RSS FEED IDEMS: World Travel and vacation Blog
- Free Vegas attractions
It's easy to spend a small fortune on vacation, especially in this tourist town where almost everything—from slot machines to shopping malls—seems geared to separating you from your Benjamins as quickly as possible. But don't despair, you can find plenty of fun on—or near—the Strip for free.
Air Play at the Tropicana
Slot machines serve as a makeshift stage for a variety of acts performed by singers, dancers, and aerialists who spin and fly just inches above the whirring machines. Daily at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 7pm. (3801 Las Vegas Blvd. S., at Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89109; tel. 888/826-8767 or 702/739-2222).
Bellagio fountains
Set to a wide variety of music ranging from opera to pop songs and classical to Broadway, the fountains at Bellagio erupt up to 240 feet in the air and dance every half-hour Mondays through Fridays from 3 to 8pm, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 8pm, and every 15 minutes nightly from 8pm to midnight (3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; tel. 888/987-6667 or 702/693-7111; www.bellagio.com
Circus Circus
Clowns, acrobats, and jugglers perform every half-hour from 11am to midnight (2880 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; tel. 877/224-7287or 702/734-0410; www.circuscircus.com
Desert Passage at Aladdin/Planet Hollywood
Jugglers and belly dancers vie for your attention as a desert rainstorm rages every hour at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino (3667 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; tel. 877/333-9474 or 702/785-5555; www.aladdincasino.com
Everything Coca-Cola and M&Ms World
Located in the Showcase Mall, these are quick, self-guided tours of the American icons' histories. You can also experience a desert rainstorm every 45 minutes at the Showcase Mall souvenir shop (3785 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; tel. 702/597-3122).
Fremont Street Experience
Downtown spiffed up its image by installing a canopy with 12 million light-emitting diodes and a sound system and turning Fremont Street into a pedestrian walkway. Four times nightly, the neon goes off and the LEDs display broad-quality and spectacular light shows. (Fremont St. between Main St. and Las Vegas Blvd.; www.vegasexperience.com
The Grand Canal Shoppes
Vaguely historical (performers in Renaissance costumes and replicas of the Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Place, complete with real, bossy pigeons), this mall masquerades as Venice in its heyday. It's relaxing to sit under the blue faux sky and watch the singing gondoliers steer their fares along the waterway (3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; tel. 888/283-6423 or 702/414-1000; www.venetian.com
Jester's Stage
Located on the second floor of Excalibur, this stage features jugglers, storytellers, puppets, and other kiddie-pleasing acts every half-hour (3850 Las Vegas Blvd.; tel. 877/750-5464 or 702/597-7777; www.excalibur.com.
Lion habitat and royal white tiger habitat
Both the MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (tel. 800/929-1111 or 702/891-7777; www.mgmgrand.com and The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (tel. 800/627-6667 or 702/791-7111; www.mirage.com
display big beautiful cats sure to provoke plenty of oohs and aahs. The lions are on duty at the MGM Grand daily from 11am to 10pm, while the tigers at The Mirage are on display from 10am to 10pm daily
Masquerade in the Sky
Seven times a day, from 3 to 9:30pm, Mardi Gras–styled floats move along tracks suspended from the ceiling at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, while costumed participants toss beads from the floats and lip-sync to the songs, followed by a stage-show extravaganza on the casino floor, complete with a giant peacock and sequin-covered dancers. Best place to watch is from the second-floor balcony (3700 W. Flamingo Rd.; tel. 888/752-9746 or 702/777-7777; www.playrio.com).
Mirage volcano
The volcano in front of The Mirage erupts four times an hour from 6pm through midnight (3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; tel. 800/627-6667 or 702/791-7111; www.mirage.com).
Paris Las Vegas
You may not be able to see Paris in the springtime, but Paris Las Vegas is available anytime, complete with cobblestone streets and twinkling streetlamps (3655 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; tel. 888/BONJOUR [266-5687] or 702/946-7000; www.parislv.com).
