SPORTS, “AN ACTIVE VACATION”

A DIVE VACATION, “UNDER THE SEA”

BY CLAY LARROY

There is nothing more exciting than travelling. Whether you are going for a road trip to see something new in your own state, or heading off to somewhere for the very first time to visit a city you have always dreamed of, there are some travel basics that you should know. Travel in the off seasons from November to April, to avoid crowds, save money and enjoy temperate weather. In those months, many families with children cannot travel due to school commitments, making many tourist attractions much less crowded. This may also result in lower costs for airfare and hotels.  When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!

The weather at your destination will greatly affect your dive experience. And unfortunately, when traveling great distances, it is not easy to cancel at the last minute without losing some or all of your deposits. Keep your eye on the weather and be careful about booking travel during times of the year, for example hurricane season in the Caribbean, when you’ll have an above-average chance of trip disruption. Ask your travel consultant to check on the cancellation policies available from the tour operator or resort and if travel insurance is available for severe weather events.

As mentioned, a key consideration for any dive vacation is how much time you want to devote to diving. Some resorts offer diving opportunities as one of many activities for visitors, and only one afternoon of an entire week might be devoted to diving. Other destinations, however, center all activities around a full diving schedule, and travelers find themselves below the surface for hours each day - then usually relaxing at night with a big meal and a cold drink.

If you are going with a group, early in your planning, determine how much diving each traveler wants to do so you can choose the best location that offers interesting and alternative activities. Remember, too, that diving is an active sport with a small, manageable risk element. If the skill levels in your group vary greatly, your destination and tour operator should take those differences into account; if this is the case, you might not be able to dive together, unless the more experienced divers chose to do easier dives. Many dive centers will offer a range of dives allowing you to meet up with others in your group between dives. If you plan to travel with children, make sure that your travel consultant checks with the destination or tour operator about the appropriateness of the trip and alternative care, if needed.

You will most likely have a range of likely accommodation options, from budget to deluxe hotels. There are also "live aboard" options where you sleep on a boat and dive from the boat during the trip; if you go this route, you are likely to sleep in a twin bed cabin with limited space. However, if you want to maximize your diving opportunities, a live-a-board might be your best option. Imagine diving in the morning, enjoying lunch in the sun, diving after lunch and then reflecting on the day and making plans for tomorrow as you cruise to your next spot, watching the sun go down. These arrangements typically include high-quality meals and air for two dives per day in the package price. A couple of days on dry land at each end of your trip will give you a chance to enjoy life above the water as well.

While almost anyone can dive, make sure you are prepared for the physical demands of the trip and that the dive area is within your skill level. Some dives involve strong currents or extreme depths, so knowing what’s in store and getting a few hours of preliminary dive time at comparable depth and terrain will make your time on vacation more productive and enjoyable.

In addition to considering physical demands of a dive vacation, be aware of any indigenous diseases in your chosen destination, such as malaria or yellow fever, and protect yourself against them. As early as possible in the planning stage, consult a physician to determine what shots and other precautions you need prior to travel. Importantly, also consult your physician and dive masters about your flight schedule and appropriate wait periods before your first airline flight and after your last dive prior to flying to prevent problems with nitrogen build-up in your blood from the compressed air in your dive tanks.

Your tour operator no doubt will provide a complete list of recommended clothing and gear. In general, however, it is a good idea to pack as lightly as possible to ensure you can carry all of the equipment you need with you. Most airlines charge for excess baggage, and diving equipment tends to be heavy. Most airlines will carry empty cylinders, but consider renting your cylinders and weights at your destination to save baggage costs. Remember that diving knives must be packed, not carried on. Some localities do not permit spear fishing equipment, so check prior to your trip. If you do travel with your cylinder, you will have to remove the pressure valve during travel. Many destinations will have rentals of all equipment available, so just confirm the availability during your planning stages. You will almost certainly want to pack your own mask and flippers as these will need to fit perfectly. And remember to bring along your certification card, which is required by most dive locations, in addition to a logbook, sunscreen, and any necessary international travel documentation, such as your passport and visas. Prescription drugs should be carried with you, not checked. Work with your travel consultant to check in advance that your airline will be able to take everything you want to carry with you.

