elevated travel

Elevated Travel

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Our Background

We are a group of people who are well-versed in the fun and rigors of traveling. Our travel agency came together to help other people plan and book their dream vacations. We have over 40 years of travel planning between us!

Our Services

Whether you're looking for a cruise, plane tickets, accommodations, or the whole package, we have you covered! Simple tell one of our specialists where you want to go and we'll help you figure out the rest. We work directly with other companies to get the best deals.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

While working with us, we want you to be completely happy with the experience. If you have questions about us, our services, or even travel tips, get in touch! We hope you continue to book with us for many years to come. 

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Chris Lawrence

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At Elevated Travel Journeys, we elevate the concept of travel beyond mere planning, designing dream escapes tailored to your unique desires. Our mission is to craft journeys that resonate with the discerning traveler — where serenity and excitement coexist, tailored just for you. Whether you’re drawn to the peacefulness of hidden gems or the exhilaration of unique adventures, we specialize in creating experiences perfect for those seeking a getaway without the little ones.

As your personal travel muses, we bring a wealth of expertise to the table. From handpicked luxury cruises and lavish hotels to exclusive resorts and comprehensive all-inclusive packages, every aspect of your journey is curated with precision. Our services extend to arranging convenient car rentals and seamless flight bookings, ensuring each step of your travel is as smooth and enjoyable as the destinations themselves.

At Elevated Travel Journeys, personalization is not just a service; it’s our philosophy. We delve into your individual travel aspirations to design a voyage that’s uniquely yours — an adventure that’s as distinctive as you are. Leave the meticulous planning to us; your role is to revel in anticipation and pack for what promises to be an unforgettable journey.

Embark on an adventure with Elevated Travel Journeys. Elevate your travel experience to new heights, where every destination is more than a place — it’s a vibrant new chapter in your story, filled with unparalleled experiences and memorable escapades.

Hello, and thank you for checking out my travel agency's blog.

Elevated Travel Advisors plans custom cruise and land vacations to the Caribbean Islands. We also serve the Caribbean coasts of Mexico, Belize, Panama, Honduras, and Costa Rica. As a  Carnival Cruise Diamond level specialist and certified Bahamas Vacation Specialist with additional certifications in planning Bahamas Romance, Group, and Dive experiences, I can create a custom itinerary or plan a group event on any of the beautiful Caribbean Locales.

The Beginning

After working in the travel industry for large brands, including Radisson, Hilton, and American Express Travel Services, I decided to use that knowledge to help people plan vacations while giving them the best value. I made many mistakes planning my family's vacations using online booking sites and researching prices for months. Before learning the industry, I would often miss the best deal, always holding out for something better because, without experience, I couldn't gauge value. I would come home exhausted and disappointed because we would miss out on things we would have enjoyed, but I had not budgeted or scheduled the event so we missed many unique opportunities because all I knew was how to book hotels online. I knew I wasn't the only one to do this, so once I gained years of travel industry experience and training, I decided to plan custom vacations, so my clients don't come home exhausted, over budget, and disappointed.

Committing to the Caribbean

When I started my agency, I knew I was different from most travel agencies and booking sites because it is rare to only work with one region. Still, it allowed me to build relationships with regional businesses and provide specialized services. Suppose a client wants to only stay in wellness hotels dedicated to sustainable practices in the Caribbean. In that case, I can offer the client accommodations that meet their needs and offer responsible and sustainable travel options. 

Planning group travel, romantic events or anniversaries, family vacations, and retirement trips requires first-hand knowledge of the area, which I have since I began traveling to the Caribbean 22 years ago. Anyone can book a hotel, but a well-trained travel agent can SAVE you money and is available to assist you during your trip. The only way to achieve this level of specialization was to focus on one region. The Caribbean's proximity and accessibility to the U.S., and my experience with the region convinced me to start an agency dedicated to Caribbean travel. 

engaging experiences

Inspiring incentive trips, motivational meetings, transformational retreats.

Hello, I’m Sarah Reuter , Founder and CEO (Chief Experience Officer) of Elevate Travel Co. I believe we are given the opportunity to DREAM BIG, and lift each other up, every single day - the inspiration for naming the company and the belief system within all of my relationships and the experiences I love to create for my clients.

Being a part of the travel and hospitality industry for over 20 years has helped me discover that incentive travel, meetings, and events can and should be life-changing.

It’s an honor and privilege to work with each unique client. It's my promise to understand your vision/company culture/goals/budget so I can help elevate your experiences and create magical moments that will leave you and your attendees feeling inspired, informed, overjoyed, fulfilled, motivated, appreciated, relaxed, recognized, and at ease.

Let's elevate life's moments, shall we?

to raise the spirits of

To improve morally, intellectually, or culturally, to raise or lift (something) up to a higher position.

We are the faithful advocates of your time, money and vision! Although we specialize in group travel management, it's relationships that we value most. We are an extension of your existing team, eager to understand your culture and how we may best serve your needs.

We work closely with you to conceptualize, manage, and execute experiences created around your organization’s vision and budget. We put you at ease so that you may focus on what matters most in your business.

We specialize in providing a full-service turnkey approach. Hit the easy button, and choose the components which will best serve your specific goals and program budget for your next company incentive trip, client or employee appreciation trip, sales meeting, board meeting, President’s Club, or VIP special event.

Group Air Travel

Hotel sourcing, room block management, ground transportation, unique excursions, program management, on-site staffing, online registration, communications support, virtual meetings + experiences, destination vlogs, program development, themed event design, food & beverage, customized gifts, attendee engagement, communication support + marketing, experiences, northern india - a journey of the senses, inspiration, exploration, cultural, yoga, local festivals & rituals, dates / duration, saturday, march 7 - saturday, march 21, 2020, 12 hotel nights / 14 days total including flight days, cities visited, delhi - agra - rishikesh - amritsar - dharamshala, "i’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.", maya angelou, incentive trip, insurance company.

"Sarah helped with booking flights, airport transfers, hotel selection and was available as needed during our trip as well. It allowed me to enjoy the trip to know that she was handling the logistics. Your services are invaluable and were exactly what we needed. Thank you for helping me plan an incentive trip for our office. I would highly recommend using Sarah for your incentive travel planning.”

Appreciation Trip

It staffing & recruiting company.

“Sarah’s goal is to provide an unparalleled travel experience for every client she encounters; and that’s not just for the corporation as a whole, but every attendee and their guests on the trip as well.  She’s extremely friendly, approachable and always goes out of her way to make each encounter a positive one.  She makes it easy for our employees to connect and feel relaxed. She cares about the company’s core values and missions herself to make sure those are a top priority at every turn.”

Leisure Trip

Happy traveler.

“Sarah takes away the anxiety of travel choices. I have depended on her knowledge and referrals over the past several years to help me plan amazing vacations. Her advice and choices have always delivered.

Sarah Reuter

Chief experience officer, yes i would like to receive a free international travel checklist., (warning: by providing your email, our elevated travel tips will appear in your inbox once every quarter and you may experience symptoms of feeling uplifted, happy, and at ease), copyright © 2019 elevate travel co. llc.  all rights reserved..

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Eygpt and Ghana

Egypt’s capital and is considered by many Egyptians to be the “Mother of all Cities”. Join us as we immerse ourselves in this fascinating culture and learn about the civilization of Ancient Egypt and the importance of the Nile to the Egyptian people. Live the magic of the past and explore the wonders of the Nile by visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshep.                Explore the rich history and culture of Ghana during your visit. You will experience the contrast of Accra with the coastal lands of Elmina, the Cape Coast, and the

Elmina Castles and Fort. You'll be captivated by the legendary history and extraordinary culture of the Ashanti Kingdom during our visit to Kumasi – the Capital of the Ashanti region. Shop at the Kejeta Market – one of the largest open air markets in West Africa. You will have the opportunity to explore and learn about Ghana’s Historic Slave Trade where you will view the Door of No Return

Explore Greece and

The greek islands.

From picturesque fishing villages to ancient historic ruins, a vacation to Greece is not to be missed. Spend ten (10) days exploring Athens and the popular Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini. Embark on a journey through the islands, with endless sunshine and fabulous feasts. Experience the traditional way of life; the island songs; the warm hospitality; and the gorgeous beaches. All these things make a trip to Greece a unique and unforgettable experience. 