Sirens of TI
This is the retooled pirate battle that raged outside Buccaneer Bay in front of Treasure Island for 10 years. The new show, performed at 7, 8:30, 10, and 11:30pm, is somewhat sexier, with “sirens” luring the pirates off their ship and into Sirens Cove for what can only be some X-rated activity. There are some fireworks and explosions that all kids will enjoy, but it might be tough to explain to the younger ones just what's going on. Also, the new show is nearly 20 minutes longer than the defunct 8-minute pirate battle—a long time to stand squashed in a crowd with a 40-pound kid on your shoulders—the only way the short ones can see a thing. (3300 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; tel. 800/944-7444 or 702/894-7111; www.treasureisland.com).
Sports Hall of Fame
Sports fans will love this huge collection of athletic items displayed throughout the ground floor of the Las Vegas Club in the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino downtown. It's available for viewing around the clock. The collection includes signed bats used in the World Series, autographed photos, T-shirts, and much more (18 Fremont St.; tel. 800/634-6532 or 702/385-1664; www.vegasclubcasino.net).
Tropicana bird show
This show, starring colorful talented birds, runs three times daily at the Tropicana: 11:30am and 1:30 and 2:30pm in the Tropics Lounge. (3801 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; tel. 888/826-8767 or 702/739-2222; www.tropicanalv.com).
Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:28:00 +0000
- Getting Around The Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is an approximately 4 mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard that runs from Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino at the southern end to the Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in the North.
The Strip is one of the most famous and most valuable stretches of real estate in the world, and is the heart of the city that is known as the gaming capital of the world. The Strip is ever changing and growing. Recently non-gaming properties in the form of tall condominium towers have been spouting up in between and behind the casino-hotels. Of course casinos are also being built, with most seemingly designed to outdo prior properties. Also, while new properties are being developed existing properties are evolving and improving in an attempt to remain competitive.
This non-stop growth can occasionally cause headaches for people trying to drive from place to place on the Strip. Closed lanes, closed side roads, and traffic from construction vehicles cause this already busy road to become difficult to traverse. Las Vegas has tried to keep up with increased traffic by adding pedestrian walkways, a monorail, more buses, and improved alternative side roads as alternatives to tourists simply driving down the Strip. By keeping a few tips in mind a visitor can save time and frustration when traveling around the Strip.
One way to get around is to walk from one property to another. Just keep in mind that Las Vegas is brutally hot in the summer, with normal daily highs over 100 degrees, and the nights from late fall until mid spring may be surprisingly cool. Also, while casino security and the cops do an excellent job of keeping as safe as possible, you need to keep your own security in mind, especially in areas that aren't near a casino. The north end of the Strip past the Wynn, especially, has areas that are not near any casinos. Also, some of the side streets are less safe after dark than the Strip is.
The monorail is useful is some cases. It is located on the east side of the Strip, and is excellent for going to the Convention Center and the hotels on the east side. The monorail stations are MGM Grand, Bally's/Paris, Flamingo/Caesars, Harrah's/Imperial Palace, The Convention Center, and the Sahara. Buses run 24 hours a day up and down the Strip, and a Trolley (really another type of bus, not a San Francisco style trolley) zigzags from Strip hotels to off Strip hotels. Taxis are everywhere, all day long, and are another alternative way to get around the Strip.
If you want to drive you should try to become familiar with the side streets that run parallel to the Strip. On the west the streets to learn are Frank Sinatra Drive and Industrial Road, and on the east the Roads to know are Koval Lane, Sand Avenue, and Paradise Road. These roads will lead you to the back entrances for most of the Strip hotels and are almost always easier to get around on, although Paradise Road can be slow when a very large convention is in town.
by: Mike McDougall
Planning ahead and consulting http://www.lasvegasstripmap.info can save you time and frustration, and help you to better enjoy your Las Vegas vacation.
