A World-class Las Vegas Vacation – Bellagio Is The Perfect Hotel For Those Who Want The Best

If you are looking for the best Las Vegas has to offer then the AAA Five-Diamond award winning Bellagio is the perfect destination for you. Whether you are planning a Las vegas wedding, a weekend party getaway or a relaxing week next to the pool Bellagio offers everything you may need and it is all first-class. Some of the finest dining experiences anywhere in the world. Shopping on a world class level. European styled guest rooms and suites. Spectacular entertainment from Cirque du Soleil. And a unique and romantic setting from which to enjoy absolutely everything.
Bellagio offers seven fine dining restaurants, the only resort on the Strip with more fine dining options is Wynn Las Vegas. These restaurants have the names of the finest celebrity chefs in the world attached to them. For example, Todd English has the Las Vegas version of Olives. Michael Mina, who has many restaurants in Las Vegas, has the appropriately named Michael Mina at Bellagio. And if you are looking for a more casual dining experience Bellagio also offers the Cafe Bellagio, The Buffet, the Pool Cafe, FIX Restaurant and Bar as well as Noodles and the award-winning Sensi.
Those looking for that over-the-top dining experience would surely need to indulge in one of the following:
For over 25 years the epicenter of the New York dining scene, Le Cirque was brought to Bellagio by it’s founder, Sirio Maccioni. The menu is Classic French with contemporary influences and is offered a la carte and as a three- or four-course tasting menu. The wine list features over 900 labels from around the world.
Superstar Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has brought one of the most romantic restaurants to Las Vegas, Prime. Voted “Best Steakhouse in Las Vegas” by Las Vegas Life Magazine, the menu offers prime meats, seafood and chops. The décor is reminiscent of a 1930’s speakeasy and don’t miss the powder blue marble floors!
And finally, Picasso. Master chef Julian Serrano has created a restaurant like no other. Imagine sitting down at your table with a view of Lake Bellagio and being surrounded by original oil paintings and ceramics created by Pablo Picasso. The tasting menu can change from day to day. The reason for this is the freshest ingredients from around the world arrive at the Picasso kitchen each morning. The menu is then created based on these ingredients. Mr. Serrano was the first Las Vegas chef to be honored with the James Beard Award for “Best Chef, Southwest.”
Shopping at Bellagio is not for those on a budget. Nonetheless some of the most renowned designers, including Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Dior, Prada and Yves Saint Laurent, have opened up boutiques in the elegant Via Bellagio. And if jewelry is your guilty pleasure Tiffany & Co. and Fred Leighton are the perfect boutiques for you.
Performed in, on and above a 150 million gallon pool, “O” by Cirque du Soleil, is a one-of-a-kind theatrical production. Housed in a theatre reminiscent of a European opera house, “O” been sold-out since in premiered in 1998. “O” features a international cast of world-class acrobats, divers and synchronized swimmers. If there is one must-see show in Las Vegas, Cirque du Soleil’s “O” is the one.
Not everything at Bellagio comes with a high price tag. The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is a must and is free. This unique setting features hundreds, if not thousands, of beautiful and fragrant plants and flowers year around. Three or four times each year the displays are changed to tie into the season. If you visit more than once it is likely you will never see the same display twice.
Another highlight of any visit to Bellagio is the Fountains of Bellagio. Located in Lake Bellagio on the Las Vegas Strip the fountains are choreographed to music that ranges from Frank Sinatra to the classics. It is best to view the fountains after sunset when incredible lighting is is added for dramatic effect.
Bellagio is one of the few hotels in Las Vegas where you really do not have to venture out of onto the Strip. Everything is in this one elegant location. Don’t forget the amazing pool area or the Gallery of Fine Art. And if you are planning a Las Vegas wedding no other hotel in Las Vegas offers a more perfect setting. As they say, “Imagine the best of everything presented in a singular setting.” I couldn’t have said it better.

10 (almost) Free Travel Deals

While you’re unlikely to get an all-expenses-paid trip unless you win a game show, you can still get portions your trip for free if you book certain promotions or take advantage of some alternative modes of travel. Here are my picks for top limited-time and long-term “free” travel deals worth checking out.

1. Kids Fly Free to French Polynesia

Never considered French Polynesia for family vacation? Maybe Air Tahiti Nui’s kids-fly-free deal will persuade you. When you book two adult Air Tahiti Nui fares from Los Angeles to French Polynesia from January 12 to May 31, 2009, you’ll get two free fares for kids ages 11 or younger. The deal is valid for flights to Papeete, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, and Fakarava. Adult fares start at $1,428, including all taxes. You’ll still be responsible for paying taxes on the free children’s fares.

