Las Vegas is like Disneyland for grown ups, flashing lights, fancy cars, millions of dollars changing hands and the lure of anything being possible. If you are able to, then I would urge you to spend some days in this incredible corner of the Mojave desert to see for yourself just how alive this city is, from mega-casinos to incredibly designed hotels, Vegas has it all .

Vegas is known as the entertainment capital of the World and on a trip to the place they call ‘Sin City,’ there are some activities that you simply can’t leave before doing them and here is our recommendations of the things that you mustn’t miss out on.

See a Show

Vegas is home to a vast array of glitz and glamor and the best place to get a true taste of it is by taking in a show. There are all kinds of different shows to choose between, from comedic magicians to burlesque, comedians to World-famous singers, Vegas has it all. You need to ensure that you secure your show tickets early for the best prices and seats, visit one of the great websites out there that offer these tickets so that you don’t miss out.

Roll the Dice

Simply put, Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the World and even if you just gamble a few dollars, you need to at least have a go. There are so many iconic casinos for you to choose from with every form of gambling available, you could hit the blackjack tables, play the slots or hit the craps, whatever you fancy. Make sure you only bet what you can afford, Vegas has also become home to many who went there to strike it rich and lost it all.

Walk the Strip

Just walking through the Vegas strip is a feast for the eyes, you can see the hotels in their iconic glory, from the Bellagio’s fountains to the New York New York with its famous landmarks replicated outside. You will see all kinds of crazy things on the strip from street performers to high rollers and as far as people watching locations go, they don’t get much better. The strip is around 6km long and you can comfortably walk it form end to end. There is a monorail which you can use to get back to your hotel afterwards.

Stay up Late

Vegas never stops, the hotels and casinos are open 24/7 and time just stands still when you are here. To truly get involved ini the Vegas way then you should plan on staying up late whilst you are there, for the experience if nothing else, go for a burger at 5am, catch a show at 2am or head down for a beer and a gamble at 7 in the morning. A visit to Vegas is all about letting your hair down and enjoying life for a while, why not do just that, at times that you would never dare to back home.

New York, New York, one of the World’s most famous cities, the most populous in the United States and a mecca for tourism that sees more than 50 million people visit the city that they call the Big Apple, every year. There is so much to do and see in New York that you could spend months at a time there, and still not accomplish it all. Assuming that you, like the rest of us, don’t have that kind of time and money, then you will doubtless be opting for a trip to New York for just a few days at a time and when it comes to what to do in this iconic city on such a time limit, your going to need to ensure that you see as much as you can. To help out, we’ve whittled down the list to these 5 must-do activities.

The Statue of Liberty

A trip to New York simply wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its most iconic landmark, the Statue of Liberty, sat on Liberty island in New York’s harbor, this giant statue can not only be seen and enjoyed from afar, but also from the inside where you can capture incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. There are 354 steps to scale in order to get to the crown but once you get there, your hard work will be rewarded with incredible views.

See a Broadway Show

Broadway is one of the most famous places in the World to see a musical or a stage show, it offers some incredible theaters and almost all of the huge musical productions that have been born over the years, made their debut on Broadway. Get in early when getting tickets, there are some great websites to book early and get the best prices for your show tickets, head there and buy them before you even get to New York.

Chill Out in Central Park

Being in a chaotic city like New York can take its toll and you should head to the enormous Central Park, bang smack in the center of the city, to take a load off. You will see all kinds of things in this expansive space, people in love, people practicing martial arts, fitness sessions, musicians, artists and everything in between. Central Park is a great place to pass a few hours relaxing in the center of mayhem.

Visit Ground Zero

After the atrocious attacks in 2001 on the World Trade Center, the site where the two buildings existed were turned into a museum and tribute to those who lost their lives during the attacks and pays homage to the togetherness that was shown by the city during these times. Ground Zero is well worth a visit, to see the tributes, the new building that was created on one of the sites and to reflect on what happened on that fateful day.

