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Why Australia is Truly a Bucket List Trip

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent


elite travel group

How many different kinds of trips do you have on your bucket list? Bucket list trips are the best and are named so because they are deemed to be such a fantastic vacation destination that they are a definite must see at least once in someone’s lifetime.

Why Australia is a Bucket List Trip

There’s just something about the Land Down Under that makes travelers want to experience all that Australia has to offer. Maybe it’s the diverse ecosystem where extraordinary landscapes and natural beauty can be found no matter where one looks? The Outback region is famous for this. Or maybe it’s the top-rated beaches where one can relax while enjoying the hard to believe they are so blue waters? Or maybe it’s because one can snorkel amongst the infamous Australian reefs?

Or maybe it’s because of the strong sport culture that allows sports lovers to enjoy and even participate in a variety of sports, both land and water. Or maybe visiting the multiple wineries that are now producing some world-class wines is making it so that Australia is on their bucket list. Or it could be the food scene, which is one that easily lures foodies from all over the world due to the wide variety of delicious Australian cuisine available.

Or maybe it’s for the sheer adventure that Australia offers those who are looking for the best adventure opportunities when traveling. Or maybe it’s because Australia is considered to be a multicultural country, or continent if you prefer, making it so that the country’s food, lifestyle and even cultural practices now include a wide diversity of backgrounds.

Whatever the reason, Australia should be a bucket list trip for every traveler!

Sydney

Sydney is Australia’s largest city and is known to have some of the best Australian beaches, as well as some of the best restaurants in Australia that offer world class dining.

Melbourne

Melbourne is one of the most visited cities in Australia and is growing quickly in its diversity. When vacationers decide to visit Melbourne it’s likely they’re looking to enjoy the local arts, music and food scene. Coffee shops are also something to be enjoyed when visiting Melbourne, Australia,

Queensland

Home to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, visiting Queensland is a must for those who love sports and outside activities!

 

Bucket List for Things to Do While in Australia

  • The Great Barrier Reef
  • The Opera House
  • Bondi Beach
  • Museum of Old and New Arts
  • Eat Barbecued food
  • See a Kangaroo
  • Explore the Badlands, Outback

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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Eden Roc All-Inclusive 4-Star Miami Beach

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent

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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

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Backroads Trips are the Best

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent

Spain Elite Travel
Backroad trips are a top choice for travelers who are looking for the best off-the-beaten path adventures. Many travelers are looking to avoid touristy locations nowadays, and instead are wanting to explore the backroads of countries. The reason is because they want to learn about and experience the culture of a particular country, and traveling through their backroads is one of the best ways they can do this.

Backroads trips are the best because travelers not only get to immerse themselves in a new and exciting culture, they are also in full control of their traveling adventure.

Spain

Spain is a common vacation destination because of its rich cultural heritage that simply keeps bringing travelers back year after year. The reason why travelers keep coming back to visit Spain time and time again is because Spain is a place that expects everyone to enjoy themselves. Having fun in Spain is a requirement and includes eating delicious Spain cuisine, enjoying the company of good friends and fellow travelers, and exploring the backroads.

While there may be many adventures to be had in Spain, taking some time to explore the back roads of Spain is a definite must for travelers who are looking for some fun off-the-beaten path adventures.

Portugal Backroad Trip

The fact that Portugal is divided into different regions – Northern Portugal, Central Portugal, Lisboa, Alentejo, Algarve, Islands – means that travelers can choose from a variety of backroad itineraries. The backroads of Portugal can offer travelers a truly authentic experience and here are just a few of the examples – exploring the many wine regions, spending time with local fishermen, preparing innovative cuisine with a local chef, visiting the incredible art museums, and much, much more.

Andalucía Backroad Trip

Traveling the backroads of Andalucía is a definite bucket list trip for travelers. The spirit of Spain can be found in Andalucía, where fiestas, tapas and bull rings abound. The stunning landscape in Andalucía is captivating and dramatic and perfectly supports the vibrant culture found here. Seeing the limestone cliffs up close is a definite must. Traditional Andalucía cuisine includes the best gazpacho, tapas and olive oils made from local olive groves.

Travelers can easily lose time exploring the ancient town and backroads of Andalucía, with many travelers saying that they will be back soon so that they can explore even more of the many backroads that Spain has to offer

Backroad trips in Spain can be taken while walking, bicycling, and/or driving.

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

elite travel group
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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How do I travel Solo?

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent

elite travel
I have noticed a huge trend in Solo travel, and for all age groups. How can I start when I want to travel solo and  when it comes to getting the best deals?

Firstly, good for you for keeping up with travel trends! The fact that you are aware that there is a big trend going on when it comes to traveling solo means that you are doing a great job. Congrats!

Solo travel is definitely not a trend to ignore. Whether it’s a millennial who is seeking adventure travel, someone who is recently divorced and wanting some alone time, or seniors looking to check off their favorite traveling destinations from their bucket list, placing a focus on helping solo travelers meet their goals is going to be well worth your while.

