Popular casinos in Las Vegas 1

casinos in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a popular destination when partaking on a gambling holiday. This iconic city is one of the most well known gambling venues in the world. With well over 100 casinos, the city offers travelers many options. One of the most popular casinos on the Strip is New York, New York. The theme of the casino revolves around the city of New York. Another casino that is a favourite among visitors is the Bellagio Casino. The Bellagio is the home to outstanding gambling as well as synchronized show with their fountains.

Bellagio Casino Las Vegas

Both of these casinos feature a variety of games including poker. New York New York casino offers different variations of poker including three card poker, Texas Hold ‘Em and Crazy 4 Poker. The Bellagio Casino also offers three card poker. However, it does offer some variations New York New York does not. This would include Let it Ride Poker and Pai Gow Poker. When planning your visit to Vegas, you may want to experience table game play. However, perhaps you are not confident or even understand some of these varieties. You’re in luck because many online casinos offer these poker games on their sites. This would permit you time to either brush up on a poker variation or even learn it.

Las Vegas nights

Let it Ride Poker can be found at some online casinos, to play Click here. Many people play this game because it is possible to win a sizable payout. With this game, players are not competing against one another or even the dealer. On the table, there are three circles in front of each player. They are marked 1, 2 and $ and an equal bet is placed in each. Three rounds ensue where players can look at their hand and decide to leave the bet on the appropriate circle which is known as letting it ride. They may also opt to remove the bet.

Embrace your inner Indiana Jones in Central America

Palenque Maxico

Indiana Jones has been hailed as the greatest film hero of all time and his whip-cracking antics are still delighting film fans more than 30 years since ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ first hit cinemas.

But as well as pleasing movie buffs with his signature look (bullwhip, check; fedora, check; leather jacket, check), wisecracks and all-action approach, Indiana Jones can also provide a source of inspiration for young travellers as they traverse the globe looking for adventure. As the man himself says, “If you want to be a good archaeologist, you gotta get out of the library”, so if you want to explore ancient ruins and learn about cultures past, you’ll need to close your internet browser, pack your bags and get ready to embrace your inner Indy on a Central American adventure.

Central America is the perfect place to indulge in archaeological antics because it is literally littered with spectacular sights of historical interest left behind by the Mayans and other Mesoamerican civilisations that ruled the roost in the region before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century.

Chichen Itza Maxico

Mexico
Mexico is a veritable hotbed of ancient ruins, with some of the region’s most revered sites located here, including the world-famous Chichen Itza, with its iconic El Castillo providing unbridled photographic (or should that be documentation) opportunities.

Others such as Palenque are like something out of a Hollywood film set, with the jungle threatening to engulf the crumbling buildings, while Monte Alban has a spectacular hilltop location that will make you feel like you’re on top of the world.

Guatemala
Across the border in Guatemala, you’ll need to journey through the rainforest to reach the sprawling remains of Tikal. If you thought El Castillo was impressive, it is dwarfed by Tikal Temple I, which stretches an incredible 155 feet into the sky. Fronted by a steep staircase leading up to a funerary shrine, it is a sight to behold – the holy grail of Mesoamerican structures if you will.

Tikal Temple

Tikal is the largest excavated site in the American continent, comprising 222 square miles of jungle and rubble, and excitingly, there is much left to be discovered.
A good deal of Indian Jones-style work at Tikal has been done by the University of Pennsylvania, which spent 13 painstaking years uncovering ten square miles of ruins so that you can enjoy it today.

Honduras
Journeying across yet another national border into Honduras, you come to Copan, a Mayan settlement abandoned in the 10th century. It laid undiscovered until 1570, when it was happened upon by the Spaniard Diego Garcia de Palacio. However, it would be several hundred years before Copan was excavated in the 19th century, when its temples, plazas and terraces were finally revealed.

Copan

As you stand among the ruins, try to imagine what it would have been like to live in Copan more than 1,000 years ago among the lush hills of western Honduras. You can also try out your archaeological skills by attempting to translate the numerous hieroglyphics carved into the structures around Copan.

If all that translating makes your head spin you can take a dip in the natural springs located just outside the city to end a perfect day of Indiana-style action. Just remember to take off your leather jacket before you jump in.

