Vacation Blog

Las Vegas evokes visions of extravagant, exciting, colorful mega resorts; flashing neon lights; warm, desert weather; slot machines; showgirls; and fun. Las Vegas is no longer just about gambling. Today, Las Vegas has world-class restaurants, unique shopping, headliner entertainment, spas, golf, tennis, and elaborate pool complexes. If youre planning on going to Las Vegas, here are some tips to save you money.

Package it

Las Vegas trip planning neednt be difficult. Often the best prices are found by booking a package through a tour operator that includes roundtrip airfare, accommodations, and transportation to and from the airport all for one price. Often these packages feature charter flights, and are frequently non-stop flights. Theres something festive about a plane full of vacationers all headed for Vegas. Charter flights require a little flexibility, as they generally dont operate every day, but the rewards can be savings of up to 40 percent.

Book Early; Book Late

The paradox of Las Vegas travel planning is that the best rates, almost always, go to those travelers who either book very early or very late. Tour operators, airlines, and hotels reward those who ante up their travel dollars early and help operators meet their booking goals. Conversely, they tend to panic within 21 days or so of departure, fearing they wont be able to sell all their seats or rooms, and consequently slash prices dramatically. One example of this is the deep discounts offered via the Internet for travelers who can book on Wednesday and travel on Friday or Saturday. The catch to this, of course, is that not all cities are offered on any given week.

Take Advantage of the Freebies

Las Vegas is famous for its comps. You dont have to be a high roller to qualify for freebies. Most casinos have some type of frequent players club. Dont be shy. Sign up as soon as you arrive and make sure that you insert your card into the slot machine or show it to the pit boss for table play. Rewards can range from complimentary meals and gifts to free hotel nights.

Ask about coupon books when you make your reservation and when you check into the resort in Las Vegas. Many tour operators and most hotels offer a value book with two-for-one drink and meal specials, match play coupons, and other specials. Dont leave this bet on the table.

Travel Off-Season

Its hard to imagine that the thousands of hotel rooms in Las Vegas can all be full during certain times of the year, but they are. Las Vegas is one of the busiest convention destinations in the world. These mega-shows are held mostly from early spring through late autumn with a break during the hottest middle of the summer. Book your trip in early January or mid-July for a lower price.

Las Vegas trip planning needed be stressful. Online travel information, a good travel agent, and a little flexibility can go a long way to putting together a memorable and enjoyable trip to Las Vegas. Dont delay. Get started on planning your trip today.

Sandy Mitchell is a Cleveland-based full-time freelance writer and former travel agent. When she's not at the computer, she's flying off somewhere for the weekend. She's available for copywriting and travel article assignments. See more of her writing at her website writedestination.com.

Thriving rainforest, magnificent waters and splendid landscapes make Venezuela a prime tourist spot in this side of the American continent. With so many things to do and so many places to visit, Venezuela can offer travelers more than just places to visit and activities to engage in. Pack your bags and buy your ticket for a true South American escape; here's where you spend your stay in this country.

1.) The Amazon

Visit Venezuela and enter its jungle for a truly different experience. Walk with Venezuelan guides into the jungle and discover the diversity that characterizes the Amazon. If walking is not your thing, ride with the locals in one of the three rivers that run deep into the Amazon for a virtually different Amazonian tour.

2.) Angel Falls

Water plummeting some 979 meters down the slope is a sight not to be missed in any Venezuelan trip. Visit Venezuela from January to May and experience the magic of the falls at its best. While at it, take a trip down to Canaima and dip into its crimson red lagoon.

3.) The Caribbean Coast

A favorite honeymoon site and holiday destination, the Caribbean Coast offers more than just fun and games for newlyweds, family, and friends. Visit the Caribbean coast for some outdoor activities like swimming, boating, diving, and snorkeling. The idyllic place with turquoise blue water and coconut palms makes any activity, even sitting or lying lazily on the beach, a truly memorable experience.

4.) Orinoco River

Ride the flow of one of the longest rivers on Earth and discover Venezuela as it unfurls itself in every row. Feed your eyes with some of the most beautiful plants and animals that make this side of the Amazon truly a nature's living Mecca. Join Paso a Nado Internacional de los Rios Orinoco-Caron organized on this river and compete with some 1000 swimmers.

5.) The Andes

Move one step closer to heaven by engaging in a trek in this alpine escape. The longest mountain range in the world hosts equally long list of tourist destination, facilities and travel opportunities that could really bring your adventure to the next level. Pack your bags and be ready for some high altitude adventure with Andes Mountain Range.

6.) Catatumbo Lightning

A Venezuelan tourist site can disprove the claims that lightning do not strike the same place twice and thunder comes after lightning. Tourists of this place on the southwest part of Lake Macaibo can watch an all-night's worth of lightning without covering their ears. The reason for this phenomenon is unknown, perhaps the thunder's throat got all sore from all those lightning.

7.) Colonia Tovar

Discover these colonial houses in the heart of cloud-covered Venezuelan forests. Tourists, especially Caracas locals, visit Colonia Tovar especially on weekends to have a taste of German sausages and other delights. Visitors are also treated with lush surrounding and warm people.

8.) Guacharo Cave

Guacharo Cave is any spelunker's dream come true. Measuring some 10.2 kilometers, Guacharo cave is the longest cave system in Venezuela. Watch in awe while thousands of native oilbirds living in Guacharo cave total darkness leave by the cave mouth during dusk in search for food.

9.) Roraima

Splendid rock formations, quartz deposits, waterfalls, and exotic carnivorous plants make Roraima an alluring place to go especially for nature lovers and climbing aficionados. Test your strength on its cliffs and climb up the plateau for a truly wonderful experience. All-inclusive tours are available for people who wanted to take on the Roraima challenge in San Francisco de Yuruan or Paraitepu.

10.) Anacondas

Venezuelan lands offer its visitor a chance to get real close to wild flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Learn more about the snake that has captured the imagination of scriptwriters and film directors. Just make sure these big snakes won't get too close and personal with you.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/venezuela to view or share Venezuela travel videos.

Vacation Blog

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Las Vegas Travel Planning: How to Save Money

Ten Things to Watch Out For in Venezuela

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