You may be asking, is dive travel safe? It is important to remember that diving in new surroundings will always entail a greater degree of risk. So play by the rules, listen to your tour operator and dive master, and stay within the limits of your skill level. The basics of safe diving apply in every instance, no matter where you are. Use the buddy system, be smart about your dives and take the same reasonable precautions you would in any unfamiliar dive territory. Drinking and diving? Allow adequate detox time and be responsible. Finally, remember standard precautions about airline travel post-dive.

The costs associated with your dive trip will be your transportation to the destination, your transportation at the destination and to the dive sites, your accommodations, your food, any dive master services and any additional activities. Tipping should also be considered as an additional expense. Many tour operators cover all, or some large portion, of these items in the cost of their tour. Work with your travel consultant to determine exactly what is included and what’s extra to avoid last-minute surprises.

Dive travel is almost more than a hobby, it can be a way of life. Come on in, the water’s fine.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

It's a beautiful thing, diving into the cool crisp water and then just sort of being able to pull your body through the water and the water opening up for you.

Dawn Fraser

                  Live Life and  travel to create marvelous memories!

SPORTS, “AN ACTIVE VACATION”

A DIVE VACATION, “UNDER THE SEA”

BY CLAY LARROY

Do you feel like it is time for a short vacation? Once you decide to travel, how good you plan the trip will help you feel comfortable and be comfortable at your destination. Not only will you feel less anxiety before the trip, but you can rest assured that once you arrive where you're going you will have a good understanding of what's going on there.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

Scuba diving offers travelers seeking an active vacation the opportunity to view parts of our world seen by very few. Divers are part of an exclusive club, sharing experiences normally reserved for marine life. Like few other activities, diving provides an unparalleled reason to travel and one that will leave you searching for your next marine adventure. If the idea of sharing your holiday with angel fish, eels and sharks, watching turtles gliding along the sea bed and exploring shipwrecks appeals to you, read on and learn the basics of dive travel planning.

If you already are an experienced diver, you know the joy of seeing a rare underwater species or one that you have never seen before. Add to that experience the thrill of traveling to a new, perhaps exotic, destination to explore, and you have a real adventure at hand. Setting off on a dive vacation in a distant land may seem daunting, but with the help of your travel agent - who can take care of the planning - diving will add an entirely new dimension to your adventures. If you are new to diving, traveling with a tour company that provides expert guidance is one of the best possible introductions.

A successful dive trip relies on choosing your destination and travel dates wisely, a good travel consultant to assist with the logistics, a little luck, and a lot of coordinated planning. If you currently dive, it’s likely that you have already traveled at some point to pursue your hobby. If you are new to diving, or if this is your first diving holiday, then you may want to consider taking a "learn to dive" holiday offered at many resort locations worldwide. PADI is a certification association for divers and a worldwide source of diving knowledge, advice and instructors. Dive resorts most often require PADI certification to rent equipment to divers or to provide refills for air tanks. PADI offers training through YMCAs and dive supply shops. Basic training can be done in a swimming pool with final certification taking place in "open water". A PADI open water certificate can be gained anywhere from 4 days to 6 weeks, depending on your training time and ability, and you can comfortably go on holiday to learn about and experience diving in the ocean by the end of a week. You’ll need to learn a lot of the theory that goes with this qualification, which means you should be prepared to do some homework during your holiday - but it’s time well spent.

As you begin planning, have a general idea of the amount of time you want to spend diving and the time you want to enjoy other activities. Also prepare your budget for the trip, weighing diving costs against transportation, lodging, food, and entertainment. When you evaluate the type of experience you’d like to have, ask yourself if there are species of marine life you particularly want to see, or if there’s a part of the world you’ve always wanted to visit? Do you want a "live aboard" experience, or are you looking for a resort - and diving is a secondary activity? The more consideration you give these issues, the more efficient the planning process will be, the more you’ll enjoy your vacation, and the quicker you will be on your way.

