A Non-gamblers Guide to a Las Vegas Vacation

Every year millions of people head to Las Vegas for vacation, but not all of them go there for what the city is most famous for, gambling. The casinos offer a lot more than slot machines and poker tables for visitors. There is a reason why this city is referred to “The Entertainment Capital of the World.” There is a lot of entertainment available that has nothing to do with gambling for those wishing to forgo risking the over $400 that the average gambler looses in a trip to Las Vegas.

One of the biggest attractions in Las Vegas is the shows. Some shows like Cirque du Soleil, which has various versions of their amazing circus running simultaneously at different casinos, have been running for years and grow more popular year after year. Popular entertainers play in Las Vegas, often for long runs. Celine Dionne recently ended a four-year run at Caesar’s Palace. Elton John is scheduled for a few months in mid 2008 at the same venue.

Visitors also find Broadway musicals such as the wildly popular The Producers, top notch comedians, and compelling dramas on the stages at Las Vegas casinos and other venues.

Shopping is also a very popular activity for those who visit Las Vegas. While some of the high-end shops make window shopping necessary for many visitors, there is plenty of affordable shopping for those who want to spend their time in the stores. The Forum Shops at Caesars is home to 160 boutiques and shops, 13 restaurants and various specialty food shops. At the Bellagio, the Via Bellagio offers high-end shopping, and the Pool Promenade has unique shops that cannot be found elsewhere. Bargain shoppers can find treasures outside of the casinos at the Las Vegas Premium Outlet that offers over 100 outlet stores or they can try their luck at the Fashion Outlets Las Vegas that offer many of the same brands that can be found in the hotel boutiques but for far less.

Another attraction for non-gamblers is the dining in Las Vegas. Many celebrity chefs have restaurants in the city. Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck both have more than one restaurant in the casinos, and Bobby Flay has the popular Mesa Grill at Caesar’s Palace. Celebrity chef restaurants aren’t the only fine dining choices, however. There are many, many five star restaurants in the casinos and the surrounding area. It’s also possible to get really good food in Las Vegas without the five star price tag at some of the other eating establishments. In a city that seems to be open 24 hours a day, there are lots of great places to get a meal any time of day.

Boxing matches also draw crowds to Las Vegas. The biggest ones are always held at the Las Vegas casinos, and it’s not uncommon for the regular tourist to come face to face with the celebrities who attend these boxing matches. Other sporting events that Las Vegas caters to are kick boxing, WWE wrestling events, speed racing, and the occasional celebrity basketball game with the Harlem Globetrotters.

Las Vegas may not be the first vacation destination that people think of when they think of family vacations, but it is becoming an increasingly popular spot for families. The casinos and other businesses in the surrounding areas are adding more and more attractions for children. Many of the casinos offer live animal attractions such as Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef, The Mirage’s White Tiger Habitat, and The MGM Grand’s Lion Habitat.

A state of the art arcade called Game Works will appeal to kids of all ages, The Las Vegas Zoo offers hours of entertainment away from the casinos, and Circus Circus has been a family fixture in Las Vegas for years. The city boasts the world’s largest indoor theme park, the five and a half acre Adventuredome. Families can find go-karts, kid-friendly shows, children’s museums, and wax museums along with many, many other family oriented activities scattered all throughout Las Vegas.

Those wishing to get out from the confines of Las Vegas and its beautiful but flashy buildings can head outside for some fresh air. A visit to The Hoover Dam is easy by taking a tour bus that can be booked from Las Vegas. Bonnie Springs Ranch Old Nevada is just a short drive from the city, and visitors get to experience the Old West. Red Rock Canyon is a bit more of a drive, but it’s a great place to get away from it all and do a little hiking. Of course, the area surrounding Las Vegas is littered with golf courses so no golfer has an excuse for not hitting a few while in Vegas.

