Category:

Carnival Crusies

Alaska Cruises: Elite Travel vs. General Travel

by JuJuB July 9, 2019July 9, 2019

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

Traveling Solo? How to be Safe When Traveling Alone

by JuJuB June 27, 2019June 27, 2019

Thinking about traveling Solo? More and more people are deciding to travel solo nowadays. There are many different reasons why someone would book a solo trip, with a few of the more popular reasons being they can follow their own schedule, they don’t have to wait for anyone else, they can travel at their own pace and they can spend as much time as they want to in any particular location.

How to be Safe When Traveling Alone

Solo travelers need to understand how to be safe when traveling alone. While it’s unfortunate that there is a need for solo travelers to take special precautions, it’s necessary in today’s world. Travelers who choose to go it alone must recognize how they can prevent problems from happening in the first place, which requires them to always be very aware of their surroundings. If problems do happen to arise during their travels, then they need to have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely handle the problem.

A Few Traveling Solo Safety Tips

The following is a list of some beneficial safety tips for those who choose to travel alone.

Thoroughly research the area before taking the trip. Safe solo traveling starts before leaving one’s house. This makes it necessary for solo travelers to perform a lot of research on the area their traveling to, as well as nearby areas. Checking the latest news articles is a good idea, as this can get a lot of details on what’s happening in the area.
Always keep your valuables on your person when traveling from one place to another. The best place to keep valuables when traveling solo includes using a money belt, backpack, fanny pack and/or in one’s bra.
Don’t be too quick to give someone your trust. Just because someone is ‘nice’ doesn’t mean that they are trustworthy.
Try not to make yourself stand out too much, as this increases your chances of becoming a target. Criminals know how to spot an easy target, so don’t make yourself one. Wear modest clothing, simple jewelry and don’t count your money in public.
Buy travel insurance before you go. Travel insurance is a necessary expense as it gives you peace of mind.
Register with your government when traveling for two weeks or more. Registering as a citizen who is traveling solo and abroad for at least two weeks with the government is always a good idea, just in case.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Why it’s Important to Take an Annual Vacation

by JuJuB February 27, 2019February 27, 2019

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 30^th 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

5 top destinations for quick getaways

by JuJuB April 14, 2017

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 44^th 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

The best luggage to buy for travel

by JuJuB December 28, 2016

It’s time to pack up and head on out to your vacation, but what is the right luggage to use? All you have to do is stand in front of baggage claim at the airport to see the different luggage options that are available. Should you buy a hard top or a soft cover? Wheels or no wheels (really?)? Here are some things you should consider when trying to find the best luggage for you:

Are you flying or are you a road warrior? If you taking to the air, then you need to consider the ever-changing airline rules and fees for both carry-on and checked luggage. A carry-on should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches and this includes the handles and wheels. A few airlines permit larger carry-on bags, but if you are going to be traveling on several airlines, it’s best to stick to the 22, 14, 9 rule.
Heavyweight: You will want a light-weight piece of luggage because if your bag and the contents exceeds the airline’s weight limit, you will be charged extra fees. A carry-on should be less than 10 lbs. Make sure you review your airline’s luggage rules before you fly.
Soft vs. hard: Soft luggage can be pushed into tighter spaces, while hard top luggage is more protective of its contents, but isn’t quite squeezable. Few hard luggage offer outside pockets as well.
Durability: Finding a great deal on luggage doesn’t matter if the piece is cheap. You want your luggage to be durable. According to Consumer Reports, among the 27,000 readers who participated in their brand ratings, 61 percent said that durability was most important factor when choosing carry-on or midsize/large luggage. When it comes to durability, look at the handles, the wheels, construction material and, of course, the zippers.
Wheels on the ground: Two wheels or four? This one comes down to personal preference. Some travelers prefer the two, while others prefer not to have to drag the suitcase behind them.

Finally, pick the luggage that comes with a warranty. The last thing you want is to do is to invest in a piece of luggage that isn’t covered. After all, being a traveler means moving around a lot, bumping into other luggage and dragging it through airports. You’ll want that extra protection.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Best destination for a family reunion

by JuJuB November 17, 2016

It’s time to get your family together again for a family reunion. Whether you get together once or a year or you are gathering for the first time in years, the right location is key.

Think of a destination that means something to your family: Did you always go to Disney World every year when you were younger? Does the mere mention of Cinderella’s Castle bring tears to your eyes? If possible, your reunion destination should be one with meaning. Walt Disney World can help you to organize your celebration, down to the matching family t-shirts.

Consider cost too. You might want to choose an all-inclusive resort, like Turks & Caicos, so that there are no unexpected costs and everyone pays a similar rate. Turks & Caicos is located in the southeast Bahamas and includes a 45,000 square-foot waterpark; four villages, a 12-mile beach and clear turquoise waters; and fun activities for all ages.

