Travel World Network

You may have heard about the latest trend in vacation homes condo hotels. Suddenly, consumers have the ability to own a second home in a wonderful destination without any of the hassles of ownership. To see why the condo hotel concept has so much appeal, consider these benefits:

1. You can own a piece of a world-class property. Most condo hotels are of three- to five-star quality.

2. Youll have a vacation home in a fantastic destination. Most condo hotels are located in premium locales on the beach, near golf courses, next to ski slopes and in bustling downtowns. Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas, Chicago and the Bahamas are some of the most popular condo hotel locations.

3. Use your vacation home when you want. Flexibility in use means you always have a place to get away from it all. When youre not using your vacation home, place it in the rental program.

4. A professional management company will take care of all maintenance and operational issues. Most condo hotels are managed by premier hospitality firms, often the biggest names in the business, Ritz-Carlton, Trump International, Hilton, Starwood and Hyatt, to name a few.

5. You receive approximately half of the rent revenue your condo hotel unit generates when youre not using it. The management company takes care of renting your condo for you. The revenue helps offset your costs of ownership. Plus, most management companies have sophisticated reservation systems and invest in professional marketing, enabling them to keep your unit rented far more than you likely could on your own.

6. The management company deals with the guests. Part of the hassle-free nature of condo hotel ownership is that the management company handles everything regarding guests, from attracting them to checking them in and out of the hotel and solving any problems that arise during their stay.

7. Youll have access to luxury hotel services. Unlike a single-family home, in a condo hotel vacation home, you can take advantage of all the perks of the hotel such as a brand-name spa like Canyon Ranch or Elizabeth Arden Red Door, concierge, room service, fitness facilities, pool, fine dining restaurant and more.

8. Share your condo hotel unit with family and friends. The unit is yours, so you decide how its used. Want to lend it to your Aunt Betty and Uncle Lou? No problem.

9. Purchase your condo hotel unit with traditional financing or even as part of a 1031 exchange. A variety of loans are available to invest in condo hotels. Condo hotels also qualify for tax-deferring strategies like 1031 exchanges.

10. Realize appreciation when you resell your condo hotel. Like traditional real estate, over time your condo hotel unit has potential to appreciate. Because of its quality location, professional hotel management and on-site luxury amenities, the value of your vacation home should increase. You keep the profits when you sell.

Ive toured 9 countries in Africa but something always draws me back to Kenya. It is the core soul and heartbeat of the continent. My past clients were profoundly satisfied classifying it best vacation ever. This time with the addition of a visit to Jane Goodalls Chimpanzee Sanctuary it was no different. Africa is best enjoyed within the comradery and comfort of a group. We had a marvelous adventure with our 2 groups of 90 people on the Kenya safaris over 2 two week periods.

It was brilliantly orchestrated and I as I moved my troops from Nairobi to Mt. Kenya, Sweetwaters, Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara. Our suitcases swelled enroute with purchases of handicrafts nearly bursting our jeeps, but we moved well.

Our deluxe accommodations of swimming pools pampered us in total comfort throughout. It was a trip worth remembering. The highlight was at the Masai Mara were we stayed in luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms (and resident monkeys) as well as a personal day visit with a Masai tribe and village.
There were game drives each morning and afternoon to photograph an astonishing number of animals including the BIG FIVE: Lions, Elephants, Cape Buffalo, Leopards, and Rhino. Seven guides in Landovers brought us so close its like a virtual Discovery Channel. Well saw Mt. Kenya, The Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru colored pink teaming with a quarter million flamingos.

We toured the Rothschild Giraffe Center, home of Karen Blixen, (author of Out of Africa) and a baby elephant sanctuary. Other safari highlights included hot air ballooning, white water rafting, seeing a cheetah bring down a gazelle and witnessing the migration of about 20,000 wildebeest crossing a river of giant crocs. It was a spectacle right out of the Discovery Channel. I kissed a Rothschild giraffe and petted a 2 ton rare black rhino named Ronnie. It ended with a farewell feast at the famous Carnivore Restaurant.
This was a meticulously designed program with an easy air schedule and a leisurely itinerary. Nearly everything is included in this budget price of $2500 including air!. My words cant begin to cover it all. Ive seen natures wild as it was meant to be seen. A part of me was indelibly changed after such an amazing discovery. Karibu sana!