Tue, 09 Oct 2007 21:17:00 +0000
- Visit Hong Kong-Peral of the Orient
Hong Kong, also referred to as the 'Pearl of the Orient,' is perhaps the most popular tourist
tenstination in the Southeast Asia. Until the arrival of the British in 1842, it was just a typical small village.
In 1997, Hong Kong was handed over to China, under the policy 'one country, two systems.' The city has now become one of the vibrant as well as s sought after destinations not only in Asia but also in the world.
Bordered by the South China Sea and Sea, Hong Kong, al though a part of China, is different from rest of China. With its own government, stamps, and laws and regulations, the city consists of four geographic areas, such as, the New Territories, Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the Outlying Islands, all of them packed with a plethora of attractions and facilities.
It also consists of more than 200 islands, which consist of both small and tiny islands. In addition, Hong Kong is much famed for its superb deep water harbors. According to the survey conducted by the World Tourism Organization, the city has been ranked among the 15 most preferred tourist destinations in the world.
An incredible city blending the best from the East and West, Hong Kong's attractions, among many others, are Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with its unique curved three-tier roof and glass walls; the covered Central-Mid level Escalator, which is the longest in the world; and Hollywood Road, packed with a range of antique and curio shops selling Buddha statues, Japanese specialties like ikebana baskets, Chinese furniture, and snuff and perfume bottles.
Despite these attractions, perhaps the most famed attraction of the city is Victoria Peak, from whose summit you can gaze down to enjoy the wonderful vistas of skyscrapers and Victoria Harbor. During nights, the sights from the peak become more dazzling.
Also, of special significance are the temples of the region. Since Buddhism being the most popular religion of the place, Hong Kong has to its credit more than 400 temples, each of which is regarded as not to be a missed tourist attraction.
One of the most prominent Buddhist shrines is the Chi Lin Nunnery, located in Kowloon. Considered a living museum of the Tang Dynasty, it has been stunningly renovated in the traditional Tang-era architecture with several magnificent Buddhist halls. Another popular Buddhist shrine is Po Lin Monastery, whose focal point is a bronze statue of the Lord Buddha, which is the largest in the world. In addition to Buddhist shrines, the place also consists of several other popular shrines such as St John's Cathedral, which is considered to be the oldest in the Far East and Shelley Street Mosque, which is noted for its minaret of green and white colors.
A visit to Hong Kong would be incomplete without taking a tour to many of its fascinating museums, showcasing unique art and antiquities representing several aspects of the place such as its history, film industry, space and science, and coastal defense. Some of the most visited museums in the region are Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Hong Kong Film Archive, Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, Hong Kong Racing Museum, Hong Kong Planning and Infrastructure Exhibition Gallery, and Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre.
Attractions also include a continuum of beautiful beaches, including Repulse Bay, the most spectacular among the city's beaches; Deep Water Bay, which is connected by a pathway to the Repulse Bay Beach; Turtle Cove, a tranquil beach; Golden Beach, the first artificial beach in Hong Kong; and Hung Shing Yeh - a marvelous beach on the Lamma Island.
Also, the gastronomy of the place is amazing, with specialized areas for enjoying remarkable delicacies, like, SoHo with a variety of restaurants serving international cuisine; Gage Street, dotted with an array of stalls, from where one can enjoy the best of Hong Kong style cuisines comprising noodles, soups, pastries, and herbal teas; and floating style restaurants found in Aberdeen.
Apart from this, excellent options are available for shopping, with areas like Lyndhurst Terrace packed with shops selling ancient paintings and maps; Stanley Street, considered a paradise for shopping cameras and film accessories; and Li Yuen Streets, dotted with shops selling knick-knacks, leather items, and casual wear.
With these fabulous attractions and options to enjoy a variety of activities, tourists flock to Hong Kong all year round. No matter you want budget or luxury accommodation, the city has options to cater to all types of tourists. Majority of the hotels and resorts are located within the heart of the city, and hence are within easy reach of almost all top tourist attractions.
Nowadays, many of the hotelss, both budget and luxury accommodation, have their own sites on the web, which in turn enables the visitors to check price and room as well as make bookings in advance.
Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:46:00 +0000
- A Quick Tour of Spain
With over fifty million tourists visiting Spain each year, this popular West European country must have something special which attracts the visitor. What exactly is it ...?
The main beauty of this lovely land can be summed up in just one word - variety - and, as you all well know, variety is the spice of life!
Whether you are referring to its climate, geography, history, culture or cuisine ... there is something to appeal to all tastes, ages and pockets.
The tourist explosion which took place in the 60s was originally due to its marvellous beaches. And, with good reason, for the Foundation for Environmental Education states that "Spanish beaches are the most environmentally healthy in Europe" and has awarded the much-coveted Blue Flag to 450 of the country´s beaches - more than any other participating country.
But maybe lolling about on the beach all day is not your thing and you prefer more action ... a touch of sophistication?
Should this be the case then Spain´s major cities are ideal for you ... jam-packed full of history, and an art-lover´s dream. Yet, with their abundance of parks and wide open spaces, good shops and pulsating night-life, they are a joy for everyone - children included.
So ... mooch around the truly marvellous museums and monuments of Madrid. Enjoy the bustle of stylish Barcelona bursting with vibrant Gaudí influence. Savor the delights of romantic Mediterranean cities such as Valencia and Alicante. Or journey further south to the exotic cities of Granada, Seville and Málaga. Immerse yourself in their haunting Islamic palaces, the brilliant colors and sounds of flamenco, and in the birth-place and works of Picasso.
Maybe you hunger for the peace and quiet of a hideaway hotel in an unspoiled village? Then rural Spain is for you: full of forgotten villages, bursting at the seams with medieval castles, and offering prolific flora and fauna, it is ideal for walking holidays, painting, photography or just plain "get away from it all" holidays. Not to mention ski-ing opportunities for the more active amongst Spain´s snow-capped peaks.
Should you fancy a mix of all three - beach, city and rural - then that is also easy to arrange. Although Spain is the largest country in Western Europe after France, it is certainly no problem to get around. Littered with airports - both national and international - it also offers a good train service, though the cheapest and most convenient method of internal travel is by using the national bus/coach system.
For those who are a little tired of the stereo-typed hotel chains, Spain has a unique alternative on offer in its state-established "paradores". In these, you will find accommodation in converted castles, palaces, fortresses, monasteries, convents ...
The aim of the "paradores" is to offer high standards at reasonable prices in a noteworthy building or location and to help preserve the traditions of regional cooking by serving the best of local cuisine in the "parador" restaurants.
Which brings us on to yet another delight that Spain has to offer - its rich and varied cuisine. Whichever region of Spain you decide to visit, you will surely encounter scrumptious Spanish food!
What´s more, the traditional Spanish diet, with the liquid gold of its olive oil, its rich supply of wine (in moderation!), its wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, plus an abundance of seafood, all mean that it is extremely good for the heart. On top of that, it is affordable!
Even their "caviar" of cured hams - "jamón Ibérico" - has fat unusually high in oleic acid which is known to lower cholesterol levels! Now I ask you, where else can you get something pleasurable, that is cheap, and also good for you?!
Even if you fancy picking between meals you can opt for their tempting "tapas" - much healthier for you than a packet of crisps or a donut!
Tapas originate from the large, southerly region of Andalucia and it is this region that we also have to thank for flamenco and the Spanish guitar. Which holiday would be complete without visiting an authentic flamenco show or dancing the night away to the beat of romantic Spanish music?
So ... come visit this land where the warmth of its climate is only surpassed by the warmth of its people. You are bound to have a great time!
After living in Spain for 20 years, Linda Plummer compiled http://www.top-tour-of-spain.com containing information on Spain for the traveler and expatriate.
Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:37:00 +0000
- African Safari Lodges Kenya–Africa safari Top & Best Lodges Kenya
Africa safari lodges in Kenya: African safari in Kenya is chekered with top standard safari tour lodges mostly located in animal parks. The African safari lodges have distinctive luxury in the wild feeling. The essence of sleeping in an African wildlife safari park lodge in your next safari holidays is to be close to nature in comfort. Top of the range African lion safari lodges also offer distinct service and other extras.
