Super Bowl Sunday will see Airfares rocket to 10,000ft…
Published January 25, 2012 | 
As both the NFC and AFC championship games came to a dramatic end, the result set up for an explosive Super Bowl, where two long lived rivals will come to blows in Indianapolis on Friday 4th February. Though the contest is expected to send ripples through the sporting world, the epic clash will also cause airline prices from all over the country to be blown sky high.
A long awaited rematch from Super Bowl XLII, many football fans expect a repeat of the 2008 dramatic contest where the New York Giants became the first ever team to win the championship as a wildcard team. Then facing a New England team that were undefeated walking into the final, Patriot fans will be hoping history doesn’t repeat itself in this year’s Super Bowl.
But the promise of that spectacle has seen airfares to Indianapolis rocket to 10,000ft.
The cost of Airfares to Indianapolis…
Airfares from New England are costing ticket holders on average $1000 for non-stop flights via US Airways. And for those of you that consider yourselves savvy in seeking out a good deal, you can forget looking toward the smaller airports. Well, unless you want to $1200 on a one stop flight from Hartford to Indi.
New York fans face a simpler prospect with flights from JFK, with fares starting around the $1,100 mark. There is an out for Giant’s fans though, if they are prepared to the travel down to Philidelphia. You can currently expect airfares there to be approximately $400 less than those available in New York City.
Incredibly, the escalated expense of travelling to Indianapolis on Super Bowl weekend doesn’t just stop at the east coast. Mutual fans from the west coast will be expected to pay swollen fares too, with prices for flights as high as $1,500 on US Airways out of San Francisco.
Given that this year’s Super Bowl will host an age old rivalry that will turn back the years, it seems ticket holders should similarly turn back the clocks when they make their travel arrangements and opt for the good old fashioned road trip.
Welcome to Benidorm
Published January 19, 2012 | 
It’s become a plastic destination in the eyes of many having had its indigenous culture washed out of it, like the blue rinses of the elderly British contingent that migrated over there sometime the late 90s. But the truth is, Benidorm’s heaving popularity isn’t just down to good mobility access.
On many levels, Benidorm’s typecast isn’t strictly untrue either. Sure, it’s overdeveloped and it has been suffocated by English holiday makers so much so that its once colourful culture has faded away. But there are still many reasons to go on Benidorm holidays.
There’s no doubt that these stereotypical images have snowballed and brought about the rise of a hit television programme. Except ITV’s hit show takes that image and stretches it to make an exaggerated, comical production.
Benidorm Holidays
Much like Ronseal, Benidorm does exactly what it says on the tin. While it offers all of the amenities that make up an enjoyable holiday destination, it also varnishes you with a healthy brown glow for your return flight home. The city has become Europe’s hospitality epicentre, boasting 35,000 beds across hundreds of hotels and 200,000 apartments available for stays. In that very sense, Benidorm is the easy option when booking a holiday, with plenty of options, availability and prevalent British community.
But a familiar pseudo English surrounding comes at a cost. If you’re looking for Hispanic culture, then look elsewhere. Saturated with British communities, the city has become….well…British. But be rest assured, Benidorm has a great climate, beautiful sandy beaches and great night life.
Costa del Sol’s most popular city has two beaches. The Playa de Poniente and the Playa de Levante are a massive 5km long. Though Playa de Poniente is situated along the city’s busy limits and backs onto a busy road.
Playa de Levante though offers far more quiet surroundings, ideal if you’re in search of the relaxing Benidorm sun and a few quiet moments away from the hustle of the city.
On the other hand, if you’re looking at smashing those relaxed feelings up with a five iron, then take to the fairways at one of Benidorm’s Golf courses. Real De Faula designed by Jack Nicklaus offers a stern test of golf and a great way to enjoy the Spanish sun.
For something a little more intense, Aqualandia water park will splash you and the family with excitement. Situated deep in the city centre, the Park is easily accessible and offers cafes and restaurants for you dine in. There are shaded areas and even relaxation spots in case the excitement and sun gets a little too much for you.