South America is a continent of extremes, and there is not just one, but thousands of reasons to explore the human and natural wonders of this remarkable landmass. South America’s expansive human history is visible through some of the best preserved ruins in the world. The fusion of Spanish, Portuguese and native cultures is evident in the distinctive art, food and music of the 12 independent countries.

Though it was the last continent to be inhabited, South America has a long and delicate history of flourishing indigenous cultures before European arrival in the 16th century. Archeological sites in Peru reveal the practice of human sacrifice and other perplexing traditions by the Moche people who lived there 2000 years ago. South America’s most illustrious ancient people, the Inca, held their capital in modern day Cusco and sprinkled the Andes with remnants of their terraced farming and architecture. Machu Picchu, at 7,710 feet, is the best preserved and most breathtaking Inca town, well worth the 4 day hike along the Inca Trail (the less eager can opt for the train ride).

The Sky is the Limit
When it comes to breaking records, South America is the place to see. The massive north-south continent is spread through nearly every climate zone imaginable, which makes for very dynamic travel. The world’s highest water fall, Angels Falls, cascades over 3,200 feet in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park. The Amazon River, which winds across the north through Brazil, is the largest river in the world by volume while the Amazon Rainforest is the largest existing rainforest. Travel along the Andes, the world’s longest mountain range but make sure not to lose your way in Chile or you might end up in the driest place on earth, the Atacama Desert. Catch your breath at 3,600 meters while visiting the highest capital city of La Paz, Bolivia. Then, gather your arctic gear and head south to Ushuaia in Argentina, which is you guessed it the world’s southernmost city! Along the way, stop by the steppes of Patagonia, which happens to be the cleanest place on earth aside from Antarctica. South America is also home to the stunning diversity of Darwin’s Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) and the most remote island on earth, Easter Island (Chile) with its mysterious stone head sculptures and an inexplicably large population of Pacific Islanders.

South America also offers the comforts and luxuries of modern metropolitan life in any of the countries you choose to explore. Pick up the pace in Brazil’s bustling Rio de Janeiro or immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan chic of Buenos Aires, Argentina, while still gaining an appreciation for the past in these remarkable historic cities. From big city life and resort towns to tropical rainforests and mountain peaks, there is no better place to embark on your world travels than South America, a true melting pot of culture, history and geographic phenomena. For more information, visit www.cfares.com, your source for cheap airfareon the web.

As one of England’s newest cities, Sunderland is a city with a difference. It combines a modern, bustling centre with a relaxing green environment, stunning coastal scenery and a refreshing attitude to life. In Sunderland, quality of life and quality of environment go hand in hand. The rapidly improving city centre has an enviable location, set right on the mouth of the River Wear, next to an award-winning coastline and surrounded by easily accessible countryside. Add to that a range of outstanding heritage, cultural and sporting attractions and you’ll find that Sunderland has everything you need for an ideal short break.

Places of interest:

Sunderland has one of the few national museums based outside London – the National Glass Centre. It has a Winter Garden, a 21st century palm-house in a city-centre park; one of Britain’s earliest Christian churches; and a university that is a fashionable destination for young film-makers.

Penshaw Monument is one of the North East’s most prominent landmarks; it was built in 1844 in honour of the first Earl of Durham, John George Lambton. Located opposite Herrington Country Park, Penshaw Monument stands magnificently above the city on a limestone hill in the middle of the Great North Forest and affords views as far as Durham Cathedral and the North Pennines.
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens was awarded second place in the Large Visitor Attraction category, Excellence in England awards, Sunderland’s museum is hugely popular with visitors of all ages. A range of fascinating multimedia presentations tell the city’s story from its early foundations to the present day. One of the galleries boasts an extensive collection of paintings by LS Lowry, who considered Sunderland his second home.

The National Glass Centre is based in an innovative new building on the north bank of the River Wear. It is dedicated to promoting glass and all its uses; in design, technology and as a vehicle for artistic expression. Here you can explore the history of glass making in the UK and see examples of the contemporary glass maker’s art. It is a fascinating experience for visitors of all ages.

Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art is located on the top floor of the City Library and Arts Centre. It has received critical acclaim for its changing exhibitions programme, featuring the current work of local, national and international artists.

Fullwell Mill is the most complete windmill in the North East and is located just north of Roker. Built in 1821 from the magnesium limestone from nearby quarries, it features a purpose-built visitor centre that offers a glimpse of the workings of a 19th century windmill. The ancient art of corn milling is demonstrated during the guided tour of the mill’s five floors.

Things to do:

The award winning beaches and nearby parks play host to a number of Sunderland’s annual outdoor events. These include the annual international air show and the Waterfront Weekend featuring world music, art and theatre. There are some spectacular coastal walks to suit all ages and the sands of the city’s beaches at Roker and Seaburn are the perfect place for walking and jogging. The cliff-top parks to the north of the city, allow you to walk the Bede’s Way or follow the Walney to Wear cycling routes.

Roker & Seaburn Beaches just north of the city centre provide a wonderful seaside playground for adults and children alike.
Washington Wildfowl & Wetland Centre is a great family day out. This recreated wetland provides a ’stop over’ and wintering habitat for migratory water birds after their passage over the North Sea. It is a haven for curlew and redshank and a breeding ground for flocks of herons. The Wetland Discovery Centre offers a view of the wide range of wildlife and a programme of art exhibitions.
Marine Activities Centre is Sunderland’s main focus for all types of water-based sports and leisure activities, from sailing and canoeing to pleasure fishing or a river cruise. Take a boat trip out along the Wear to enjoy the varied riverscape or try out more water sports and other activities at the centre.
The Sunderland Wall is Europe’s premier indoor climbing centre, where the facilities and courses cater for everyone from the novice to the die-hard crag rat.

Sunderland International Air show attracts over a million visitors every year to the seafront at Seaburn to watch the thrilling displays by jet fighters, vintage aircraft, helicopters and aerobatic teams, including the world famous Red Arrows.

Food & Drink:

You will find that Sunderland offers the visitor the choice of world cuisine. From Italian cuisine to the latest Japanese sushi bar, you’ll find a huge range of restaurants sure to get your taste buds tingling and your mouth watering.
Marine Activities Centre boasts an Italian restaurant with panoramic sea views.
The Roker Hotel/Restaurant is one of the most popular venues in the area, providing great service and food, along with a private bar for all dinner parties.
Chaplin is a traditional pub in every sense, benefiting from a prime city-centre location and outdoor picnic tables during the summer months.

Vivaldi is near the Winter Gardens. It is a plush, modern venue offering.
Italian dishes from seafood risotto to spinach gnocchi, and more exotic dishes such as Szechuan cured beef with crisp rice noodles and duck on garlic mash.
Throwingstones restaurant serves the needs of visitors to the National Glass Centre. This ground-floor restaurant is where you can relax with a cappuccino or tackle a full three-course meal.

Hotels & Accommodation:

Sunderland offers a range of visitor accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Available accommodation ranges from three and four star hotels to cosy guest houses and bed & breakfasts.
Quality Hotel Sunderland
The Balmoral & Terrace Guest Houses
Chaise Guest House

Entertainment

In the evening enjoy Sunderlands theatres, bars and clubs.
Chase is a retro-styled bar complete with large leather sofas and a grand spiral staircase. Downstairs there is a large L-shaped bar while upstairs there are two bars and a wood-floored dance floor. DJs play R&B, soul and house every night. The blend of music fits the venue perfectly.
The Point opened September 2005 and is Sunderlands newest entertainment complex, comprising of four venues in one. The building itself was once the Citys cinema but lay empty and derelict for many years before its multi-million pound re-development.
The Sunderland Empire is the North East’s largest theatre and a splendid example of Edwardian architecture. Recently refurbished, the Empire boasts 21st Century facilities and is the only theatre between Manchester and Edinburgh capable of staging large West End productions.

Sunderland has everything you need for an ideal short break. Whether you are after relaxation, invigoration or both, Sunderland’s distinctive mix of city, coast and countryside will definitely be a breath of fresh air.
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Situated at the beautiful Danube River in the heart of Bavaria, Ingolstadt is one of the eldest and most charming cities in Germany.

