Russia’s second largest city is, at least in my opinion, by far its prettiest. Saint Petersburg doesn’t have quite the hustle and bustle of Moscow, but it’s a majestic city resting on the Neva River and has so many interesting activities to keep you busy, including:

• A visit to the Hermitage Museum in the Winter Palace. Even the buildings which house this museum, and the building interiors, are an attraction in themselves; just wait until you try to come to terms with whatever fraction of the three million artworks they have are on display. It’s a mind-blowing place to visit, and you certainly don’t have to be a mad art lover to enjoy it.
• Climbing to the top of Saint Isaac’s Cathedral. The climb up some 400 or so steps is worth it, because you’ll get fantastic views over the whole city.
• Take a canal boat tour around the city. These leave from various places in the center of Saint Petersburg and usually take you across to see the Peter and Paul Fortress; Saint Petersburg is surprisingly Venice-like, built as it is on several islands, and a canal tour is a great way to see it.
• Admire both the outside and inside of the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood. From outside, the colorful domes are like a grown-up, elegant version of Moscow’s crazy Saint Basil’s Cathedral; inside, the Church of the Saviour is covered with elaborate mosaics.
• A look around the Dostoyevsky Museum and Memorial Flat. You can find out how one of the greats of Russian literature worked and lived.

photo credit: ooki_op

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Sightseeing in Saint Petersburg, Russia

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Pristine white sands, crystal clear turquoise waters, and palm trees swaying in warm gentle breezes, these are the images that come to mind when you think of Caribbean Beaches. These are some of our favorite Caribbean Beaches to visit and relax on.

Cayo Largo Del Sur

Photo credit: Topyti

Playa paradiso with starfish

Cayo Largo Del Sur is a small Cuban resort island located in Cuba’s Canarreos Archipelago off of the island’s southern coast. The island, which was once used as a pirate base, has now become popular among tourists looking for untouched beaches, as there are no permanent residents on the island. Scuba diving is especially popular among visitors to Cayo Largo because of the clear waters and the living coral reefs. Cayo Largo remains one of the world’s most enchanting tropical paradises.

Anguilla

Photo credit: maggieandcharles

Shoal Bay, Anguilla

Anguilla is the ideal place to go if you seek tranquility, relaxation, and escape from the demands of a fast paced life. This exclusive island community offers 33 pristine beaches that have been ranked time and again as some of the best beaches in the world by top travel magazines. While you may not want to visit Anguilla for thrills and adventure, it is the perfect destination for a calming vacation with your family.

Little Bay

Photo credit: aturkus

Little Bay, Anguilla

Little Bay is a beach located on Anguilla, a rather unique Caribbean community featuring exclusivity and tranquility. Compared to many of the accessible beaches on Anguilla, Little Bay requires a climb or a ferry service to access, but the pristine beach and the clear waters are worth the visit. True to its name, Little Bay is somewhat small, which means that during peak tourist season it becomes crowded so make sure to visit early if you want to experience the beach with minimal distractions.

Antigua

Photo credit: Rob Inh00d

Antigua beach

Antigua is an island located in the West Indies that has become very prosperous due to its bustling tourism industry, as well as for its popularity among offshore bankers and internet gamblers. The island has also become a destination for the rich and famous, with celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Eric Clapton owning homes on Antigua. Visitors to Antigua can enjoy the island’s staggering selection of pristine beaches, a luxury for which the island has become famous.

Barbados

Photo credit: gemteck1

Bottom Bay

Barbados’ Bottom Bay is a wide beach enclosed by high coral cliffs and covered in palm trees, an idyllic setting for a day on the beach. Although Bottom Bay has long been a popular tourist destination, it is also becoming a popular residential area as more and more people build homes on the cliffs overlooking the water. Strong waves mean that one should most likely avoid swimming in the waters, but Bottom Bay is a great place to picnic and to watch for turtles and whales.

Grand Cayman

Photo credit: Salvatore.Freni

Cayman Islands Seven Mile Beach

Grand Cayman island’s Seven Mile Beach is a world-renowed tourist destination, known far and wide for its immense beauty. Because of its popularity, Seven Mile Beach is the most developed part of Grand cayman and is home to the most exclusive hotels and resorts on the island. The entire beach is public property, which means one can walk all the way down the beach past resorts and hotels. The calm waters offer great snorkelling opportunities and the beach is very family-friendly.

Jamaica

Photo credit: dubdem sound system

Reggae Beach

Reggae Beach is located in the Jamaican community of Ocho Rios and it offers a quiet getaway for visitors to the area. Known as Ocho Rios’s best beach, Reggae Beach is privately and owned and requires a small admission fee to access the beach. With pristine sand and calm waters, Reggae Beach is worth the visit, as you can spend time relaxing on the sand or visit the beach bar to listen to some authentic reggae music. Reggae Beach is a great out-of-the-way destination for visitors to the area.

Martinique

Photo credit: Antoine Hubert

Martinique

Martinique offers a tantalizing mix of French culture with the unmistakeable beauty of the Caribbean. The island’s southern coast is covered in white sandy beaches: here, the water is especially great for swimming and snorkelling because of coral reef barriers that keep the water calm. The island’s northern coast offers a completely different experience in the form of black sand beaches and lush tropical forests. Whichever destination you choose, Martinique is a one-of-a-kind Caribbean vacation.

Saint Lucia

Photo credit: qubitsu

jade mountain on St Lucia

Saint Lucia is located in the eastern Caribbean Sea right on the boundary between the sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The island’s peak tourist season is from January to April as this is the island’s dry season, when tourists can most comfortably enjoy the island’s tropical weather, pristine beaches, and world-class resorts. Saint Lucia offers a host of unique tourist attractions, such as a drive-in volcano called SUlphur Springs, the Pigeon Island National Park, and the Botanical Gardens.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Photo credit: Serge Melki

Magen's Bay

Magen’s Bay is located in the U.S. Virgin Islands and it has been described by National Geographic Magazine as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the entire world. Featuring pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and a distinct “U” shape, Magen’s Bay is extremely popular among visitors to the island. The water is almost hauntingly clear and calm, making it an ideal snorkelling and swimming destination, but no matter what you decide to do at Magen’s Bay, the visit is worth it.

Bahamas

Photo credit: acme

Bahamas

When anyone hears the words “tropical paradise,” the first place they will most likely think of is the Bahamas. As an extremely popular tourist destination, the Bahamas offers every kind of fun activity there is, from snorkeling to bird watching to scuba diving. Whether you want to rough it and explore an undeveloped island of the Bahamas or stay in a five-star luxury resort, the Bahamas offers the fantasy vacation of a lifetime.

Eagle Beach

Photo credit: Serge Melki

Aruba Divi Tree - Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach is known as one of the best beaches in Aruba, featuring white sand, calm waters, and lots of activity. Located just south of Aruba’s Palm Beach, Eagle Beach is very popular among tourists and locals alike and gets very crowded on weekends and during peak tourist seasons. However, the vast amount of amenities in and around the beach make Eagle Beach an excellent destination for those who want to spend an exciting day on the beach.