See Some Live Sport

New Yorkers are very passionate about sport, be it baseball, american football, basketball, ice hockey or soccer, they are crazy for it and even if you don’t love sport then you should still try and go to see one of the local teams, for the atmosphere if nothing else. Few places do live sport with the razzmatazz that Americans do and you should absolutely spend a night experiencing it.

Taking a long road trip on your motorcycle can be a great idea. It is a wonderful way to see the country, while enjoying the open highways and sights. You can see much more of the landscapes and beautiful countryside, from a bike rather than a car, and of course you can have the wind in your face.

Whether you ride a bag-equipped cruiser, an all-out adventure bike, or a classic tourer, motorcycles have a way of tempting riders to chase the horizon. If you are enamored with taking a motorcycle trip, you need to know what to bring along, so that your trip is memorable and pleasurable and you never find yourself unprepared.

Map Out Your Trip

The first thing to do is to get out the maps and chart your exact trip plan. Take note of landmarks that you can use to make sure you are on the right roads.  Many smaller roads do not have good road signs so know where you will be and map it out using mileage. Give a copy of your trip itinerary to someone you trust, so if you are lost, they can look at the same map you have. Using GPS maps is also great, but be sure to pack a paper map because you may end up in places without good cellular service.

Make Sure Your Bike and You are in Top Shape

If your bike has a few miles on it, make sure you take it to an experienced and reputable service shop and get a full top to bottom maintenance check-up. Make sure that the fluid levels, the brakes, the lights and all other mechanical components are at their proper levels and working. Even if your bike is new, you should still get it serviced. Also get yourself a health check-up  too. Riding a bike is physical exercise after all. It will be better to find out any problems or potential ones before you get on the road.

Get a Luggage Rack

It is a smart idea to install a luggage rack on the back of your bike. Some people think that using a back pack or shoulder bag will suffice. But remember, you will be driving a long time and anything on your body will only get heavier as the day goes on. So put it on the bike.

Pack a Waterproof Riding Suit and Some Good Quality Motorcycle Boots

The most wonderful and also most potentially dangerous thing about riding your bike is that you will come in direct contact with the elements. And as we know, the weather can be unpredictable. Remember, if it starts raining while you’re on your bike trip, there aren’t any windows to roll up or doors to shut to keep you dry. So buy a comfortable, waterproof riding suit. This way, when the rain comes, you’ll stay nice and dry under the suit. Also get yourself some good quality motorcycle boots from the premiere place that sells the best budget motorcycle boots.

Pack Only What You Really Need

Before you start packing, make a list of the necessities and then add the things you want to bring along. Keep in mind, you can’t pack a lot. So think about each item and ask yourself if you could do without it, or if you really do need it. If you aren’t sure about something, you don’t need it. If it is something non-essential and you can purchase on the road, do it then, rather than carrying it with you the whole trip. You may find that you don’t actually need it.

The tips above will help you be prepared for your next motorcycle adventure. If you prepare yourself, you can enjoy the pleasures of the open road without worry.

Photo by CC user joi on Flickr

It is not just all sand and camels in this charming Middle Eastern desert jewel. Indeed, Dubai has loads of attractions for everybody: couples, families, adventurers, foodies, you name it. Over the years, Dubai has made a name for itself as a world-class tourist destination. Any visitor would be spoilt for choices, but here is a short list of some of the must-do in Dubai.

Enjoy Breathtaking Views from the Burj Khalifa

This iconic building has 124 floors! The highest floor features massive floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views of this wealthy city-state. How do visitors get all the way up there? Why, by riding an ultra-fast elevator, of course, which, moving at ten meters per second, is an attraction in itself. Prepare for some ear-popping! The Burj Khalifa, being the tallest building in the world, is extremely popular with visitors, who flock to its open-air terrace, which is also located on the top floor.

