How to Experience Las Vegas on a Budget

It is not impossible to enjoy Las Vegas on a budget! With a little research and planning, a visitor can anticipate and control trip expenses. Airline, auto club, travel review and discounter websites provide promotional information; it’s essentially a matter of deciding what is most important to the visitor.

A significant part of the trip may be airline cost. It is important to check flight costs often (as they frequently change) and to make reservations well in advance. Lower-prices may be found for early morning, evening, or connecting flights. But, if a favorite Vegas show has available seats for the 7 PM show that are $50 less than the 10 PM one, spending a little more on airfare to arrive earlier will be worth it. If you would like to experience Las Vegas on a budget, have the big picture in mind of how you want to enjoy Las Vegas, in order to plan an itinerary that maximizes your spent dollar.

Regarding ground transportation from the airport, a cab costs at least $25 to cruise the famous, resort covered Strip, or casino-filled Downtown Las Vegas. It is less costly to rent cars away from the airport, but they are not really needed if Las Vegas is your final destination. Visitors can walk everywhere easily and safely. Guests may buy $5 unlimited passes from bus operators in the Deuce program, which will transport them all day. (There is also a pricier, off-strip monorail that connects some resorts, but trains connecting Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur resorts are free.)

Visitors have many options concerning accommodations. Older rooms in Downtown Vegas may be less than $50 per night, but hotels a block or two from the Strip may offer newer facilities and pools at comparable or just slightly higher prices. Good buys can also be found at the magnificent Strip resorts through auto club, senior, and military discounts, or mid-week specials Another option is to stay at an inexpensive lodging for part of the trip, then move to fancier accommodations. If one does not mind logistics involved with packing, it may be worth cab fare and a few extra dollars to enjoy upgraded amenities for a night or two.

Food can be pricey on the Strip, but for quick bites, the Excalibur and Circus-Circus house fast food chains, while pizza shops and delis are found behind many casinos. Food courts in the Venetian, New York New York and Miracle Mile offer moderate prices and decent-sized portions. Downtown restaurants offer excellent bargains to travelers in that area, but cab fare from the Strip is over $20. For enjoyment and value, consider a mid-level resort brunch buffets for about $15 per person. They offer enough selection to fuel the visitor through a busy day, eliminating the need to eat again until evening. It’s best to avoid high-priced, resort counter service, but many casual, sit-down restaurants have a variety of choices large enough to be shared.

Most Las Vegas first-run entertainment is sold out well in advance, but there may be single seats available. If the party is willing to be seated separately, this may result in excellent seats at a good price. However, ticket outlets (Near Planet Hollywood and The Wynn) sell half-price and discount tickets for that day’s productions, including less expensive afternoon shows. (Beware that online or “discount” agents can charge more than the face value of the ticket.)

Las Vegas also offers free entertainment. Treasure Island’s “Sirens” production holds multiple shows daily and the fountains at Bellagio display dancing waters and lovely music every 15-30 minutes. Bellagio’s Conservatory, MGM’s Lion Habitat, the Tiger Exhibit and the Erupting Volcano at the Mirage are also free. Free performances at Caesar’s, Circus Circus and Excalibur are especially entertaining for children, and allow guests to relax in air-conditioned comfort for an hour or so.

Other attractions carry a price tag that may not be the best use of some travelers’ resources. The Venetian Gondola rides, Paris’s Eiffel Tower, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef, and the amusement park rides atop the Stratosphere can take a big bite out of a wallet-even with coupons. It’s just as much fun to walk through the Caesar’s Forum Shops, snap pictures inside the Luxor pyramid, relax near the Wynn Waterfall, or simply browse the European markets of Paris and the Venetian.

Casinos will track individual gaming and reward it with “comps” on future hotel stays and meals. Ask casino representatives before gaming to be given full credit. It is also a good idea to take only take a portion of one’s gambling budget on each trip to a casino, and quit when it has been depleted, regardless of winnings. The satisfaction of staying within a budget while going home with winnings can make the trip that much more pleasant and memorable!

How to Choose the Best Accommodations on a Las Vegas Vacation

The Las Vegas Strip is one of the best places to go for entertainment on the west coast of the United States. Sporting a wide variety of Las Vegas hotels and casinos, nightclubs, restaurants and other attractions, you will be able to find something for everyone in your family. There are many, many attractions to see when you visit Las Vegas so you need to plan your time according to the things that you want to enjoy the most.

There are roughly 115 hotels on the Las Vegas Strip itself. Most of these include 1,000 rooms. Depending on whether you want to stay right on the strip or off the strip you will find luxurious hotels with accommodations such as spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, room service and four star restaurants. Many of the hotels also have casinos to enjoy exciting evenings of gambling, music and fun.

