Short Break In Las Vegas

Although not many people would think of going on a short break in Las Vegas, if a week of intense thrills and excitement in a fast – paced lifestyle is something you crave then this is definitely the place to be.  

One of the best things about Las Vegas is that you don’t ever have to leave your hotel if you don’t want to. The newest, most spectacular and popular casinos in Las Vegas are located along the southern end of Las Vegas Boulevard, known as “The Strip”. The majority of them cater for everything you could ever desire while on a short break in Las Vegas including the all important casino.  

The Paris hotel is one of the most unique places to stay whilst on a short break in Las Vegas with its replica of the Eiffel Tower sitting on top of it. The views are spectacular and you can even have dinner in the restaurant in the tower.  

The MGM Grand Hotel Casino is based on the theme of a large Hollywood movie studio and is truly spectacular. With 16 restaurants, a small shopping mall, large dance club, a 16,325 seat auditorium and even an amusement park you would think that it is a whole resort not just one hotel.  

Mandalay Bay Hotel Casino is one of the newer hotel casinos famous for its exotic island motif with a huge tropical bay, sandy beach and swimming pools. There is a lot on offer in the form of entertainment including a spa, shopping mall, 12,000 seat events centre, House of Blues and much more.  

The ancient Egyptian motif and huge Sphinx attract many people to the Luxor Hotel Casino. A distinctive all – glass pyramid with 4,400 rooms, six restaurants, an Olympic sized swimming pool and other facilities, this hotel is a popular choice amongst many tourists who go on a short break in Las Vegas.  

Other than the obvious there is so much to do in the buzzing city of Las Vegas. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to participate in the zero gravity space flights that make you feel weightless. Although expensive, a trip aboard the specially designed Boeing 727 which performs effects of a real space flight is well worth it.  

One of the most popular attractions on the strip is The Fremont Street Experience. There is plenty of good fun and entertainment including a lightshow, restaurants, some of the largest screens in the world and other attractions. This is a definite must on your short break in Las Vegas and is even free which is an advantage to those who have spent all their money in the casinos. If you just can’t tear yourself away from the casinos then you can take a 30 minute lesson at the Las Vegas Hilton and learn how to become a pro. With so much to see and do a short break in Las Vegas makes a perfect getaway for everyone.

Menorca

Activities

There is a large variety of brilliant activities you can partake in whilst on holiday in Menorca. Golf Son Parc is a championship quality golf course located near the Son Parc beach. Beginners and experienced golfers are welcome to play at the course. Diving is very popular on the island, as is sailing. Lessons are available for both or you can go out on your own. As well as this there is bowling, water parks and horse riding which are suitable for children and adults.

Nightlife

Menorca is not somewhere to go if you are looking for crazy nights out. The night time entertainment is limited and is centred around hotels, bars and restaurants. The most you will find is live music bars, traditional Spanish fiestas during the summer months and in – house entertainment provided by tour operators. This makes it the ideal place for families and people who are after a laid – back holiday.

Eating Out

Menorca possesses some excellent tapas bars and excellent restaurants. Tasty home cooked dishes are cheap and are usually enjoyed with a bottle of wine. Local delicacies such as cheeses, roast baby goat and Crème Catalan can be sampled as well as pizza and Chinese restaurants for the less brave.

The islands most famous dish is Caldereta de Langosta which is a rich seafood stew. It may not be to everyone’s taste but is well worth trying.

Lunch is rarely served before 1pm and dinner before 8pm and most restaurant staff are helpful when it comes to translating the menu for you.

Where to Stay

Mao (Mahon) has a colonial feel to it due to the Georgian architecture not seen anywhere else in Spain. The harbour boasts a mixture of restaurants and bars providing beautiful views with your dining experience. This is an ideal place for couples to stay as it has a romantic feel to it.

As Menorca hasn’t got an active clubbing scene, anywhere you stay is likely to be quiet so you don’t have to be weary of certain areas. The majority of hotels are family friendly and provide entertainment for children and are located near attractions such as water parks.

Attractions

Menorca has many different tourist attractions and is also a short journey away from other attractions. Excursions are available including sight – seeing trips, cruises, safaris, trips to casinos and theatres. As well as this Ibiza and Mallorca are only a short boat ride away. As well as this is Aquarock Water Park, Cales Coves, Es Freginal Park, go – karting and much, much more.

Malta

Consisting of seven islands in the middle of the Mediterranean, its tropical climate and abundance of things to do means Malta is a popular holiday destination. The combination of interesting history and modern culture makes it an intriguing place to visit.

Activities

The usual holiday activities are available at all resorts as well as a few less traditional ways to keep busy. Rock climbing and open water and cave diving are amongst the most popular. As you are almost guaranteed sunshine in the summer months swimming and the beach are always options.

Nightlife

There is so much to do at night – time in Malta. Classic and modern theatres are usually held outdoors or in historic venues which helps create a romantic atmosphere for all.

Although not known for clubbing, it is fast becoming the next up – and – coming place. Top international DJs are staring to appear at Paceville and St. Julian’s which are the busiest and most popular places for clubbing.

Something for everyone to enjoy are the summer fiestas. With fireworks, food and plenty of entertainment it’s likely to be one of the highlights of your holiday in Malta.

Eating Out

The combination between the native islanders and the many visitors who have made Malta their home means that Maltese cuisine has become an eclectic mix of Mediterranean cooking. Traditionally it is similar to Italian food, however, roasts are becoming increasingly popular even amongst local residents.

Da Pippo Trattoria is a favourite among locals and serves a variety of Maltese and Sicilian dishes. For the ultimate in fine dining, you will not be disappointed with TaFrenc Restaurant in Gozo which is set in an old farmhouse. Most cafes are open all day to serve light snacks, coffee and wine.

