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Destination Weddings

Highlights of Aruba

by JuJuB December 12, 2018December 12, 2018

Thinking about traveling to Aruba? Where the weather is sunny all year long and the white sand beaches beckon all who walk by to come, sit down, enjoy the views and relax for a while? Add the friendly locals and the exotic cuisine and it’s easy to see why Aruba is a popular tourist attraction these days. This makes Aruba a perfect destination choice for newlyweds, families and groups of friends who are looking to have some fun and adventure. Ready to find out what some of the best highlights are when visiting this picturesque Caribbean Island?

Highlights of Aruba

The following is a list of some of the must see and must do’s when traveling to the beautiful yet fairly small island of Aruba. While Aruba is indeed a popular vacation island, it never feels too crowded. Best time to visit Aruba is between the months of April and August.

Visit Eagle Beach – ranked as one of the top ten beaches in the whole world, this highlight is a definite must see!
Visit the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
Take a Jeep Safari Tour
Visit the Museums – two must see museums are the Archaeology Museum and the Historical Museum
Go Reef Diving – Aruba has fantastic coral reef gardens
Sign up for a Snorkeling Tour
Sign up for a Kayaking Tour
Sign up for a Fishing Tour
Take a Cruise around the Island
Take a Sailing Tour around the Island
Visit the Natural Bridge – Aruba’s most photographed attraction
Sign up for a Taste of Aruba Tour – explore local products made on the island, i.e. Balashi Beer and Aruhiba Cigars
Visit the California Lighthouse and the California Sand Dunes – located near Arashi Beach
Take a guided tour in the largest passenger submarine in the world!
Visit Eagle Beach – famous for its turtle nesting area
Bon Bini Festival in Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital city – Every Tuesday evening in the outer courtyard of the Historical Museum Aruba’s history is expressed through local music, art, folklore dancers, and culinary specialties. Fun!
Explore Aruba on horseback
Explore Aruba while riding ATVs, UTVs and/or Trikes
Go Skydiving – jump out of an airplane and enjoy the gorgeous views all the way down
Explore Arikok National Park
Visit Palm Island – a fun day trip that includes water slides, small pools for kids, snorkeling and a huge buffet for all ages to enjoy
Explore the Antilla Shipwreck – the largest shipwreck dive offered in the Caribbean Sea
Visit the Hooiberg – this volcanic formation is a must see for nature lovers

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

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

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

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

Cycling Across Country

by JuJuB July 12, 2016

eliteadventuretravel
Many people have dreams of touring across the country on a bike, but aren’t sure where or how to start. Maybe they don’t know what kind of bike to get, or what kind of route they should plan. Here are some helpful tips to help you get started on your cycling tour across the country.

Consider buying a touring bike. While they can be pricier than standard bikes, there are benefits to buying a bicycle specifically geared towards touring, especially if you think you might do more than one tour in your life. They’re generally more durable, can handle tougher terrain, and can support more loadings than most other bikes. You don’t necessarily need a top-of-the-line touring bike for your trip, and there are some pretty inexpensive ones out there if you look for deals. If you don’t want to buy an entirely new bike, you can still upgrade your current bike to have the tools you’ll need, such as methods of carrying your luggage or better tires.

Start exercising. You might cycle a lot, but it’s likely that your body isn’t used to taking 6- to 8-hour bike rides every day, so it’s important to start exercising and conditioning your body. Depending on the type of tour you’re choosing, your workout routine could change. For more casual tours, you can probably get away with easier workouts, while tougher workouts could require more rigorous training. If you’re unsure what type of workout to do, ask an expert at your local gym.

In a tour or by yourself? A big part of prepping for your cross country journey is deciding if you want to go in an organized tour or make your own route by yourself. There are certain benefits to both, but it depends on your personal preference. If you’re not confident enough to go solo, a group is a good starting option. For example, America by Bicycle is one tour company with different routes for all skill levels. Trek Travel is another organization that offers individual, family tours and pro cycling tours.

