The rest of Q&A

Q – We’ve beent here and done that, from Sandals to Sandy Lane. and my lady and I have decided that we’re done with big hotels, cruisers, and packaged tourists. Now, we’re looking for a few secret spots, just a few cottages on a beach where Jimmy Buffet might be lounging in the hammock. We’re big fans and we just like to chill out on vacation. Part of that, I suppose has to do with the fact that we live in Connecticut so Cheeseburgers in Paradise are still important to us. Laid back simple luxury. Do these places still exist in the Caribbean or do we have to start considering Mexico?

A – They do exist but Jimmy B. will not likely be in any hammock where you can find him. More likely it will be an insurance salesman from New Jersey. Actually you are most likely to find Jimmy in Palm Beach then the Caribbean. He did frequent the islands in the 80’s when he owned a home on St. Bart’s. So Jimmy’s idea of “Paradise” might be an island with French cuisine rather than hamburgers. although Le Select on St. Bart’s has certainly benefitted from the association. Don’t give up on the Caribbean. You have a lifetime of small pleasures ahead. First, try the Caves in Negril, Jamaica. Think of a dozen cottagesd that are up on cliffs overlooking the water. There is a good Spa, a nice sprinkling of Hollywood B-listers, and all-inclusive rates so you don’t need to leave campus. We also want you to try The Rock House out on Harbour Island in the Bahamas. A tad challenging to get to but you are just a few minutes from a great beach. Harbour is a wonderful out island and “The House” only has ten suites so there is never a crowd. We like Buffet’s music and we like a new policy he adopted several years ago. He only works onTuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Any real Parrothead would, we think, have to follow that policy.

Q –  We are set to take our second cruise sailing out of Venice next summer. This is a “Free Air” sailing, one of the reasons we picked it. We will be flying out of Miami and we are worried about the air route Holland America might give us. Our agent feels the fact that the air is included is worth waiting for. We won’t know our flights until two months prior to our departure from home. My husband is not a good flyer and I am concerned about being assigned a bad airline and bad routing since the air is included. Any advice would be appreciated. 

A – You, like many other cruisers, have purchased an illusion. Airfare is almost never really free. Cruise lines, even those rated much higher than Holland America, get to promote Free Air even though you are clearly paying for it. You could have received a significantly lower “cruise only” fare. At this point, we would suggest that you have your agent get you an air quote with good routing. Out of Miami, you will have good connections on a number of airlines but look closely at Delta and Lufthansa.You can still cancel Holland America’s air program. Finally, make certain that you fully understand your options when it comes to doing an “air deviation.” Every passenger using a cruise line’s air program should be aware that, for a fee, the airline will design a custom air program for you with a schedule available within days of the request. But there are down sides involving transfers and the limitations cruise lines have when doing ticketing exclusively on those airlines with whom they have a contractual relationship. There may actually be a fully legitimate “Free Air” offer out there. It’s just that we’ve never seen one.

Q – We just discovered this site and we can’t stop reading. But it is clearly built around the needs of the 1% who demand five-star accommodations. We are returning to Rome for the second time and we stayed at the Hassler on our first trip. Our room nightly bill could have bought us a nice 50-inch Plasma and we vowed “never again”. We’re not on a really strict budget and we don’t want a two-star, a bad neighborhood, a tiny room, anything dirty etc. You know, we’re typical Americans who don’t need a five-star in this economy. Where should we stay this time around?

A – You actually stayed at a hotel that has been ranked among the most overrated hotels in Europe. It isn’t that the Hassler is not an absolutely lovely property – it is just that the US Dollar and the 18% VAT Tax have conspired to create some astronomical room rates for those willing to pay them.  We suggest you look at the 41-room Barocco Hotel on Piazza Barberini. It was rennovated earlier this year and the rooms are quite nice. Be sure to ask for one of the more modern new rooms. Your agent should be able to get you  rate that comes in under $400 per night inclusive.

Q – Our family of four will be visiting St. Petersburg on a cruise operated by Celebrity. We hear it is one of the very top lines. Hope you agree. We will be bringing our 12 and 14 year old girls and wonder if there is a really good restaurant they might enjoy as we wander around St. Petersburg. We’re not the tour type and we love getting lost and going off the beaten track.

