The Broadmoor Resort & Spa in Colorado Springs: One of America's Top Resorts

One of the perks of being a travel writer is that I get to travel...a lot. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of staying at thousands of hotels and resorts across America and around the world. (Yes, it's a tough job, but someone has to do it.)

Anyway, one of my all-time very favorite resorts continues to be The Broadmoor Resort & Spa in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

There are several reasons why The Broadmoor is among my favorites, and a resort that I consistently recommend and rave about.

First, the resort is located about 6,000 feet above sea level in the beautiful Colorado mountains, so the surroundings are visually breathtaking. Using its surroundings as a picturesque backdrop, the resort's landscaping team does an amazing job making all of the resort's public areas look like beautiful parks - complete with a lake, plush green lawns, colorful flower beds and an abundance of trees. No matter what the season, strolling around the grounds of The Broadmoor is always a pleasure.

Combined with the beautiful setting, The Broadmoor offers extremely luxurious and spacious guest rooms and suites, all of which utilize the very best of amenities to insure absolute comfort. This is a five-star resort for good reason, and from the moment a guest checks in, it's easy to see why.

The resort's restaurants are also top-notch, featuring award-winning chefs, diverse menus, and one of the most extensive wine lists in the country. For example, I had dinner tonight at The Tavern, which is considered one of the resort's more casual restaurants, and the food and service was amazing. In fact, this "casual" restaurant is vastly superior to what most five-star resorts consider their fine-dining restaurant. (Yes, it's that good. But, the formal restaurants here are even better.)

Oh, and speaking of service, you won't find more personalized, friendly and attentive service anywhere. The Broadmoor has a long history serving very famous and prominent guests. It has developed a reputation for its superior service.

So, to sum things up, The Broadmoor offers a visually stunning setting, top-notch accommodations, extremely memorable dining experiences, and consistently personalized service and attention to all of its guests....but that's just the beginning.

The Broadmoor is also home to three championship (and beautifully manicured) golf courses, which golfers come from all over the world to experience. There's also a world-class day spa (The Spa at The Broadmoor, 719-577-5770), a tennis club (Tennis at The Broadmoor), a fully equipped fitness center, multiple indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a specialized (supervised) children's program, a movie theatre, and countless other indoor and outdoor activities designed to make anyone and everyone's stay a memorable one.

For business travelers, the resort has full convention, catering and meeting facilities which are state-of-the-art and able to handle groups of almost any size, plus a business center.

With all that it offers, The Broadmoor is literally the perfect destination for a romantic getaway, family vacation, destination wedding, honeymoon, business gathering, or golf vacation. It's ideal for "girls only" getaways that fully utilize the spa, or "guys only" weekends which include golf and spending time at the upscale and sophisticated bars and lounges. It's also a wonderful place for extended families to come in order to celebrate any holiday or experience a reunion.

In addition to the organized kid/teen activities hosted by the resort, The Broadmoor is just minutes away from an impressive zoo and other attractions that are ideal for families. Oh, and getting to The Broadmoor is extremely easy from virtually anywhere in America. It's located just minutes from the Colorado Springs Airport, and about 90 minutes (by car) from the Denver Airport.

This weekend (until Tuesday), I am enjoying my second visit to The Broadmoor, and so far, my stay has been every bit as enjoyable and comfortable as my first experience here was a few years ago. This time, however, I brought along my Yorkshire Terrier, Rusty. This is a very pet-friendly resort. In fact, when we checked in, waiting in the suite was a plush dog bed, a food and water bowl, gourmet biscuits, and a special "Guest of The Broadmoor" dog tag for Rusty. When it comes to pet-friendly resorts, The Broadmoor understands how to make dogs and their owners comfortable.

For more information about this very special and award-winning resort, visit www.broadmoor.com, or call (800) 634-7711 or (719) 634-7711. Obviously, being an ultra-luxurious resort, the standard rates are high (but worth every penny). However, throughout the year, especially during non-peak travel periods, The Broadmoor offers special rates and promotional packages which make staying here much more affordable. Check the resort's website to learn about promotional rates and when they're available.

...More to come as the weekend continues!

Photos (c)2009 Jason R. Rich. All rights reserved.

"Animals" Video: A Montage of Animal Photos From My 2008/2009 Travels

Try Something New, Adventurous and Fun in St. Thomas

It's one thing to visit a tropical vacation destination, such as St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and simply sit at the beach or pool in order to get an awesome tan. That's certainly a lazy, but relaxing way to enjoy a trip.

Others might prefer to party, drink and dance the night away (and then sleep most of the day), while some people might opt to take full advantage of their vacation by trying new, exotic, and/or a bit adventurous activities that they couldn't or wouldn't experience at home. If this is what you're looking to do, at least for a few hours during your vacation, keep reading!

Whether you're visiting St. Thomas and staying at a resort, or its one of the ports-of-call you'll be visiting during a Caribbean cruise, one way to really enjoy a few hours and experience something unique (that very few other vacation destinations offer) is to take a Breathable Observation Submersible Scooter (BOSS) tour. (It's like riding a Segway, but underwater. And, it's a great alternative to scuba diving or snorkeling, especially if you don't consider yourself to be an adventurous person or risk taker.)

In St. Thomas, to participate in a BOSS tour, call Aqua Adventures, LLC at (340) 777-3549), visit www.bossusvi.com, or check with your cruise line's shore excursion desk. The company works directly with several major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess and Carnival.

Riding a BOSS may seem a bit scary, and you might think it requires a lot of physical strength and skill, but this is not the case at all!

No experience is needed, and you don't even need to know how to swim. If you can breath on land, sit still, and press a button with your thumb while holding onto handle bars, you'll be able to ride a BOSS with no problem whatsoever. During my tour today, a 10-year-old girl and several older people did it with no trouble. (That's me in the photo to the left, by the way.)

As I just mentioned, I had the chance to try this today, and it was a lot of fun! It was truly a memorable experience. I'd recommend this to anyone looking to try something new and who wants to see the Caribbean's marine life up-close, but who is not a certified scuba diver. (Riding a BOSS is easier than snorkeling and less physically taxing.)

The Aqua Adventures tour itself lasts about 3.5 hours, although participants only spend about 30 minutes riding a scooter underwater. The rest of the time is spent aboard a comfortable 60-foot, custom-built dive yacht. Free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are served throughout the voyage. When not riding a BOSS scooter, participants can relax on the yacht or go snorkeling (all of the equipment is provided).