Your first stop should be a good travel agent experienced with tour operators offering dive trips and dive destinations. Because of the logistics of a diving trip and your investment in both time and money, it is important to have a practiced set of eyes watching out for you. A good travel consultant will know which destinations and tour operators are appropriate (and which to avoid) and can assist in pulling together less obvious components of the trip, often at substantial discounts.

If you are an experienced diver, then the world literally is your playground. Most divers have a long list of where they want to go and wrecks and marine life they want to see. Naturally, your budget will be a key factor when you finally decide where to go. Be sure to let your travel agent know any special preferences or requests at the first opportunity, so every possible detail is taken into account early in the planning process. In South America and the Caribbean, top destinations are Belize, the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos and Mexico. In Europe, Italy, Malta and its famous Blue Lagoon, Spain, and Croatia are all popular. The Red Sea is a world famous diving destination that’s accessible from Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, Sudan, Jordan, Egypt and Israel. South Africa offers cage diving to see Great White Sharks, and opportunities are endless in Asia and Australasia. Not to be missed are Truk Lagoon in Micronesia, and of course - the Great Barrier Reef. Very few localities require special dive permits; in most cases, a local PADI dive center can obtain a permit in short order. However, in some countries, notably in the Middle East, permit acquisition can take more than a week, so plan well in advance.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

I've always loved scuba diving and the cell-tickling feel of being underwater, though it poses unique frustrations. Alone, but with others, you may share the same sights and feelings, but you can't communicate well.

Diane Ackerman

 Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!

SPORTS, “AN ACTIVE VACATION”

BIKING VACATIONS TRAVELING THE BACKROADS

BY CLAY LARROY

A vacation can soothe the soul and leave you renewed, refreshed, and invigorated. Whether you are just now starting to plan your next vacation, or are merely looking for travel ideas and suggestions, read all the articles about travel. So take away some of the stress of making travel plans, and get started thinking about the fun and relaxing times you will soon be having on your next trip! When you are ready to plan an exciting vacation contact me!

Regardless of the pace and route, a biking vacation will make modest demands on a traveler’s physical conditioning. In considering whether a biking vacation is for you, take stock of you willingness to spend most of your day in the out-of-doors, in a bike saddle being very active. Some riding and exercising in advance of your vacation will help ensure that you do not spend your first nights on the road nursing sore muscles!

Your tour operator will probably suggest a training schedule prior to your trip that will match the rigour of your chosen itinerary. Some biking activity three times a week for several weeks before your travel is a must in order for you to fully enjoy the experience during your vacation.

It is worthwhile to take time prior to your trip familiarizing yourself with your routes. Although it is likely that your tour operator will provide you with a daily briefing, your own mental preparation and physical training will be easier to supplement if you know in advance the general course and terrain of your daily schedule while on the trip. Ask your tour operator to provide daily schedules with route guidelines in advance, if possible.

Finally, discuss with your personal traveling companions the various options on the trip and make sure that each is comfortable with the varying degrees of skill, fitness and desired pace represented by each member. It is important that the individuals that make up your personal traveling group are each in agreement that it will (or will not!) be appropriate for each biker to set their own pace and daily distance. Discussing such matters before you arrive at your destination will make your biking vacation much more pleasant on yourself and on the other participants.

The climate of the destination will determine your clothing selection. To the extent possible, pack lightly. Be sure to take equipment that is important to your comfort or protection such as your helmet (if not using the tour operator’s equipment), biking shoes and rain gear. Most excess luggage and equipment will be carried in the shuttle van during the course of the trip.

Are biking vacations safe? Any travel entails some degree of risk. However, biking tour operators are very much aware of the inherent risks of being in the out-of-doors and seek to minimize the risk riding in unfamiliar destinations.

Here are a few tips that can help you ensure that you enjoy your biking vacation with the maximum value and minimum risk:

• Prepare for the trip by making sure that you can physically handle the course, pacing and terrain you have chosen.
• Your tour operator will ultimately indicate that you are responsible for your choices, so be objective in your estimation of your conditioning.
• Learn the rules of the road. If you are not in Kansas anymore, you might be in Killarney and that oncoming traffic means you have forgotten that you are supposed to be on the left side of the road. Other localities are more or less bike friendly than your home routes, so get good local advice and follow it!
• As always, stay hydrated.
• Wear a helmet!
• Wear a helmet! (intentionally repeated!)
• Respect the local inhabitants. You are their guest.
• As with any vacation, travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip interruption and medical emergencies is a good idea.