Athens is often referred to as the cradle of western civilization. It is a beloved city that has been visited for decades. Athens boasts an astonishing blend of cultural attractions, historical monuments, exquisite gastronomy, marvelous hotels, amazing nightlife, and magnificent beaches. Hospitality is a major part of the Greek culture and there’s no better way to experience it than a trip to Athens.

You will also visit Mykonos one of the most famous Greek islands, known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and stylish nightlife. Enjoy beach club parties and nightclubs which attract some of the world’s biggest DJ’s. This is the perfect place to take your partying to the next level. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better nightlife anywhere in Europe. 

In addition to the great nightlife, Mykonos is a place of rich history, with various references to the island in Greek mythology. This island has so much more to offer, making it the ideal vacation destination for anyone and everyone!

Santorini is an incredibly beautiful island most famous for its unique blue domes and viewpoints. People from all around the world travel to Santorini to admire the beauty of the island. It’s also famous for its delicious food, wineries, and history. A trip to Santorini would not be complete without a visit to the village of Oia for its magical sunsets and a trip to Kamari Beach to see the black sand beach. 

The Black Paris Tour and a Taste of France

The Black Paris Tour and a Taste of France gives you a cultural experience like no other. Join us in celebrating the best of Black Paris, the Bordeaux wine region, and a glimpse into the life of the legendary Josephine Baker. We start in Paris with a private guided bus tour that retraces the illustrious lives and achievements of Black African Americans in Paris. Our Black Paris tour will focus on popular areas like The Latin Quarter/St. Germain-des-Pres, Champs-Elysées and Lower Montmartre. We will relive the excitement of Black Montmartre of the 1920s and 1930s where jazz flourished alongside African art, decadence, and black entrepreneurs. We will take a private guided tour of the Black Images at the Louvre Museum and dine at a black owned restaurant in Paris. You will also have a day of leisure to explore and shop in Paris on your own. You will leave Paris with a real feel and intimate knowledge of how Black Americans lived in Paris yesterday and today. 

After we tour Paris, we will head south by railway to explore the Bordeaux region and to discover world-famous vineyards, tour wine cellars, enjoy tastings and explore the old village. Our journey continues eastward to take an exclusive tour of Josephine Baker’s former home, Chateau des Milandes, which is now an awe-inspiring tribute and exhibit to her life.

About Elevated Travels with Essi

We’ll Get You There

Where do you want to go? That's the first question we ask our clients when they contact us, and we are always curious about the answer. No matter what travel destination you choose, our team will get you there. Offering the best rates in the market, we will take care of accommodation, transportation, travel insurance and all the extras, so you can focus on having fun. Have you started your packing list yet?

Our Commitment to You

Outstanding Quality

 Elevated Travels with Essi (ETWE) is a full-service travel planning and travel concierge company that works with clients at all stages in the planning and booking process. Our services include helping clients select a destination and planning every detail, crafting itineraries based on interests, and advising clients on documentation like passports, visa requirements and airport logistics. 

Upon completion of our conversation, ETWE will match your travel goals, budget, and personal preferences with an itinerary or package that meets your needs.  We have the expertise to perfectly execute any kind of trip, from beachside family vacations, destination weddings to international once-in-a-lifetime excursions and group retreats. 

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Mastering Mountain Mystique: How to Prepare for High-Altitude Travel

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• High-altitude travel requires comprehensive preparation to prevent acute mountain sickness .
• Acclimatization, the process of adapting to altitude, is key for a successful journey.
• Engaging in pre-trip training can enhance your body’s capability to cope with high altitudes.
• Keeping hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can help manage altitude sickness.
• Always travel with a well-stocked high-altitude first aid kit.

Understanding Altitude: The Science Behind the Sickness

The higher you climb, the thinner the air becomes. This scarcity of oxygen can send your body into a tailspin. As Dr. Benjamin Levine , a renowned Professor of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, states, “At high altitudes, the body responds to the decrease in oxygen availability by increasing the respiratory rate and the heart rate. Understanding these physiological responses and preparing accordingly can make the difference between a successful trip and a medical emergency.”

Acclimatization: The Body’s Natural Defense

Consider acclimatization with your body’s built-in altitude toolkit. It takes about two to three weeks for your body to acclimate to high altitudes. During this phase, your body turns into a lean, mean, oxygen-processing machine, enhancing the efficiency of your mitochondria – the cellular powerhouses – and increasing the number of red blood cells, helping ferry more oxygen to your muscles and brain.

High-Altitude Prep: From Couch Potato to Mountain Goat

Pre-trip training.

Before embarking on your journey , focus on improving your aerobic fitness . This involves endurance-based activities like jogging, cycling, and swimming. Strength training, especially exercises targeting your core, can also improve your trekking prowess. Remember, an altitude-ready body is not built overnight, so plan to start your training a few months in advance.

Diet and Hydration

Keeping hydrated can ward off symptoms of altitude sickness. Aim to drink at least 3-4 liters of water a day. Nutritious, easy-to-digest foods like fruits , vegetables, and complex carbohydrates can keep your energy levels stable.

The High-Altitude First Aid Kit

Your high-altitude first aid kit should contain essentials such as medication for altitude sickness (Diamox), pain relief (Ibuprofen), anti-nausea medication, sun protection, and a portable oxygen cylinder.

Conquer the Heights: Em

brace the Journey Once you’re physically prepared, it’s time to plan your ascent. Pace yourself, ascend gradually, and ensure you spend a day acclimatizing for every 600-900 meters (2,000-3,000 feet) of elevation gained. It’s not a race to the top; it’s about enjoying the journey while staying safe and healthy.

The Art of “Climb High, Sleep Low”

This mountaineering mantra encourages climbers to ascend to higher altitudes during the day and descend to sleep at night, thereby aiding acclimatization.

The Road Less Travelled: Uncommon Approaches to High-Altitude Travel

Mindfulness and meditation.

Mental preparation is just as crucial as physical preparation. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you stay focused, reduce stress, and enhance your overall travel experience. High-altitude travel isn’t just about reaching the top, but about connecting with nature and yourself.

Embrace the Local Culture

Engage with local communities, explore regional cuisines, and learn about traditional altitude remedies. It’s an enriching way to add more depth to your adventure.

FAQs on High-Altitude Travel

What is the most common mistake high-altitude travelers make.

The most common mistake is ascending too quickly. This does not allow the body time to acclimatize, leading to altitude sickness.

What should I eat while traveling at high altitudes?

Focus on a diet rich in carbohydrates. This provides the body with much-needed energy and aids in digestion, which can be slower at high altitudes.

What is the ideal pace for high-altitude trekking?

The pace varies from person to person. However, the general rule of thumb is to go slow, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude gradually.

Are children more prone to altitude sickness?

Children can acclimatize just as well as adults. However, because they might not be able to communicate their discomfort, caregivers should watch for symptoms of altitude sickness.

Can people with pre-existing medical conditions travel to high altitudes?

People with certain conditions, such as heart and lung diseases, should consult their healthcare provider before planning a high-altitude trip.

What is the ideal time to start preparing for high-altitude travel?

For physical preparation, starting two to three months in advance of your journey is generally recommended. For planning your trip and learning about altitude sickness and acclimatization, the earlier the better.

How will I know if I have altitude sickness?

Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and sleep problems. If you experience any of these symptoms, descend to a lower altitude immediately and seek medical help.

Can I still get altitude sickness if I am in good physical shape?

Yes, fitness does not guarantee immunity from altitude sickness. The key is to acclimatize properly, irrespective of physical conditioning.

Is it possible to prevent altitude sickness?

While you cannot fully guarantee prevention, following the guidelines in this guide-such as gradual ascent, hydration, balanced diet, and appropriate rest-can significantly reduce the risk.

Can altitude sickness be life-threatening?

In severe cases, if not treated promptly, altitude sickness can indeed be life-threatening. It’s essential to recognize symptoms early and descend to a lower altitude as quickly as possible.

A Final Word

Taking on high altitudes is not just about physical stamina; it’s an all-encompassing endeavor that requires mental fortitude, comprehensive preparation, and a deep respect for nature’s unpredictability. By being mindful of these recommendations , you’ll stand a better chance of turning an ambitious high-altitude journey into a triumphant and enriching life experience.