British Virgin Islands

Photo credit: superde1uxe

Smugglers Cove British Virgin Islands

Smuggler’s Cove is a beach located in the British Virgin Islands and it offers a wonderful way to experience the tropical lifestyle. Smuggler’s Cove offers a quiet, tranquil beach experience, as it is usually very uncrowded, and it has become especially popular among snorkelers because of its calm waters. This is an ideal beach to bring the whole family, as the waters are calm and the beach is very quiet. In all, Smuggler’s Cove is an excellent destination for beach lovers.

Grenada

Photo credit: Jason Pratt

Grand Anse Beach

Grand Anse Beach is located on Grenada and it is known for pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and friendly locals. While the beach is beautiful enough to warrant spending a day relaxing there, Grand Anse Beach also offers plenty of shopping up and down the beach from local vendors, a charming experience. There is plenty of activity at Grand Anse beach but it also manages to remain relatively quiet and uncrowded, making it great for families.

Honduras

Photo credit: Zest-pk

leaping dolphins in Honduras

Honduras’ Roatan Island is a great destination for adventure travelers as it has not yet managed to flesh out its accommodations to the extent that many Caribbean resort spots have. Instead of luxury resorts, you will find a community that is striving to improve, but there is still plenty to do and see at Roatan Island. There are plenty of water activities that you can pursue, such as scuba diving and deep sea fishing, but you can also explore the lush tropical scenery.

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Best Beaches of Caribbean

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Located slightly off the strip, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino was built in 1995 by one of the co founders of the Hard Rock Café. The hotel has undergone two extensive expansions since and now rests on 16.7 acres. Of note, The Who’s bassist John Entwistle died in the hotel in 2002, although the exact room number has never been released.

Staying at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Hard Rock Hotel Room

There are basically three towers to choose from when staying at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the Casino Tower, Paradise Tower and HRH Tower. The Casino Tower is modern and sophisticated with stocked mini bard, large bathrooms, all of the audio video amenities you could want, and views of either the Pool or the Mountains. There are a variety of room types within the Casino Tower to fit your budget and interests. The Paradise tower is a little bit dressed down as it has the amenities you expect and is modern and cozy but nothing to blow your socks off. The HRH Tower has the rooms that will blow your socks off, and it’s not officially open until the end of 2009. These rooms are luxury through and through with 374 custom suites ranging in size from 701 to 4,300 square feet. These rooms are the ones that will leave you talking about them after your visit.

Attractions at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino doesn’t have the over the top attractions that some of the hotels have relied upon to get people to stop in their hotel and casino, instead they rely on their bar scene to bring the crowds. Without a doubt the Hard Rock Hotel has some of the most happening hot spots in all of Las Vegas and if you’re desperate for a great night out with loads of crowds and possibly a few celebrities. The clubs include The Joint by Rogue, Body English, Wasted Space, Vanity and Center Bar. In addition to these clubs the poolside shows every Friday night are worth a visit. The bands are great, the water is warm and the drinks keep flowing.

Gaming at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Even the Hard Rock Hotel puts the gaming first in Las Vegas and features all the standard table games, slots, a poker lounge, race and sports book, high limit tables, and Hells Belles where Blackjack players’ concentration is tested by the Go Go Dancers in the room. As with most casinos in Las Vegas, sign up for your Rockstar card and use it whenever you play on premises to get deals and discounts.

Shopping at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

There are a handful of very unique shopping options at the Hard Rock. Love Jones features sassy, sexy lingerie, jewelry, swimwear and accessories such as whips, handcuffs and other sexual paraphernalia to make your trip to the Hard Rock truly memorable. Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company is the place to go if you want a memento of the trip that will last forever. John Varvatos is a beautiful 3000 square foot boutique with a rock and roll fashion vibe. Affliction clothing is cutting edge but not as high end as Varvatos. Rocks is a jewelry store with an emphasis on diamonds and its open 24/7 for those last minute Las Vegas weddings. And finally there is the ubiquitous Hard Rock Store with all of the expected t-shirts, souvenirs, hats and trinkets you’ve come to expect from the Hard Rock.

Dining at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

The Hard Rock has some dining options that make it worth stopping by even if you’re not staying at the hotel. Rare 120 has a contemporary approach to traditional steakhouses with an updated menu and a la carte selections, letting you choose exactly what  you want, but be warned this can get pricy. Nobu is owned by noted Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and is recognized across the globe for its groundbreaking Japanese cuisine. The sushi at Nobu is some of the freshest you’ll ever taste and the combination of ingredients is delightfully delectable. Ago is owned by noted restaurateur Agostino Sciandri and Robert De Niro and features authentic Tuscan style Italian food. It’s a popular destination for many celebrities visiting Las Vegas

Entertainment at the Mirage

As you might expect, the one thing that sets the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino apart from the other mega hotels in Las Vegas is the music. They hotel regularly features Supernatural Santana a Trip through the Hits, with Carlos Santana and the Santana Band. The group is signed to a two year gig at the Hard Rock and several nights each week they put on an incredible show. But that’s not all the music at the Hard Rock, other bands and music events occur throughout the year making this a wonderful concert venue for fans from around the world.

Contact

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
4455 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, NV 89169

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Hotel Review – Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

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A lot of us dream about becoming a flight attendant when we’re younger, but for the few who turn their dream into reality, they might just find that the reality is not quite as romantic as we like to believe. And if the book Plane Insanity: A Flight Attendant’s Tale of Sex, Rage and Queasiness at 30,000 Feet by Elliott Hester – also sometimes found under the title “Air Confidential” – is anything to go by, it’s far from romantic at all!

Plane Insanity

Hester tells a bunch of tales about his experiences as a flight attendant on both domestic and international flights, dealing with some very unusual passengers and sometimes even strange colleagues. You might learn some surprising things about the life of a flight attendant – I was surprised to learn that they sometimes might end up with nothing to eat, if there’s just exactly enough meals on board to take care of the passengers. And the harsh reality of flying round and round the world with not enough rest reminds me that this is definitely not a career move I want to make.

All travelers will get some new insights – and a few good laughs – out of reading this book, but perhaps the best audience are other flight attendants, who will sympathize with what must be universal gripes and compaints about a tricky career.