Early settlements prove the existence of a density of population since 1800 BC. The first time Ingolstadt was mentioned in an official document was in the year 806 by Carl the Great and it got its town rights in 1250. Although that, the city is being considered found around 600 AD by Ingold. The name was first “Ingoldes Stadt” (City of Ingold), but throughout the centuries it has received its present name – Ingolstadt.

An interesting thing to know about Ingolstadt’s history is the foundation the Bavarian Illuminati, a famous secret society, which was established by Adam Weishaupt in 1776. Moreover, Ingolstadt is the seat of the automobile company AUDI, which was founded by August Horch. AUDI is also believed by some to be an acronym for Auto Union Deutschland Ingolstadt. The city has a very successful ice hockey team called ERC Ingolstadt, which is currently in the first place of the DEL in Germany and made the second place in last years’ play-offs. The city is also the setting of the famous book “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelly.

Through the centuries, the city center of Ingolstadt has kept its old typical town architecture style and buildings that date from the middle Ages. Some parts of the city wall are restored in their original look and there are a couple of museums that are worth a visit, like the Military Museum, the Toy Museum, the German Medicine Historical Museum and others.

Although this city has a quite small population of approximately 122 000 people, Ingolstadt has a big number of feasts celebrated throughout the year. The most famous ones are the “Pfingstvolksfest” (02.06-11.06) and the “Herbstfest” (22.09-03.10), where people are drinking a lot of beer, enjoying the theme park-like atmosphere and looking at the little sales booths. You could actually say that it’s a small version of Oktoberfest. Having mentioned these beer-feasts, it now seems appropriate to name the four breweries, which are providing the beer for them and are of course situated in Ingolstadt: “Ingobru”, “Herrnbru”, “Nordbru” and “Westpark Bru 1516″. Other bigger feasts are the “Brunnenfest” (01.04-17.04), “Septemberdult” (09.09-17.09 and the “Christkindlmarkt” (01.12-23.12). In this year there will be even more feasts and parties, as Ingolstadt is celebrating its anniversary – exactly 1200 years, in February.

Travelers who expect to be greeted by lone standing relics of ancient Greece will be awestruck by the sprawling urban metropolis of todays Athens. The capital city is an explorers paradise as historic gems are embedded within the modern day melee and cultural nuances of a turbulent past are written between the lines of concrete and the sparkling blue Aegean Sea. Everywhere in Athens is a testament to why this mythic peninsula is considered the cradle of Western civilization and modern democracy.

Of particular interest, Athens received a much needed facelift in preparation for the 2004 Olympics. Notorious for its nefos (smog) resulting from rapid growth and congestion following World War II and the Cold War, Athens realized the need to clean up its act when it became clear that historic monuments were eroding at an alarming rate due to acid rain from air pollution. Due to this Olympic makeover, it is extremely easy to navigate around the well marked streets in English and Greek and transportation has never been more streamlined.

Mythological Mythos
Ancient Greece reached its societal peak in the 1st century BC when magnificent monuments like the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike were constructed on the fortified Acropolis and Socrates and Plato developed their Western thinking schools of thought. While most of the major attractions from the time period are in the center of the city, travel in the outskirts of Athens will bring encounters with many significant locations from this time period. Marathon, of the famous battle (and todays 26.22 mile race), is just northeast of Athens and the ancient Mycenaean excavation site at Velatouri is to the south, boasting the unearthed Thorikos theatre. While the Grecian period is omnipresent, Greece has fascinating Turkish and Persian cultural influences as a result of many wars and takeovers until the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the 20th century.

Club Hopping or Island Hopping?
In the spring and summer evenings, enjoy the cafs and restaurants as they begin to spill into the streets and squares. Greece, and particularly Athens, is notorious for its boisterous and tireless nightlife. The Port of Piraeus comes to life as many vacationers head out for their island excursions from this historic cove. Athens is the perfect place to become immersed in Greek culture and life before taking a ferry ride to one of the surrounding tranquil, historic or party islands the choice is yours. The port itself is also of particular historic interest. One of the oldest in the world, the port was heavily used during the Peloponnesian Wars in the 4th century BC and remnants of the long Themistoclean Walls, which fortified the port and Athens together during this time period, still survive today.

