“We are so happy to finally be in Las Vegas!!!”

Heeey heeey….what happens in vegas stays in vegas ok….come on now. EXCEPT FOR BED JUMPING THAT IS!!

As the host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, the entire world has its eyes on Vancouver. The city, situated in stunning British Colombia in Canada, expects to experience a surge in tourism before, during, and after the games.

Travel rates will be high, especially during the Olympics, but if you plan in advance you might just be able to find an affordable hotel in Vancouver this season.

7. Ramada Limited Downtown Vancouver

The Ramada Limited Downtown Vancouver is the boutique version of Ramada’s well known chain of hotels. This particular establishment features only 80 rooms, each decorated in a charming fashion. The staff is incredibly friendly, the continental breakfast is above par, and the hotel itself is surrounded by several notable restaurants. Hotel amenities include in-room coffee makers, televisions with movie channels, microwaves and refrigerators (upon request), and a breakfast buffet with hot foods.

6. Quality Inn at False Creek Vancouver

The Quality Inn at False Creek Vancouver is one of the most stunning boutique hotels in the area. Inside you’ll find a warm and inviting atmosphere, boasting a blend of southwest Santa Fe and Mediterranean styles. You’re bound to enjoy the lobby fireplace and lounge after a cold day out on the slopes or exploring the city. Hotel amenities include cable televisions with pay movie capabilities, in-room coffee and tea setups, and free high-speed internet access.

5. Howard Johnson Hotel Vancouver

If you’re looking for a quaint boutique hotel experience, the Howard Johnson Hotel Vancouver is yet another great choice. The hotel, with notably friendly staff, has recently been renovated and is located central to just about every attraction in the city. Rooms feature cable television, wireless internet, a free daily newspaper, and electric door locks.

4. Ramada Inn & Suites Downtown Vancouver

The Ramada Inn & Suites Downtown Vancouver boasts a modern art-deco atmosphere right in the center of the entertainment district. You’ll find yourself within walking distance of several spectacular attractions, including the English Bay, and within a short drive of the Granville Island Market. Hotel amenities include high speed internet access, an on-site gym, a fully equipped business center, and a tour desk with knowledgeable staff. This particular hotel is pet-friendly as well!

3. Comfort Inn Downtown Vancouver

The Comfort Inn Downtown Vancouver sits in an original 1912 building that has been completely remodeled and renovated. This particular hotel is known for having friendly staff and for its close proximity (within walking distance) of many of Vancouver’s most popular tourist attractions. Hotel amenities include air conditioning, high speed internet access, flat screen televisions, and iPod docking stations. Don’t forget to ask the hotel concierge for VIP passes to some of the area’s local bars and nightclubs while you’re there.

2. Happy Day Inn Vancouver

The Happy Day Inn Vancouver is actually located in the small town of Burnaby. The rates are incredibly affordable, mostly due to the fact that the hotel is about 20-30 minutes away from the center of Vancouver via car. The rooms are comfortable, featuring basic accommodations for both business and leisure travelers. The rooms come with their own kitchenettes, making it even easier for you to save money will traveling this winter. You’ll also find a gym, sauna, and laundry facility on-site.

1. Empire Landmark Hotel & Conference Center Vancouver

The Empire Landmark Hotel & Conference Center Vancouver is one of Vancouver’s most popular. It’s the tallest hotel in the city and features the award winning Cloud 9 restaurant. From your room’s balcony you’ll enjoy views of the ocean, city, or mountains. Guests will also enjoy the hotel’s close proximity to the Marina and Stanley Park.

The city of Vancouver is young but it’s certainly evolving into a destination no traveler will want to miss. You’re bound to find something to interest you, whether you’re visiting for the Olympic Games or to merely explore what the area has to offer. Make sure you have a comfortable hotel room to return to at the end of the day and you’ll have the recipe for a perfect trip. Enjoy!

Off the coast of Cape May, New Jersey, there is an odd vision sticking out of the water – part of a concrete ship! Yes, the US built a 250 ft ship out of concrete called the SS Atlantus. This was one of 12 experimental concrete ships built during World War I. Check it out!

Related [...]

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Boys of Summer? More like the boys of late winter and early spring. Professional sports is a year-round pursuit now, unlike the good ol’ days when every road warrior in hockey, football, basketball and baseball had a long off-season to relax and get into trouble without intense media scrutiny.

But pro sports is a big business now. The pressure of huge contracts, major television deals, corporate sponsorships and 24-hour news cycles mean today’s millionaire athletes have to stay in top form and peak condition if they want to remain, well, millionaires. Not that anyone feels sorry for them of course. Back in the day, hockey legend Maurice Richard had to take a summer job as a machinist to make ends meet early in his career and sold fishing line after his retirement. But I digress.

To bring it back to the topic at hand, there is no off-season in sports today. (For instance, do European footballers ever get a day off? They seem to always have incessant commitments to club teams, league play, UEFA tournaments and national teams. But I digress again.) Take Major League Baseball. America’s pastime crowns a “world” champion in early November (Boys of Summer indeed) and then mere weeks later – well, 15 to be exact – while the trophy wax is still fresh, pitchers and catchers have to report to spring training.

Which in a sense, is what makes baseball so great. While the New York Yankees have barely had time to enjoy their 27th title, 29 other MLB franchises have been champing at the bit to hit the diamond and kick off another season. Spring training signals a fresh start for everyone – owners, general managers, managers, players and fans alike. A chance to start anew and earn redemption in the eyes of the baseball world. Isn’t that what sports is all about?

