Travel Journals
Welcome to the Elite Squad: FAQs | Yelp
Congratulations and a shower of virtual confetti—welcome to the Yelp Elite Squad! You’re now officially among your community’s top writers, photographers, and local experts, and we’re thrilled to have you with us.
Whether you’re embarking on your first Elite adventure or making a comeback after some time away, a quick refresher never hurts. Below, you’ll find answers to some frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your Elite experience.
What does it mean to be Elite?
Living the Elite life is all about celebrating your amazing community, championing fantastic local businesses, and helping fellow Yelpers uncover those hidden gems. As an Elite member, you’ve been recognized for your positivity, super helpful reviews, and all-around role model status on Yelp. You’re what makes our community shine—thanks for being awesome!
Are members of the Yelp Elite Squad compensated for writing reviews?
Yelp users (including Elites) cannot accept compensation (including discounts or free meals) in exchange for reviews. Accepting compensation will result in revocation of your Elite status, closure of your Yelp account, and other potential repercussions.
These guidelines are included in Yelp’s Terms of Service and Content Guidelines. Questions about the site can also be answered using the Support Center.
How long does my Elite badge last?
The Elite Council at Yelp HQ reviews profiles at the end of each calendar year and awards annual badges—usually in January—based on your activity from the previous year. To keep that coveted badge year after year, just keep doing what you do best: sharing awesome reviews and photos. Stay consistent and you’ll hold on to your Elite badge for years to come!
Where can I find out about Elite Events and Experiences?
The Elite calendar is where you’ll find upcoming local Elite Events and Experiences. Find them at yelp.com/elite or by going to the ‘Events’ tab on the Yelp app. You can also find Yelp Events that are open to the community (for Elites and non-Elites) here. Events and Experiences are complementary and a great way to discover local businesses and connect with your community in real life.
What are the different types of events?
- Elite Event – Live, in-person, and exclusive to Yelp Elite members. Your CM is present and they typically last two hours.
- Elite Experience – Come on your own time; selected Elites visit a business to receive a complimentary offer during the days specified. You are welcome to bring friends and family along for these experiences, but additional purchases are on their own dime.
- Giveaway – Offering free access to foodie and community happenings in your city (not hosted by Yelp) such as ticket giveaways and more.
- Community Event – Open to anyone with a current and updated Yelp account (ex: forward facing profile pic, real name, recent activity) and posted on the general Yelp events calendar.
How do Elite Events and Experiences work?
- RSVP to an event or experience on yelp.com/elite. You should get an email stating that we’ve received your RSVP. Let your Community Manager know if you did not receive one.
- You’ll receive a confirmation or waitlist email one to two weeks before the event’s start date.
- On the day of, have your confirmation email ready and make your way to the event. When you arrive, check in through the special event page on the Yelp app (the link will be in your confirmation email). At registration, show your Party Pass to a Yelp team member. You’ll get the Party Pass by email before the event starts; it works like a boarding pass and has a QR code for a quick and easy check-in.
- Have a blast discovering a new local business to love!
Where do I write reviews and add photos of Yelp Elite Events and Experiences?
We appreciate you writing a review after such a memorable experience and the host businesses love to read about what you have to say and click through the photos. By submitting your review, you’re letting us know you’d like to attend more Elite Events and experiences in the future. Your Community Manager will share a special Yelp listing created specifically for the event in all communications—before, during, and after the experience.
Since these unique Yelp experiences are complimentary, it is against our terms of service to leave your review directly on the main business page.
What do the Elite badge colors mean?
There are three different colors of Elite badges:
- Red Badge are those who’ve been Elite for 1 to 4 years
- Gold Badge celebrates 5 to 9 years
- Black Badge acknowledges 10+ years of Elite status
What does it mean to be an Elite All-Star?
Elite All-Star status goes to Elites who consistently contribute thoughtful reviews and great photos—basically, you go the extra mile! If you’re one of the top contributors, you’ll earn an All-Star badge that shows up on your profile, your reviews, and in the home feed. All-Star status is updated each month based on recent activity, so keep up the awesome work and you might even enjoy a few extra perks along the way!
How do I sign up for Elite emails?
Once you accept your Elite status by email, you’ll automatically be signed up to receive Elite emails. After that, your Community Manager will keep you in the loop with weekly or bi-weekly emails about important updates, upcoming events, blog posts, and more. If you’re not seeing these emails, just follow the steps below:
- Mark all Yelp emails as safe and add your city’s email address (for example, city@yelp.com ) to your contacts so they don’t end up in your spam folder.
- Double-check that you’re looking at the primary email address linked to your Yelp account.
- Confirm that the “Yelp Elite Squad Updates” button is checked on your account’s email settings.
- If you’ve tried all these steps and Yelp emails are still landing in your spam folder, just let your Community Manager know and they can help you out.
Help! I have a question!
If something seems off, just shoot your Community Manager an email or a direct message on Yelp. If you spot anything questionable on the site, hit the flag button to report it and it will be reviewed by a real member of our support team within a few days. And don’t forget, our support center is super helpful too, so check it out to see if your question’s already been answered here.
