The Endless Vacation

Why Choose A Cruise For Your Next Holiday? By Daniel Hardie

2016-01-08T09:37:00.003-06:00

Cruising is a holiday type that is fast becoming the more popular option for travellers. We have seen a major rise in the number of cruise ships in particular fleets as well as new companies that are reaching into new destinations.

There are plenty to choose from some of which include Carnival, Royal Caribbean, P & O, Princess, Costa and so many more. Some cruisers will choose the same cruise line over and over again while others prefer to try out new ships and new companies.

But why is it becoming so popular? There are many benefits of cruising which I will outline in this article.

1. You only need to pack and unpack once. Most cruises will be visiting many ports so you get to travel to many locations without having to pack and unpack each time.
If you were to travel the traditional way i.e. flying to each of the destinations you would lose half a day each and every time you departed for the next destination. With a cruise that is not necessary.

2. All your food is catered for. This includes your main meals three times a day, plus snacks and other food services with most of the companies catering for you 24 hours a day.

3. Kids club. There is a reason so many families enjoy booking cruises and that is because of the fantastic kids club programs on board so that the adults can drop off the kids and get some time to relax themselves and the kids will have fun and be entertained themselves.

4. Entertainment is provided. There are plenty of music shows, comedy acts, dances, bingo and other games all provided so you will never be bored. There is always something going on around the ship and caters for wide range of audiences.

There are generally comedians, hypnosis, magicians, dancers, singers, bands and other weird and wonderful acts that make your cruise fun.

5. It makes a good alternative for those who hate flying. Cruise ships are fairly steady and allow those who hate flying an opportunity to head overseas without conjuring up any fears or dislikes.
While not everyone loves the open ocean over 80% of people who do book a cruise will book another one at least once more in their lifetime.

Travelling by air, by road or by sea all have their own set of benefits and really comes down to what you want to do and where you would like to see.

As far as value for money goes and the constant entertainment, food gauging and more on board it is fairly easy to see why so many people love to cruise as their preferred method of travel.

Are you looking for something new, exciting and adventurous?

Nothing But Adventure can help you to book travel, world travel tours, insurance and much more. Book Travel here to find your next holiday solution.

www.NothingButAdventure.com has over 3,000 adventures in Australia, Tours in 16 Countries plus all your adventure gear and equipment, travel eBooks and more.

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Pet Friendly Hotels: A New Trend in Hospitality, by Anders Abadie

2015-01-23T14:03:00.001-06:00

If you and your family have pets, leaving them at home during a vacation can be difficult. Putting your animals in a kennel can be expensive, but it can be difficult to find someone to pet sit from your home. Fortunately, there is a solution. Pet friendly hotels are becoming more and more popular in many cities.

Pet friendly hotels allow travelers to bring their animal friends with them instead of boarding them in a kennel or hiring a caretaker to stay with them during the trip. These places are dedicated to making animals feel comfortable while also giving owners the peace of mind knowing that their animals are safe and well nourished.

Some luxury establishments even treat animals as miniature VIPs, catering to their every whim and pampering them. For example, they may have a special room service menu for animals, leave toys in all the rooms, and provide special doggy and kitty beds that will give animals a good night's sleep. A hotel in Seattle even has animal psychiatrists, acupuncturists, and massage therapists on staff to truly pamper the pets that come to stay there.

An establishment in California has a "Yappy Hour" where dog owners can bring their dogs to a special area for a play session. These events are a great way for dogs to run around and tire themselves out while their owners socialize. Some places have even hired "Directors of Animal Relations" that plan special events and figure out new services and offerings that will make animals feel at home.
Some pet friendly hotels have also started to provide replacement animals for those travelers who were forced to leave their four-legged friends at home. For example, the Burnham in Chicago has started providing goldfish for guests, as does the SoHo Grand in New York. Some establishments have even started to provide cats or dogs to guests who would like the company of an animal during their stay. The goal is to make guests feel more at home and work towards alleviating the pain that comes with leaving a beloved animal friend at home.

These pet friendly hotels are able to accommodate devoted animal lovers by asking for a nonrefundable deposit from any guests that are bringing animals with them. This allows them to provide extra services and also repair any damage that animals may cause, such as chewing on furniture, scratching the carpets, or urinating inside the room.

Looking for pet friendly hotels? Oregon Coast wants to welcome you and your furry friend. Click here: http://www.mcmenamins.com.

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4 Awesome Tips To Travel Around The Caribbean on a Budget, By Antonio Cala

2014-10-23T12:33:00.006-05:00

Travel During the Low Season

Traveling during the low season makes everything cheaper. There are less tourists so hostels are not crowded and that's when you can find the best deals. The low season in the Caribbean is from May to October but keep in mind that June to October is also the hurricane season. If you are going south of Dominica, you are very unlikely to be hit by a hurricane. However, if you are going north from there, keep an eye on the weather reports. Showers are normally late in the afternoon with clear skies the rest of the day.

Go Camping

Bringing a tent or a camping hammock is one of the best decisions you can make to save money. Some islands are better than others for camping. I found campground areas in Martinique, St Lucia and Dominica with all the facilities needed and very affordable camping fees. Some islands may not have campground areas, but they have plenty of beautiful and isolated beaches. Safety might come to your mind when planning to free camp on the beach, but it's very unlikely that you will have any problems. Just try to find a beach without any town nearby. I really enjoyed free camping on the beaches of Carriacou, The Grenadines and Barbuda. And if you are in the right season, you might even spot leatherback turtles at night!

Eat What The Locals Eat

Whatever it's produced on the islands is cheap. The options are not very diverse and rice and beans are always on the menu. Fruit is a great option. Mangoes, bananas, papayas and other tropical fruit are plentiful and delicious. And don't forget about drinks. Beer and rum are surprisingly cheap. Whenever you are in a big town, try to visit the local market. There are normally plenty of stands around them where you can get cheap meals and have a chat with the locals. It's my favourite option.

Use Boats When Possible

Cargo boats are one of the cheapest options but they are infrequent and don't go to every island. Also, it's very difficult to find departure dates or any kind of schedule if you are not on the island already and go to the port in person. Local boats tend to be cheap but they are only available on short crossings. It's a great option to travel through Grenada and The Grenadines group as the islands are close to each other. The quality of the boats varies and they absolutely never run on time, so you will need to be very patient. Finally, you always can try to hitch a ride on a sailboat!

Antonio Cala
Co-founder of Cycling El Mundo. Addicted to adventure travel and unexpected plans. He's on a mission to inspire you to live your dreams with entertaining stories, beautiful images and useful travel tips. Cycling around the world since 2013.

Check out his website on: http://www.cyclingelmundo.com/
Related read: Top 4 Beaches in the Caribbean

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Thanksgiving Travel and Airport Parking Tips, By S. Hurley Hall

2013-11-19T10:32:00.001-06:00

Did you know that Thanksgiving is the busiest time of year for air travel? And because it's such a popular travel holiday, that means you can expect long lines and lots of delays going through the security checkpoints. Along with a big dose of patience, it helps to keep these Thanksgiving travel tips in mind before you set off for the airport parking lot.

Timing is Everything

The busier the airport, the more time you need to allow to get to there and make it through the long lines. This means leaving your house earlier than you normally would; after all, thousands of others just like you are making their way to the airport, too, so traffic is bound to be congested. It's ideal to arrive at the airport with at least two hours to spare before your flight departs.
Don't rely on the airport parking lots to have a convenient space open. Particularly over periods of heavy air travel, it's wise to use offsite airport parking so you can be assured of a spot and timely transportation to the terminal without any hassles or delays.

Check-In

After you park at the airport and approach the check-in counter, expect a long line. If you've never printed your boarding pass and checked in to your flight online before, now might be the ideal time to give it a go because it will save you lots of time and aggravation.

If you can, travel light and don't check any luggage. Just be sure your carry-on fits the airline's specifications as far as dimensions and weight and that your liquids are compliant with TSA guidelines.

If you simply can't travel without checking baggage, as long as you check in online the day before your flight, you'll still save a great deal of time by being able to head straight for the luggage drop-off area. And depending on which airport you are flying from, you may be able to check your bags curbside, avoiding the crowds indoors.