Test Your Mettle at the Aquaventure and Lost Chambers

Adrenaline junkies can get their fix at this incredible water park which boasts everything from exciting water slides, inter-connected waterways, a massive aquarium housing 65,000 marine animals, to playgrounds that feature water jets and cannons. This watery wonderland is the perfect entertainment for the whole family.

Fly over the Arabian Desert in a Hot Air Balloon

Start your exotic day at sunrise in the Arabian Desert, where you will climb atop a hot air balloon that will rise to a height of 3,000 feet. From such a high vantage point, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of this natural wonder in its entirety. Expect to see wandering camels, red sand dunes and desert oases. Upon landing back on terra firma, you will be driven to a desert conservation reserve, where a scrumptious breakfast awaits. Finally, learn about falconry from experts who will show you a kind of hunting that many rarely see.

Get Some Cardio-Shopping

Put your wallet and credit card to good use by visiting all the best shopping spots in Dubai – Bur Juman, Deira City Centre, Naif Souk, and Al Fahidi Street. Gold bugs can also indulge their obsession at the Dubai Gold Souk, where the precious yellow metal is coaxed into various styles and designs, all at very competitive prices. Those who lead with their noses and taste buds would find something to sniff and taste at the Perfume Souk, as well as the Spice Souk. End the productive day at the Antique Market for some last-minute purchases of exotic souvenirs and knick-knacks.

The Ancient Meets the Twenty-first Century in Dubai

The city of Dubai has been blessed with unprecedented wealth. This has been reflected on its grand modern buildings and ambitious future plans. However, Dubai also still holds on to its ancient traditions. Visitors might marvel at the juxtaposition of camels and skyscrapers, but its citizens take both the ancient and new in stride. This duality makes the city a charming destination in the Middle East for discerning world travelers.

You’ve worked hard, saved the money, finally sorted out the time off from your job, and now it’s time for a luxury vacation! Let’s face it, if you only have a couple weeks off a year, you want to make sure everything goes smoothly, you enjoy it, and are comfortable.

While luxury travel isn’t the cheapest option, there are some ways to save big. Book things far in advance, sort out deals online and do your shopping before hand. You’ll probably want to make sure your clothes are on the same level as your vacation, so why not step things up a notch for your trip? Neiman Marcus has some great threads available online, and while they aren’t the cheapest, we’ve got a great tip.

Check out Groupon Coupons. They have some exclusive deals just available on their site, and they’re free! They’ve partnered up with Bloomingdales and you can find some steep discounts. So don’t sacrifice your style, get savvy!

Photo: Creative commons

London is one of the most inhabited, multi-cultural cities in the world with loads to offer. Next time you visit London, keep in mind there’s a plethora of things you can do if you want to have the time of your life. Here are a few recommendations of top memorable things you can do when in the English capital.

Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the most visited tourist attractions in London, and for good reason. Well guarded by the Yeomen Warders who are usually more than happy to give you a history update, the Tower was built by William the conqueror in 1066 after Norman conquest, and has since been altered or added upon by every other ruler or King after.

See the city from a different perspective

London is a big city and you can never really get how majestic it is just by wandering around. However, you can get a unique view of the city by getting a peak from the tallest landmarks, the best being the London Eye, or if you’re lucky and can spare the entry fee from the Houses of Parliament or the Big Ben, also depending on the time you visit.

Westminster Abbey

Photo: Creative Commons

Make sure to dedicate some of your holiday time to visit Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of London’s gothic churches. This site is located behind Parliament. Many famous personalities have been associated with the church, the most recent important event being the marriage of Kate and prince William. A rather marvelous architectural feat!

Windsor Castle

This is Queen Elizabeth II’s official residence, Windsor Castle, one of the world’s oldest castles of this magnitude, should definitely be on your list of things to do. You will get a rare opportunity to see the magnificent State Apartments, so check it out.

