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General Travel

House of Blues: New Orleans

by JuJuB

As everyone surely knows, there are quite a few places to enjoy listening to blues music while visiting New Orleans! One place that immediately comes to mind is the House of Blues, a perfect combination of a live music concert hall, bar and restaurant. They hold musical concerts and events, and in a variety of genres, throughout the entire year, so there’s really something for everyone.

 House of Blues: New Orleans

There are now 12 House of Blues locations in the United States, and in my opinion, the one in New Orleans is one of the absolute best! This particular House of Blues is located on Decatur St., in the French Quarter neighborhood. I recently visited the New Orleans House of Blues and decided to take advantage of their Foundation Room offerings, a VIP membership option. Because the Foundation Room only sits about 50 people, it makes for a more personal experience.

Their private member club includes LOTS of perks that I think are well worth the cost of membership. And I really enjoy the Bohemian feel. The priority access, the private VIP tables, the personalized concierge service, the ability to order from their premium menu, and more, all come with VIP membership. There’s even an option to attend pre-concert events and meet and greet with a variety of artists, as this is also part of the VIP experience.

My group was very excited that we got to enjoy a very personal VIP concert by Candlebox when we went, an American rock band that’s released multiple albums in the many years they’ve been together. There were a total of 6 in our party and every single one of us truly enjoyed the experience from the very beginning to the very end!

A few things to know about this House of Blues location – attire is casual, they serve brunch, lunch and dinner, and their food choices include American, contemporary, seafood and Cajun.

I used to be a member of the Las Vegas House of Blues. Because I have a travel agency that caters to a lot of corporate clients, as well as weddings, I would often use the membership as a perk for both types of clients. The entire staff at the House of Blues is very accommodating.

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

The Top Three Spa Resorts in the World

by JuJuB

Thinking about taking your next retreat in one of the top rated spas in all the world? Good for you! When you choose to take your next vacation centered around a spa resort, you can expect to experience a great deal of luxury.

Top Three Spa Resorts in the World

The below list includes the top three spa resorts in the world as of today.

 

1. BodyHoliday, Castries, St. Lucia. This top spa resort is one that places a large focus on overall wellness. Every suite is designed to offer guests a private sanctuary experience, with the ocean views suites offering panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. These luxury suites also offer guests tropical garden views, giving them choices. The resorts food philosophy is centered around healthy eating, and includes organic fruits and vegetables grown in their own garden.

The Wellness Centre is considered to be a true sanctuary, as it offers a variety of soothing treatments that were specifically created to help guests return to a place a wellness. A focus on helping guests reach their optimal health is a priority, and includes using relaxation therapies as well as a variety of pampering spa treatments.

2. Chablé Resort & Spa, Chocholá, Mexico. This top luxury spa resort offers guests deluxe villas, of which all include their own private pool. The overall atmosphere is one that immerses guests into the rich culture and history of this part of Mexico, allowing them a true blend of exotic nature and comfortable luxury. The culinary offerings are like no other, as one of the best chefs in the world designed the menu. With a total of only 36 suites, guests will enjoy this luxury experience while enjoying their privacy.

The Chablé Spa focuses on combining ancient healing techniques with modern science. The spa gets its natural energy from a power source created by the Mayans, allowing for the ancient healing the spa is well-known for.

3. Andronis Concept Wellness Resort, Santorini, Greece. This top spa resort is located on one of the more romantic coastlines in the world. Guests can expect to receive the personalized service they deserve, all while relaxing in one of the luxurious suites. Many of these suites include an infinity pool, which are built in a way that allows guests to enjoy the setting sun over the Aegean Sea. While this top luxury spa resort offers guests all the amenities they can imagine, the overall atmosphere is one that is sophisticated, warm and welcoming.

The Kallos Spa is located within the resort and offers guests beauty treatments, health enhancing treatments, therapeutic relaxation treatments, yoga sessions, detoxing meals and a variety of holistic therapy techniques that support one’s overall well-being.

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

A Day at Torciano Winery

by JuJuB

Traveling to Italy? Taking time to visit the Torciano Winery is a must for those who appreciate luxury wines. This Italian winery offers visitors a welcoming place where they can enjoy all things wine, while relaxing and enjoying the extraordinary views.