• International Society for Mountain Medicine
• Interview with Dr. Benjamin Levine, UT Southwestern Medical Center
• High Altitude Medicine Guide

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One response to “Mastering Mountain Mystique: How to Prepare for High-Altitude Travel”

Great piece, Kevin Erickson! Your perspective on economic cycles really resonates with me. I recall the 2008 recession when I was job hunting – pretty grim. How do you reckon the current pandemic era will shape future cycles? Also, perhaps it’s worth delving into the role of government intervention during these cycles. In my experience, legislation can drastically nudge the pendulum either way. 💭📈

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Welcome to elevated escapes.

Our passion is traveling! We pride ourselves on not just booking travel for others, but experiencing it for ourselves so we have first-hand knowledge to offer our clients.  Our personal touch, attention to detail and years of experience ensure your travel arrangements are hassle free.  Contact us today to learn more about our offerings and to be our next truly satisfied customer.

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At Elevated Escapes, the sky’s the limit in terms of creating your next travel itinerary. Our knowledgeable and experienced agents are waiting to plan every last detail of your upcoming trip, so all that’s left for you is to enjoy it. We are a home-based agency,  but you can send us an email and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible or let us know if you would like to set up an appointment.  We look forward to hearing from you!

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"Jessica plans our trips as if she was taking them herself. We give her our dates, destination and wish list and she puts together the most amazing itinerary. The itineraries are considerate of your family’s needs and allows you to experience the best each destination has to offer without feeling rushed and overwhelmed. With so much travel experience under her belt, she provides guidance and options you may not have considered. We can’t speak highly enough of Jessica and will continue to use her for our international and domestic trips."

Nancy Anderson

"Jessica came highly recommended to us by a family member for assistance planning a first-time Disney cruise to celebrate my young son’s birthday.   Jessica knew the booking process inside and out – she took into consideration placement of our stateroom to minimize noise and get the best views, dinner timing to accommodate young children, scheduling ground transportation, finding the perfect hotel to stay in prior to embarkment, etc., etc., etc.  I can’t recommend Jessica highly enough!!"

Yvette Greeves

"Jessica was immensely professional and knowledgeable when she undertook planning our itinerary for our dream trip to Kauai.  It was an incredibly special trip.  Jessica met with us several times.  She provided us with a lot of valuable information from packing, traveling on the plane, to island life, and so much more.  Jessica always responded to our emails in a timely manner.  I could rave on and on.  Jessica herself, is her own best testament to all that she is capable of doing to plan incredible experiences traveling to any destination."  

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         With years of experience in travel, you can trust that I’ll help you make the best decisions, guiding you throughout the entire trip planning, and traveling process. Every step of the way.         

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Destination expert.

      It is my job to know the world’s greatest destinations inside and out. It is my passion to lend my knowledge to you. My expertise and resources give you an insider’s view of your next destination.      

      My extensive knowledge of cruise lines, resorts, airlines, tour operators, and destinations allow us to cut through the clutter and zero in on what’s important in your journey.       

Personalized Travel

      As a concierge travel agent, I have access to amazing value for your budget, limited-time offers, exclusive rates, blocked rates, and more that are impossible to obtain on your own.      

    With our global network of trusted travel partners, we are able to custom-tailor your vacation to perfectly match your individual needs. Whether you want to relax, cram it all in, or get wild, we can do it!      

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        Sometimes things just happen that may be beyond our ability to prevent, such as a missed plane connection, unpredictable weather, or even personal matters. We will be ready to help at a moment’s notice. When you book with us, we are always a phone call, email, facebook message, or text message away!     

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How we started

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NewAge Elevated Travel was established September 2022. The owner has always liked traveling and has taken many trips over the last 11 years. She decided it was time to venture out and create a way for others to have some of the same experiences as her, with that in mind here we are today. Our goal is to make traveling fun, stress free and exciting, all while visiting places all over the world. Let us make your traveling dreams come true.

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Get Connected Today

Elevated Travel Solutions LLC, a premier Colorado-based travel agency, caters to discerning adventurers seeking unforgettable experiences. With a profound passion for exploration, I specialize in crafting extraordinary cruise and resort getaways. My meticulous attention to detail, combined with extensive industry knowledge, ensures seamless journeys that exceed expectations. Let me elevate your travel dreams to new heights! As your personal Travel Agent, I’ll devote time and effort to making sure you’re happy with your travel options. If you need any assistance, I’m just a phone call or e-mail away, so you’ll receive the immediate attention you not only need, but also deserve!

My Specialties

Plan the cruise vacation of a lifetime.

Are you dreaming of flawless beaches and a picturesque paradise, highlighted by the glow of the sun as it dips below the Caribbean horizon? Perhaps you’d rather awaken before dawn and greet the day with the sun as it peeks out over a glacier in Alaska. Or maybe your paradise is a cobblestone city square surrounded by beautiful buildings – a view sure to be best enjoyed from a nearby café.  

I can help you find the cruise that fits your budget and is perfectly tailored to your wishes. There are several cruise lines and ships to choose from whether you’re looking for family fun, non-stop adventure, or the luxury of the finest cuisine and onboard entertainment.  

Whether your heart is set on the river or the ocean, I’ll arrange your cruise, pre- or post-cruise accommodations, shore excursions, and air travel so your vacation will be smooth sailing.  

Enjoy the Best of Life

If you’re looking to plan a stress-free and relaxing vacation, staying at an all-inclusive resort tops the list. At these resorts, your accommodations, food, drinks, activities, entertainment, and more are all included in your package rate. This means that from the moment you arrive on the resort property, you can indulge in all that your amazing vacation experience has to offer.  

Countless Options for Every Vacation Style

Whether you’re looking for the luxury of an adults-only property or a family-friendly resort with endless options for fun, there are plenty of resorts to choose from. Let’s discuss what is on your resort wish list, and I will play matchmaker to help pair you with the perfect resort for your next vacation.  

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Whether you’re ready to sail the seas, explore the world, or relax at a resort, contact me today so we can discuss your plans.

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Wider audience with sound digital marketing strategies.

The travel and tourism markets are constantly in flux, and modern travel and tourism companies need functional, flexible, and reliable marketing strategies to capture and engage their audience. Elevated Internet Marketing offers a complete range of digital marketing services designed to help travel and tourism companies accelerate growth, deliver better customer experiences, and establish brand recognition in a hyper-competitive market.

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Keyword research is a critical part of making your website appear for users searching for products or services like yours. To do it well, we’ve developed a set of keyword tools, designed to identify relevant keywords that rank for you.

Keyword Mapping

Once we’ve determined the best keywords to include, we’ll begin to place them in relevant areas of your pages based on your site structure. Keyword mapping boosts page rank and improves your users’ experience, driving longer site visits and conversions.

Technical SEO

Technical SEO encompasses our behind the scenes work to ensure you perform well and ranks high. We’ll boost your page load speed, address mobile optimization, add structured data markup, and more to enable Google’s crawlers to map your page.

Link Building

Link building is a powerful SEO tool we’ll leverage in your favor. Optimized links to your website, embedded into another website for reference, help to increase traffic and build your credibility by transferring other sites’ authority to your page.

LET’S GET REAL

Give us 15 minutes of your time, and we will tell you if we think we can help or not. Click the button, fill out the form, and we’ll email you to coordinate a time to chat.

Elevated Internet Marketing will assist your team in ensuring every marketing dollar translates to measurable conversions. Our team will work closely with your in-house marketing group to develop a functional marketing budget and capitalize on your unique marketing opportunities using paid media strategies.

While the travel and tourism markets traditionally relied upon print ads, email marketing is now the best way to engage your prospects and share the best travel and tourism opportunities with them. We can help you develop an email marketing strategy that offers a fantastic return on investment.

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Optimization.

Search engine optimization is a cornerstone of modern digital marketing. The Elevated Internet Marketing team can help you develop a sound SEO strategy that ensures your brand remains competitive in search results for the keywords your customers are most likely to use in internet searches.

and Development

Elevated Internet Marketing will help you transform your website to provide every visitor with a memorable and valuable experience. If your current site is little more than a digital business card, we can offer robust visual design guidance and assist with the back-end construction to ensure smooth user experiences.