African safari lodges in Kenya
Africa is dotted with many wilderness parks that host a variety of interesting animals. These parks are located in far flung wild Africa areas with little in terms of infrastructure. Since the primary activity here besides conservation is tourism, these safari parks tend to play host to thousands of tourist every year. These park safari tourists, in their quest to stay in the wild, need to be accommodated in lodges and hotels. The result is a mix of localized architecture and comfort in Africa safari lodges.
Location of such lodges in parks is important. Most of the African safari lodges will be located in places that afford the best view on top of a hill or under a canopy of fever trees next to a stream or river. There is some important safari lodges information you need to know when planning your African Kenya safari tour.
Kenya Africa is an important Africa safari land where you will be guaranteed to see the big five animals. African safari tour in Kenya is one of the most rewarding if you are able to make a good combination of attractions to include the wild animals, the beach, the scenery and the bush.
Africa Kenya safari lodges
In Kenya; safari lodges are also located in some of the most favored animal parks. The most frequently visited animal parks in Kenya include the
* Misaim Mara game reserve-the African lion safari park
* Tsavo national park-the man eater lions safari park
* Amboseli national park-the Amboseli elephant and Mt. Kilimanjaro animal safari park
* Samburu game reserve-the Africa Kenya river safari park
* Mt. Kenya national park-the African Kenya mountain park
* Aberdares national park-the African Kenya mountain park
The best Kenya safari lodges will often feature good size rooms, a buffet restaurant menu, exotic African safari decoration with themes ranging from the masai artifacts to animal carvings and distinct bright or dull African colors. Most of the four 4 star and 5 five star African safari lodges will have a swimming pool to wash off the dirt from the safari game drives.
Masai Mara safari lodges-the African safari Mecca
Popularized by the annual wildebeest migration, the Masai Mara hosts over a million tourists in a year. The best safari lodges in the Masai Mara are located in the escarpment to the north of the reserve offering spectacular views of the savannah. These include:
* manta safari club-best African lion safari lodge
* Serena Mara lodge- 5 star lion safari in Kenya lodge with astounding views from the raised carved pool
African safari club-all inclusive African safari tour lodge.
Other good African Kenya animal safari lodges in the Masai Mara include:
* Keekorok safari lodge-luxury Kenya safari tour lodge
* Mara intrepids safari camp-good value African safari tented camp
* Governor’s safari camps-best African Kenya safari camp-pricey
* Cottar’s hunting safari camp-classic hunting Kenya safari holidays base
* Base camp-mid range Kenya safari style tented camp
* Olonana safari camp-luxury award winning African ecotourism safari tented camp
* Sopa lodge Masai Mara-good Kenya animal safari camp with best view from pool.
* Sarova game safari camp-top luxury African safari camp by the river and surrounded by large thorn trees and lush green vegetation.
* Riverside camp-good value African safari tour cottages in Masai Mara-offers African wild safari trek in Kenya
* Mara simba lodge-the African wilderness safari lodge by the river with a hippo pool
* Siana tented camp- top mid range African lion country safari camp by the river.
* Simba camp- budget camp located in the best African safari wildlife park of Masai Mara
* Acacia camp- budget camp with a African wild animal safari theme in the Masai Mara
There are other very good African safari tour lodges in other wild safari parks in Kenya. I have serialized these African Kenya wilderness safari lodges in other articles on this ezine.
Enjoy your African Kenya lion country safari in the best safari accommodation!!
by: Robert Muhoho
http://www.landmarksafaris.com/
Tue, 09 Oct 2007 01:50:00 +0000
- Traveling with Your Camera
Think positive! The year's not half over, there's still half to go. That is when it comes to Photography Events and Festivals.
