Vegas, baby. Vegas! They weren’t lying: what happens in Vegas… stays in Vegas!

How many times have you heard those catch phrases? Well, we agree – they are both very overstated. But, they really do sum up your Vegas experience. Bottom line: Las Vegas is about checking your husbands, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, etc. at the door and cutting yourself loose from any morals, worries, conscience. This is the place where everyone seems to think that “anything goes” – and it usually does! People actually do enjoy pretending they are somebody else. Even the most conservative woman in your office will let her hair down and give in to that one night stand – she is in Vegas, after all!

With all those poker faces and bluffs at the casino scene, everyone thinks they are somebody else long after they leave the tables.

Vegas is a place to act like that friend that always tells the best stories. It’s a place to stay up way past your bedtime, gamble away your entire paycheck, act a bit crazy, or do the things you are always too scared to do in the “real world.” It’s a place where you’re supposed to get into trouble and mix things up. It’s a town of bling-bling and dreams – cause you never know when your luck is going to catch fire.

Somehow, despite all this crazy single silliness, Vegas is still a big enough town to offer plenty of options for the alterna-yuppie couples too. They can get all cleaned up and enjoy an exquisite meal or glitzy show. They can run the tables with the best of ‘em and waste the afternoon away at the pool or spa. Things getting boring in the bedroom? Try one-part champagne, one-part swanky hotel room, one-part Vegas, and you’ll be at it like jackrabbits again. Just don’t get too liquored up, cause you might just wake up the next morning and learn you were married by Elvis in that tiny white chapel, complete with plastic flowers. Classy, ey? Bet the parents will love hearing that one!

Yes, Vegas has a lot of adrenaline and you’ll feel the rush in everything you do here. In a town where people have $10,000 riding on one card, even the mundane everyday tasks like eating and drinking take on more excitement. And if eating and drinking is your thing, you’ve come to the right place. Top restaurants and chefs from around the world have dropped into town and opened up for business. Now, you too can enjoy the highest quality of cuisine on The Strip. Here then, are our journeyPod Picks for dining, wining and dancing Las Vegas style:

Restaurants

Bradley Ogden (Caesars Palace) – Famous California chef Bradley Ogden recently opened this sleek and modern Caesars Palace restaurant, his first outside of the Bay Area. In addition to a 60-seat lounge, the eatery boasts a patio dining area that faces Caesars Coliseum and a faux patio with torch-like fixtures and waterfall. The emphasis is on farm-fresh, regional and creative American fare – try the “opah” and the “halibut”, and you’ll realize why this restaurant is such a prize. Everything here seems to be perfect, and judging by the looks on the folks around the place, everything really is! Hint: try to get a seat in the rear dining room near the fireplace – it’s the most romantic spot here.

Delmonico Steakhouse (Venetian) – Chef Emeril Lagasse has done it again – this time on the Las Vegas strip! Located in The Venetian, his newest Creole-influenced Old Tuscan monastery-style establishment take its name from the legendary, century-old New Orleans institution. Remember the time when lunch was a full-fledged event and cocktail hour was never to be missed? Delmonico Steakhouse remembers! Though beef is the main draw here, you won’t be disappointed with all the other choices on this menu. And make sure you save room for the fresh blueberry bread pudding with lemon ice cream and caramel sauce. Psst… if you want the “ultimate” dining experience, try and reserve the chef’s kitchen table and enjoy a six-course tasting menu.

Il Mulino (Caesars Palace) – Perfect for prime people-watching (ask for a seat on the 40-seat patio that overlooks the Forum Shops Strip) and decadent fare, Il Mulino is sure to please. Diners sit in a sumptuous room with wrought-iron chandeliers and a floor-to-ceiling glass-enclosed wine rack. All the meals here begin with a slew of delectable and complimentary appetizers and the menu choices are impressive. But you won’t just be impressed with the food, the team of tuxedo-clad waiters and rich specialties will surely make this one your most luxurious dining experiences while in town.