Top holiday destinations within the EU 1

Personally, I love exploring Europe – it’s definitely home to some of my all-time top holiday destinations. So, when I heard about the suggested EU referendum, I couldn’t help but wonder about the impact it might have on us UK-based travellers – and that took me on a trip down memory lane through some of my favourite holidays.

So, I thought I’d share some of these places with you – it might give you some inspiration for destinations to visit this year.

Let’s take a look at my favourite spots in the UK first. These include:

Exmoor National Park

  1. The Forest of Dean: Located in the west of Gloucestershire, the Forest of Dean is a beautiful place. This is part of what makes it such a fantastic place for holidays, but for me it’s also its huge selection of activities that appeals. Walking, cycling and adventure sports are all possible here, so it’s perfect if you love exploring the great outdoors.
  2. Devon: A really peaceful place for a holiday, Devon is another wonderful spot for outdoor activities. Not only are there gorgeous beaches here, but also places of outstanding natural beauty, like Exmoor National Park.
  3. Cornwall: Of course, Cornwall’s a really pretty spot that’s also famous for its beaches (it’s actually one of the best places in the UK for surfing), but it’s the food that really attracts me. The idea of a Cornish pasty and a proper cream tea is enough to make me want to come here again and again!

Plus, if you work in the civil service (or ever have done) and you join a members club, you can get some great discounts on holidays to destinations like the above – you can click here to find out more.

European suntraps and cultural hotspots
The beauty of having Europe right on our doorstep, and being part of the EU, is that travel to some of the world’s prettiest and most interesting countries is wonderfully easy. Here are some of my favourite places to visit:

Florence Italy

  1. Florence (Italy): An art lover’s paradise, Florence has it all – sunshine, gorgeous architecture and a whole lot of art galleries. I particularly recommend climbing to the top of the famous Duomo, and taking a horse and carriage ride round the city.
  2. Santander (Spain): A city in northern Spain, Santander’s got a great blend of sun, beautiful beaches and cultural attractions. El Sardinero is probably the most popular stretch of sand, while I’d also recommend trips to the Cantabrian Maritime Museum and the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology.

Santander in Spain

Paris (France): OK, I realise this is quite an obvious choice, but it’s hard not to love Paris – the city really does have that air of romance it’s so famous for. Plus, getting there is really simple on the Eurostar or by ferry, so it’s feasible to nip there for a quick weekend break whenever you like.

How would splitting from the EU affect travel?
Well, that’s a question that no one really knows the answer to in any detail yet. Of course, the referendum itself is a reasonably long way off – proposed to be held by the end of 2017 after the next general election – so there’s plenty of time to ponder!

Right now, it’s nice and simple for UK residents to travel to and from other EU countries, so I’d expect us leaving the EU would make that process a little bit harder. I think that’d be a real shame, since there are so many wonderful places to explore in the EU – and them being so easy and quick to reach really adds to their appeal.

Sizzling beach holiday destinations 1

Fancy a bit of sun, sea and sand this year? Well, don’t we all. And the great thing about today’s vibrant holiday industry is that there’s a little bit of something to suit everyone from all walks of life. Whether you love quiet beaches with not a soul around, or lively bustling affairs with watersports and volleyball galore, or you just fancy cliff-top walks with romantic sunsets, there’s always something to suit your mood.

sizzling beach

Take Crete for instance. This is a huge island with plenty going on and a number of resorts covering virtually every taste and preference imaginable. If you’ve got the kids in tow, you’ll find plenty of family fun in the resorts of Rethymnon and Hersonissos, with stacks of local activities and numerous hotels offering kids’ clubs and cr縦he facilities. This is a great option for keeping the little ones entertained, particularly if Mum and Dad fancy slipping away for some quiet time. You can leave your little charges in the capable hands of the club reps and disappear for a few hours, which is a great opportunity to hire a car and explore the local area, pop out for lunch, or just enjoy some peace and quiet with a good book and your holiday playlist.

