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Thinking About Traveling During the Coronavirus Outbreak? Using a Common Sense Approach

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent

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While its completely understandable that so many people are concerned about traveling due to the coronavirus outbreak, I feel it’s really important to put everything in perspective. Even though there’s no one-size-fits all answer to this current predicament that’s literally affecting the entire world now, using a common sense approach is essential, as it’s too easy for some to let fear and/or their emotions get in the way of their ability to think clearly during this particular time in traveling history.

I want everyone to know that there are still many places they can travel to, as many places are still considered to be safe. So for those who want or need to travel at this time, it’s really just a matter of figuring out what places are still safe to travel to. This requires travelers to keep on top of all travel news related to the virus, making it essential that they educate themselves well. This is simple to do, as those who still want to go on with their travel plans at this time just need to keep on top of all travel advisories, as they can change at any given moment.

How to Protect Oneself

There are a few things travelers can do to protect themselves, as it’s necessary to avoid being exposed to the virus in order to prevent one from getting ill. The best ways travelers can protect themselves from getting the virus is to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, not touch their face, wear a mask if it makes them feel safer, and maintain at least 3 feet in between them and anyone who is exhibiting any signs of the virus, like coughing and sneezing.

The CDC has posted the following questions for travelers, which will help them make a final decision on whether or not they should travel during this outbreak.

  • Is COVID-19 spreading where you’re going?
  • Will you or your travel companion(s) be in close contact with others during your trip?
  • Are you or your travel companion(s) at higher risk of severe illness if you do get COVID-19?
  • Do you have a plan for taking time off from work or school, in case you get exposed to, or are sick with, COVID-19?
  • Do you live with someone who is older or has a severe chronic health condition?
  • Is COVID-19 spreading where you live?

Important Coronavirus Facts

Because I feel it’s so important for travelers to understand everything they need to know at this time, I thought it would be beneficial to make a list of facts to help travelers determine what they should do regarding traveling at this particular time. While all travel-related facilities are indeed taking great measures to reduce the risk of anyone getting diagnosed with the virus, it’s still necessary for all travelers to take matters into their own hands by doing everything possible to protect themselves from the virus, as there is no vaccine as of yet.

The list of facts below are beneficial for any traveler, as there’s so much information on the Internet and on the news nowadays, it can be difficult for travelers to understand what is fact and what is fiction.

 

  • FACT: The State Department has issued a Global Level 3 health advisory, which means that those who live within the United States are encouraged to reconsider any travels to other countries that have confirmed cases of the coronavirus. A Global Level 4 advisory, which has not happened yet, is the level that prevents travelers from taking part in any type of travel. So traveling is still an option.

 

  • FACT: Transportation facilities are taking extreme measures to clean high-touch areas often throughout the day, minimizing the risk of someone getting the virus when traveling by bus, train and airplane. Special attention is also being placed on cleaning areas where staff work, like check-in counters. They have also provided travelers with more hand sanitizing locations, encouraging travelers to use them often.

 

  • FACT: It’s an option for travelers to check in for their transportation travels using their cell phone. This is a good idea, as it means they don’t have to touch any self-service kiosks in order to check in for their reservation. And instead of handing over their phone to one of the agents or baggage handlers for identification purposes, they can simply hold on to their phone and show them the information.

 

  • FACT: Hotels are also responding to the outbreak, as they’re increasing the frequency of how often the clean any public areas. They’re also training employees on new ways to clean, helping to minimize the chances of any hotel guests being diagnosed. This includes cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting all areas of a hotel, including any food areas.

 Bottom Line

It’s up to travelers whether or not they want to travel during this current outbreak. The above facts should help travelers make the right decision, as these factual pieces of information are in place in order to help travelers make the right decision. All travelers are definitely encouraged to use a common sense approach when making their decisions, vs. letting their fear or emotions take over. If the decision to travel has been made, then it’s essential for all travelers to buy a travel insurance policy.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

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

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent


elite travel group 6Getting 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

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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

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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

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Global Entry Do I need it?