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Book Review: Plane Insanity

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Thanks to our Sponsors January 2010

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New Zealand might have got a huge boost in tourist numbers of the Lord of the Rings films were made there, but even before that there were plenty of great reasons to visit this country. It’s full of scenic highlights, and you can go from glaciers to mountains to beaches in a day. Some of the best spots include:

• The ski fields of Queenstown, or depending on the season, pretty much any other adventurous activity you’re keen on: jet boating, bungee jumping or sky diving are all nearby
• The geothermal fields and hot springs of Rotorua, which is also a good place to explore the local Maori culture
• The city of Auckland, which with over a million people is the biggest city of New Zealand and therefore home to plenty of cultural action
• The Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, to be found in the Westland National Park
• The fiord of Milford Sound, best appreciated by a scenic flight over the amazing landscape
• The capital city of Wellington, which might be relatively small, but still has all those capital city characteristics and plenty of things to do
• The Hawkes Bay region where you can visit wineries and get a great local-produce meal
• The waters around the Bay of Islands where you can cruise and even have a chance to swim with dolphins

photo credit: wili_hybrid

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Sightseeing Highlights of New Zealand

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Ice.  It is quite literally the greenest building material on Earth.  Pure solid water.  What other type of building dissolves harmlessly back into our rivers when it is no longer needed?  But it doesn’t stop there.  When one says “green” and “environmentally friendly”, all to often the word that hides just below the surface is “bland”.  But buildings made of ice are anything but vanilla.  They are exotic works of art worth traveling thousands of miles to see.  Whether it be a child’s snow-fort, or the ice palace of a Russian noble, these buildings are definitely fun sites to behold.

Igloos

Image courtesy icebox grands shelters

You didn’t think we could do a list of buildings and places made of snow and ice without including the grand-daddy of them all, did you?  Many don’t seem to realize just how well igloos work.  It’s a dome of ice; how warm could it be?  Well, consider this… while the temperature outside could be as low as -49 degrees Fahrenheit, the igloos interior could be anywhere between 19 to 61 degrees.  And that’s not with a fire, mind you, that’s just from body heat.  Igloos really grabbed everyone’s attention in 1922 when the silent documentary “Nanook of the North” was released.  From then on, even children in pre-school are fascinated by these unique dwellings.  To see an actual igloo yourself, head for Canada’s arctic wilderness or Greenland.

Quinzhee

Quinzhee image courtesy of Wikipedia

What’s a quinzhee?  It’s basically a poor man’s igloo (but don’t tell the Eskimos we called it that).  Whereas an igloo is constructed of blocks of snow, a quinzhee is much more simple.  To do it, first find a flat area.  Next gather up a pile of snow.  Don’t use a pile that formed naturally.  We need a good, sturdy, man-made pile.  Once it’s high enough (per your taste), let it set for three to four hours.  Then, hollow it out.  Presto, instant snow house.  Where can you find them?  Anywhere you can find snow.  Heck, make one in your own backyard.  But please note that your super-awesome snow-house can turn into an uber-awful, man-made avalanche if you’re not careful.  Snow is heavy, and having an unfinished quinzhee wouldn’t be pleasant.  Suffice to say, be careful, don’t climb on top of them, and never-ever make one alone.  Also, never hollow out the quinzhee while on your back.  That’s a great way to get trapped.  Quinzees will keep you substantially warmer than the outside temperature, especially if kept small inside.

Minus5 Ice Lounge

Bar at the Minus 5 Ice Lounge

This chain of bars is exactly as it sounds, a lounge set to a brisk minus five degrees Celsius in which the entire interior is made of ice.  How much of it is made of ice?  The walls, the seats, even the bar itself.  But it doesn’t stop there; even the glasses you drink your ice cold vodka from are made of pure ice.  The bars are then decorated further with a collection of ice sculptures.  Minus5 was founded by the great-grandson of Buck Rockwell, Craig Ling.  Buck Rockwell was a New Zealand adventurer who, while circumnavigating the north-pole, became stranded in a remote fishing village due to his ship being lodged in pack-ice.  Rockwell formed a taste for ice-cold vodka during his stay, and now his family carries on the tradition.  Minus5 bars can be found in Sydney, as well as the Gold Coast of Australia, Queenstown, Auckland, Viseu, and Las Vegas.

ICEHOTEL

Photo credit: bjaglin

Ice Hotel Church @ Jukkasjärvi-bjaglin234

There are a number of ice hotels in the world.  This one, named simply ICEHOTEL, is the largest and arguably the best.  Located in Kiruna, Sweden, it is now over two decades old and has inspired many copycats.  Every March, 10,000 tons of ice is harvested from the nearby Torne River.  The ice from this river is especially clear, and therefore perfect for ice sculptures.  The ice is then stored throughout the year, along with 30,000 tons of snow, until mid-November when artisans and engineers begin construction.  That’s right, ICEHOTEL is rebuilt from scratch every year.  Artists compete, and those chosen are allowed to sculpt a single suite within the hotel.  This, of course, means that every room is completely one of a kind.  When complete, the ICEHOTEL houses a reception area, main-hall, bar, and even a church… not to mention the suites for over 100 guests.

Ice Palace

image via Wikipedia

There have been many Ice Palace’s built as tourist attractions throughout the years.  But let’s face it, a true palace is a building built for a noble.  Amazingly, the first ice palace, built in the winter of 1739-1740, was constructed for just this purpose.  Empress Anna Ivanovna ordered the palace’s creation as part of a celebration of Russia’s victory over Turkey at the time.  The palace featured an ice garden, ice artillery, and of course, ice furniture.  As it typically goes with nobility, however, Empress Anna had to mar the occasion by utilizing the palace to punish Prince Mikhail Alekseyevich for marrying a Catholic, even though his bride had died a year before.  He was ordered to become a jester and marry a court lady jester who was especially unattractive.  The newlyweds were then locked in the palace and only survived by bribing the guards.  Today, countless other ice palace’s have been built, including Empress Anna’s which has been rebuilt in Saint Petersburg every winter since 2005.

In the frozen north where trees don’t grow and the ground is covered with snow, it seems obvious that eventually someone would try to build a structure with the one material they had in almost endless abundance, ice.  More impressive than the exotic building material though is the ingenuity necessary to create such structures.  There is a trick to building snow-forts in one’s backyard, just as there is a trick to building the grandest of ice-palaces.  And as with all of them, they are definitely worth the trip to see, whether it be a flight half-way around the globe or simply peering out your family room window.
photo credit: jesse.millan

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Buildings of Snow and Ice

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Caesars Palace is one of the few hotels on the strip that has a significant history, with construction beginning in 1962. The original hotel’s tower had 680 rooms, quite significant for the time, but today’s Caesars Palace features a whopping 3,348 rooms. Unlike many hotels from the same era, Caesars Palace has been able to remain current through many transformations and keeping up with the times. Their star performers are some of the best known in the world and their events are always changing with the time, drawing massive crowds. In addition the hotel has been able to keep up their commitment to luxury, making Caesars Palace one of the hotels on the Las Vegas strip that guest want to keep coming back to time and again.

Caesars Palace Hotel Room

Staying at Caesars Palace

As mentioned previously, the accommodations at Caesars Palace are very luxurious and are kept modern and inviting. Caesars Palace has several different categories of rooms to choose from. Each room has its own little draw, some come with in-room spas, separate suites, and even fantasy suites that have been featured in noted movies such as Rainman and The Hangover. And of course there are penthouse accommodations with amenities that are unbelievable and as extravagant as it comes.

Attractions at Caesars Palace

One of the most beautiful pools in all of Las Vegas is on the Caesars Palace property, the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis. The collection of pools rub up against and melt into one another creating a unique layout with six major pools; the Apollo Pool, the Fortuna Pool, the Jupiter Pool, the Nepture Pool, the Temple Pool and the Venus Pool. Each pool is a little different but each features cabanas with luxurious amenities and sundecks for sunbathing. In addition to the incredible pools Caesars Palace also features the Neil Leifer Gallery with some of the most amazing and iconic photographs in sports history, this is a must for every sports fan. And speaking of sports, Caesars Palace is part of the Harrah’s Entertainment group and guests of their hotels get access to two of their golf courses, the Cascata or the Rio Secco.

Gaming at Caesars Palace

Like all of the hotels in Las Vegas, (at least the ones on the strip) Caesars Palace is packed to the gills with gaming options. More than 129,000 square feet of casino space attest to their dedication to gaming and you’ll find the traditional table games, slots, poker, keno and race & sports book. By using your Total Rewards card when you play you can earn comps that make even a loser feel like they’ve won something.

Shopping at Caesars Palace

Caesars Palace has three different ways to shop, you can head to their Forum Shops, the Appian Way Shops or shop the Caesars Luxury Collection Online. The Forum Shops are the premiere luxury retail destination with more than 160 boutiques and a number of specialty food shops and restaurants as well. By continuously adding space and updating the retail venues the Forum Shops have been able to maintain their hold on visitors with money to burn. The Appian Way Shops is tucked into an arcade and has a sense of calm that the other stores do not. The handful of luxury stores in this section of Caesars couldn’t feel more exclusive.

Dining at Caesars Palace

Caesars Palace is loaded with dining options from the casual fast food fare to an epicurean delight that will tempt even the most discriminating palate. Three of the restaurants in Caesars have earned Michelin Guide notations including Restaurant Guy Savoy with two stars and Baby Flay’s Mesa Grill and Bradley Ogden each earning one star. Bradley Ogden is also the only restaurant in Las Vegas to earn the James Beard Foundation’s Best New Restaurant of the Year award. In addition to the above listed restaurants there also is Rao’s, Payard  Patisserie & Bistro, Agustus Café and the Café Lago buffet which is nothing like any buffet you’ve seen anywhere else in the country.

Entertainment at Caesars Palace

As previously mentioned, Caesars Palace features some of the biggest names in entertainment. Their roster currently features Bette Midler’s The Showgirl Must Go On, Cher, and Jerry Seinfeld. Nowhere else will you find a lineup that is as incredible as this one, offering such noted performers. Turn this event into an extravagant night and combine your show tickets with a dinner package and it will be an evening that you’ll never forget.

Contact

Caesar’s Palace
3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

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Hotel Review – Las Vegas Caesars Palace

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Phoenix Arizona is one of those cities that is known for its incredible shopping. This desert city has found a way for people to beat the heat by bringing some of the best chain stores to town, featuring great discount retailers, and encouraging wonderful eclectic independent businesses. If you live in Phoenix you’re well aware of the wonderful shopping opportunities but if you’re visiting the city you might not expect it to be the shopping haven that it is.

America’s Park ‘n Swap

America’s Park ‘n Swap is basically a gigantic flea market in Phoenix Arizona. It started in the 1960’s with three vendors and a refreshment stand and now it’s a 50 acre market with hundreds of vendors selling basically anything you could possibly want. The swap market is open year round on Wednesdays from 4pm to 10pm, Fridays from 6am to noon, and on the weekends from 6am to 4pm. If you’re not in the market to buy something you may be in the market to sell and there’s always room for more vendors.

Indoor SwapMart

The Indoor SwapMart is a little more appealing than America’s Park ‘n Swap when the weather is intolerable. There are more than 600 booths at the swap mart featuring pretty much everything you’d expect to see at a traditional swap mart of flea market. This market is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

Biltmore Fashion Park

Biltmore Fashion Park is a luxury outdoor shopping center. Since 1963 this has been the upscale shopping destination in the region and unlike many malls of that era, it somehow managed to maintain its high end status and keep the best stores within its boundaries. Although Biltmore Fashion Park has the distinction of being the old and reliable upscale shopping center it does face some pretty stiff competition from the nearby Scottsdale Fashion Square in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Desert Sky Mall

The Desert Sky Mall is a bit more low key with anchor stores like Dillards, Burlington Coat Factory and Sears. You’ll find all the stores you’re familiar with here and a nice clean atmosphere that will feel comfortable no matter what part of the country you come from.

Metrocenter Mall

Metrocenter Mall used to be a happening hot spot but it now has two vacant anchor stores and the other anchors are held by Macy’s, Dillards clearance center, Sears and JCPenney. Even with a few anchors missing there are more than 100 stores in the mall, a theater and a food court. The mall was much more exciting in its heyday with an ice rink and the fuselage of a 747 airliner serving as a bar, but since it’s lost its appeal but still has a large number of stores and some great deals as they try to rope in customers.

Paradise Valley Mall

Paradise Valley Mall is huge and has just about every store you could imagine either within the mall or outside it in the surrounding lot. Within the mall itself are more than 200 retailers with anchors such as Macy’s, Dillards, JCPenney, Sears and Robinsons-May. The rest of the stores range from upscale to traditional chains. It’s a great place for everyone in the family and in fact it’s a very popular family destination.

Desert Ridge

Desert Ridge offers more than shopping, it’s the whole entertainment experience and in an outdoor setting. Desert Ridge features specialty retailers, restaurants and a variety of entertainment options spread out over its impressive 110 acres, or 1.2 million square feet of retail space. In addition to all of the regular stores and the specialty ones you can see a movie, hit Dave and Buster’s and EuroBungee Jump. More than one day’s worth of fun.

Kierland Commons

Kierland Commons is another upscale shopping center in Phoenix but this one is smaller than most with only 70 specialty stores. Designed to resemble an old main street rather than a mall it does carry off the upscale better than most. The stores are individual buildings with manicured streets and office space and lofts interspersed. There are also a lot of great restaurants in the area. Kierland Commons is a nice place to go for couples looking to waste a little time shopping before grabbing dinner or catching a movie.

Sheplers Western Wear

There’s just something about being in Arizona that makes you feel a little bit like a cowboy and Sheplers is known as THE place to go if you want to gear up for the range. This western wear staple has been around since 1899 and offers one of the largest selections of clothing and some incredible prices as well. If you can’t find the western wear clothing you want at Sheplers then it just doesn’t exist.

Cowtown Boots

But Sheplers isn’t the only western gig in town. Cowtown Boots specializes in boots and if you’re looking for top quality cowboy boots made with the finest materials and authentic quality and attention to detail then Cowtown Boots is the place to go. Each pair is made by hand from start to finish in the Cowtown Boots factory, quality that is just hard to come by these days.

