Archive for June, 2010
Las Vegas Goes Child-Friendly
When searching for a fun and interesting spot that can entertain the whole family, you might want to consider a Las Vegas Family Vacation. While, “Sin City” may not be the most obvious choice, give it a chance, this desert burg may surprise you.
There are a variety of different kinds of attractions from zoos to water parks. Plenty of the famed Las Vegas shows are totally child appropriate and hotels often offer options for parents. Some of the hotels that offer child care are: Boulder Station, for a fee; Orleans, the Kid’s Time Child Care Center; and Loews Lake Las Vegas, the Lowes Loves Kids program.
Several resorts feature Kid’s Quest child care centers: The Palms, Boulder Station, Red Rock Casino and Resort, Sunset Station, Santa Fe Station and Texas Station.
If you have techno heads in your family, try a trip to GameWorks. This attraction features everything from cutting-edge games like virtual games and dance stations to classic arcade fun in the form of PacMan and Mario Brothers. There’s even an adults-only area where you can retire while the little ones run free.
For the animal lover in your group, head to Animal Kingdom. Part of the MGM Grand Lion Habitat, this zoo features attractions such as Gregory Popovich’s Comedy Pet Theater, an outstanding showcase of dancing, juggling, and tumbling animals. The best part about it, it’s completely FREE!
Another must see destination is the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. This aquarium features amazing underwater tunnels where visitors can view over 1,200 species of sea creatures. There’s even a stingray petting area!
Don’t forget to refuel while you’re out exploring the strip. There are a number of good options for family friendly dining in Las Vegas. Visit the famed Planet Hollywood’s Cheeseburger at the Oasis or take a dining safari at The District’s Elephant Bar. You’ll be in awe of the animatronics animals and the 10,000-gallon saltwater aquarium at the Rainforest Café at the MGM Grand.
For the adventurer in your family, you can’t get much better than the Adventuredome at Circus Circus. Grab a cotton candy or a corn dog and jump on rides like the Rim Runner, Inverter, Chaos, Canyon Blaster, Disk ‘O or The Sling Shot. With thrills and chills galore, this amusement park is sure to have something everyone can enjoy. Get carried away to the midway by the clown shows, bumper cars, laser tag, and classic sideshow booths.
There are also many opportunities to pinch those pennies while in Vegas. Activities and attractions that are free of charge include watching the famed Fountains at the Bellagio Hotel, M&M’s World at the Showcase Mall, the Mirage’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, and the flying acrobatics at Circus Circus.
Don’t forget your video camera; capturing the sights, sounds and neon lights of your Las Vegas Family Vacation is a must!
Paris Of Africa: Abidjan
Anyone looking for a unique vacation destination should definitely check out Western Africa. Abidjan is the largest city in Cote d’Ivorie or “Ivory Coast,” making up 45% of the countries population. It is no longer the official capitol, but it is still the business and travel hub of Western Africa. The West African American Embassy is located in Abidjan. The Airport is located inside the city. The city’s language is French. Travelers often refer to Abidjan as the “Paris of Africa,” and compare the overall atmosphere European.
Areas:
There are ten different communes in Abidjan: Abobo, Port-Bouët, Adjamé, Attécoubé, Cocody, Biétry, Marcory, Koumassi, The Plateau, Treichville, Île Boulay, and Yopougon. So, be aware of where your hotel is located, compared to where your desired destinations are. I recommend Treichville for vacationers and The Plateau for business travelers. Some of these are upper echelon districts, while others are very poor neighborhoods.
Transportation:
The most common transportation is by cab. Just be sure to ask the driver what the rate or cost will be, as some will prey on foreigners . “Gbakas”(a tiny van) are also an option, but limited in number. Other forms of public transportation is available, but often limited to destination.
Things to do:
The city is to host many annual music, dance, pageant, cinema, and festival events: Concerto Festival, les Top d’or , Festival of Urban Dances , International Festival of Black Music, International Jazz Festival of Abidjan , Hip-hop is back festival, Faya Flow, Dj Mix Atalakou, Festival de Maracana d’Abidjan, International Festival of lingerie and beauty, FESNACI, Festival MASA, Le Tiercé Gagnant, Climbie beach Festival, RTI Music Awards, International Comics Festival, etc…
Monuments and museums include: National Library, National Museum, La Celebre Rue Princesse, Saint-Paul of Abidjan Cathedral, Village Kiyi – M’Bock, Chocolate City, Museum of Contemporary Art, American Cultural Center, Goethe Institute, Le Point d’Orgue, Municipal Museum, The Plateau Mosque, Place la Sorbone, French Cultural Centre, Ivory Coast Museum of Civilisations, Palais de la Culture, Palais des sports, Handicrafts Centre of the City of Abidjan, 1000 maquis.
Some popular events also include going to see sporting events, especially the ASEC Mimosas and Africa Sports National.
The Banco National Park is a 7, 500 acres tropical rain forest. This is a must see! There is also a public Zoo.
