Category:

Elite Adventure Travel

New Zealand: From Glaciers to Beaches

by JuJuB

Thinking about taking your next vacation in New Zealand? There are many destinations to explore when in New Zealand, making it a good idea for travelers to find out more about this sovereign island country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean before making any final plans.

New Zealand

New Zealand destinations include visiting its North Island, South Island, and/or other 3 islands. While vacationers can expect the scenery and landscape to be absolutely gorgeous in all locations, each destination comes with its own special and unique things to see and do. A short list of options include backpacking, snowboarding, luxury traveling, mountain bike riding, going to a health spa, shopping and enjoying the popular events that take place in new Zealand every year.

New Zealand Glaciers. There are many glaciers in New Zealand to explore! The contrast of gorgeous white glaciers set against the backdrop of New Zealand’s green rainforest is something that every adventure traveler will surely appreciate. Fox Glacier and Tasman Glacier are two of the more popular glaciers to explore.

New Zealand Weather. The weather in New Zealand tends to be unpredictable. Temperatures can drop as low as 14° in the wintertime and be as high as 79° in the summertime. There’s lots of rainfall throughout the year, with snow often appearing in between the months of June and October.

New Zealand People. The people who live in New Zealand, aka Kiwis, are extremely welcoming and down to earth. There’s a unique blend of cultural influences here that allow for a lifestyle that is simply like no other on the planet.

New Zealand Cuisine. New Zealanders place a large focus on fresh and diverse cuisine. Some of the more popular, and therefore favorite new Zealand foods include mussels, oysters, roast lamb, seasonal vegetables, fish and chips, pavlova, and cheese.

New Zealand National Parks. There are 13 National Parks in New Zealand, all of which are in place in order to preserve the natural heritage of this beautiful country. Must-see parks include Whanganui National Park, Abel Tasman National Park, Mount Aspiring National Park, and Arthur’s Pass National Park.

New Zealand Beaches. There are numerous beaches in New Zealand to explore, as the country’s borders are known for its long stretches of sand. The diversity of beaches is also exciting, as there are rocky beaches, sandy beaches, tree-lined beaches, cove beaches, grassy dune beaches, pebble beaches, and beaches that perfectly support marine life viewing.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Croatia by Sea

by JuJuB

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

About Croatia

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

Why Visit Croatia’s Coastline?

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

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

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

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

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

The Ritz Carlton in Aruba

by JuJuB

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

Aruba

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

The Ritz Carlton

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

 

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

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Traveling in Italy: Capri and All the Great Things to do There

by JuJuB

Considering taking your next vacation in the beautiful country of Italy? Italy is a top vacation destination, which shouldn’t be a surprise due to all of the many great things to do there. Capri is a great place in Italy to explore this year. This beautiful island offers all of the picturesque views vacationers are looking for, as well as a touch of mythical charm.

Traveling to Italy

Is traveling to Italy on your bucket list? This European country is home to some of the world’s most iconic images, which is one of the top reasons why vacationers want to explore the vibrant country of Italy. Additional reasons include wanting to explore the rich culture that exists here, the ability to relax on Italy’s great beaches, wanting to enjoy consuming its delicious cuisine and getting to know the friendly locals.

Capri – All the Great Things to do There

The island of Capri offers vacationers a number of things to do, making it a good idea to make a list of must-sees and must-dos. In order to get to the island, visitors must take a ferry or rent a private boat. The following is a list of some of the more popular experiences and exciting tour opportunities that Capri has to offer.

 

  • Take a boat tour around the island. Booking a boat tour allows vacationers to enjoy the gorgeous views. For those who love to explore, they can even enter a wooden rowboat that allows them to check out the Blue Grotto sea cave, a true once in a lifetime adventure.
  • Take a chairlift to the peak of Mount Solaro. Taking a chairlift up to the top of this spectacular mountain allows for some of the most scenic views available on the planet. Vacationers are encouraged to enjoy the views while taking pictures, as well as encouraged to order drinks from the nearby café.
  • Watch the sunset. The Punta Carena Lighthouse is the only location on the island where vacationers can actually watch the sun set into the Mediterranean Sea. Vacationers are encouraged to arrive at the lighthouse a few hours before sunset so they can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy a cocktail, allowing for a truly enjoyable afternoon.
  • Enjoy an evening at the Taverna. Vacationers who want to experience the Capri nightlife are encouraged to reserve a table at the infamous Taverna nightclub. The energy, the upbeat music, the dancing, and the great drinks all make for a really fun atmosphere.

 Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Alaska Cruises: Elite Travel vs. General Travel

by JuJuB

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

Alaska Cruises

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

Elite Travel

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

 

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

 

General Travel

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

 

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

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Argentario: Italy’s Hidden Gem

by JuJuB

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

Argentario Italy’s Hidden Gem

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

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

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

Is Monte Argentario the Next Positano?

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

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

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

 

Villa Esperanza in Costa Rica

by JuJuB

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

Costa Rica

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

Villa Esperanza

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

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

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

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

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Prana by Atzaro Luxury Yacht

by JuJuB

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

Prana by Atzaro Luxury Yacht

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

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

Summertime Skiing

by JuJuB

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

Summertime Skiing Destinations

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

 

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

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Newer Posts
Older Posts

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept