Close Encounters of the Australian Kind

By Joseph Richards

Right before I moved to Australia with my husband, who is Australian, I watched a television show about the ten most deadly creatures in the world. I looked right at my husband and joked, that, if all ten were from Australia I was not moving. Little did I know I was not far off. Nine out of the ten creatures were from Australia.

The first encounter I had was with a spider. It was late and I noticed a large shadow on the wall near the light switch. When I turned on the light the spider jumped at me, nearly missing, and ran away in the opposite direction. I later found out that it was a Huntsman spider, which are actually harmless and great to have in your home. These spiders eat blowies, blue bottle flies). I later found out that my medium size can of bug spray would not kill it, considering spraying a whole can on the spider would be useless.

Needless to say I am no better in the water .The slightest touch of something on my skin while in the sea sends me swimming faster than an Olympian even if it does turn out to be seaweed. I am not a strong swimmer so the currents terrify me , the knowledge of the fact that box- jelly fish AND killer sharks dwell in these waters petrifies me " so when Husband suggests a romantic sailing holiday in the Whitsundays , North Queensland , I have to admit to not being immediately keen but I agreed .

Although I was scared, I must admit, it was breathtaking. Turtles were swimming in the shallow water and dolphins followed us into the deeper parts. From then on I become more confident and started to swim in the water.

The water is crystal clear, until a dark shadow appeared be coming closer. I ran so fast and was screaming so loud, only for my husband to point out, laughing, that I was not running from a shark but a clown fish. The size of a dinner plate, in my defense.

About the Author:

When you are looking to holiday in Australia you should visit www.TropicalNorthQueensland.com.au. They have all you need from booking palm cove hotels, cairns hotels and much more. You will also find information on travel and events.

Las Vegas Myths

By Chris Linch

Las Vegas, Nevada is a place that's larger than life. When one thinks of Vegas, they think of gambling casinos, strip joints, showgirls and huge luxurious hotels with flashing lights and dancing waters. What they usually don't realize is that this atmosphere is contained to the Las Vegas Strip. The "Strip" is just one section of Las Vegas, not the entire city.

What people don't stop to think about is that Las Vegas is simply a town just like any other. They have schools, government offices, grocery stores, parks, all the normal features that every single town in America has. If one were to visit Las Vegas and venture off of the strip, they'd find a town with normal people going about their everyday business.

It's said that prostitution is legal in Las Vegas. This is probably a popular notion due to the exhibitionist nature of the town with all the shows featuring nude showgirls. Vegas is also famous for their quickie wedding chapels and thousands of hotels. Go into any casino and you'll find beautiful women in sexy clothes. Nevertheless this is all part of the Vegas image. Prostitution is illegal and people do get arrested for solicitation in Vegas.

The Hoover Dam is a huge construction that took five years to build and used four million plus cubic yards of concrete. It was a massive feat of engineering. During the building of this dam almost a hundred workers lost their lives. The rumor circulating is that some of their bodies remain buried in the concrete still. The truth is, the concrete was poured in small increments and allowed to dry before pouring the next batch. If anyone were to have fallen into the wet concrete, they would have been easily pulled out.

Due to the idea of Las Vegas being all casinos, hotels and shows, people tend to get the idea that every Vegas resident lives and works on the strip. Women here are all strippers and gorgeous. In actually, this couldn't be further than the truth. While many of the residents may have jobs on the strip, they clock in and out and go home to their normal subdivisions in surrounding areas. Still others hold down jobs in schools, grocery stores and government offices and may rarely venture onto the strip. The women living here are normal looking just like the women in any other American town.

Once a woman who won a huge jackpot at the "Megabucks" slot machine experienced a tragic accident mere weeks after her winning and became paralyzed. Since that time a rumor has circulated that everyone who won a major jackpot at the Megabucks slot machines encountered a tragedy of sorts immediately afterwards. Even though the winners are alive and happy today, the rumors persist that they have died or have experienced some horrible incident.

Another myth includes bodies being found in a hotel's box springs. There's no proof or evidence that this ever happened in Las Vegas. It did, in fact, happen in some small town over on the east coast of the US. Somehow this incident ended up in Las Vegas as the rumor circulated.

As incredulous as this sounds, there's even a rumor that kidneys get stolen in Vegas. Apparently someone started a story of a man who awakened in a hotel room one morning to a note that advised him to call 911 or else he would experience dire circumstances. The man supposedly did so only to be told by the doctors that he was missing a kidney.

Las Vegas is quite a colorful place with a crazy present and an even more raucous past. One can be sure to hear some interesting tales about this city. Just remember to take everything you hear about Las Vegas with a little bit of caution and amusement and know that outside of the Strip, Vegas is just a normal town with ordinary people going about their business.