A trip to Athens is not only a journey of history, but one of modernity and progress. After Greeces golden age, Athens grandeur was squandered to nearly nothing by invaders and the sweeping tides of history. Today, the free and booming capital city is again a testament to its historic commitment to forward thinking civilization. Experience the rebirth of the foundations of the western world in Athens!

For more information, visit http://www.cfares.com.

Hostels have long been the dirty word in the hotel and travel industry, but times are certainly changing for the better as the public realise more and more that hostels and youth hostels are a viable means of accommodation when they travel around the globe.

Despite their low price and somewhat bad reputation, many hostels are of a high standard and have great facilities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy.

The budget travel sector, such as backpackers, gap year travelers and also families wanting multi-location holidays, has boomed in the last few years and is driven to a large extent by word-of-mouth recommendation.

With competition in the industry hotting up and with millions of customers each and every year choosing cheaper, cost-effective accommodation, the standard and reputation of these places are ever-increasing.

The major hostel booking companies also have ratings systems which, not only helps customers to choose the right accommodation, but also helps to push hostel owners to do more to satisfy their customers as their ratings directly affect how much business they will receive from these booking sites.

The most popular hostel destinations are: London, Sydney, Rome, Amsterdam and New York and no matter where in the world you are travelling to, you will find a selection of great accommodation to suit both your taste and your budget.

Despite the arrival of budget hotel chains such as Travellodge, Ibis and Jurys Inns, backpackers still prefer to stay in hostels due to factors such as atmosphere, fun and the social experience of meeting other backpackers.

The hostel industry, once considered a cottage industry has now grown rapidly with the entry of new players opening deluxe hostel chains including The Generator Hostel in London

see http://www.hostelbookers.com

As a result of hosting the 2000 Summer Olympics, Sydney has become known worldwide as one of the most beautiful and friendly cities in the world with its Sydney Opera House on the harbor, its beautiful coastline, and the many great places to stay. Perhaps youve finally set aside time for your dream vacation in the oldest city in Australia, or maybe you have a marketing business trip scheduled for your newly formed company, and your first stop is the famous capital of New South Wales. Whatever the reason for your visit, if youre staying in Sydney on a shoestring budget, you might get some more details about the the following high quality, less expensive hotel and motel options available through http://www.hotelssydney.com

If that shoestring budget of yours is getting frayed, take a look at the Y on the Park, the YWCAs inner city hotel. With choices ranging from dorm style to deluxe, studio, and corporate rooms, and just about the best prices to be found, Y on the Park offers comfort, convenience, and affordability.

Located right in the heart of the of Sydneys Central Business District, Y on the Park is within walking distance of some of Sydneys best restaurants, cafe’s, shopping, nightlife and attractions, including Hyde Park which houses the Hyde Park Barracks Museum. Designed by colonial architect Francis Greenway, the Barracks building was the main housing for male convicts in New South Wales until it closed in 1848.

Also within easy walking distance is Sydneys famous Oxford Street, home to specialty antique, fashion, book, and gift shops, including the Paddington Market Bazaar on Saturdays, with stalls selling gourmet foods, hand crafted gift and decorative items, trendy clothing, native plants, flowers, and more. The Market also features live entertainment and food stalls with a wide variety of fabulous choices. Note, the area around Taylor Square is the main entertainment region for Sydneys gay and lesbian crowd. If youre anti-gay, you might want to stay away. But for trips to outlying areas, keep in mind that the Museum railway station is only 100 meters (about 300 feet) away!

Another reasonable place to stay in the heart of Sydney is the Leisure Inn Barclay Hotel. Located on Bayswater Road, right off Kings Cross, the Barclay is less than ten minutes from both the Central Business District and Paddington. With air-conditioned standard and family rooms, the Leisure Inn Barclay has been noted by visitors as have one of the friendliest staffs around. One customer even called it a gem of a find!

Also within walking distance to Oxford Streets famous pubs, restaurants, and nightlife, the Leisure Inn Barclay still offers easy access to trains, buses, and taxis in fact the bus stop is right outside the front door. Many of the restaurants in the area are ethnic and include Italian, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and several Meditteranean cuisines. If you want to find out what the locals enjoy, you can find some of their favorite pubs near the residential area of Paddington, just off Oxford, and East of Paddington town is one of the best places to look for daytime cafes and pub restaurants.