Tower Bridge

Photo: Creative Commons

This bridge was once a symbol of industrial and urban revolution. You can visit this place to explore the history of the bridge and access various exhibitions. In 2014, the city council opened a new Glass Walkway on this bridge to allow visitors to get a complete view of pedestrians and the river.

Kensington Palace

Take a red bus and go to Kensington Palace, the official residence of Queen Victoria and late Princess Diana’s official home. Here, you can get a chance to see various engaging exhibitions and learn a bit more about the history of the monarchy.

Guest post sponsored by the Corinthia Hotels.

Known as Australia’s cultural capital, it’s no surprise that Melbourne’s love of art and design has extended to its city streets. Whether you stick close to the CBD or venture out to the suburbs, there is no shortage of amazing artworks to see on a visit to Melbourne.

See why Melbourne is quickly becoming one of the world’s most famed graffiti destinations with our guide to the city’s best street art.

Hosier Lane

The city’s quintessential laneway when it comes to floor-to-ceiling murals and big, bold tags, Hosier Lane is a must on any street art itinerary. While its central location opposite Federation Square make it prone to crowds, the ever-evolving artworks that adorn its walls are still more than worth a look.

Union Lane

Part of Melbourne’s ongoing initiative to cement its position as the arts capital of Australia, the city commissioned dozens of talented artists to transform Union Lane into a living outdoor gallery. Constantly changing to include new artworks, this inner-city street art display is one of the best in the CBD.

Johnston Street

Nestled in the up-and-coming arts hub of Abbotsford, Johnston Street isn’t just a haven for street art. While its outdoor pieces are amongst the most spectacular in Melbourne, its proximity to a number of galleries, cafes, boutiques and studios make it the perfect starting point for an all-round culture crawl.

Chapel Street

The first port of call for savvy shoppers staying in Melbourne, this trendy retail precinct also happens to be a mecca for street art enthusiasts. Whether you peruse the colourful pieces found in ‘Aerosol Alley’ or window shop along the main drag, this fashionable borough has a type of art to suit every taste.

Croft Lane

One of the CBD’s best-kept secrets, the narrow thoroughfare that is Croft Lane explodes with vibrant hues both day and night. Take a trip to this back alley in the daylight before doubling back after dark, when the soft red glow of string lights overhead offer an entirely new perspective.

ACDC Lane

While it may glean its name from world-famous Aussie rock band, ACDC, this charming laneway is more famous for its street art than it is for its musical muses. Less crowded than some of the city’s other hotspots, visitors to ACDC Lane can catch a glimpse of amazing, street-style portraits without having to fight for photo space.

Enviably located in the heart of Melbourne’s bustling CBD, Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens offers the perfect base to lose yourself amidst the city’s laneways and alleys. Plan your stay today and discover the city’s most amazing street art from the comfort and luxury of a Melbourne hotel.

The climate and mountain landscapes of Armenia are perfect for active winter holiday lovers. The country offers several well-equipped resort towns with all the necessary conditions for those who wish to ski, snowboard and just have a good time. These cities will please tourists with well-developed infrastructure, and most importantly – beautiful landscapes, which are unlikely to leave anyone indifferent. So it is no coincidence that holiday in Armenia is gradually becoming very popular and attractive among skiers and snowboarders from around the world.

Tsaghkadzor

One of the most popular ski resorts, of course, has always been a cozy town of Tsaghkadzor. It is located approximately 40 kilometers north of Yerevan, in the picturesque valley of the River Marmarik. Even in the Soviet era, famous athletes came here for training that is not a coincidence: in addition to suitable mountainous terrain, the town has a wonderful climate, providing curative effect on human health. The air is crystal clear, and winters are mild with an average temperature -9 C.

The popularity of Tsaghkadzor increased in 2004 when a new modern cable way was constructed at the slopes of Mount Tegenis, it has 4 stations and guarantees maximum safety.