When it comes to Benidorm, its somewhat a blank canvas with all the components to make a great holiday experience. You wont find culture here, but you’ll discover how to have fun in a bustling city, with idealic sandy beaches and a vibrant night life.
Ibiza Club Scene
Published January 17, 2012 | 
To layback and think of England is usually the most patriotic way for any English person to escape from whatever unpleasantries they may be faced with at the time. It’s an ironic statement really, given that England conjures images of profound boredom that in itself are worthy of distraction. But there’s a mass of people who find better ways of burying their heads in the sands of playa d’en bossa. May sound unpleasant, but with shutting their eyes completely out of the question, lying back and thinking of anything impossible. Especially since the bright neon lights have etched their fuzzy glow onto the retinas of those who gazed upon them.
In fact it’s fair to say that once you’ve sampled Ibiza holidays completing even the most simple tasks becomes hard practise. All of your senses leave you as the ears you once used to hear with are replaced with a temporary ringing and your eyes remain blurred from the unquantifiable number of hours you’ve spent awake, dancing the nights away.
Of course there are remedies readily available to sort any Ibiza hangovers you may endure once you return home, such as sleep, Alka Selzer and a week in a hotel spa – if you can afford one.
But who would want to medicate such feelings? Breaking out of conformity was the mission you set out to achieve and these feelings are merely the battle scars of victory. Don’t lie in bed leaving the buzz to simmer out. Get out and shout about your Ibiza experiences you have faced and live the holiday to its full purpose – an unforgettable event.
Dubbed as the party capital of the world, Ibiza has more than its fair share of venues to facilitate its renowned title. For the most part, the clubs that bestow the best experience are Eden, Privilege, Amnesia and Pacha. In reality though all the venues do is house the fun that is to be had and like any club enthusiast will tell you, it’s the night that needs your full attention.
Ibiza Clubs – The best nights…
So, given that this is the case here are the best nights to be had on this great Spanish island;
- To start with what many would consider to be the best, and oddly enough the most expensive night throughout the year, Manumission at Privilege returns on Monday night for another season, bouncing off the success it had during 2011. Residents hosting the night are smoking Joe and Griff and Jay. Manumission also carries on its debauched antics at an additional venue too. Hosted at Space you can head down for more of the same to see in Tuesday morning under the blazing sun.
- Gods Kitchen at Ammesia remains one of the hottest nights in the Ibiza club scene calendar. With Fergie, Mauro Picotto and Tall Paul as residents, this will be certainly one of the nights out that’ll keep you talking for a lifetime. As one of the few venues really worth talking about, amnesia remains one of the most popular clubs in Europe and a sure fire bet to blow your mind as you dance amongst thousands of people.
- For a night of unsolicited trance, Oakfield returns for another season for Perfecto at Pacha. Widely hailed as one of the greatest residents of that genre and Soulsonic take up residency in the back room.
- Last year they had Kylie on stage in ‘the shorts’, providing the visual element that was supplemented only by the sounds of Carl Cox & Dave Seaman and Sander Kleinenberg. As well as this, there are sets for a more funkier taste in the adjoining rooms.
- The big one though comes on Thursdays in Cream at Amnesia. Resident Yousef gets to work with debutant Hernan Cattaneo along with Futureshock, Oliver Lieb, Smokin’ Jo, Guy Ornadel, Junior Sanchez and Jimmy Van M are to name but a few. There are also expected to be showcases from more upcoming residents.
The rest really is up to you. Of course, all nights are open to interpretation but whether this is your first time to Ibiza or a return trip, you’ll be hard placed to find nights that appeal to the masses like these do.
Happy Clubbing
Posted in European Destinations, Ibiza | 
amnesia, ibiza, ibiza club scene, ibiza clubs | 
Leave a commentA Bite Out of the Big Apple
Published January 9, 2012 | 
Like many English holiday goers, I have been travelling around Europe so much so that my relationship with the continent is almost marital. This past year though, I have been enticed by the allure of the most seductive mistress. I have cheated on Europe with New York.