The cost of the tour is about $115.00 for adults and children alike, but I assure you, the experience is well worth it. You'll want to bring along an underwater camera or purchase a disposable underwater camera aboard the boat for an additional $20.00. Although, this is not an experience you will forget anytime soon. It's a totally awesome experience and well worth the time and money!

Throughout the tour, you'll be instructed and guided by a crew of skilled, experienced, friendly, funny and highly-professional certified divers and boat captains whose collective goal is to keep everyone safe, while also insuring an amazing time is had by all.

Currently, Aqua Adventures only operates in St. Thomas (not elsewhere in the Caribbean). Due to the popularity of this tour, it often books up well in advance, so make your reservations early - especially during peak travel seasons.

When you show up at the dock ready to experience your tour, along with an underwater camera, be wearing a bathing suit, and bring a towel, hat, sunglasses and sun block. Everything else you need will be provided. On the boat and scooter you'll be barefoot. If you wear prescription eyeglasses, you'll be able to wear them throughout your tour (even while riding the scooter).

So, the choice is yours. If you're visiting St. Thomas, you can do what every other tourist does and have a run-of-the-mill vacation experience, or you can participate in a BOSS tour with Aqua Adventures, and try something unique that you'll be able to tell all of your friends and family about when you return home.

St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands) Offers The Perfect Weekend or Week-Long Getaway

I am currently visiting St. Thomas (part of the U.S. Virgin Islands) as a guest of the lovely Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa (340-777-7100). I arrived last night and have spent a fun-filled day today exploring the resort and enjoying its many amenities and activities.

One great thing about this resort is that it is all-inclusive and offers all of the services and amenities you could ask for, including a private beach, tennis courts, multiple swimming pools, an incredible ocean view (overlooking St. John and Tortola), several restaurants, a casino, a day spa, a putt-putt golf course, and a supervised kids' club.

At the resort's private beach/pool area, you'll find all kinds of water-based activities (most of which are included), such as snorkeling, sail boats, and paddle boats. Jet skis and scuba diving are available, but for an additional fee.

The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa here in St. Thomas operates as a traditional resort hotel (you can pay by the night), but I'd recommend taking advantage of the all-inclusive option during your stay. Not only will this help you manage trip costs, it also offers convenience and significant savings (all-you-can-eat meals are included).

St. Thomas is a Caribbean island, 32-square-miles in size. It's part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, which is comprised of 50+ islands located about 40 miles west of Puerto Rico (1,100 miles southeast from Miami and 1,500 miles from New York City).

While vacationers feel like they're visiting a foreign country that's tropical and exotic, St. Thomas is an English speaking island which is considered a self-governing unincorporated U.S. territory. In other words, the U.S. dollar is accepted here and American citizens do not need a U.S. Passport to visit.

In addition to its tropical location, the weather is what attracts many vacationers here. Throughout the year, the average temperature is in the 80s. The peak season to visit St. Thomas is between November and June, however, it offers a great weekend getaway throughout the year. Multiple major U.S. airlines (including U.S. Airways, American Airlines and United Airlines) fly from popular U.S. cities directly to St. Thomas, so getting here is easy.

Plus, St. Thomas offers plenty of duty-free shopping, so if you're looking to purchase jewelry for a designer watch, for example, this is a great place to come for a bargain. During the peak season, multiple cruise ships dock here on a daily basis. However, many of the resorts and hotels, including the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, are located on the opposite side of the island (about a 20 to 30 minute taxi ride away).

The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa is an ideal vacation destination for families, since the resort is very kid and teen friendly. However, this resort also caters to people wishing to have a memorable destination wedding or honeymoon. Wedding and honeymoon planners are on-site, since the resort hosts over 100 weddings per year.

If you're looking to visit the Caribbean, St. Thomas offers something for everyone, plus it's affordable and easy to get to. (Anyone with a U.S. cell phone will have full-service here, without having to pay international roaming charges. Plus, high-speed Internet access is readily available.)

When you're planning a visit to St. Thomas, be sure to experience some of the water-based activities - whether you opt for jet skiing, motor boating, parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing or sailing. These activities can be coordinated through the resorts and hotels. There are also a handful of attractions worth visiting, such as Coral World (a small but interesting marine life park), and the St. Thomas Skyride (which offers an amazing view of the island).

If you're not a certified scuba diver, but wish to see incredible underwater marine life, consider experiencing BOSS (Breathing Observation Submersible Scooters), which are available on St. Thomas in the Havensight and Crown Bay areas (340-777-3549 / www.bossusvi.com). These are personal underwater motor scooters which you literally drive along the ocean floor. No diving or swimming experience is necessary. The experience is truly unique and is much more exciting than snorkeling. Check out the company's website for details about this very unique and fun activity. By the way, St. Thomas offers amazing snorkeling and scuba diving, even for people who have never tried these activities.

For more information about St. Thomas, visit the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism's website at www.usvitourism.vi or call (800) 372-USVI.

Below are some photos from my visit to St. Thomas...

All images (c)2009 Jason R. Rich. All rights reserved.

Myrtle Beach Day 3: Freestyle Music Park and Hibiscus Spa

My third day in Myrtle Beach began with a visit to Freestyle Music Park (843-236-7625). It's a brand new, music-themed amusement park that offers a wide range of coasters and thrill rides, plus kid-friendly rides, a handful of attractions, and several entertaining shows presented throughout the day and evening.

As one of Myrtle Beach's newest attractions, Freestyle Music Park is offering excellent deals on admission tickets and dining options, making this attraction particularly affordable to families on a budget.

During its first full summer season (going on now through September 2009), Freestyle Music Park, offers at least one full day and night's worth of fun and entertainment - all packed into a 50-acre amusement park. In time for Summer 2010, the park will undergo additional expansion, and will offer an even broader selection of rides, shows and attractions.

Freestyle Music Park offers something for everyone. There are several hardcore thrill rides and coasters suitable for teens and adults, but also plenty of rides and shows that younger kids will enjoy. In fact, for kids, there's a whole section of the park, called "Kids In America," which includes over a dozens rides and attractions, plus the up-beat "Flip 5 Live!" music, singing and dancing show.

Teens and adults will find more thrill-oriented rides and attractions within the park's other areas, which include "VIP Plaza," "Country USA," "Across The Pond" and "Myrtle's Beach." During the peak summer months, the park is open daily, from 11:00am until 10:00pm. A flat fee admission ticket offers unlimited rides and admission to the shows and attractions. Food is extra, but very affordable.