Your travel and tourism team can rely on Elevated Internet Marketing to provide expert guidance through your marketing campaigns and web design projects. Our goal is to ensure every project you undertake with Elevated Internet Marketing is streamlined and driven by solid results.

Tracking performance over time is crucial for marketing in any industry. We will help you create a robust reporting system that allows you to keep a close watch on key performance indicators over time. Benchmarking your marketing progress is the best way to make better decisions for your company in the future.

Travel and Tourism Industry

Marketing statistics.

The travel and tourism market requires a unique approach compared to most other business-to-consumer operating models. Some key statistics can help you rethink your current marketing strategy to yield more consistent results and stretch your marketing spend as far as possible:

More than half of all modern internet users use their mobile devices more than their desktop computers to surf the web. This highlights the importance of solid branding and consistent website design, so your customers can expect the same high-quality experiences on mobile platforms they would have on a traditional desktop browser. More than 50% of all travel and tourism industry website traffic comes from mobile devices.

Fifty-three percent of modern marketers report that their blogs drive the most conversions. If you have not invested in content development for your blog yet, you miss a valuable opportunity to connect with your ideal leads about the topics that interest them the most.

The most successful marketing teams devote about 40% of their marketing budget to content marketing. High-quality content is crucial for the travel and tourism market. Your business sells experiences, not products, and conveying the value of those experiences through polished written content is one of the best methods of attracting new business to your company.

About 80% of marketers in the travel and tourism industry operate social media marketing campaigns. Social media remains one of the best available channels for engaging with your customer base directly.

Digital marketing accounts for nearly half of all travel ad spending globally.

About 81% of travel and tourism industry consumers report that a company’s ability to deliver personalized experiences is crucial for them to do business with a travel and tourism company.

The travel and tourism industry accounts for roughly 11% of all online search spending in the United States, nearly $6 billion each year.

Nearly 70% of high-income travelers report that they would rather spend more money on memorable activities and experiences than a fancier hotel room. This highlights the importance of selling the experience through content marketing in the travel and tourism industry.

The average cost-per-action for paid search is about $49, while the average cost-per-action for display ads is about $75. This metric shows how crucial it is to make sound marketing decisions and invest every marketing dollar wisely.

About 40% of modern marketers report that one of their biggest challenges is proving the return on investment for their marketing activities. Elevated Internet Marketing can help you configure a reporting system that clearly outlines your marketing spend and translates the key data points so your team can make more data-driven marketing decisions.

Nearly 60% of modern marketers struggle with segmenting their audiences. In the travel and tourism industry, it is crucial to identify your target consumers and segment them based on their needs, goals, and priorities. We can help you develop more robust customer profiles to target your marketing campaigns more precisely.

The engagement rate for omnichannel marketing campaigns is about four times higher than single-channel. Modern consumers often bounce between different devices along a purchasing journey and expect consistent experiences.

Eighty percent of modern consumers report that they are more likely to do business with brands that offer personalized experiences. It’s vital to create marketing campaigns tailored to your target customers’ needs and expectations to convey your ability to deliver customized travel experiences.

More than 90% of marketers report that they intend to increase their marketing spend on video content and mobile marketing in 2021. Elevated Internet Marketing can help your team develop a sound mobile marketing strategy built on the foundation of a functional and streamlined mobile website.

Benefits of Working With a Travel and

Tourism internet marketing agency.

The travel and tourism industry is one of the most competitive in the modern world. If you want your brand to stand out from the competition, a reliable digital marketing strategy is essential. Elevated Internet Marketing can provide the digital marketing services your team needs to accelerate your growth and capture a dedicated audience.

Capture a Wider Audience

The travel and tourism industry offers unique experiences, not products. Elevated Internet Marketing can help your team create content that shows your target audience the kinds of experiences they can expect to have when they come to you for their travel needs.

Create More Engaging Content

Content marketing remains one of the most crucial components of any modern digital marketing strategy. Elevated Internet Marketing can help your team develop more attractive, engaging, and valuable content that resonates with your target audience. We work with talented writers who can create written content that provides your audience with enticing glimpses of the experiences they can have when they choose your company for their travel needs.

Extract Maximum Value From Your Marketing Spend

Investing your marketing dollars wisely is essential for ensuring consistent long-term growth. Elevated Internet Marketing will work closely with your team to develop a marketing strategy that delivers tangible results. We’ll help you optimize your paid marketing spend and ensure your marketing budget provides a measurable return on investment. 

How Can Travel Businesses Benefit

From paid media.

The savvy modern business owner is familiar with online advertising, but how can paid media aid the contemporary travel and tourism business? Digital marketing has become a more pressing concern for the travel and tourism industry, with modern companies spending more than they ever have before on digital marketing campaigns. If you intend to secure a firmer foothold in the digital marketing space of the travel and tourism industry, it is more crucial than ever to understand the role paid media plays in connecting with your target audience. 

If you want to accelerate growth and see clearer results from your paid media spend, it’s vital to keep a few best practices in mind. Elevated Internet Marketing can help your company take advantage of several commonly overlooked digital marketing strategies in paid media that can help you deliver better experiences to your customers while attracting new customers into your fold at a consistent rate.

Exploring Geotargeting

Travel and tourism experiences are highly personal, and some experiences will appeal to customers in a specific region more than others. For example, offering vacations to customers living in the Rocky Mountains should likely focus on warm climates, tropical locations, and opportunities to escape the cold. If your target market is in the Deep South, offering travel experiences that promise cool refreshment in a lakeside cabin or a quiet mountainside resort could be ideal choices. Elevated Internet Marketing can help you geo target your paid ads more precisely in the geographic locations where they are most likely to succeed.

Targeting Social Media Interests

Social media has become one of the most crucial digital marketing vectors of the modern world. Users can tailor their social media experiences based on their interests, and modern marketers must capitalize on these interests to attract new followers who will ultimately convert to customers. Elevated Internet Marketing can help your team develop a more functional social media ad strategy and engage with customers more effectively.

Anticipating User Questions

Investing in travel is paying for an experience, and like any other investment, the consumer will want to know where their money will be going once they commit to the purchase. Working in travel and tourism means answering lots of questions from prospective customers. They’ll want to know what services you can offer that take the stress and uncertainty out of traveling, and most of them will want glimpses of the experiences they’re going to have when they take advantage of the travel services you offer. 

Elevated Internet Marketing will help you anticipate user questions, develop content around answering those questions, and help you explore innovative new technologies like augmented reality and virtual assistants that can provide even more robust user experiences and give users the information they need to do business with you with confidence.

Developing Better Promotional Campaigns

A promotion is a solid opportunity to attract more business to your travel and tourism company and deliver the final nudge a warm lead needs to convert. Elevated Internet Marketing can review your past marketing campaigns and help you develop new marketing initiatives that provide even better results.

Using Photo and Video Media Effectively

The average internet user has a relatively short attention span, so it is vital to capture their interest with tailored media that is relevant and engaging. The travel and tourism industry functions around providing comfortable conveyance to new destinations and allowing customers the chance to have once-in-a-lifetime experiences they can’t have anywhere else. Elevated Internet Marketing can help your team make more effective use of photo and video content that creates visual interest, allowing your prospective customers to imagine visiting their dream vacation destinations in vivid detail. 

Remarketing Wisely

Remarketing is a way to reconnect with leads your brand has previously touched. Configuring a solid remarketing strategy requires careful planning and detailed insights into your available customer data. Elevated Internet Marketing can help your team devise remarketing campaigns focused on lead behavior, strategically building brand recognition with these leads through the marketing channels most likely to influence their spending.

How Does Your Travel or Tourism

Website design impact paid media.

Imagine the average traveler looking for the best way to book the experience they envision, only for them to encounter outdated, clunky websites that do not match their vision of the experience they want. This happens more often than many marketers realize. Creating a more functional and beautiful website not only translates to leads taking your brand more seriously but can also influence your paid media spend. A better website will effectively translate into a better return on your investment in other marketing efforts. It’s essential to invest in your website accordingly before exploring your other marketing opportunities if you want to ensure the best return on your investments.

