Travel and Leisure

Recently I had an opportunity to do some traveling in the south. This business mixed with pleasure trip turned out to be very interesting. Being in the construction business for the past 30 years I have traveled to nearly every state in the US. On this latest trip, my first impression was that the recession is certainly not over. Things have changed drastically since 9-1-1. The current recession has caused dramatic changes in our business climate. Closings of small businesses as well as large companies are evident everywhere. “Closed” and “Out of Business” signs are posted in numerous store-front windows that used to display operational products.

The South is probably doing somewhat better than the North. While passing through Jackson, MS, the old Jackson area revealed many closed strip malls and business areas. However, the larger businesses such as Nissan had a full shift working on Sunday.

From Jackson we traveled to Vicksburg, MS where we stayed for the night. Vicksburg is a very historic town. I stayed in Vicksburg several years ago and, for its size, it seemed to be flourishing. Hotels were full and there were tourists everywhere you went, restaurants, museums, National Military Park & Cemetery, walking tour and casinos were all hustle bustle activity. This stay was very different. There were very few people anywhere, including the casinos, which was a real mind-blower.

After completing business in Monroe, LA we traveled to New Orleans for a business convention and some fun. Keep in mind, this was Super Bowl weekend (Saints playing) as well as Mardi Gras season. Wow, what a shocker! The Big Easy was not herself. While the aftermath of Katrina should be long since past, some areas of Bourbon Street are still under construction. Many of the establishments are closed and vacant. This was not what I expected. I was in New Orleans for Mardi Gras pre-Katrina and pre-recession. You could not even make your way through the crowds along Bourbon Street. Nearly every place we stopped was packed, and forget sitting down, it was standing room only. Not so this trip.

The long and short of it is, it is quite apparent that the recession is not over. So when political powers that be try to tell us that the recession has ended, don’t believe them. Take a road trip, anywhere, and see for yourself.

Las Vegas, Nevada, also known as Sin City, is not the ideal getaway for someone who is looking for a relaxing vacation or time to catch up on some much needed rest as I recently discovered. For those, like me, who are looking for excitement, fun, and an unforgettable time, then Vegas won’t disappoint.

It’s best to arrive in at night to fully appreciate the shock and beauty of the city. I was amazed to find the lights every brighter than I had imagined. Everywhere I turned there were sights that had me captivated, from the fountain show at the Bellagio to the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. During my last trip here, I discovered three things imperative to experience for a successful trip: The shows, nightlife, and of course, the casinos.

Out of the plethora of shows available, two shows rise above the rest: The Cirque du Soleil “O” show and the Beatles LOVE. When attending the “O” show, I arrived early to give myself time to explore the Bellagio’s Conservatory and Garden, which I found perfect to put me in the appropriate mindset to fully enjoy the upcoming show. The “O” Show is nothing short of mesmerizing, with amazing acrobatics and an incredible presentation, it was certainly one of the shortest hours of my life. The Beatles LOVE was not far behind, unbelievable stunts performed to the Beatles timeless tunes make for a shockingly entertaining experience.

Las Vegas nightlife is world renowned. From smaller more intimate settings ideal for grabbing an after dinner drink to trendy nightclubs perfect for dancing the night away, I wanted to experience it all. I found the Mix Lounge in the Mandalay Bay hotel to be a wonderful and classy place to enjoy a cocktail while overlooking the bustling activity of The Strip. Though, when a nightclub atmosphere was what I was after, I put on my dancing shoes and headed to Tao housed in the Venetian. I was intrigued by the unique, Asian themed lounge complete with a Koi pond and multiple levels of dance floors and patios that make Tao a Las Vegas must see.

Whether I was feeling lucky or preferred to people watch, I made sure to visit a variety of Las Vegas Casinos. As a matter of fact, it would have been hard to avoid the casinos, seeing as they are located in almost every hotel, many restaurants, and even offer some chances to win in the Las Vegas airport. To fully appreciate the Las Vegas Casinos, I was sure to try my luck at the casino located in Caesars Palace. I figure, if I couldn’t find my luck in Caesars Palace, I must have left it as home, seeing as it is most expansive of all the Vegas hotel casinos.

Throughout my experience I have found Las Vegas to be a city alive with energy that has stayed with me long after I left and certainly has kept me anxious to return.

Found in the state of Victoria is the second most densely inhabited Australian city, Melbourne. Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and is today’s hub for arts, commerce, academe, entertainment, sport and tourism. Melbourne, dubbed by some people as the cultural and sporting capital of Australia, is known for a culture that is rich, diverse and multifaceted. A culture that is visually presented in museum galleries and exhibits. It is said that Melbourne gave rise to the modern museum era in Australia. A modernization that provides a fresh learning experience to visitors.

There are three major state-owned museums in Melbourne, Australia. All of them are managed by the organization called Museum Victoria along with the Royal Exhibition Building and City of Moreland – a storage facility.

Melbourne Museum is regarded as the largest museum in the southern part of the globe. It was established in 1854 on its original site in the city block between La Trobe, Swanston, Little Lonsdale and Russell Streets. Presently located in the Carlton Gardens in Melbourne, this eight-gallery museum is among the museums operated by Museum Victoria. Essentially, the Melbourne Museum involves the exploration of Victoria’s existence, culture and history. This highly acclaimed museum has permanent exhibits of various collections. One gallery is even dedicated for children. Other highlights in the Melbourne Museum are the large skeleton of a Pygmy Blue Whale, Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre – a gallery about Aboriginal people in Victoria, a living forest, the body of the racehorse Phar Lap and also an IMAX theater for 2D or 3D viewing of documentaries and movies.