Aspen Colorado Event

Aspen Colorado is worldly known as a great travel destination frequented by the rich and famous. Many visitors from different parts of the world know this beautiful Colorado mountain town not only because of its ski resorts, but for its extensive mix of arts programs, cosmopolitan nightlife, and cultural events. This town is even noted for its silver mining heritage, as well as for the promotion of arts, culture, and non-profits in the Aspen area.
Below is a list of the popular and unique Aspen Colorado events that stood out as the biggest life time events in the city of Aspen. You read on and know more about them.
Aspen Music Festival and School
Every summer since the year 1949, the world’s most accomplished and promising musicians have made a pilgrimage to Aspen through a notable event known as the Aspen Music Festival and School. The group not only comes to perform, but also to teach, to learn, and to be renewed. This Aspen Colorado event basically shows a glorious summer of camaraderie and music, and it highlights composers whose music tells the story of their lives.
Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Festival
The Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Festival, another acclaimed event, actually takes place in the downtown area of the city for four days. This event particularly highlights an intimate setting created in the 3,000 seat tent enclosed to protect against the weather in the Rocky Mountains. And, many have noted that the major key to this June Festival in Aspen is a free concert series on the mall in downtown area, and After Dark performances in four different clubs.
Winterskol – Aspen Winter Festival
Winterskol is but another great Aspen Colorado event celebrated annually as a toast to winter. This event generally features more than 40 individual events in the downtown area and at all four ski areas: the Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass Mountain. The favorites of this Aspen Colorado event include the Fashion Show, the Wintersculpt, Buttermilk Uphill Race, and a great torchlight descent coupled with fireworks over Aspen Mountain. And, several other surprises are also out there.
Aspen Gay Ski Week
The Aspen Gay Ski Week is but a fun filled week of events intended for gay and lesbians in the town of Aspen. It is actually a full week of skiing and snowboarding on four of Colorado’s fantastic mountains. And, to mention but a few, this event involves daily aprs-ski parties, fabulous nightlife events with world class DJ’s, Downhill Costumer Competition, a Film Fest, and Comedy Night.

Don’t Just Roll the Dice-how to Plan a Las Vegas Vacation

It’s not surprising that Las Vegas visitors can maximize their enjoyment with a little planning. Considering the myriad of possibilities to be experienced in exciting Las Vegas, planning out your day (or night) is your best bet. Knowing what to see, and when, can help you save time, energy and money. A bit of research will narrow down your choices, and help you focus on only your favorite entertainment options.

With so much happening in Las Vegas, it is easy to become overwhelmed and sidetracked. Travel websites and guide books detail resort and casino amenities, current shows, resort attractions and types of restaurants, and phone numbers to help with planning. Once a guest narrows down preferences, it is easy to structure a workable plan.

For example, one person may want to see the newest shows. In that case, they will need to select from musicals, comedies, and magic shows, etc. Then, it is a good idea to always call to find available seating. (Often, the best place to call is the actual theater, since “discounters” can charge above the face value of a ticket.) Since entertainment is of prime interest, this person should order tickets before leaving home, as first-run show tickets are not found at half price ticket booths in Las Vegas.

This same traveler can now arrange an itinerary around their show schedule. Using maps and guides, dinner reservations can be made at favored restaurants near show locations, assuring plenty of time for relaxed dining. Then, working backward, if they know that they must leave the resort by 6 PM, they can structure their Vegas day to get the most out of it.

The same logic applies to an individual who wishes to experience fine dining. By making reservations well in advance, this person will know how to arrange their day, and that the 11 PM show is a definite possibility. They will not need to sacrifice a special meal or entertainment due to crowds or time restraints.

Las Vegas is much larger than it appears, and it takes longer to walk or catch cabs than what one would expect. (Plus, if a visitor decides to stop into a casino “for just a few minutes”, it often turns out to be much longer!) Therefore, travel planning should be conservative. Filling time in Vegas is always easy, but if a guest must rush or miss out on what they have anticipated, it’s very frustrating.

There are several other considerations unique to Las Vegas. Typically, visiting resort attractions may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. This does not include 10 minutes to walk through the main casino, or waiting for free shows. Add shopping to this plan, and a visitor may only be able to tour 3 or 4 resort/casinos in a day. This is why it is best to sight-see resorts in groups of proximity. However, if a guest will be seeing one of the shows at a resort, they can view its attractions before or after; almost everything in Las Vegas is available 24/7, which certainly helps with planning.