Essential Elements of an Effective Travel and Tourism Company Website

Elevated Internet Marketing takes modern web design seriously. Our team will work closely with yours to develop a more robust website that shows your leads and customers what kind of experience they can expect by choosing your brand for their travel needs. We can help you ensure your website includes the necessary elements for attracting more customers and providing positive experiences, such as:

• Professional and attractive visual design. An eye-catching website is not only more pleasant visually but also more impactful from a marketing perspective. We can help you overhaul outdated graphics and create more engaging and streamlined visual experiences for the users who visit your website.
• An engaging blog. Your website’s blog should be the content hub your leads refer to when they want the latest information and tips about travel and tourism. We can not only help you make your blog more visually engaging but also provide professional guidance for ensuring it delivers memorable and valuable content to readers regularly. Your blog content is also one of the best ways to organically boost your search engine rankings, potentially saving you money on other aspects of your marketing efforts.
• Intuitive landing pages. The landing pages on your website will be the first things users see when they click a link to your site. We can help you categorize your landing pages to provide users with more personalized experiences, arranging them by region, interests, and the types of experiences you offer to your customers.
• Robust service pages. Your travel and tourism company likely offers several different services and perhaps even tiers of services. It’s vital to convey this information to the visitors to your site in an interesting and intuitive way. We’ll help you redesign every one of your service pages to encourage visitors to spend as much time as possible browsing what you have to offer.
• Visual media. Photos and videos are incredibly effective from a marketing perspective, especially for an experience-driven industry like travel and tourism. Our team can help you make the best use of the multimedia you want to publish on your site. Effective use of photo and video content can help visitors envision the travel experiences your company can offer.
• Easy navigation. Ideally, any user who visits your website should be able to reach any page of your site within three clicks, and they should be able to easily navigate the various pages of your site seamlessly. Elevated Internet Marketing will help you do away with clunky navigation and make your website more streamlined and welcoming to new visitors.
• Mobile-friendly design. More people than ever are using their mobile devices to browse the web and complete purchases. We can help ensure your website performs admirably on mobile devices and desktop browsers, providing your customer base with more ways to have positive and valuable interactions with your brand.
• Customer reviews. Your company sells experiences, so you want leads to read all about the positive experiences your previous customers have had by choosing your company. We can help you create a testimonial/review page that allows newcomers to quickly understand why your company is a top choice for their travel and tourism needs.
• Accessible contact information. Once your leads are engaged with your site, we will configure contact information that’s easy to access, so they know precisely how to contact you.

Elevated Internet Marketing can provide a complete overhaul of your existing site, ensuring it becomes the hub of all the content you produce and assisting your team in ensuring maximum value from all your paid marketing efforts. 

How Can You Use Email Marketing Automation to

Advance your travel and tourism business.

The travel and tourism industry once thrived with ads in print, on TV, and the radio. Employees working for travel and tourism companies also spent quite a lot of time on the phone helping their customers arrange their travel experiences. Today, it’s possible to automate many marketing activities that previously commanded the bulk of a marketing team’s time and effort each day. Email marketing is particularly effective for automation, allowing you to advance your customer relationships seamlessly with polished content delivered conveniently to your leads’ inboxes. 

Email automation may sound intimidating at first. While it is difficult to configure, working with the right digital marketing agency can ensure that your automated email campaigns deliver the experiences you envision and provide recipients with the information they need to choose your brand with confidence

Marketing email campaigns are incredibly effective when you devote the right amount of time and energy to creating them. Elevated Internet Marketing can help you advance your email marketing efforts in several ways:

We can help you attract new customers with emails designed for quick and easy digestion, providing leads with all the information they need to be enticed to work with your brand for their travel needs. Based on their interactions with these initial emails, we can help you tailor further email automation to fortify your relationships with your leads.

Email automation allows you to easily share trip details and updates. Once a customer has booked a travel experience through your company, email automation will ensure they have all the essential details they need for their journey right in their inbox.

Share promotional offers easily with automated emails. Elevated Internet Marketing can help you analyze your customers’ behaviors and provide them with details on current promotions and special offers to encourage them to convert.

We can configure a pipeline between your automated emails and your social media profiles, encouraging your leads to engage with your brand across multiple platforms and join your online community.

Email automation is one of the best ways to distribute surveys and interest-gathering forms. This information will allow your team to provide more carefully tailored experiences and develop new travel and tourism options for the future.

Email automation is also ideal for newsletter distribution, providing your recipients with the latest travel and tourism information in a convenient format. Newsletters help keep your customers informed about your latest service offerings, ideal travel destinations that appeal to their interests, and the supplemental information they need to plan their next adventures.

You can distribute answers for frequently asked questions through automated emails. We’ll help you determine the questions your leads are most likely to ask and configure emails that answer their questions and build their confidence about choosing your brand.

Data-driven email automation is incredibly effective. Once you have gathered your customers’ indicated preferences and interests, you can automatically distribute email marketing materials tailored to their preferences.

Elevated Internet Marketing can help you segment your email list to provide your recipients with the most valuable and exciting materials based on their past interactions with your brand and their preferences.

These are only a few examples of how proper email automation can be incredibly effective for advancing your travel and tourism business. Email marketing continues to provide some of the best return on investment of any available marketing channel. Our team can help you take full advantage of automation for more effective email marketing. Elevated Internet Marketing will help you develop an automation strategy that encourages conversions and provides readers with the relevant and valuable information they need to keep enjoying their engagements with your brand. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Your customers need to have an idea of what you can offer and where they can go with your services, and they are going to want this information easily accessible online.

We’re proud to offer a full range of digital marketing, web design, and content marketing services to clients in the travel and tourism industry.

This varies based on your target audience, your location, and your long-term conversion goals. Elevated Internet Marketing will work with you to develop a realistic marketing budget and ensure maximum value for every marketing dollar you spend.

Digital marketing is crucial for all businesses, including tiny ones. Do not make the mistake of believing your business is too small to warrant professional advice from a seasoned team of digital marketing professionals. We can scale our services to your needs.

Rest assured that once our team reviews your marketing strategy and starts working on the issues that require the most attention, you’ll see a noticeable increase in your conversion rate and sales. We’ll ensure every marketing dollar is well spent.

Travel and tourism trends are constantly changing. You can rely on Elevated Internet Marketing to recommend the best times to revamp your website, ensuring a consistent message and brand image no matter how often you redesign.

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Live Updates: Strong Taiwan Quake Kills 9, Injures Hundreds

The earthquake was the most powerful to hit the island in 25 years. Dozens of people remained trapped, and many buildings were damaged, with the worst centered in the city of Hualien.

• Share full article
• Hualien, Taiwan A building leaned to one side after the quake. Randy Yang via Associated Press
• New Taipei City, Taiwan Emergency workers looking for survivors. Taiwan's Central News Agency, via Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• New Taipei City, Taiwan Books flew off shelves as a home shook. @Abalamindo via Storyful
• Taipei, Taiwan Passengers waiting at a train station as some services were suspended. Chiang Ying-Ying/Associated Press
• Hualien, Taiwan Firefighters rescuing trapped residents from a building. CTI News via Reuters
• Taipei, Taiwan Students evacuated to a school courtyard after the earthquake. Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times
• Hualien, Taiwan People rescued from a building that had partly collapsed. TVBS via Associated Press
• Hualien, Taiwan A partly collapsed building after the earthquake. TVBS, via Associated Press
• New Taipei City, Taiwan Water cascading down a building during the quake. Wang via Reuters
• Hualien, Taiwan Motorbikes damaged after the quake. TVBS via Associated Press
• Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan Watching news on a rooftop of a hotel after a tsunami warning. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times
• New Taipei City, Taiwan A damaged apartment in New Taipei City. Fabian Hamacher/Reuters

Meaghan Tobin and Victoria Kim

Here’s what you need to know about the earthquake.

Taiwan was rocked Wednesday morning by the island’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century, a magnitude 7.4 tremor that killed at least nine people, injured more than 800 others and trapped dozens of people.

The heaviest damage was in Hualien County on the island’s east coast, a sleepy, scenic area prone to earthquakes. Footage from the aftermath showed a 10-story building there partially collapsed and heavily leaning to one side, from which residents emerged through windows and climbed down ladders, assisted by rescuers. Two hikers were killed after being hit by falling rocks on a hiking trail in Taroko National Park, according to the state-owned Central News Agency.