Daniel Boulud Brasserie (Wynn Las Vegas) – Who would want to pay $40 for a burger & fries? We would and we did and we loved it. Of course the beef was the finest in town and this was no ordinary burger. Boulud’s other signature dishes like the beefsteak tomato, tarte pissaladi?re, crispy pork belly and the fricassee of Dover sole are…how should we say, “kick ass.” If you’re looking for upscale French cuisine that’s served in a sumptuous-country themed setting – this brasserie is the perfect choice (overlooking the Wynn lagoon).

Andre’s (Monte Carlo) – Repeatedly voted among the best restaurants in the city, Andre’s is essentially located in a 1930′s era Las Vegas home that’s been converted into a charming and comfortable French Countryside chateau. Serving decadent French cuisine – everyone who leaves here is wowed. There are three private dining rooms and even a Louis XVI room, where diners can enjoy cognac and cigars. Tables are topped with Versace china, candlelight and fresh flowers. The menu is seasonal, and always features a bounty of fresh seafood, fowl and meats – try the duck wrapped in hazelnut crust.

Sushi Roku (Caesars Palace) – L.A.’s wildly popular sushi hotspot is now available in Sin City. With its critically acclaimed Modern Japanese fare and Zen-like atmosphere, Sushi Roku is not just a favorite among the hip, young visitors – the locals flock here too! And not only is the scene fabulous, but the food is to die for. Specialties include seared yellowtail sashimi with ponzu and diced chilies, and baked lobster roll with creamy spicy sauce. Signature cocktails are awesome; try the “Cantaloupe Martini” or the “Tokyo Cooler”. And if you’re in the mood for a view, booths 603 & 604 are elevated and allow you to gaze out at the Strip.

Piero’s Italian Cuisine If you’re looking to relive the days of the Rat Pack, head on over to this retro-styled Vegas mainstay that’s outside the casino strip (located at 355 Convention Center Drive). Piero’s boasts leather booths and an attitude-infused setting. Don’t be surprised if you see a few familiar famous faces here – they too can’t stay away from the Roman-style stuffed artichokes and the restaurant’s signature spumoni.

Prime (Bellagio) – For gorgeous views of Bellagio’s dancing fountains, pop into Prime. Steaks come with six types of mustard and five sauces – all of which add sophistication to any cut. The restaurant’s signature steak is the veal porterhouse with kumquat-pineapple chutney and caramelized cauliflower. And the dessert-of-choice, the chocolate cake with warm gooey center, ain’t too shabby either! Note: If you’ve had a good day at the tables, treat yourself to a $1,050 shot of Chivas Royal Salute (bottled and launched in 1953 in honor of the newly-crowned Queen Elizabeth II).

Fleur De Lys (Mandalay Bay) – Prix-fixe French contemporary cuisine (with Mediterranean touch) is presented like artwork in this romantic and elegant enclave. Named as one of “the nation’s Hot 50 Restaurants” of 2005, this is for many discriminating palates, hands down, the best food in Vegas. However, the food isn’t the only thing impressive here, Fleur De Lys boasts a floral arrangement of 3,500 fresh ice-pink rosebuds, the theater-style curtains at the small tables and the hand-painted china at each table just exudes grace and style. If you’re a vegetarian, don’t fret: the chef has been known to whip up something unique just for you.

Olives (Bellagio) – A Mediterranean gem with a lakeside view (Bellagio’s dancing fountains), Olive’s is the less-expensive relative of The Mirage’s Onda (as well as a branch of our boy Todd English’s original Boston-based eatery). Don’t miss their signature wood-oven flatbreads with imaginative toppings and the little dumplings of goat-cheese in black-olive-flavored wrapping. Just make sure you save room for the vanilla-bean souffl? – it’s so good, it should actually be outlawed!

Michael’s Steakhouse (Barbary Coast Hotel) – A culinary masterpiece for over 20 years, this intimate gourmet eatery is known for its epicurean delights! Exquisitely furnished in rich red velvet, the restaurant features a 40-panel stained glass-domed ceiling, oversized wingback chairs and imported Italian marble. When dining here, try the signature dishes that include the Chateaubriand Bouquetierre or Rack of Lamb. And, you must (we say: must!) save room for dessert – like the Bananas Foster, Cherries Jubilee or the famous chocolate-dipped fruit selection.