On the other hand, if youre looking for entertainment after your lunch or supper, check out the Fox Studios or the Australian Centre for Photography. Exciting sporting events and tours can be had at the Sydney Cricket Ground and the Aussie Stadium, and Paddingtons two cinemas often offer foreign or independent films.

Another city center hotel thats just a short walk from the fantastic Paddington and Oxford Street areas is the Crest Hotel, also a budget hotel with fairly high customer ratings. Offering air-conditioned standard rooms, as well as ones with a view of lovely Sydney Harbor, the Crest Hotel provides laundry facilities, a spa, pool, and even massages. One customer classified the hotel as value for money, and its convenient location is one of its biggest values close to the popular shops and restaurants, but also right next to the Kings Cross train station.

Also only minutes from the Central Business District and most of the landmarks of downtown Sydney is the Acacia Lodge, a budget hotel located in Surrey Hills. Only a 20-minute walk to Oxford Street, the Acacia Lodge offers both Ensuite rooms and those with shared facilities overlooking Moore Park with its Moore Park Golf Course and easy access to the Sydney Showground and Fox Studios, as well as Aussie Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Grounds.

Whether youre interested in exploring the exciting nightlife of Oxford Street, the fun shops in Paddington, or you need quick access to the Central Business District, Sydney offers a wide range of budget hotels to fit any price range!

They call Hong Kong the City of Life because it has always been so vibrant and full of energy. Its a city thats both exotic and cosmopolitan making it a perfect destination for first time travelers to Asia. Being a former British colony, theres enough English signs and people able to speak the language there to make it a user friendly place. At the same time, its foreign enough that tourists will definitely feel that they are not on a typical beach vacation. Even after the U.K. gave Hong Kong back to China, this Chinese government designated Special Administrative Region has not lost its dynamics. The communist government realizes the importance of Hong Kong as an economic giant and is so far adhering to a two system coexistence for China. Hong Kong means sweet harbor in the Chinese Cantonese dialect which is fitting as theres so much in the city to stimulate all of the senses.

There are actually two main areas of Hong Kong. One being the Hong Kong island itself and the other being the Kowloon peninsula which is on the mainland across the harbor. The new international airport is yet on another island and transit to the city can be via train, bus or auto. The bridge that connects to Kowloon is the worlds longest road and rail bridge.

Once in the city, one will realize that Hong Kong is a very busy place with people everywhere. It has one of the densest populations as most of the 6.5 million inhabitants live in high-rise buildings due to the lack of land available. In fact, one reason why there seems to be people on the streets during all hours including the evenings is because people there want to take a break from their tiny apartments and get outside for some space. Hotel accommodations are in every budget range on both the Kowloon and Hong Kong island sides. Getting across the harbor is fairly easy. One can take the harbor ferry which actually has different class levels (the higher levels are slightly more expensive but the views are better). Theres also an underground tunnel that taxi cabs can take and like many other major cities around the world, Hong Kong also has an underground subway transit system. This subway also goes underground beneath the harbor connecting the island to Kowloon. There are double decker buses in Kong Kong as well as double decker rail street cars over on the island. One way to see the various commercial districts on the island is to stay on the streetcar for an entire loop which will take riders right across the downtown areas including some of the street markets.

Hong Kong is a contrast of old and new. There are old temples and monasteries scattered throughout. But there is also that gigantic modern skyline of tall skyscrapers that will make most North American cities appear small. Theres even the worlds longest outdoor escalator here. A must do in Hong Kong is to go to the top of the mountain of Victoria Peak on the island either by bus, auto or a special tram they have there to see spectacular views of the entire region. There are also tours of the boat village where a local will take tourists around the bay in one of their boats. One thing that is very interesting to see in Hong Kong is the early morning exercise sessions in some of the local parks. Every morning, there are crowds of locals, many of them seniors, who meet up at the parks to exercise and do tai chi.

With over 9,000 restaurants, dining in Hong Kong is also an exciting experience. There are all types of international cuisine but of course, the Chinese fare is what most visitors come here for. From elegant dining to busy dim sum houses to street stalls, theres so much variety of food that its impossible to sample everything. There are even the large floating restaurants which serve the freshest seafood catches.