Caribbean holidays

The same can be said for many other destinations such as Menorca holidays, Portugal getaways, breaks in Cyprus and of course holidays further afield in such gems as the Caribbean and Florida. When you travel with a tour operator, you can select the style of holiday that meets your needs and look forward to a week or two of doing exactly what you fancy. Whether that’s opting for a family holiday and enjoying the child-friendly services provided by your holiday company, or opting for a luxury getaway that’s five stars all the way, the world really is your oyster.

Climb Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro on one trip

If the thought of climbing one mountain is not enough of a challenge for you on a single trip, consider bagging two peaks on a holiday in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro is an obvious summit for dedicated hikers to attempt, while Mount Kenya is an excellent trek to do as a warm-up for your ascent to the Roof of Africa. Trips like  those run by Explore Worldwide give you the chance to see both of these stunning mountains in all their glory over the course of two weeks.

Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya
As its name suggests, Mount Kenya is situated in the country of the same name (while Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania). It is often described as one of the most scenic peaks on the continent and it is second only in height to Kilimanjaro. So, climbing Mount Kenya will by no means be an easy feat, with the summit standing at 4,985 m. You will typically have five days of trekking to reach the top, which is a great way to get your body used to walking at altitude ahead of your Kilimanjaro climb.

One of the things that make this hike so rewarding is the stunning scenery, as there are 12 remnant glaciers on the mountain, as well as four secondary peaks that are lower than Point Lenana, which is the highest. During the early stages of the trek, you’ll be walking through areas of alpine vegetation where there are some striking plants like the giant lobelia. You’ll walk through bamboo forests as you ascend, before reaching the moorland as you get higher.

The wildlife you can see during this trek includes the tree hyrax, black rhinoceros, white-tailed mongoose, green ibis and Mackinder’s eagle owl. The whole area is protected by a national park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro
You’ll have a brief period to rest before you set out on your attempt to climb Kilimanjaro. After flying from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro airport, you’ll transfer to Moshi and, the following morning, you’ll drive to Nale Moru to begin your walk on the Rongai route (if you take on this challenge with Explore Worldwide).

As you’ll already have been hiking at altitude, you’ll hopefully have acclimatised and therefore find the earlier stages of the Kilimanjaro trek easier than you may otherwise have done. You’ll spend six days on the mountain in total, allowing you to take your time and enjoy the views as you wander along this scenic route to Uhuru Peak at 5,896 m.

Uhuru Peak

One of the best reasons to choose this particular trail to climb Kilimanjaro is that it is the only one to approach the mountain from the north and it does not link up with any of the other paths until you are almost at the summit. This means you can look forward to uncrowded tracks and some spectacular scenery that the other routes up the mountain miss. Among the highlights is the walk across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. This will see you cross a lunar-type landscape as you leave one of Kilimanjaro’s volcanoes and head towards another.

Of course, reaching the summit will be another memorable moment on your trip and the final stretch to get to Uhuru Peak will also be one of the toughest, because not only the route is steep, but you’ll also be negotiating it in darkness so that you arrive at the top to watch the sunrise. If you are planning for camping in this area, you can check satellitetv.net for your entertainment.  You can then enjoy the descent, happy in the knowledge that you’ve managed to conquer the two highest mountains in Africa.

A brief introduction to Las Vegas

Even if you’ve never been to Las Vegas before, chances are you’ve heard plenty about it already. That fact alone tells you a great deal about the destination – anywhere as infamous as Sin City has to be explored at some point! But, if you want to know a bit more than the fact that it’s home to more casinos than you can shake a stick at and a whole lot of nightlife, then I suggest you read through my quick introduction to the weird and wonderful world of Las Vegas.

las vegas highway

Las Vegas – the basics
Let’s go back to basics for a moment. Las Vegas is a huge city in the state of Nevada, and is surrounded by desert. It’s perhaps best-known for a long, casino-lined stretch of road commonly referred to as the Strip, which is awash with dazzling bright lights and glitzy venues. Back in the days when I was less well-versed with the attractions of Sin City, I thought casinos were pretty much the only thing here. And, granted, they are a huge part of the place, but there’s actually a lot more to do and see. For instance, the presence of so many luxurious hotels makes it a strong contender for a decadent break. World-class shopping, golf courses, spas, theme parks, Broadway-quality shows and quirky attractions like the Fremont Light Experience are just some of the things you can get involved in – so it really is quite an eclectic place.