I know someone who would be perfect for the Yelp Elite Squad!
Nominate them! The Elite Council loves nominations from folks who know what the Elite Squad is all about. Just head on over to yelp.com/elite and find the ‘Nominate a friend’ box to send their user profile and why you think they’re Elite material to Yelp HQ.
For more information on the Yelp Elite Squad, we suggest reading our Yelp Elite Squad Terms of Membership.
Travel Journals
Experience The Best Of Isle Of Wight With The Real Ale Train’s Summer Of Heritage Travel And Local Ales
Friday, July 18, 2025
THE Isle of Wight Steam Railway is preparing for the return of its popular Real Ale Train event this Saturday. From 4 pm, enjoy Wootton, Havenstreet and Ashey, and Smallbrook Junction by train in a special evening of heritage power, barbecue and locally brewed beers. This much-loved event will provide a delicious combination of amazing cocktails, stunning journeys and nostalgia that will make you proud to be a local (or not!)GE!. Follow the secret path to an evening like no other, in the company of the best locals and adventurers.#TravelSick Nights!
Travelling on the steam train between the stations, the service will be a hop-on, hop-off offering between the four stations, all with their real ale bar. Featuring local produce, among each of the stations is a selection of Isle Of Wight beer, guest ales, ciders, and fresh cooked food, for people to meet, chat, and celebrate in an atmosphere that is warm and social.
Enjoy Local Beers and Ales
Not to mention an opportunity to enjoy some of the finest ales and ciders the Isle of Wight has to offer. The hosts have obtained summery drinks that will please everyone and make for a refreshing pint. Liz Tagart, who helped organise the event, said: “Our volunteer bar staff have managed to find some beers and ciders that are sure to be popular with a summertime crowd. We’re proud to have this choice across the stations.”
“There will be drinks from producers based on the Island, so people can get a real flavour of what it’s like from the brewing perspective at Ashey and also Wootton.” And at Havenstreet, visitors can sample ales from award-winning breweries including The Pheasant, Mighty Oak, and Yates. These craft breweries offer distinctive brews that ale-lovers are bound to appreciate. Havenstreet will also serve specialty ciders and a wide choice of soft drinks, so there is something for everyone.
Lyndsay McConn, the licensed bar lead, said: “We’ve selected a fantastic range of beers and ciders to ensure there is a cold pint to satisfy on a balmy summer’s evening. It’ll be a family affair with a unique range of drinks that’s been curated to suit the traditional ale drinker through to the more adventurous palate looking for some inspiration.
A Unique Heritage Travel Experience
The Real Ale Train doesn’t just focus on local beers, though; it’s also an incredible travel experience. Visitors will hop on board heritage trains, reminiscent of yesteryear, and take in the picturesque Isle of Wight countryside as they ride through it. The boat ride offers a picture viewing of the island, and it is indeed a perfect way to spend a calm evening with friends and family.
The train will transport ticket holders between Wootton, Havenstreet, Ashey, and Smallbrook Junction and will provide the opportunity to journey between each historic station. Guests are invited to sample a selection of beverages, catch up with friends, and enjoy the atmosphere of each venue on the tour.
There is also bangers and mash that is all cooked on the trains at tickets and Havenstreet and Ashey, and to wash it all down, there’s a selection of ales on offer at all stations. This hot, hearty dish contributes to the general appeal of what is the old-fashioned pub experience for passengers taking a break from the train journey with food and drink in hand.
Easy to get to Public Transport and Ticket info
For those hoping to visit the Real Ale Train without having to drive, there’s public transport on offer. Island Line trains will terminate at Smallbrook Junction until 9:02 pm, with onward travel towards other parts of the island, including Ryde, Sandown, and Shanklin. And in another first, Southern Vectis, Route 9 will be calling at Wootton Station, assisting the more environmentally friendly visitors get to the event.
Tickets for this event are available online or at the gate. These late tickets also now include your first pint, meaning it’s even easier for you late ones to join in the kicks. “We have great public transport links so everyone can come along without the worry of driving and ensure everyone has an enjoyable, safe night.”
Community and Celebration as Tradition
“The Real Ale Train is both a celebration of great drinks and heritage travel, as well as a mark of community spirit. The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a popular attraction and provides an opportunity for visitors and island residents alike to experience the history and culture of the island. It’s the coming together of everyday folk, all drawn together by the love of yarn and food and each other’s company – and, of course, for some, the allure of proximity to said steam trains!
The Real Ale Train is now an eagerly awaited summer fixture for many. Add this to picturesque train rides, local ales and hearty food, and you have a glowingly warm, festive atmosphere designed to make people feel at home, chill out and tuck into the finest the Island has to offer. Newcomers and veterans can expect a good time, whether visiting for the first time or if they just can’t get enough of Georgetown – there will be something for everyone!
It is a Saturday event, perhaps another memorable Saturday in the Isle of Wight’s calendar of summer festivals. Because of the great atmosphere, spectacular local beers, and all that steam-powered magic, the Real Ale Train is still set to leave its mark on the island as one of its most loved events!