Security

Then there's the dreaded security line... The best piece of advice is to anticipate the screening process and be prepared. That means wearing shoes that are easy to slip off, not taking anything through the security line that could warrant a closer inspection (jewelry, scissors, pocketknife, computerized devices, etc.), and ensuring that liquids in your carry-on baggage are small and appropriately packaged (this applies to beverages, too). Have your boarding pass and ID ready; you may want to purchase lanyards for all members of your family so these documents are always handy yet out of the way.

Thanksgiving is all about the food for most families, but if you want to fly with a jar of your homemade cranberry sauce or spiced apple cider in tow, forget it. Restrictions apply to these foods since they are categorized as liquids and gels; it's just more hassle than it's worth to try to bring your homemade holiday goodies on the plane - although you could put them in checked baggage if you're adamant about bringing them.

If you are one of the millions of people expected to fly over the Thanksgiving holiday, use these air travel tips to make your experience more pleasant and less time-consuming. And do remember to be patient; everyone else at the airport wants to enjoy their holiday, too.

S. Hurley Hall runs the Taking Off Travel Blog for off airport parking provider ParkRideFlyUSA.com/blog. It covers travel destinations, business travel, travel gadgets, travel tips and more. Join our email list and be the first to hear about special offers that make your trip less expensive and more enjoyable. Book your airport parking reservations before you arrive at the airport. Hurry! Visit us at Park Ride Fly to receive a 10% discount on your airport parking for a limited time.

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Top Ten Travel Accessories, By Simon J. Smith

2013-11-01T14:07:00.002-05:00

With 100's of travel accessories available it is sometimes difficult to choose which ones to buy and which to omit. My list gives a run down on the top ten must haves for any traveller.

1. Travel Adaptor. If you are travelling overseas to a country that uses a different plug socket to your home country then you will need the appropriate travel adaptor if you intend to take electrical devices with you whether it be your phone, laptop, iPad, camera or music player. If you are visiting multiple countries then you might want to look into a universal adaptor which will convert your plug to any worldwide socket.

2. Travel Wallet. When travelling you carry many more documents than you normally would so your regular wallet is most likely not large enough. You will need room for your travel tickets, passport, visa's, travellers cheques, credit cards, cash and boarding passes. It is a good idea to keep all of your documents in one place that is easy to access so that you pass through immigration swiftly. Look out for a travel wallet that is roomy and has a lot of sections to organise your documents into separate compartments. An exterior slip in pocket is useful for your boarding passes.

3. Concealed Waist Wallet. After you reach your destination and settled in at your hotel you will no longer need to carry around all your travel documents. I recommend that you just carry the cash you need for the day and possibly a credit card. Many tourist destinations have a high rate of pick pocketing so a regular wallet can be unsafe. A concealed money belt however is hidden under your clothes and is invisible to a would-be thief.

4. Pocket Travel Guide or Destination App. Visiting a new destination is exciting as you discover new places of interest but often with little knowledge of the destination a lot of time can be wasted whilst you get to know the area. Before smart phones a poker sized travel guide was the best option but if you now have a smart phone then there are many apps that will give you detailed information on the place you are visiting.

5. Sleeping Mask. If you are travelling by plane, coach or train for an extended period catching 40 winks is advisable and can make a long journey seem short. Due to the less than ideal settings an eyeshade helps to cut out the light and make sleeping a little easier and more comfortable. If you reach your destination and are suffering from jet lag and need to sleep during the day then the mask will be useful again.

6. Travel Pillow. Essential for a comfortable rest whilst travelling, travel pillows come in a variety of designs. Some are a horseshoe shape and loop around the back of your head and others are just a small version of your bed pillow. They can either be filled (usually foam) or inflatable. The filled ones are generally more comfortable but do take up a lot more room than an inflatable one, take this into consideration when choosing the right one for you particularly if you have limited space in your carry on luggage.

7. Luggage Scales. Excess baggage fees can be horrendous and should be avoided at all costs so even though you will not use it much, a luggage scale can save you a lot of money. Weigh your luggage before you travel and then again before you return. Check that you know exactly what weight you are allowed to take with you and consider that when purchasing gifts from overseas. If you think you are getting close to your limit during the trip re-weigh your luggage and consider posting items back home if you are going to go over your limit.

8. Toiletry Bags. Seasoned travelers always use a toiletry bag, it is a good way to keep all your toiletries in one place and they can stay in there for the duration of your trip some even have a hanger system so that they can open up and form a shelf in your hotel room. The other big reason for using a toiletry bag is spillage, your shampoo/aftershave could become damaged during transit and leak out onto the rest of your packing. Toiletry bags are usually waterproof so in the event of spillage the liquid is limited to the toiletry bag only and want soil your clothes.

9. Travel Clothes Line. No one really wants to wash clothes on holiday but sometimes it can be unavoidable even if it is just a few items over the space of several weeks. You can always find something to use as a substitute washing liquid if you have no travel wash with you (such as soap or shampoo) but hanging the items can be difficult if you have no balcony and even then it is not ideal as your garments could end up dusty. The solution is a travel clothes line that garments attach to by a twist in the line and has no need for clothes pegs.

10. Packable Bag. This kind of bag can either be a backpack or travel bag that folds away into our small pouch so in effect you are getting an extra bag that takes little space but can be unfolded to an extra, useful bag should it be needed.

All the travel accessories in this article are available at Luggage Store in Australia http://www.luggagestore.com.au/travel-accessories/general/view-all-products.html?m=10&s=48

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Free Vegas Rooms and Buffets: MyVegas - How to Get More Chips and More Loyalty Points, By E. Jules Gibsons

2013-08-15T09:48:00.001-05:00

First of all, what is myVegas? It's a set of decent online slot games operating like a casino slot machine, created by the MGM Entertainment Group (they own many Vegas resorts and casinos). Unlike most online slot games, it's free and it does not pay money: it pays by giving you loyalty points, released in sets of 10. You can use 'free chips' (which you can accumulate in various ways, explained below) to play and you will amass loyalty points you can use to redeem free Vegas rooms, free Vegas buffets, free drinks and other 'gifts' from various MGM resorts (in Las Vegas). You play it as a game application within your Facebook or Twitter account. Go to your Facebook or twitter account and do an inside search for myVegas; find and 'download' this game application and... You're set! It's easy. There are specific tips and tricks you can adopt to maximize play and earn loyalty points faster, and we (the top-buffet team) have written them in a quick, easy way (scroll down this page to know more).

You will need a significant amount of points before you can start claiming your free rooms or free buffets; some comps (complimentary items) are cheap, such as a free entrée in a popular restaurant; others, such as free Vegas rooms in high end resorts like Aria, are more expensive. However, if you play daily (even if a little each day), you will quickly amass the necessary points for all the Vegas freebies you want. We (top-buffet), have played in various ways, redeemed tons of free Vegas rooms and devised a practical, easy guide to help you do the same.

myVegas: how to get free chips and early loyalty points.

You do not have to buy the chips, ever, unless you want to do so once (say the minimum, a 5 or 10 dollar purchase) to qualify for 3 redeemable items per month (rather than the usual 2). There are 3 excellent ways to get free chips

Through the daily spin; each day, as you start the game a daily spin pop up will show and you can earn a small or a very large number of chips with which to play. Do this every day, since this way you will accrue a multiplier (up to 5), which means that your free chips will be multiplied! If you stop one day it will reset to 1.

Through the daily game feed; when you are in your Facebook or twitter account, search for the application 'myvegas game feed'; download it (it's really simple, it'll tell you how it works once it's on) and collect your daily feeds, which become more the higher number of friends you have, capped to 20,000 free chips a day (not bad!)

Through 'receiving gifts' from your myVegas friends; you will also 'send gifts' daily: once you have the game on (by clicking on the symbol 'myVegas slots', on the top left side of screen you will read 'rewards', 'games' and 'more'; click on 'more' and you'll read the options 'send gifts' and 'invite friends'; once you've clicked it's pretty easy to see what you have to click; they are both ways of 'sending gifts' thus, in a 2-way system, of receiving gifts (free chips and occasionally free loyalty points) from the same people. To accept gifts, besides the usual pop-up which will prompt you to do so regularly, you can click on the notification tool on the top right of your screen (the world map symbol in Facebook) and click on any option bearing the myVegas symbol; they will often read 'xxx sent you a request'. It's all much easier than it sounds; you don't even need a guide to go through how the game works, but the above is a brief one anyway! Once you have hundreds or thousands of friends, you will accrue a large number of free chips thanks to the send/receive gifts system. We have written a section about accumulating friends (what you must and must not do), as well as a quick, practical guide for myVegas, with tips and tricks to earn loyalty points quickly and efficiently. See below:

We have 2 easy-to-read pages on 1) MYVEGAS TIPS & TRICKS to play myVegas in the best possible way, including a list of must-do and must-NOT-do to help you navigate the online game well and avoid being 'barred', and on 2) BEST myVegas Strategy

This content is written by top-buffet and belongs to top-buffet only. You can also search us online on YouTube, where we are 'jules at top-buffet'.