As in any affair, the excitement of the neon lights of Times Square coupled with the romance for the city that has been bred from Hollywood exposure was too much to resist. Since booking my flights to New York I have never looked back.
Initially, when you arrive at JFK airport and catch a cab downtown, you can’t help but feel overwhelmed by all that is going on around you. As you drive through the streets and avenues your pupils are a blur, darting around at whatever catches your eye next. It’s tourism on steroids.
Like any good story, it starts with a famous landmark. The Empire State Building was originally built for office rental space in the deep depression. Subsequently nicknamed ‘The Empty State Building’, it accrued more revenue in its first year as an observation tower from its 81st floor. Thus making it a must see for any visitors to the great state.
To New York….
Most people that visit Manhattan do three things – shop, eat and go to shows. If you enjoy shopping, Times Square will play host to the biggest bender of retail therapy you can possibly imagine. Brands like Gucci, Fendi and Louis Vuitton along with all of the high street brands are at your fingertips. But more than this, the shopping experience will blow your mind. When you step foot into Abercrombie and Fitch I grantee, no matter how much you shop, you will never have encountered anything like this before. There’s music, dancers and bright lights that create more of a spectacle than a retail service. It truly is mind blowing.
The New York Rockefeller centre is the perfect place to retire to once you have had your fill of shopping. There are cafes to take in landscape in the summer and an ice ring with the most famous Christmas tree in the world in the winter.
One of my particular favourites when I visited New York was Madison Square Garden. Home to the Rangers and Knicks, there is always something to watch. Even if you aren’t a sports fan, the gravitas that enshrouds the place is too much to ignore.
Central Park is Manhattans escape to the countryside. The greenery is the perfect break from the concrete jungle that surrounds it. Horse drawn carriages are available through some of the tourist agents that are based there. A great way to discover what is surprisingly a large park.
Finally, we have one of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Statue of Liberty. For many Americans, the structure is a symbol of freedom. A ferry gives access to Ellis Island, which you will have to pay a small fee for. However entry to Lady Liberty is totally free. Like the Empire State Building and Rock Observation Deck, the Statue of Liberty has fantastic views across the city.
As far as I can see, there is only one downside to the Big Apple. That being you simply can’t take a big enough bite out of it and the taste in your mouth will leave you wanting more.
Cruises are No Sinking Ship
Published November 8, 2011 | 
Though it remains one of the most vogue holiday trends of modern times, cruise vacations still get snarled at by a large segment of travellers because of its erroneous image. But the reality is, cruises aren’t set to serve an over 60’s ambience and it deserves more than just the label of just being a back door travel option.
Luxury liners encompass all of your holiday needs, providing you with all of the necessary amenities on board. All so you can endure the most relaxing experience. And the very nature of a cruise means that it doesn’t just stop there. Along the way you’ll visit new landmarks, encounter different cultures and scale a variety of landscapes.
Misconceptions about Cruises
The common misconception however is that cruises are like the Vegas of the ocean. But this is completely misguided. Even if that was the case, Las Vegas is expected to see 3 million people visit its city in December alone. Sure, some will claim that hedonistic behaviour isn’t to everyone’s taste. But there is a reason why Cruise occupancy continues to rise, along with self-indulgent vacation destinations like Vegas and Disneyland World Resort.
In fact, so self-indulgent is the life on a cruise ship that one of the best skills you can possess as you venture to the seas is knowing when to say no. Doing cruises to excess only means that you will get wrapped up in all the activities, food and drink, when really the enjoyment from cruising comes from the days that you spend at sea. The dramatic view where two shades of blue collide make for a fantastic spectacle, as you discover the vastness of the planet we inhabit.