Spring training is one of the great all-time sports traditions and one in which fans can take part at relatively little cost. You may not always get the chance to see the likes of Roy Halladay, Albert Pujols, Joe Mauer, Ichiro Suzuki, David Wright and Derek Jeter up close and personal but cost-benefit-wise, spring training is the best bang for your sports buck. With that in mind, check out some of the best spring training destinations in MLB, from the Cactus League in Arizona to the Grapefruit League in Florida.

Fort Myers, Florida

Former Boston Red Sox All-Star Mike Greenwell had a dream to bring the team to his hometown for spring training. Four years before his retirement with the legendary club in 1996, City of Palms Park broke ground in Fort Myers. The 8,000-seat stadium is one of the best in Grapefruit League play. Hammond Stadium in South Fort Myers is the spring home of the Minnesota Twins.

Phoenix, Arizona

The capital of Arizona is a big city rarity in spring training play. After all, Phoenix has a MLB franchise in the Diamondbacks but ironically, the team’s spring home is in Tuscon. It matters not because visitors to the metropolis in February and March can catch the Milwaukee Brewers and Oakland Athletics in action. The teams play at Maryvale Baseball Park and Phoenix Municipal Stadium, respectively.

Goodyear, Arizona

Goodyear is of the fastest-growing communities in America and an All-America City Award recipient. Home to some 50,000 people, the idyllic, affluent town provides baseball fans with a great two-in-one Ohio opportunity. As of 2010, both the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians will share the terrific Goodyear Ballpark complex.

Jupiter, Florida

A popular, laid-back beach town, Jupiter, Florida hosts the St. Louis Cardinals and Florida Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. The facility is first-rate and holds just under 7,000 people.

Viera, Florida

Viera is notable as a spring training destination because it has one of the most unusual ballparks in Space Coast Stadium. The name is apt – the former February and March home of the Montreal Expos and now Washington Nationals is 20 km from Cape Canaveral and the John F. Kennedy Space Center. The stadium is full of NASA-centric monuments and tributes to the U.S. Space Program.

Check out great hotel deals in destinations all over the United States.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

“We are so happy to finally be in Las Vegas!!!”

Heeey heeey….what happens in vegas stays in vegas ok….come on now. EXCEPT FOR BED JUMPING THAT IS!!

The Windy City, formally known as Chicago, is one of the most eclectic cities in North America. Featuring a buzzing entertainment district, world famous sports fields, and stunning jazz bars, there’s definitely something for everyone.

Climb to the top of the Sears Tower, take your kids to the Lincoln Park Zoo, or stroll through Hyde Park. Just make sure you familiarize yourself with the city before you hit the streets.

When to Visit Chicago

The absolute best times to visit Chicago are during the months of May, September, and October. These are, unfortunately, some of the most expensive months to visit as tourism is quite high but as far as weather and activities are concerned they’re paramount. The humidity is low, sporting seasons are in full-swing, and the atmosphere is incredibly enjoyable.

The summer months in Chicago are great if you like swimming, relaxing in the water, and outdoor sports. The temperatures during the summer months are very warm and the humidity is oppressively high.

The winter months in Chicago are very cold and windy, especially during the months of January, February, and March. Snow and ice storms are common and unless you are traveling on business you might prefer to stay in a warmer climate.

Transportation throughout Chicago

The city streets of Chicago are laid out very simply and are easy to understand. While the city blocks are long, it is easy to find out where you are by remembering that there are 8 standard city blocks per mile. Even numbered homes will always be on the west side of an east/west street or north on a north south street. Odd numbered homes will be to the east or south.

Visitors staying in Chicago hotels in the center of the city will find most of the area’s attractions within walking distance. The city has a great public taxi system and a comprehensive subway system for attractions a bit further away. There’s really no reason to rent a car unless you plan on venturing further away from the city.

Flying into Chicago

Chicago is home to two airports. The famed Chicago O’Hare airport is an incredible large international airport and Midway Airport is a smaller domestic airport. O’Hare is considered one of the busiest airports not just in the country but in the world and it’s best to avoid it if at all possible.

If you’re taking a domestic flight into Chicago you may want to consider using a budget airline like Air Tran or Southwest. You will be less likely to experience delays and long lines. If you must use O’Hare to get in and out of the city, try to travel during the early morning hours when lines are shorter and weather is less likely to cause problems for travelers.

Health & Safety in Chicago

Chicago is a major metropolitan city but is relatively safe for tourists. As with all large cities, you should stay in populated areas, avoid traveling to strange areas (especially at night), and safeguard your personal property at all times. Pickpockets are prevalent in major tourist areas.

As far as health is concerned, those with heart and lung conditions may want to reconsider traveling as tourists during the summer months. The high levels of humidity result in what are known as “ozone action days,” and those with medical issues will want to do their best to stay as cool as possible. Ragweed and allergies are especially prevalent during the late summer and early fall.

Things to See in Chicago

The city of Chicago is full of engaging and entertaining sites and attractions. If you’ve never been to the city before you’ll want to start with a trip to Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower. It was considered the tallest building in the world until the Petronas Towers building in Kuala Lumpur surpassed it in 1996 and the Taipei 101 building beat them both out in 2004.

The famous Navy Pier is a great place to visit no matter what time of year you are in Chicago. Built in 1916, the pier features gardens, an ice-skating rink, an indoor botanical park, a stunning IMAX theater, shops, restaurants, and much more.

If you are a history buff you will appreciate a trip to the Ukranian Institute of Modern Art. Inside you’ll find a stunning collection of paintings, sculptures, and pieces of mixed media.

The city of Chicago has a lot to offer visitors from around the country and around the world. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, your trip to Chicago is bound to be memorable.

Have you ever been in a situation where some people in your travel group want to get out and explore the countryside, while some just want to hang out and tour a museum or other cultural locations? What if you could have both at once?

The Longmen Grottoes, just eight miles (13 km) south of the…

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]