Outlets at Anthem

For outlet shopping in the Phoenix Arizona area Outlets at Anthem provides you with everything you could want. The stores range from the high end outlets to the standard stores you expect to find at every outlet. With five different sections full of stores you will almost run out of time in the day before you’ve explored everything Outlets at Anthem has to offer.

Arizona Center

Right in the heart of downtown Phoenix is Arizona Center, an open air shopping center designed to serve as a hub of activity in an attractive clean setting. With stores, restaurants, gardens, and ponds the center delivers on its promises. Arizona Center is great if you just want to run in and pick up something or if you’re looking for a place to while away some time or if the family is looking for a place that has a little bit of something for everyone in the family.

Believe it or not, this list isn’t even close to complete, there are simply so many wonderful places to shop in the Phoenix Arizona area that any die hard shopper will feel as though they’ve actually died and gone to shopping paradise.

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Best Places to Shop in Phoenix

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Better than many of the current flock of “places to go before …” travel guide books, Frommer’s 500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up by Holly Hughes and Julie Duchaine makes a sensible point: there are some places that you can visit that your kids might enjoy the most while they are still kids, and it seems to me that it is worthwhile to make a list of these.

500 Places to Take Your Kids

Instead of the regular doomsday information in books like 500 Places to See Before They Disappear (also from Holly Hughes, incidentally, who obviously loves lists), this guide has a good selection of tourist sights across the globe that are suitable to travel to and enjoy with children. The places are divided into seventeen different categories, so that traveling families can pick out the themes that best suit the interests of their children and family, such as animals, science, medieval times, sports, and so on.

Each destination listing has a page or more of information, including the age range for which it is suitable, a detailed description of what to see and do there, conntact details and website information, how to get there and usually a hotel recommendation too, and finally, a snappy “why the kids will thank you” one sentence summary. At the end of the book, maps show the various sights by continent to help you with trip planning or just trip dreaming.
photo credit: Presidente

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Book Review: 500 Places to Take Your Kids

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Ice hotels represent one of the most unique travel experiences you can have, as many of the hotels have to be rebuilt from scratch every year. Sleeping in real fur blankets on bed carved from blocks of ice might not be for everyone, but it is an experience you will never forget.

Jukkasjarvi

Sweden’s Jukkasjarvi village is home to ICEHOTEL, the world’s first ice hotel. Built each year from December to April, the hotel features a bar, church, main hall, reception area, and enough rooms and suites for 100 guests. Each room contains blocks of ice sculpted to resemble chairs and beds and each room is slightly different, making the Icehotel a truly unique experience. Its many enchanting qualities have made Icehotel one of the Seven Wonders of Sweden and it is worth a visit for anyone who wants an adventure.

Photo credit: charley1965

Ice Hotel - Entrance

Photo credit: bjaglin

Ice Hotel Church

Photo credit: charley1965

Ice Suite 302- Ice Hotel - Sweden

Photo credit: bjaglin

Ice Hotel Suite

Photo credit: charley1965

Ice Bar

Arctic Resort Kakslauttanen

Finland’s Kakslauttanen Hotel and Igloo Village provides an enchanting arctic getaway in the midst of the Lapland region’s beautiful scenery. There are 31 first-class log cabins in the area and a variety of activities to take part in no matter what season it is. During the winter, you can enjoy wandering through the famous Igloo Village and dining at the world’s largest snow restaurant. You can also see the northern lights from late August to April, making it a great place to visit just to experience one of nature’s most famous spectacles.

Photo credit: arcticroute.com

Snow Restaurant

Photo credit: arcticroute.com

Viking ice carving

Photo credit: arcticroute.com

Titanic ice carving

Photo credit: arcticroute.com

Three mast ship ice carving

Photo credit: arcticroute.com

ice gallery

Photo credit: arcticroute.com

Entrance to Kakslauttanen Hotel and Igloo Village

Hotel de Glace – Quebec

Quebec’s Hotel de Glace is truly a unique experience, as any hotel made primarily of ice would be. while you should not expect a luxury experience at the Hotel de Glace, you should expect a vacation that you can tell your friends about, especially when you manage to comfortably sleep on what amounts to a block of ice. The hotel features a spa area with hot tubs and a sauna so that you can warm up as well as an excellent bar. In all, the Hotel de Glace is the ideal destination if you want a memorable getaway.

Photo credit: Simon le nippon

Ice Hotel / Hotel de Glace - Quebec

Photo credit: Simon le nippon

Seats in Ice Hotel

Photo credit: lune15

Chairs in Ice Bar

Photo credit: daveinmtl

Ice Columns

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Ice Hotels from Sweden, Quebec, and Finland

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Although Sydney might be Australia’s most recognizable city, Melbourne is a popular destination both for locals and tourists. Famed for being a multicultural city with a high proportion of immigrants, as well as being known for less than perfect weather with “four seasons in one day”, Melbourne is the place to go for dining, shopping and meeting all kinds of people, but there are also some great tourist attractions, including:

• Federation Square, the sometimes controversial modern architecture opposite Flinders Street station, where exhibitions or festivals are often held.
• The Fitzroy Gardens, close to the city center, where you can stroll through the beautiful National Trust-listed gardens.
• Get on top of Melbourne by visiting the 55th floor of the Rialto building and enjoying the view from the Melbourne 360 observation deck.
• The Melbourne Aquarium located on the river is full of local and other sea creatures.
• The National Gallery of Victoria has ever-changing exhibits of art from all over the globe.
• A cruise on the Yarra River to see Melbourne from the water.
• A tram trip to the beachside suburb of St Kilda, which could include a vist to Luna Park.

Alternatively, you can take a day trip out of Melbourne to enjoy the Great Ocean Road or to see the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island, too.
photo credit: jaredten

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Sightseeing Highlights of Melbourne

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Harrah’s Paris Las Vegas Hotel is exactly what the name implies a hotel that is themed after the famed city in France. One of its most noted structures is the 5/8ths scale, 541 foot replica of the Eiffel Tower but you’ll also find many other noted replicas on the property including the Montgolfier Balloon, the Arc de Triomphe, La Fontaine des Mers, and a façade that represents the Paris Opera House and the Louvre.

Staying at Paris Las Vegas

Photo credit: Ken Dyck

Paris Las Vegas Hotel Room

European elegance is the theme for guests of the Paris Las Vegas Hotel with classic style, fine craftsmanship, and authentic details to complete the overall fee. Careful attention has been paid to the fabrics, furniture, floors, countertops and other details to make the room seem very Parisian in nature. If you’re really looking for luxury the Red Rooms are the way to go with their addition luxury and a touch of romance as well. The Paris Las Vegas has a concierge lounge located on the 31^st floor and guests, for an additional fee, can experience all the additional benefits of a concierge room including breakfast, appetizers, drinks, newspapers, business services, and direct concierge services.

