Saturday, January 31, 2009

5 Reasons To Vacation In Dallas, Texas

Looking for a great place to go on vacation? Try Dallas, TX on for size.

1. Super Shopping

Dallas has the most shopping centers in the nation. Shopping malls cover the city and stores range from budget to couture. The downtown boasts major flag stores and designer holdings, while NorthPark Center is home to beautiful boutiques and one-of-a-kind artisan shops.

2. Sports Madness

Dallas is home to every type of professional sport – meaning tourists can catch a game almost every day of the year. The Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Dallas Stars all call this city home.

3.Spa Overload

As one of the wealthiest cities in the country, you can bet your bottom dollar that Dallas also has some of the best spas. With one of the highest spas per capita rates, the offerings in Dallas are both diverse and delightful. Whether you're looking for a quick manicure, or a full week of pampering, you'll find it here.

4.Rodeo Round-up

The rodeo season in Dallas runs from early April through late September and it's huge. There are weekly competitions at the Cowtown Coliseum in nearby Fort Worth and at the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, as well as annual professional tours and major holiday events. If you're a rodeo fan, don't forget to check out the Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, dedicated to honoring the women of the Wild West.

5.The Tex-Mex

It's good, really good. You can find tasty Mexican fare for a few dollars or you can visit some of the best Tex-Mex restaurants in the country, from laid-back to upscale. Remember though, there are a number of “dry” areas in Dallas, this means that restaurants can only serve alcohol to “member” patrons. If you're hoping to enjoy a Margarita with your meal, double check before you book.


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Friday, January 30, 2009

5 Reasons To Book Your Next Vegas Vacation Online

With over 30 million visitors a year, Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world. From the gorgeous mega-luxury hotels to the exclusive Vegas shows to the unbeatable buffets to the 24 hour casinos, Las Vegas has something for everyone.

More and more travellers are booking their Las Vegas trips online. So should you book your next Las Vegas vacation online? Here are the top 5 reasons to consider booking your Vegas vacation online:


1) Save Money

You don't have to pay travel agent commissions which can amount to significant savings of hundred of dollars. Plus there are direct-to-customer online travel services that give you special discounts just for booking online.


2) Convenience

Book your Vegas vacation from the comfort of your own home. You don't have to go out to pick up the tickets or haggle with travel agencies. You simply shop, click, book and print - easy as that. (and if you have questions, there's usually a toll free number you can call for 24 hour support)


3) Larger Selection of Las Vegas Packages:

Instead of just choosing from the latest travel agent specials you can choose from EVERYTHING that's available. You know what you want in a Las Vegas vacation better than anyone else - and you can easily browse everything that's available to you online.

Many online travel agents upload new vacation packages weekly so you can monitor the new packages being offered and find an amazing deal.


4) Easy To Search & Book

With easy search functions and large travel package databases, you simply plug in your search parameters and get a listing of possible trips, prices and descriptions. The easy search functions make it simple and fun to find the Las Vegas vacation of your dreams



5) Research Hotels and Find Out What Other Travellers Think - BEFORE You Get There

Ever travelled some place, got there and thought - 'I wish someone had told me what this place was really like before I spent all this money!'?

Now you can know what your Vegas hotel is like before you stay there. Many online travel agents have pictures, detailed descriptions and even downloadable brochures on each Las Vegas resort.

And some online travel agents are also introducing a Travellers' Opinions section where people can leave feedback and rate their hotel vacation experience. They rate hotels and also leave comments on their experience. This is a great tool for you to not only find out which hotels are popular with other travellers but you can usually also pick up other Vegas travel tips that can save you money.


Considering all this, it's no wonder that more and more people are booking their Las Vegas trip online, it's easier, cheaper and you end up making a better choice (and thus having a more enjoyable vacation).