Camping at such spots as Jellystone Park Resorts is another low cost option. Family members can camp how they want – in tents, RVs, cabins and full service cabins. Yet when they aren’t resting, they can meet for together time at the pool or to play volleyball, basketball, bingo and other family-style planned activities. From grandparents to grandchildren, there is something for everyone.

Sometimes the view is all you need for the best family reunion. Gather your family outside of the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York and enjoy the views as you catch up on each other’s lives. Mohonk Mountain House is located only 90 miles north of New York City and includes hiking trails, a lake, and a spa. They also offer their own reunion coordinator.

Named one of the top destinations for reunions by Conde Nast Traveler, the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina in Cambridge, Maryland offers kids 18 and under the ability to stay for free with each paying adult. Adults can bond over 18 holes at the River Marsh Golf Club, which offers a glow-in-the-dark putting contest.

Your family can make the hills come alive at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont, which is still run by, yes, the same Von Trapp family made famous in The Sound of Music classic film. The resort has 216 units and cross-country ski trails, a Von Trapp history tour, an Austrian-style lager brewed on site, outdoor concerts and more. Maybe at the end of your reunion, you should say goodbye to your relatives by singing, “So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good night. I hate to go and leave this pretty sight.”

Elite Travel Group

Long Layovers at Airports

by JuJuB October 18, 2016October 18, 2016

Have a few hours to spare before your next flight leaves? Looking for something to do? Perhaps you need to relax a bit. At the San Francisco Airport, a long layover means time to stretch your joints and muscles, so check out their yoga room. It’s a space that they say is devoted to relaxation, self-reflection and, of course, practicing yoga. There is no charge to use the facility. Chicago O’Hare Airport, Chicago Midway Airport, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport all have yoga rooms as well.

Just recently, DFW Airport announced that it’s producing its own instruction video for its newest yoga studio to add to the complimentary practice mats, exercise balls and stretch bands they have for travelers. Now you don’t need to know yoga because they will loop a series of 20-minute-long video yoga classes offering instructions for beginners and advanced yoga students simultaneously.

At the Albuquerque International, travelers can spend time away from the hustle and bustle in the Sunport Meditation Room. In the Netherlands, Schiphol Airport also has a meditation center.

See a movie because films run all day and night at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and The Portland International Airport just added short films, produced by local filmmakers that are intended to introduce travelers to things going on in and around Oregon and show off local Portland hot spots. Portland’s Airport is teaming up with the PDX Theater in Portland to create a series of films intended to reach this captive audience. Miami International Airport has a pop-up theater which shows old classics and features silent films and Changi Airport has 24-hour movies.

First and Business Class passengers of Etihad Airways can enjoy a spa treatment at Six Senses Spa Abu Dhabi Airport in Abu Dhabi Terminals 1 and 3. Guests traveling in Etihad Premium cabins can enjoy 15 and 25-minute tension-releasing massages focusing on areas of concern, body treatments and balancing facials to bring the glow back into the skin.

Treatment reservations can only be made and paid for on the day of travel at the spa reception. First Class passengers and Platinum Card holders can avail a complimentary 15-minute spa or express treatment at Style & Shave by Etihad in Abu Dhab.

Want to get your nails done? JFK features the very first Clubhouse Spa, with New York hairstylist Bumble & Bumble and a unique spa collaboration with skincare specialists. The spa is closed for morning flights.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

LINKS YOU CAN USE TOO:

SF AIRPORT: http://www.flysfo.com/content/yoga-room-0

What to do on a 3-day vacation

by JuJuB August 23, 2016

It’s a fabulous three-day weekend from work and it’s time to clock out, but where do you go? Honestly, you really can go just about anywhere, but if you want to have some time to actually lounge on the beach or do some sightseeing, here are some great three-day weekend ideas:

From city to the country: If you’ve been toiling all week in the hustle and bustle of New York City’s working world and you’re ready for some backwoods country, get away to the Adirondacks or any of the national parks close to you. Adirondack Park, a 6 million—acre park is larger than several National Parks combined, but it’s not a national park. There’s no cost to enter and you don’t have to worry about leaving at sunset. Go camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding and swimming. If you’re traveling in early September, check out the Adirondack Canoe Classic, known as the 90-Miler, a grueling three-day self-powered boat raced from Old Forge to Saranac Lake or the 10-day Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, held annually in February.

It’s Just Beachy: Would you prefer to be lounging on the beach instead of camping in the forest? Plan a weekend getaway to Florida where you can sink your toes into the white sand, play 18 holes on the many golf courses or enjoy the sights and sounds of Miami. Or how about going 50 miles further for a weekend jaunt to the Bahamas? Visit Nassau, the island capital, enjoy some scuba diving, diving and snorkeling.