Biking vacations are available the world over. From a road not far from your home, to the most far off reaches of the planet, it is highly likely that an organized biking vacation exists. Even a brief list would include most of the countries of Europe and the UK, all 50 states of the US, Canada, South America, Africa, Australia and Asia.

In Europe, France, Italy and Switzerland, as well as England, Scotland and Ireland are all favorite biking destinations. In North America, the western United States, New England and practically all of Canada are offered by a multitude of tour operators. The Asia-Pacific area opens new and exciting possibilities in Vietnam, China and Cambodia. Practically any country that you would want to visit offers some biking vacation opportunities.

The seasons of your destination will determine the most comfortable time for you to undertake your biking vacation. Your personal budget will comprise the other half of the ‘when’ question and answer. In general, your best values are in the shoulder season: that period between the highest, peak travel months in your destination and the lowest, off season. Typical shoulder season weather is a bit cooler than peak seasons yet much more affordable. Low seasons, while very inexpensive, tend to be uncomfortable...too hot, too cold, or too wet. Balance off the cost of the trip with your comfort and you will find value!

Not all tour operators will offer all destinations during all seasons. Likewise many tour companies will have policies about cancelled departures resulting from too few participants. Be sure to check on, and be comfortable with, the tour operator’s right to cancel a departure. The brochure or website of your tour operator will likely have an FAQ (frequently asked questions) section. Review the FAQ’s with your travel consultant and fellow travelers until satisfied with your research.

Carefully review what is included in your rates. Some bike tour operators include tips, some do not. Taxes are almost always additional. Food is typically covered, as are any fees for additional activities, but cover these issues with your travel consultant when making arrangements. The world awaits, so get in gear!

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

I find buying a bicycle is a great way to stay in touch with people. 
Jan Chipchase

 

Live Life and Travel to create marvelous memories!

<a href="https://feedshark.brainbliss.com/">feedshark</a>

SPORTS, “AN ACTIVE VACATION”

BIKING VACATIONS TRAVELING THE BACKROADS

BY CLAY LARROY

Travel is so much more that simply hopping on a flight to a new destination. If you plan it correctly, it could be a thrilling time you'll never forget. Planning a trip is fun as there are tons of things to do and see. Do you know how to plan a trip effectively? Packing light is key to making your travels as easy and free of stress as possible. Bring one carry-on bag that includes everything you need, not necessarily everything you want. Your smart packing will pay off when you are happily carrying one bag around on vacation instead of lugging around multiple bags. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Thinking about a biking vacation? If so, you are not alone. Active vacations, including biking, are definitely on the upswing. Individuals, couples and families find that a biking trip allows them to enjoy a vacation that includes plenty of outdoor time, great scenery, physical fitness and bonding with companions.

Biking vacations offer the active traveler the chance to experience a destination on a different level and pace than most travel affords. Bikers see the world at ground level, and view the landscape and countryside as an integral component of the trip, not merely as a corridor from one destination to the next. Whereas transportation is often just a means to an end, biking is both means and end, enriching the travel experience with an opportunity for a close-up encounter with the destination, traveling companions and inhabitants.

Biking vacations provide a unique opportunity to engage in a physical activity for the entirety of a vacation experience. However, the biking vacation is not only about a daily grind. Most tour operators design flexible itineraries and an individually oriented pacing that allows the traveler to enjoy the trip without a sense of urgency about speed or distance. There are many different types of biking tour operators and an itinerary for bikers of all levels. The biking experience often entails great lodging and fine food along the way...so losing weight might be a bit more difficult than you think.

:

A biking vacation is for you if

• You enjoy active vacations;
• You enjoy biking excursions at home;
• You want to spend your vacation time out of doors;
• You enjoy both personal accomplishment and cooperative activities while vacationing;
• You want to experience a very ‘different’ type of vacation. 