Unless you are going to Vegas for the primary purpose of spending hours at the poker table or slot machine, gaming can easily fit in anywhere where there is free time. Inquire into a “player’s card” before gambling to get credit for gaming and future discounts. Just be sure to wear a watch, as there are no clocks in casinos! If a guest enjoys swims or workouts, they should know that some facilities are not available past 5 PM, and outdoor pools are usually closed between November and April.

Regarding transportation, taxis are not flagged down; lines form in front of resorts. If a traveler has purchased a $5 daily unlimited bus pass to ride up and down the strip, they should remember that it expires at 5 PM. Cabs to Downtown Vegas cost about $20, so a visitor may want to plan an evening there, including dinner at one of the inexpensive restaurants, shopping for souvenirs, and viewing the Freemont Street Experience free laser show. Some attractions have long waiting times, such as the Eiffel Tower or Venetian Gondolas, so visits to these popular sites should be planned accordingly.

A tired Las Vegas visitor can relax in some of the most interesting and comfortable places imaginable. Although most hotels do not provide seating in their lobbies, food courts and benches in the Miracle Mile and Forum Shops offer unlimited pleasure in people-watching. Free Circus Circus productions can be a pick-me-up for an exhausted walker, and chairs near the Wynn’s waterfall allow a rest in lovely surroundings. The Bellagio has luxurious couches and chairs scattered throughout its first floor, as well as bars and cafes which overlook their fountain’s dancing waters.

As long as daily activities are carefully planned, and based on a traveler’s interests, visitors can be ensured of a wonderful Las Vegas experience!

Flying to Aspen, Co – What you Need to Know About Flights and Aspen Car Rentals

Aspen Flying and Transportation Information

Aspen, Colorado is a town located on the western border of the Colorado Rockies. The famed town of Aspen, Colorado is home to four ski resorts and two mountain communities. Aspen and Snowmass Village provide the majority of lodging and accommodations for Buttermilk, Highlands, Snowmass Mountain and Aspen Mountain. Getting to Aspen and Snowmass is easy, but there some tips for flying into Aspen, Colorado & Snowmass. Read more about airfare, flights and car rentals to Aspen.Flying In To the Aspen / Pitkin Airport

Many visitors choose to book their flights flights to the Aspen / Pitkin Aiport for direct access to the town and ski resorts. This is the closest airport to Aspen, Colorado and Snowmass. A quick 15 minute drive will drop you off in the heart of this famous mountain community. The airport is open year-round and provides access to all major cities in North America and beyond. Many car rentals and shuttles operate year-round from the airport to the nearby town as well.Flying Into Vail / Eagle Airport

Located 70 miles and just a 1.5 hour drive to Aspen, the Vail / Eagle airport is another popular option for getting to this unique mountain town. The Vail / Eagle airport code is EGE.

In the winter, American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United, United Express, and US Airways provide non-stop jet service between EGE and thirteen major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Newark, and Philadelphia.

Summer options include daily non-stop B-757 flights between Vail / Eagle and Dallas / Ft. Worth (DFW), on American Airlines, and Chicago (ORD) and Denver (DEN), on United. Competitively priced American and United services link up Eagle County Airport with their DFW and Denver hubs, and hundreds of domestic and international cities.

The Vail / Eagle County Airport has grown with the opening of their award-winning passenger terminal in 1996. In 2004, they served their millionth passenger and set a new record for commercial passengers. New at the Vail / Eagle Airport is the addition of customs services for private aircraft and free wireless internet service in the terminal. Just bring your laptop!Aspen Car Rentals & Shuttles

When you book your airfare to Aspen, it is best if you reserve your Aspen car rental at the same time. Aspen Car Rentals tend to book up fast so reserving your transportation in advance is a good idea. Some choose the safety of a SUV for driving in adverse weather. The Colorado Department of Transportation does a good job of clearing the road, but when big snowstorms come in the winter, the highways and byways can become slick. Renting your own SUV 4wheel drive will inevitably help while traveling to Aspen.