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Barbados is a jewel in the Caribbean islands, and has a great deal to offer to people visiting the island. Barbados was named by the Portuguese and means ‘bearded one’; this is either because of the fig trees that have long hanging roots, or the foam formed by waves breaking on the cliffs. No matter what the reason, Barbados is the flawless tropical island to come for a vacation to – or even get married on. Barbados has an international airport, where there are flights every day coming from and going to destinations world over. There are many great hotels and resorts to stay in while visiting Barbados. Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados, and there are 11 administrative parishes in Barbados.

For those who want to soak up the sun and relax on the beach, Barbados has a 60 mile coastline. In Barbados there are plenty of activities that can be enjoyed on its sun soaked beaches such as swimming, scuba diving, sea sports, sailing, and light surfing. There are sailing and motor boats that can be hired to sail or tour around the island on, or you can visit one of the neighbouring islands using the boat.

Shopping is also very attractive as there are plenty of duty free shops in Barbados and impulsive shoppers find them a huge attraction. The mangrove swamps of Graeme Hall Nature is filled with brackish water and two varieties of mangroves – and thousands of egrets return here for the night, which makes it a place to visit for nature lovers. The St Lawrence Gap, just known as ‘the gap’, is a mile and a half stretch of bars, dance clubs, restaurants, resorts, inns, and shops. There are some internationally acclaimed restaurants located here. It’s a popular place filled with tourists, especially in the evening.  Mount Gay Distilleries have been producing the world famous Mount Gay rum for over 300 years, and are one of the oldest distilleries in the world. Sailors would bring back a barrel of Mount Gay rum to prove they had been to Barbados. The distillery is worth a visit. For those interested in horticulture, the Andromeda Gardens are worth visiting. It was started as a private collection and was then opened to the public to raise funds.

There are a variety of fascinating sights to see in Barbados, and if there is a cricket match on then the Kingston Stadium is crowded with spectators as all West Indians love the game.

A variety of festivals are scheduled annually which are energetic, entertaining, and are definitely a lot of fun to take part in. The West Indians are a joyful, relaxed, and welcoming people and they love their homeland, cricket, and rum. There are golf courses for people who like golf. However, playing golf in Barbados is very unusual as the climate is tropical and it can be fairly windy at times.

Getting around Barbados can be a very enjoyable ride, as the route taxis are tiny buses that follow the most picturesque routes and will load in the maximum number of passengers through the route. As the entire feel is of being stress-free, a ride in these taxis can be very exciting.  A vacation in Barbados is always exhilarating, relaxing, and very refreshing. It is the ideal place to visit for unwinding and having some fun.

I need a vacation! There may be more to that statement than we realize. Recent studies show your life may depend on it. With a struggling economy and corporate layoffs, Americans are leaning towards not planning a vacation next year. According to the Conference Board, a firm specializing in private research, the number of Americans who will take a vacation within six months is the lowest in thirty years. 39% of the respondents who took their standard consumer survey were also not considering travel next year a low since 1978. Public health consultants believe this is a mistake.

Just when job insecurity and stress are at an all-time high, we could use a break. The Framingham Heart Study, an ambitious health research project, has been striving since 1948 to identify common risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease. Researchers of the project observed three generations of questionnaires filled out over a twenty year period. The data showed women who vacationed only once every six years or less were almost eight times more likely to develop coronary artery disease or have a heart attack. There is a clear correlation between lifestyle and stress. A study published in 2000 involving 12,000 men over a nine year period had parallel findings. Men who did not vacation annually were 33% more likely to die of a heart attack and had a 21% risk of death from other causes. The facts also point to the effect vacations have on your mental health. Research scientists at the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin report the rate of depression increased as the frequency of vacations decreased.