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Thursday, January 29, 2009

5 Places To Visit When You're In Chicago

When planning a trip to the Windy City, you will find there are plenty of Chicago attractions and activities to consider, including main sights, shopping opportunities, and entertaining cultural explorations. Regardless of what you planned before entering this exciting destination, you are sure to come across a variety of places to visit, which may include some of the following selections:

Navy Pier

While this attraction originally served the many freighters and water transportation on Lake Michigan in the mid-1910s, it is now recognized as one of the most well known of Chicago sights. On a daily basis, the pier features a wide range of entertainment options and interesting events. Before you even arrive at the pier, you may catch sight of the Ferris wheel, which stands 150 feet into the air. While an onsite 18-hole miniature golf course, musical carousel, and other indoor activities make a great distraction for children, adults also enjoy features of the site, such as the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, which provides access to a 500-seat courtyard theatre.

Sears Tower

Decorating the Chicago skyline, the Sears Tower is recognized as one of the tallest buildings in the United States. As a long-standing symbol of the city, tourists often flock to this attraction to enjoy one of the best views of Chicago. When visiting the tower on a clear day, the amazing view may include up to 40 to 50 miles of sightlines that reach parts of Michigan, Indiana, and even Wisconsin.

Shedd Aquarium

Many visitors to the city really enjoy a trip to the Shedd Aquarium, where the display of marine life provides an exceptional opportunity. While an aquarium may seem like a place where only children will find pleasure, adults also encounter a delightful outing when touring one of the most popular sights in Chicago. A variety of species that hail from all over the world can be found on the premises, which present a range of ordinary creatures to the truly exotic. Popular exhibits at Shedd include piranhas, anacondas, and the Caribbean reef display.

Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave)

If there was ever the perfect place to max out your credit cards, the Magnificent Mile, located along Michigan Avenue is situated in the great city of Chicago. Along this entertaining strip, you will find major hotels, such as the Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, and the Conrad Hilton. The well-known Water Tower landmark is positioned on this same street, as well as a satisfying assortment of department stores and exclusive shops. Just to get an idea of the type of shopping awaiting your arrival includes the likes of retail giants such as Gucci, Coach, Chanel, Hugo Boss, Macy’s, and Tiffany & Co.

Chinatown

To explore an explosion of satisfying cultural finds, the Chicago Chinatown is the perfect place to enjoy a wide range of shops, restaurants, and neighborhood events. At any given moment, this section of the city may open to reveal exciting parades, entertaining festivals, and unique holiday celebrations. Many visitors enjoy a stop in Chinatown to get a good deal on a city-related souvenir or purchase an attractive Asian trinket. It is also the best place to savor the cuisine of the Orient.


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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

5 Nice Places to Visit in Puerto Rico

There are a lot of places to visit in Puerto Rico on your trip. Most people concentrate on the main attractions on the metropolitan area of the island, here we feature 5 nice places to visit out of the way, they are worth the driving and the experience, enjoy.

Las Cuevas de Camuy National Park

This national Park features on of the largest cave systems in the world. visitors will walk into parts of the caves and explore a small part of the system. The surrounding areas feature some nature settings that make for very good views.

La Parguera, Bioluminescence Bay

Another very unique place to visit on the island. this bay has micro organisms on the water that when disturbed they "light up" and produce a beautiful display on the water. this phenomenon happens on various places around the world, but in Puerto Rico is the only place that is guaranteed for it to happen every night.

Arecibo radar observatory

In the north par of Puerto Rico you can visit the famous radio telescope, the largest of this kind of the world. Its large receptor plate it's larger than 12 football fields, used to spot signals from planets and in the SETI research for extraterestrial life. Inside the Observatory there are science related exibitions of different subjects to watch.

Mayaguez Zoo

Mayaguez is home to the only public zoo in the island. The zoo 2 main animal selections are the African Forest and the African Savannah. Also it features a Beautiful bird sanctuary.