Hotels:
There is not any shortage of Abidjan hotels. The most popular being: Hotel Ivoire International, Ibis Abidjan Plateau, Hotel du Nord, Novotel Abidjan, Hotel Banfoura, Sofitel Abidjan, Hotel Tiama, African Queen Lodge, and Golf Hotel Inter-Continental Abidjan.
You may see a lot of negative data about the Hotel Ivorire. While the pool, skating rink, casino etc.. were often closed and in shambles, the hotel did an extensive 60 million dollar renovation in 1999. It truly is a sight to see.
Food:
There is a variety of food options. Native restaurants will serve dishes mostly of yams, breads, rice, fish, and cassava. European style cuisine is also a popular choice. Many of the food venders prepare the food on the streets. On Princess Road, venders sell spicy chicken sticks. But, western foods can be found, such as – “Big Burger.”
The civil unrest has dissipated. However, there is an occasional incident. Just be careful, as you would in any foreign city. Keep your passport with you at all times- it’s the law.
The city is quite a unique and culturally enriching experience.
Hopefully, this helps with general overview of the city. It has a beautiful Abidjan Ivory Coast, booming business, shopping districts, sports, festive activities, thriving ports, and much more.
Disney Rentals – the Ideal Orlando Vacation Homes
Disney rentals are the ideal type of Orlando vacation homes for your family or group, irrespective of why you have chosen this part of Florida for your vacation. People choose Orlando as a vacation destination for a number of reasons, although no prizes for guessing the major one.
Disney World is one of the world’s top attractions, and that suggests that you will have your children with you. Sure, adults like Disney too, but they usually use the kids as an excuse to relive their childhood in the most enjoyable possible way. Would you be happy spending your vacation in a hotel wondering what your children were getting up to in their own rooms? Of course not!
Naturally, that would mean you all sharing a room, but you don’t live in one room at home, so why should you live in one room on vacation? That should be a special time, when you can enjoy a few luxuries that you don’t have at home. That does not include living in one room as your Orlando vacation home.
There are plenty of Disney rentals that can offer you a level of luxury that you would be very fortunate to enjoy at home. Take, for example, a 4 bedroom luxury villa at $160 a night, and just $30 more for a private pool and spa. This sleeps 9, and even with the pool price, you and your neighbor or relative can vacation there with 5 kids at only $95 each per family. That is only 15 minutes from Disney, and the kids can have their room without you being nervous.
A Disney vacation rental like that has a TV in every room, DVD players and Playstation. Being in a resort, it also offers a wide range of sports facilities including golf nearby, guest facilities and of course your kitchen. You can cook your own, or enjoy any of the many restaurants in Orlando, from the fabulous choice on International Drive to a McDonalds or KFC. Unlike your hotel room, you can rustle up a sandwich at night without it costing you an arm and a leg.
So what do you reckon – a hotel room or a luxury villa at a fraction of the cost? What would the kids prefer – their own bedroom or sharing with you? What would you prefer – peace of mind in luxury or all crammed together? A vacation is to be enjoyed, not tolerated, so enjoy yours!
Some people travel to Florida for the great golf courses, and if you are based in Orlando you and your buddies can have a great time in any of hundreds of fabulous Orlando vacation rentals. Luxury Disney rentals beat a hotel or resort any day of the week. You get an LCD wide screen home cinema system, pool, Jacuzzi, fully fitted kitchen and masses of room for a lot less each than a top class hotel room.
How much would it cost a party of 7 couples to book rooms in a hotel? How about $475! That’s less than $67 a couple! Wouldn’t you jump at that? Well that’s all that 7 bedroom luxury Orlando vacation homes can cost, with a 50″ TV, and another TV in the bedrooms, a Bose radio/CD player, 8 foot pool table, air hockey table and treadmill and exercise bike. Plus a pool spa for an extra $30 per day.
That’s how to enjoy a vacation with a party of your friends. What would you rather do after getting back from your night out – head off to your own hotel rooms or wind down with a few drinks together on the pool deck, or watch a movie on the 50″ screen? Not drinking expensive hotel bar drinks, but your own from the local beer shop. Which is the better – the hotel or your own place? Hungry? Throw something on the barbeque or make a sandwich without having to call room service. Spend your money where you want to, not on hotel accommodation and hotel food and drinks.
I don’t know about you, but I love fresh air, especially in Florida, and I’d pay extra for my own luxury home with a pool deck I can sit out and enjoy – 15 minutes from Disney or the first tee. Instead I get it cheaper! What’s wrong with these guys? There must be a catch. You can rent a 3 bedroom condo, 10 minutes from Disney, for $135 a night. That’s 6 people at only $23 each.
Every dollar you save on accommodation is one more dollar to spend enjoying yourself. The amazing thing about Disney rentals is that you get a higher standard of accommodation than a hotel for less money, and all the extras thrown in. Plus your kids will be happier. Ideal for one large family or a group of up to 7 couples. Any one of the many luxury Orlando vacation homes waiting for you is a great choice for this year’s vacation