Apple iPhone users should be sure to download the free, interactive Freestyle Music Park application from the App Store. This application offers an interactive map of the park, plus information about each ride, show and attraction, show schedules, and other tools for planning and experiencing the best possible day/evening at the park.

If you'll be visiting Myrtle Beach for a week or more and want to spend several days at the park, consider buying annual passes, priced at $64.95 (adults) and $39.95 (kids) each. However, for one day admission, two people can enter the park before 4pm for just $19.99. After 4pm, the single day ticket price is $19.99 per person. This special promo rate is only valid during the 2009 summer season. Visit the park's website for details, to purchase admission tickets online, or to learn about other special promotions and events happening at the park - www.freestylemusicpark.com.

Every evening after dark, be sure to catch the "Kiss the Sky" fireworks show. It's a 7.5-minute pyrotechnic presentation that's very impressive. During the day and evening, guys (ages 6 to 18) will enjoy the "Adrenaline Rush" show. It features a live showcase of extreme sports. Kids will love the up-beat "Flip 5 Live!" show. Adults will appreciate the "CSI: Live" show (based on the TV series), as well as "Ice Cold Country" ice skating/music show.

When visiting any outdoor attraction or theme park, be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Wear comfortable shoes (there's plenty of walking involved), and drink plenty of water, especially on hot and sunny days when the Myrtle Beach heat is intense.

Considering 2009 marks Freestyle Music Park's debut season, the park is very impressive and offers an excellent value. It's well worth visiting if you're in the Myrtle Beach area.

Check out these photos from my visit to the park...

All photos (c)2009 by Jason R. Rich. All rights reserved.

Need to Relax?

Visit Hibiscus Spa at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

After really enjoying my visit to Freestyle Music Park, I returned to my hotel (The Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes), and experienced an absolutely incredible 80-minute signature Hibiscus massage, followed by a "Gentleman's Facial." Talk about getting pampered! The spa visit was amazing! I am so relaxed, I can barely type right now.

The Hibiscus Spa (843-449-8880), which is located within the resort, is a full-service and lavish day spa. It offers a vast menu of massages, facials, body treatments, nail treatments, waxing and other treatments, along with the amenities and extras you'd expect from an upscale spa (including comfortable and clean locker rooms, steam rooms, saunas, etc.).

In addition to specialized treatments for adult men and women, The Hibiscus Spa also offers specialized massages, facials, body treatments and make-up lessons for teens, plus lavish spa packages for adults. The service here is top-notch and extremely professional, which makes it that much easier to indulge, let go, relax and allow yourself to be pampered.

What I liked best and appreciated the most about my treatment at this spa was that the therapists paid careful attention to my specific needs. While most massage therapists will go through their pre-choreographed 60, 90 or 120 minute massage routine, and they won't deviate from it, my massage therapist at The Hibiscus Spa discovered exactly where I held my stress (my lower back and between my shoulders), and then spent time focusing in on those specific areas in order to relieve the tension that those specific areas held using a variety of different massage techniques. Without being told, he found my most stress filled areas and catered to them, which demonstrates her skill and training as a massage therapist, plus her dedication to each client,

Whether you're staying at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes or not, if you're looking for an awesome spa experience that's well worth the fees charged, I highly recommend visiting The Hibiscus Spa. It's conveniently located at 8400 Costa Verde Drive in Myrtle Beach.

The Carolina Opry: More from Myrtle Beach

It's been a very busy and fun-filled few days. I've been running around trying to see and experience as much as possible during my trip to Myrtle Beach.

Despite my best efforts, there's no way I'm going to be able to see everything. There's just so much to do here in terms of attractions, shows, spas, shopping and dining opportunities. Plus, there's golf, beaches and all sorts of other land and water-based activities which are suitable for people of all ages.

Today, I had the pleasure of experiencing an incredible spa treatment at the new Cinzia Spa at North Beach Plantation in North Myrtle Beach. This is much more than a traditional day spa. It also serves as a destination spa (for people who want to spend several days or a full week here). The spa offers traditional and extremely exotic treatments that you won't find elsewhere. In addition, the spa has teamed up with top doctors and specialists to offer an array of medical treatments, in addition to the regular spa offerings (massages, facials, body wraps, manicures, etc.).

At the spa, I enjoyed the signature "Fijian Ritual," which offers two full hours of relaxation and pampering. The Cinzia Spa is new (having opened in March 2009), but the 17,000-square-foot facility has already developed an incredible reputation for helping its guests achieve health, fitness and overall well-being.

As for local entertainment, since I arrived here in Myrtle Beach, I've been seeing all sorts of ads and billboards for the many shows offered here. Variety shows, Las Vegas-style shows, comedy, magic and interactive dinner shows are among the many offerings which will appeal to people of all ages.

Tonight, I attended The Carolina Opry (800-843-6779), one of the most famous and popular shows here in Myrtle Beach. Having seen so many "variety shows" all over the country, I've become cynical and really didn't have high expectations for tonight's show. I figured it would include bad lip-syncing musical acts, unfunny comedians, and not-too-impressive dancing. Well, I couldn't have been more wrong! In a word, this show was amazing!

The Carolina Opry was one of the most entertaining, fast-paced, upbeat, impressive and fun shows I've seen in a long time. The entire cast of singers, dancers, entertainers, musicians and comedians are extremely talented and entertaining. This show is suitable for the entire family and features different genres of music from the past and present, plus funny comedy skits and energetic and perfectly synchronized dance performances by All That! (from NBC-TV's America's Got Talent).

Unlike many shows in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Orlando and other tourist areas, this one features all live music and vocal performances. There's no lip-syncing whatsoever. Thus, it's easy to see just how talented the cast members are.

I really enjoyed the performance and strongly recommend it to anyone and everyone who visits the Myrtle Beach area.

In October 2009, The Carolina Opry presented its 6,560th performance. While the show has been around for more than 23 years, it's constantly updated to keep it timely. So, even if you've seen the show in years past, it's well worth seeing again, because the musical numbers and acts change annually.

In addition to the talented cast, the 2,200-seat theatre is impressive onto itself, offering a state-of-the-art sound and light system, impressive sets, and comfortable seating - all of which contribute to the overall quality of the show itself.

During the summer and holiday seasons, you'll want to book tickets in advance, since performances sell out. Even with tickets, you'll want to arrive at least 20 minutes early for the pre-show.