There are many different types of biking vacations. The three variables that make up the matrix from which a traveler may choose are destination, pace and companions. A good travel consultant is a key component of choosing the right vacation from the right tour operator. There are many possible tour operators and options from which to choose, and each has a different story to tell regarding its own history and experience with biking vacations. Work with your travel consultant to choose the biking vacation that is right for you and your traveling companions.

Tour operators provide logistical support, routes, itineraries, equipment, food, portage, accommodations and emergency aid are only some of the responsibilities undertaken by a tour operator offering a biking vacation. It is important during the planning stage to select a tour operator that offers an experience that matches your own preferences, and those of your companions.

It is important for the traveler considering a biking vacation to inquire as to the terrain of the destination. Climate, altitude and accumulated daily elevation (the total number of uphill feet in a day) all greatly impact the totality of the biking experience. Remember to consider each of the above factors as they might affect every traveler in your group. If one of your party is less experienced than others the trip is likely to be a very different experience for individual members unless the tour operator is prepared to accommodate disparities in ability.

Accommodations vary greatly not only from one tour operator to the next, but from one itinerary to the next. Examine closely the types of hotels, B&B’s or other lodging used by the tour operator on your particular itinerary. The overnight stays are as much a part of the experience as any other component, so make sure you are satisfied with the choices offered. Likewise, food quality is another variable of the typical program. Most meals will be included in the price of the tour, but make sure of any gaps in the offerings! Some tour operators will offer special dietary consideration for vegetarian or other cuisines.

Companies providing biking vacations typically segregate riders by experience and fitness. Many offer several different daily options and routes involving how much time is spent on the bike, the difficulty of the route, and the distance to be covered during a given day. Additionally, some tour operators impose age limits on riders. If you are traveling with riders under the age of 18, inquire as to the company’s policies for children and families. It is important that the traveler be comfortable with the available options, so ask your tour operator.

Most tour operators provide a pace van to shuttle riders along parts of the route where the rider would prefer not to bike or if a rider requires lift assistance. The shuttle van also serves as a water and meal station on some routes and as a repair or emergency vehicle if necessary. Not every tour operator provides a van. If you feel that a shuttle van would assist you and your companions, especially to equalize varying degrees of fitness over some routes, establish its availability during your research.

Participants typically have the option of either bringing their own bike or using one provided by the tour operator. If having your own equipment is important to you, be sure to determine the tour operator’s policy and discuss it prior to booking. Determine the shipping policies of the airline you will be using to travel to your destination, and insure your bike for its full value. If you are going to use the tour operator’s equipment, check in advance to ensure that you are comfortable with the make, model and sizing, as well as with the general condition of the equipment.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Life is like riding a bicycle: you don't fall off unless you stop pedaling.
 Claude Pepper

Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!

A CA$INO VACATION, “ODDS ARE YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME!”

BY Clay Larroy

People in general consider traveling as their personal interests.  Traveling can quickly become an interest simply because it is such an enjoyable experience. When you travel around the world and you will see a variety of different cultures and people.   There are two things to remember while traveling. The first thing is to be open-minded about people and their culture. The second thing and the most important, is to respect other cultures no matter how different. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 One Weekend at Fallsview

By Sherri Telenko

Saturday morning, noon and night

Sleep in after a night of dancing, or get up in time for breakfast at The Famous. Located on the main floor, this art deco themed 24-hour diner was created by Robert Sniderman, the owner of The Senator in downtown Toronto, Ontario.

Then head back to the hotel for a swim in the lap pool or relax in the adjacent whirlpool, both accessible to hotel guests only. On the same floor is The Spa, a mandatory addition to any trendy resort. The 15,000-square-foot facility offers the typical spa services, including therapeutic massages and body wraps. Facial treatments uniquely titled ‘Serenity,’ ‘Clarity,’ ‘Purity’ and the ‘Caviar Signature Immersion’ are available. And men are not left out. A number of treatment packages named after local landmarks, such as the ‘Peninsula Pleasure,’ are designed especially for the discerning homme.

