By the Custom Elite Travel Team.

Bolivia is one of only two countries in all of North, South and Central America that is landlocked. Situated next to Brazil, Peru and Chile, it has been able to sustain a lot of its natural beauty and maintain the culture of its native peoples. In fact, 60 percent of Bolivia’s population is indigenous.

While the capital of Bolivia, La Paz, has beautiful hotels and interesting culture, if you truly want to experience the best of what Bolivia has to offer you need to experience the cities and towns on the outskirts. Read More »

By the Custom Elite Travel Team.

Americans are more familiar with Argentina than most other South American nations because of its former first lady, Eva Peron, who was known for her glamour and power. Eva Peron’s legend continues today as her story is told and retold in the TONY winning Musical “Evita.”

But Argentina is much more than what you see on stage, or what you know of Buenos Aires, the capital of the country. Argentina offers a wide variety of experiences, and below you can check out some destinations you might want to consider as you plan your next vacation. Read More »

By the Custom Elite Travel Team.

It’s clear to see that South America is the hottest travel destination in the world. According to the United Nations, travel to the continent grew 10 percent in 2011, more than any other region in the world. There were also major milestones in South America in the past few years. In 2011, Peru commemorated  the discovery of the fascinating ruins of Machu Picchu 100 years ago. In 2009, Rio de Janeiro was selected as host to the 2016 Olympics, the first South American city to ever host the games. Read More »

By Brandon Biss, Senior Travel Consultant, Custom Elite Travel.

Our fabulous Australian Adventure has come to an end, but we made sure to end our trip with a bang! Our last night in Australia was spent on a double date with Paul and Margaret Daffin. The Daffins are long-time and very loyal clients of mine. They are from Houston, but we thought meeting in Sydney would be more convenient! Meggie, the Daffins and I went to the famous Sydney Opera House to see Puccini’s Turandot. It is a story about a stranger’s quest for the love of Princess Turandot. Meggie and I enjoyed the show and our first opera! This picture was taken from the Opera House Bar after the show. Read More »

By Brandon Biss, Senior Travel Consultant, Custom Elite Travel.

As we travel on the Great Ocean Road and take in Australia’s natural beauty, I have to remember that Australian’s drive on the left side of the road. The bigger issue, however, is that the driver sits on the right side of the car! It took a few tries not to turn on the wipers when trying to use the turn signal!

Not only do I have to concentrate on what side of the road to drive on, I have to be on the lookout for kangaroos! Read More »

By Brandon Biss, Senior Travel Consultant, Custom Elite Travel.

Next up on our agenda was to see top ranked Novak Djokovic take on fifth ranked David Ferrer. As happens at all big tennis matches, my adrenalin was pumping and I was sitting on the edge of my seat. In the end, Djokovic came out victorious and celebrated his straight-set win over David Ferrer.

We enjoyed our time at the Australian Open and relished seeing some wonderful tennis matches! Attending the Australian Open was always a dream of mine and I’m glad to have had an opportunity to cross this off my bucket list. However, I now have the urge to attend more tournaments. Who knows, maybe I will be heading to London for Wimbledon next! Read More »

By Brandon Biss, Senior Travel Consultant, Custom Elite Travel.

The games have begun…

One of my dreams was to attend the Australian Open and watch some of my favorite tennis players in action. Now that I am living this dream, I am taking in every moment. Check out this photo of Meggie and me on our double date with Rafa and Tomas Berdych! Ok, so it’s not a real date, but we’re practically close enough to touch!

Watching tennis on television is exciting, but nothing like experiencing a match in person. Now I know they can hear me yelling and screaming! The match between Rafa and Tomas Berdych was invigorating and exciting and, in the end, Rafa pulled out a hard-fought, 4-set victory! Berdych played very well, but didn’t quite have enough for Nadal. Read More »

By Brandon Biss, Senior Travel Consultant, Custom Elite Travel.

Well, the much-anticipated climb is here… Can we handle the pressure and make it to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge?

When we woke up the morning of the climb and looked out from our hotel room, all we saw was rain, but we didn’t want to let some bad weather ruin our mood. Finally, after waiting out the morning downpour and ascending over 1,300 steps, we made it to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge!

After our climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge we were off to dinner and to enjoy our last night in Sydney. One of the main reasons for our trip to Australia was to have the chance to watch parts of the Australian Open. Being an avid tennis fan I was looking forward to this great opportunity to catch some of my favorite players in action! The next morning we were waking up and heading to Melbourne! Read More »

By Brandon Biss, Senior Travel Consultant, Custom Elite Travel.

My Australian Adventure has begun! Here is a recap of my past few days…

Passport…check. Bags packed…check. Glass of wine before the 15-hour flight to Sydney…check!  We are ready to leave for Australia.

After almost 20 hours worth of flying, we finally made it to Sydney! Time to relax by the pool before a walk around town. Here is a view from my hotel room, which is on the 18th floor of the Four Seasons Sydney! 
Next up on my list of things to do was to meet long-time and very loyal client, Franca. It just so happens that Franca owns a local restaurant, Rossini, and she treated my girlfriend, Meggie and me to a wonderful lunch and refreshing glass of wine. Thank you Franca…it was great to finally meet you! This is a picture of Franca and me in front of her restaurant, Rossini. Read More »

By Brandon Biss, Senior Travel Consultant, Custom Elite Travel.

Every week, I make a series of “Bon Voyage” calls to wish my clients safe travels and best-wishes for a memorable experience. Most respond with a ”Thank you” and “I can’t believe we leave this week!” While some plan at the last minute, others plan months or even a year in advance. I can hear the anticipation in their voices right before departure. Read More »