About the Author:

Chris Linch owns a website where you can find Las Vegas Hotel Rates. He is a writer and traveler for homeshophotels.com which is a site that books cheap hotel rates by securing deals with multiple hotels. If you are looking to find a hotel deal Las Vegas, Chris's website is the place to go.

A Baker's Dozen of Travel Tips to Save Money on Travel

By Chris Linch

1. Be flexible. Alternate either the airport/city or the time/date you plan to travel. A rigid travel schedule is going to make it hard to save money on travel.

2. Ask for discounts or upgrades. Don't accept the hotel rate as written in stone. Often all that is required is simply to ask for a discount or ask to be upgraded to a better room. Same goes for the airplane, ask for an upgrade. If you don't ask you'll never know what you might have been able to get.

3. Remember your AAA card and always ask if there is a discount.

4. Plan your vacation in the off season. For example, if you want to go on a ski trip, plan one for the summer. You will find the resorts charging quite a bit less, and it will be less crowded.

5. When purchasing your airline tickets, don't only look for round-trip tickets but also check the one-way fares. Even if you have to travel on different airlines, use whatever means possible to get the best deal.

6. If you are going to a theme park and planning to be there for more than a few days, opt for an annual pass as it usually only costs about the equivalent of two days' worth of tickets. This will allow you to not only save cash but also to relax and not feel that you need to spend all day at the park to get your money's worth.

7. Take a shuttle from the airport to your hotel if possible. It may take a bit longer to get to your hotel and you'll be sharing with other travelers, but it's kind of fun and you may make a friend of two. It's also much cheaper than a taxi.

8. When traveling on the interstate and looking for a place to stay overnight, steer clear of the new franchise hotels if you want to save. Instead, try the mom-and-pop hotels on the old highways near the interstate that the interstate replaced years ago, or even a bed and breakfast.

9. If visiting a water park, check on their "twilight" pricing. Usually if you go later in the day you save a substantial amount off the entrance fee.

10. Consider vacation packages. All-inclusive deals that bundle air, hotel, and entertainment are often cheaper than buying everything separately. These are sometimes outstanding values for the money.

11. Sign up for email alerts from the online travel agencies. These will let you know when airfare falls below a certain point so you can quickly jump on the deal and secure your tickets.

12. Book early or book late. If you aren't able to book your airfare tickets well in advance, you might score a great deal by waiting till the very last minute. Since airlines want to fill all their seats, they will oftentimes discount heavily at the last minute just to get those seats filled.

13. Have a "staycation." Stay home and save money on hotel, airfare, and car rental, and enjoy the touristy places in your area that you never have time to explore normally. You'll be surprised what's in your own backyard.

About the Author:

Chris can help you find New York Hotel Deals. Homeshophotels.com is a reservation service specializing in Cheap Hotel Rates. If you need to make a New York Hotel Reservations visit us.

Top Three Luxury Hotels in New York City

By Chris Linch

New York City is home to a multitude of hotels. From budget to extraordinary all the options are there. For those who prefer traveling in style NYC will not disappoint. The following Five Star hotels are three of the finest that New York has to offer.

A Hotel for Every Season

The I.M. Pei-designed Four Seasons Hotel is one of the most acclaimed luxury hotels in New York City and is popular with travelers from across the globe. It is an extremely child-friendly hotel and is therefore specifically popular amongst families traveling to the Big Apple.

Boasting 364 oversized guestrooms including 61 suites the room amenities are guaranteed to blow your mind. Only the best of the best in terms of luxury products, furnishings and fittings adorn these rooms. The spa at this luxurious hotel blends contemporary knowledge with ancient wisdom and will delight your senses while relaxing your body and mind.

As it is located close to some of New York's greatest attractions, the Four Seasons Hotel is very well-liked amongst travelers interested in doing a bit of sightseeing during their trip. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Television and Radio and the Statue of Liberty are all accessible from the NYC hotel.

Dining at the L'Atelier de Jol Robuchon, the hotel's signature restaurant will prove to be one of the most memorable meals you'll experience in New York City. Offering the perfect blend of Asian and French cuisine legendary chef Jol Robuchon's meals are not to be missed. If you're looking for something a bit more casual the Four Seasons 57 hotel restaurant offers up classic American dishes and is open for breakfasts, lunches, dinners and Sunday brunches.

A Taste of Asia

In the heart of Manhattan lies one on New York's most acclaimed hotels - The Mandarin Oriental recipient of the prestigious Mobil Five-Star award for 2007. Located on floors 35 to 54 of the Time Warner Center on Columbus Circle this exquisite hotel is home to 248 luxurious rooms and suites which all reflect a melting pot of oriental and Manhattan living.

Every single one of the rooms boasts a spectacular view of central park and the views of the New York City skyline at night are simply breathtaking.