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Free Attractions In Las Vegas, by Andrea Ivey

2013-07-19T16:30:00.001-05:00

Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the globe, has lots of free attractions for everyone. Famous for shopping, gambling, top notch restaurants, amusement and lively night life, Las Vegas is the 28th most densely populated city in the United States of America. You don't need to worry about your budget as the city offers lots of free things to do. You can enjoy lots of free attractions in Las Vegas that comprise great places, parks, museums, shows and much more.

The wide availability of free attractions in Las Vegas makes this superb, lively city a grand place to chill out without spending a fortune. If you are looking for free things to do in Las Vegas, this article will help you a lot. Some of top notch places to visit in Las Vegas for free or for a really cheap price are as follows:

Anderson Dairy

This grand place (Anderson Dairy) has been attracting tourists in addition to the city's inhabitants since 1907. At Anderson Dairy, you can enjoy guided trips of the plant without spending any money. In addition, you can also enjoy a delicious and yummy ice cream treat free of cost.

Marjorie Barrick Museum

Established in 1969, this antique repository offers opportunities to get familiar with the local cultures of the southwest US as well as Mesoamerica. From the survival arts of the Southern Paiute to the impressive and extravagant weaving of the Navajo and attractive monument of the Hopi, the displays aid the visitors to notify not only the charisma of objects but their individual and sacred importance.

Wetlands Park

This is an astonishing place for bird watching and leisure activities. The superb, astounding park is a home to numerous types of animals as well as birds. The Wetlands Park has on foot trails, secondary trails, ponds and bird seeing places.

Liberace Museum

Among free attraction in Las Vegas, Liberace Museum is one of the major attractions. This depositary demands a small entry charge. You can spend lots of time basking the surprises of this great place. The Museum has many things to exhibit comprising momentous pianos, traditional car compilation and exceptional antique works.

Circus Circus Casino

Enter the circus tent and get amused by free circus acts at Circus Circus Hotel and Casino. Beginning at 11:00 a.m. each day, you can enjoy some unmatched circus plays here. Performances consist of mid-air shows, swing performers and jocks. This is among one of the best free activities for kids in Las Vegas.

Arts District

Las Vegas's downtown Arts District is jam-packed with creative activities. This district has lots of artists' studios in addition to picture galleries. You need not pay any entry fee. It is open to everybody every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Apart from these attractions, Las Vegas has much more to offer for a budget friendly vacation.

About The Author

Andrea Ivey is a contributor on Shoestringspots.com, a website listing all free tourist spots, free things to do and see in your favorite cities in the US. Please visit www.shoestringspots.com and browse through hundreds of free attractions in US cities.

The author invites you to visit:
http://www.shoestringspots.com

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You Should Choose Pet Friendly Hotels On Your Next Trip! By Imran Nasir

2013-05-31T13:53:00.004-05:00

There are many animal lovers that can't get enough of their pets so they want to take their companions with them, even on their business trip, vacation or even holiday. It really is something that they care about and the places where they check in, need to be pet friendly hotels.

There are some features that you need to look up when it comes to such places because your pets need to be given the same conditions that you have in order for you to feel safe and secure. First, there is the idea of accommodation: a pet friendly hotel means having a special designated place in the rooms for the little ones. Some pet owners might choose to have their pets in the bed with them, but the hotel needs to take responsibility and have something prepared for the animals as well.

Another aspect that you should look into here is the idea of animal food. It is important to see if the hotel you are choosing has this particular option because maybe you don't have the time to go and find the food for your loved animal and the hotel should got this covered as well. Additionally here, you need to ask in advance in there are any specifications that the motel management needs to take into consideration, from climate and accommodation to food allergies and prohibitions. Being informed means having a less probability to having problems.

Furthermore, there is the idea of dog walks and maintenance if you are away with business during your stay. There are many pet lovers that take their animals with them on their trips, but they don't have the time to take care of them on a 24h schedule, so they need to find a hotel that is able to deliver services that imply taking care of the pets, walking them, feeding them and so on. It's really important for the customer to know that he or she is in great hands, even if it is about a companion like a dog or a cat.

Finally, people should know that even though the hotels have these accommodations, they need to ask things in advance in order to be certain that all details are cleared. You don't want to find yourself in the position of going to a hotel and not having the possibility of checking in your cat because of a hotel policy.

Find the best pet friendly hotels and enjoy your trip.

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Mexico Beaches: A Vacation For All Budgets, By Fernando F. Mayorga

2013-04-16T15:39:00.001-05:00

After the recession hit a lot of families in 2008 all the way to the present, going on a vacation has become a lot more of a luxury. Some places you can travel to which are within driving distance still feel as too expensive for a lot of people. There are vacations to Europe which end up being too expensive even when you get a great deal for airfare and hotel, because buying food or paying for entertainment is just out of most people's range. Thankfully you can always visit many of the beautiful Mexico beaches and beach towns for a fraction of the price.

Start With Airfare

There are plenty of airports throughout the country, but your best bet is to head to the bigger cities and go from there. The reason you want to look at the bigger airports is that you could end up saving an extra couple of hundred dollars just by doing so. The Cancun International Airport is very convenient for that as the prices are lower than others in the region and you have plenty of Mexico beaches around. You will have access to Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Isla Holbox, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and others within a couple of hours from the airport. You can also choose to fly into Mexico City and then take a first class bus to different beach towns in Guerrero, Oaxaca, Veracruz and Jalisco, but the ride is a lot longer.

Always Take The First Class Buses
First Class buses may seem like an additional expense, but if you have to go to Mexico City to Acapulco for example it is a 6 hour ride. A First Class bus will get you there fast and the price difference is not that great. You can travel in Turistar or Pullman Plus which is a luxury line for 40 dollars to Acapulco and you will get seats that resemble a reclining chair, a meal, drinks and very spacious bathrooms. The trip to the Mexico beach towns in Oaxaca is longer, but you can take an overnight bus and be there when you wake up. The seats in Turistar and Pullman Plus are comfortable and you will have no trouble sleeping in them.

Hotels

The hotels in Cancun can be as expensive as those in any other luxury resort beach town in the world, but you do not have to stay there. If you are traveling to the Riviera Maya and you want to save money then head to the other Mexican beaches in Quintana Roo. They are all pretty similar in their beauty but the price is much lower. You can get decent accommodations in Tulum and Playa del Carmen close to the beach for less than 40 dollars a night.

Food And Shopping

This is where you will save a lot of the money when you go to any of the many Mexico beaches as opposed to going to another international (or within the country) destination. Your meals can be very filling and tasty and you do not need to pay more than 4 dollars per meal. Of course you could go to luxury restaurants; after all you will still pay less in Mexico than you would for a luxury restaurant at home. But the fact is that going for cheap traditional Mexican food is cheap, safe and maybe even tastier. If you need to shop, souvenirs can be as little as 5 dollars, but always pay in Peso even if you can pay in dollars. You will not get a favorable exchange rate when you shop in an international currency.

For more information on Mexico beach vacation destinations visit http://mexicobeaches.net, For Mexico City Destinations or information visit http://guiadeldf.com

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Munich - A Beer Lovers Paradise, by Roberta Stuart

2013-03-21T18:16:00.005-05:00

Every avid beer drinker dreams of the day where they will be able to fly to Munich and drink their favourite beverage in paradise-otherwise known as Oktoberfest. Six million beer enthusiasts and curious tourists gather together to drink the over seven million litres of beer served during the festival. Munich hotels book out months and some even a year in advance, so be sure to plan ahead if you are interested in attending.

History of Oktoberfest

The first Oktoberfest took place when Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on 12 October in 1810. The citizens of Munich were all invited to attend the festivities, which were held on the fields located in front of the city gates. The fields were renamed Theresienwiese (Theresa's Fields) to honour the Crown Princess. Nowadays, locals refer to Oktoberfest simply as Wiesn, having shortened the original name. The staff at Munich hotels are all very well informed about their city's biggest event, so if you find yourself curious about its origins be sure to consult your concierge.