Casinos
There’s no way of talking about Las Vegas without mentioning casinos, is there? Whether or not you plan to spend a lot of time trying your luck on the slot machines or at the craps table, you should consider ducking into a casino – even if just briefly – to get a taste of the atmosphere. After all, this is a huge part of what Sin City is all about. So, where should you go? Getting yourself over to the Strip is probably the most obvious place to start, since it’s a) the famous part of the city, and b) it’s absolutely overflowing with casinos.

casino in vegas

One of the most famous venues is New York, which is easy to spot thanks to the replica of the Statue of Liberty that stands outside it. In this 84,000 sq ft casino, you can play craps, blackjack, roulette and Caribbean stud poker, as well as have a go on one of 2,000 slot machines. Oh, and there’s a roller coaster here too. It’s worth bearing in mind that many casinos double up as hotels. If you’re looking for places to stay, you can check out a decent selection at http://www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk/destinations/USA/Las%20Vegas.

Crystals at CityCenter in las vegas

Shopping Las Vegas is also a prime destination for shopaholics – so have your credit cards at the ready. Las Vegas Boulevard South is, without doubt, one of the best places to shop, since it has a combination of vast malls and even smaller, quirkier boutiques that you’ll find tucked away in the local casinos. Another destination to add to your list is Crystals at CityCenter – a 500,000 sq ft retail and dining complex. This is definitely the place to go if you’re into designer labels, since it’s home to some seriously exclusive retailers. Among the biggest names you can shop for are Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Donna Karan, Miu Miu and Cartier, to name but a few.

Other attractions
So, what else can you do? Well, there are various spas and golf courses that’ll no doubt prove irresistible to anyone hoping for a really relaxing, luxurious holiday – but there are also more fun-based attractions, like theme parks. In fact, you’ll even find a theme park – Adventuredome Theme Park – on the Strip. Some of the rides here include Lazer Blast, Rim Runner and Sling Shot – an absolute must for thrill seekers. It’s also worth bearing in mind Vegas is a good start point for tours to other places. For example, you can set off on helicopter trips to attractions like the Grand Canyon, or go and see Hoover Dam.

Valentine’s Day Destinations: Which city suits you?

Valentine’s Day in uk 2013

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and if you haven’t already begun to plan your romantic rendezvous for two, you’re leaving things a little bit late. As restaurants and hotels book up quickly over the weekend of love, now is the best time to secure your sensuous break in the city.

With so much to do in and around city centres, it is so important to impress with your itinerary and not waste spends on your accommodation. Wherever you choose to stay, look online at cheap hotels in Bristol, London, and Liverpool and save your cash to spend on quality time experiencing the city together.

But which destination is right for you and your loved one? Depending on shared interests and the type of weekend you want to spend together, the UK is brimming with a fantastic variation of cities for you to choose from, and enjoy together.

Queens Square Bristol UK

Bristol
Are you looking for a laid back city break with a dose of excitement in the evenings? If so Bristol is the perfect spot for any starry-eyed couple. During the day discover the city’s landmarks including Queen Square, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Cathedral, and St Mary Redcliffe Church. By night, the city comes to life, and although you may not want to join the clubbing scene, restaurants such as the Macro Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill and Glassboat are popular and romantic choices. Look online for cheap hotels in Bristol.

Gordon Ramsay

London
There’s nowhere quite like London for the patriotic couple. Take a look at the city’s landmarks, or simply take in the illuminated London landscape on an evening trip on the London Eye. The city also has an excellent range of eateries, from chain favourites to gourmet Michelin-starred delights, such as Amaya and Gordon Ramsay at 68 Royal Hospital Road. Inject some fun into your Valentine’s trip and pay a visit to one of the capital’s top attractions – rub shoulders with the stars at Madame Tussauds or relive the Sweeny Todd days at the London Dungeon.