Another feature that attracts many of the hotel's guests is the luxurious spa which is located on the 35th floor of the Mandarin Oriental. Boasting amethyst crystal steam rooms, vitality pools, six multifunctional treatment rooms and relaxation lounges a day at this spa of "Ultimate Luxury" is a real treat. If you're lucky enough to be spending some time at the Mandarin Oriental a Thai Yoga Massage is not to be missed.

Due to its prime location the Mandarin Oriental is located near to some of the best attractions in New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park and the Rockefeller Center. After a day of sightseeing there is nothing better than enjoying a sumptuous meal and at the Mandarin Oriental. Dining at this New York City hotel will delight all of your senses - sporting sublime views of Central Park Asiate on the 35th floor is renowned for its French and Japanese offerings, the more casual Lobby Lounge is the perfect spot to enjoy a light meal and MObar is THE location for pre or post dinner drinks. This prestigious hotel is a favorite amongst travelers to NYC looking for a bit of Five Star luxury.

The Ritz

The 33-story Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is Mobil Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond hotel comprises 260 guestrooms and suites. With captivating views of Central Park and all the trimmings you'd expect from a Five Star hotel it is a popular choice amongst travelers to the Big Apple especially amongst those who like to take their pets along. The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park is actually one of the few completely pet-friendly hotels in New York City.

The La Prairie at The Ritz-Carlton Spa is an absolute treat for guests looking for a bit of pampering. This luxurious spa boasts six treatment rooms, steam rooms, a wet room, and every beauty and relaxation treatment that you can think of. The jetlag therapy is a must for travelers coming in to this hotel after a long international flight.

This is the perfect hotel from which to explore Central Park and its surrounding attractions. Central Park boasts two skating rinks, a pool, zoo and wildlife center and is home to several concerts and art showings through out the year. There is always something going on in Central Park and a stroll through it will never disappoint.

For a delicious afternoon tea, a light meal or a couple of cocktails the Star Lounge is the place you'll want to go. For something a bit more substantial sampling the menu created by acclaimed Chef Laurent Tourondel at the newly renovated BLT Market is a must.

While I've only featured three of New York's luxurious Five Star hotels there is an endless array of options when it comes to luxury travel in the Big Apple. Some other notable Five Star hotels include the Four Seasons Hotel, Mercer Hotel, Peninsula Hotel New York, St. Regis Hotel and the Trump International Hotel & Tower.

About the Author:
Chris can help you find New York Hotel Deals. Homeshophotels.com is a reservation service specializing in Cheap Hotel Rates. If you need to make a New York Hotel Reservations visit us.

Vacations In Birmingham, England And Things To See And Do

By Arthur Sneddon

Today more and more people are seeking new destinations which offer something not found elsewhere or, at the very least something different to the popular beach and bar vacation. During this, so called, credit crunch the majority of us are, alarmingly coming to the conclusion that they have severely reduced funds for investing in a vacation and are, obviously, forced into making cutbacks to stretch their money further. One way of doing it is to seek out cheaper destinations. The following article introduces you to Birmingham in Britain. With the pound Sterling so weak against the dollar and euro Birmingham hotels are far cheaper than in the last few decades.

The city of Birmingham is situated in the English county known as the West Midlands and the residents of the city are known as "Brummies". The accent of Birmingham sounds like many other northern English accents and it is rather tricky to understand fully what is being said a problem which is made worse if if you have not heard these accents before. Thankfully nearly all people from Birmingham are extremely helpful, polite and kind and do their utmost to explain clearly so if you need to do not be afraid to approach folk about help and directions or guidance in finding Birmingham bed & breakfast accommodation.

The city of Birmingham has an excellent collection of things to do and places to visit which include some interesting and informative galleries and museums, for example the Barber Institute of Fine Arts and the new museum in the Eastside called Thinktank. The city also possesses an incredible number of hectares of open spaces and parks, the largest being Sutton Park having 2,400 acres making it the very largest urban nature reserve in the whole of Europe.

The city possesses a vibrant and varied night life with an excellent number of restaurants, nightclubs, bars and cafes. You will discover some of the most popular in one of the city's squares, Victoria Square, Centenary Square, St Martin's Square, Rotunda Square, the historic Old Square at Corporation Street, Chamberlain Square and the Gas Street Basin. Gas Street Basin is the central hub of the city's intricate network of canals. The city has about thirty two miles of canal waterways with a total of 8 canals which were dug in the eighteenth century and continued being used until the late 20th century. Nowadays the Gas Street Basin has been regenerated and is now a pretty decent visitor attraction.

Rather than staying in a guest house why not think about booking apartments in Birmingham. If you If you are currently considering a Birmingham vacation you should be aware that Birmingham's international airport is approximately 8 miles distance from the center of the city just off the A45, near the M42. You will will be able to find a lot of bed and breakfasts and hotels reasonably close to the airport.