At least once a year, all across the country, small town America comes together to show their spirit by holding family-friendly festivals. These events are generally held on a weekend and feature local art, music and culture. And then there are the week long functions, such as the Yamhill Fair and Rodeo, which is held Sunday to Sunday in McMinnville, Oregon. Not only will you FIND local art and cultural here, but you'll want to have your camera handy for those awesome rodeo riders and prizewinning flower entries.
But the Photography Events I'm going to acquaint you with now are the ones held in metropolitan areas throughout the world. These functions draw both local and internationally acclaimed artists. There are several well known events planned for the second half of 2007. Some of these festivals are being held in various cities throughout the United States, one in Canada and two in France. If you've dreamed of combining a vacation with your love of photography, this may be your chance to do just that. Choose a destination, pack your suitcases and camera bags and head out for the experience of a photographers lifetime.
First on the calendar is the Les Rencontres D'Arles Photography held in France. Although this has already begun, it runs until September 16. If you are fortunate enough to travel to this phenomenal show, you will encounter 50 magnificent expositions.
Next on our calendar is the Foto Septiembre USA, held every year September 1 - 30 in San Antonio and other Texas cities. This is an International Photography Festival which is a popular destination for both artists and photography enthusiasts. Not only do they provide a forum which allows artist to exhibit their craft, but they also operate through a website and publication. This provides exhibitors, sponsors and advertisers the additional valuable support of internet exposure.
Next we head north to our Canadian neighbors in Montreal. The Le Mois de la Photo has been held every year since its inception in 1989 to celebrate the 150Th anniversary of photography. It is dedicated to Fine Art Photography and will feature 30 exhibits in galleries and museums throughout the city. The goal of this event has always been to educate the general public about photography as an art form. This year's guest curator will be art historian Marie Fraser whose theme will be The Narratives of The Image, which should prove to be a captivating topic.
Next we're headed south to Georgia for Atlanta Celebrates Photography, ACP9, held in October. This is a citywide festival which is in its 9Th year. It has art exhibits in diverse locations throughout the city. You will enjoy lectures by international and local artists, a pushpin show, a film series and the public art program.
On to The Big Apple and the Photo Plus International Conference + Expo 2007 is being presented October 18 - 20. This is being called the premier event for forward- looking imaging solutions and photographic education. It also promises to bring leaders, pioneers, and rising new stars together for unprecedented networking events.
Paris Photo which is considered by many to be the leading fair for still photography will be held this year on November 15-18. It will offer photo enthusiasts some 100 galleries and publishers from all over the world. In addition to the exhibits, there will be book signings, prize award ceremonies and lectures. What could be better than to be in the City of Lights with your camera and other photographic devotees?
We wrap up the year in Florida at the Photo Miami scheduled for December 5-9. This International Contemporary Art Fair will be held in the Wynnewood Art District of Miami. It focuses on Photo-based art, video and new media.
Any one of these Photography Festivals would be an once-in-a-lifetime trip whether you're a hobby photographer or photograph for living. Dust off you your camera bags and hit the road.
by: Suzanne VanDegrift
Tue, 09 Oct 2007 01:37:00 +0000
- A Vacation To Remember in London, England
My time in London was set right in the middle of my month long overseas adventure. From Christchurch, New Zealand I’d traveled through Bangkok and onto the majestic city of London. Just flying over the area was exciting; looking down on the Thames River was great and for some reason reminded me of the Eastenders TV program.
After settling in at my sister’s apartment I got some valuable sleep, traveling can be great fun but the jet lag can quickly bring you back down to earth. The next day I headed out to St Paul’s Cathedral, it’s an amazing monument and was well worth the visit. After taking the usual touristy photos in front of St Paul’s I moved on to the Tate Modern Art Gallery. They had some really fascinating exhibitions on at the time with some great sculptures and art work.
Heading out to lunch reminded me of how expensive everything is in London after you’ve exchanged New Zealand dollars to British Pounds, after coming from the very cheap Bangkok; I realized that this part of my holiday was going to be expensive. Holidays are all about spending money though so it was time to move on and spend some more.
