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bucketlist travel

Australia: Adelaide and Kangaroo Island

by JuJuB

Thinking about taking your next vacation somewhere on the beautiful continent of Australia? This bucket list vacation destination offers some of the most natural wonders in all the world! There are also many things to see and do in Australia, including appreciating the absolutely gorgeous beaches, witnessing the interesting lifestyle of Aussie’s, exploring the many fascinating adventure opportunities that exist here, and exploring some of Australia’s greatest cities.

Adelaide

Adelaide is located in Southern Australia. With a population of just under 1.4 million people, this Australian city is known as South Australia’s cosmopolitan coastal capital. There’s plenty of perfect white sand beaches in this coastal city, as well as a long list of local farmers markets, restaurants, and wineries to explore. The large population of both seals and dolphins living along the coastline make for great views for those who choose to walk or bike ride through Adelaide’s many trails.

There’s also a large focus on the arts, music and dance here, which is why people from all over the world fly out in order to attend its 2 biggest festivals – Fringe and WOMAD. The city is also a well-known for its popular sporting events, with tennis, cricket and football being three of the more popular sports.

Since Adelaide is only a short 30 minute plane ride to Kangaroo Island, those who choose to visit Adelaide are encouraged to also visit nearby Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo island is Australia’s third biggest island. The beaches are clean and rugged, making them one of the top reasons why this island is quickly becoming a top vacation destination for beach lovers. Add the ability to explore its underground caves, learn about the conservation techniques used to protect the wildlife here, check out the historic lighthouses, and enjoy eating some of the best gourmet cuisine, and you can see why this Australian island is one that must be discovered!

While the ability to see the native wildlife that lives here up close is a top reason for visiting the Island, the artisanal food scene is one that any food lover will enjoy as the Island is also known for its award winning beers and wines. One of the best luxury hotels in all the world is also located here – the Southern Ocean Lodge. This lodge is situated on a cliff above the sea, and overlooks one of the most beautiful, rocky stretches of coastline the Island has to offer.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Croatia by Sea

by JuJuB

Thinking about taking your next trip somewhere in Europe? How does cruising the coastline of Croatia sound? Croatia is located in Southeastern Europe, and includes more than 1100 miles of coastline right along the Adriatic Sea. There are more than 1200 islands along this coast, ranging in size from small rocky islands to larger yet still private islands. Directly across the Adriatic Sea is Italy.

About Croatia

Why is Croatia becoming a top vacation destination amongst today’s travelers? Croatia is a unique European destination that simply offers some of the most interesting and beautiful scenery. The Mediterranean country is one that emits an old-world feel, as there are many Unesco World Heritage Sites that exist here, and accordingly one of the top reasons why many travelers choose to visit the ancient country. The Roman architecture is very well preserved, which is very exciting to those who enjoy exploring old architectural buildings.

Why Visit Croatia’s Coastline?

The fact that Croatia has one of the most gorgeous coastlines in all of the world makes booking a cruise to enjoy its coastline a must! The ability to explore the beauty of Croatia via its coastline is something every traveler will enjoy, no matter what their age. And because the area tends to experience a mild climate all year long, travelers can book a cruise with one of the cruise lines that travel up and down the gorgeous coastline of Croatia any time of the year.

There are both small cruise lines and large cruise lines available to view the beautiful country of Croatia by sea. Discovery cruises offer travelers the ability to learn about Croatia’s fascinating history, including the reasons behind all of the many castles and cathedrals that exist in Croatia. Luxury cruises that explore Croatia’s coastline tend to lean towards relaxed luxury travel vs. high end luxury travel.

Sailing cruises are for travelers who are looking for excitement, romance, or a little of both! The world’s largest full-rigged sailing ship is available for travelers who want to experience a different type of cruising. Large cruise ships, local cruises, and day cruises are also available, making it worthwhile for any traveler wanting to explore Croatia’s beautiful coastline to look into all of their available options.

Katerina Lines offers coastline itineraries of Croatia, and offers travelers a large number of Croatian coastline itineraries. There are many different types of itineraries to choose from, which means there’s a perfect itinerary for everyone. Examples include itineraries based on relaxation, bicycling, hiking, young fun, and simply enjoying the beautiful coastline.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

The Ritz Carlton in Aruba

by JuJuB

Every traveler needs to include Aruba on their travel bucket list! I recently visited this small Southern Caribbean island, which is not included in the hurricane belt. This means travelers can expect to experience fantastic weather throughout the entire year. I stayed at the Ritz Carlton, and had such a great time that I wanted to share my experience with you all!

Aruba

Aruba is also known as Caribbean Paradise, and no wonder as it is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. The people are friendly, the beaches are absolutely stunning, there are really interesting caves to explore, and a really great natural pool to lounge in. The beaches are what lures travelers in, as Aruba is well-known for its gorgeous white sand beaches, the oceans turquoise color, and its comfortably warm sea waters.

The Ritz Carlton

My stay at the Ritz Carlton was fantastic! This luxury Caribbean hotel is especially a great choice for incentive travel, destination weddings, and honeymoons. It’s located on one of the nicest of all the beaches in Aruba, which means some of the best views of the Caribbean Ocean. This five star luxury hotel offers all of the amenities one would expect – a variety of exceptional dining venues, luxury spa treatments, a 24 hour casino, live entertainment, beachfront venues, custom catering, a club lounge, and of course luxury rooms and suites.

 

  • All of the rooms offer ocean views via a balcony or terrace, with most offering ocean front views. The décor is inspired by all things Caribbean, making the overall design one that’s vibrant and welcoming.
  • The variety of dining venues means there’s always a new cuisine to try out. There’s a steakhouse, an Italian restaurant, a breakfast buffet restaurant, a casual outdoor restaurant by the pool, a sushi bar, a lounge bar, and a café that makes some of the best coffee and a variety of handmade baked goodies.
  • The luxury spa is to die for! We indulged ourselves in many of the spa offerings, and we were completely satisfied with the services.
  • The 15,000 square foot casino has all of the traditional games one would expect to find in a casino. Live entertainment can be enjoyed in the lounge area right next to the casino.
  • There are cabanas available by the pool and the beach, allowing for a perfect day of luxury lounging! The servers use Segway’s as to not waste any time bringing our drinks.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Alaska Cruises: Elite Travel vs. General Travel

by JuJuB

Thinking about cruising to the last frontier? Alaska cruises offer travelers a fantastic opportunity for exploring to wilderness and wildlife that live here. The vast spaces of gorgeous unspoiled land, the magnificent glaciers, the awe-inspiring waterfalls, the humpback whales, the bears and soaring bald eagles are all just a few of the many wonderful sites to behold.

Alaska Cruises

There are many options for taking an Alaska cruise. Larger ports for cruising in Alaska include Anchorage, Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway, Icy Straight Point, Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm. Smaller ports include Dutch Harbor, Haines, Homer, Kodiak, Nome, Petersburg, Seward, Whittier and Wrangell.

Elite Travel

Travelers can choose to book an elite Alaskan cruise, which allows them to enjoy all of the extravagances that come with making luxury travel accommodations. This option is great for travelers who want to experience all that comes with elite traveling, like personalized services, gourmet dining, private suites, balconies views and guided shore excursions. Elite travel cruise ships are offered on large ships as well as small ships. Smaller Alaskan cruise ships are able to access many remote destinations that larger cruise ships are simply too big to explore.

 

  • The Seabourn Sojourn is an all-inclusive Alaskan luxury cruise. With a limit of 462 passengers, this is one of the smaller cruises that allow for spectacular scenic cruising and visiting many smaller, more hidden Alaskan ports.
  • The Seven Seas Mariner offers all 700 passengers luxury accommodations, and is a great choice for couples who want to experience all the best amenities a cruise ship can offer.

 

General Travel

Travelers can also choose to go the general travel route. While general travel accommodations do not offer travelers the same luxury accommodations as luxury travel cruise ships do, this type of traveler is interested more in exploring Alaska vs. enjoying the luxurious many Alaskan cruise ships offer. This option is great for large traveling groups and families.

 

  • The Carnival Legend is a popular choice for families. There are plenty of fun and interesting things to do for all ages on this large cruise ship that holds 2,124 passengers. A few examples include mini golf, water slides and educational games that allow the younger crowd to learn about Alaskan culture.
  • The Nieuw Amsterdam is an Alaskan cruise ship that appeals to large groups. This cruise ship offers a more relaxed and therefore traditional cruising experience, which is exactly what many travelers are looking for nowadays.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Argentario: Italy’s Hidden Gem

by JuJuB

Considering taking your next vacation in Italy? Italy has a lot to offer travelers! The friendly people, the gorgeous countryside, the fantastic array of delicious food options, the cobbled walkways, the history, the architecture, the plazas, the museum’s and the church’s are just some of the allure that makes Italy a top vacation spot.