Torciano Winery

The Torciano Winery was founded in 1720 and is now in its 13th generation of wine producing. The warm hospitality found here is like no other, as the focus of the winery is on celebrating both their style and heritage. Pierluigi Giachi, owner of Tenuta Torciano Winery, places a lot of attention on creating an Italian experience for those who visit his winery that is simply like no other. One of his many goals is to help travelers understand how to pair the right food with the right wine, which simply makes every dining experience all that much more enjoyable.

Wine lovers will enjoy the variety of both red Italian wines and white Italian wines available here, as well as additional wine options, like sparkling wines and dessert wines. Visitors will also get to learn proper glass etiquette, a skill that will take them far in their wine tasting adventures. Because the Torciano Winery has such an impressive history and is able to offer visitors so many options, this is a winery that needs to be on everyone’s travel bucket list.

The following are just some of the options available when visiting Torciano Winery. Making reservations is recommended due to their popularity.

 

  • Lunch in the actual winery, includes tasting
  • Dinner in the actual winery, includes tasting
  • Truffle hunting, includes lunch and tasting
  • Tour the vineyard, includes tasting in winery
  • Cooking classes, includes tasting in winery

 

For those who love wine and are looking for one of the most romantic and scenic venues located in Italy to get married, know that the team at Torciano Winery will take care of all the details. Newlyweds can also expect romance with every dining experience, as a romantic dinner in the winery includes wine tasting and much more.

For those who enjoy a luxury wine vacation, the option to take a full tour of the winery via a private helicopter is available. This truly incredible journey allows visitors to explore the Tuscany area from above, making for incredible lifetime memories.

For those who are interested in getting a group of friends together to take a vacation based on all things wine, there is simply no other winery that can offer them the warm hospitality offered here, which all stems from the Giachi family’s passion for their Italian heritage.

For visiting families, know that there are fun activities that make visiting the winery exciting for the whole family, including mini bowling and archery.

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

Most Unusual Experiences When Visiting New York City

by JuJuB

Currently planning your next trip to the Big Apple? How exciting! New York City is one of the top tourist destinations in the entire world as there are so many things to see and do in this concrete jungle. Since you’ve previously vacationed in New York City, you’ve already seen some of the more popular New York City attractions – Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park. Now you’re looking to experience some of the more unusual experiences that the City that Never Sleeps has to offer.

Most Unusual Experiences

The following is a list of some of the more unusual experiences vacationers can choose to partake in when visiting New York City.

 

  • Comedy Clubs. Instead of attending some of the more popular comedy clubs in New York City, attend an improvisational theater, i.e. Upright Citizens Brigade.
  • Roosevelt Hotel. Enjoy drinking cocktails on the Roosevelt Hotel rooftop (only available during the summer months).
  • Kayak Down the Hudson River.
  • Mixology Class. Take a mixology class at Apotheke, where you get to create your own version of your favorite alcoholic drink.
  • Visit Off the Main Path Museums. Visit the National Museum of the American Indian, a very interesting and completely free museum.
  • Manhattan Forest. Instead of visiting Central Park, head uptown to visit the oldest forest in Manhattan. Specifically Inwood Hill Park, which is home to the oldest forest and salt marsh located in the city of Manhattan.
  • Visit a European Monastery.
  • Chinatown, off the beaten path. Instead of visiting Chinatown by going down its main street, Canal Street, head down the secret alleyways that will lead you to additional Chinese shops. Here you’ll find everything from medicinal teas to professional massages to freshly made dim sum.
  • Manhattan Ski Resort. When there’s enough snow, head to Central Park’s Bethesda Fountain for some fun skiing, sledding or snowboarding adventures.
  • Walk Down the High Line While it’s Raining.
  • New Year’s Day. Join of thousands of people who jump into the Atlantic Ocean on New Year’s Day.
  • Jazz Age Festival. From June to August, people can dress up like a flapper and enjoy one of the most spectacular jazz festivals taking place today.
  • Take a Bus Ride. Plan for a day of hoping on and hoping off buses. You can either plan the day are keep it completely spontaneous.
  • Find the Hidden Door to Old New York.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Where is the Best Place to go to Exchange Currency for Travel?

by JuJuB


Getting ready to travel abroad? Wondering where the best place is for you to exchange currency? Because currency exchange rates are going to vary, understanding where you can exchange your currencies so you can get the best rate is a smart idea. Carefully choosing a place where you can exchange your currency for another can save you lots of money, as you’ll be avoiding both poor exchange rates and potential high fees.