Being a huge sporting fan I was very keen to get to Wimbledon to watch some tennis. After the first day got rained off I decided to make the journey to the grounds and see what my chances of getting in were. Turned out that I just had to wait in line, a particularly massive line! Luckily waiting in line turned out to be part of the fun, I received my queue card, my official guide to queuing handbook and numerous other goodies that were dropped off to those who were waiting so patiently. We waited in the line for an hour and a half in the end which wasn’t too bad, especially when you compare it to the other line of people who were queuing for good tickets to the following days play!
As I walked into the legendary Wimbledon complex I realized that this was so much more than a few tennis courts, it was like a small town it was so big. I watched some games on the outer courts first, had to pinch myself that I was actually watching tennis at Wimbledon, where were my strawberries and cream? After having some fun checking out the speed of my own tennis serve I ventured towards the main courts, I managed to purchase some resale tickets to the main courts and ended up watching both Raphael Nadal and Andy Murray, couldn’t believe my luck! The atmosphere was amazing, even for so early in the tournament.
The next day involved lots of time in the underground and on foot as I made my way around London’s Museums. I went to the Science, Victoria & Albert, Natural History and British Museums and thoroughly enjoyed each one, just the buildings were impressive. I particularly enjoyed seeing all Egyptian and Greek artifacts such as vases, statues and the Rosetta stone. It’s a shame I had limited time because there was so many interesting things to see.
For dinner we went out to the Ivy, a very posh restaurant that my sister had booked well in advance. The food was good and the atmosphere nice, if not slightly pretentious. After a few drinks at a local pub we meandered back to Clapham Common and my sister’s apartment. It had been a great day of sightseeing and certainly one I wouldn’t forget any time soon. Luckily I had bought enough memory on my digital camera to last me a lifetime because I was taking a lot of photos.
London is full of amazing sights and to do it justice you would have to spend weeks exploring its vast areas. The only problem is that it can take a long time to get from A to B so you have to be prepared for some frustrating times whether it’s delays on the underground or huge lines at famous attractions. Luckily you’ll never find yourself disappointed with what you find in London, it’s a destination that should be on every traveler’s to do list.
by: Rene Smith
Tue, 09 Oct 2007 01:27:00 +0000
- Cruise Packing Tips
Packing Tips
Packing for a cruise can be quite a daunting task - when else are you expected to show up in everything from a bathing suit to an evening gown, yet are allotted such little closet space? Some things to consider when packing your bags:
At the cruise terminal - or even at the airport if you have an air/sea or a land/sea package - your luggage is taken by the porters to be brought to your room. The cruise line will tell you that it is possible that you won't have your bags until after dinner (it is generally quicker, but there are no guarantees), so you want to be sure to have bathing suits, dinner clothes and your toiletries in your carry-on just in case.
Another thing you want to think about when packing is what type of luggage will work out best. Some cruise lines offer to store your empty bags during the duration of the cruise (call ahead to check), but if they don't, you may want to consider soft-sided luggage - storage in your cabin is at a premium! - and if there are several people sharing the same cabin, it would be even more helpful if your luggage nested inside each other.
Now that we've discussed your actual luggage - and how long it might be before you see it again – perhaps the last item to consider is what you are putting in the bags. There are many things to consider - formal and semi-formal dinners, sporting events, shore excursions, casual days - and because of the whole space issue, you want to be sure to choose wisely. Consider clothing in complementary colors, so that every item matches other things you have brought, think wrinkle-free and low maintenance as much as possible, and cut out excess as much as possible (large shampoo bottles, etc.). If you are traveling with other people - in your cabin or otherwise - see if there is anything that can be shared, such as irons, steamers, hair dryers and similar supplies. Remember, it was no less a person that Sherlock Holmes (even though he’s fictional!) who pointed out that if the walls don’t distend, then only the absolute necessities belong with you, and you need to keep them accessible!