Argentario Italy’s Hidden Gem

Monte Argentario is located in Tuscany and is one of Italy’s most exciting hidden gems! While it used to be an island, it’s now connected to the mainland via sand bars. Visitors will not only enjoy exploring the seaside as well as mountainside opportunities, they will also enjoy the inclusiveness and privacy this hidden getaway in Italy offers. Nearby islands include Giannutri and Giglio, allowing for a fun and exciting day of island hopping.

Additional things to do and explore here include visiting the lagoons, golfing by the sea, taking a walk through the village, shopping in high-end boutiques, enjoying cheese and wine tasting opportunities at local farms, signing up for relaxing massages, going on a boat tour, visiting the 17th century Spanish Fortress, renting a canoe to explore the coastline, going swimming or diving in the crystal clear blue waters, going mountain bike riding, visiting the nature reserve, and participating in one of the many local events that take place here, i.e. parades, firework shows, treasure hunts.

Popular destinations include Porto Ercole, Porto Santo Stefano and Cala Piccola. Popular attractions include Cala Mar Morto, Riva del Marchese and Cala del Gesso. Popular restaurants include the Sandwich Club, La Vivienda and Gourmet Con Gusto. July and August are busy months, as there are lots of festivities and events taking place during this time. Fall and spring are the best times for vacationers who are looking for a little more privacy to visit this hidden gem.

Is Monte Argentario the Next Positano?

Monte Argentario can be compared to the vertical town of Positano. This well-known and popular city in Italy was formed in the 19th century and became even more famous in the 18th century when it developed into a major port and trading hub. The beach in Positano is absolutely spectacular and one of the largest located on the Amalfi Coast. Once road construction made it easier to access the Amalfi Coast, these beaches have become a popular vacation spot amongst all types of vacationers, including famous artists, actors and celebrities.

The many similarities between Positano and Monte Argentario has many people wondering if Monte Argentario is the next Positano. What do you think?

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

 

Villa Esperanza in Costa Rica

by JuJuB

Getting ready to plan your next vacation in beautiful Central America? Costa Rica offers some of the most beautiful scenery to behold in the Americas, as well as some of the most luxurious accommodations. While many vacationers do opt to stay in a luxury hotel when visiting Costa Rica, there are just as many vacationers who prefer their accommodations to take place in a private luxury home.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a popular vacation destination, and for all types of travelers. It offers the ability for visitors to explore two different oceans, hike through massive green and very lush jungles, enjoy seeing a variety of wildlife that exists here and even climb an active volcano. Costa Rica is simply a destination for anyone who appreciates taking part in and exploring the many types of outside adventure opportunities available here, whether it be a solo traveler, a newlywed couple, a family or an entire group.

Villa Esperanza

Villa Esperanza is a private luxury rental home that offers some of the most beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. This Spanish colonial style villa has a total of four bedrooms and five bathrooms, which provides accommodations for up to ten people. The three different levels means there’s easily more than enough space for everyone to relax and enjoy their Costa Rican experience. While there is more than 5500 square feet of living space available, the design of the house allows the space to feel cozy and comfortable, especially the kitchen and nearby lounging area.

This beachfront home not only overlooks the ocean, it also includes a pool and pool area for lounging. There’s plenty of backyard privacy as palm trees surround the villa, which makes it’s easy to spend the entire day out by the pool swimming in the cool blue waters while soaking up the sun. There are two dining areas outside, and shaded terraces that allow for fantastic views of the ocean all day long.

For those who are considering visiting Costa Rica, if you’re looking for private luxury accommodations that are somewhat off the beaten path, Villa Esperanza is the place for you. It simply offers the perfect combination between modern conveniences and old world charm, which is responsible for its great allure.

With advance notice, travelers can have access to a private chef, daily maid service, a personal driver, and the ability to book tours for all to enjoy the beauty of the island.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

A Day at Torciano Winery

by JuJuB

Traveling to Italy? Taking time to visit the Torciano Winery is a must for those who appreciate luxury wines. This Italian winery offers visitors a welcoming place where they can enjoy all things wine, while relaxing and enjoying the extraordinary views.