Attractions at Paris Las Vegas

The biggest attraction at the Paris Las Vegas is obviously the Eiffel Tower. Touted as a romantic destination this replica is simply a must for visitors to the city. Rising 460 feet above the strip at the very top of the Eiffel Tower Ride is perhaps the best view of the strip. A guided elevator takes you to the top with informative tidbits about the city provided along the way. If you’d like to spend a little more time at the tower, the Eiffel Tower Restaurant on the 11^th floor is a great place to stop.

Gaming at Paris Las Vegas

The Paris Las Vegas features all of the standard games such as slots, table games, keno and a race and sports book, but it’s not necessarily the games that the Paris Las Vegas offers that makes it appealing, it’s the atmosphere. The gaming area has cobblestone lined pathways, iron street lamps and an atmosphere that is somehow a melding of Paris and Las Vegas all at once.

Shopping at Paris Las Vegas

Just like the city of Paris itself, a trip to Paris Las Vegas isn’t complete without a shopping trip or two. The hotel features two different shopping promenades, the Bally’s-Paris Promenade and Le Boulevard. The Bally’s-Paris Promenade connects the two hotels and features exclusive French jewelry, women’s accessories, art shops, and a handful of other shops with French themes. Le Boulevard is a little less high end and more accessible with its quaint boutiques, gift shops, home and garden stores, gourmet food purveyors, and a few luxurious high end stores with French themed merchandise.

Dining at Paris Las Vegas

Paris is known for its classic cooking style that is full of rich flavors and delectable sauces and the Paris Las Vegas is obviously home to the most acclaimed French restaurant in the city, the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. Sitting 100 feet above the strip this restaurant also has some of the most dynamic and romantic views of the city. For a wonderful meal with a more French American feel, Les Artistes Steakhouse is an excellent selection, this restaurant’s impressionist artwork continues to draw raves and makes the dining experience even more of an indulgence. If you’re looking for rather fast French food on the go, Mon Ami Gabi gives you a quick bistro experience with al fresco dining on the strip so you can still watch the action.

Entertainment at Paris Las Vegas

Paris Las Vegas has a comedy act unlike the others on the strip, Anthony Cools, noted hypnotist, entertains the crowds with his unusual brand of humor. Who knows, maybe you or one of your entourage will be his next victim. For clubs with entertainment Paris Las Vegas has Napoleon’s with its Dueling Piano’s performances and Le Cabaret with its live bands. But it’s probably Risque that draws the biggest crowds with sweeping second floor balconies that that seem to bring the strips action into the bar, it’s like being on the strip and being out of the crowds at the same time. Whichever club you decide to hit at Paris Las Vegas, make sure you pick up your souvenir glass to take home with you. It’s an inexpensive memento of your trip to Paris.

Contact

Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
3655 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

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Paris Las Vegas Hotel Review

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Here’s a list of 22 new travel deals we came across this week

• Hertz: $25 off Your Weekly Rental – Expires 03/31/2010 see offer details
• MGM Grand Las Vegas “Winter Warm Up” Rates from $65 night Promo Code: MKT374 – expires 2/1/2010 see offer details
• Explore beyond the shore! Stay 4 nights or more in Puerto Rico and save $100! (Promo code 100PR09H) see offer details
• Cruise Winter Sale: Get Up to $400 in Onboard Credit – Expires 02/28/2010 see offer details
• Travelocity Cruise Super Sale: Save up to 80%, plus get FREE upgrades, onboard credit and more! (Ends 2/11) see offer details
• Marriott Rate Break: Save up to 20% off weeekend stays & up to 40% of select resort stays! – Expires 01/22/2010 see offer details
• Last-minute Las Vegas deals: 4-star hotels from only $93, vacations from $299 – Expires 01/27/2010 see offer details
• Last-minute Orlando deals: Hotels from $40, vacations from $279 – Expires 01/27/2010 see offer details
• Last-minute NYC deals: 3-star hotels from only $89 – Expires 01/27/2010 see offer details
• Winter Vacation Sale: Up to 30% off hotels! – Expires 02/28/2010 see offer details
• San Diego Winter Sale: Hotels up to 45% off! – Expires 02/28/2010 see offer details
• Lone Star Sale: Texas Hotels from $47 – Expires 02/28/2010 see offer details
• Portland Hotels: Save up to 30%! – Expires 02/28/2010 see offer details
• Save 30% on a 2-Night Disneyland? Resort Hotel Stay! – Expires 04/01/2010 see offer details
• Emporio Hotels & Resorts: the best locations In Mexico – 30% off per Night?Kids Stay and Eat Free! – Expires 01/31/2010 see offer details
• Hawaii Packages: Save up to 30% on hotels PLUS $100 more instantly when you book a 4-night package! – Expires 01/31/2010 see offer details
• Great All-Inclusive Values: Find Romantic, Family and Adult-Only All-Inclusive vacation deals on Expedia. – Expires 01/31/2010 see offer details
• Universal Orlando? Resort 2-Park Unlimited Admission Ticket: Save up to $25 per ticket when you book online at Expedia! – Expires 02/15/2010 see offer details
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• Winter Sale: Save up to 30% on Beach Vacations and Desert Escapes. Flight + 4 nights from $251! – Expires 02/28/2010 see offer details
• Cancun? Can-Do Deals! Save up to 50% on Hotel Stays! (Ends 1/31/10) see offer details

photo credit: muha…

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22 New Deals – Travel Deals of the Week 1/19/2010

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Baltimore isn’t typically on the top of most people’s list of dream vacations, but it’s a wonderful place to take a trip. There are so many things to see and do and such a diverse variety of highlights that the memories you make will rank up there with those you make on the most exotic destination.

One great way to experience a city like Baltimore is by taking a number of group tours. These tours are led by tour guides who are well versed in the city and its history and the specific highlights of the tour you’re on. But the guides can also give you insightful tips on other local hotspots. And a group tour gives you the opportunity to meet others who have similar interests, you may find yourself making friendships that last a lifetime.

Baltimore Ghost Tours

Select from three different haunted tours at Baltimore Ghost Tours. This fantastic tour group offers an experience like no other. The Original Fells Point Ghostwalk takes visitors through the many haunted locations in the maritime village of Fells Point. The new Mount Vernon Ghostwalk explores Mount Vernon, Balitmore’s cultural center, it’s a great way to learn more about the city’s hub, both present and past. And for those looking for more spirits on their tour, the Fells Point Haunted Pubwalk takes you through the many haunted pubs in the region, and guests are invited to sit back, enjoy a brew and listen to the tales of ghosts who used to haunt the very spot where you’re seated.