Ponce Art Museum

The Ponce Art Museum has the largest art collection of the Caribbean between pictures and sculptures. Its collection have many European works such as works by Velasquez, Rubens and Rodin, and others.
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

5 Important Traveling Tips That Every Family Should Know

When it comes to traveling, safety is a must. The perfect combination of common sense mixed in with a touch of technology can help to keep both you and your family safe and sound while on the go.

Perfect packing. When you’re leaving for a trip, it’s important to pack a lot more than just clothes and sunblock. Always make sure to have your cell phone and charger with you at all times, and make sure the battery is fully charged before you leave home. This will give you the ability to stay connected from anywhere.

Money matters. When traveling, it’s never a good idea to carry large amounts of cash. Instead, carrying at least one credit card will help to ensure that you are protected against theft. In the unlikely event that your wallet or purse is stolen, you can report it to the credit card immediately to prevent unauthorized use. For this reason, it’s important that you carry a list of telephone numbers for your credit card issuer(s) so that you can contact them immediately. This information should be kept separate from your wallet so that it will still be in your possession even if your card is not.

Stay in touch. Always make sure to let a friend or family member know where you are going and where you will be staying during your time away from home. It’s a good idea to let your friend or family member know that you will be calling when you arrive at your destination. It’s also a good idea to keep in touch occasionally while you are away, and always leave a telephone number where you can be reached.

Keep important numbers handy. Anytime you travel, it’s important to make a note of local emergency numbers, including hospitals, authorities, taxi services and other businesses that you think may be able to assist you if needed. You can find these numbers online or use a local telephone book upon your arrival.

Do your homework. One of the greatest things about traveling is the ability to see new things and experience new places, but it’s also important to keep safety in mind while exploring. Always have an accurate map of the area, which you can obtain from the local tourism office or chamber of commerce. If possible, call ahead and request that this information be mailed to you several weeks before your actual trip. This will allow you to have the map on hand when you arrive. Always travel in well lit areas and avoid places that seem to be deserted, especially after dark and in locations that you are unfamiliar with.

Now that you know how to protect yourself and your family during your time spent away from home, remember to enjoy all of the wonders that await your next vacation with the ones that you love.


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Monday, January 26, 2009

5 Important Tips To Saving Money On Gasoline

If you are like many, the rising cost of gasoline may have you and your family in a financial crunch. Whether it’s getting back and forth to work, on weekend getaways or just to the grocery store, you will be glad to know that there are several ways to save money when it comes to your necessary commutes.

Carpool. If you live near colleagues who just happen to be traveling to work at the same time as you, it may be a good idea to carpool and save on the cost of gasoline. For instance, one colleague can drive one week and another the next. Depending on how many people you are commuting with, you could save a significant amount of money on gasoline costs and general everyday wear on your vehicle.

Drive slow. The harder your vehicle has to work, the more gasoline it will use. Not only is driving cautiously the safest thing to do, but it’s also an economical choice. When you accelerate and/or brake quickly, you will use more gasoline. Therefore, avoiding sudden actions could save you some extra bucks on the highway.

Scale down. We all know that some automobiles use more gasoline than others, so scaling down to a smaller vehicle will help you to save at the pump. When shopping for a more economical choice in automobiles, look for one that has good gas mileage per gallon.

Fill up when prices are down. You can save a significant amount of money by filling up your vehicle when gas prices are at a low point. Depending on your automobile, it may be difficult to let go of this much cash all at once, but it will save you money in the long-run.

Don’t leave your motor running unnecessarily. Many people, especially during the warm summer months, will leave their automobile and air conditioner running while they go into the store. Instead, roll down the windows or just wait until you return to the car and turn the air conditioner back on. Remember, it’s important that you never leave children or pets inside of the vehicle.

The information contained in this article is designed for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional financial or motor vehicle operational advice. For more information on your automobile’s gas mileage, refer to the owner’s manual that accompanied your vehicle.