Torciano Winery

The Torciano Winery was founded in 1720 and is now in its 13th generation of wine producing. The warm hospitality found here is like no other, as the focus of the winery is on celebrating both their style and heritage. Pierluigi Giachi, owner of Tenuta Torciano Winery, places a lot of attention on creating an Italian experience for those who visit his winery that is simply like no other. One of his many goals is to help travelers understand how to pair the right food with the right wine, which simply makes every dining experience all that much more enjoyable.

Wine lovers will enjoy the variety of both red Italian wines and white Italian wines available here, as well as additional wine options, like sparkling wines and dessert wines. Visitors will also get to learn proper glass etiquette, a skill that will take them far in their wine tasting adventures. Because the Torciano Winery has such an impressive history and is able to offer visitors so many options, this is a winery that needs to be on everyone’s travel bucket list.

The following are just some of the options available when visiting Torciano Winery. Making reservations is recommended due to their popularity.

 

  • Lunch in the actual winery, includes tasting
  • Dinner in the actual winery, includes tasting
  • Truffle hunting, includes lunch and tasting
  • Tour the vineyard, includes tasting in winery
  • Cooking classes, includes tasting in winery

 

For those who love wine and are looking for one of the most romantic and scenic venues located in Italy to get married, know that the team at Torciano Winery will take care of all the details. Newlyweds can also expect romance with every dining experience, as a romantic dinner in the winery includes wine tasting and much more.

For those who enjoy a luxury wine vacation, the option to take a full tour of the winery via a private helicopter is available. This truly incredible journey allows visitors to explore the Tuscany area from above, making for incredible lifetime memories.

For those who are interested in getting a group of friends together to take a vacation based on all things wine, there is simply no other winery that can offer them the warm hospitality offered here, which all stems from the Giachi family’s passion for their Italian heritage.

For visiting families, know that there are fun activities that make visiting the winery exciting for the whole family, including mini bowling and archery.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Casa Madrona in San Francisco: A Hidden Gem

by JuJuB

Enjoying panoramic harbor views is just one of the many highlights of the San Francisco area, and that’s exactly what every traveler can expect when staying at the Casa Madrona. This luxury hotel is a true hidden gem as it overlooks the San Francisco Bay, which is listed as a landmark hotel on the National Register of Historic Places.

Casa Madrona in San Francisco

The Casa Madrona is a simple yet extravagant hotel that offers guests luxury rooms. The wide variety of rooms available all offer their own special and unique accommodations.

  • Hillside Guest House – guests can take pleasure in viewing the San Francisco skyline from this apartment-style room
  • Hillside Cottage Suite – gorgeous views can be enjoyed from this large cottage-style suite
  • Hillside Cottage w/Balcony – guests can enjoy the views while sitting on the balcony
  • Hillside Cottage – guests can appreciate spectacular views from this sophisticated cottage-style room
  • Hillside Cottage w/Partial View – a spacious, contemporary, quiet room that offers still spectacular partial views of the bay
  • Mansion Suite – a luxury room with fireplace that includes a balcony overlooking Richardson Bay and the San Francisco skyline
  • Mansion Deluxe – a small, classic Victorian-style that offers great views of the Sausalito Bay and Richardson Bay
  • Mansion Junior Suite – beautiful views of the bay can be seen from this Victorian-style suite
  • Alexandrite Suite – extraordinary panoramic views of the bay, with private outdoor decks, a chef’s kitchen and a media wall
  • Harbor Side Courtyard – this apartment-style room offers magnificent panoramic views of the day
  • Deluxe Harbor Side View – some of the absolute best views of the bay can be seen from this contemporary, luxury room
  • Wellness Rooms – offers guests a wellness experience that will nurture the mind and body
  • ADA Accessible Room – ADA rooms are available

Dining at the Poggio Trattoria is a must for guests who enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. Making reservations is recommended. The restaurant specializes in Italian comfort food, all with roots from the Northern Italy area. Fresh ingredients are a focus, and the garden growing right behind the restaurant makes for the freshest meals. Private dining rooms can accommodate up to 150 people, and the option to create a personalized menu is available. Some of their specialties are listed below.