About the Author:

If you are looking for Birmingham bed and breakfast then you will find lots of Birmingham hotels and guesthouses listed at http://birmingham.hotelreservationhelper.com/

Las Vegas Hotels

By Chris Linch

Las Vegas has come a long way since it was first discovered in 1829. This city, which is located in the state of Nevada, is one of the largest cities in the United States, with a population of over two million. The city remains the strongest contender for the world's major international tourist attractions. And since a lot of tourists come every year, Las Vegas hotels become more in demand to accommodate these people during their grand vacation.

Las Vegas is a home to many casinos. Most people come to this city to try their luck at playing different games in casinos. That's why most Las Vegas hotels are hotel casinos so that seasoned gamblers have easier access to slot machines and other casino games.

However, there are some families that prefer family vacation hotels that cater to a younger crowd. Fortunately, there are several fine hotels that are able to ensure that the entire family will have a great time.

Las Vegas Family Vacation Hotel Options

Circus and Excalibur are some great choices for family vacation hotels in Las Vegas. The Circus is comprised of three towers with a connecting sky shuttle, which is viewed by most children as the grand attraction. Inside the complex, there is the Adventuredome, which is considered the largest indoor theme park. The hotel also has a miniature golf, bungee jumping, and over 200 choices for carnival games.

Just like the Circus, Excalibur is another family-oriented Las Vegas hotel, named because the design that replicates King Arthur's Camelot home. This Las Vegas hotel allows children an experience like walking into a fairy tale. The first floor is full of carnival games, themed entertainment, and arcades. There is also a large pool area and a popular dinner attraction called the Tournament of Kings.

These are just some of the family-oriented Las Vegas hotels that families can check out in Las Vegas. So, the next time you take a trip to Las Vegas with your family, consider these fine hotels so that everyone can have a great time.

Best Hawaii Golf Destinations

By Jay Stevenson

Contrary to popular belief around the globe, Hawaii does not only attract beach lovers but golf huggers, too. Hawaii offers more than 100 golf destinations especially in cities where you can choose more such as Honolulu, Kailua Kona, Oahu and Ewa Beach. While there are so many to select from, knowing the top sites would surely help you in having the best golf traveling vacation ever.

Named by the Golf Digest as the #1 Golf Course in Oahu, ranked 7th in Golflink.com as part of the 2008' s "Top 100 United States Golf Courses", rated in Golf Magazine's "Top 100 Places You Can Play" and tagged as "The World's Most Challenging Gold Course", Ko'olau Golf Club presents a slope rating of 155 plus, 200-acre course, which was carved out of 1,500 acres of rainforest in 1991. Located just over the Pali Highway from Honolulu, the 20-minute drive can lead you to a spectacular view of the luscious forest, tropical green terrain, and majestic mountains of Hawaii. The 18-hole Ko'olau is a par 72 course at 7,310 yards, which features a course rating of 74.4 and a slope rating of 158 on Bahia grass. Declared by USGA (United States Golf Association) as the toughest course in the United States, Ko'olau Golf Club also offers challenging golf courses for all skill levels.

Another golf piece of Oahu is the Makaha Resort & Golf Club. Better known as "Makaha West," this golf course has also been listed in 2002 as one of the "Places to Play" by Golf Magazine. It was also named by Honolulu Magazine as Oahu's number one golf course. A few minutes from Honolulu, situated in the stunning Makaha Valley, surrounding Wai'anae Mountains, this resort also provides a 7,022-yard, 18-hole, 72 par championship golf course rated 73.2 by USGA. More than the course itself, guests and professionals can enjoy the classic, fresh looking valley, and the extraordinary scenery of the Pacific Ocean. Amateurs can avail of group or private golf training from PGA experts. Visitors can go for the cart access to all fairways, the driving range, and pro shop wherein you can purchase gold apparel and accessories, and rent shoes and clubs.

Golf Magazine included Hapuna Golf Course in its "Gold Medal Resorts" list in 1998. It was also ranked as the "Best Public Course" in 1995-1996 and placed 11th in 1997-1998. The USGA labeled Hapuna Golf Course as "The Course of the Future" in 1997 and rated as one of the most environmentally sensitive golf courses, not mentioning its 75th rank in Conde Nast Traveller's "Top 100 Golf Resorts" in 2006. Over a decade ago since it opened, this 18-hole, par 72, 6,875 yards golf course, nestled 700 feet above sea level in the Big Island, has continued to deliver a "nature-filled" golf experience. It also offers a One Day Golf School program to let you enhance your skills and get acquainted with its golfing landscape.

After a review of some of Hawaii's top golf courses, it will surely bring a dream golf experience combined with nature's gifts. For avid golfers out there, taking a trip to Hawaii will definitely make you want for more inspiring holes.

About the Author:

Whether you are just starting to learn the basics of your golf swing, or you are looking to step up your current game. A better swing will get you to that next level you deserve. With a little practice and some great guidance, you will get there.