Where is the Best Place to go to Exchange Currency for Travel?

In order to make sure travelers are not taken advantage of when traveling to another country, it’s best for them to exchange their currencies before they take their trip at a well-known bank or hotel.

 

  • Before Leaving Home: there are many banks in the United States that will allow their customers to purchase foreign currencies before taking a trip outside the country. All someone needs to do is contact their bank and ask if they offer this service. If they do, they need to also ask what their exchange rate is and whether or not they charge any fees for this service. Comparing the bank’s exchange rate to the global exchange rate will let people know if they’re indeed getting a good deal by using their bank to exchange their currency for travel.

 

  • Using a Known Hotel for Currency Exchange: many hotels in other countries will allow their guests to exchange their currencies at the front desk. Be sure to understand their buy and sell exchange rates. And know if they charge you 10% or less to do the transaction, that this is a fair fee.

 

  • Using a Credit Card to Exchange Currency: while using a credit card to exchange currency is often an option, understand that the exchange rates when using most credit cards are going to be high. Using a credit card that doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees is therefore recommended.

 

Travelers who happen to have any foreign currency left over after their trip should exchange it before leaving the country, as this will allow them the best rates.

 

A few currency exchange tips:

  • Don’t let a foreign merchant charge your credit card in dollars
  • Don’t use your credit card to get cash advances in foreign countries
  • While using a currency converter website may seem convenient, the exchange rates will not only be higher, you also have to pay for the delivery charges

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Packing Light for Winter

by JuJuB


Planning on traveling this winter? Looking for ways to NOT overpack when traveling during the colder winter weather months? Good idea. You definitely want to avoid lugging around heavy suitcases while traveling, and by learning a few simple tips for packing light in the wintertime you won’t have to. Since the winter months are right around the corner, now’s the time for you to understand how to pack for winter as it really does require a whole new packing approach.

Ready to learn some really great tips that will make packing in the wintertime a breeze?

How to Pack Lighter During Cold Months – A Few Tips

Packing appropriately for each and every trip is definitely an art. You don’t want to under pack as you want to be sure you bring everything you need, and you don’t want to over pack as this can make it difficult for you to find anything, and overpacked luggage is heavy! This makes it a fine line when it comes to packing the perfect suitcase.

When packing for wintertime travel, of course you’re going to need to pack clothes that are going to keep you warm, like sweaters, jackets, warm pants, scarves, etc. So what are a few things you can do to make packing when traveling during cold weather super simple?

Here’s a list of the best winter packing tips you can follow.

TIP: Wear your heaviest sweater and bulkiest coat when boarding your plane.

TIP: Put your jacket in your carry-on bag it the bag is large enough.

TIP: Wear one pair of weatherproof winter boots and bring two pairs of really warm socks.

TIP: Pack a neutral colored lightweight hat, 2 neutral colored scarves, and a pair of thin, neutral colored waterproof gloves. Neutral colors go with everything!

TIP: Pack thin items that can be layered, i.e. thin sweaters, thermal tops, thermal bottoms.

TIP: Pack 2 pairs of warm pants, one black pair and one neutral colored pair.

TIP: Use a compression bag to pack thick sweaters and jackets.

TIP: Invest in a quality, lightweight carry-on bag that offers lots of pockets for organizing.

TIP: Instead of packing pajamas, sleep in thermals.

TIP: Plan out your wardrobe be laying out all of your options on your bed so you can create at least 10 outfits by mixing and matching the same items.

Good to Know! When you board a plane, the further back you go the less likely you’ll have any overhead space to put your belongings.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

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