  • Breakfast – Liege Waffles, Frittatas, Fresh Berries, Cappuccinos
  • Lunch – Wood Fired Pizza, Grilled Whole Mediterranean Seabass, House-made Sausage
  • Dinner – Local Dungeness Crab, Short Rib Filled Pasta, Braised Pork Ragu

Nearby Attractions

Popular nearby attractions include:

  • Napa Valley
  • Sonoma Valley
  • Muir Woods
  • Local Boutique Shops
  • The Golden Gate Bridge
  • Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Haight Ashbury

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Prana by Atzaro Luxury Yacht

by JuJuB

Prana by Atzaro is a brand well-known for providing travelers with the luxurious hospitality they’re looking for when traveling the world. Their overall authentic style is easily one that all travelers will appreciate, as they offer a variety of luxury-based ventures that make for quite the unique experiences. Some of the more popular ventures they offer include wellness retreats, treks to volcanic islands, sailing through Indonesian islands, and luxury yacht sailing. Ready to sail in luxurious style?

Prana by Atzaro Luxury Yacht

Luxury yacht sailing aka luxury Phinisi sailing is a deluxe way to sail the paradise seas of Indonesia. Their handcrafted traditional Indonesian Phinisi is built entirely of iron wood and teak and has two mighty masts for sailing through the open seas. This extravagant yacht sailing opportunity is perfect for a small group looking for a once in a life time experience exploring the seas.

Indonesian Phinisi sails all year round, with the destinations depending on the season. The itinerary can even be personalized when a full charter is booked, making for a truly unique sea sailing venture. Views to be had include virgin coral reefs, exquisite beaches, and untouched nature in the Komodo islands. Sailing through the more than 1500 islands of Raja Ampat is one of the more popular destination choices.

Plenty of space means plenty of comfort for all, and the Indonesian Phinisi can comfortably accommodate up to 9 guests. Everyone will enjoy their own private room, which are completely sound proof for everyone’s quiet sailing enjoyment. Both indoor and outdoor lounging decks are available and include oversized daybeds, a favorite pastime.

Guests can partake in a variety of fun and exciting water sports, including water skiing. Exploring unseen areas via sea kayaks and paddle boards is a must and makes for wonderful memories that’ll easily last a lifetime. Guests can even learn how to snorkel and scuba dive from Prana´s resident dive instructor.

The dining area is very impressive and includes a fully stocked bar, allowing guests the chance to enjoy sipping exotic cocktails while relaxing on the deck, enjoying the spectacular ocean views. The chef and on-board kitchen team cook with passion, always offering guests the most exquisite local foods, all based on Asian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Additional offerings include a luxury spa and a yoga deck that turns into an open-air cinema, perfect for a little fun nighttime entertainment.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Summertime Skiing

by JuJuB

How does summertime skiing sound? If you’re someone who enjoys the cooler months more than the warmer months, then taking a ski trip during the summertime is definitely worth your time looking further into. There are quite a few summer skiing destinations for you to choose from, which means you’re sure to find a destination that is just right for you.

Summertime Skiing Destinations

The following is a list of some of the best summertime skiing destinations, which are becoming more popular nowadays as more and more people are looking for cooler vacation options to take during the summertime.

 

  • Treble Cone in Wanaka, New Zealand – This summertime ski area is a great choice for intermediate skiers and expert skiers. It opens the end of June and allows skiers some of the best skiing slopes as well as access to some of the most gorgeous wintertime scenery.
  • New South Wales, Australia – This Australian ski resort is located in the Kosciuszko National Park and includes four different areas for skiing, making it one of the biggest ski resorts located in the southern hemisphere. Other options besides skiing include snowboarding, snow tubing, and tobogganing.
  • The Chilean Andes, South America – Ski Portillo offers over 1000 acres of skiing trails in a very remote location, and is a great choice for families or newbie skiers. While the skiing trails are indeed the main reason while people choose this summertime ski resort, a close second is to enjoy the absolutely spectacular scenery.
  • Kaprun, Austria – This year round ski resort is a great choice for intermediate and expert skiers. Lots of run choices and a total of eight jumps easily allure summertime skiers, making this a skiing resort that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
  • Zermatt in Switzerland – The Matterhorn is one of the most well-known peaks and is located very near Zermatt. This is not only the largest summer ski area in Europe, it accommodates all types of skiers, from beginners to experts.
  • Blackcomb Mountain, British Columbia, Canada – Even though this popular ski resort is only open from mid-June to mid-July, millions of people choose this summertime skiing destination due to the fantastic snow runs and excellent temperatures.
  • The Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood, Oregon – This United States based summertime skiing option is popular as it’s the only ski resort in the United States that offers year round skiing. Both intermediate skiers and expert skiers will enjoy skiing down Mount Hood, which is a volcano located within the Cascade Range.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

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