2. Organize a Group Tour, Travel for Free

If you organize a group of people to book a package tour together, many tour companies will allow you, the group leader, to travel for free. You can choose to accept the freebie or spread some savings out to everyone in your group. Either way, it’s a good deal. Each tour operator’s group tour policy varies a bit, but most require you to put together a group with at least 10 paying individuals before you’ll get a free spot.

For example, Grand Circle Tours, a company that runs trips geared towards mature travelers on six continents, lets a group leader travel for free with 10 paid travelers on river cruises or 16 paid travelers on land tours. Go Ahead Tours, a similar operator, gives two free spots for every group of 12 or more paying guests. Be sure to ask your tour company if they offer similar deals.

3. Pay for Three Nights, Get Seven at Club Med

Club Med’s recurring “Seven-Day Weekend” package is back, promising seven nights for the price of three at eight of its all-inclusive resorts. The deal is valid at family-friendly Club Meds in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Cancun and Ixtapa, Mexico; Sandpiper, Fla.; Caravelle, Guadeloupe; and Buccaneer’s Creek, Martinique; as well as adult-only Clubs Meds on Columbus Isle, Bahamas, and on Turks and Caicos. You must book by December 15 and travel by February 13 to take advantage of the promotion. Seven-Day Weekend prices range from $793 per person (normally $1,190) at the Sandpiper, Florida Club Med to $1,065 per person (normally $1,610) at the Buccaneer’s Creek, Martinque Club Med.

4. Free Weekend Rental Days From Hertz

Hertz knows the only the thing better than a weekend away is a three-day weekend away. The company makes it easier for renters to take longer weekend trips by offering the first day free when you rent a car for three or more weekend days, including a Saturday overnight. The deal applies to economy- through premium-class cars rented through March 31, 2009, in the U.S. and Canada, excluding Hawaii

5. Kids-Fly-and-Ski-Free Packages

For the past several winters, United and American Airlines have partnered with popular Western ski resorts to offer kids-fly-and-ski-free vacation packages. Generally, these promotions allow children 12 and under to fly and ski for free when an adult pays for an air-hotel-ski package at a participating resort. While not all fly-and-ski-free promotions have been announced yet for the 2008-2009 ski season, Steamboat Ski Resort in Colorado is already advertising its package, which requires a two-night minimum stay at a ResortQuest Steamboat vacation rental. Valid travel dates and blackout periods apply. Be sure to check the American Vacations and United Vacations websites in the days to come to see if other resorts join the promotion.

6. Swap Homes, Stay Free

Why not swap your apartment in New York for a cottage in the English countryside? Or maybe my Utah ski condo for your second home in Costa Rica?

By participating in a home exchange, you can get free use of another person’s house if you’re willing to let them stay in yours. It’s a common practice for a certain segment of travelers who prefer staying in vacation homes over hotels and are a bit flexible with where and when they travel. Essentially, two home owners in different places agree to switch places for vacation, using one another’s homes for no charge. Home exchange websites make it easy to find and make arrangements with other home owners, with the website usually charging a membership fee in order for you to make contact with potential exchange partners. HomeExchange.com is one of the largest of such sites, including more than 24,000 listings in destinations across the globe. A one-year membership costs $100.

7. Free Universal Orlando Theme Park Passes

This coming fall and winter, Universal Orlando is giving kids ages 3 to 9 free Unlimited Admission theme park passes when parents book four or more nights at a participating hotel and buy adult Unlimited Admission tickets. Unlimited Admission passes grant the holder seven days of access to both Universal parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Passes cost $95 each for both kids and adults, so the free child’s ticket is a big savings.

To get the free passes, you must book a stay of four or more nights at one of six local hotels, including the onsite Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Valid travel dates and blackout periods vary by hotel, but all require bookings to be made by the end of December.

8. Free Airfare for Crystal Cruises Panama Canal Sailings

When you book one of three Crystal Cruises’ Panama Canal sailings, you’ll receive free airfare between Los Angeles and Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, or Palm Beach, Fla. The cruises, which range from 14 to 16 days, sail between Miami and Los Angeles, so Crystal is essentially promising a free flight home from the final port. Departures include January 6, February 16, and May 7, 2009. Cruise fares start at $3,595 per person, not including taxes and fees.