By late afternoon, officials said rescue efforts were underway to try to rescue 127 trapped, many of them on hiking trails in Hualien.

One building in Changhua County, on the island’s west coast, collapsed entirely. The quake was felt throughout Taiwan and set off at least nine landslides, sending rocks tumbling onto Suhua Highway in Hualien, according to local media reports. Rail services were halted at one point across the island.

The earthquake, with an epicenter off Taiwan’s east coast, struck during the morning commute, shortly before 8 a.m. Taiwanese authorities said by 3 p.m., more than 100 aftershocks stronger than magnitude 5 had rumbled through the area.

In the capital, Taipei, buildings shook for over a minute from the initial quake. Taiwan is at the intersection of the Philippine Sea tectonic plate and the Eurasian plate, making it vulnerable to seismic activity. Hualien sits on multiple active faults, and 17 people died in a quake there in 2018.

Here is the latest:

The earthquake hit Taiwan as many people here were preparing to travel for Tomb Sweeping Day, a holiday across the Chinese-speaking world when people mourn the dead and make offerings at their graves. Officials warned the public to stay away from visiting tombs in mountain areas as a precaution, especially because rain was forecast in the coming days.

TSMC, the world’s biggest maker of advanced semiconductors, briefly evacuated workers from its factories but said a few hours later they were returning to work. Chip production is highly precise, and even short shutdowns can cost millions of dollars.

Meaghan Tobin

Taiwan’s fire department reports that nine people have died and 882 others have been injured in Taiwan. In Hualien County, 131 people remain trapped.

Agnes Chang

Footage shows rocks tumbling down one side of Guishan Island, a popular spot for hiking known as Turtle Island, off the northeast coast of Taiwan. Officials said no fishermen or tourists were injured after the landslide.

Shake intensity

The death toll has risen to nine, according to Taiwan government statistics.

Meaghan Tobin, Siyi Zhao

Officials in Taiwan warned residents to not visit their relatives' tombs, especially in the mountains, this weekend during the holiday, known as Ching Ming, meant to honor them. There had already been 100 aftershocks and the forecast called for rain, which could make travel conditions on damaged roads more treacherous.

Crews are working to reach people trapped on blocked roads. As of 1 p.m. local time, roads were impassable due to damage and fallen rock in 19 places, according to the Ministry of Transportation. At least 77 people remain trapped. A bridge before Daqingshui Tunnel appeared to have completely collapsed.

Christopher Buckley

Taiwan’s worst rail disaster in decades — a train derailment in 2021 that killed 49 people — took place on the first day of the Tomb Sweeping holiday period that year, in the same region as the earthquake.

The earthquake hit Taiwan as many people here were preparing to travel for Tomb Sweeping Day, or Ching Ming, a day across the Chinese-speaking world when people mourn their dead, especially by making offerings at their graves. Now those plans will be disrupted for many Taiwanese.

The holiday weekend would typically see a spike in travel as people visit family across Taiwan. Currently, both rail transport and highways are blocked in parts of Hualien, said Transport Minister Wang Guo-cai. Work is underway to restore rail transportation in Hualien, and two-way traffic is expected to be restored at noon on Thursday, he said.

Taiwan’s preparedness has evolved in response to past quakes.

Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness has evolved over the past few decades in response to some of the island’s largest and most destructive quakes .

In the years after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in central Taiwan killed nearly 2,500 people in 1999, the authorities established an urban search-and-rescue team and opened several emergency medical operation centers, among other measures .

And in 2018, after a quake in the eastern coastal city of Hualien killed 17 people and caused several buildings to partially collapse, the government ordered a wave of building inspections .

Taiwan has also been improving its early warning system for earthquakes since the 1980s. And two years ago, it rolled out new building codes that, among other things, require owners of vulnerable buildings to install ad-hoc structural reinforcements.

So how well prepared was Taiwan when a 7.4 magnitude quake struck near Hualien on Wednesday morning, killing at least seven people and injuring hundreds more?

Across the island, one building collapsed entirely, 15 others were in a state of partial collapse and another 67 were damaged, the island’s fire department said on Wednesday afternoon . Structural engineers could not immediately be reached for comment to assess that damage, or the extent to which building codes and other regulations might have either contributed to it or prevented worse destruction.

As for search-and-rescue preparedness, Taiwan is generally in very good shape, said Steve Glassey, an expert in disaster response who lives in New Zealand.

“ The skill sets, the capabilities, the equipment, the training is second to none,” said Dr. Glassey, who worked with Taipei’s urban search-and-rescue team during the response to a devastating 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. “They’re a very sharp operation.”

But even the best urban search-and-rescue team will be stretched thin if an earthquake causes multiple buildings to collapse, Dr. Glassey said.

Taiwan has options for requesting international help with search-and-rescue efforts. It could directly ask another country, or countries, to send personnel. And if multiple teams were to get involved, it could ask the United Nations to help coordinate them, as it did after the 1999 earthquake.

Pierre Peron, a spokesman for the United Nations, said on Wednesday afternoon that no such request had yet been made as a result of the latest earthquake.

Meaghan Tobin contributed reporting.

At least seven people have died and 736 have been injured as a result of the earthquake, according to Taiwan’s fire department. Another 77 people remained trapped in Hualien County, many of them on hiking trails. Search and rescue operations are underway, said the fire department.

Aftershocks of magnitudes between 6.5 and 7 were likely to occur over the next three or four days, said Wu Chien-fu, director of the Taiwanese Central Weather Administration’s Seismology Center, at a news conference.

As of 2 p.m., 711 people had been injured across Taiwan, the fire department said, and 77 people in Hualien County remained trapped. The four who were known to have died were in Hualien.

Victoria Kim

Hualien County is a quiet and scenic tourist destination.

Hualien County on Taiwan’s east coast is a scenic, sleepy tourist area tucked away from the island’s urban centers, with a famous gorge and aquamarine waters. It also happens to sit on several active faults , making it prone to earthquakes.

The county has a population of about 300,000, according to the 2020 census, about a third of whom live in the coastal city of Hualien, the county seat. It is one of the most sparsely populated parts of Taiwan. About three hours by train from the capital, Taipei, the city describes itself as the first place on the island that’s touched by the sun.

Hualien County is home to Taroko National Park, one of Taiwan’s most popular scenic areas. Visitors come to explore the Taroko Gorge, a striated marble canyon carved by the Liwu River, which cuts through mountains that rise steeply from the coast. The city of Hualien is a popular destination as a gateway to the national park.

According to the state-owned Central News Agency, three hikers were trapped on a trail near the entrance to the gorge on Wednesday, after the quake sent rocks falling. Two of them were found dead, the news agency said. Administrators said many roads within the park had been cut off by the earthquake, potentially trapping hikers, according to the report.

Earthquakes have rattled Hualien with some regularity. In 2018, 17 people were killed and hundreds of others injured when a magnitude 6.5 quake struck just before midnight, its epicenter a short distance northeast of the city of Hualien.

Many of the victims in that quake were in a 12-story building that was severely tilted, the first four floors of which were largely crushed, according to news reports from the time. The next year, the area was shaken by a 6.1-magnitude earthquake that injured 17 people.

The area has some of the highest concentrations of Taiwan’s aboriginal population, with several of the island’s Indigenous tribes calling the county home .

The county government in Hualien released a list of people that had been hospitalized with injuries, which stood at 118 people as of midday Wednesday.

Across Taiwan, one building fell down entirely, in Changhua County on the west coast, and 15 buildings partially collapsed, Taiwan’s fire department said. Another 67 buildings were damaged. One of the partially collapsed structures was a warehouse in New Taipei City where four people were rescued, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency. Another 12 were rescued at a separate New Taipei City building where the foundation sank into the ground.

Peggy Jiang, who manages The Good Kid, a children’s bookstore down the street from the partially collapsed Uranus Building in Hualien, said it was a good thing they had yet to open when the quake struck. The area is now blocked off by police and rescue vehicles. “Most people in Hualien are used to earthquakes,” she said. “But this one was particularly scary, many people ran in the street immediately afterward.”

Lin Jung, 36, who manages a shop selling sneakers in Hualien, said he had been at home getting ready to take his 16-month-old baby to a medical appointment when the earthquake struck. He said it felt at first like a series of small shocks, then “suddenly it turned to an intense earthquake shaking up and down.” The glass cover of a ceiling lamp fell and shattered. “All I could do was protect my baby.”