The Science works Museum is one of the three museums handled by Museum Victoria. This is a science center or a museum dedicated to exhibits relating to science. Located in the Spotswood suburb, this museum opened in March of 1992. The building of this museum has a layout that incorporates industrial lines on an infrastructure that located in close proximity to a historic sewage pumping house built in 1897, whose steam engine is also a part of the exhibit. This museum displays and features hands-on experiments and demonstrations in addition to tours. It has a lightning room in a 12-seat auditorium where presentations about electricity. Which entails a giant Tesla Coil, capable of generating two million volts of electricity, producing three meter lightning bolts are found. There is also a digital planetarium, the only one of its kind within the southern hemisphere. Additionally, there is the 1883 Flinders Street Station clock tower.

The Immigration Museum is the third gallery of arts that is managed by the Museum Victoria. It basically features and displays the history of Australia’s immigration. The museum is held in the Old Customs House situated on Flinders Street in Melbourne. Founded in 1998, the museum has been known for showcasing the Long Room, an art space of Renaissance revival architecture. People from all over the world who have migrated to Australia is the main focus of Immigration Museum. By using several combinations of moving images, personal and community voices, memories and memorabilia the history of immigration is presented. Aside from the historical documents on immigration, this museum also offers hosting for different travel expeditions and other educational programs.

Planning your family vacation in Las Vegas is an important step if you are to get the absolute most out of your stay. There is a wealth of hotels, terrific shows, and fun activities in Las Vegas for families on holiday.

In this article you will find the most family friendly hotels, which shows are the best and most suitable for families, and the plethora of fun thing to do in the most exciting city in the world.

Hotels in Las Vegas for Families – The following hotels are recommended based on the entertainment, family activities available, comfort, its location on the Strip, and the overall acceptance of families:

• MGM Grand – Come face-to-face with the famous MGM Lions, or take in the tremendous KA by Cirque Du Soleil
• New York-New York – A wonderful replication of the most recognizable city in the world, take the family on the ride of their life on the massive roller coaster that weaves and dips its way around the entire hotel complex.
• Mandalay Bay – Relax at one of the best swimming complex in Las Vegas for families, including 2,700 tons of real sand. Or visit the Shark Reef Aquarium, one of the most prestigious facilities of its kind.
• Caesars Palace – Soak up the sensational aura of ancient Rome at this extremely elegant hotel, with a breathtaking swimming complex.
• Luxor – The unmistakable Luxor is an icon of the the Strip. A giant glass pyramid with the worlds most powerful beam shining into the night sky.
• Excalibur – Exceptionally designed hotel that replicates an enchanted castle in the times of King Arthur. Has to be seen to be believed, and even then you might think you are under a spell!
• Circus Circus – Perhaps the most family orientated hotel in Vegas, Circus Circus offers hours of fun at the magnificent Adventuredome.

Shows in Las Vegas for Families – Show in Vegas are not just for adults. There are plenty of family friendly shows from captivating shows by Cirque Du Soleil to the fantastic humor and magic of the Mac King Comedy show. Here is a list of recommended shows for families:

• Disney’s The Lion King
• KA by Cirque Du Soleil
• O by Cirque Du Soleil
• Gregory Popovich Pet Theater
• Lance Burton Master Magician
• Terry Fator Ventriloquist
• Tournament of the Kings Dinner Show
• V: The Ultimate Variety Show

All shows are very reasonably priced and offer fantastic entertainment for not only the kids, but the parents too!Fun Activities in Las Vegas for Families – Whether you want to enjoy exhibits, museums, or animal habitats, here is a list of fun things to do for you and your family:

• Adventuredome
• Dolphin Habitat and Secret Garden
• Bellagio Fountains
• Titanic Artifact Exhibit
• Shark Reef Aquarium
• Madam Tussauds
• Lied Discovery Childrens Museum

These are just some of the many fun things to do in Las Vegas with your family. Whichever you decide, you can expect high standards in both quality and service.So there you have it, a quick sample of whats on offer in Las Vegas for families. A truly unforgettable destination that the family will never forget!

There is enough to do in London for a entire lifetime and any tourist is in for a cultural banquet. Although regarded as one of the priciest places in the world, there are plenty of activities on offer for free. Some of Britain’s most popular art galleries are in London and the majority are free; these galleries offer a diverse range of art from priceless classics to contemporary installations. If you’re concerned about fitting everything into one weekend, don’t worry as most public art galleries have late opening hours.

While exploring London there are many sights to see such as the changing of the guard at 11.30am every day at Buckingham Palace. Don’t forget the Royal parks which provide a green oasis in the bustle of London with Regent’s Park and St James’ Park being amongst the most popular.

Trafalgar Square would complete any visit to London, a popular tourist attraction which is also the main focus for many political demonstrations. Every December, the Norwegians donate a huge Christmas tree to thank Britain for freedom from the Nazis.

Many well known street markets are spotted around the city with lots on offer; the most popular are Camden Market, Portobello Market and Greenwich Market. Every afternoon licensed street performers entertain the crowds with a variety of acts in Covent Garden Market.

One of the most impressive holy attractions London has to offer is Westminster abbey; it does not charge those who wish to worship but it relies on the admission fees from visitors to cover operation costs. Each day at 5pm the Abbey choir sing the evensong which is a huge attraction.

Some of the finest restaurants in the world are on offer in London and these include French double Michelin star winning ‘L’Atelier de Jol Robucho’ or the more reasonably priced ‘Rhodes Twenty Four’, the flagship contemporary British restaurant of famous chef Gary Rhodes located on the 24th floor of tower 42.