The Beers

All beer served at Oktoberfest must be brewed within the city limits of Munich and conform to the Reinheitsgebot (the German beer purity law.) Beers that meet the criteria may be designated as Oktoberfest Beer. Breweries that produce beer served at the festival are: Augustiner-Bräu, Hacker-Pschorr- Bräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner- Bräu, Spatenbräu, and Staatliches Hofbräu- München.

Festival Traditions

A twelve-gun salute and the tapping of the first keg of Oktoberfest beer at 12:00 by the Mayor of Munich mark the beginning of the event. The mayor, along with the crowd, will say, "O' zapft is!" meaning, it's tapped. Then, as tradition has it, the mayor gives the first beer to the Minister President of the State of Bavaria.

Beer, wine, and sparkling wine can all be purchased at Oktoberfest, however you must be seated at a table to get served. With fourteen large tents and twenty small ones you'd think finding a seat wouldn't be a challenge, however keep in mind that this is an event that attracts over six million tourists a year to Munich. Hotel staff will inform you as you check in that if you want to get a seat you must arrive to the tents very early!

Interesting Facts

The sheer volume of alcoholic beverages required to satisfy the needs of the millions of Oktoberfest patrons is simply astounding. Last year, approximately 7.1 million litres of beer, 90,000 litres of wine, and 38,000 litres of sparkling wine were served. On top of that, almost 1.3 million litres of non-alcoholic beverages were also sold.

In terms of electricity, 2.96 million kWh were used... that's equivalent to the amount of electricity a family of four would need for 52 years!

Missing any items? Nearly 260 pairs of glasses were found, 200 mobile phones, wedding rings, and almost 500 crutches were all collected after the event ended.

Oktoberfest is a phenomenal festival that is bound to be an experience you will never forget. Munich hotels are all well prepared for the event so if you have any questions regarding timing, directions, the tents etc. simply ask a staff member.

Looking for Munich hotels? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for Worldhotels, a company offering the best rooms in a selection of unique four and five star hotels around the world.

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Tips to Save on Travel Insurance, by Alexey Saltykov

2013-03-17T18:03:00.001-05:00

There is one aspect that you have always to remember before starting your trip: Travel Insurance. Any health or accident issue abroad can lead to exorbitant costs.

One night in a hospital in USA can easily result in over $10,000. There are many cases where people were treated abroad and afterwards got six-digits medical bills. Obviously such issues as a stolen laptop or video camera can be quite costly as well.

We created a long list of travel insurance tips to help you to save on travel insurance! So, let's start!

1. Travel medical on your credit card: Check your credit cards - one or two may already have Travel Medical Protection, both for you and sometimes for your family members too.

2. Various credit card perks: Not sure if you need to buy a Flight Delay, Trip Interruption/Cancellation and Baggage Loss - check out your credit cards, sometimes you will be surprised what you will find.

3. Liability via Home Insurance: Thinking to buy an extra Umbrella / Liability insurance for your trip e.g. in case you hit somebody when skiing? Your Home Insurance might already have a worldwide umbrella protection - check the policy or ask your broker / insurance provider.

4. Protection for belongings: Wondering if you need to pay extra to protect some of your belongings while on a trip (e.g. expensive camera) - your home insurance might protect them as well while you are travelling and have them with you.

5. Multi-trip travel insurance: If you travel several times a year, it often makes sense to take a multi-trip insurance policy as opposed to getting every time single-trip policy.

6. Family travel insurance: If you travel as a family, it sometimes makes sense to buy a family travel insurance policy rather than buying a separate plan for each member of the family.

7. Shop around: Search, Compare, and switch insurance companies. There are many insurance providers and their price offerings for the same policies can be very different, therefore use multiple online tools and talk to several brokers since each will cover a limited number of insurance companies.

8. Burglary insurance:Some credit cards offer this kind of protection if some of your personal belongings disappear from your hotel or motel. Don't forget to pay for your trip and hotel stay with a credit card that offers this protection. Attention: your protection may extend to USA but not necessary to other countries e.g. Mexico.

Alex Saltykov is a Co-Founder of InsurEye Inc, a Canadian company that provides online tools for consumers to educate them about insurance, create transparency in insurance market place in Canada and connect consumer with insurance brokers in Hamilton, insurance brokers in Edmonton and all across Canada.

Alex spent years advising insurance clients both in North America and Europe while he was working for one of the leading management consulting companies. His areas of expertise are insurance, interactive consumer services, innovation, IT and operations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexey_Saltykov

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Cruise Ships: What's Not to Like About Them? By Nivia Devidson

2013-03-14T19:07:00.001-05:00

There's not much to hate about cruise ships. Even budget ships offer old-fashioned cruises at affordable prices, while contemporary ships provide a better, more modern service all-in-all that will allow you to have a taste of a rich man's life. Also, for only ten percent more than you'd pay for a contemporary cruise, you'll get to enjoy premium cruises that offer better food, better facilities, better services, and so forth without having to deal with huge crowds and whatnot. You practically have the whole ship to yourself and a few other choice guests that have money to burn. If you're on budget cruise, you won't be seeing many child-friendly facilities, plus the spas and gyms are pretty basic. Nevertheless, for its price, budget cruises do everything they can to give you the full cruise treatment without you having to sacrifice an arm and a leg to enjoy it. The coziness and warmth of a budget ship is also an experience that you should savor to the utmost, because for some people, the bigger cabins of contemporary or premium megaships can be quite alienating. Sometimes, homelier and humbler travel accommodations are the best. Yes, cruise ships can also double as hotels on water, such that if you want to travel to your intended island destination while enjoying yourself all the way, cruise ships are the way to go.

Island Cruises, Louise Cruise Lines, and Classic Cruises are the must-have cruises that give you a taste of what cruises were like in the good old days. The destinations of these ships, like with contemporary ships, are Mediterranean and Caribbean in nature. Meanwhile, premium ships are ships created for people who believe that money is no object, so it's only natural for them to offer month-long voyages spanning the entire globe. Some cruise ships can even be considered resorts on water; such that instead of going to a particular beach destination, the ship itself will serve as the destination. When it comes to picking the best cruises for you, it all boils down to taste. The most expensive choice isn't necessarily the best choice, particularly for those vacationers who love to enjoy traditional cruise ships with an intended destination instead of serving as a vacation spot by itself. Whether you're a family, a couple, or a single looking for a good time, there's sure to be a great hub for sporty cruises for you in many a port out there. If all else fails, avail of a luxury ship.

Searching for dinner cruise Sydney harbour? Visit us here!

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Enjoy Las Vegas on Next to Nothing - Eat and Drink For Less, by Steven Phillip

2013-03-07T18:06:00.001-06:00

Las Vegas is famous for its food specials. There was a time you could get a complete steak dinner for $2. Those days may be gone, but overall, the cost of dining in Las Vegas is still better than in many parts of the country. How long has it been since you've really had a blast? Is Las Vegas on your list of fun places to go? Learn what the locals know about having a good time on a budget. Their Staycation just may be your dream! Since there is a major difference between catching a bite to eat and fine dining, or finding a drink and clubbing, we will be looking at these subtitles: Breakfast Lunch and Snacks, All You Can Eat Buffets, Restaurant Dining, Where to Get Cheap Drinks, andNightclubs and Lounges With No Cover Charge.
Eat and Drink For Less
Free Comps are anything but free. The casino management will be glad to give you a meal, pay for your room, or get you some show tickets. All you have to do is win or lose a lot of money. They rate you by how long you gamble, and how much you gamble. You have to sign up for their slot club or their table games club, insert your Player's Card into the machine or ask to be rated at the tables. Then after four hours you will likely qualify for some kind of Comp. After four hours of gambling, you will also have likely spent more than the Comps were worth!
Just the same, many of the specials require a Player's Club Card. It's not required that you use the card, only that you have one. And naturally, every casino has its own club. Fortunately, several of the clubs share an owner, and will honor cards from their affiliates. Club Cards are free, but for those of you who consider the Club Card thing just a little too much of a hassle, I will point out which specials require a card, and which ones don't.

Locals also tend to frequent their neighborhood casinos rather than the touristy ones; and the neighborhood prices are lower across the board. But when you come to Las Vegas on vacation you're not expected to spend an hour crossing town to find an obscure place to eat, so this list will focus on places within a mile of The Strip, and on Freemont Street (downtown.) If you were to do an exhaustive internet search you could find many of the same deals listed here, they do all advertise, but this will simplify matters for you. There is no way for me to cover all of the choices, as there are hundreds; and the establishments are not under my control, so they may change their specials; but this is where I'd go for specials on a regular basis. I hope you enjoy the variety and the prices.

Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks

Starting out the day, there are breakfast buffets in most casinos, some pricier than others. The Station Casinos tend to have better breakfast food at lower prices when compared to the big name casinos. Assuming you'd rather save the buffet for later in the day, here are a couple of alternatives that won't wreck your wallet.

Early Breakfast is also known as the Graveyard Special, and there are quite a few choices for this one. As long as you're done partying before 6 a.m. here are a few of the best places to catch a bite.

At The Burger Joint inside the Flamingo, between midnight and 6 a.m. they serve a Ribeye steak and eggs for $5.99, or a Burger and fries for $2.00. No matter what time you go, expect a 20 minute wait. They always cook the steak to a medium temperature without asking, and they throw in some hashbrowns and toast. If you go for the burger, the fries are fabulous if you like them steak cut and crispy. (In the center of The Strip by Flamingo Road.)
About a mile off The Strip to the west on Tropicana Avenue, the Orleans serves Steak and eggs with toast and hash browns for $3.99 at the Courtyard Café, between midnight and 6 a.m. Service is a little faster than at The Burger Joint above, and the steak is cheaper - but not a Ribeye. If you're not in a steak mood, the Courtyard Café is one of the few remaining places to have a lot of graveyard breakfast choices for fabulous prices between $1.99 and $2.99. The Courtyard Café also has Asian and Pacific food on their menu at very reasonable prices.

SPOTLIGHT: Ellis Island Casino & Brewery

Don't be put off by the outside appearance. This place is almost always busy because it draws both tourists and locals. Also plan to wait for a table, and service can be slow if you want to eat at traditional times. Fortunately, you can get a deal here at any time, 24 hours a day. And like the sign says, this is also a brewery, so you have the opportunity to try one of their several microbrews, or even their own root beer if you prefer. Next to the restaurant you'll find the bar, which is a local's favorite for karaoke. Ellis Island is located behind Bally's on Koval Lane, by Flamingo Road.

For an early traditional breakfast (Two scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy and bacon or sausage,) Ellis Island only charges $1.95 between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. for the special.

Later in the morning, or at night before crashing, you might consider New Yorksteak and eggs for $3.45 at Ellis Island. They serve breakfast between 11 p.m. and 11 a.m.

In the 24 Hour Restaurant, [yes, that is what they actually call it,] you can also get a 10-ounce Steak Dinner for $6.99. The steak comes with green beans, potato, bread, and a Beer. Overall the meal is very tasty and may be the best value meal in town. This special is not always in the menu, but if you ask for it, it is always available.

Inside Tip:Down town every casino has specials on the marquis. These specials are sometimes for specific time frames, and are not always up to date - but usually good deals - so verify the price when ordering!
Lunch timemay require a sandwich special. One of the best deals is the $1.25 Hotdog, at the Gold Coast. It is available between 10 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. at the Sports Book - look for a vender's cart. Expect a Chicago Style Beef Hotdog with the works. You don't have to place any bets to take advantage of the Hotdog Vender, and there are usually plenty of seats with monitors everywhere for viewing the races or the games while enjoying your dog. (On Flamingo road, about a mile west of The Strip.)

If you'd rather not leave The Strip, O'sheas Casino in the middle of The Strip between the Imperial Palace and the Flamingo serves a Hot dog with a Beer for $3.00, 24 hours a day. For more information on Q'sheas Casino, read further down under Where to Get Cheap Drinks.

Downtown for lunch with a big appetite, Uncle Joes's Pizza has one of the better deals. $3 will get you two oversized slices of Pizza and a Soda. Uncle Joe's is a small authentic NY style pizza house; so expect a traditional crunchy crust, good sauce, plenty of cheese, and laid back friendly but not too fast service. (On Fremont Street and Las Vegas Boulevard.)
Another choice would be to pick up a Hot dog and a Coke for $2.95 in the Fremont Club at the Lanai Express. Lanai Express is known for its reasonably priced Chinese dishes served cafeteria style, so you don't have to wait for your meal. American food like Hamburgers, Hotdogs, and Shrimp Cocktail will give you more choices than you'd usually find at a Chinese place; so there's something for everybody, even those who don't want the Hotdog deal. (The Fremont Club is in the center of the Fremont Street Experience.)

SPOTLIGHT: Mermaids Casino and Lounge

Famous for vintage slots rather than glitz, this place is a funhouse for those who are not looking for quiet, high-end class. The brassy waitresses cater to the drinkers, slot players, drinkers, socializers, drinkers, eaters and drinkers. If you end up spending much time here, the waitresses will even remember what you like to drink; you'll notice a personal touch. The strings of welcome beads you discover around your neck tend to be financed by the nickel slots, and the treats here are unique. Mermaids is between the Golden Gate and the Golden Nugget on Freemont Street, downtown.

Snacksat Mermaids Casino and Lounge include the 99 cent Fried Twinky. They also have Fried Oreos and a Chocolate Covered Banana on a stick. If that's too radical, you can also get a Nathan's hot dog for 99 cents at the Snack Bar.
Snacks in Las Vegas have traditionally included a Shrimp Cocktail Special. I believe that tradition started at the Golden Gate downtown on Fremont Street over forty years ago. Sometime their menu changes faster than their Marquis, so remember to verify the price. Nowadays just about everyone has some form of Shrimp Cocktail Special priced between 99 cents and $2.99, so look around for it, both downtown, and in many of the smaller casinos on The Strip.

All You Can Eat Buffets

If anywhere is famous for their buffets, it's Las Vegas! Almost every casino has one, so we'll only focus on a few of my favorites that have personality. There was a day when buffets represented the best deal in town. They are still a great deal for what you get; but with the Las Vegas transition into a family destination, the cost of food has gone up across the board to reflect the lack of gambling by minors.

In general, the lower priced buffets will charge an extra $5 for all you can eat crab legs and shrimp on Seafood Night (usually Friday), whereas the higher priced buffets will serve seafood every night. Another thing to note is that buffets generally charge the same price for Sunday Brunch as for their regular evening Dinner. Most buffets also present an assortment of Asian food in addition to any other international cuisine.
Breakfast buffets will run from $4 to as much as $10 less than the regular Dinner price. And Lunch buffets will usually cost between $3 and $7 less than Dinner. The listed price for the following buffets will be the regular Dinner amount unless noted otherwise.

Garden CourtBuffet

Located at Main Street Station, this international buffet is likely the best choice in the downtown area. The selection of Asian dishes is respectable here. Garden Court Buffet only charges $10.99 on most nights, and a Buy1 Get 1 coupon is usually available online. Their Friday Seafood Buffet runs $5 more, on Thursday they have a Filet Mignon & Scampi Buffet for only $3 more, and a T-Bone Buffet on Tuesday for $3 more. Dinner starts at 4 p.m. and lasts until 10 p.m. This has been one of my favorite places to eat downtown, for years. I also have to remember to save room for the deserts here. (Just one block north of the Fremont Street Experience on Main Street, and connected to the California Hotel by an over-the-street walkway.)

Le Village Buffet
I'm a sucker for French cuisine, and this buffet is probably my very favorite, anywhere in town. At Paris, Le Village Buffet only serves food from the different regions of France; it is not a world buffet. If the $24.99 price is too steep, you might consider going in for late lunch, which is served until 3:30 p.m. By arriving around 3 p.m. and casually enjoying a two hour meal with someone special, you will just be finishing around 5 p.m., and you will only have paid $17.99 a piece for a fabulous meal that would run north of $49 in any other city. Le Village Buffet serves the same selections for lunch as they do for dinner, except for the choices in shellfish, and they don't close down between Lunch and Dinner. Be sure to find the made-to-order crapes for desert! The line at Le Village is always long, so plan for that too. (On The Strip across from the Bellagio, near Flamingo Road.)

French Market Buffet

If you are looking for more of a bargain, while still in The Strip area, the French Market Buffet is inside the Orleans. Don't let the name fool you; for $13.99 you can enjoy this multi-national all you can eat treat between 4 and 9 p.m. Lunch is about half the price; but they clear the dining room between meals here, so you can't stay through into dinner. They also offer Friday Seafood for $5 more, and Wednesday Steak for $2 more. This is another locals hang out, so the lines can get long; but they usually move pretty quickly, except on Senior Tuesdays when the lines seem to grow beyond expectation. (About a mile west of The Strip on Tropicana Avenue.)