These studies suggest real evidence that taking a vacation is necessary to your health and well-being. Now is the time to reinvent our travel plans. With pressure on spending budgets, considering all the options is a smart idea. Not long ago, the emergent travel giant, MOR Vacations, unveiled a new product that will allow families to travel while squeezing the most out of their limited finances. Securing time off from work may be the only thing standing in the way. Almost 25% of Americans working in the private sector do not receive paid vacations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are 127 countries that mandate paid vacations. The U.S. does not. John de Graaf, executive director of the Take Back Your Time board, is lobbying Congress to pass the Minimum Leave Protection, Family Bonding, and Personal Well-Being Act that will mandate three weeks of vacation. It’s a tough sell to business, but more enticing than sick time because it is more predictable.

Economic indicators are still pointing downhill. Making up for the negative effects is necessary to our continued health. Allocating funds towards a lavish, tranquil vacation is even more compelling. We all have it coming. A travel club lifetime membership could turn out to be a worthwhile investment. Stay away from timeshare rackets with recurring anniversary fees and long, drawn-out payments. Consider the options with a one-time, front-end fee and completely transferrable membership. Even more valuable is automatic VIP status for new members and free travel passes for unlimited guests. A travel product with these attributes will help balance your work-life responsibilities and squeeze every cent out of your travel budget.

Families traveling with kids will find Amboseli national park, a safari destination matched to no other, with less tourist traffic, breathtaking open spaces, easy access from Nairobi, the list is endless.

The park described by writers as ‘ a home for the Gods’ covers 150sq mile south of Nairobi and lies just at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895m. The park is currently on the cross roads with the government and the local communities both claiming ownership, with Kilimanjaro’s snow capped peaks dominating every aspect of this Park and form a stunning backdrop to the wildlife found here – elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, cheetah and a host of plains game and its breathtaking beauty, the tag is well worth the effort!

The area is home to the Masai people, tall, colorful, proud, nomadic warriors famous for their legendary prowess in battle and single handed acts of bravery in fights with wild animals. Perhaps, more than any other people they have learned to live in complete harmony with the wildlife which surrounds them, this knowledge they proudly shared to visitors and well worth the time. Kids will be allowed to get really close and explore the simple but fascinating homesteads, adults will also enjoy the cultural aspect of the lifestyle.

Amboseli’s Oltukai lodge is one of the best spots in the world where children can watch elephants and study their fascinating wilderness behavior, This is where you will find the highest concentration of elephants than anywhere else in Africa, they can be seen spread well over the savannah woodland, just remember to ask your driver guide on how this clever mammals mourn and pay last respect to a dead member or how they cross their tiny young on a fast flowing river. .

Quietly tucked away from view, The Kibo family Villa crouches undisturbed, an elegant three-bedroom log cabin built in stone and gum tree, in complete harmony with its surroundings. Own entrance, a lounge, a fully fitted kitchen and a barbecue area. Secluded by a copse of indigenous Acacia Tortilis trees and five acres of garden, Kibo Villa is peace and privacy made perfection. Two or threes small families traveling together love the self-catering option, use the lodges facility is welcome. Detailed attention is taken on security issues and a resident nurse is available on call.

Kids will love the lavish private family buffet breakfast or dinner set out specially as a family package in wonderful secluded detting amongst the tortillas trees only a tone away from the family of the resident elephants also having a feast of their own, breakfast works out best.

Selenkay conservation area lies east of Amboseli is well off the beaten track, never visited by tourist till now, birdlife is prolific especially bird of prey. The 6 tents Porini luxury camp caters for 12 guest at a time, the camp is in the lines of a traditional luxury family camp, comfortable family tent rooms, ensuite bathrooms, flush toilets, solar powered electric lighting and an amazing chef completes a safari family haven! At Amboseli locally trained masai naturalist or walking guides will get Kids out in the mornings in a small group of say 8 kids for an adventurous nature exploration. This walking trips to the nearby sites in most cases will include lessons on the masai hunting techniques, catching and naming butterflies, treasure hunts, tree planting, hide and seek in animal camouflaged clothing and an interesting Q and A session answering every question they have ever had on wildlife and tribesmen.