Archives for March 2007

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Five things to see and do in Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, Disneyland for adults and a vacation destination I never planned to visit until work took there in 1997, and I got the fever. My wife and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary there this month and revisiting our Vegas Five Favs:

Blue Suede Shoes
Blue Suede Shoes at Graceland Chapel Las Vegas, Nevada

1. Star Trek: The Experience, a must see for any Trekker, but fun for anyone who enjoys Sci-Fi or pop culture. You can even get married there.

2. Big Shot, the best view of Las Vegas you can get at 4G. The original and still best ride atop the Stratosphere Hotel but Insanity is a close second.

3. The Sirens of TI, the sexier version of Treasure Island’s free sidewalk show but still my favourite. How can you not enjoy a show that sinks a galleon five times a night. Arrive early to secure a good seat.

4. Bouchon, Las Vegas, Thomas Keller has brought his French Bistro experience to Vegas. Go beyond the buffet, and experience Keller’s innovative menu.
5. An Elvis theme wedding at the Graceland Chapel is the most fun I’ve had in Vegas, and my friends (it was their wedding) have almost worn out the DVD sharing our experience. Wear your blue suede shoes.

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Is Europe Too Expensive for your Next Trip?

In a report from The Associated Press, J.W. Elphinstone suggested travellers reconsider their European vacation plans, even stay home instead for a more cost effective holiday but is cost-effectiveness your first travel consideration?

Based on a cost of living survey released by The Economist Intelligence Unit ranking eight European cities in the top ten, Elphinstone equates cost with value. Travellers should look closer at the figures before following the recommendation, overall many of the cities are less expensive today than last year when compared to New York, and a low cost vacation is not always value for money

An art afficionado enjoys the local galleries in any city but is enraptured by the masterpieces in the Louvre; for a few extra dollars a day I’ll take the great experience over a mediocre one every time. You can also make an expensive city more cost effective by booking less expensive hotels and picnicking instead of eating at a restaurant.

Seek out the best value but don’t settle for a cheap vacation.

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Ozbus – Twelve Weeks Sydney to London

Do you have enough cash to travel the world on the luxury liner Queen Mary II?

No, neither do I but Ozbus is offering an alternative way to see the world travelling from Sydney to London. Board the Ozbus for a 12 week journey across SE Asia and the sub-continent to Europe. All you require is a sense of adventure, a desire to travel and willingness to pitch in your help with daily activities.  Check it out.

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Blog Carnival – Carnival of Cities

Home Turf Media is hosting the Carnival of Cities #3, Urban Planet blog carnival this month, and Sheila included two of my recent posts in this wonderful and eclectic group of writers. I especially enjoyed reading CJCM‘s article about the mobile hair salon in Kuala Lumpur, reminding me of the many innovative entrepreneurs I met while living there twenty years ago.

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Travel Photographs – Firenze, Italia (Florence, Italy)

Each week I post a few of my personal travel photos to inspire your travel dreams. This week I chose my favourite shots from Firenze (Florence):

Firenze

Room with a View in Firenze

Duomo

Nicodemus - Michelangelo's 'The Deposition'