Restaurant Dining

Most casinos also offer specials of some sort in their 24 hour cafés. Some specials are always available, and other specials are not on the menu, but are available by specific request! Here are a few of the many specials, starting with the Downtown area.
SPOTLIGHT: The California Hotel

The California Hotel seems like it could be renamed the Hawaiian Hotel, as they specialize in Pacific Island specialties. For example, this is one of the few places to find Spam on a menu. And their best lunch is in a place called Aloha Specialties. For cheap drinks The California offers Heineken and Corona for $2 in all of their casino bars, 24 hours a day. Located at Ogden and Main Street, it is one block north of Fremont St, and behind the Las Vegas Club. The California Hotel is also connected to Main Street Station by an over-the-street walkway.

Located inside the California, Aloha Specialties has an assortment of cash specials available between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Chicken Super Bowl for $2.85 is served over rice with either gravy or teriyaki sauce. You can enjoy a Hamburger with macaroni salad for $2.85, a Chicken Tofu Saimin Noodles or a Loco Moco for $4.75. Loco Moco is a bowl of rice with fried egg and a hamburger patty drenched in gravy. Or a Large Saimin Noodles dish for $5. The Market Street Café offers a Prime Rib Special for $7.95. The Prime Rib is served between 4 and 11 p.m. and comes with soup or salad, potato, vegetable, and a desert! Reservations are recommended at Pasta Pirate which is more than just a pasta house. They are offering what is likely the classiest dinner deal in town! Steak and Lobster Tail with a choice of pasta, potato or rice, plus a saladand a glass of Wine for only $16.

Magnolia's Veranda

Four Queens is part of the Fremont Street Experience. Inside Four Queens, Magnolia's Veranda offers a Prime Rib Dinner between 4 p.m. and midnight for $9.95. The special comes with soup or salad, choice of potato, vegetable of the day, and a roll.

Player's Card holders get a $2 discount on the special. Magnolia's also runs a Buy 1 Get 1 offer on line as part of the Fremont Street Experience. This 24 hour café is upstairs and overlooks the casino, so if you'd rather more of a restaurant feel, ask to be seated in the back room. (Located between Fitzgerald's and the Golden Nugget.)
In The Strip area, most of the deals are a few blocks away. This is their bribe to get you off The Strip.

Bougainvillea Café

Bougainvillea Café, at Terrible's Casino & Hotel offers two specials that are not on the menu; you have to ask your server for them specifically. The Half-Chicken Dinner is $5.99 and the T-bone Steak Dinner is $9.99. You can also find many other selections priced between $4.99 and $6.99. Located upstairs in the Mezzanine level, this 24 hour café has Mexican, Chinese and American selections. The Chinese food is better than you get in most casino buffets, and there is nothing terrible about these values! And for an even better deal, look for their Buy 1 Get 1 offers. Bougainvillea is also famous for their very large portions, so come hungry; you'll find the food is better than it needs to be for the price. So if you've been down on your luck and want some good food for less, this is the spot. (On Paradise Road, about a mile east of The Strip, by Flamingo Road. Only a block away, the Hard Rock Hotel is within walking distance.)

Mr Lucky's 24/7

The café at the Hard Rock Hotel offers a Gambler's Special for $7.77 that is not on the menu. This is a Steak with three grilled Shrimp, salad, and a choice of broccoli or potato. The Gambler's Special is available 24 hours a day, but you do have to remember to ask for it specifically. Mr Lucky's 24/7 has large comfortable tables, generous portions, good service, reasonably short lines, and a nice selection of beer. (On Paradise Road, about a mile east of The Strip, by Harmon Avenue.)

Where to Get Cheap Drinks

First a little note of caution; the "free drinks" in the casinos for gamblers are not all that free. If you can stay on your budget while alcohol happy, go for it. But the casinos have found that alcohol happy gamblers spend much more than sober ones!

Many of the restaurants in Las Vegas offer Happy Hour Specials; often a two drinks for the price of one type of thing.
On The Strip, O'sheas Casino offers Domestic Draft Brews for $2. I've seen Beer Pong played here, and this is the only place I've ever seen Casino Backgammon. The crowd tends to be under thirty, and everything here is on the cheap. Try to imagine a Frat House Party with the Sorority Girls in attendance. O'sheas Casino is tucked in between the Imperial Palace and the Flamingo.

Benny's Bullpen in Binion's Horseshoe serves Miller Lite, Jack Daniels or Southern Comfort for $2. Next to the Sports Book, Benny's Bullpen is a more comfortable place to kick back with a few drinks while watching your game. Benny's Bullpen also runs a $10 Pizza and Pitcher special... best with friends. (Downtown in the middle of the Fremont Street Experience.)

If you prefer cheap mixed drinks, The Plaza serves Well Drinks for $2.50 all the time. The Plaza was once a fabulous new casino, but that was eons ago. Nowadays they tend to attract the cheapskates and low-life's. To make this work for you just remember to generously tip your waitress and smile; she won't be expecting it, so you're likely to get better service than anyone else. If you're looking for glitz, this is the wrong place; if not, the Sports Book may be the best place to hang out. The Plaza is on the Main Street side of The Fremont Street Experience.

Nightclubs and Lounges With No Cover Charge

Locals have free access almost everywhere, and most of the time. Seeing that sign can really irritate you if you happen to be from out of town. Ladies also get treated special at many of the Las Vegas clubs; on Ladies' Night the drinks are often free until 11 p.m. - for ladies only.

Although the drinks may not be free for most of us, here are some of the clubs that usually have no cover charge - so you can regulate your expenses according to what you drink while dancing and having a blast.

Caramel Bar & Loungeat the Bellagio is a hybrid high energy dance club and smooth intimate ultra lounge combination. Chocolate oversized leather furniture under warm caramel lighting, accented by a marble topped center island, creates a warm and inviting ambience that delivers both comfort and sophistication. The dance floor is animated by local DJs turning Hip-hop and Top 40 hits. And a light appetizer menu is available between 5 and 9 p.m. to compliment the full service bar. Since proper club attire is required, bling is not out of place here. You'll find that this is the perfect place to kick back with friends, or spend some intimate time with someone special.

Cleopatra's Barge Nightclub atCaesar's Palace has reinvented itself to attract a younger crowd than in the past. Cleopatra's Barge has a floating dance floor with DJs turning R&B and Classic Rock hits through the night. This Egyptian themed dance club is served by a full bar, with tables scattered across the "dry land" and a few more tables "on deck" that are usually reserved. If you're looking for a quiet romantic spot, this may not be it; but if you just want to have fun, this is the place for you.

Mist Bar & Loungeat Treasure Island is a fusion of two ideas. On the one hand Mist is very similar to the Caramel Bar & Lounge, just a little darker and bit more intimate. With Persian rugs, dark leather lounge style couches, warm ambient overhead panels, candle lit coffee tables, and potted plants, against dark burgundy walls, Mist is the perfect hotspot to mingle with close friends or unwind with a little romance in mind. DJs spin a tasteful blend of Hip-hop, Rock, and the popular current hits at a volume that allows a comfortable mixture of conversational privacy, intimacy, and people watching. On the other hand, Mist also sports an oversized plasma TV for game night and a few beers with the guys. This is like partying in a larger version of your own truly cool living room!

Level 107 Lounge, (formerly the Romance Lounge,) at the Stratosphere, located on the north end of the fabulous Las Vegas Strip, features the most spectacular views in town. Level 107 Lounge sits on a circular balcony high up in the Stratosphere Tower. Low lights and a deep red décor combined with great cocktails and incredible breathtaking views, make this a great place to unwind or to create a most memorable experience. Level 107 also overlooks the restaurant which makes appetizers available. Live music by Afterglow between 9 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. is a plus on Wednesday through Saturday nights. Afterglow has a unique sound that combines Jazz, Pop, and Contemporary music.

SPOTLIGHT: The Silverton Hotel

The Silverton Hotel is worth a mention here. It is no where near anything on the Las Vegas Strip, but if you just happen to have some extra time on the way in or out of Las Vegas from the Los Angeles direction, or if you simply want to get out of the traffic if your timing allows, there are several deals here. They have no choice but to bribe you since they are so out of the way from Las Vegas proper. Although, they do have easy freeway access at Highway 15 and Blue Diamond Road!