During the Christmas season, The Carolina Opry features a special holiday show that's also been extremely popular for more than 23 years in the Myrtle Beach area.

If you're looking for a fun, uplifting and highly entertaining way to spend an evening in Myrtle Beach, reserve tickets for The Carolina Opry! You won't be disappointed. Adult ticket prices range from $34.95 to $49.95. To order tickets online, click here.

Exploring Myrtle Beach: A Wonderful Family-Oriented Vacation Destination (and a Great Place to Play Golf)

I'm spending a few days exploring Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This is my first time visiting this extremely popular, family-friendly vacation destination. From what I've experienced so far, Myrtle Beach offers a ton of fun, unique and exciting activities, culture and shopping for people of all ages. Plus, there are hotels, resorts and timeshare properties that are available at all price points.

Myrtle Beach is best known as a golfing and beach vacation destination, which it certainly is. But, there's so much more to see and do here.

I'm staying at Marriott's Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa At Grande Dunes (843-449-8880), which is a lovely, high-rise hotel/resort, located right on the ocean. The rooms are spacious and extremely comfortable, plus the property has plenty of amenities, including beachfront access, several pools, tennis courts, a day spa, and multiple restaurants. The resort hotel is located adjacent to a luxurious Marriott Vacation Club timeshare property.

During my first day in Myrtle Beach, I visited Broadway at the Beach - a unique dining, shopping and attraction area that offers at least one or two full days worth of things to see and do. For example, you can spend several hours visiting Ripley's Aquarium (an 87,000-square-foot indoor aquarium). It offers many impressive exhibits. The aquarium's phone number is (843) 448-2331.

The Broadway at the Beach area also features an IMAX Theatre which shows a selection of 3D IMAX movies. You'll also find a traditional movie theatre here, a handful of restaurants (including a Hard Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood), Dragons Lair Mini Golf, and many one-of-a-king shops.

For kids, teens and adults alike, one of the coolest and most impressive attractions at Broadway at the Beach is MagiQuest (843-916-1800). This is a massive, fully-interactive experience which is a cross between a video game and a role-playing adventure filled with quests, challenges and puzzles to solve.

Every MagiQuest participant is given a magic wand (which really works). Casting the wand allows players to interact with their surroundings. Kids will like the "Harry Potter"-like experience, while teens and adults will be challenged and entertained by the more advanced quests.

Each visit to MagiQuest can be a 60, 90 or 120 minute experience. All of your progress is automatically tracked (via your magic wand), so your collected gold, experience points and progress is saved after each visit. Anyone who enjoys RPG video games or the "Harry Potter" books/movies will really enjoy MagiQuest. It's a very impressive and fun attraction that's well worth the price of admission. Each visit and each quest will be totally different, especially if you spend a little extra money and time to fully customize your wand.

MagiQuest is definitely one of the more fun, unique and addicting family-friendly attractions I've experienced in a long time. There really is no other attraction anywhere that offers a similar interactive and immersive experience. (Several MagiQuest locations are now open around the world, however, the location in Myrtle Beach was the first.)

If you're more interested in experiencing traditional museums, galleries and theatre, for example, Myrtle Beach offers all of this and much more, plus just about everything here is very affordable (including the flights to get here). For example, Spirit Airlines offers direct flights from several popular East Coast cities that are convenient and affordable. Plus, driving to Myrtle Beach is easy from many cities.

June, July and August are the most popular months to visit Myrtle Beach (since it is a beach-oriented area), however, the weather is very pleasant here throughout the year.

Check out photos from my visit to Myrtle Beach below. For more information about this awesome destination (which is ideal for families, as well as golfers, spa goers and shoppers, for example), visit the official Myrtle Beach Conventions and Visitors Bureau's website at www.visitmyrtlebeach.com.

Greeting from Tenerife (Canary Islands)

So, I was invited by the Department of Tourism for Tenerife (aka Turismo de Tenerife) to visit for a week. Tenerife is in the Canary Islands and is part of the country of Spain. Thus, Spanish is the primary language spoken here and the local currency is the Euro.

In the past, this has been an extremely popular vacation destination amongst Europeans (since it's only about a two hour plane trip from Madrid, Spain). However, in recent months, Air Europa has begun flying to Tenerife from JFK Airport in NYC (with a connection in Madrid), and directly to/from Miami (non-stop), which has made it a lot more convenient for Americans to also enjoy this tropical vacation destination. (Because the flight is a long one, I recommend flying Business Class, if you can afford it. You'll be much more comfortable.)

There is a lot that this island has to offer - much more than tropical beaches. In fact, you'll find more five-star hotels here than in Barcelona.

While much of the architecture, for example, is old (and predates anything you'd find in America), from a technological standpoint, Tenerife is as modern as any U.S. or European city - plus it's absolutely gorgeous. Being part of Spain, Tenerife has a strong Spanish influence and culture, which makes it that much more interesting for tourists to experience.

For several nights during my trip, I stayed at the Hotel Botanico in Puerto de la Cruz. It's an extremely luxurious five-star resort with an amazing spa and excellent restaurants. On the opposite side of the island, I also stayed for several nights at the equally impressive Gran Melia Resort (in Palacio de Isora), plus I've visited a handful of other resorts that are also well worth staying at, including the lovely and prestigious Abama Golf & Spa Resort (a Ritz-Carlton property).

Overall, the quality of the food everywhere I've dined has been top-notch, and the island is known around the world for its fine wines.

I would recommend Tenerife as a unique and exotic vacation or honeymoon destination for anyone traveling from the East Coast (especially New York City or Miami). While more than five million tourists travel to this island every year, less than six thousand of them are Americans, which makes Tenerife a unique tourist destination for people looking to experience something new, exciting, exotic and beautiful.

You'll find top-notch resorts, restaurants, shopping, golf courses located along the ocean, stunning beaches, day spas, boating, fishing, scuba diving, hiking, plus countless other activities, including Loro Parque (a massive, SeaWorld-like theme park - complete with whales and dolphins, shows, rides and attractions, that I can't wait to visit firsthand). There's also Siam Park, a fun-filled water park for kids and teens, which is one of many family-friendly activities to be experienced here.

Don't Forget About Travel Insurance Before You Leave (Regardless of Where You're Going Overseas)

In terms of travel advice, I have written extensively about the need for travelers to purchase travel insurance when going abroad. For this trip, I am very happy to say that I have practiced what I've been preaching.