Segway Safari

The latest trend in group tours is the segway tour. Hop aboard one of these novelty cruisers and head out for a Mini Safari or a City Safari. The Mini Safari gives you a glimpse of Maryland’s first National Historic District, Fells Point and the Little Italy section of town. You’ll hit many stops along the way and learn the inside scoop on other points of interest. The City Safari is a more in depth tour that covers the Inner Harbor area in addition to the Fells Point district. Take the in depth City Safari tour and you’ll learn more about the history of the city including experiencing a brush with local pirates.

Spirit Cruises

Spirit Cruises of Baltimore gives you a variety of options if you’d like to tour this harbor city from the water. There are brief 75 minute narrated sightseeing tours which provide interesting facts and details about the harbor as well as giving you a chance to view the USS Constellation, Fells Point, the National Aquarium, John W. Brown Liberty Ship and more from the ship. Or you can sign up for one of the entertainment cruises and combine your tour of the harbor with a wonderful dinner.

Mount Vernon Place Guided Walking Tour

Mount Vernon Place is known as the best preserved 19^th century urban square in the United States. By taking the Mount Vernon Place Guided Walking Tour you’ll learn the history of the affluent citizens who created this district and some of the magnificent monuments and buildings that still exist today. The tours are inexpensive and rather short, only 90 minutes, so it’s a wonderful introduction to the area and gives you a chance to get an overview before you decide which areas to explore in depth.

Ghosts of Gettysburg Candlelight Walking Tour

Baltimore must be chock full of ghosts because there are more than enough haunted tours to go around. The Ghosts of Gettysburg Candlelight Walking Tour has been featured on cable television more than a couple times so the stops may seem vaguely familiar to you. There are three options for the walking tours. You can tour the streets of Baltimore with a guide for a brief and fairly short tour. Visitors can take the Seminary Ridge Tour along the Confederate battleline which is another rather brief and short walking tour. And the slightly larger and longer tour follows along Carlisle Street to the Gettysburg College Campus. Remember these are nighttime candlelight tours so dress appropriately.

The Baltimore Basilica Tour

The Baltimore Basilica Tour gives you a guided tour of the United State’s first cathedral, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Basilica was built from 1806 until 1821 and was designed by America’s first bishop, John Carroll and architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Educational tours happen daily at the Basilica and tickets are not required but checking the website is recommended. The tour includes a visit to all areas of the church including, the upper church, undercroft, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel, the crypt, Basilica Museum, Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden upon request.

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum is open to the public regularly but if you’ve got a group headed to the region they will be happy to arrange a group tour for you. For those people interested in the railroad this museum is a must see destination as it contains some of the oldest and most comprehensive railroad collections in the world. Those familiar with the game Monopoly will recall the line by its less formal name, the B&O Railroad.

National Aquarium Baltimore Immersion Tour

If you’re bringing a group to Baltimore or you have a special occasion and want to do a special group outing then the Immersion Tour at the National Aquarium Baltimore is a great place to go. The Immersion Tour features expert guides who will take your group through the aquatic world and give you the insiders perspective. You’ll learn that what goes on behind the scenes at the National Aquarium Baltimore is just as exciting if not more exciting than anything you get to see from the other side.

Explore the city of Baltimore with an experienced tour guide that will show your group the insider’s perspective that you’d never get by touring the city yourself. And who knows, you may discover that the group experience is so full of unique perspectives that it’s something you want to continue trying every time you travel.
photo credit: sneakerdog

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Group Tours in Baltimore

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With so many books on travel in China coming out these days, it’s clear that we readers have a fascination with this important country; even though not that many of us have visited China yet, we all want to read about it. And for a modern look at some “real life” for a foreigner in China, James West’a Beijing Blur: A Head-Spinning Journey Into Modern China is a great addition.

Bejing Blur

Beijing Blur is the story of five seasons spent in China by Australian journalist West. Working for a Chinese radio station, West’s experiences are many and varied, and often not what we’ve come to expect from China travelogues – just as an example, the book opens at a rave held on the Great Wall of China.

After this unusual beginning, West sets out his expectations of China, gleaned from childhood meals at Chinese restaurants back home and flamboyant Hong Kong films. As you might expect, the reality of China is somewhat different, and West sinks into culture shock to start with. But things get better, and he gives us all kinds of interesting insights into the life of a foreigner in Beijing, including his first attempt to stamp out corruption (he hands back the bribe money handed out to a bunch of journalists with their press packs) and meets some of the current young generation, growing up somewhat spoiled in “New China”, and finds out how they really tick.
photo credit: Peter Fuchs

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Now that Poland’s a part of the European Union and while costs are still a little cheaper there than in the countries further west, it’s a great time to check out this beautiful and historically rich country. It’s easy to fly there via Frankfurt and enough Poles speak English to make it easy to get around. Some highlights for a visit to Poland include:

• Discovering the capital, Warsaw, which has an Old Town faithfully recreated and rebuilt after war damage, with great old buildings and interesting museums, plus the royalty factor including the palace; there is also some interesting Soviet era architecture, like the Palace of Culture and Science
• Visiting Krakow in the south, a city full of history and beauty. In Krakow, you’ll want to take photos of the market square and the churches, and visit Wawel Castle and take a tour of the nearby underground salt mines.
• Depending on the season, hiking or skiing in the Tatra Mountains in the far south of Poland – you can base yourself in the popular winter resort of Zakopane, close to the Slovak border.
• Understanding history better by visiting the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps, not far from Krakow – these are by no means a pleasant day out, but most people find them fascinating and very worthwhile.

photo credit: włodi

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Places to Visit in Poland

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The Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas started its life in 1994 as the Grand Victoria but was quickly shortened to Victoria and then changed altogether and became the Monte Carlo. Initially the resort was designed to appeal to middle income tourists with lower prices and European style luxury. In May of 2009 the Monte Carlo announced it would be creating a new resort on the 32^nd floor called HOTEL32, sort of a hotel within a hotel with high end suites.

Staying at the Monte Carlo

Photo credit: | El Caganer

Monte Carlo Hotel Room

The original concept of a hotel with luxury for the middle income may be lost as the lowest priced rooms are just a bit under $200 and the luxury isn’t any more luxurious than the other large scale hotels on the strip. There are 3000 rooms in the Monte Carlo which vary in quality, price and size beginning with the Deluxe Rooms, the Monaco Suites, a Spa Suite, and Diamond Suites. No word yet on what amenities will be offered in HOTEL32 or what price range they’re going to shoot for but you can rest assured the ticket will be high.

Attractions at the Monte Carlo

One of the attractions at the Monte Carlo, the Brew Pub is closed  until fall of 2009 and will then be called The Pub and come with a more contemporary look. But the incredibly popular pool area is open, you can splash around in the Wave Pool, drift through the Lazy River, grab a snack poolside, play a game of beer pong, or dance to the live DJs. If you’re looking to relax and pamper yourself a bit then the spa and salon are worth a stop. And for golfers, there isn’t a golf course on the property but through the Monte Carlo you can get tee times at Bali Hai, Desert Pines Golf Club or the Royal Links Golf Club. The Monte Carlo has actually turned itself into a wonderful place for business meetings and their fully appointed business center is a god send if you’re trying to get some work done while on the road.