The Silverton Hotel has an aquarium as their major attraction. This is no ordinary aquarium as you can expect to see mermaids in addition to 4,000 tropical fish (including three species of stingray and three species of shark.) The room sized curved acrylic tank is located by the bar, and the mermaids put on a 15 minute show every half hour throughout the afternoon and evenings on Thursday through Sunday. During the day, everyday, you can also watch the sharks and stingrays being fed in the afternoon at 1:30 and 4:30 or in the evening at 7:30 p.m. There are also a few creatively lit small jellyfish aquariums in the bar.

At the bar they serve Miller Genuine Draft for $1, and the show is free. While you're there, the Sundance Grill serves a sirloin steak, golden fried shrimp, soup or salad, and your choice of baked potato, rice, or fries for only $12.99.

Have a Lot of Fun for Less

With these tips it is possible to eat for under $20 a day, and still get as much as you want.

A few things to remember though: Most of the Las Vegas employees get paid next to nothing, and actually live off of their tips. Typical tips start at $1 to $2. If you happen to be a winner, you might tip a little more; you'll be surprised at the increased quality of service when you do. So please remember to appreciate the service, especially when it is excellent.
For further savings and to avoid tipping situations, here are a few suggestions:

Avoid Room Service! Room Service always includes additional charges and requires a tip for your server. Most all of the hotels have a 24 hour Café that will cost you much less. Also refer to the deals mentioned above.

Watch Your Beverages! Soft Drink and Bottled Water prices are designed to make up for the food deals in Las Vegas. Beverage prices tend to run $4 and $5 a piece. So if you want water, just ask for a glass of water, (it's free and it taste good here.) Wine is more affordable by the bottle than for a few glasses. And brewed Coffee or Tea tends to be priced more normally.

If you'd like to find out more about your best deals, there are too many choices to display in this article.

To learn the Insider Secrets to cheap Flights, cheap Hotel Reservations, and cheap Car Rentals, please check out: http://www.TravelTipCentral.info

If you'd like to travel anywhere in the U.S. and have all your needs met for under $20 a day, you should check this out: http://www.HowToGoAnywhereForLess.info

If you have enjoyed this article, please look for these related subtitles for Enjoy Las Vegas on Next To Nothing, to quickly find the right deals for your trip. The categories include:

Sights Worth Seeing - Off the beaten path

Totally Free Entertainment

Window Shopping - With a Free Show

Have Fun For Less

Discount Headliner Shows

Eat For Less

Where To Stay For Less - Without Sacrificing Location

Free Public Transportation & Parking

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What to Look for in Cruise Ship Reviews, by Sasha Yana Berlin

2013-03-01T12:47:00.000-06:00

Individuals who would like to go on a cruise are always advised to look for cruise ship reviews that will help them to decide on which cruise is best. However, most of them are not aware of the specifics details to look for in these reviews. Cruises are different, and a person will have different reasons for wanting to go on a cruise. The reviews will help the person to choose a cruise that focuses on their particular needs during the entire trip.

The first thing to consider is the services offered by the cruise ship. Individuals who would like to have a cruise wedding are likely to look for a cruise ship that offers this service. Those who are on a honeymoon should consider cruise with honeymoon suites, while those on retirement can look for other services. The services offered in the packages will help the individual to determine whether the cruise is right for them.

The second thing to look for is the reputation that the cruise ship has. Most of the reviews are done by professionals in the industry who know all about ships and cruises. Cruise ships that are old and prone to damage should always be avoided. Also, ships where crime has happened should be avoided. An individual should only go on a cruise which they trust since they may be spending weeks or months out at sea on the ship.

The different stops that a cruise ship makes should also be considered. Cruises travel to different destinations throughout the world. There are individuals who would not be comfortable visiting certain ports. Others are looking for specific spots because of the beauty or uniqueness that they offer. They should always read through the reviews in order to know the exact spots before choosing the cruise that they prefer.

The age groups as well as the themes catered for should also be looked at closely. There are cruise ships that do not allow children on board. Therefore, individuals who would like to travel as a family will not be able to board such a ship. Furthermore, certain ships have themes that are directed towards particular interests. Cruises that have sports themes with mini golf and swimming areas will not be enjoyable for individuals who are not sports enthusiasts.

The environment in the cruise ship is also mentioned in a lot of cruise ship reviews. The individuals should always consider this in order to ensure that they are not bored during the trip. Some cruises have a very formal atmosphere, while others have a party or carnival mood. The type of mood that the traveler would like should therefore be considered or they will definitely not enjoy themselves.

It is a fact that cruises are very expensive and individuals who go on such trips always like to get their money's worth. An individual who reads cruise ship reviews will be able to get a clear picture of what a certain cruise is like. This will help them to decide on the particular cruise before they swipe their card or open their wallet.

I am an avid researcher who writes on various topics including entertainment, leisure, travel, sports, gaming, and beauty, among others.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sasha_Yana_Berlin

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Cruise Tips for First-Timers, By B H Yao

2013-02-22T17:15:00.000-06:00

Travelling is certainly one of the most amazing past times that people are fond of doing every year. It entails experiencing new sites, new attractions and most importantly, it also entails having to experience different cultures from different places that is part of the cruise. This is definitely a new experience for people who would experience their first time on a cruise and to help them have fun, here are some of the things that they may wish to bear in mind before they travel or go on a cruise:
When travelling or going on a cruise, people need to make sure that they have their travel documents with them. Travel document are very important so be sure to keep them in your carry-on bags. Always pack your travel documents first to ensure that you would not have a hard time when going on a cruise.

Going on a cruise would also entail spending money so it is important that you only bring enough for the cruise. Just bring your ATM or your credit cards so you would not end up spending all your money on the cruise ship. This would ensure that you have enough money to shop in case the ship would dock in some other places. Spend your money wisely.

To those who wish to get in touch with their loved ones or their friends, never forget to bring your mobile phones. Bringing your mobile phones with you can help you keep connected with people you miss. Just be sure to have your roaming activated so you would enjoy keeping in touch with your loved ones as well as your friends.

Try to enjoy the cruise. There will be amazing views, parties and activities so to keep you entertain, it is important that you at least try to experience these things and make sure to meet new friends and experience new things. These experiences will definitely be amazing so be sure to enjoy what you are seeing and doing.
Always remember to have fun because you definitely deserve to enjoy your cruise. Most people save a lot of money so they could treat themselves so it is important that you enjoy every moment of your cruise.

To those who wish to have their first time on a cruise experience, what they can do is check out these tips and you will certainly have a great time cruising.

B H Yao invites new and seasoned travelers from the online community to read original articles on travel tips, vacations for couples and families, world travel at World Travel Guide. Come on by for more great updates on World Travel Tips

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Unique Ways To Save For A Family Vacation, By Anna Woodward

2012-06-20T08:45:00.002-05:00

Some people, no matter what happens, purpose to take a family vacation every year. This is more like an extremely enjoyable habit for them. However, let's face it. This doesn't seem like a feasible option to many people. That's because they see yearly trips as something only possible for the rich and famous. However, this is not true. Most everyone can enjoy this type of yearly activity. All they have to do is purpose to save and be creative when it comes to the places they choose to visit.

For instance, although many people dream of going to Disney World, this is just not possible for some. That's because it can be very expensive. However, this doesn't mean that someone can't plan an enjoyable family vacation. If someone does the right amount of research they could find a number of less expensive theme parks all over the country. Although some children may express a small bit of disappointment beforehand, it will most likely be dissipated once they actually enter the park. They will see that the popular places aren't the only ones that provide enjoyment.

Other than trying to find cheaper choices for a family vacation, families can also think of creative ways to save money. For instance, they could cut back on their eating expenses. Eating out can really add up, especially over a year's time. Just think about it. If a husband and wife have two children and they eat out at a fast food restaurant once a week, they can easily spend 20 dollars, if not more. Spending 20 dollars 4 times per month for an entire year is about 960 dollars. That's almost 1,000 dollars. This same money could have been used to go towards a nice trip.

Another thing that a household can cut back on is their electricity bill. One easy way to do this is to unplug appliances that are not being used. This should especially be done when no one will be at home. Lamps, cell phone chargers and even televisions are still generating heat, even if they are off. Therefore, in order to save in this area, it is best to just unplug it. The average electric bill is around 100 dollars per month.