I acquired insurance through Travel Guard before departing. As luck would have it, my baggage was delayed for more than 48 hours. However, when I discovered one of my bags "missed my flight," I simply called Travel Guard's toll-free number and they had someone from their luggage recovery team deal directly with the airline to locate my bag and arrange to have it delivered to my hotel. Because the bag was more than 12 hours late, I was given an allowance of $500.00 to purchase clothing, toiletries and other items I've needed.

If I didn't have the insurance, the airline delaying my luggage would have been a huge inconvenience. Thanks to Travel Guard, my trip has gone that much more smoothly. I did not have to deal directly with the airline (sitting on hold from my cell phone while paying $.99 per minute), and I was able to purchase clean clothing to wear.

So, once again, I urge anyone traveling abroad for business or pleasure to acquire travel insurance prior to their departure. In addition to covering lost or delayed luggage, the insurance also protects travelers if they get injured or encounter some other type of emergency.

Obtaining travel insurance for a trip takes under five minutes. It can be done online, and the cost is typically less than five percent of the overall trip cost. For this trip to Tenerife, the Travel Guard insurance cost $97.00, and it was money well spent!

I urge you to learn more about Tenerife by visiting www.webtenerife.com. In the meantime, below are some photos from my trip.

All images (c)2009 Jason R. Rich. All rights reserved.

Frequent Flier Programs: Choose The Best One For You

Please check out my recent article that was published in the New York Daily News newspaper about choosing the best frequent flier program, and getting the most out of its perks, based on your personal travel habits. To read the article, click here.

A Quick Trip to Pittsburgh, PA

I just got back from spending a few days exploring Pittsburgh, PA. While I have flown through the city's airport on US Airways literally hundreds of times, until this week, I never actually left the airport to see the city. In fact, all I knew about Pittsburgh until this week was that this was where Mr. Rogers lived and shot his TV show. It's also the home of Heinz ketchup.

Anyway, Pittsburgh is a lovely city that's clean, modern, friendly and chock full of places to see and things to do - especially if you enjoy outdoor activities. If you enjoy drinking locally brewed beers, for example, there is also no shortage of micro-breweries here. Besides that, Pittsburgh offers theatre, museums, culture, interesting places to explore, and, of course, sports!

Below is a compilation of photos from my three day trip. During the trip, I toured the city (and surrounding rivers) by boat, car, Segway and kayak. I'll add more descriptions of what I experienced soon, but these photos offer a preview....Enjoy!

All photos (c)2009 Jason R. Rich. All rights reserved.

Planning To Stay At A Hotel or Resort Anytime Soon? Avoid Extra Charges & Fees

Check out the article I wrote for the New York Daily News newspaper about all of the new fees/charges that hotels across the country and throughout the world are now charging, plus discover tips for avoiding at least some of them. To read this article from the Monday, July 27, 2009 edition of the newspaper, click here.

A Day At Miami's MetroZoo

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Miami, Florida. While gathering content for my upcoming travel guide, Thomas Cook Florida Hotspots, I experienced many of the attractions, resorts, restaurants and activities that this incredible city has to offer.

Two of the highlights of the week were my visits to Miami MetroZoo and Jungle Island. In a nutshell, these two zoos are amongst the very best and most impressive in the country. Each offers a full day's worth of entertainment and excitement for people of all ages. Even adults traveling without kids will enjoy spending a few hours exploring these two animal-oriented attractions.

If you're planning a visit to Miami, definitely make time in your schedule to visit this zoo and Jungle Island! When you do, plan on walking a lot. The alternative at MetroZoo is to rent a four-passenger bike, take the zoo's monorail, or rent a Segway to explore this massive and stunning attraction. Don't forget to bring a hat, drink plenty of water, wear comfortable shoes, and apply sunblock during your visit. This is primarily an outdoor attraction.

I guarantee that a day at Miami MetroZoo and/or Jungle Island is one you won't soon forget. Admission to the zoo is $15.95 per adult and $11.95 per child. Bike and Segway rentals cost extra. The zoo is open everyday of the year, typically between 9:30am and 5:30pm. A handful of tours and special programs are available (some for an additional fee). Visit the zoo's website or call (305) 251-0400 for details.

Jungle Island is open 365 days a year, from 10:00 am to 6:00pm. Special shows and events at this popular Miami attraction may extend the attraction's hours. Admission prices are as follows:

One-Day Admission

Adults (Ages 11-64) $29.95 plus tax
Seniors (Ages 65+) $27.95 plus tax
Children (Ages 3-10) $23.95 plus tax
Children (Ages 0-2) Free

Check out my photos from Miami MetroZoo and Jungle Island below...

All photos (c)2009 Jason R. Rich. All rights reserved.

Q-Link Travel Update: My Experience Thus Far...

Okay, so a few weeks ago I blogged about receiving a Q-Link necklace, and was intrigued by the claims the distributing company makes about how wearing this pendant would increase the wearer's energy and focus, reduce their stress, plus reduce or eliminate jet-lag along with travel-related fatigue.

Well, as you know, if you've been following my blog or Twitter postings, I have been on-the-go, virtually non-stop for the past two weeks. Right now, I'm in Miami, FL, after having a wonderful experience visiting Daytona Beach.

Anyway, for the past few weeks, I was wearing Q-Link's "Classic" SR-2 pendant ($39.00). To be honest, I didn't notice a huge change. However, a few days ago, I acquired a Q-Link Titanium pendant ($239.00), and within a few hours, I did notice a significant difference in my overall well-being, fatigue level and stress level - and that positive difference has remained for several days now, despite the fact that my schedule has become increasingly more hectic.

I can't offer specific quantifiable proof that the Q-Link achieves everything the company's promotional materials says it does, however, for me, I have noticed steady improvements as I continue to wear the Q-Link Titanium pendant, which utilizes more powerful SR-3 technology (described on the company's website - www.QLinkProducts.com).

So, after a few weeks of wearing two different Q-Link products, I would say that if you too are intrigued by what Clarus Transphase Scientific, Inc. claims the Q-Link can do for you, I would give it a try firsthand. The company does offer a 90-day money-back guarantee.

My advice, however, is if you are going to try out a Q-Link, invest in one of the more costly SR-3 models (they start at $99.95), so you'll potentially benefit from the full impact of what this technology offers.