9. Skip the Hostel, Couch Surf for Free

For young budget travelers, sometimes hostels just aren’t cheap enough. In that case, why not crash for free with one of the nearly 800,000 members of the Couch Surfing Project, a worldwide network that helps travelers link up with hosts offering free accommodations. The mission of the network is to promote cultural exchange through free hosted overnight stays. Travelers can find and request stays with potential hosts on the CouchSurfing website. Hosts offer a free place to sleep and oftentimes show guests around or share advice on places to visit nearby. As a member, you can request places to stay and host guests as you please. The site has some checks in place to help ensure the safety and trustworthiness of hosts and surfers.

10. Free Meals and Attractions for Kids in Hawaii

Families staying at ResortQuest Hawaii hotels can take advantage of free meals and free attractions admissions for kids year round. There are 26 participating hotels and condo resorts located on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

Upon checking into a ResortQuest property, children ages 12 and under receive a special ID card good for the length of your stay. With the ID, kids get free meals and admissions at dozens of island restaurants and attractions when accompanied by a paying adult. For example, on Oahu, kids get in free to the Polynesian Cultural Center and Honolulu Zoo with an adult admission. On Maui, children eat free with the purchase of an adult entree at the Kobe Japanese Steakhouse and the Beach Club Restaurant.

Rome Tourist Information: Weather in Rome, Italy

Autumn Weather in Rome

Without fail, Romans recommend that the best time to travel to Rome is from mid-September to October. Yes, it might rain, but the temperatures turn out to be quite nice, even if it is getting a tiny bit chilly at night. Almost no one recommends November, but I’ve had very good luck the last few years with weather in the first half of November.

Spring Weather in Rome

May has almost the same temperatures as October, and April, while you’re likely to feel chilly at night, is almost as good.

The effects upon tourism and the tourist industry could be numerous, though I will only mention a couple. Many people complain about hotel and apartment rates increasing, not only during the summer months, but throughout the whole year. And quite right I say, when there are 300 rooms with air-conditioning systems set to -5 degrees Celsius all day, (whilst the guests themselves are stripping off beside the pool trying to soak up every last heat ray that the sun exudes). Add to that, the fact that the hotter countries, including Italy, often experience troubles such as water shortages during the summer months. One cannot travel more than 20-30 kilometers outside of the center of Rome, without spotting a water tower; ready and waiting for such emergencies.

Then again, as a frequent traveller myself, I have to admit that I am amongst those who whinge about the cost of holidays and the annoying chamber maid that turned off my air-con again. I also complain after 3 days of staying in an air-conditioned room that my asthma is playing up and find myself, throughout the remainder of my holiday, popping anti-histamine tablets and taking my inhalers to counter the side-effects of my “cutting-my-nose-off-to-spite-my-own-face” overindulgence. (But that’s part of being on holiday is it not?) I am of course trying my best to play devils advocate. But, again in favour of hotels, the hotter the weather, the more washing of sheets and towels the hotels are required to do as people sweat and consequentially shower/bathe more, (affecting the volume of water).

As far as the industry its self is concerned, yes; people do flock in their thousands, from the colder parts of the world to the heat, as soon as the summer months arrive, BUT, when you feel like the core of your body has turned into volcanic lava, are you really going to want a 10oz Sirloin Steak and all the trimmings for your dinner; or (to use Italy as an example) a 4-5 course dinner of starter, pasta dish, meat dish, dessert and coffee/spirit? I know that I personally lose 90% of my appetite for large and hot meals in the heat. Then again I do drink more, so do the restaurants and bars rely on this to make their money?