By now, it’s time for a late lunch, and what’s a casino experience without a buffet? Fallsview has one called the Grand Buffet, and this 750-seat eating emporium is located adjacent to the gaming floor. Fuel up seven days a week, lunch or dinner, then head to the center of it all - the single level 200,000 square foot casino floor (picture three football fields side-by-side) with 150 gaming tables and more than 3,000 slot machines ranging in price from five cents a pull to one hundred dollars in the high stakes area.

Unlike most casinos, the slots are not grouped according to bet values, but banks of different amounts are scattered throughout the floor encouraging patrons to walk around. Take special note of a bank of fifty cent slots located under a giant campy statue of a woman auspiciously showing off a diamond ring. These slots have a special payout - the jackpot line wins your choice of two diamond rings, a diamond necklace or single diamond. So far, according to the casino, 50 people have gone home sporting new rocks.

Table games include the usual suspects: blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat (played Asian-style with the house dealing cards) and Pai-Gow, an ancient Chinese game similar to poker. In fact, this casino is a big draw for Asian clientele, intentionally so. The resort was designed with Feng Shui principals in mind; there are no floors containing the number four (an unlucky number in Chinese culture), and there are three fountains on site. Water is a symbol of luck and fortune, so here’s where Niagara Falls has the edge over the desert town of Vegas - what could be luckier than the world’s largest natural water falls just outside the window?

Speaking of popular, as of the New Year, Fallsview added two poker tables to its repertoire - thanks to a certain television show. It launched the new addition with a celebrity tournament in 2005, and tables have been buzzing since. There’s even a home-grown version of Texas Hold ‘em called Niagara Hold ‘em. The house gets a ‘rack’ of the pot, and there’s no checking or raising, so bluffing is highly likely.

If you don’t get lucky at the casino tables, you will definitely hit the payout upstairs at 17 Noir. The second floor of this Vegas-style fine dining restaurant requires reservations, but it’s worth it. The fusion-style cuisine blends local produce, fish and select meats to create dishes that combine fruit accents and with sharp flavors. Finish off the meal with the signature dessert called Eclipse Chocolate and Hazelnut Mousse. Inspired by an astronomical theme, this planet of chocolate hazel nut truffle (complete with rings of Saturn) orbits on top of an edible chocolate cone decorated with stars and backed by a fire-like wall of spun candy. See it to believe it.

Not to be out done, 17 Noir has three chef’s tables, each exclusive. One is in the red wine cellar, the other is surrounded by stemware cabinets and the third is in the kitchen and primarily used by friends of the chef. The best seating, however, is in the room directly overlooking the falls. The room can be shut off for private functions of up to 30 people, and it has fiber optic cable in the floors that change color.

Dinner at 17 Noir can (and should) take hours, but if you can make it, head to one of the many shows the casino offers nightly. The Avalon Ballroom hosts the headliners. This state-of-the-art theater accommodates 1,500 people when set up with rows of seats but can be reconfigured for fashion shows, corporate events, tailgate parties during football season and even boxing matches. Performers who’ve hit the stage include the Barenaked Ladies, Tony Orlando, Julio Iglesias and Burton Cummings.

Live entertainment continues inside the casino at the both the Splash Bar, seen from the casino floor, and the 365 Club, which can be separated from the noise of the slots. Here, free nightly shows range from local bands Thursday through Saturday, comedy night on Wednesday starting at 8pm, and a musician’s jam session every Tuesday evening. Monday is reserved for big-screen sporting events.

Gamble away until 1am when you might be feeling puckish again. If so, the Grand Buffet offers a late-night buffet of munchies for only five dollars.

Sunday morning

Check out of the hotel by 11 am, but don’t think you’re done yet. There’s still shopping to do. Fallsview has three floors of boutiques and additional restaurants, so you can’t go home empty handed. Stop at Turtle Pond Toys for something unique for the kids and then at Swiss Fudge to get a thank-you gift for the neighbors who fed the cat. Treat yourself at First Hand Canadian Crafts and Design, filled with high-quality jewelry, furnishings, and crafts by Canadian artisans and designers, or at Linda Lundstrom, designer of stylish coats perfect for this country’s climate.