Shuttles in Aspen are a unique feature to this mountain town. Shuttles will take you from the airport directly to your specific lodging property. Grab your bags, hop in and let the drivers of one of the many shuttle companies whisk you away to your Aspen, CO vacation.

Heavenly Valley Vacation Rentals

The next time you are searching for a winter ski destination on the west side of the country, look no further than Lake Tahoe and the spectacular Heavenly Mountain Resort. Guests of Heavenly Valley will find an abundance of trails suited to the needs of every skill level so everyone in your family can enjoy an exciting and memorable trip. Make your way to Heavenly Valley for a Lake Tahoe ski adventure this winter and experience a mountain excursion unlike any other.
The Heavenly ski experience is tailored to the needs of every visitor since not only do the trails run the gamut from Beginner to Expert with a wide selection for everyone, but also because there are other activities awaiting those who are not enthralled by a vacation solely on the slopes. Adventure Peak offers other options for snow enthusiasts such as snow tubing, sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing while snowmobiling can be found in the surrounding area. No matter what your family’s interests, you truly can have the outdoor adventure of your dreams when you spend your days at the Heavenly Resort.
While your time outdoors will most certainly be spent on the slopes or participating in other snow-filled activities, the right accommodations can allow you to continue the fun when indoors. Heavenly Valley vacation rentals make it easy to enjoy your time away from the cold with a variety of entertaining extras such as gamerooms, wireless internet, TVs, DVD players, and board games galore. Never endure a dull moment during your vacation by staying in a rental home or condo that has numerous ways to entertain the family when not outdoors.
In addition to entertainment options, your vacation rental can be your safe haven from the hustle and bustle and chill of the outdoors. After a long day on the slopes, snuggle up under a warm blanket near your private blazing fire as you relive the day’s events with your loved ones. Or head out back to the hot tub where you can soak in the fresh mountain air while all of your little aches and pains from your day on the rigorous trails slowly melt away. You can enjoy peace and calm within your accommodations for a perfectly balanced vacation that entails a busy and hectic day and a relaxing and soothing night.
With all of these extras, it is easy to imagine yourself experiencing a truly relaxing and enjoyable ski vacation in Heavenly. However, even the most complete, fully-stocked accommodations mean little on a ski vacation if they are isolated or they make it difficult to reach the ski lifts. Fortunately, there are numerous condos and houses that are just steps away from a full day of skiing on the mountain. Rather than packing up the car and searching for a parking spot, all you need to do is grab your skis and your poles and you are ready for a thrilling day some extremely challenging black diamonds. Heavenly Valley vacation rentals make it easy to enjoy everything you love about this amazing ski resort while also allowing for comfortable and entertaining moments when you aren’t on the slopes. Soak in incredible views of the mountain with every glance out the window or simply sit back and watch the snow drift slowly past as you rest peacefully on a cozy chair in the spacious living. Anything you could possibly imagine out of your winter ski getaway is at your fingertips when you book a vacation rental that has all the luxuries and conveniences of home in a location that will consistently take your breath away.

