you are flying.

Dehydration

The human body is most comfortable when the air supply comprises a minimum of 40 percent humidity. Within an airplane, the humidity level drops down to 20 percent. This may lead to serious dehydration issues. This dehydration can also lead to a dry or sore nose as well as throat issues and dry eyes. People wearing contact lenses may face serious problems from the lack of moisture making infections possible so it’s best to wear glasses, especially during long flights.

Hypoxia

Though the cabin is pressurized, it’s still not normal enough to ensure rich oxygen supply to the blood. The lack of sufficient oxygen in blood is called hypoxia. As a result, some people can become dizzy or feel faint.

Claustrophobia

Claustrophobia is a large problem faced by more travelers than you might expect. Limited legroom, long durations of immobility and the feeling of being trapped can be terribly uncomfortable to passengers prone to claustrophobia.

DVT

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT occurs when blood in the lower portion of the leg moves sluggishly and ultimately clots, leading to swelling and pain (short term effect). Prolonged clots may even lead to death, if the clots extend to the lungs or heart- although on a flight with no previous medical conditions this is highly unlikely..

Asthma Attacks

As the aircraft elevates, decompression could cause the lungs’ gaseous matter to expand that escapes naturally. However, in a few cases passengers may experience asthma like symptoms. Those passengers who have been diagnosed with asthma could have an attack and should bring their inhaler with them.

Ear and Stomach Pain

When the plane descends, air contracts inside the ear cavity, forming a marginal vacuum. However, if it finds an escape impossible due to the blocked Eustachian tubes – for instance, due to cold – the ear drum becomes painful. Intestine or stomach gas also expands as the flight ascends causing some people to endure abdominal cramps.

While some people experience these types of issues, most people have no trouble flying. And, flying still remains the preferred way to travel between long distances.

Now, we want to hear from you! Have you experienced one or more of these issues while flying? Tell us about it in the comments below.

EliteTravelGroup

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February 23, 2016 0 comment

Why are you Still Booking Online?

by Tammy Levent October 27, 2015

written by Tammy Levent

There is something that is bothering me a lot these days and it’s the fact that people are still booking online. Why does it bother me? Because I can’t stand watching these online travel sites take advantage of consumers and continue to swindle them with things like hidden fees, unexpected changes to rooms and flights and horrible customer service. In the last few months it seems like complaints have exploded more than ever on sites like the Better Business Bureau, Pissed Consumer, Trip Advisor and more about Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, Priceline and other online travel sites.

Did you know that reputable travel agencies like Elite Travel don’t charge any fees to work with them, but online travel sites do? It’s true! Look at the fine print and you will see processing fees on top of your taxed amount!

The online travel sites do NOT always offer the lowest prices available either. When you book with Elite you will not only get the lowest price, but if you find a cheaper price available to the public we will match it! You may think these sites are competing for your business and offering you lower pricing, but you may not always get what you think you purchased as is stated in your terms and conditions. By the way, a little fun fact- did you know that Travelocity and Expedia are now one company? Oh, and Expedia also owns Hotels.com and several other online booking sites. They are planning a merger with Orbitz too! Where’s the real competitive pricing when they are all under one corporate umbrella?

When you call a big company like this with a complaint, what happens? You are usually stuck listening to a robot and it will take a while to get to a real human. If you want a customer service rep that speaks English you’ll be waiting even longer. Some people get so frustrated they eat the charges whereas others take it to the Better Business Bureau in hopes of a resolution that could take months or years. When you book with Elite you can connect directly with an English speaking human that will fight on your behalf in the event anything goes wrong.

So, again- all of this leaves me wondering, why are people still booking online?

EliteTravelGroup

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October 27, 2015 0 comment

Breast Cancer Retreats

by Tammy Levent September 29, 2015

written by Tammy Levent

As most of you know October is next month and it also happens to be breast cancer awareness month. What you may not know is that our very own CEO, Tammy Levent is going through her own breast cancer story right now. Earlier this year she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, had surgery to remove it and is now using alternative treatments to keep the cancer at bay. What you also may not know is that this bout with cancer inspired her to create a breast cancer retreat for survivors to come together and continue healing. You may be wondering why you should consider a breast cancer retreat so we thought we would break down what a breast cancer retreat is and the benefits of attending one.

Essentially, a breast cancer retreat is a several day or a week-long getaway for breast cancer patients and survivors at a fun destination geared towards mental and physical health and wellness. Going on a retreat is a great way to take a mental break from our health struggles. It’s about having something positive that has nothing to do with doctor’s appointments or medical tests or anything related to our current medical state. Studies have shown that when we are in a good mental place it’s easier for our bodies to recover from anything that is physically wrong with us.

It’s about getting together with people that are suffering the same things you are going through – Sometimes just knowing that you are surrounded by people that are dealing with what you are dealing with is comforting. Just knowing you’re not alone is empowering. What better way then to form new bonds of sisterhood than to relax and unwind with your fellow survivors?

It’s about recovery – Maybe you are still going through chemotherapy, maybe you’re in remission, maybe you have just been diagnosed – regardless of what chapter of your story you are on you deserve a week of wellness. Healthy meals that are tasty and good for your body, massages to make you feel some relief and fresh air to breathe in the positivity and let go of the negative.

It’s about celebration – Let’s celebrate whether we’re already in recovery and if we’re still on the path TO recovery!

Finally, it’s about awareness – What better way to keep spreading the word about the importance of mammograms and early testing than by showing off our images from a fun vacation?

Stay tuned for more details on Elite Travel’s upcoming breast cancer retreat. If you would like to be added to our mailing list for this special getaway please contact us today!

EliteTravelGroup

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September 29, 2015 0 comment

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