When looking for social based entertainment in Las Vegas, the nightclubs are the first place you should look. Ranging from wild parties at the Coyote Ugly in the New York New York to sophisticated evenings of wine and champagne at the Risqué there is a club to suit everyone’s desires and tastes. If you intend on being in Las Vegas over the holidays, such as around New Years, you will want to arrange in advance for reservations, as these clubs become the soul of the party in Vegas. Most hotels in Las Vegas have at least one club on the premises.

Perhaps one of the most enjoyable aspects of Las Vegas is dining at the various restaurants located on and off of the Strip. Every hotel tends to have a variety of different restaurants. There are also many buffets and great deals to be found, which makes the Strip a surprisingly affordable place to dine.

If you are traveling to Las Vegas with your children they will be pleasantly surprised with the amount of activities designed for their age group. Las Vegas is a great family getaway. The Aquarium is nice but it can be expensive relative to other aquariums across the country. Inquire about the current additions and attractions at the Aquarium. Several improvements have been added to the Aquarium over the last few years.

Following an exploration of the deep ocean, you and your family can head over to the Grand Canyon’s stunning West Rim. At the West Rim you will have time for sightseeing, or a leisurely walk and a lunch. This trip to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim offers one of the clearest views of the Colorado River. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast on the way to the canyon. At the rim, you’ll have time for a leisurely walk at Guano Point before you enjoy a lunch of turkey chili with three types of beans and roasted tomatoes, cole slaw, corn on the cob, corn bread and peach or apple cobbler. On the way back to town, your tour includes a stop at the 900-year-old Joshua Tree forest.

For an in-depth, educational experience, the Discovery Tour of Hoover Dam is perfect. On the way home, stop off at Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens. Standing 725 feet above the Colorado River, Hoover Dam is a sight not to be missed. You’ll learn about the construction of this great wonder, plus the rich history of agony and accomplishment that made it all possible. Included in this package is an additional guided tour at the dam’s visitor center that will take you to the generator room on the Nevada side and give you access to the exhibits in the visitor’s center. Afterward, enjoy a stop at Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens, one of Southern Nevada’s most interesting draws. See how chocolates are made and take a stroll around a beautiful water conservation cactus garden.

Also, your family can experience Zion National Park and expose your senses to the true beauty of the Southwest. Your tour begins with hotel pickup in a comfortable sports utility vehicle. Upon arrival at Zion, you will marvel at the towering plateaus and mesas, as well as the world’s tallest sheer sandstone walls. You can also get a glimpse of the Virgin River, the river which took part in carving Zion into its beautiful landscape. Also at Zion National Park, your family could see panoramic carvings like Court of the Patriarchs, Angel’s Landing, The Great White Throne, Temple of Sinawava and the wondrous Weeping Rock. This majestic trip is truly a photographer’s dream. Make sure to bring your camera and capture the breathtaking scenery of Zion National Park. At the end of the tour, enjoy a comfortable ride back to your hotel by SUV.

There are many attractions to see while in Las Vegas. Whether traveling with your significant other or the whole family, Las Vegas has something for everyone.

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.

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!

Do I Need a US Passport for Air Travel?

Travel rules, regulations and restrictions have changed considerably in the last decade, particularly since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  US passports are in high demand since they are currently a requirement for certain types of travel.  Other types of travel do not require a US passport, though the rules will be changing again in the coming months and years.  If you are planning air travel in the near future, you’re probably wondering what rules apply to you.

The changes that have occurred in land, sea and air travel regulations have come about as the result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.  This program was launched in 2004 in response to the drafting of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.  It was enacted to strengthen the security of US borders without making it prohibitive for US citizens and legitimate foreign visitors to cross American borders.  The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a joint effort between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean region.  The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative dictates a uniform standard of documentation which is required by every person wishing to enter and leave the areas which are covered by this agreement. 

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative has been implemented in several stages in order to give the public time to prepare for the changes.  The first stage to affect air travel was enacted in January of 2007.  The standard of required documentation for air travel has not changed since, though changes to land and sea travel have occurred in that time.  According to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all foreign air travel (i.e. airplanes leaving the United States) requires a US passport both to leave and re-enter the US. 

It is important to note that travelers are not required to carry a US passport for domestic flights.  There is no stipulation regarding domestic air travel in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.  However, there is speculation by travel experts and government groups that one day a US passport may be required even for domestic flights.  This policy would fall into line with a number of other countries, particularly in Europe and the UK. These countries currently require locals and foreigners alike to present a passport for everything travel related, including domestic air travel and hotel stays.

It is also important to note that the documentation required for air travel is stricter than the rules for travel by land and sea.  As of January 31, 2008 land and sea travel can be undertaken without a US passport.  In lieu of a US passport, travelers must present a legal form of government photo identification AND a proof of citizenship document (birth certificate or naturalization certificate.)  Air travelers have been caught in the confusion in the past few years and some have unfortunately found themselves stranded in airports because they were unaware that air travel requirements differ from other types of travel.