Nevertheless, a cruise liner’s healthy ambition to identify consumer needs and fill them makes for a great experience. As with all vacations, especially those ones that are stateside, cruises do have an array of surcharges to trap their guests. But even this is common place in the travel industry now, with hotels finding new inventive ways of making additional money in turbulent financial times. Be mindful of that these charges exist and identify them from the outlay to ensure you don’t get stung at the end of the holiday.
And even though the very ship in which you stand upon is probably carrying upwards of 3000 people, you couldn’t feel more alone or less insignificant as you cast your eyes out to seas. Then turn around and you’ll find a beehive of activity from surfing on a flow rider to playing bowls on board – the list is endless.
So can the ‘elitist’ traveller enjoy cruises? No, probably not, but remarkably they only make up a tiny proportion of the world’s travel industry anyway. The larger proportion of holiday goers look to make one, maybe two vacations a year, where the key aspect is to relax in luxury surroundings. And that’s exactly what a cruise offers. Of course, it won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it will appeal to the vast majority of hedonistic individuals who seek a decadent experience away from the usual 9 to 5 grind.
A Billion Reasons to Avoid Hotel Surcharges
Published November 4, 2011 | 
Ever walked away from the travel agent, fizzing with excitement after securing a great deal on your holiday? Well there’s over 1 billion reasons why that might not be the case.
Reports released from the Tisch Centre for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management in New York showed that the add-on surcharges have increased by 6% this year, equating to an industry total of £1.12 billon.
Many put the increase down to the rise in occupancy levels that have seen growth in America slowly coming out its recession, but surcharges have been rapidly increasing for years.
The story on Surcharges
In fact, add-on charges have more than doubled since the millennium.
But travel consumers are become more tolerant to paying these charges, with more hotels leaning on them as an institutionalised revenue source.
Amongst the reports were some shocking revelations such as holding baggage fees, resort fees and mini bar restocking fees. Yes that right, you did read that correctly. Hotels are not only charging astronomical fees for whisky miniatures, they’re also charging you for the privilege of restocking the fridge. Stateside where the charges are customary, you can expect to pay in the range of $3 to $10, regardless of how many items you use. On that basis, if you buy a single miniature of whiskey you could be paying up to $30, without the mixer.
But most commonly tourists have the biggest animosity surrounding resort fees, because there is no real escaping them. Resort fees cover things from safe rental to internet access, all amenities that many travellers would expect as part of the accommodation fee. It’s likely that at some point in your travelling history you will have picked up a bill on check-out, questioning ‘what… I have to pay for the sofa bed and its $20 a night?!’
Unfortunately, there is no escaping these charges. The best advice is to clarify with the reception upon check what and where the surcharges are. Avoidance is the only remedy. Have it spelled out for you from the outlay at reception and that way you can’t go wrong.
Posted in Hotel Savings | accomodation rates, add on charges, hotel bills, surcharges | Leave a commentInflate your Holiday Experience
Published October 31, 2011 | 
If you have cotton wool dreams of floating away into a blanket of cloud, having the sky romance you with its beautiful views, then a balloon ride might be just the thing to inflate your holiday experience.
Though many would suggest a balloon ride is a hot air attempt to blow romance into a vacation, this romantic cliché will raise your spirits to about 12,000 feet.
When most travellers experience the euphoria of soaring to the highest limits using this archaic form of flight, the very nature of its antiquity wins you over like a period drama.
Suspended in a basket beneath the warm glow of a balloon with the world at your feet makes for an intense experience, cliché or not. But selecting the ideal location that makes the most of perfect view point is vital.
Though the experience of travelling in a balloon alone is a novelty itself, it is the landscape that you fly over which really makes the experience breath-taking. The 360 degree view you encounter is unsurpassable, as you watch the world slowly drift by.
Something magical about Balloon rides….
Gone with the wind might be a popular children’s book, but it’s also the story when you take to the skies in a hot air balloon. And it is because of this gradual movement that the world appears to move around you, like gently rolling a globe towards you using your fingertips.