And if you didn’t win your diamond on the casino floor, take your last chance to pick up something glittery at Swarovski. A sparkling crystal seems the ideal reminder of a weekend of Vegas-style glamour at one of the most breathtaking natural wonders shared by the US and Canada alike. The chairman of the board would be proud.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

The contemporary casino is more than a gambling destination: it is a multifarious pleasure enclosure intended to satisfy every member of the family unit.

Colson Whitehead
 

Travel  have fun and create wonderful memories for your family!

A CA$INO VACATION, “ODDS ARE YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME!”

BY Clay Larroy

Make the most of your travel experiences. Taking a cruise is a great way to see many different places when you travel. Cruises offer many activities and things to do while on the ship, while offering you the opportunity to explore different locations each time you arrive at a port. Travel is a great opportunity to learn more things. Time spent abroad helps you understand and appreciate diverse cultures. In addition, it encourages an acceptance and tolerance of ways of life that differ from your own. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

One Weekend at Fallsview

By Sherri Telenko

Before the MGM Grand, before Siegfried and Roy at the Mirage, before pirates ruled Treasure Island, Las Vegas was a world of privately-run casinos and nightly shows by styling crooners. Frank Sinatra and his rat pack cohorts entertained in the Copa Room of The Sands for $5.95 a ticket, including dinner. This was the Vegas heyday of the 1960s when glitter gulch lured those seeking fortune, free of fame.

It was the era that led to the development of themed resorts and megabuck corporate investment of the 1970s and 80s. Following in the footsteps of its American predecessor, Niagara Falls, today Ontario, Canada is at a similar cusp. It’s ready to reinvent itself. Step one: add a resort casino called Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort.

Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort is Niagara’s nod to Caesar’s Place - the Las Vegas luxury resorts that started the bigger, better, boom craze of the late 1960s. But unlike Vegas, this casino is still under the watchful eye of provincial politicians - The Government of Ontario receives 20 percent of gross gaming revenues and 100 percent of the net profits from the commercial casinos run by the contracted and privately-owned Falls Management Company (FMC). And responsibility is the name of the game here - addiction information litters the casino floor, and there is talk of providing 24-hour addiction counseling.

But Fallsview is about more than gaming. It’s about amenities - restaurants, shopping, spa services, live shows and even a wedding chapel. This is the first resort casino in Canada intended to attract longer-stay visitors from the U.S. and international destinations particularly Japan, China and Korea. Gaming is a sexy window dressing.

So how do you fill a weekend (or more) at the Fallsview Casino Resort? Here’s what a getaway might look like...

Friday Night Check-In

Enter the hotel’s European-inspired lobby decorated with hand-painted ceiling frescos and make your way to the check-in desk where professional staff can make any reservation you need during your stay. Then head up to one of the 368 luxury rooms. Most have a picture-perfect view of both the American and Canadian falls, scenic anytime of the year. The rooms are professionally decorated with Laura Ashley prints, dark wood furniture and floor-to-wall marble tiled bathrooms, home to very complimentary lighting.

Once back downstairs, take a minute to experience the casino’s most photographed attraction: a multi-story fountain modeled after an electrical power generator. Every evening on the hour, this spectacular fountain becomes an animated light show of lasers, electrical pulses imitating lightning, and color shifts. Voiced over the drama are exchanges between two plant employees working to overt a power overload crisis.

When it’s over, spend Friday night clubbing at the casino’s newest addition - a contemporary, DJ-driven dance club that opened July 2006. Or, for a quieter experience, go to the first floor of 17 Noir. No reservation is necessary in the bottom floor lounge that’s part of the resort’s extravagant red and black roulette table inspired dining concept, which is as understated as a Celine Dion stage show. There’s an authentic sushi bar up front and oriental noodle bar in the back, along with stylish tables designed with conversation and falls views in mind. You’ll be in no hurry to leave either - food is served until 4 am.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Casino gambling is colorful and dramatic and theatrical.

 Steve Wynn
 

Travel  and create magnificent memories for your family!

A CA$INO VACATION, “ODDS ARE YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME!”