Get Your R&R at a B&B: Forget planes and trains and, instead, hop into your car and head to a local romantic bed and breakfast. Depending on your destination, you can get away to the country, a city, near the woods or sleep in a lighthouse.

Say Oui Oui to Paris! It’s very romantic to pull out all the stops and take off for a weekend in Paris. With some planning and flexibility, it can be done. Take your iconic picture in front of the Eiffel Tower, enjoy the Louvre, and take a peek into Notre Dame de Paris. Enjoy a baguette, some Parisian chocolate, and, of course, sample some fromage (cheese). It’s a jam-packed exhilarating weekend of fun. When you head back to work, you can let your co-workers know that you spent the weekend in France (they probably won’t believe you so show them the photos!).

Your travel agent can help you to plan any of these weekend getaways.

Elite Travel Group

Ayers Rock, Australia (Uluru) sights and sounds

by Tammy Levent July 22, 2016July 22, 2016

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation that was created over 600 million years ago, and is located in the southern part of the Northern Territory in Australia’s Red Centre.
Ayers Rock, which is located at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, is an iconic landmark in Australia that some travelers just want to climb and stand on top of (it’s heavily encouraged that you do not do this due to the danger involved), while others want to witness the changes in color as the sunsets strike the rock. The Rock is owned by the Anangu aboriginal people. At the Park, you can take a free guided walk and visit the cultural center where you will learn more about this Anangu culture and see Anangu art.

The Aboriginal landowners of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, are Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people who speak their own language. You may see the locals in your travels.

According to the Australia Parks Department, Ayers Rock is higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Chrysler Building in New York. Walking around it can take approximately 3.5 hours, but it can be done.

Even if you just want to get some great photos of Ayers Rock, you should plan on spending at least a day of your Australian trip here. There are other features to see too, which could add to your trip for a few days. Close by the Rock is the Kata Tjuta, formerly called “the Olgas”, and the second major feature of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

In 1950 Ayers Rock, today known as Uluru, was declared a national park. The park has special sunset viewing areas for both the Uluru and the Kata Tjuta.

If you love watching birds, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has been home to 178 species of bird in the park. This has included such rare species as the scarlet-chested parrot and the grey honeyeater. You can also look for many examples of historic Aboriginal rock art around Uluru and you can see it along the Mala Walk and Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole.

Elite Travel Group

For more amazing facts about the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the Aboriginals, visit http://www.parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/people-place/amazing-facts.html

Craft Beer Tours

by JuJuB July 8, 2016

Beer lovers, take notice. There are an endless amount of Craft Beer Tours that you can take for your next vacation. Here is just a sample of where you can enjoy a day of sightseeing and beer tasting.

Durham, North Carolina. Beltline Brew Tours has various tours throughout North Carolina. The one in Durham starts with Bull City Burger and Brewery, then Ponysaurus Brewing Company, and then the unique highlight; Fullsteam Brewery, known for their unusual variety of flavors, including brews made with sweet potatoes, rhubarb, and hickory-smoked malt. Better still, dogs are welcomed and encouraged to visit the brewery. The tour ends back with more sampling at Bull City.

Cooperstown, New York. When you hear about “Cooperstown”, the first thing you probably think is baseball. But the town has much more to offer than that. For example, Ommegang Brewery has tours that go through six different local breweries, where you can see demonstrations, tour specialty shops, and of course, taste some beer. Ommegang also hosts many concerts throughout the summer, and they have a special, limited-edition ‘Game of Thrones’ inspired beer line.

Hood River, Oregon. Oregon has a plethora of different breweries to check out. If you’re looking for one with a tour that’s free, allows children with a parent or guardian, and is shorter than most other tours (about 30 minutes), than Full Sail Brewery is the tour for you. From the pub, you can view Mount Hood and the Columbian River Gorge, filled with sailboarders and kiteboarders. Nothing can beat a beer with a view.

Pottsville, Pennsylvania. If you’re looking for a tour with some history behind it, than look no further than the small-town feel that D.G. Yuengling & Sons Brewery provides. It started in 1831, and is the oldest working brewery in America. On the tour, you can learn how the brewery survived the Prohibition and look at the fermentation caves originally used to keep the beer cool. It’s a great look back in time.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Do you want to make a day trip out of your tour? Then come on down to Dogfish Head’s Brewings and Eats. Founded by Sam Calagione of Brew Masters, the location hosts two different types of tours, one of them free. Once you’ve finished your tour, you can check out some of the musicians above the pub, get some food, or see the sights at Rehoboth Beach. There’s enough to do there to more than satisfy your day trip needs.

EliteTravelGroup

Newer Posts

Older Posts