Where to Stay

Marsascala is a popular family resort with rocky coves and sandy beaches. There are activities, restaurants and shops to entertain parents and children.

Naxxar is full of historical and cultural interest and has played a role in major events in Malta’s history. There are a variety of good hotels available at decent prices.

St. Julian’s is most likely to appeal to those who like it a bit more lively and are there for the nightlife more than anything else.

Attractions

The Place of Giants in Xaghra dates from about 3600 BC and boasts the most enchanting village square in the country. It is one of the top rated attractions in Malta so is definitely worth a visit.

If you want to be impressed by some of the best and beautiful natural harbours in the world, take a trip to Valletta, which is also the capital. There is lots to do but there are also other attractions nearby if you want to move on.

Other Info

There are open – air markets open once a week in most towns and villages so keep an eye out locally for when these are on as you can often find good bargains there.

Malta has been endorsed by the US State Department as one of the safest holiday destinations in the world.

Image belongs to: Gert Van Duinen. Taken from: www.flickr.com

Lisbon

As the capital and largest city in Portugal, holidays in Lisbon are quickly becoming a popular destination amongst many tourists. One of the great highlights of Lisbon is that you don’t have to travel a lot to discover many attractions around the country as everything is in a very short distance and within easy reach. Regardless of what you’re looking for, be it beach resorts, magnificent palaces, beautifully preserved medieval villages, romantic towns surrounded by mountains or a world – famous religious shrine, there is so much to discover around Lisbon.

You definitely won’t struggle to find beaches whilst on your holiday in Lisbon as there are plenty of them around the city and most of them are clean and fly the European Union Blue Flag for excellence. They all have plenty of activities on offer from windsurfing and kite boarding to simply relaxing under the sun. The most popular are Carcavelos Beach and São Pedro do Estoril. Praia da Adraga is also considered to be one of Europe’s best beaches according to the BBC. Surrounded by tall cliffs, the beach is unspoilt with clean blue waters surrounding it.

Lisbon’s nightlife is generally considered to be the best in Europe with different areas possessing various styles of restaurants and bars that many tourists flock to. At night the city’s old quarters come alive with the sound of fado singing and guitar playing.

Fado Houses are very popular amongst tourists and locals and are where people can go to for excellent local cooking and to listen to the music of Lisbon. This accounts for a truly unique experience and something that is definitely recommended whilst on holiday in Lisbon. You will find that Av. 24 de Julho is mainly full of bars and discos so is more suitable for those who are in Lisbon to party hard. Bairro Alto and Docas have plenty of restaurants, bars and discos and is therefore perfect for people looking for a combination of entertainment. Parque das Naçőes consists of mainly restaurants and bars so is better suited to families and couples who are after quieter evenings.

When on holiday in Lisbon be sure to visit Estoril which was once an attraction for spies, authors and exiled royals during World War II. Today it still retains the atmosphere that was present all those decades ago with its luxury hotels, Victorian Villas and top – rated golf courses. The Central Parque do Estoril is absolutely charming with a beautiful stretch of exotic trees, fountains surrounded by restaurants and bars. Situated at the top of the park is Casino de Estoril, Europe’s biggest casino which was the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s “Casino Royale.

If history and culture is an interest of yours then visit Queluz as it boasts an 18^th century palace that once served as a hunting lodge for the royal family and is one of the most magnificent palaces in the area. As well as this you can visit the Feira da Ladra (Flea Market) which is located in Campo de Santa Clara. It is one of the oldest markets in Lisbon and visitors can buy or exchange items such as antique furniture, second hand clothes and old records.

Everyone loves to shop and the place to do this when on holiday in Lisbon is at the Almada Forum. Consisting of 260 shops, 35 restaurants and 12 cinemas, Almada Forum was selected as the “Best Shopping Centre in Europe 2003”. With just about every aspect covered from shopping, sightseeing, beaches and nightlife, one thing you won’t find while on holiday in Lisbon is a shortage of things to do.

Image belongs to: Carla Saliba. Taken from: www.flickr.com

Las Vegas

Sometimes when you go on holiday it can feel like you’ve already been there and done that even if you’ve never been to the country before. Perhaps this is because you always go on skiing holidays or always go on beach holidays. Although not many people would think of going on a short break in Las Vegas, if a week of intense thrills and excitement in a fast – paced lifestyle is something you crave then this is definitely the place to be.

One of the best things about Las Vegas is that you don’t ever have to leave your hotel if you don’t want to as they all contain everything you could possibly need plus more. The newest, most spectacular and popular casinos in Las Vegas are located along the southern end of Las Vegas Boulevard, known as “The Strip”. The majority of them cater for everything you could ever desire while on a short break in Las Vegas including the all important casino.

The hotels you will come across while on a short break in Las Vegas are out of this world and unlike anything you have probably ever seen before. The MGM Grand Hotel Casino is based on the theme of a large Hollywood movie studio and is truly spectacular. With 16 restaurants, a small shopping mall, large dance club, a 16,325 seat auditorium and even an amusement park you would think that it is a whole resort not just one hotel. The ancient Egyptian motif and huge Sphinx attract many people to the Luxor Hotel Casino. A distinctive all – glass pyramid with 4,400 rooms, six restaurants, an Olympic sized swimming pool and other facilities, this hotel is a popular choice amongst many tourists who go on a short break in Las Vegas.

Other than the obvious there is so much to do in the buzzing city of Las Vegas. One of the most popular attractions on the strip is The Fremont Street Experience. There is plenty of good fun and entertainment including a lightshow, restaurants, some of the largest screens in the world and other attractions. This is a definite must on your short break in Las Vegas and is even free which is an advantage to those who have spent all their money in the casinos. With so much to see and do a short break in Las Vegas makes a perfect getaway for everyone.