How India’s Mission to be the #1 Medical Tourism Destination Can Benefit You

Copyright (c) 2008 Medical-Tourism-Guide.comThe Medical Tourism Council (MTC) of Maharashtra has a mission of making India the #1 medical tourism destination in the world. The members are working diligently to bring together corporate interests in both the medical sector and the tourism sector. The vision is to offer world class medical services to foreigners in a land that offers exotic vacations as well.Countries such as India have been quick to recognize that the Western world is not providing timely and affordable medical care to its citizens. In both the United States and Canada, it is not uncommon to wait for more than 4 months to be seen after a referral is made. Then, there is more waiting time while tests are scheduled. Additional time passes waiting for the test results. If the result is that there is a need for a procedure, it could be several more weeks before surgery is scheduled. Non emergency medical attention may be extended for up to two years. There is basically no wait time in foreign countries such as India.The MTC is targeting several Western markets. One of those is the 43 million uninsured in the United States. What happens to the average person from a developed country, who is uninsured and in need of a heart bypass? If not aware of the option of medical tourism, the uninsured worker will face the choice of going without the surgery, or of withdrawing his life savings, or taking out a loan in order to pay for the surgery. The same worker can obtain the surgery in another country for $10,000 vs. $70,000 in the US. He can get a knee replacement for $6,000 vs. $50,000! Although still a large amount of money, it is much more attainable abroad than in the home country. The cost of services in India is approximately 1/3 less than other Asian countries that are competing as the destination of choice for medical tourists.The Medical Tourism Council is also doing heavy marketing campaigns to Western insurance companies. More and more, it is the insurance agent who suggests (and in some instances, mandates) having the surgery done in another country. An increasing number of insurance companies are not only agreeing to overseas medical services, but are advocating or insisting that the patient obtain the less expensive services as a medical tourist. They are recognizing that outsourcing medical services to India will save tens of thousands of dollars in payouts, even if they need to pay airfare in addition to the medical bills.The Indian Finance Minister recognizes that the opportunity exists to rebuild the infrastructure of the country, by generating medical tourism revenue. While the MTC is busy marketing, the government of India is working to ensure that state of the art facilities are built and that accreditations are secured. India is experiencing a medical tourism growth rate of 15-20% annually, and it is anticipated that 2.3 billion in revenue will be generated by 2012. The monies can then be used to provide a better lifestyle, including medical services, to the citizens of India who are living in poverty. It is anticipated that the flourish in the medical tourism industry will provide 40 million jobs to Indians.India has long since been recognized for its top education systems. The universities are producing between 20,000 and 30,000 new doctors and nurses a year, designed to staff the state of the art hospitals across the country. Upon graduation, many travel to developed countries for further training. In the past, many of the graduates who have left their homeland to work in the developed countries have not returned to India. They have continued practicing in the developed nations, choosing to reap the benefits of the high salaries that countries such as the U.S. offer. The trend is reversing and now many of the doctors who have practiced as some of the top surgeons and specialists in developed countries are now returning to set up specialty clinics and hospitals. India now offers over 200 specialty services and is recognized worldwide to be on par with the best in the world.The medical tourist destined for India need only decide which part of India they would like to visit and recover in. For those wanting the hustle and bustle of city life, a destination would be Delhi. Agra offers the medical tourist one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. Rajasthan borders the Thar Desert and has a history of romance and heroism. Goa is the home of miles of golden sand beaches and palm trees, and Kerela is the location of the networking of forty four rivers. Muntui (Bombay) is the equivalent to Hollywood in the United States and is the finance capitol of India. For those wanting to absorb the cultural mecca of India, with music and world class art, coffee and fragrances, one would want to travel to Karnataka, in South India.The collaborative goal, powered by the vision of the Medical Tourism Council, is to make India the number one destination choice in the global medical community. The low costs and high quality services, the education of world renowned doctors, the cutting edge technology, the state of the art resort type hospitals and the beautiful vacation spots are all being highlighted by the MTC, and India is quickly moving to the forefront of the global medical tourism industry!

Why Colorado Skiing is a Must Have Experience

Skiing is a sport which is an interesting and thrilling hobby for many people. It is also a profession for a lot of skiing enthusiasts. Skiing involves learning of proper techniques, using proper gear and equipment and of course enjoying yourself thoroughly.

Colorado skiing is a must have experience for anyone who is passionate about this sport. The majestic mountains and the impressive elevation make Colorado an inviting place and practically a heaven on earth for skiers.

During winter, Colorado sees snowfall measuring almost two hundred inches. “Bluebird days” which is the popular name for the days here are pretty warm. Colorado skiing is an absolutely ideal vacation you can give your family.

One of the charming towns around Colorado is Durango which is located to the south of the city. This place is endowed with nature’s beauty with the San Juan Mountains towering around it. One of the specialities of this place is the enchanting old buildings of historical value and interest which lends an exquisite ambience to the place. A visit to this town is a must when you go Colorado skiing.

Popular activities in this place includes group skiing and various other events which keep you and your family entertained at times when you are not skiing during your vacation. Slopes here are of various levels to suit the beginners as well as advanced skiers.