Because many people are willing to travel to some of the world’s best vacation destinations solo, solo travel is indeed a great focus for all travel agents. While some may think that this particular travel group isn’t worth putting a focus on because it’s only one person, quite the opposite is true. Solo traveling is a trend that is definitely here to stay!

Know that you may want to be one of those solo travelers  who truly want to travel by themselves, others are more than willing to travel with other solo travelers. That’s why Elite Travel is now choosing to accommodate solo travelers by offering smaller accommodation options.

The fact that solo travel can cost more makes it important for you to be able to find the best travel deals especially  looking to travel by yourself. We have done the research  for you  and will be able to find a few travel destinations that don’t charge more for solo traveling.

Exodus Travels is a great example of a partner we use that places a focus on getting solo travelers to travel together to certain destinations, which was initiated by solo travelers requesting this option. Teeming River Cruises is another example as they offer a solo traveler the option to pay the double rate and then contact their waitlist of same sex singles who are willing to room with someone else.

Elite Travel Group

image source <a href=www.123rf.comprofile_soloway’>soloway / 123RF Stock Photo</a&gt;

 

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Visiting Niagara Falls in two days

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent

Elite Travel Group

Watching Niagara Falls is one of the most awe-inspiring things a traveler can do. The views and the power of the falls will take your breath away. It is considered one of the most romantic places on earth and one of the most popular tourist destinations and should be a must-see on your travel bucket list.

You can see Niagara Falls by traveling to northern New York or by visiting on the Canadian side – or take the two days and split them up to see both sides. If you’re visiting on the New York side make sure you get tickets to the fun ride, Maid of the Mist, a boat tour that brings you right up to the falls. Before the ride begins, learn everything you need to know about Niagara Falls at their IMAX movie.

Another fun adventure is the Cave of the Winds where you will be outfitted in special sandals and ponchos to keep you dry (oh come on, you’ll get a little wet) and then you’ll descent 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge, take a wooden walkway and head up to the Hurricane Deck where you will feel the Bridal Veil Falls crashing down around you. It’s an incredible experience.

Make sure you visit the New York Niagara Falls State Park and their 8,400 square-foot, state-of-the-art visitors’ facility too.

On the Canadian side, visit the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory operated by the Niagara Parks Commission and home to over 2,000 butterflies. There’s also Bird Kingdom, the World’s Largest Free-Flying Indoor Aviary, where you’ll see exotic birds, animals and reptiles as you search for the legendary Lost Kingdom.

Of course, no matter what side you are on, you need to just stop and enjoy the falls for what they are – incredible. Go back and visit them multiple times before you leave. Book a dinner overlooking the falls and make sure you take some selfies of you and the falls behind you. Stay around for the fireworks shows too.

If you spend both days in Canada, make sure you head over to Toronto, and visit Ripley’s Aquarium and the Hockey Hall of Fame, which holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League (NHL) records, memorabilia and NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup.

Contact your travel agent to help plan a two-day Niagara Falls vacation.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

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Traveling with infant tips on the plane

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent

elite travel management group

Dear Tammy: The kids are back in school, but that doesn’t mean that the younger ones are traveling with mom and dad. I have many clients who are traveling during the off season. I would like to give them some healthy travel tips and tips on traveling with infants on a plane. What do you recommend?

Tammy: I think it’s awesome that you want to provide your clients with some tips on how to stay healthy while traveling and how to care for their infants while traveling. Tell them that it’s important to ground themselves when they, or their children, or not feeling well, whether it’s a cold, sinus infection or flu and wait to fly until they feel better. If they must travel, ask about over-the-counter medicine for the symptoms. They may want to take a medication for sinus congestion or aches and pains, but be aware that the medication can cause drowsiness.

It’s important to address ear pressure too. Changes in cabin pressure can cause painful popping in the ears, especially for children. Chew gum and have the child chew gum to restore the balance of pressure during takeoff and landing. For infants, bottle-feeding during this time can be helpful.  Eardrops are also available to help ease the pain.

Whatever your mode of travel, have each child pack a bag filled with their favorite treats, cards, electronic games, a book, notebook and pencil and more. They should also pack a surprise gift or two for the plane trip to keep the children entertained.

Children can also suffer from jet lag, so it’s important to build in some time to adjust their nap schedules. Consider adjusting their nap schedule back a few hours.

Make sure to carry any special medications in your carry-on that your child may need, just in case your luggage is lost.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, when traveling on an airplane, a child is best protected when properly restrained in a car safety seat appropriate for the age, weight and height of the child. Children who weigh more than 40lbs can use the aircraft seat belt. The car safety seat should have a label noting that it is FAA-approved. Belt-positioning booster seats cannot be used on airplanes, but they can be checked as luggage (usually without baggage fees) for use in rental cars and taxis.

Keeping in touch with your clients and providing great travel tips is a great way to be a thoughtful travel agent. Nice job.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

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