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Budgeting

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

Why it’s Important to Take an Annual Vacation

by JuJuB

When’s the last time you took a vacation? While many people tend to think that taking an annual vacation is a luxury, taking a break from one’s normal routine is actually recommended for a well-balanced life. Just like choosing the right foods to eat and exercising on a regular basis, taking a vacation every single year should be on everyone’s list of things to do as it can help them live a truly happy and healthy life.

January 30th is National Plan a Vacation Day, a great reminder for those who work hard all year long that it’s time to plan a vacation!

Reasons why it’s important for everyone to take regular vacations

Remember how exciting it was to have some time off when going to grade school, high school, college? Not only did you get the entire summer off, there were also many breaks when you didn’t have to attend school, i.e. spring break, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas. But once you get started on your new career path, this tends to change. It’s now easy for you to get caught up in your workload, which is one of the reasons why many workers will put off taking a vacation, because they don’t want to fall behind or lose their competitive edge.

Even so, the many benefits that come with taking an annual vacation are not to be missed and for that reason should be a part of everyone’s yearly calendar of things to do. The following is a list of the top reasons why it’s important for everyone to add taking regular vacations to their calendar.

 

  • Vacations are good for your health and well-being. Everyone needs a break from the pressures of everyday life. A vacation allows for the resting and relaxation, giving your body the ability improve and mend itself for better overall health.

 

  • Vacations improve relationships. Vacations are the perfect time for bonding! Whether it’s a couple or a family, doing fun and exciting things together while on vacation supports togetherness and therefore is invaluable.

 

  • Vacations allow for a refocus. Studies show that when someone is so involved with their work that they don’t make time for much of anything else, they will often experience memory problems and focusing problems. Taking an annual vacation allows them to refocus so they can return to work more energized.

 

  • Vacations make you happier. Vacations are a time for fun and relaxation, which means no stress and no worries. When there’s nothing to stress or worry about it’s hard to be anything else than happy.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Sydney Australia for New Years

by Tammy


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

Small Group Travels to Europe are Best

by Tammy

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

Eden Roc All-Inclusive 4-Star Miami Beach

by Tammy

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

Longest Direct Flights

by JuJuB


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

5 top destinations for quick getaways

by JuJuB

Need a break? Who doesn’t, but where should you go for a quick getaway? Well, it depends. If there is no limit to your budget, you can go practically anywhere and it would still be a quick getaway. If you are on a tight budget, you will want to limit your getaway to close to your home. Here are five of the top destinations when you just need a mini-vacation.

New York City: Come in for a quick getaway to see a Broadway musical and turn it into a weekend of fun in the Big Apple. (Tip: You can’t get Hamilton tickets on a spur-of-the-moment jaunt to the city, but you can see one of many other fantastic performances that might have seats available.) Have a great meal at Carmine’s on 44th Street, buy a ticket to go to the top of the Statue of Liberty and walk through beautiful Central Park. There’s so much to do in Manhattan that you will want to turn your quick getaway into a week-long vacation.

Hudson Valley, New York: If you’re looking for a trip to New York, but want to avoid the hustle and bustle of New York City, drive about two hours north to the Hudson Valley. Here you can see the Catskill farms, hike the Shawangunk Mountains in New Paltz, kayak in the Adirondacks or enjoy some historical tours at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the Vanderbilt Mansions in Hyde Park.

Las Vegas: What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but you have to get to Vegas first. Whether you choose to spend your time hitting the slot machines and trying Lady Luck or you want to sit in the audience of a Celine Dion show, there’s something for everyone. You can eat at Guy Fieri or Gordon Ramsey’s restaurants (or both). You’re bound to find an affordable hotel room, but if the strip is booked up, try staying at the exciting Fremont Street Experience. You can travel by bus to the main strip and still enjoy some fun nightlife. Make sure you zipline across Fremont Street.

Toronto, Canada: Nothing like a quick visit to Toronto’s distillery district, which has art galleries, cafes, restaurants and, of course, a brewery. Depending on what time of year you are visiting, you may be able to enjoy one of their many festivals. Toronto is also home to the Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum and its here where you can take a ferry ride to the Gibraltar Point, an Island Lighthouse that is the oldest landmark in Toronto.

Nashville, Tennessee: It’s a quick getaway to the home of country music, so if Garth Brooks and Johnny Cash are your favorite singers, this is the place to go. Nashville is also home to the Grand Ole Opry, Opryland USA amusement park, and the Belmont Mansion. There’s something for all ages.

Elite Travel Group

Trump Worries got you thinking about moving?

by JuJuB

(Can you afford to move to Canada after the elections)

It’s been about three months since Donald Trump took office as the 45th president of the United States. If you think it’s been a bumpy ride and are still daydreaming about relocating to Canada, here is what you need to know:

According to Business Insider, actually becoming a Canadian citizen is tough: You need to live in Canada for at least six years, stay on your best behavior, and know a thing or two about the country you’ll soon call home.

Canada has a fast-track system for immigration called Express Entry. It’s how skilled workers transition into a role in the country. The highest-ranking candidates in the pool will be invited to apply for permanent residence and, if you are invited to become a permanent resident, you must confirm your plans to stay Canadian for at least two years.