When you go Colorado skiing, you will come across various interesting resorts. Breckenridge is one such resort situated around a hundred miles from Denver. This resort is spread over two thousand acres and is ideal for beginners.

Aspen which is usually considered to be a luxury vacation is a paradise for ski enthusiasts. Terrain is spread over five thousand acres and this place is surrounded by towering peaks.

Another important resort you can see on your Colorado skiing is the Vail. The scenery in Vail is something you have to see to believe. It is awe inspiring and a practical paradise on earth. Staying here will provide skiers with an unforgettable experience.

Another place here is the Crested Butte. This is a place where you or your family will never get an opportunity to feel bored. Skiers find the challenging steep but safe terrain very exciting. The attractive shopping centres and restaurants serving delicious food provide visitors with constant entertainment.

If you are the type who likes the Wild West themes, then you must stay at the Steam boat on your Colorado skiing vacations. There are a total of six mountain ranges here and the terrain ranges over three thousand acres. One speciality here is there are courses offered for beginners where instructors train them in the various basic skiing techniques. This is another ideal place for your skiing vacations. Resorts offer accommodation which is at par with any of the best in the world. You will be provided with comforts and service worth every one of your penny.

If you are seriously planning a skiing vacation and are wondering where to go, Colorado skiing is the thing for you. Here you have a range of resort to choose from. Information on the availability, tariff, and services offered can be obtained from the internet. You also have the facility to book your accommodation online. These sites offer you information on the prevailing weather conditions with the help of which you can decide on your dates and vacation plans.

Exploring Yosemite: Travel Tips

Yosemite is a unique experience unto itself.  There is no place that is quite like it, which is why people who visit Yosemite tend to want to come and visit it again and again.  When it comes to adventure, learning and discovery, Yosemite never runs out of offerings.  Planning a trip to Yosemite soon?  Here are some adventure tips to make your visit that much more enjoyable:Making time for adventureThere is no way you can thoroughly enjoy everything that Yosemite can offer if you schedule a trip for just one day.  You’ll be too overwhelmed and miss out on a lot of activities.  Schedule at least 3 days of visit and plan your adventure based on what you love doing – hiking, birdwatching and sightseeing, rafting, boating and sailing, hiking and camping, etc.It’s best to start early if you want to log in as many activities as you can.  Most scenic hikes, for example, last a number of hours.  If you want to go see Half Dome, you’ll have to prepare for a hike that lasts about 12 hours.  You might also want to find the best schedule for your availability.  In summer, the park is packed, parking is a challenge lines to the most famous sights are long.  You might also want to book early so you can find a good place to stay.Yosemite ValleyThe valley is found in the southwestern area of the park, bordered by high granite cliffs that reach up to 1200 m.  From here, you can view the 1100 m high monolith nicknamed El Capitan.  You can also go for a hike to view Half Dome and Mirror Lake, which is found at its base.  You can also take in a good view of the valley from Glacier Point.WaterfallsYosemite has many of the highest waterfalls in the U.S.  The most impressive of these is Yosemite Falls, the highest in North America at 739 m.  You can also take short trips to Vernal Falls, which features a mere 97 m drop but showcases day-long rainbows in the mist.  Ribbon Falls is also an excellent site, featuring uninterrupted drop of water from 491 m up.  There’s also Bridalveil Fall, so named for its delicate mist.Sequoia grovesThere are three giant sequoia groves found in Yosemite.  These are the Mariposa, the Tuolumne and the Merced groves.  Mariposa is the largest of the three and is easily the most visited.  This is where you’ll find the 2,700-year-old Grizzly Giant that stands at 64 m tall.  The Wawona Tree can also be found here.  A roadway was built by cutting a tunnel through this giant sequoia.Going interactiveYosemite is a professionally-run park, so expect museums, interactive exhibits and tours.  If you’re bringing kids along, why not sign them up for the park’s programs.  Kids at least 3 years old can join the Little Cubs while older kids can sign up for the Junior Ranger program.  These are excellent learning opportunities for children that parents can take part in as well.If you want a taste of everything, consider booking a tour for yourself and your group.  This is a good idea is you want to experience a number of different activities and optimize the time you spend at Yosemite.