Before investing any money in this technology, however, visit the company's website or call them directly at (800) 246-2765, and have Clarus Transphase Scientific explain the Q-Link technology to you and help you choose from their line-up of products that will best benefit you.

It's important to understand that this is not a medical device. It's more of a "new age" thing that helps people counteract the negative impact of EMF fields that we're all bombarded with when we use cell phones, computers, fluorescent lights, most electronic devices, and when we travel.

If you'd rather wear handcrafted jewelry that incorporates Q-Link's SR-3 technology, consider one of the more expensive pieces from the Equilibrio line (described on the company's website).

As I continue to wear my Q-Link, this week I am in Miami, FL gathering information and taking photos for the Thomas Cook Traveller Florida Hotspots book I am currently writing.

Details about this Miami portion of my trip, including travel tips, reviews of top attractions/activities, money-saving advice, and vacation planning strategies will be posted shortly. Until then, please follow me on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/JasonRich7).

Daytona Beach Florida - It's NOT for Spring Breakers Anymore!

Those of you who follow me on Twitter know that I am spending the week in Daytona Beach, FL gathering information and taking photos for a soon-to-be published travel guide, called Thomas Cook Traveller Florida Hotspots. The book will be distributed throughout Europe early next year.

While here in Daytona Beach, I'm staying at the incredibly lovely The Shores Resort & Spa (386-767-7350 / www.shoresresort.com), which is actually located in Daytona Beach Shores. It's the only AAA-rated four-diamond resort in the area, and well worth visiting.

The guest rooms are spacious, clean and luxurious - and most overlook the ocean and beach, which is just a few yards from the resort. As you'd expect from a top-rated resort, The Shores Resort & Spa has a day spa, restaurants and a bunch of other services and amenities right on-property, so it's easy for a couple (on a romantic getaway), honeymooners, business travelers, or an entire family to relax and enjoy their time here. (The resort is also pet-friendly, which appeals to Rusty, my Yorkshire Terrier, who is enjoying his days lounging on the couch in the room and watching the ocean.)

For anyone looking for a fun-filled beach vacation, Daytona Beach is well worth the visit. While this area has a reputation for being a popular Spring Break getaway for college students (thanks in part to MTV), in reality, this is no longer true. In fact, Daytona Beach has re-invented itself over the past few years to become a premier resort and beach destination for couples and families. The college kids are enjoying there Spring Break elsewhere these days, so when you get here, you can expect more of an adult and family-oriented crowd - not a wild party atmosphere.

What may people also don't realize is that Daytona Beach is less than one hour by car from Orlando, so it's very easy and convenient to combine a Disney trip with a few days along the beach in Daytona Beach (or vice versa). You can fly into Orlando International Airport and rent a car to get here, or fly into Daytona Beach's own airport, which is much smaller, but more convenient.

Once you get here, there are all kinds of activities available for kids, teens and adults alike. If you're a NASCAR fan, you already know that Daytona is home to one of NASCAR's most famous tracks (and several NASCAR related experiences for tourists). However, for people who love the beach, this area offers 47 miles of lovely sandy beaches (along the Atlantic ocean), plus so much more - all at affordable prices!

Between NASCAR and the beaches, Daytona Beach welcomes more than eight million visitors per year. In terms of beach and water activities, you'll find whatever you're looking for - from swimming and surfing, to parasailing, fishing and kayaking.

Recommended Daytona Beach Area Activities & Attractions

The area has plenty of restaurants at all price points, plus a variety of other activities that are family-friendly. Adults in particular will enjoy the Museum of Arts & Sciences, which includes a variety of indoor exhibits, plus several miles of paths through a beautiful wetland area, called the Tuscawilla Preserve. There's a small admission fee for the museum, but you can spend between 15 minutes and several hours exploring the outdoor preserve for free.

Another interesting (and fun) activity that's family-friendly is the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station. The 175-foot tall lighthouse is open from 10:00am daily. Guests can climb to the top of the lighthouse and see an amazing, 360-degree view of the surrounding area (but be prepared to climb 203 steps). It's also possible to explore the adjacent buildings that have historic significance, as well as a light house themed gift shop.

On your way to or from the lighthouse, you'll pass the Marine Science Center, which is a wild animal rescue facility that's open to the public. This attraction is primarily for kids and offers a handful of interactive exhibits. Guests can also see the wild turtles and other sea creatures that are being rehabilitated at the center. Plan on spending between 30 and 60 minutes here.

Below are photos from my visit to Daytona Beach...

During my trip, I also had the pleasure of experiencing a private surfing lesson at Daytona Beach Surfing School (386-677-7880 / www.daytonabeachsurfingschool.com).

You'll find a handful of "surfing schools" along the beach. This one, is located at the Grand Seas Resort (2424 N. Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach), but is open to anyone. What's special about this school is that its instructors are highly skilled surfers, experienced instructors, extremely friendly, patient with beginners, trained in CPR, and they're fully insured. Private or small group lessons are available to teens and adults. For a kids, a daily or week-long surfing camp is offered between June and August.

Even if you're an absolute beginner, the instructors at Daytona Beach Surfing School will have you surfing during your first one-hour lesson. While no previous experience is necessary, this is a physically challenging sport, so expect a workout.

After my surfing lesson, I drove over to the Daytona International Speedway to experience the Richard Petty Driving Experience (800-BE-PETTY). This attraction allows guests to experience the thrill of racing around the Daytona International Speedway track, in a genuine NASCAR racing car, at speeds up to 165 mph.

You'll sit in the passenger's seat as a highly-skilled driver shows you exactly what it's like to be a part of a NASCAR race. You'll not just see the experience, you'll hear, smell and feel it. While the ride-along experience is a bit pricey, it's a truly exhilarating and memorable, and something you won't soon forget - especially if you're a NASCAR fan.

The Richard Petty Driving Experience is available at other NASCAR tracks around the U.S., including in Orlando, but this one allows you to experience the world-famous Daytona International Speedway track firsthand.

For those who are truly adventurous, several more elaborate racing programs are available that allow you to actually drive a NASCAR vehicle around the track (after proper training). Expect to pay at least $400.00 per person for this unique experience.

More suitable to people of all ages is the Daytona 500 Experience (386-681-6530 / www.daytona500experience.com). This is an interactive attraction that features hands-on exhibits, an IMAX movie, actual NASCAR vehicles, and a handful of other displays. There are also several racing arcade and simulator games, multiple dining options, and a handful of other activities here - all designed especially for NASCAR fans. Plan on spending several hours here to see and experience everything this primarily indoor attraction offers.