According to MarketWatch, the process to become a Canadian citizen isn’t cheap. They say that an adult applying to remain in Canada as a permanent resident will have to pay $550 to apply. MarketWatch also reported that Canada ranks fairly high compared with other countries on its cost of living. For example, according to the “Big Mac Index,” in which the prices of Big Macs are compared in different countries as a measure of the cost of living, Canada’s prices were 97% of those in the U.S.

If you’re looking to buy a home and plant roots with our neighbors to the north, it’s going to cost you if you want to live in Vancouver or Toronto. The website, Livingin-Canada.com states that the average cost of homes in Vancouver, BC was $1,008,000 in July, 2016. Toronto came in at $710,000, Calgary, Alb ranged at $469,000. The average in Ottawa was $374,000 and Montreal was $349,000. On the lower end of the spectrum was $182,000 in Fredericton.

When it comes to rentals, RentSeeker.ca released a report about average rental prices in the fall of 2015. According to the report, the cost of rent for bachelor apartments to three-bedroom apartments are highest in areas surrounding major cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. The average cost of a one-bedroom was highest in Richmond Hill, Ont. where rent will cost you $1148 per month. The lowest price per month for a one-bedroom was in Trios-Rivieres, Que. with rent averaging $459 per month.

So, can you afford to move to Canada?

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

 

If you’re single, how do you decide where you want to go on vacation? Do you base it on your budget? Activities available? Nightlife? Or Sex?

by JuJuB

Here is the URL if you’re linking to the map (http://www.targetmap.com/viewer.aspx?reportId=42254)

If you’re single, how do you decide where you want to go on vacation? Do you base it on your budget? Activities available? Nightlife?

What about by, ahem, how well-endowed a man is? Recently, this map was published that tells you exactly where the most well-endowed gentleman are, if that matters to you. If you’re looking to get your groove on during your vacation, you can use this map to maximize your pleasure, so to speak.

According to the map, the Top 10 countries with well-endowed gentlemen are Condo, Ecuador, Ghana, Venezuela, Cameroon, Colombia, Lebanon, Jamaica, Panama and Burkina Faso. The bottom 10 include Thailand, Nepal, North and South Korea, Hong Kong and others.

Last year, Expedia and GfK released survey results of 1,000 American adults about their mating and dating habits when they travel and according to the study, 12 percent of Americans have engaged in a holiday fling with someone they met on vacation. If that sounds like you, perhaps this interesting information may be helpful to you.

Just remember that having sex while you’re traveling sounds exciting, but you need to take precautions. Make sure that you are protected so there is less of a risk to contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Bring condoms on your travels and make sure not to engage in sex when you are inebriated. Also, while sex in a foreign country with a perfect stranger might sound enticing, it might actually be illegal depending on the destination. For example, did you know that it is illegal in London to have sex on a parked motorcycle (no, the law doesn’t say anything about a moving motorcycle)?

Also, if you have any plans on traveling to the Dubai you may want to keep your hormone levels in check. Showing any public displays of affection in the country – even a peck on the cheek – can land you 10 days in jail. And don’t even think about drinking and then sharing some private time. That can cost you up to a year in jail.

Bottom line: keep it safe.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Hidden Gems in Palm Springs

by JuJuB

Palm Springs, California was once known as a show business mecca as some of the industry’s biggest names lived and vacationed in this beautiful desert city. Located 110 miles south from Los Angeles, the city is surrounded by the San Bernardino Mountains, the Santa Rosa Mountains, and the San Jacinto Mountains. Today, it’s the home of the Coachella Music Festival and nearby to the Desert Hot Springs which is known for its relaxing hot mineral springs. Here are some other hidden gems to enjoy on your vacation:

Celebrity homes: Welcome to lifestyles of the rich and famous! Palm Springs is where such celebrities as Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, Steve McQueen, Sonny Bono, Elvis Presley, and Dean Martin lived or vacationed. Some of these homes are available for rent, so if you’re looking for some Hollywood glitz and glamour on your vacation, book one of these lavish homes.

Food: Shhhh, because PS Underground is a secret member’s only supper club. This eating experience is just that – an experience – that comes with an element of surprise where you eat won’t be known until right before you eat. You could eat under the stars or in a gallery or on a private estate. There are no menus and what you eat won’t be known until it’s time to dig in.

Desert Hot Springs: Only a short distance away from Palm Springs is Desert Hot Springs, the only aquifer of thermal, mineral spring water and you can soak in the waters at any of the 22 boutique resorts in the area. Don’t miss out on this experience. It’s rejuvenating and relaxing and your body will love you for it.

Where to stay: Located in Desert Hot Springs, Two Bunch Palms is the oldest hot mineral springs resort in the country and also the first carbon neutral resort in America. This resort has been around since the 1940s and Hollywood celebrities – and even some gangsters – have sat in these springs. Another hidden gem is the Andalusian Court, a private Spanish Revival Inn and a romantic retreat for adults only. The villas have outdoor whirlpool tubs, marble bathrooms, an eco-friendly fireplace and more. Finally, there’s the Miramont Indian Wells Resort and Spa at the base of the scenic Santa Rosa Mountains features 13 treatment rooms and a private salt water pool.

Elite Travel Group

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