The origins of the hot air balloon concept date back to China in 220ad, when they released candlelit lamps made of rice paper into the sky to carry their wishes to the heavens. And it wasn’t until 1783 when the concept was finally adapted to create the passenger hot air balloon.
The balloon’s maiden voyage was in France and even to this day offers great flights to explore. Loire Valley in the country’s central region not only has fantastic period landscapes to take a view of, but also offers a variety of several take off spots making flights easily accessible. Located just 200 miles south west Paris, you might be lucky enough to see some of France’s most iconic landmarks – providing the wind takes you there of course. But the green beauty that is sprinkled with the beautiful buildings of Loire Valley makes for a fantastic spectacle.
And it is that very green phenomenon that equally makes Napa Valley a great location for balloon flights. Filled with Californian vine yards, this stateside destination creates a great ambiance, especially in sunset flights providing the perfect setting for only the most romantic couples.
If however you are looking for something different, Serengeti flights far exceed the conventional ways of wildlife watching. The region’s swelling African wildlife offers the perfect opportunity to overview the environment of this Tanzanian destination. Since 1989, there have been over 100,000 passengers that have flown over the country’s woodlands and plains. And with the scope the balloon offers in terms of its abilities to float at low attitudes in close proximity above the animals without startling them makes for a fantastic mode of safari.
The fact is that hot air balloon rides cannot only take you to spectacular horizons literally, they will take you a sunnier holiday experience.
Hello-ween!
Published October 27, 2011 | 
With Halloween clawing its greasy, half dead fingers around the doorframe of your vacation home, there are a few treats to be had where terror tricks are rife.
On the face of it, the tradition of Halloween is somewhat a ridiculous debacle where adults dress up in costume and partake in fright fun. But there are some places that offer more scare thrills than others.
The Village Halloween Parade in New York City is said to be one of the largest events for the 31st October celebrations. More than 2 million people attend the festival a year and with a host of giant puppets, stilt walkers and marching bands, it’s easy to see why. There is even the opportunity to take part and volunteer carrying a puppet. The event is also free of charge making the celebrations cost effective for large parties as well as enjoyable!
The best places to visit at Halloween.
The Eastern State Penitentiary’s Terror Behind the Walls in Philadelphia is a real spectacle, showcasing Hollywood like effects and employing around 220 actors whose occupational duties are to scare the life out of those who participate in the thrills. The building itself is enough to make the hairs on back of your neck stand on end. Founded in 1829, the prison that housed notoriously dangerous convicts provides the perfect setting for Halloween. Vast in numbers, the actors play on the event’s setting dressing up as insane prisoners and sadistic guards. This is one Halloween event that might be too much for children under the age of 14, though there are family nights available as well providing far less fearsome nights.
But if it’s the not so scary you’re after at a place where the focus is young children then Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disney World Resort offers the perfect setting. Though on any other given day children over the age of 9 years old are not able to dress up, except on Halloween. So if there’s no better reason to go, it’s to be at the number one tourist destination in the world on the day where their normal rules don’t count. As always you can expect an impeccable experience at Walt’s World Resort, though it will cost you a buck or two.
Finally, for a destination you may not have considered as a Halloween host. Kentucky may not be the top US destination in the states, but the Louisville Zoo hosts the world’s biggest Halloween party, as the complex gets completely transformed into a children’s fantasy with characters like Captain Jack Sparrow and Shrek. There’s rides and other attractions too, including a hillside awash with 150 plus pumpkins carved by artist whom themes them to stars like Elvis and John Wayne.
Despite what many believe to be another act of commercialistic opportunity, Halloween presents great spectacles across the world that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
This Horseshoe Shape Hotel needs No Luck….
Published October 21, 2011 | 
The ever changing kaleidoscope that is the glittery lights of Las Vegas have beamed out across Nevada for over 50 years. But there has been one shining light more integral to the strip than Thomas Edison invention of the light bulb.