Panoramic 34 restaurant liverpool

Liverpool
Lovers of music will find Liverpool to be the ultimate Valentine’s weekend destination. The home of the Beatles, the city is brimming with museums, landmarks and monuments, paying homage to the fab four. Be sure to get out and about and take in as much of Liverpool as possible – thrown into the mix you can enjoy The Beatles Story museum and 4D adventure, the Beatles open bus tour through Liverpool and, of course, a trip to The Cavern is well and truly in order. Take a break away from the themed fun and spend some time together, to bask in each other’s company. The Panoramic 34 restaurant is located on the 34th floor of West Tower, giving guests a sublime view over Liverpool’s skyline as you tuck into your food choice from the fine dining a la carte menu.

Don’t leave your Valentine’s plans too late – look online today at cheap hotels in Bristol, London, and Liverpool and book your weekend away before the prices rise and city centre accommodation sells out.

Become a romantic in Glasgow

When you think about a romantic get-away in Scotland you automatically picture yourself strolling down the streets of Edinburgh. But Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland and has two fabulous holiday spots to experience this February: Isle of Arran and Loch Lomond

Isle of Arran

Isle of Arran
To get to the Isle of Arran you have two options: train or car hire, either way both include a ferry.
Take the train to Whemnyes Bay from Central and then the ferry across to Arran. Then you can hire a bike and explore the Isle. If you are not into exercising that much on your romantic break, you can rent a car and drive to Ardrossan – Brodick and take the ferry there. Once on the shore, you can easily discover more of the isle by driving.

Lochranza

You can stop on the way to capture a memory at Holy Isle, Lochranza, Goat fell and Glen Sannox. A picture is for a lifetime. Why not make it count?

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond
Driving to Loch Lomond takes only half an hour and it’s pretty easy to get there. Considered a world heritage site, it is so beautiful you will be excited to have picked Glasgow as your main travel destination this Valentine’s Day. Once at Loch Lomond there are boats you can hire and sail on the loch – and because it is a special occasion you can also book your candle light dinner on there. Your loved one will surely remember this day.

Back in Glasgow
Once you find yourselves back in Glasgow, there are a few places you need to go – one of them being Cafe Gandolfi on Albion Street in Glasgow’s Merchant City area. You would be delighted by the traditional Scottish cuisine, staff friendliness and the tastiest breakfast in town.

Cafe Gandolfi

For dinner you should definitely eat at Two Fat Ladies. The restaurant greets you with its Victorian ambiance and general loveliness. The food entices you senses and makes you want to go back for more. A perfect classy restaurant for this special occasion.

All this makes Glasgow a suitable choice for an escape this Valentine’s Day. It’s close to home, you can even drive there, it only takes around 4 hours (depending which part of England you’re leaving from) and if you don’t have a car of your own you can always find a discount offer. Holiday Autos Glasgow car hire is the ideal choice if you’re looking to save money and get an easy booking process.

Why you should book a short febuary break to Alicante

Alicante

Once Christmas is over and work begins to loom, I tend to cheer myself up by looking ahead to what mini breaks I can go on. They are an affordable treat for gloomy January, and I think Alicante in Spain looks particularly appealing. There are loads of reasons why the city makes the ideal short break in febuary, and I’ve rounded up some of the best below.

1. It’s a short flight
When you only have a long weekend in which to take your city break, you don’t want to pick somewhere that’ll mean a large chunk of your time is spent on travelling. Alicante is around 2.5 hours from the UK by plane and the flight is also direct.

There are also plenty of airlines that offer this route, so you should definitely shop around to find the cheapest quote. My top tip is to consider flying at a time that might be a little bit inconvenient, such as really late at night. You’ll find these flights tend to be cheaper than those that travel during peak hours. If you find a cheap price online for car hire at Alicante Airport, it’s well worth taking advantage of it. That way, if you do have an awkward flight time, you don’t need to worry about public transport. Should you land very early in the morning or late at night when there’s less traffic on the roads, the journey from the airport into the city centre should take around 15 minutes.

2. There’s lots going on
Like any other major city, there’s plenty going on throughout the year. With beach resorts, they often shut down during winter, but this won’t be the case in Alicante. Aside from the fact bars and restaurants will be bustling as usual, you can visit an array of top attractions.