For an additional fee, there's the VIP Hot Pass Tour, which includes a more personalized and up-close visit to Daytona Internationl Speedway - including a track tour and a look inside the driver's meeting room.

Over at the Pier area of Daytona Beach, you'll find a bunch of restaurants, carnival rides and games, arcades, shops, a movie theatre, and other activities which are open late into the night. Also here is the Daytona Lagoon water park, which is small, but will offer several hours of water-based slides, pools, rides and fun, primarily for kids and teens.

If you enjoy sailing, or you've never had the opportunity to sail a 36-foot sail boat before, but you want to try it, one of the best deals in terms of experiences that you'll find in Florida is a two-hour (or longer) sailing lesson/charter excursion with Captain Eric from Eagle Yachts (386-295-2578 / www.marinesource.com/eagleyacht).

For $70.00 per hour (with a two hour minimum), up to six people can enjoy a personalized, hands-on sailing lesson and experience with Captain Eric, aboard the 36-foot sailing vessel S.V. Eagle. No previous sailing experience is required. However, you will be expected to participate in the sailing experience - not just lounge around on the deck as a passenger. The affordable $70.00 per hour rate is for the entire group (between one and six people), not the per-person rate.

Captain Eric is an excellent teacher and guide, and the experience is nothing short of exciting and memorable. This is a great family activity, or a romantic activity for couples, for example.

When you have some free time in Daytona, consider exploring South Beach Street. Here, you'll find a variety of unique shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs. Kids and teens will enjoy stopping at Daytona Magic, which sells thousands of different magic tricks to amateur and professional magicians alike. Throughout the day, free demonstrations by highly-skilled magicians are offered.

Also along Beach Street is the Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory (800-969-2634). Here, you can purchase a wide range of homemade treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth. On weekdays, a free tour of the factory is offered. This tour lasts about 20 minutes and includes free samples. This store/factory has been in business since 1925.

As you can see, Daytona is a beach community that offers plenty of fun-filled activities for people of all ages. You can enjoy quiet time at the beach or by a pool, or keep yourself entertained with thrilling activities - day and night.

A Few Words About Daytona-Area Accomodations

There are literally hundreds of hotels and motels located in Daytona Beach - most along the ocean. A few, like The Shores Resort and Spa, or the Hilton, for example, offer superior accommodations.

Some of the smaller, independently owned/operated motels and hotels, however, offer far less luxurious accommodations, starting at just $35.00 per night. Before booking one of these inexpensive motels or hotels, seek out an independent referral from someone you know and trust. As a general rule, when it comes to accommodations in Daytona Beach (and elsewhere, for that matter), you typically get what you pay for. So, for that $35.00 per night, expect a no-frills, one-star hotel or motel, with minimal amenities and services.

Some of the less-expensive hotels and motels are not family-friendly, offer only basic accommodations, are outdated, or would be classified as one or two-star properties. After spending several nights at The Shores Resort and Spa, however, I honestly can't recommend this resort highly enough. You and your family be extremely comfortable here, plus you'll feel like you're getting your money's worth.

For more information about all that there is to see and do in Daytona Beach, visit the DaytonaBeach Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau's website at www.daytonabeachcvb.org, or call (800) 544-0415.

Memorable Dining Options Await in Naples, FL

Naples, Florida is, without a doubt, a wonderful vacation destination for seniors, families and couples looking for beaches, golf, day spas, shopping, fishing and fine-dining.

While almost every major restaurant franchise and chain has a presence in the Naples area, there are a handful of independent, one-of-a-kind restaurants that offer superior and memorable fine-dining experiences that are also surprisingly affordable.

During my recent visit to Naples and Marco Island, I had the pleasure of dining at three unique restaurants that should not be missed if you happen to be visiting or vacationing in the area.

Sea Salt

1186 Third Street South

Naples, FL

(239) 434-7258

Open daily for lunch and dinner

No matter what your taste, Sea Salt, located on historic Third Street in Naples, is a wonderful, family-friendly restaurant that offers a fine-dining experience, but in a casual, yet sophisticated atmosphere.

Chef Fabrizio Aielli is on-hand every afternoon and evening (seven days a week) and creates a daily menu based on only the freshest ingredients he's able to acquire for that particular day. Only the finest seafood, Kobe beef, pastas and vegetables, for example, are used to create mouth-watering dishes you won't soon forget.

Complementing the chef's daily creations is an extensive wine list (from an inventory of more than 5,000 bottles) from around the world. Sea Salt also has a full bar, outdoor seating, and a very well decorated dining room which overlooks the open kitchen.

While the appetizers, salads, soups and main entrees are all incredible, be sure to leave room for the home-made desserts. As you'll discover, Sea Salt is a popular restaurant amongst tourists and locals alike. In fact, during peak travel seasons, reservations are an absolute must.

The management of Sea Salt has done a wonderful job creating a friendly, welcoming and open atmosphere that's classy, yet casual - although the food is what you'd expect from the fanciest of fine-dining restaurants. While the menu is always changing, it always offers a large selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts that will appeal to everyone, including the most picky kids.

If you're looking for an enjoyable way to spend an evening, consider eating dinner at Sea Salt, and then sticking around for drinks and dessert while you enjoy the live Flamenco guitar music that's presented several nights per week.

For more information about Sea Salt, or to make a reservation, call (239) 434-7258, or visit www.SeaSaltNaples.com. I have the opportunity to travel a lot and experience restaurants everywhere. Very few offer such a tasty and memorable meal that's affordable and so expertly prepared. I highly recommend dining at Sea Salt for lunch and/or dinner!

Naples Tomato

14700 Tamiami Trail North

Naples, FL

(239) 598-9800

Open daily for lunch and dinner

If you're in the mood for what could very well be the best Italian food you've ever had (featuring freshly made pastas and many other entrees), look no further than Naples Tomato.

I have to admit, when I pulled into the parking lot of this restaurant for the first time, I was extremely skeptical. After all, the restaurant is located in a strip-mall, and from the outside doesn't look like much. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I entered the restaurant and immediately realized it was going to be a memorable and extremely enjoyable meal. (The dining room was packed on a weeknight.)

Like Sea Salt, Naples Tomato is locally-owned. In addition to offering an extensive menu of Italian dishes (featuring ultra-fresh seafood, homemade pasta, steaks, and other entrees), Naples Tomato features the Enomatic self-serve wine-by-the-glass system that allows guests to taste and experience any of more than 48 vintages from the restaurant's extensive wine selection.