BY CLAY LARROY

In the world of traveling, there are plenty of great resources available to both new and experienced travelers alike. There are many websites, guides, books, videos, and other resources available. By writing this blog I hope that I am providing valuable information about wonderful vacation destinations. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Casino Etiquette

While it’s neither mandatory nor necessary, dealers are paid minimum wage and generally expect a tip of 5-10% when you are winning. Slipping a dealer or cashier a chip is just like a cash tip: a small gratuity for services rendered. Don’t forget your cocktail waitresses and valet parking, who make money off of tips as well.

General rules of courtesy apply, even in a rowdy casino, including:

• Always refrain from giving other players advice, unless asked.
• If you need to leave your chair for a quick break and intend to return, signal this by leaving a cup or personal item on the chair, or leaning the chair against the machine or table.
• Never touch blackjack cards dealt face up - you may only touch those dealt face down.
• When betting mixed chips, stack the highest value on the bottom and the lowest on top. The dealer can more easily read your bet, and this also helps the casino monitor cheating.
• Check with players at a high-stakes table to see if they would like you to wait until the shuffle to join. This courtesy is not necessary at low denomination tables.
• Personal electronic devices are frowned upon by casinos. This doesn’t mean you have to leave them at home, but use them appropriately. To limit cheating, no cell phones or other electronics can be used while seated at a game. Cameras may be used with discretion, depending on the establishment. In the past, rules that prohibited photography were in place to protect players from being caught on film. As gambling has become more accepted by the mainstream, the rules have relaxed. When in doubt, ask a security guard what’s permissible.
• Most casinos have strictly enforced rules about under-age persons stopping in the casino area. Even mothers with toddlers will often be asked to move along if they stop to watch the action at a table. If you travel with children, anticipate having to make babysitting arrangements, a service offered by most casino resorts.

Getting "Rated"

On this planet, there are creatures known as "whales" - big gamblers that casinos actually fly to their establishments, who receive complimentary rooms, meals and entertainment. However, you do not have to be a whale to earn complimentary amenities. Most casinos will happily rate any gambler and provide awards for enthusiastic play.

Upon arrival at the casino, ask the reception desk about obtaining a "player’s card" sometimes also known as a "slot card". The casino uses a player’s card to keep track of your gambling. When playing slot machines, you place the card into a slot on the machine. At tables, you provide your card to the dealer and you are rated on how long you play and your average bet. Typically, play for less than an hour is not rated and players should not bother to give the dealer their card. Most casinos hold these records for up to 18 months and will award complimentary amenities. Often, amenities are awarded on the spot, simply by playing three or more hours at a single table with an average bet of $10 or more.

Preparations

If you want to be perceived as a high roller, then dress like a high roller; otherwise, it’s perfectly acceptable to go the casual route, as most people do. If your hotel has a pool or health club, you may want to pack appropriately and pull yourself away from the gaming tables for a much needed break.

If you are not familiar with the games played at casinos, purchase a book and do a bit of study beforehand. Game software is also available to simulate various games, letting you practice and hone your skill level. Once at the casino, you’ll have many opportunities to learn how to play, including casino instruction, in-house television programming, and simply watching others try their luck. Do not be intimidated by your lack of knowledge. Generally, the lower denomination tables will have the least experienced players and will welcome well-intentioned efforts at learning a game.

Set a budget and stick to it... this often heard advice is too often little heeded. Remember, the odds are with the house, not with you. This advice has a financial aspect, as well as an emotional one. Luck plays a big role in the gambling process, so think of it as entertainment. If you win, that’s great. If you lose, it’s entertainment... as long as you have properly budgeted for your entertainment expenses.

Finally, make sure you allow yourself a little time to decompress after returning from your vacation. Casinos can have high-energy atmospheres, and gambling can be stressful. Relax. Enjoy yourself. There’s no sense in ruining a perfectly good vacation by pushing your luck, so stop while you’re ahead!

Go on then. Don’t keep lady luck waiting.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

It's wonderful to learn about new cultures and to be able to travel easily to so many countries.

Stephen A. Schwarzman

Live Well, Laugh Often and Travel Much!