A good introduction to the city is to go on one of its walks, as you can blow away the new year cobwebs and see the best sights. The cultural tour, for example, takes in the likes of Santa Barbara Castle, the Basilica de Santa Maria and the Contemporary Art Museum. Walking around the walls of Alicante is also a fantastic way to see the city, with some of the highlights of this tour including Rambla and Explanada. The latter is a seafront that includes a stunning mosaic made up of almost seven million different pieces.

alicante city

3. There’s plenty of affordable accommodation
Like any city, Alicante has its fair share of luxury hotels, but it’s also home to an array of cheaper accommodation, including guest houses and youth hostels. A small selection of the one and two-star establishments that provide the ideal base for exploring the city include Bahia Blanca, El Chiqui, Masin and Noy. Alternatively, if a guesthouse has everything you should need for a short comfortable January getaway, you might consider the likes of De Sal, Diabolo and H3.

Calle del Teatro

4. You can hit the shops
Whether you received a Christmas bonus or was kindly given some spending money by a loved one, Alicante is the perfect place to hit the shops somewhere different to your usual haunt. The Central Market is housed in a beautiful building that dates from 1921 and is ideal spot to pick up local produce. There are also the areas of Calle Medico Pascual Perez and Calle del Teatro, both of which are home to a variety of different shops. For shoes, jewellery and independent fashion boutiques, make sure you head to Calle Gerona.

Top experiences to have in Mauritius

If you’ve just booked your holiday to Mauritius, lucky you – I’m envious! Chances are, you’ll now be on the lookout for ideas of what to do and see while you’re there. If this is your first visit to the island, take a peek below to find out what I think the top experiences to have here are.

Hit the beach
I doubt anyone would come to Mauritius without spending at least a little time on the beach, so this seems like the most logical place to start. As you’re probably already aware, Mauritius’s beaches are well known for their white sand and bright blue water and, while they’re all beautiful, there are some that really stand out:

Trou aux Biches

  • Trou aux Biches: You’ll find this pretty beach in the north of the island. As well as being a great place to relax, it’s also one of the best spots for deep-sea fishing
  • Belle Mare: This beach is over in the east of the island, which is said to be home to the country’s very best stretches of coastline. Belle Mare definitely ranks among the finest and, thanks to its trade winds, is also a good spot for windsurfing.

Try some water sports
As Mauritius has so many great beaches, it probably won’t surprise you to hear that water sports are my next top experience to have here. I mentioned a couple of good places/activities above, but here are some more options:

  • Deep-sea fishing: Mauritius is an absolutely fantastic place to try this sport, and among the creatures you can catch are blue marlin, tuna and bonito. The season runs from November to April, and some of the best fishing centres are at Le Morne, Flic en Flac and Grand Baie.
  • Kite surfing: There are some good spots for kite surfing on the west coast, like Le Morne, as well as Belle Mare on the east coast.

Mauritius volcano

Visit a volcano
Another one of Mauritius’s must-have experiences is visiting its famous extinct volcano. You’ll need to head to the inland town of Curepipe to do so, where you’ll find the ever-impressive Trou aux Cerfs. It’s well worth making your way up to the summit, since from here you get some absolutely incredible views across the town, as well as over mountain ranges farther afield.

Explore Port Louis
I reckon most people visit Mauritius for the stunning beaches, but I think it’s also well worth exploring the capital city, Port Louis. Located on the north-west coast, it’s one of the island’s best destinations for shopping (Curepipe is also good), especially if you head to the Central Market.

Port Louis

Its other attractions include its historic centre, which you can start exploring from the main square Places D’Armes. From here, take a walk to Government House. Dating back to the 18th century, this is one of the oldest buildings in Port Louis.

Play golf
Mauritius is also a great golfing destination, so if you enjoy the sport, it’s well worth arranging to play on one of its top courses. I’d recommend seeing if your tour operator can help you with this; for example, Wanderforth offers its customers the chance to play at the prestigious resort of Belle Mare Plage on the east coast, so it’s worth checking what’s available.

Another decent course to try is Le Touessrok on the Ile aux Cerfs. This little islet is a lovely place for a day trip, so don’t forget to explore its pretty, sheltered coves while you’re there.