Chris Buckley ,  Paul Mozur ,  Meaghan Tobin and John Yoon

The earthquake damaged buildings and a highway in Hualien.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Taiwan on Wednesday damaged many buildings and a major highway in Hualien, a city on the eastern coast, and it knocked out power as it rocked the island.

Across Taiwan, the quake and its aftershocks caused one building to completely collapse and 15 others to partially collapse, according to Taiwan’s fire department. Sixty-seven other buildings sustained damage.

Two tall buildings in Hualien that sustained particularly extensive damage were at the center of the rescue efforts there. Most damage across the city was not life-threatening, said Huang Hsuan-wan, a reporter for a local news site.

Where buildings were reported damaged in Hualien City

“A lot of roads were blocked off. There are a lot of walls toppled over onto cars,” Derik du Plessis, 44, a South African resident of Hualien, said shortly after the earthquake. He described people rushing around the city to check on their houses and pick up their children. One of his friends lost her house, he said.

One of the damaged buildings in Hualien, a 10-story structure called the Uranus Building that housed a mix of homes and shops, was tilted over and appeared to be on the verge of collapse. Many of its residents managed to flee, but some were missing, said Sunny Wang, a journalist based in the city. Rescuers were trying to reach the basement, concerned that people might be trapped there.

Photographs of the initial damage in Hualien showed another building, a five-story structure, leaning to one side, with crushed motorcycles visible at the ground-floor level. Bricks had fallen off another high-rise, leaving cracks and holes in the walls.

The quake also set off at least nine landslides on Suhua Highway in Hualien, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency, which said part of the road had collapsed.

Taiwan’s fire department said four people had been killed in the earthquake.

Across Taiwan, 40 flights have been canceled or delayed because of the earthquake, according to Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operation Center.

President Tsai Ing-wen visited Taiwan’s national emergency response center this morning, where she was briefed about the response efforts underway by members of the ministries of defense, transportation, economic affairs and agriculture, as well as the fire department.

TSMC, the world’s biggest maker of advanced semiconductors, said all personnel are safe after the morning earthquake, and that those evacuated from its factories were beginning to return to work. The company said it had suspended work at construction sites for the day and would resume work only after further inspection.

Sui-Lee Wee

Authorities in the Philippines have canceled all tsunami warnings, saying that their monitoring stations have not detected any significant sea level disturbances.

A look at Taiwan’s strongest earthquakes.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake that hit Taiwan on Wednesday morning was the strongest in 25 years, the island’s Central Weather Administration said.

At least four people died after the quake struck off Taiwan’s east coast, officials said.

Here’s a look back at some of the major earthquakes in modern Taiwanese history:

Taichung, 1935

Taiwan’s deadliest quake registered a magnitude of 7.1 and struck near the island’s west coast in April 1935, killing more than 3,200 people, according to the Central Weather Administration. More than 12,000 others were injured and more than 50,000 homes were destroyed or damaged.

Tainan, 1941

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake in December 1941, which struck southwestern Taiwan, caused several hundred deaths, the United States Geological Survey said.

Chi-Chi, 1999

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake in central Taiwan killed nearly 2,500 people in September 1999. The quake, which struck about 90 miles south-southwest of Taipei, was the second-deadliest in the island’s history, according to the U.S.G.S. and the Central Weather Administration. More than 10,000 people were injured and more than 100,000 homes were destroyed or damaged.

Yujing, 2016

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake in February 2016 caused a 17-story apartment complex in southwestern Taiwan to collapse, killing at least 114 people . The U.S.G.S. later said that 90 earthquakes of that scale or greater had occurred within 250 kilometers, or 155 miles, of that quake’s location over the previous 100 years.

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As international travel grows, so does US use of technology. A look at how it’s used at airports

By REBECCA SANTANA Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Belgian family of four was on their fourth trip to the United States. They had been dreading the long line at passport control when they entered the country but had heard about a new app they could use to ease their way and decided to give it a shot. Within minutes, they had bypassed the long line at Washington Dulles International Airport and were waiting for their luggage.

“It was always a long row,” said Piet De Staercke of the line to go through passport screening. He, his wife and two sons were visiting Washington and Chicago. “We were a bit scared. But now with the app, it’s amazing.”

As travel continues to boom following pandemic-related slumps, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is expanding the use of technology like the Mobile Passport Control app the De Staercke family used in an effort to process the ever-growing number of passengers traveling internationally. And with events like a rare solar eclipse , the Olympics in Paris, and summer holidays still driving international travel, those numbers don’t look set to drop any time soon.

Customs and Border Protection officials gave The Associated Press a behind-the-scenes look at some of the technologies they’ve been using and what to expect in the months and years ahead.

THE NUMBERS

During fiscal year 2023, the agency processed over 394 million travelers at the ports of entry. That’s a 24% increase over the previous year. When looking at the country’s top 20 airports by passenger volume, officers processed 31% more travelers while average wait times increased 11%. And at some of the busiest airports, the wait times have had negligible increases or even decreased. At JFK Airport in New York, for example, wait times went down — by 0.4 of a second on average — while CBP officers processed 33% more travelers.

Increasingly, people are traveling internationally with their families rather than going abroad alone for business.

Officials are moving more toward app-based technologies to speed passengers’ movement through the airport. The Mobile Passport Control app used by the Belgian family is one example. It’s available to U.S. citizens, but also to lawful permanent residents, certain Canadians and travelers from countries who are part of the Visa Waiver Program who’ve already been to the U.S. at least once.

Passengers upload their photos and information to the app. When they enter the screening area, they get routed to a separate line. The officer then just needs to take a photo of one member of the family and it pulls up the entire group’s photos and their information.

CBP launched the app in 2021 but is now trying to get more people to use it, including by working with airlines to allow the app to be downloaded while the plane is in flight and putting up signs at airports to let travelers know about it. Last year, a record 4.1 million people came into the country using the app.

“Any second that we can save through the process, it saves time because it adds up eventually,” said Marc Calixte, the top CBP official at Dulles.

Last September, the agency also created an app specifically for passengers who use Global Entry. That’s one of the “Trusted Traveler” programs CBP runs that allows certain low-risk passengers who make an appointment for an interview and submit to a background check to travel through customs and passport control more quickly when they arrive in the U.S.

IMPROVEMENTS TO GLOBAL ENTRY

Last year saw a record 3.2 million people apply to the Global Entry program, and this year the agency is on track to field about 4 million applications, said Brendan Blackmer, CBP branch chief for the Trusted Traveler Programs. But passengers have complained about how long it can take to get applications processed and their struggles to get appointments. On its website, CBP says it averages four to six months to process applications. In February, 17 members of Congress wrote to CBP demanding information, saying they were fielding complaints from constituents over the wait times.

Blackmer said the agency has pushed to improve the process, including by allowing nearly 100% of people renewing their status to do so without having to come into an enrollment center. That frees up appointments for first-time applicants. And it’s pushing for more people to be able to complete the process while they’re in the airport, either leaving or returning from a trip.

There are also more appointments available, Blackmer said, although some cities like San Francisco are still seeing so much demand that appointments can take more than 90 days to get.

“We’ve done a lot of work the past year and a half, and the agency’s in a better position now and able to meet the demand for the program. And we’re going to continue to work,” Blackmer said.

FEE INCREASES

Come Oct. 1, people using some of the Trusted Traveler Programs will see increases to the fees they pay. The cost of NEXUS, a U.S.-Canadian program designed to ease travel between the two countries for pre-approved travelers, will go from $50 to $120. Global Entry will go from $100 to $120. SENTRI, for pre-approved travelers on the southern border with Mexico, will go down, from $122.50 to $120.

But the fees will now cover all kids under 18 regardless of which program you’re in.

What’s unchanged is that approval for the programs will still be good for five years.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Calixte said possibly by the end of summer the airport will be opening so-called E-Gates where passengers using Global Entry can use the app, bypass an officer at a booth, and instead go to a gate where their photo is taken and matched to their passport, and, assuming no red flags arise, the gates open and they pass out of the customs and passport control area and are on their way.