The final stage of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will take effect in June, 2009.  In anticipation of this, travel agents and US government officials are urging that all American citizens apply for a US passport.  A US passport is the only worldwide, universally-accepted form of travel identification.  While Americans will still be able to cross land borders without one after June of 2009, a US passport will speed up the process considerably and make for fewer delays at border crossing stations.  

Mexico’s Hidden Jewels

Thinking of a vacation to Mexico but want to go somewhere different off the beaten path? Here are some ideas for destinations in Mexico that will take you beyond Cancun or Puerto Vallarta.

Isla Mujeres, located only eight miles across the bay from Cancun, is a tiny island only five miles long and about a half mile wide. Translated, Isla Mujeres means the “Island of Women”. No, it is not a hidden commune filled with females but it is a charming and tranquil fishing village. It has shops, restaurants and about a dozen or so small hotels where you can rest your head.

With a downtown area consisting of only four or five blocks, this makes Isla Mujeres everything that the big tourist areas in Mexico are not. Surrounded by white sand beaches on all sides, snorkeling and scuba diving are popular in the crystal clear turquoise waters. Kayaks, snorkeling gear, and other water toys can be rented on the beach and fishing, sailing and even swimming with dolphins is available here. Isla Mujeres has something for every one of all ages and is a great place to explore the natural wonders of Mexico.

Another great Mexico vacation spot that is often overlooked is Cabo San Lucas. Its location at the southern tip of the Baja peninsula, gives it an ideal climate of about 78 degrees year round. Once a tranquil fishing village, Cabo has evolved into a wonderful spot for vacationers but remains small and charming. Small however does not mean boring, there are many things to do in Cabo.

Deserted beaches, on both the Pacific coast and along the shoreline of the Sea of Cortez, make Cabo San Lucas an awesome beach vacation. If you enjoy water sports, boating, marlin fishing, horseback riding and golf, you will enjoy Cabo. Golf has become very popular in the area and there are five championship golf courses already here and more on the way.

Cabo San Lucas is a perfect vacation spot for those looking for something different. It can be quiet and relaxing for a romantic getaway or it can be a place where you will keep going till you drop with the whole family.

Another one of Mexico’s jewels is Tulum. You will find Tulum about an hours drive south of Playa Del Carmen on the Mayan Coast. Tulum is best known for its Mayan ruins. Small but impressive, the ruins are perched high on top of limestone cliffs that offer a breathtaking view below of the sparkling Caribbean and a romantic coastline.

The little town of Tulum is slowly expanding and there are several very good local restaurants and a few on the beach in the smattering of hotels in the area. Accommodations range from five star boutique hotels to rustic cabanas.

Tulum offers the perfect mixture of tranquility, relaxation and seclusion but still gives you the option of exciting nearby attractions. Day trips in the area are always a good choice and the Eco-tourism experiences are limitless.

It is a much slower paced vacation and a combination of 3-4 days in Playa Del Carmen and 2-3 days in Tulum is a great way to combine the best of both worlds in these treasured spots.

Prepare yourself for flying : Air Travel India

If you are planning to take your family on a holiday this season or going on a business meet out of station then the chances are that somewhere along the way you will be flying. This is a fact that flying today is one of the quickest and easiest methods of traveling and is by and large a comparatively safe and suitable medium.However, before you leave for the airport, it is advisable to get prepared for the flight well in advance. Unfortunately, many travelers do not understand that preparing for the flight does not just mean packing the luggage but preparation now includes more than that.You should start preparing as soon as you buy the airline tickets; no matter the flight is two weeks later or after two months. The first step is to get acquainted with the airline that one is flying with and the airport that one will be flying out of. Searching the net can easily do it. You will want to have an idea how early you should leave for the airport and what items you will need to bring along, such as personal identification.It is also a good thought to review the list of banned items. These are items that are banned on the airplane or past certain points in most airports. The most usually barred items include sharp objects and flammable items, but there other items included in these bans, items that one has never even thought about before.If you are planning to know about all disqualified items and other airline rules, it may be a good thought to print off a list of what you can find over net. Printable lists of items that are barred in airports and on airplanes can be found online from various websites. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a very well known website for this purpose. A printable list is perfect, especially if you do not need to start packing for your trip right away.After getting along with the airline rules, including the ones that were newly implemented, you can start packing right away. While packing keep in mind all articles, which you must take all important documents needed during your flight and journey. Make a list of your requirements as well In the event if you are not sure whether or not an item can be brought on an airplane, you are advised to leave it at home. Have a safe and happy journey.