And luck doesn’t come into it for Binion’s horseshoe shaped hotel and Casino, which has stood in down town Las Vegas since the start at a time the city started building the reputation it has today. On this very day, the hotel reaches its 60th anniversary and with it, the acclaim of being one of Las Vegas’ founding casinos.
The name sake hotel was founded by Benny Binion, who was in essence the professor of Las Vegas and many of the principles he schooled into his casino were at the time pioneering, but are now part of the fundamental Vegas experience.
His impressive list of firsts included carpeted floors and air-conditioning, complimentary drinks to those who gambled, a tag on premium steak house and airport limousines for high rollers.
Many of these services are still employed amongst even the newest casinos in Vegas – a bench mark that Binion set over sixty years ago.
Benny Binion started his Vegas venture at the height of when the city’s organised crime syndicates were at their most prevelant. In a generation where tough men ran the glittery strip of Nevada, solidifying that business acumen then should mean that Binion’s should stand the test of time.
Binion’s has been the venue for where the World Series Poker is held and has been since the tournament started in 1970. It is because of this, that Binion’s name carries a lot of weight in downtown Vegas for being the origins of professional poker. Now, Binion’s owners preserve the rights to the World Series Poker name, even though it is now held at the Rio Casino.
That’s not to say that the horseshoe shaped casino hasn’t had its problems. In 2004 the casino had to shut down, after issues were raised regarding outstanding payments for employee benefits. Binion’s didn’t really recover that loss for a number of years, after US marshals seized the cash in the January of that year. It was only 2 years ago, when the casino closed its hotel rooms and coffee shop and it began to look more financially stable with an investment from Harrah’s entertainment only supporting this.
But for the man who started it all, there is no greater tribute than what the Las Vegas strip has become. Since his death in 1989, the city’s modern day impresarios still make time to recognise his memory. Binion will continue eulogised as an entertainment academic who never learned to read. Steven Wynn of Wynn Resorts said; ‘He was either the toughest gentleman I ever knew or the gentlest tough man I ever knew’.
A great innovator, whose achievements continue to shine bright – not just for now, but for the foreseeable future too…
Posted in US Destinations, Vegas Baby! | binons, horseshoe hotel, las veags, vegas | Leave a comment‘Fall’ in Love with the East Coast
Published October 18, 2011 | 
It’s like no other juxtaposition in the America over in New England. As the leaves on the trees begin to fall and autumn covers the meandering greenery, this north eastern corner of the United States sees the trees get barer and the streets get fuller.
The fall in New England is one of the most spectacular arrangements of natural beauty and attracts millions of tourists each year. An estimated 3.3 million tourists come and visit the flame-coloured foliage, with the majority of those coming from the eastern parts of America.
It was only just a few weeks ago when the torrential storms that hit the eastern coast of America closed miles and miles of state roads, including damage to some bridges. But the damage has been rectified and with all the maintenance now carried out, New England is now ready to open its gates in anticipation for massive crowds.
In Massachusetts where a lot of the damage was caused, many shop owners are questioning whether many of the tourists were here to see the autumn scorched-like landscape, or the damage that had been caused by the horrendous weather.
New England is just coming up to its peak season where tourists ensue the foliage season. Locals forecast that the falls colours will reach their pinnacle on the 24th October.
Vermont is expected to see more than $332 million dollars spent during the fall season, which officially starts in September and finishes in November. The Tourism board has had their marketing campaign running for months, with fears that this season might see a down turn because of the damages caused to the network of roads that lead to the city.
Thus far though, reports from the tourism board indicate that October has surpassed expectations and has remained extremely busy throughout for the duration of the month.
With the weather now brightening up across in New England, experts say that the beauty that the landscape illustrates will only get better as the east coast of America gets ready for an Indian winter.
So this autumn if you find yourself stateside and you are looking to see something that will really light up the cold winter, don’t just watch the leaves fall, watch yourself tumble head over heels when you immerse yourself in these beautiful surroundings.
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