Gaming at the Monte Carlo

The Monte Carlo is like most hotels on the Las Vegas Strip with a traditional list of games available including blackjack, craps, roulette, Caribbean  stud, let it ride, crazy 4 poker, Texas hold ‘em, pai gow poker, big six, three card poker, baccarat, slots and a race and sports book. If you’re thinking about trying your hand at poker then the Poker Room is a great place whether you’re just learning the game or if you’re thinking about going pro and working your way into one of the Monte Carlo’s poker tournaments.

Shopping at the Monte Carlo

The Monte Carlo has designed a shopping area that is called the Street of Dreams. There a number of different stores selling a huge variety of things including Diablo’s which is a great place to pick up a hot and spicy souvenir, Casino Royale where you can get a Las Vegas themed gift for those you left at home, the Lance Burton Magic Shop so you can load up on tricks and learn to do magic just like the headliner, and the Monte Carlo Boutique/Nouveau News which is great for picking up a trinket or a last minute item. The Monte Carlo is one of those hotels that doesn’t really rely on its shops to draw people so if you’re thinking about really giving your credit card a work out of spending your winnings you’re better off heading down the street to the mall.

Dining at the Monte Carlo

The Monte Carlo offers a variety of restaurants from quick snacks to elaborate top notch restaurants. If you’re a steak lover then BRAND Steakhouse is a great place to stop as it’s a combination steakhouse and lunge with a modern feel that’s exciting and lively with incredible steaks. The new Diablo’s Cantina is hot and happening and situated right in front of the hotel making it a very convenient stop if you’re out trolling the strip. Andre’s Restaurant is the baby of award winning Chef Andre Rochat and is fine dining at its best. The more casual alternatives include the ubiquitous Buffet, a Café, and the Brew Pub, once it reopens. For casual food to grab and go you’ll find the Dragon Noodle, d. vino, and a food court.

Entertainment at the Monte Carlo

The headliner at the Monte Carlo is the master magician Lance Burton who brings the old tradition of incredible magicians back to Las Vegas. Even the most cynical observer can’t help but get caught up in the excitement and lose themselves in the awe provided by Lance Burton.
photo credit: Markyboy81

Contact

Monte Carlo Resort and Casino
3770 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

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Las Vegas Monte Carlo Resort Review

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photo credit: mikebaird

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Last Minute Travel Deals – 1/10/2010

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San Francisco is definitely a city worthy of stealing your heart, it has a little bit of something for everyone and it’s a great place for a family to explore and share everyone’s interests.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is best known as The Rock but this island actually has a history that goes beyond its years as a prison. Originally it was home to the first lighthouse and a U.S. fort. It was while the island was a military base that it first served as a prison for Civil War prisoners. Then it housed prisoners of the Spanish-American war. It was during the 1906 earthquake that civilian prisoners were transferred to Alcatraz and that was for their protection. The facility served its purpose so well that many noted inmates did time at Alcatraz. But as mentioned above the island is more than a prison. The Indians of All Tribes twice liberated the island in an effort to establish tribal rights in the United States and theirs is a fascinating story. There is also a slew of natural beauty on the island, some that can’t be found anywhere else.

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is considered one of the most beautiful suspension bridges in the world. Spanning the opening of the San Francisco Bay onto the Pacific Ocean the 1.7 miles draws an estimated 9 million people annually and visitors can either drive, bike, or walk across the famed span. Construction began on the bridge in 1933 and was finished in 1937. Visitors to the bridge can drive, walk, bike or roller blade across the bridge and if the weather is clear, catch spectacular views of the city beyond. On an entirely different note, the Golden Gate Bridge is the most popular place to commit suicide in the United States and one of the most popular in the world. No accurate number of suicides is known as many of these events aren’t witnessed but in 2005 it was estimated that there was one suicide or attempt every two weeks.

Cable Car Barn

Think of San Francisco and images of cable cars winding up and down steep grades comes to mind. Learn more about San Francisco’s cable cars with a visit to the Cable Car Barn. The first cable car started in 1873 and rose in popularity until 1892 when the first electric streetcars started running. The earthquake of 1906 contributed to the downfall of the cable car and by 1944 only two lines existed. A few groups worked to restore and maintain the remaining lines and by 1984 several lines were running and restored. Now the cable cars serve mainly as a tourist experiences but some locals still use them in their regular commute. The Cable Car Barn lets you view an actual cable winding and watch the path as it enters the building and leaves underneath the street. The museum houses many great artifacts, including the first cable car from 1873.

Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco has three different environments for visitors to explore; Discovery the Bay, Under the Bay and Touch the Bay. In Discovery the Bay you and your family will learn about the ecosystem of San Francisco Bay and the live within that ecosystem. Under the Bay takes you deeper into the water and through two crystal clear tunnels surrounded by 700,000 gallons of bay water and more than 20,000 critters. Touch the Bay is one of the favorite stops in the aquarium, especially for children. The interactive exhibits let visitors actually touch land and marine animals in addition to being involved in hands-on experiments and activities.

San Francisco Whale Tours

One trip that every family should take at least once is a whale watching tour. In San Francisco the whale tour is a day cruise to the Farallon Islands where grey whales and humpback whales migrate. The Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary is a very unique ecosystem and has more to offer than just whales, but whales are the goal.

Winchester Mystery House

The Winchester Mystery House is a fascinating house and the attached ghost story is sure to give your kids a little thrill and chill. The home once belonged to Sarah Winchester whose husband was the famous gun maker William Wirt Winchester. Mrs. Winchester believed her home was haunted by ghosts of people killed with Winchester rifles so she insisted that construction builders work round the clock from 1884 until her death in 1922. The house is a mess of nonsensical rooms, hallways and staircases. It was seven stories high until the 1906 earthquake which destroyed a large portion of the house. The home was then rebuilt at only four stories high and today includes about 160 rooms, 40 bedrooms, two ballrooms, 47 fireplaces and 17 chimneys, two basements and three elevators. Tours are open to the public daily but if you’ve got older kids who really like a scare try to schedule your visit to coincide with a Halloween or Friday the 13^th flashlight tour.

Fort Point

Fort Point has what is perhaps the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge as it was originally positioned to protect the harbor from Confederate and foreign attack during and after the U.S. Civil War. But Fort Point’s history reaches back to the first Spanish settlement in San Francisco in 1776 when a mission and presidio was built and the area where Fort Point now stands was fortified for protection. As the San Francisco harbor has been safe for some time the importance of Fort Point has diminished. It is now most famous for its view which can be seen on numerous films and it’s also made an appearance in the wildly popular computer game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas which should be popular with the kids.

This is just a handful of the exciting activities that a family can do together on a trip to the San Francisco region. Explore the many things this city has to offer.
photo credit: Maschinenraum

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This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Family Attractions in San Francisco

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