Planning your route. If you choose to go by yourself instead of in a group, planning out your route will be the most important part of your trip. If you’re not sure where to start, considering choosing some tourist attractions or other such places that you’ve always wanted to see and mark them on a map. From there, you can start to connect the roads between them and plan your stops along the way, whether they be at hotels or camp grounds. It’s important to have a detailed plan before you leave, a map in case you get lost (and you’re not in a Wi-Fi area) and adequate supplies.

Don’t overpack. Like most other vacations, packing can be quite the hassle when it comes to biking across country. Taking a minimalistic view on packing can help lessen your load and make traveling easier. Two things you can easily pack less of is food and clothes. Pack outfits that can be used in multiple ways and also help to save space. .

EliteAdventureTravel

http://americabybicycle.com/tours-xcountry

http://trektravel.com/trip/cross-country-usa-bike-tour/

http://www.biketouring.net/rides/xcountry/faq2.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

Cuba travel worth the trip?

by JuJuB June 21, 2016June 21, 2016

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

3 Useful Tips to Save Money on Skiing in Colorado

by JuJuB May 20, 2016

Skiing in Colorado is a lot of fun and a great vacation for getting kids and adults alike to exercise while basking in the sunshine and fresh air! However, it’s no secret that skiing can take out a huge chunk from anyone’s budget if it is done too often. Still, there are myriads of ways to help you lift the load and we have listed three of them below for you.

Tip #1: Catch the Early and Late Skiing Season Tickets!

One way for your family to save and still be able to enjoy skiing in Colorado is by going in the early and/or late skiing season. Being early isn’t entirely a bad thing if you and your kids have never tried skiing before because you will be just spending your first days in the lower slopes to get the feel of things anyway. Yes, the snow cover might be minimal over most of the mountain, but beginners don’t usually ski on most of the runs so you’ll get to enjoy the experience and save.

However, during springtime it is actually the other way around as the snow has been piled up during the winter. The snow may feel like old and mushy mashed potatoes, but it would still be an incredible experience as you half-ski, half-surf down a gorgeous mountain. Hey, at least there won’t be lines at the lifts! You will be among the few enjoying minimal crowds and the lowest prices of the season.

Tip #2: Always Avoid the Glitz and the Glam of the “Ritzy” Resorts

Just like with everything else, you are also paying for the brand as you ski. If you deem that it is important that you only take your family to a famous and posh ski resort this winter then this article is not for you. There are several gems offering just as much fun as the resorts with large advertising budgets, but at a fraction of the cost. You’ll still bare witness to breathtaking views, fabulous atmosphere, friendly people, world class ski instructors and more.

Tip #3: Buy Tickets for Multiple Days Access.

If you plan on skiing multiple days it’s best to buy in bulk. Think Multi-day ski lift passes and equipment rentals. It also sometimes helps to go to the website of the place you will be skiing with to inquire about deals and coupons. Some places offer advance purchase discounts too. The best part if these are often completely transferable without having additional fees!

There you have it, three ways to save and still have a skiing adventure in Colorado. Now, we want to hear from you! Have you ever been skiing? If so, where did you go and what was your favorite thing about the trip?

Elite Adventure Travel

How dirty are cruises?

by JuJuB May 18, 2016May 18, 2016

Link to http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/

Just a few weeks ago, the P&O cruise line, Oceana, made news because of dirty grout, inadequate chlorine levels and potentially hazardous kitchen conditions on the ship. Health inspectors also shut down the pool and spa after the company failed a spot check. These were just some of the unsanitary conditions that were uncovered. In February, the Oriana – another P&O cruise received one of the lowest scores of any P&O ship in six years and were found to have several cockroaches.

The Diamond Princess in Australia had 150 passengers that fell ill while the Norwegian Gem had 135 as well.