Italy â?? the Worldâ??s Top Vacation Destination

Every year, the U.S. Tour Operators Association, a professional association of travel agents and tour operators who arrange travel for more than 10 million travelers every year, runs an informal survey among members to name the worldâ??s top vacation destinations. Year after year, one country tops the list of international vacation destinations â?? Italy, the heart of civilization, the cradle of romance and the home of the Holy Sea.

What is it that makes Italy so special? The spectacular scenery and warm, wonderful climate are only the background of the picture. Italy is a colorful mosaic of travel experiences, a delicious mélange of flavors and cultures that offers something for every traveler. From cosmopolitan culture buff to adventurer, from the serious student of history to the socialite, Italy truly is the country that caters to them all and everyone in between.

Italyâ??s cities and countryside offer a true embarrassment of riches. You could easily spend months touring the countryside and never see half of what the country has to offer. What is it that brings so many to bella Italia every year?

See Italy for the Art

Italy was the center of the Renaissance, and is one of the most artistically rich countries in the entire world. According to UNESCO, half the worldâ??s artistic and historic treasures are located in Italy. In Florence, Venice, Rome, Naples, Milan and other cities, youâ??ll find artistic and architectural wonders that you wonâ??t find anywhere else. Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, Tintorello, Correggio, Donatello â?? the most famous artists of all the eras worked and left their legacies in frescoes, paintings and statues throughout the country. And while much of the art is held in museums in nearly every city, there is art everywhere, from the stunning stained glass windows in a tiny chapel in Abruzzi to the painted ceilings of cathedrals.

See Historic Italy

History lives in Italy. Long known as the cradle of Western civilization, Italyâ??s cities and countryside are a treasure trove of historical sites. You can walk the Via Appia and feel the weight of centuries drop away as you realize that two thousand years ago, this very road was traveled by the armies and citizens of Imperial Rome. Visit the Coliseum in Rome, or wander through the preserved city of Pompeii and become a part of history. And of course, there is the Vatican, the walled city inside Rome that is the home and the heart of the Catholic Church, where scholars come to study ancient texts and treasures.

Visit Italy for the Scenery

The scenic vistas of Italy are as varied as its twenty regions. From snowcapped mountains to sweeping, white sand beaches, the natural beauty of Italy is as alive and vivid as the paintings of its most famous artists. When you venture beyond the cities, youâ??ll still find the untamed beauty of the Tuscan hills with their craggy, winding paths and terraced vineyards. You can wander through twenty three national parks and nearly 500 protected nature preserves that are protected by the government. There are sea cliffs and alpine mountains, rolling hills and open plains. And there is always, of course, the sea with its ever-changing yet everlasting face.

Come to Italy for the Food

Italian food and hospitality is famous the world over for its abundance. Abondanza is a concept that is well-understood in the Mediterranean country. Everywhere you go, youâ??ll find groaning tables and open, welcoming arms inviting you to mangia! Mangia!! A full tour of Italy is a gustatory delight, for there is no single style of Italian cooking. Instead, each region of Italy has its own unique flavors and combinations that are drawn from the local specialties and available foods. Tuscany is famous for its seafood, Milan for its rich sauces and complex flavors, Bologna for its traditional red sauce. Eating and drinking well is a way of life in Italy, and whether you treat yourself to a fine meal in one of Romeâ??s five-star restaurants, or stop at a roadside ristorante in a small province, youâ??re sure to be served the best of the best.

To Your Health!

Italy has been famous for its thermal spas and springs since the times of Hippocrates. Italian spas enjoy the benefits of both sea and fresh water springs. Hot water thermal springs are plentiful, thanks to the countryâ??s geological peculiarities and the network of underground volcanic springs. Today, the thermal spas are a popular attraction in nearly every region of Italy, and have become popular holiday destinations in their own rights. Italian health spas offer more than just the baths. Many are located close to cultural and leisure attractions, and make a wonderful base of operations for your stay in the country.

Travel Gems in Italy

If you visit Rome, spend at least one day just walking around the city. Youâ??ll discover many tiny sites and historical finds that are not on any tourist map. These sites may have been uncovered during the construction of another building and never completely excavated, but are there to stumble across and enjoy away from the bustling crowds.

By all means, visit the well-known museums in the major cities, but for a real treat take a drive outside the cities and seek out small towns and villages. Youâ??ll discover some of the most amazing and unexpected treasures tucked into alcoves or painted on the walls of village churches throughout the country.

Skip the hotels and rent a villa or cottage in a small town if youâ??re staying in Italy for more than a few days. In many cases, it wonâ??t cost much more â?? and will often be less â?? than a stay in a good hotel, and your hosts will treat you as part of the family while youâ??re there.

Italy is a country of contrasts and beauties whose charm grows deeper and warmer with every visit. Itâ??s no wonder that it regularly tops the list of holiday destinations worldwide, or that so many who visit return again and again to its warm and welcoming arms.