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Sunday, January 25, 2009

5 Honeymoon Money Saving Tips

The honeymoon will always be an important aspect in every wedding plan no matter how tight the budget is. While the wedding ceremony is the highlight of every relationship ending up in the altar, the couple will always look forward to the honeymoon.

Every newly- wedded couple will always feel the stress of wedding preparations. Even couples who are wise enough and who are capable of getting a wedding planner will not be exempt from the after- wedding desire to be stress- free. Thus, almost all couples will always consider their honeymoon the best part of getting married.

Honeymoon is a time to rest after all the wedding- related stress; it is a time to enjoy the company of each other away from the peering eyes of friends and relatives. It is a time for the couple to get to know each other better and intimately.

While majority of couples want their honeymoon to be wonderful, there is always the financial aspect that they have to contend with. The wedding ceremony may be the focal point of the whole preparation but the preparation itself requires a budget. The bride and groom and the entourage has to pay for their wedding dresses and tuxedos. The couple has to pay for the wedding services, the license, the wedding cake, the dinner and all wedding requirements.

What usually happens is that the couple spends too much on the wedding preparation that they end up having little and sometimes no budget for the honeymoon. But who said a couple could not have a romantic honeymoon if they o not have a large budget?

A honeymoon is basically already a romantic event because it is the time when the newly- wedded couple bond with each other. This alone should make the honeymoon romantic and memorable. Of course, there are at least five ways to make honeymoon a memorable event, even for a meager budget.

Every couple should take note of these five honeymoon money saving tips so they can have a fabulous time on their honeymoon without worrying about large financial requirements.

1. Avail of the services of a honeymoon registry so the guests will know what you need and want as a wedding gift

Gone are the days when a couple has to suffer in silence while opening the fifth identical wedding gift they have received; a dinnerware set. Through the wedding registry, the couple can inform the guests that they want or that they are in need of a honeymoon package. Guests who can afford such package can give them a free honeymoon instead of giving a gift that the couple does not need or a gift that they already have. Some of their friends may pool their resources together and gift them with a honeymoon package. This would mean great savings for the couple as well as a fabulous and free honeymoon.

2. Plan the honeymoon ahead of time and avail of promotions offered by resorts as early as one year away from the wedding date

Planning is till the best way to keep your resources intact and become more cost effective in your expenditures. With proper planning, the couple can take advantage of honeymoon packages or resort promotions offered by resort owners. There are honeymoon destinations that are offering big discounts for reservations made ahead of time. Some even offer as much as fifty percent discount for couples who book their honeymoon months before their wedding. This is to ensure the future income of the resorts. By availing of these promotions, the couple will not only be able to save on their finances but will also be able to plan their honeymoon itinerary ahead of time.

3. Spend your honeymoon in a fabulous tourist island but take advantage of home- stay programs offered by some areas

Some areas offer home- stay programs to promote their tourism at a lower cost. Local governments sometimes promote their tourism by gathering responsible folks and training them to become home- stay partners. Under this scheme, the homes of respected locals are accredited by the tourism officials and they become official tourist h9ome- hotels. Home stay accommodations are generally less expensive than hotels. Availing of this package can save the couple thousands of dollars that would have been spent for hotel accommodation alone.

4. Why not try being one with nature and go camping for your honeymoon instead of staying in an expensive hotel?

Couples who are nature lovers can go backpacking for their honeymoon and enjoy others company with only the moon and the stars as witnesses. His could be the best and the most romantic idea for a non- expensive honeymoon. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for hotel accommodations save the money for other important matters and take a nice trip to a deserted island.

5. Timing is important so plan your honeymoon, if not the wedding during off season

Tourist and honeymoon facilities offer as much as fifty percent discount for tourists who would visit their establishments during non- peak seasons. Do not time the honeymoon with summer or other dates when tourists would be flocking to the islands or resorts because this would be very expensive. Visit these areas during the off- peak season can mean less cost and more privacy.


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