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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

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

Sydney Australia for New Years

by Tammy


Looking forward to celebrating next New Year’s Eve? Making plans for the next new year should always be done many months in advance, as this is the best way to ensure that you get to do exactly what you want to do when celebrating the new year coming in. Because there are many new year’s celebrations that you’re able to choose from that are taking place all over the world, making sure you know exactly what it is that you want to do is highly recommended. This way you’re able to choose the absolute best New Year’s venue to celebrate the new year coming in, which is going to ensure your having a fabulous time!

Why Sydney Australia?

Did you know that Sydney is known as the New Year’s Eve capitol of the world? Sydney Australia is one of the top rated places for celebrating New Year’s Eve, which is why more than one million people choose to celebrate in Australia’s infamous Sydney Harbor every single year!

The entire event is absolutely free and is one of the most popular and largest gatherings of New Year’s Eve crowds taking place today. Preshow entertainment starts at about 6:00 PM and includes special aboriginal ceremonies, aerial acrobatics and fantastic water displays that are all a must see. There are two different fireworks displays, with the first one starting at about 9:00 PM and the second one starting at the stroke of midnight.

The Harbor of Light Parade starts after the first fireworks show and consists of boats gliding across the water all lit up in different colors, making for a truly spectacular display of lights!

The long running fireworks display is quite spectacular, and can be viewed from the many areas made available so everyone is able to enjoy the fireworks show. While most people do set up along the Sydney Harbor foreshore, other celebrators choose to take a cruise where they can enjoy the fireworks show while enjoying dinner, drinks and entertainment on one of the many cruise options available.

Make Your Plans Now!

Accommodations are not a problem due to the fact that many Sydney hotels will set aside rooms that offer the absolute best New Year’s Eve views, with many including private balconies. If you’re wondering where you’re going to celebrate next New Year’s Eve and thinking that Sydney Australia is the place for you, be sure to book your trip as soon as possible in order to make sure you’re able to get the absolute best New Year’s Eve accommodations.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Small Group Travels to Europe are Best

by Tammy

Thinking about planning your next trip to Europe? Great! A European vacation is able to offer travelers a number of unique and exciting things to do, giving them memories that are easily going to last a lifetime. When you choose to take your next vacation in Europe, you’re going to get to experience all of its rich history and fascinating culture, which is one of the main reasons why Europe is still a top vacation destination. If you’re wanting to get a group together, be sure that it’s a fairly small group, as small group travels to Europe are best.

A European Vacation

The history, the culture, the splendid cuisine, the exciting nightlife, the charming villages, the lovely ambiance and much more are all to be found when vacationing in Europe! Because there is so much to do and see when in Europe, the following is a list of some of the more popular things to do or must see attractions when vacationing  in Europe.

 

  • While Paris, Rome and Florence may be crowded, they are a must see and accordingly are well worth the visit!
  • The Swiss Alps are a perfect vacation stop for travelers who enjoy winter sport activities and small charming towns.
  • The Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is a must see for its sheer beauty, a perfect place for nature lovers.
  • The European architecture includes many styles and is absolutely spectacular, making it a good idea to schedule in some tours of famous architectural buildings.
  • European museums are many and include some of the most impressive collections worldwide.
  • Eating musts include – tapas, pizza, cheeses. Drinking musts – wine.

Why Small Travel Groups are Best

Why are small travel groups best when traveling to Europe? Because small group travels allow travelers to explore their destinations in a much better fashion when compared to large travel groups. Smaller traveling groups are simply able to better enjoy seeing and exploring all of the many sights there are to see when vacationing in Europe. Small groups allow everyone to get to know each other. When there are too many people in a group, it’s easy for travelers to get lost in the crowd.

 

Small group travel benefits:

  • See things the way locals see them – more intimate – places are more easily accessible – can make new friends – has access to places larger groups cant go, like small, local restaurants – impact of small groups is smaller, important when visiting smaller European villages.