Of course, theres the shopping experience in Hong Kong. Being a duty free port, there are many bargains in Hong Kong especially for textiles and electronics. Hong Kong is famous for its custom tailors who can make up a new suit within a day or two. As for electronics, for some reason Hong Kong always receives the latest models first even before North America does. Browsing through the many outdoor markets for souvenirs is another favorite activity. Be aware that bargaining is common in the markets so it is recommended to get an idea of typical prices from the retail stores first before going for deals at the markets. Kowloon has a few specialty markets worth visiting including the jade market, bird market and flower market. One must be extra careful at the jade market because if the prices are too good to be true, the pieces are probably not real jade. The night market which operates only during evenings is also fun where there are all sorts of merchandise available from clothing to toys to gadgets. There may also be entertainment such as Chinese opera on the streets during the night.

The Po Lin monastery on Lantau Island near the airport has the worlds largest outdoor Buddha. Visitors climb the steps up to the statue and there are some nice views of the scenery up top. Lantau Island can be reached by ferry via local tour companies who will also take tourists to local fishing villages. Hydrofoil crafts can take casino enthusiasts to Macau which has also been returned back to the Chinese government. There are also tours into the New Territories beyond Kowloon to see more secluded temples and countryside farms as well as other shopping opportunities located in nearby Chinese mainland towns.

Its incredible how much there is to see and do in Hong Kong even within its relatively compact geographical area. There are so much more exotic sights and cuisine there that one simply cannot experience at the usual North American Chinatowns. At the same time, Hong Kong is so easy to get around with its efficient modes of transportation and wide range of services available in English. Tourists will never feel too lost even in a high activity place like Hong Kong.

Looking for tips on just the right place to stay on your Las Vegas vacation? There are a lot of great hotels in Vegas, but these six definitely stand out.

Wynn Hotel
The newest masterpiece by Vegas hotel legend Steve Wynn, the 50-story Wynn Hotel opened in 2004 with 2,716 rooms, an 18-hole golf course, 19 restaurants, and 54 private spa treatment rooms. His namesake hotel displays his amazing art collection, offers incredible shopping right on site, and has a posh private lobby for VIPs. And of course, there’s an awesome state-of-the-art casino at it’s heart.

Bellagio
Built by Steve Wynn in 1998, the lavish Bellagio has excellent rooms, awesome service, and an amazing water fountain show. In December 2004, just before the Wynn Hotel opened, the Bellagio added a special 928-room Spa Tower, boosting total capacity to 3,933 rooms. The Bellagio is so ritzy that they offer a 50-minute body bronzing treatment with real gold dust.

THEhotel at Mandalay Bay
This all-suite exclusive hotel within the larger Mandalay Bay property has 1,117 rooms that aim for a more cosmopolitan clientele than it’s namesake parent. Each suite is 725 square feet of luxury with three flat-screen televisions, including one in the mega-swank bathrooms.

Four Seasons
Another swank luxury hotel within the Mandalay Bay complex, the Four Seasons occupies floors 35-39 and has rates much higher than the standard $119-$349 of its parent. Four Seasons guests have their own elevator and entrance, plus pools, spa, and restaurants in an adjacent building.

Ritz Carlton at Lake Las Vegas
The Ritz Carlton hotel is a half-hour’s drive from the Strip, but it’s renowned for it’s golfing and outdoor activities. It nestles against manmade Lake Las Vegas where the water offers a refreshing alternative to the summertime heat. This three-year-old Tuscan-themed resort still maintains a touch of the glitz: Guests can stay on a special bridge with suites built to recreate Florence’s legendary Ponte Vecchio (Bridge of Gold).

Venetian Resort Hotel Casino
Located near the Wynn, this 4,027-suite hotel is part of the Sands Hotel group. Rooms are luxuriously appointed and the casino is magnificent. Coming this summer is a new theater hosting Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit musical, the “Phantom of the Opera.”

So, there you have it. Six great Vegas hotels that will never fail to dazzle and are guaranteed to impress even the most jaded repeat visitor. Just be sure to book ahead to get the best discounts on room rates and snag hard-to-get show tickets well in advance.