Tsaghkadzor will be suitable for skiers of all levels as the tracks are quite various: there are ones for quiet skiing with height difference of 230 meters, and there are black ones with a height difference of 350 m.

If you climb to the highest point of skiing (2819 m), you’ll get a wonderful view of Mount Ararat, the symbol of Armenia, and Lake Sevan, the pearl of Armenian nature.

The ski equipment can be rented here for very low prices. For example, the rent of a ski set for one day will cost just $ 10.5, and a set of snowboard – $ 14.5. Visitors can also take an experienced instructor who will train them.

The choice of the hotels in Tsaghkadzor is great: for any taste and pocket. You can choose luxury hotels that meet all European standards, or choose something more economical with good conditions and decent service. For travelers with large families, there is a great opportunity to rent small cozy cottages.

The vacationers usually combine their holiday with a visit to attractions. In this small town, you can visit a unique monastery complex Kecharis built in XII-XIII cent., or an interesting museum of brothers Orbeli who were famous Armenian culture and science representatives.

The tourists who chose the tour to Armenia try to necessarily visit this wonderful picturesque town of Tsaghkadzor. And it is important to note that according to some feedback there was no any traveler who got disappointed after the visit.

Jermuk

Jermuk is the other popular resort of Armenia situated at a distance of 178 km from Yerevan, which will take two and a half hours away by car. On the way, you can visit the unique medieval monuments, fortresses and castles, admire Ararat and even stop in Areni village and see the winery.

Generally, this cozy green town is famous for its healing mineral waters and curative climate. But in 2007 Double Chairs cable car was built, and the city became popular as a winter resort as well. The ski tracks are only two: one for beginners (1400 m) and the other for experienced skiers (1300 m) long.

All of them correspond to high standards. You can take a ski or snowboard set for a rent just near the cable way. The rent of ski set for one day will cost $12,5 and of a snowboard for $20. At the intermediate stations, there are cozy cafes where you can eat and relax perfectly. By the way, unlike Tsakhkadzor in Jermuk it is not windy at all. We recommend paying attention to Jermuk especially if you are planning a vacation with children. The city has really very favorable atmosphere in all respects.

The neighborhoods of Jermuk are rich with unique historical monuments, among which the most famous are the monastery Gndevank, Astvatsatsin, Noravank, Tatev.

by  kilted01 

The annual sporting calendar is full of physical contests that engage, enrapture and entertain in equal measure. However, away from the glare of the media spotlight, a culture of alternative sporting heroes thrives. Putting their minds and bodies on the line in some of the strangest ways imaginable, these competitors are the embodiment of eccentricity.

Keeping on top of the latest developments in the eccentric sports world isn’t easy, which is why betfair have put together an alternative sports calendar. Documenting some of the strangest events of the year, this calendar is a great reference point for anyone who likes to enjoy something from leftfield.

To give you a flavour of the alternative sports world and give you a glimpse into some of the world’s different cultures at the same time, we’ve listed three of the weirdest games from the UK and beyond.

Shin Kicking Championship: Shoes, Straw and Strangeness

In the spectrum of toe-curling, pain-inducing sports, shin kicking has to be the worst. Originating in England and dating back to 1636, the game has one simple premise which is to kick your opponent into submission. To give you a more detailed look at the rules of shin kicking, check this out:

• Competitors start by holding their opponent by the shoulders (or lapels) with arms straight.

• The contest will be started, finished (if necessary) and judged, by an arbiter, known as a Stickler. The Stickler decides the fairness of a contest.

• A contest is decided on the best of three throws – i.e. two successful throws results in a win.

Initially a somewhat more gentle sport (as gentle as a shin kick can be), shin kicking gradually became more brutal over the centuries, with the 19th century proving to be a particularly rough patch as villages took on each other in a battle of pride. Today, competitors from around the world pack their trousers with as much straw as possible before taking part in the competitions such as the Cotswold Olimpicks which take part in May every year.