Looking Ahead
The Real Ale Train has religiously returned for another season, and the people behind the event are positive about its increasing popularity and plans for the future of the community collaborative. I think it’s evident that the mix of heritage, local culture, and immersive experiences will continue to attract people to the Isle of Wight for many years to come. Therefore, if you want an evening of good company, great beer and spectacular travel, then you certainly won’t go wrong by stepping aboard the Real Ale Train, and joining is for a rambling trip across the Isle of Wight.
(Source: Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Southern Vectis, Island Line)
Tags: Ashey, bangers and mash, Havenstreet, heritage train rides, isle of wight, Isle of Wight breweries, Isle of Wight events, Isle of Wight heritage travel, Isle of Wight Real Ale Train, local ales Isle of Wight, public transport Isle of Wight, real ale train, Real Ale Train event, Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin, Smallbrook Junction, steam train event, UK, Wootton
In a world where travel has become increasingly immediate and customizable, expectations are at an all-time high. Modern travelers want experiences that are seamless, high-quality, and tailored to their preferences.
While online booking platforms promise convenience, they often leave too much to chance. This is where the travel club model stands apart. Offering a balance of personalization and predictability, travel clubs provide value that’s hard to match.
Personalized Planning Without The Guesswork
For many travelers, the hardest part of planning a vacation isn’t the destination‒it’s trusting that what they book will deliver. With a travel club, members avoid the trial-and-error of online listings and unvetted properties. Clubs focus on curating consistent experiences, combining destination expertise with member-oriented service.
Legendary Vacation Club is a family-owned business with five decades in international hospitality that has embraced this approach. By operating in high-demand locations like Los Cabos, Riviera Maya, and Punta Cana, LVC provides members with access to trusted properties and on-the-ground support, making personalized vacation planning less stressful and more reliable.
Long-Term Value in a Price-Driven Market
On-demand platforms often compete on price, but the trade-off is inconsistent service and surprise fees. A travel club, on the other hand, is designed around long-term value. Membership gives travelers access to preferred rates, special perks, and priority booking, all without sacrificing quality.
In competitive regions like Cancun and Vallarta, Legendary Vacation Club offers a distinct advantage. Members enjoy access to exclusive properties, including its Hard Rock resorts, all of which have earned the prestigious RCI Gold Crown award. These distinctions reflect not just luxury, but consistent delivery of service, something discount sites rarely guarantee.
Trust Built Through Proven Hospitality Standards
One of the strongest advantages of the travel club model is the trust it builds over time. For repeat travelers, the ability to return to known properties with reliable service is invaluable. Unlike one-off bookings, club memberships foster long-term relationships between travelers and providers, encouraging a higher standard of care.
In an industry where attention to detail defines the guest experience, long-term trust is one of the most valuable assets a club can offer. Legendary Vacation Club exemplifies this through its Riviera Maya location, where the Unico Hotel received the U.S. News & World Report Award in 2021.
Such accolades are more than symbolic. They signal a depth of operational experience that translates directly into member satisfaction.
A Better Way To Travel in a High-Expectation World
The rise of on-demand services has changed how people approach travel, but not always for the better. The travel club model offers something that algorithms and price filters can’t: a structured, member-first experience rooted in consistency, quality, and care.
For travelers looking to escape the uncertainty of one-size-fits-all solutions, a well-established club can provide a far more dependable alternative.
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, the value of being part of a curated, experience-driven travel model becomes increasingly clear. For many, it’s no longer about just going somewhere. It’s about how well you’re taken care of when you get there.
Tech-enabled travel company Travel Counsellors has reported record £566m H1 revenues.
The Manchester firm saw 10% year-on-year growth in the six months ended 30th April 2025 as sales broke £500m for the first time, with Travel Counsellors citing growing demand for personalised travel advice.
The firm added 149 new travel advisors to its community, taking the business to more than 2,206 at the period end.
Summer 2025 is also set to be another strong season for the company with bookings across the peak summer season – July and August – 11% ahead of the comparable time last year, it added.
“We’re seeing increased demand from millennial customers for cruise and adventure travel,” said Steve Byrne, CEO. “This demonstrates this generation’s preferences for premium and differentiated travel experiences.
“These are consumers who want more than just a holiday – they want peace of mind, personalised experiences, and meaningful, memorable journeys.
“During the first half of the year we’ve continued to experience good growth across the business, which is once again a firm demonstration of the strength of our differentiated strategy and was underpinned by the record number of customers who trusted Travel Counsellors with their leisure and corporate travel needs.”
Travel Counsellors has also maintained its five-star Trustpilot rating, recently reaching 10,000 reviews.
“This is a strong testament to our customer-first culture that runs through everything we do,” said Byrne.
“It’s for this reason that more than two thirds of our customers come to us through word-of-mouth referrals – which is a strong endorsement of the level of care we provide.
“We are focused on continuing to disrupt the travel market over the coming years through superb, personalised service and our scalable, relevant, and differentiated business model.”
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