Further on the horizon, Blackmer said the agency is exploring a concept called smart queuing, where the app assigns passengers to certain lines depending on information they have entered into the app, such as whether they have goods to declare.

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More From Forbes

Elevating airport experiences: the boom of luxury travel retail.

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Duty-free in Singapore's Changi airport, which was voted world's best airport in 2023 at the World ... [+] Airport Awards.

With the post-pandemic travel boom ongoing, travel retail is set to surpass $117 billion in global sales by 2030, growing at nearly +10% annually from 2022. To meet rising traffic and enhance traveler experiences, airports are investing in their infrastructure, opening up a realm of opportunities for brands to expand their travel retail footprint. Increasingly, international airports are welcoming luxury brands as a way to elevate the overall airport experience and boost their appeal, contributing to a shift towards a more premium travel retail offering.

European Airports Bet High On Luxury Brands

Schipol Airport in Amsterdam - the fourth largest airport in Europe - is upgrading its Lounge 2, designing a new layout and rethinking the traveler experience altogether. At the heart of this enhancement is the dedication to luxury travel retail and premium food providers in order to elevate drastically the airport journey. This marks a transformation that can be witnessed across a range of international airports, which are benefiting from increased funding to rethink the airport offering and cater to travelers wishing to benefit from a pleasant airport experience before their flight.

“The renovation of Lounge 2 is part of a larger plan to make Schiphol attractive to passengers again: tastier and more sustainable food and beverages, great shops with an appealing range and an environment that emphasises Schiphol's standing as a home base for world travellers,” shared Arthur Reijnhart, executive director of Schiphol Commercial in a press release . “We're also improving our range of offerings in the luxury segment, with the first big step being the arrival of top brands Louis Vuitton and BVLGARI in Lounge 2. We'll be creating space for this renewed range in phases, and the opening of BVLGARI is a significant milestone.”

Schipol Airport is not the first to lead this increased focused on luxury travel retail: both Rome and Paris airports are gearing up their luxury retail offering following the examples set by airports in Dubai and Asia mainly. Indeed, as Isabelle Fourmentin, CEO of JCDecaux Airport Paris (a joint-venture between advertising JCDecaux and Paris Aéroport) explained for Luxury-Insights.com , luxury brands are the perfect fit for enhanced infrastructure and premium airport experiences. “The trend started in the main Asian hubs such as Shanghai or Singapore, along with the mega-airport at Dubai. European airports have since followed suit, with the major revamp of the Paris airports since 2005. Thanks to a gradual renewal of the infrastructure there, luxury brands now have more spacious stores, often with a highly desirable ceiling height – giving them plenty of room for inspiration.”

This has led Rome airport’s retail strategy to focus on luxury offerings, not just to elevate the airport experience, but also to go after a lucrative segment of the market. Gianluca Littarru, Rome airport’s general manager, shared in an article for Kering: “we particularly need luxury retail, which is one of the key drivers of growth in the retail business – combining a brand narrative and experience with the significant price advantages of the Duty-Free area.” He also added that “the spend per passenger for flights to China is five times that of other long-haul destinations”, explaining why many airports develop these high-end duty-free stores for passengers flying outside Europe.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, digitalization and experiences are key to high-end travel retail.

Thanks to a continuous improvement in infrastructure, luxury brands will have more of a playing field to engage with their audience in airports, both thanks to digital outlets and interactive shopping experiences. Brand activations are being reimagined to target affluent travelers and reinforce brands’ luxury credentials with beautiful displays and bespoke customer service, even outside retail stores. LVMH-owned brand Bulgari’s Rome airport footprint is a good example of this. The brand unveiled a new fragrance counter at the end of 2023. “In Bulgari’s new corners, travelers can indulge in a first-hand fragrance journey. To enhance the shopping experience, Bulgari’s highly trained advisors offer specialized services like custom gift-wrapping—a personal touch of Roman allure. Additionally, pop-up events, such as fragrance-flacon engraving and complimentary fashion illustrations, enrich the transportive ambiance of the spaces,” said the brand in a statement .

In addition to these type of visual and engaging brand interactions, highly digitalized marketing activations are helping deliver a premium feel to airport experiences. Luxury brand are investing in delivering innovative and desirable content displayed on screens, a tool that airports leverage heavily given the certain visibility generated by limited space and certain passenger traffic. Large screens help elevate the passenger experience, but digital experiences are expected to go further to meet expectations of luxury shoppers even within airports.

Last year, Hong Kong airport launched its digital luxury platform, allowing travellers to access a concierge service and make pre-flight purchases. Orders placed can be delivered to the gate or at the customer’s home thanks to free local and global delivery, a service that demonstrates how airports have the potential to become shopping destinations just like standalone luxury boutiques.

As Asian airports lead in luxury and digital experiences, other global airports are expected to follow suit, further expanding their luxury retail footprint and transforming airports into premium shopping destinations, giving brands a serious retail channel to dive into.

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What we know about Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday after being hit by a cargo ship, with large parts of the bridge falling into the Patapsco River.

At least eight people fell into the water, members of a construction crew working on the bridge at the time, officials said. Two were rescued, one uninjured and one in serious condition, and two bodies were recovered on Wednesday. The remaining four are presumed dead. The workers are believed to be the only victims in the disaster.

Here’s what we know so far.

Baltimore bridge collapse

How it happened: Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being hit by a cargo ship . The container ship lost power shortly before hitting the bridge, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said. Video shows the bridge collapse in under 40 seconds.

Victims: Divers have recovered the bodies of two construction workers , officials said. They were fathers, husbands and hard workers . A mayday call from the ship prompted first responders to shut down traffic on the four-lane bridge, saving lives.

Economic impact: The collapse of the bridge severed ocean links to the Port of Baltimore, which provides about 20,000 jobs to the area . See how the collapse will disrupt the supply of cars, coal and other goods .

Rebuilding: The bridge, built in the 1970s , will probably take years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars to rebuild , experts said.

• Baltimore bridge collapse: Crane arrives at crash site to aid cleanup March 29, 2024 Baltimore bridge collapse: Crane arrives at crash site to aid cleanup March 29, 2024
• Wes Moore envisioned economic revival. Then the Key Bridge collapsed. April 1, 2024 Wes Moore envisioned economic revival. Then the Key Bridge collapsed. April 1, 2024
• Officials studied Baltimore bridge risks but didn’t prepare for ship strike March 29, 2024 Officials studied Baltimore bridge risks but didn’t prepare for ship strike March 29, 2024

Watch CBS News

Flying during the solar eclipse? These airports could see delays, FAA says

By Khristopher J. Brooks

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

March 28, 2024 / 7:04 PM EDT / CBS News

Air travel was already expected to pick up next week because of Spring Break, but Federal Aviation Administration officials  said  now until mid-April will be increasingly busy due to "the Great North American Eclipse."

Many Americans are planning on flying on April 8, the day when the U.S. will experience a total solar eclipse that will track across the sky from Texas to Maine. While some eclipse chasers will be heading toward states in its main path, others are timing flights to view it while airborne.

The eclipse "will likely mean crowded parking lots at airports and long lines at security checkpoints," Marisa Garcia, a senior contributor at Forbes,  told  CBS News. 

"It's going to be hectic but fun," she added. "Go with the mindset that it's going to be busy and pack light and pack carefully. Be patient and pleasant with everyone."

Passengers on the day of the eclipse should expect air traffic delays and an unusually high number of drones in the skies, FAA Senior Technical Advisor Kevin Morris said in an advisory  video . 

According to the FAA, these airports could see delays on April 8:

• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis
• Kansas City, Missouri
• Toledo, Ohio
• Erie, Pennsylvania
• Austin, Texas
• San Antonio, Texas
• Burlington, Vermont

Garcia said American Airlines could see the biggest delays at Dallas-Fort Worth, the airline's main hub, which is squarely within the eclipse's path of totality  — where it can be seen in full. 

Officials in Erie, Pennsylvania, said they expect roughly 250,000 people to flock to the area for the eclipse. Meanwhile, tourism for the big event is expected to bring $1 billion to Texas . 

• Federal Aviation Administration

Khristopher J. Brooks is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch. He previously worked as a reporter for the Omaha World-Herald, Newsday and the Florida Times-Union. His reporting primarily focuses on the U.S. housing market, the business of sports and bankruptcy.

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