Cheese Rolling Championship: A Tasty Cheese Roll

If you’ve never rolled a wheel of cheese down a hill and then chased after it like a mad man or woman, then you haven’t lived, according to the organisers of the Cheese Rolling Championships . Taking place in one of the UK’s traditional cheese-making counties, Gloucestershire, the event is actually a lot more dangerous than it sounds.

Every May for the last 200 years, contestants have converged at the top of Cooper’s Hill in Gloucester and wait for the famous cheese wheel to be launched down the slope. Pitched at a gradient of 1:2, controlling your pace down the hill is no mean feat and as people skid and fall in pursuit of the cheese, medics are always close by.

The person who manages to make it down the hill in one piece and catch the cheese before anyone else is declared the winner and handed the prize dairy product.

Buzkashi: When Dead Goats Meet Polo

When you think of polo, you think glasses of champagne, majestic horses and fancy clothes. There’s no doubt that polo is one of the most impressive spectacles on the sporting calendar. However, because we’re looking at the weirdest sports in the world, this safe sport isn’t one we’re including in this list. Instead, we’ve turned our gaze towards Asia and a sport known as buzkashi.

Believed to be derived from an early form of polo present in Iran and, moreover, the inspiration for modern day polo, this sport requires participants to drag a headless goat carcass while on horseback. As with most sports that involves two teams competing against each other, buzkashi includes a goal and the players all try to score as many as possible.

Despite sounding like a relic that we’ve excavated from sporting history, buzkashi is actually a game that’s still played today. Most popular in Uzbekistan, modern teams usually hail from the same family and top-level players can earn huge significant sums of money through monthly payments, bonuses and special gifts that can include luxury cars.

Alternative sports, unsurprisingly, do not usually show up on everyone’s radar but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth watching. While the annual shin kicking championships might not hold the same sort of prestige as the World Cup, it’s an entertaining spectacle nonetheless. The three whacky sports listed in this article are the tip of a very large iceberg and if you want to check out more we suggest you check out the alternative sports calendar.

France is definitely one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe, with people from all across the globe flocking to the beautiful beaches, exciting canals and romantic cities. Thanks to the fact that the country is situated on the Atlantic, there is a massive selection of fantastic water sports available, from the adrenaline fuelled White Water Rafting experiences around the Rhône-Alpes region, to the more relaxing canoe-kayaking strolls down tranquil canals.

Before you can even think about getting your feet wet, the first step to vacationing is finding the perfect accommodation. If you are aiming for the true French experience, why not spend your nights at one of the many warm and cosy cottages or villas that you can find spread across the country.

Now that you have found a soft place to rest your head each night, it is time to head towards the water. If you are passionate about paddling and are planning on visiting this fabulous nation any time soon, then here are some water sport destinations in France that you should definitely check out while here.

Le Chalaux River, Saint Martin du Puy, Burgundy

Thanks to the hydro-electric station upstream, pushing out rapid waters, this stunning river offers some world class White Water Rafting experiences. Popular location for The European Canoe-Kayaking Championships, as well as a number of national kayaking competitions, there is no doubt that this is the perfect place for both beginner and professional kayakers to perfect their skill.

Rhône-Alpes, Eastern France

Fed by melting snow from Vanoise National Park glaciers, this fast-flowing river is a must for all paddling enthusiasts. Having hosted the world canoeing and kayaking championships on three different occasions, be prepared for some adrenaline pumping experiences over the world famous Aime rapids. The entire journey offers visitors with 22km of excitement between Bourg Saint Maurice and Centron, allowing them to tackle Class 3 to Class 4 rapids along the way.

Pays de la Loire, North West of France

This coastal region of France offers visitors with some of the best sailing conditions for both professional, as well as novice sailors alike. Stretching from La Baule to Sables-d’Olonne, the wide bays, creeks and islands offer ideal sailing locations, as well as some breathtakingly stunning views.