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent

elite travel group
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

image source: Copyright: <a href=’htww.123rf.com/profile_toonartist’>toonartist / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

 

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Hot top 3 Europe destination this year, Amsterdam, Paris and Rome

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent

elite travel group

Looking to tour Europe this year? Excellent, because there’s so many amazing places to see and things to do. Right now, the hottest tourist destinations are Amsterdam, Paris and Rome.

Amsterdam: Tourists are flocking to the capital of the Netherlands and there’s good reason why: It’s absolutely beautiful. It has numerous canals and bridges, and buildings that are uniquely propped up on wooden poles. The country is filled with rich history, from Anne Frank, whose story of being a Jewish girl who went into hiding to escape the Nazis you can see at the Anne Frank Museum. There’s the Dutch painter, Vincent Van Gogh, who was born in the Netherlands and known for such paintings as Starry Night. You can tour the Van Gogh Museum and enjoy Museum Night every November. Amsterdam is also the home of the Heineken beer and, of course, the Royal Palace, which is active and can be toured.  Last, but not least, is the government monument, The Vondelpark, named after a Dutch poet, Joost van den Vondel.

Paris, France: You’ll say oui, oui to Paris! Why? If you really need a reason, let’s start with the fact that France is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world. It’s called “The City of Love” after all. You can toast your love by touring houses of such great champagne producers as Domaine Pommery, where you can tour the Elizabethan-style estate that includes an exhibition of contemporary art. Visit Moët & Chandon, one of the most popular champagnes in the world and take a 45-minute traditional tour followed by a tasting of Moët Impérial, a champagne that was created in 1869.

Nothing goes better with champagne than chocolate and the Salon du Chocolat, a three-day festival held in October at the Porte de Versailles in Paris, is a must-see. Paris is also one party town so enjoy some nightlife at Le Montana, The Buddha Bar, and the La Locomotive. If you aren’t a club hopper and prefer theater to happy hours, visit Moulin Rouge, a troupe of 80 artists and many international acts who perform to music. Of course, there’s the Eiffel Tower, too.

Rome, Italy: A trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without stopping in its capital, Rome. Here you can visit the Colosseum, built around 75 A.D and originally called the Flavian Amphitheater. It served as a venue for bloody gladiator matches. After touring, make sure you sample some gelato, especially at Giolitti, a short walk from the Pantheon, which was founded in 1900.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

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Longest Direct Flights

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent

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This coming March, Qantas Airlines is set to launch the third-longest passenger flight in the world, from Perth to London.  The flight will take approximately a whopping 17 hours! According to Qantas, it will be the first regular passenger service to directly link Australia with Europe when it begins.

 “When Qantas created the Kangaroo Route to London in 1947, it took four days and nine stops. Now it will take just 17 hours from Perth non-stop,” said Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce in a statement.

Talk about a game-changer. Years ago, there was no such thing as a direct flight like this or checking in to the airline online or instantaneous mail, but today so many things are possible. 

“This is a game-changing route flown by a game-changing aircraft. Australians have never had a direct link to Europe before, so the opportunities this opens up are huge.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners used on the route will carry 236 passengers across Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. Could you take a flight that’s this long?

Forbes magazine recently did an article on the top five longest flights in the world, ranked by distance:

1. Delhi-San Francisco: This Air India flight took a little longer than 14 hours.

3. Dubai-Auckland: Flying via Emirates, this flight takes a quick 16 hours 35 minutes.

4. Dallas-Sydney: This is a 15 hour flight

5. Singapore-San Francisco: Could you do 16 hours, 20 minutes on this flight?

Back to the Perth to London flight: The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners used on the route will carry 236 passengers across Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. It will be the longest Boeing Dreamliner flight in the world. Qantas was the first to operate the world’s largest passenger aircraft (A380) on the world’s longest route (Sydney-Dallas) in 2014.

Digital Trends magazine once talked about these long flights and how the connections are awful and spending 16 hours in a confined space with hundreds of other people, takes its own toll on the mind and body. These flights have in-flight entertainment (IFE) and some of flights are adding Wi-Fi. There are amenities like power outlets or smartphone app-based activities. If you’re booked on one of these flights load up on movies and books to pass the time, don’t forget to get up and walk around and make sure you combat jet lag.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

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Ayers Rock, Australia (Uluru) sights and sounds

by Tammy
written by Tammy

elite travel
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

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