While the dining room is large, this is a favorite restaurant of locals and tourists alike, so expect a crowd every night of the week. Reservations are strongly suggested. The atmosphere is casual, but classy and refined. Casual resort attire is acceptable.

Naples Tomato first opened its doors about five years ago, but recently expanded its dining room and wine tasting lounge. The portions are large and the service is top-notch. Be sure to leave room for the homemade desserts.

Whether you're looking to experience a romantic dinner, an enjoyable dinner with the entire family, or you want to host a small group of close friends after a round of golf, dining at Naples Tomato guarantees a wonderful and memorable dining experience.

Guy Harvey's Island Grill

760 N. Collier Blvd.

Marco Island, FL

(850) 230-4321

While spending time exploring Marco Island, consider dropping by Guy Harvey's Island Grill for lunch or dinner. This casual restaurant is located on the water and showcases the artwork of Guy Harvey on the walls throughout the dining room. (The restaurant is located within The Esplanade shopping and dining complex, which is accessible by car, Marco Island Trolley or boat.)

This is primarily a seafood restaurant, but steak, chicken and other menu options are available, as are a selection of tasty salads. Within a dining room is a full bar. This is a mid-priced dining option that's suitable for the entire family. It's conveniently located a short drive from many of Marco Island's most popular resorts.

Business Travelers: Always Protect Your Computer Data While On-The-Go

If you're a frequent traveler, one concern you should have is about the security of your data. Many of us travel with a laptop computer and connect frequently to the Internet via wireless connections at airports, hotels or from coffee houses in whatever city we happen to be in. While there are a handful of things you can and should do to protect your laptop computer from getting stolen or hacked, Ironkey (650-492-4055 / www.ironkey.com) offers a solution for protecting your most critical (and confidential) data.

The Ironkey Personal Flash Drive offers always-on data encryption plus a variety of other security features designed to keep your data safe. For starts, the flash drive is password protected. If a hacker fails to enter the correct password 10 times, the flash drive will "self-destruct" to keep your data safe.

The Ironkey Flash Drive unit itself is housed in a solid, tamper-resistant and waterproof metal casing. It measures just 75mm x 19mm x 9mm (it weighs just .9 ounces), so it easily fits in a pocket when not in use.

The drive connects to any computer's USB port, and is compatible with both Windows and Mac-based computers. It comes with a suite of specialized security software which will not only protect your data, but help keep your online surfing safe from hackers as well. The Ironkey Flash Drive is particularly useful if you find yourself using public PCs within a business center or an insecure wireless Internet connection, for example.

Versions of the Ironkey Personal Flash Drive are available in a 1GB ($79.00), 2GB ($109.00), 4GB ($149.00) and 8GB ($299.00) capacity, offering plenty of storage space for documents, spreadsheets, presentations, data and files that are highly confidential and that need to be kept 100 percent secure while you're traveling. I strongly believe this is an extremely valuable computer accessory for frequent business travelers.

Additional information about Ironkey Flash Drive products can be found at the company's website. As a frequent traveler who often stores important data of my laptop (where it could be compromised, lost or stolen), I have found that storing my most important files on an Ironkey Flash Drive offers added protection and piece of mind. It's well worth the investment!

Las Vegas Offering Incredible Travel Deals This Summer

The current economic condition is impacting cities and tourism across the U.S., but it seems that Las Vegas is getting hit extra hard. Conventions and business meetings that would typically be held in Sin City have been cancelled, scaled-down or moved, and vacationers don't seem to be shelling out the money for Las Vegas trips like they did in the past.

To combat the reduction in visitors, the Las Vegas resorts, hotels and motels are all offering incredible deals throughout the summer, with guest rooms at three-star resorts going for as low as $31.00 per night, and rooms at the most luxurious properties along the Las Vegas Strip going for a nightly rate around $100.00 per night (sometimes less).

To find the best accommodations rates, first visit the websites operated by the popular resort hotels located along The Strip, and search for online deals and promotions. Next, check out the special promotions offered online by TravelZoo.com. Finally, compare those prices with what's being offered by the popular online travel services, like Hotels.com, Travelocity.com, Orbitz.com and Kayak.com, for example.

I checked the current Las Vegas promotions being offered on TravelZoo.com, and here's just a sampling of the great deals I found:

• Excalibur Hotel & Casino (Three Stars) - $31.00 to $36.00 per night. Available Sundays to Thursdays throughout August.
• MGM-Grand (Four Stars) - $55.00 to $63.00 per night on select dates throughout July and August.
• The Mirage (Four Stars) - $81.00 to $99.00 per night. Available on most Sundays through Thursdays, between now and late-August.
• Caesar's Palace (Four Stars) - $90.00 to $100.00 per night (mid-week, throughout July and August).

In addition to these discounts, it's easy to find inexpensive flights to Las Vegas from most major U.S. cities on the "discount" airlines, like JetBlue, AirTran and Virgin America.

When shopping for the best rates on accommodations and airfares, you'll have the best luck if your travel dates are somewhat flexible. For example, try arriving on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday (as opposed to on a Friday), and try departing on a Monday (instead of on a Sunday). On return flights from Las Vegas back to the East Coast, the overnight flights are always the least expensive and most readily available.

Once you arrive in Las Vegas, leave time in your schedule and budget to see some of the amazing shows, like Le Reve at The Wynn. If music is more your thing, the Barry Manilow show is incredible, as are the Bette Midler's The Showgirl Must Go On and Cher shows.

You know you'll have an amazing evening of entertainment if you experience any of the mind-blowing and visually amazing Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas, which include:

• Mystere (Treasure Island)
• "O" (Bellagio)
• Zumanity (New York, New York) - This show is for open-minded adults only.
• KA (MGM-Grand)
• The Beatles Love (The Mirage)
• Chris Angel Believe (Luxor)

Note: Cirque du Soleil is currently offering a 35% discount off of ticket prices for all of its shows to students, as well as a discount to seniors.

If you're planning a business trip to Las Vegas, be sure to first order a copy of my Entrepreneur Magazine's Business Traveler Guide to Las Vegas ($14.95, Entrepreneur Press) travel guide. You can order it from Amazon.com or BN.com. This book will help you save hundreds of dollars on your next business-related trip, plus insure you'll be as productive as possible, especially if you'll be attending an important business meeting or convention.