by: Stephanie Larkin
Tue, 09 Oct 2007 01:24:00 +0000
- Cruise Port of Call: Docking at Key West
Cruise Port of Call: Docking at Key West
History
Key West is the southernmost point in the continental United States, and it is as well known for Ernest Hemingway as sunset celebrations. It was originally settled by the Spanish, who called the island ‘Cayo Hueso’, which means Island of the Bones, as the treacherous reefs nearby sank many ships before the lighthouse was erected. When the English came in, ‘Cayo Hueso’ evolved into Key West. Many famous artists and writers have called Key West home, including Ernest Hemingway, Thornton Wilder, Robert Frost, Tennessee Williams and James Audubon. The island declared its independence as the “Conch Republic” in 1982 to protest a federal roadblock which blocked the one access road – US 1 – to Key West. That certainly raised media attention enough to stop the government, but to this day, many islanders still fly the ‘Conch Republic’ flag.
Things to Do
There are no real beaches to speak of in Key West – the shoreline is quite rocky – but if your are interested in enjoying the water, there is still plenty to do. Adventure-lovers can book shore excursions (or independent trips) which include sailing, kayaking, fishing or snorkeling, or book a ride on a catamaran, schooner or glass-bottomed boat. There is plenty to see for the landlubbers, including beautiful architecture, plenty of museums, shops and famous saloons, such as the original hangouts of Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffet. Of course, don’t miss the sunset celebration at Mallory Square!
Getting Around
Key West is walking town, and just about everything you would want to see is just a short walk from the dock. There are also tram tours (like the non-stop Conch Tour Train), the Old Town Trolley, which makes 9 stops, the bus system (two buses continually run around the island – one clockwise and the other counter-clockwise) and taxis if you would prefer not to walk. You can also rent a scooter if you are feeling a bit more adventurous.
Weather
Key West’s laid-back lifestyle matches its subtropical weather. Temperatures here range from about 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Enjoy your day ashore at Key West!
by: Stephanie Larkin
Tue, 09 Oct 2007 01:18:00 +0000
- How to Get the Best Possible Beach Vacation Home
There is nothing more relaxing than having a week or two to spend at the beach. Vacation homes are a wonderful change from staying at a large or impersonal motel or hotel, plus they have the added convenience of being close to or even right on the water, having all the amenities of a house, as well as being much larger than a hotel room or even a suite would be.
Many of the beach vacation homes available offer all the features of a hotel vacation. If you are considering a rental and are going through an agency or property management company, it is usually possible to have a rental car provided for you upon arrival. In addition, many companies and agencies can also offer bonded and professional cleaning staff, chefs and even tour guides that will personalize your beach vacation and really make it a holiday for everyone in the family.
If you would prefer to just be able to relax and enjoy the warm weather, beach vacation homes can offer a quiet, stress-free holiday environment. To ensure that you get the best possible rental property, be sure to check the following:
* Ensure that you know the full amount of the rental and any additional expenses that may be included. Most beach vacation homes, especially those that are right on the beach or at the water will book up at least one season in advance. Holiday times such as summer vacation, spring break and even Christmas holidays may be booked several seasons in advance.
* Before sending a deposit or providing a credit card number for a deposit or reservation, fully understand the cancellation policy or any insurance that you may need to have on the property.
* Whether you are renting beach vacation homes from an individual or a company, be sure to get everything in writing before supplying a deposit or credit card information, especially if you have not rented through the company or from the individual before. A verbal agreement is not binding or legally valid in a court but a written, signed contract is a legal document.
* Finally, check the area in which the beach vacation home is located. While property right on the beach is great in quiet or secluded places, on busy beaches it can be a bit more stressful and noisy, especially if you want a quiet vacation spot.
Doing some advanced research on beach vacation homes is simple through the internet or making a few phone calls. Planning your vacation is half the fun and knowing what you want and finding just the right beach vacation homes makes the holiday perfect for the whole family.
by: Terry Roberts
Tue, 09 Oct 2007 01:10:00 +0000
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