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Sydney Australia for New Years

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent


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Looking forward to celebrating next New Year’s Eve? Making plans for the next new year should always be done many months in advance, as this is the best way to ensure that you get to do exactly what you want to do when celebrating the new year coming in. Because there are many new year’s celebrations that you’re able to choose from that are taking place all over the world, making sure you know exactly what it is that you want to do is highly recommended. This way you’re able to choose the absolute best New Year’s venue to celebrate the new year coming in, which is going to ensure your having a fabulous time!

Why Sydney Australia?

Did you know that Sydney is known as the New Year’s Eve capitol of the world? Sydney Australia is one of the top rated places for celebrating New Year’s Eve, which is why more than one million people choose to celebrate in Australia’s infamous Sydney Harbor every single year!

The entire event is absolutely free and is one of the most popular and largest gatherings of New Year’s Eve crowds taking place today. Preshow entertainment starts at about 6:00 PM and includes special aboriginal ceremonies, aerial acrobatics and fantastic water displays that are all a must see. There are two different fireworks displays, with the first one starting at about 9:00 PM and the second one starting at the stroke of midnight.

The Harbor of Light Parade starts after the first fireworks show and consists of boats gliding across the water all lit up in different colors, making for a truly spectacular display of lights!

The long running fireworks display is quite spectacular, and can be viewed from the many areas made available so everyone is able to enjoy the fireworks show. While most people do set up along the Sydney Harbor foreshore, other celebrators choose to take a cruise where they can enjoy the fireworks show while enjoying dinner, drinks and entertainment on one of the many cruise options available.

Make Your Plans Now!

Accommodations are not a problem due to the fact that many Sydney hotels will set aside rooms that offer the absolute best New Year’s Eve views, with many including private balconies. If you’re wondering where you’re going to celebrate next New Year’s Eve and thinking that Sydney Australia is the place for you, be sure to book your trip as soon as possible in order to make sure you’re able to get the absolute best New Year’s Eve accommodations.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

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Small Group Travels to Europe are Best

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent

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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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Why Australia is Truly a Bucket List Trip

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent


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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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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>

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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

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

by Tammy Levent
written by Tammy Levent

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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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