How do you know that the cruise you have anxiously waited for is hygienic and that you’ll leave there illness free?

First, you can check the Centers for Disease Control’s Vessel Sanitation Program. Cruise lines that participate are required to “report the total number of gastrointestinal illness cases–including zero–evaluated by the medical staff at least 24 hours before the ship arrives at a U.S. port, when sailing from a foreign port. A separate notification is required when the GI illness count exceeds 2% of the total number of passengers or crew onboard.”

The reason norovirus is so rampant on cruises is because there are close living quarters and shared dining areas. The virus can be brought on board by contaminated food or water or other passengers or crew who had been contaminated. In order for the contagious virus to be eradicated from the ship, the vessel needs to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

To date in 2016, these cruises have reported to the VSP:

Oceania Cruises, Oceania Riviera (3/20 – 4/2): Norovirus

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Gem 3/12 – 3/22 Norovirus

Silversea Cruises, Silver Spirit 3/3 – 3/21 Unknown

Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Sunshine 2/21 – 3/5 Norovirus

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Anthem of the Seas 2/21 – 3/4 Unknown

Princess Cruises Ocean Princess 2/13 – 3/7 Unknown

Oceania Cruises Oceania Riviera 2/12 – 2/22 Norovirus

Princess Cruises Crown Princess 1/8 – 1/18 Norovirus

According to the CDC, over 90% of diarrheal disease outbreaks on cruise ships are caused by norovirus.

Once you are on the boat and its set sail, it’s hard to avoid any dirt and contamination, but the best way to prevent yourself from getting sick on a dirty ship is to wash your hands often with soap and warm water. You can also let the staff know if you see anything that needs attention.

The CDC also recommends washing your hands or using hand sanitizer after touching doorknobs, railings, and elevator buttons.

EliteTravelGroup

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3524309/Live-cockroaches-dirty-grout-potentially-hazardous-cheese-luxury-cruise-liners-inspectors-rule-health-hazard-passengers.html

Travel Scams

by JuJuB April 20, 2016April 20, 2016

Traveling is exciting, but unfortunately travelers are also prey for scammers who will do what they can to cause a distraction and take your money and belongings. There are so many travel scams it’s hard to keep track of them all, but here are a few common ones and some tips on how to prevent yourself from becoming the next victim:

You’ve won a trip! Before you have even gone anywhere, you’re already being scammed by online sites that claim you won an all-expenses paid trip to Belize. The problem? They want your credit card and driver’s license information to hold your prize. Then you find out that before you can get the information there are fees you need to pay.

Tip: First, do not give out any personal information. Ask questions! Consumer Fraud Reporting says to find out exactly what the prize does and does not cover and contact these businesses to verify. If the person on the phone cannot give out information, it’s probably too good to be true.

Fake phone call: You checked in and you’re all snug in your hotel bed when the phone rings. It’s the front desk telling you that there’s a problem with your credit card. You stumble out of bed and read your number again, then return to slumber. The problem? It wasn’t the front desk calling and you’ve just given your credit card information to a scammer.

Tip: If you get a call like this, tell them you’ll bring it down to the front desk (you can also call the front desk to verify). Most likely, if it’s a scam, the caller will hang up.

Skimmed. Forget about criminals watching you at the ATM to get your pin number. It’s gotten much easier now with “skimmers” that capture your data when they get close to you. A New York Times article reported a sixfold increase in the number of machines in the United States compromised by criminals in 2015, compared with 2014.

Tip: Take a good look at the ATM machine before you put your card in. If anything seems out of place, don’t use it.

Distraction: You’re taking pictures on your trip when little kids come up to you and wave papers in your face or someone bumps into you and spills something and holds your arm while they clean it up. Scammers will do what it takes to distract you so they can take your belongings and your money.

Tip: Be alert at all times. When you’re traveling, this is the best tip to avoid any scam that might happen to you.

EliteTravelGroup

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