For residents, the temperatures can cause several problems. People taking time of work due to problems such as heat/sun stroke, problems with dehydration or people generally taking days off to go to the beach. Add to that, everything in Italy slows down. The Italians are well-known for being “laid-back” and “easy with time”, but the truth is that in the summer months, it’s hard to get anything done. I know that I personally find it difficult to move some days without finding myself “glowing”. Older people in Italy are told to visit supermarkets and shopping centers to help them cool down. Last year I found myself looking forward to going to a well-known Italian meat supermarket, simply because the entire store is a freezer. The only problem was, I’d feel sick as soon as I stepped outdoors, as it was like jumping from Scotland to Italy. The heat, after the extreme cool, was thick and choking. Driving your car can be a nightmare, anywhere from not being able to plug in your seat belt or touch the steering wheel because they have been heated to melting point; to getting stuck in hot, sticky, airless traffic jams. Weeds and bushes on the sides of the road have been known to set on fire, by a combination of the sun drying them out and the heat from the tarred roads setting them alight. Occasionally there are problems with power-outages in homes and shops, because the generators, wires or transition boxes have overheated. Or how do you feel about brushing your teeth in hot water? The pros of course… if like me you are to tight-pursed that you refuse to fork out for air-conditioning, your power bill in the summer months can decrease to almost nothing in Italy. Unlike the old cold summers I used to endure when I lived in Scotland, there’s no need to have your water heater on all day to take a shower or wash the dishes. No need for heating or lights on all day thanks to the light and heat of the sun. And finally, my personal favourites, you can put away your winter duvet at nights and enjoy the reduced quantity of laundry, thanks to the fact you wear less clothes and used less bed linen.

Now in 2007. This year, June was HOT. Very hot. By far, warmer than last year, but it followed a very wet April and May. July has been up and down. I am lucky to live north of Italy in the mountains where we get some breeze; but on a trip to the south of Rome (where I used to live also), to visit friends a few weeks ago, I realised just how lucky I really am. The change in temperature from the north to the south was uncanny. There was literally a 5-10 degree drop that day between my home in the north and my friends in the south. More shocking to me, was the change in air. Being situated in the countryside here in the north, higher up and surrounded by fields and trees etc. our air is fresh and soft on the nose and throat (terrible for any one with Hay-fever, but none the less a good clean air. In the south however; my friends live in a reasonably built up area, even the countryside full of houses and small repair garages and abandoned buildings. The air is thick, smoggy and hot. My father, on a trip to visit, once described it as holding a hair dryer in front of your face and I cannot think of a better explanation.

I cannot determine whether the increase in the temperature within Italy, or the effects; are caused by Global warming, or if we are quite simply receiving a freak weather change; but as an expat in Rome, I can say that the weather change is certainly noticeable. As for the effects, well I could be right I could be wrong, I cannot know, but I would like to hope that tourism and peoples desires to visit hotter countries such as Italy will not be affected too much, as Italy is a truly beautiful country to visit and with so much to enjoy and such easy access to low cost flights and airports and with the ease of self-booking thanks to teletext and the Internet; it would be a shame for the weather to spoil it all.

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Travel Tour Italy

 Traveling to Italy can be a dream-come-true experience. From the Ancient Roman Empire to the Medieval Tuscan fortress towns and the Venetian Republic, Italy has got culturally rich history to offer the curious visitors. With a lot of options for cheap travel, people across the world have started visiting Italy for their vacations. For a complete European experience, you need to visit this romantic destination of Italy. If looking for budget accommodations, you can go for cheap hotels and budget hotels in Italy.

Italy has got lots in store for the lovers of art, history, architecture, and music. With a blend of all these panache, Italy stands apart with its rich, bold, and romantic flavors. Italy is the most visited vacation spot in Europe. People in Italy are charming and sociable. They like to do everything in a big and better way. Some of the favorite topics among the Italians are food, families, music and custom. Knowing Italy through books and media is not enough to cherish its splendor. Visit this place to include in the list of the memorable experiences of your life.

What’s stopping you from taking a vacation to Italy? Is it high expenditure, insufficient budget, and chaos of booking a hotel? No need to worry! A variety of trusted providers offer quality services that help you find Cheap Hotel, budget accommodation, and discount hotels. If not a hotel, then you can rent a house or an apartment for a few days. Another way of sticking on to your budget in Italy is to use public transportation whenever possible. Italy is popular for its far reaching rail network. You can also take an Italian pocket dictionary for an adventurous feel.

Another way of saving money without compromising on quality is to go for an off-season vacation. Try to avoid peak season from summer months of June to August. The best off-season month to visit Italy is September. Do not worry; the sights of the Italian summer would still be bountiful in September. One of the plus points of visiting Italy in off-season is that you can roam around without seeing crowds of visitors. Moreover the services would even be better owing to the low number of people visiting. Hotel rates per night go more affordable during off-season. Also the hotels and airfares are cheaper in the off season as compared to other times. One can also find a variety of discounts that are available for guided tours.For complete information on travel to Italy and other regions in Europe, discount hotels, Cheap Hotel, and budget accommodation in Italy, visit www.TravelTourItaly.com.