Category:

Cuba

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

Global Entry Do I need it?

by JuJuB


Seems the buzzword of the day is “Global Entry.” Everybody is talking about this new way of getting through the airport faster, but is it worth it for me to apply?

First, let’s define this buzzword of the day: According to the website, Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports. Global Entry cards are issued to Global entry members who are U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and Mexican nationals.

What does all that mumbo jumbo mean? The whole idea behind this program is to move travelers along a little faster. Its members skip the line and head directly to a kiosk where they put their fingerprints on a scanner for verification, get a receipt and keep going.

As a travel agent who travels often, I figured I would finally apply for Global Entry. First, there’s a whopping 30-page questionnaire, a background check, an appointment that took about three months to get and, finally, an interview.

Now, you should know that they do not approve everyone. For example, if you have ever been convicted of a criminal offense or have charges pending, including outstanding warrants or if you are subject of an investigation of any kind.

If you  just want to apply for Global Entry simply because you want to get into a shorter line at the airport, sign up for the TSA pre-check instead. Global entry is just for ease of customs.

Keep in mind, however, that Global Entry isn’t permanent, so think about if this is what you really need before you cough up the $100 bucks that you need for your application fee. You need to renew your credentials in five years, so if your passport expires sooner than, you are still good you just have to add the new credentials to the new passport.

If you violate the terms of the Global Entry just once, you will never be approved again. Violations include smuggling livestock, smuggling anything really and lying about how much to declare, get it?

On the cover there is a little gold square bar like the chip that is on your credit card. Protect this little gold square bar more than anything when you traveling overseas. Identity theft is definitely an international issue right now.

That’s it, in a nutshell.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

image source: Copyright: <a href=’htww.123rf.com/profile_toonartist’>toonartist / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

 

How Will A Trump Presidency Affect Travel?

by Tammy

On Friday, Jan. 20, Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States. Everybody is wondering what decisions he’ll make and how it will affect their respective industries. One travel survey predicted that a million tourists would lose interest in travel should Trump win. The travel industry is also waiting to see how Trump will impact tourism. While the world waits, here are some opinions on what people hope he will do, as well as some concerns that they have.

Mahesh Chaddah of Reservations.com has hope that Trump will use his previous involvement in the travel industry to boost the industry. “With Donald Trump’s long-time involvement in the travel industry, coupled with his plan to rebuild U.S. infrastructure, many jobs can be created and make America a welcoming destination,” said Chaddah. “Due to improving relations with Cuba, OTAs plan to grow their business in this region. If the relationship were to change, projected growth OTAs planned for would be drastically altered as well.

Greg Geronemus, the co-CEO of smarTours, is very concerned about President-elect Trump reversing the tremendous progress that the States has already made with Cuba. Trump once tweeted, “If Cuba is unwilling to make a better deal for the Cuban people, the Cuban/American people and the U.S. as a whole, I will terminate the deal.”

“I’m also concerned about his follow through on his threat to repeal President Obama’s executive orders related to Cuba and prevent Americans from traveling there,” said Geronemus.

“I believe that there is no better way to help the Cuban people than to send Americans to engage in meaningful, people-to-people exchanges,” he said. “Ever since Obama’s historic announcement in December, 2014 and the massive influx of American travelers, we have seen tremendous progress in Cuba, and there’s no better example than the privately-owned restaurants that have served scores of American travelers. The owners of these restaurants have benefited financially and many have reinvested in their communities to restore buildings and help others.”

Geronemus is hopeful that President-elect Trump will do the right thing, but he makes sure to add, “If you really want to go to Cuba, go soon.”

Greg Antonelle of MickeyTravels LLC believes that Trump can change the travel industry by making travel to the United States easy for foreigners. “One would think owning a hotel empire and everything that goes along with the Trump brand, that he would have a vested interest in doing so,” he said.

Time will tell after Jan. 20, once Trump has a chance to move in and make some changes.

The best luggage to buy for travel

by JuJuB

elite-travel-1 elite-travel

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:

 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Long Layovers at Airports

by JuJuB

elite-travel-layover

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

elite travel group
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

elite travel
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

elite travel craft beers
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

Cuba travel worth the trip?

by JuJuB

elite travel group
Everybody is talking about Cuba since the civil aviation agreement allowed Americans to fly there, but it is worth the hype?

Cuba is a beautiful country with some amazing must-sees, starting with its capital, Havana. Here you can tour Ernest Hemingway’s Cuba house – Finca Vigia, which was built in 1886 by a Spanish Architect Miguel Pascual y Baguer and purchased by Hemingway in 1940 for $12,500. Stop by the world famous ¨El Floridita¨ bar where Ernest Hemingway used to drink his daiquiris. Enjoy the view from the Bacunayagua Bridge, Cuba´s highest bridge.

Cuba is also a little less expensive to travel to compared to other destinations right now. However, U.S. travelers must book through a company that has been granted a license and visa by the Cuban government.

Cienfuegos, a city located on the southern coast of Cuba, is approximately 145 miles from Havana and has a nice marina area. Of course, you can’t go to Cuba without visiting a cigar factory as well as the famous Christopher Columbus cemetery – one of the great historical cemeteries of the world. On the artsy side, check out the artwork of José Fuster at Fusterlandia, a neighborhood in the village of Jaimanitas that the artist has been transforming with his ceramic creations for years. There’s also The Grand Theatre of Havana is the oldest active theatrical institution in Latin America.

Plaza de la Catedra, originally a swamp, is one of the five main squares in Old Havana and the site of the Cathedral of Havana from which it takes its name. Old Havana, the city’s center and one of the 15 municipalities that form Havana is beautiful with its cobble stones, cathedral, shops and restaurants.

Palacio De Los Capitanes Generales is the former official residence of the governors of Havana, Cuba. Located on the eastern side of the Plaza de Armas in Old Havana it is home to the Museum of the City of Havana.

The Presidential Palace was the headquarters of the Cuban government for 40 years. Today it houses the Museum of the Revolution, which presents a rich exhibit that covers from the rise of the Cuban nation, the “Granma” Memorial which shows the ship used by Fidel Castro and more than eighty combatants to return to Cuba from the exile in Mexico.

So if you’re asking yourself if it’s worth the trip, you won’t have any ‘splainin’ to do (thanks to Desi Arnaz). Instead, you’ll just have a great trip with amazing memories.

EliteTravelGroup

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