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>

 

Traveling with infant tips on the plane

by JuJuB

Dear Tammy: The kids are back in school, but that doesn’t mean that the younger ones are traveling with mom and dad. I have many clients who are traveling during the off season. I would like to give them some healthy travel tips and tips on traveling with infants on a plane. What do you recommend?

Tammy: I think it’s awesome that you want to provide your clients with some tips on how to stay healthy while traveling and how to care for their infants while traveling. Tell them that it’s important to ground themselves when they, or their children, or not feeling well, whether it’s a cold, sinus infection or flu and wait to fly until they feel better. If they must travel, ask about over-the-counter medicine for the symptoms. They may want to take a medication for sinus congestion or aches and pains, but be aware that the medication can cause drowsiness.

It’s important to address ear pressure too. Changes in cabin pressure can cause painful popping in the ears, especially for children. Chew gum and have the child chew gum to restore the balance of pressure during takeoff and landing. For infants, bottle-feeding during this time can be helpful.  Eardrops are also available to help ease the pain.

Whatever your mode of travel, have each child pack a bag filled with their favorite treats, cards, electronic games, a book, notebook and pencil and more. They should also pack a surprise gift or two for the plane trip to keep the children entertained.

Children can also suffer from jet lag, so it’s important to build in some time to adjust their nap schedules. Consider adjusting their nap schedule back a few hours.

Make sure to carry any special medications in your carry-on that your child may need, just in case your luggage is lost.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, when traveling on an airplane, a child is best protected when properly restrained in a car safety seat appropriate for the age, weight and height of the child. Children who weigh more than 40lbs can use the aircraft seat belt. The car safety seat should have a label noting that it is FAA-approved. Belt-positioning booster seats cannot be used on airplanes, but they can be checked as luggage (usually without baggage fees) for use in rental cars and taxis.

Keeping in touch with your clients and providing great travel tips is a great way to be a thoughtful travel agent. Nice job.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

Touring the champagne region of France

by JuJuB

elite-travel-group

Did you know that in 19th century England, the high society ladies polished their boots with champagne? Did you know that Marilyn Monroe once bathed in 350 bottles of the sparkling wine?

Most of us prefer to sip champagne, especially at important events such as weddings and New Year’s Eve. If your love of champagne is even more intense, than perhaps a trip to the champagne region of France should be on your travel agenda for next year.

France is where you can tour houses of such great champagne producers as Domaine Pommery, where you can tour the Elizabethan-style estate that includes an exhibition of contemporary art. There are samples to taste as well. The country is also home to the Ruinart wines in the Crayères, the oldest established Champagne house, producing champagne since 1729. Here you can enjoy a two-hour tour that includes a guided tasting of two cuvées. (Ruinart is closed for the season until March 13, 2017).

Located north east of Paris, in Epernay, is Moët & Chandon, one of the most popular champagnes in the world. Located in Epernay, Champagne, north east of Paris, there are a variety of Moët & Chandon tours, including a 45-minute traditional tour followed by a tasting of Moët Impérial, a champagne that was created in 1869.

In Reims, the Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin specializes in producing luxury champagne since 1772. You can choose to take a tour of the cellar and learn about how they make their champagne. The G.H. Mumm Champagne house you tour more than 25 million bottles of fine Champagne.

Not sure how to taste champagne? There are champagne tasting workshops help throughout France, so sharpen your skills by signing up for a course. Hey, more champagne to taste!

New Year’s Eve is also called National Champagne Day. For more information, Check out champagne and wine expert Liz Palmer’s first book, The Ultimate Guide to Champagne, which debuted in September. The 316 page book includes 220 photos, as well as charts and more.

Here’s a tip for that bottle you will bring home: According to champagne experts, champagne should be stored between 50 to 55 degrees in a humid environment, but place it on its side to prevent the cork from drying out. Serve it between 44 to 48 degrees.

Elite Travel Management Group, Inc

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

Best destination for a family reunion

by JuJuB

elite-travel-group

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elite Travel Group

Long Layovers at Airports

by JuJuB

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

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