Unplugging appliances that aren't being used can save up to 15 percent on this particular bill. So, this is about 15 dollars a month or 180 dollars a year. This may not seem like a lot, but this can easily cover 2 nights in a reputable hotel.

So, going on a family vacation is something most people can do. It's not just an option for those who are considered wealthy. All it takes is a little extra effort.

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2012-02-18T20:52:00.000-06:00

Tips and Tricks to a Magical Disney Vacation!
by: Megan Biller

It all started when I was two years old. My parents brought me to the magical land of Disney World, and I was hooked. I’ve been there at least 15 times since that first trip, including my honeymoon!

Every vacation there has been magical – even in the heat and humidity of Florida in August! Although most of this was due to the magic of Disney itself, it was also due to the tips I have learned, and the tricks we use frequently! Allow me to share a few with you so that your Disney vacation can be just as magical as mine are!

Utilize Extra Magic Hours

Being a Disney resort guest, your family can enter certain parks an hour early, or stay up to three hours later at night! These are great times to ride on those popular rides before crowds start to form, or when the crowds are leaving.

Take an Afternoon Break

This is extremely important if you are traveling with kids, or are visiting in the summer. Taking a break from the parks in the afternoon allows you to enjoy your resort pool, or take a nap so you can ride more rides in the evening. It also lessens the chances of a mid-day breakdown in the middle of Main Street USA!

Make Dining Reservations

Even if you are traveling during a ‘value’ season, it is important to make dining reservations! It is very difficult to walk up to a restaurant and be able to have a meal. Disney allows you to make these 180 days before your arrival date, so research what restaurants you are interested in first, then make those reservations!

Use Disney’s FASTPASS

Disney’s FASTPASS is available for any guest who has a park ticket. Head to your favorite ride (that usually has a longer line) and put your park ticket in the kiosk. It will print out a ticket with a return time for you to come back to the ride, walk in a shorter line to the front of the line! After using your FASTPASS (or 2 hours after getting one) you can do the same for another ride. (Another note: if the stand-by line is 20 minutes or less, it is better to just wait in line.)

Explore the Resorts

Disney’s attention to detail goes beyond the theme parks. Explore the resorts as well! At the Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can view animals outside the hotel room, roaming in the savannah. At the Polynesian Resort, listen to the sounds of the Pacific islands while relaxing on a white sand beach. At Coronado Springs Resort, explore ancient Mayan ruins. At the Boardwalk Resort, watch entertainers along the actual boardwalk! (Another note: If traveling around the holidays, the resorts are decorated with trees, lights and even gingerbread houses!)

The tips and tricks are endless! Each Disney vacation is different in its own way – but always magical!

About The Author

Megan Biller is a travel planner with Glass Slipper Concierge, which, in association with Sanborn’s Travel Service, is recognized for superior vacation planning services and has been designated by Disney as an Authorized Disney Planner. Contact Megan at Megan@GlassSlipperConcierge.com to allow her to plan your Disney vacation!

2012-02-12T17:57:00.000-06:00

3 Easy Steps To Planning Family Vacations for the Whole
Family

Family vacations are something that takes a bit of planning so that everyone
can enjoy the experience without going crazy. Especially where children are
concerned, family vacations need to be planned out well ahead of time to be
sure that all the kids will have a good time, and also so mom and dad won't
stress out too much, too! With just a little bit of planning, a vacation that
could have everyone ready to have a serious meltdown can turn into a really
pleasant vacation for everyone.

Planning family vacations really aren't that difficult, you just have to know
where you'd like to go, what your families' interests and limitations are, and
also how much money you want to spend. Family vacations are doable on just
about any budget, if you're working on a tight budget you might have to be a
little bit more creative, but sometimes that makes the whole thing more of an
adventure for the whole family.

First, you need to decide where you'd like to go. For most families, their
interests, a venue, or event is what attracts them to a particular area. If
your family has an amusement park or attraction in mind, it'll make your
destination selection quite simple. After you've decided where to go you'll need
to decide how you'll be getting there. If you'll be flying, you'll want to make
your reservations as far in advance as possible so that there isn't any stress,
because when you are planning a family vacation you want to eliminate as much
stress as possible.

If you will be flying, you'll want to get online and see if you can't create
some savings by booking your rental car at the same time. Many websites can
offer you a substantial savings if you can book your flights and your car
rental at the same time, so really give it some consideration as it'll give you
more money for buying souvenirs and other items that you'd like to buy while
actually on vacation. Because family vacations are quite expensive when you
fly, pay for vacation rentals, and rent a car you'll want to find all the possible ways to save some cash.

Vacation rentals are a great way to save money on family vacations. Vacation
rentals are bigger than hotel rooms, giving your family more space. Since most
come with full kitchens you can cook some meals and save on restaurant
expenses. Another way to save is to book a vacation rental direct from the
owner, instead of through a management company, who essentially is a middleman.
After all your arrangements have been made you'll just want to be sure that
everyone in your family is prepared for the vacation. Make sure that all the
children know exactly what to expect during your travels, as that will
alleviate their stress and make travels easier for parents, too. Children tend
to be very excited when they begin their family vacations, so if they are aware
that they have to spend three hours in airplane they'll tolerate the experience
better.

Family vacations should be a wonderful experience for the whole family, but if
they are not planned in advance and every member of family isn't aware of what
to expect, it probably won't go so smoothly. Knowing what your whole family
will want to do, planning for your families needs and limitations, and then
preparing each member of the family for travel association with family
vacations will usually yield much better results. Family vacations should be
about quality time spent with the people you love the most, and it should be
fun!

If you are thinking of family vacations, get with your family and discuss how
you can make your plans and have the best time possible. Getting the whole
family in on the planning will give the best possible chance for a fun vacation
for everyone!

About the author:
Courtesy of GreatFamilyRentals.com, a leading directory of vacation rentals by owner. Find
villas, condos, etc. Owners can list vacation rentals
for more bookings.

The Cayman Islands Experience

2009-05-10T19:03:00.000-05:00

As you can see from the picture to the right the Cayman Islands are a popular destination for many of the cruise lines. This picture was taken just north of the capital city of George Town on Grand Cayman Island. We took many pictures as we walked south from our hotel on Seven Mile Beach to reach George Town. The Cayman Islands also consist of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, but these islands are located approximately 90 miles to the northeast and therefore the majority of tourist and vacation activity takes place on Grand Cayman Island.

We've visited the Cayman Islands three times now and will be going again in mid-June. We finally broke down and purchased a timeshare just walking distance from Seven Mile Beach when it became clear we would probably wind up there every couple of years anyway, or whenever the family budget permitted it.

To briefly summarize the Cayman Islands experience and how it will affect your enjoyment level, let me just say that it has to be the right "fit." If you're looking for a nonstop party along with thousands of others into the wee hours of the morning you'd probably be better off visiting Cancun. Not that there aren't plenty of locations in George Town and elsewhere where you can "get your party on", it's just that in general the Caymans offer a more laid-back and family atmosphere than some of the Mexico or Jamaica destinations.

The Cayman Islands are also much safer relative to some of the other Caribbean destinations. We've been to Jamaica and Mexico and it's a great feeling knowing you can just walk out of your hotel or timeshare and basically walk anywhere you want and as far as you want and not worry about the First World/Third World differential as in those aforementioned countries. We often will get out and walk for what seems like miles up and down Seven Mile Beach late at night and never worry about any safety issues. I now of course have to issue the usual politically correct disclaimer and say that I have nothing against those nations or their cultures, it's just that I was glad our young daughter wasn't with us on that Jamaica trip after experiencing some of the areas we did. It definitely puts life into perspective and makes you even happier to be American than you already were.

Okay enough rambling. You know there had to be a downside to this whole Cayman Islands thing and for me it's primarily the exchange rate. It's permanently set at $1 US = 80 cents Cayman. In other words, for every $100 US you spend you're only going to get $80 Cayman out of it. This on top of everything already being somewhat expensive. At least they accept US currency just about anywhere you might buy something. So yes you can get a lot more bang for your US buck in a place like Mexico, but it comes with tradeoffs.

I'll eventually post some more pictures from our trips but will conclude by just saying that the Cayman Islands are not for everyone. You have to weigh your vacation priorities and take into account the tradeoffs involved as I mentioned earlier. In our case it's a good fit since we're willing to pay a little more for a safer environment. As always with vacations it all comes down to one's personal preferences.

Until next time...enjoy that vacation!