A – Your e-mail makes us a tad uneasy. First of all, Celebrity is not, by any measure, one of the very top lines. It is the very best line among the mainstream cruise lines that utilize larger ships. For the money, Celebrity offers real value and there are spots on their ships that are truly elegant and even understated. They have better food then their primary competitors, Holland America and Princess, but do not assume that you will have anything like a gourmet experience. Expect to be nickel and dimed for nearly everything. We do not feel that you ought to be exploring St. Petersburg without a guide. If you do not take this advice, make certain that you have obtained visas for everyone in your family. You will need one to wander off the ship without a pre-arranged tour.Now, with that said, do try the wonderful, new Lujaika on Aptekarsky Prospekt. They actually have a fishing pond for children and the restaurant has its own pet rabbits that roam the property.

Q – Love the site, and forgive you your occasional spelling errors .I wonder if you can answer a question I’ve never seen addressed by travel folks. Are some aircraft safer than others? Are 747’s more dangerous, for example, then smaller. more maneuverable planes? Aren’t larger planes, like the 747, more likely to head into bad weather while small planes generally go around it? Just wondering of there are is any information out there on this subject. We fly a lot and we’ll keep flying, no matter what, but I like to know if I should go smaller or bigger if given the chance.

A – You are far off base on the 747. Based on miles actually flown, this is one of the safest auircraft in aviation history. Where the statistics become meaningful is when you look at really smaller jets and prop planes. The fact is that aircraft that carry thirty or fewer passengers have a fatality rate that is about three times that of larger jets.Now, when we look at the safety records of the most popular jet types used commercially, the big boys, we find very insignificant safety discrepencies based on aircraft type. Two of the safest airlines on record, for instamce, are Quantas, which now flies the 380 and the 747, and Southwest which flies the considerably smaller 737 exclusively. Some of us who write about this stuff have been surprised that the public did not react at all when smaller twin engine aircraft like the 767 and the 777 started flying long distance Atlantic and Pacific routes. But the fact is that safety experts now rate the new engines so highly that thefre is little appreciable difference between crossing the ocean in a four-engine versus a two-engine aircraft from a safety point of view. The spelling errors are deliberate – we want to be sure you are following us and we like to remind you that this site is maintained by humans.

Q – We have just started going to Las Vegas two or three times a year for a little gambling and some great food, that is why recommend you the Hakkasan is a favorite in Las Vegas is the hot nightclub at MGM Grand and it’s enormous! But since nowadays it’s impossible to go, so we are giving a try to this website sbo bet, it’s going well so far.

We were wondering if you have ever seen the payout percentage for the casinos and how it might compare to our former home town of Philadelphia where we were regulars at Atlantic City? Just wondering if this kind of information is readily available to people in the hospitality or travel industries and if you might share it? We know that right now every online gambler is looking for new casinos to play. Then you should definitely visit star slots to experience new level of gambling.

A – Yes, every Monday a large black limo pulls up to our office and a guy named Guido gets out and hands us the actual slot machine payout statistics, this way we know what is what we can win playing gambling games. And this guy gives us advice for every new slot game like the upcoming baccarat, saying it is best to find the best ways to play baccarat before entering the real game. Some of the details of his last visit are sketchy especially for the new slots that just recently developed, but in general it is our understanding that the payout in Las Vegas is between 92-97%. The older casinos on Fremont street and off the main drags have higher payouts, some guests will prefer play in those type of casinos instead, or even best, at high reputation online Poker sites like Pkv Games. The highest payouts are usually from online casino services. On our research wombat casino is currently leading for the highest payouts casino. Our sense is that the payout rate in Atlantic City has started at around 85% and is rarely set above 92% or 93%. These are, of course, closely held secrets but you can bet on the fact that the more local old timers on the casino floor the better the payout.

GAMBLING TIPS

Know Your Limits

We all know that money management can be tricky, not everyone has the willing power to keep track of the money they spend on a casino; however,  it’s important that you set a budget and don’t go pass it, spend only what you can . Make sure to decide what you can afford to lose before you lose it all. Sometimes, knowing ones limit at spending is hard, we people need some breaks in order to stop our spending habit, to read more, click here and learn on how you can enjoy gambling at the same time you’ll learn on how to control yourself like a professional gambler at Gamerisms.

Get the Most for Your Play

By this we mean taking advantage of whatever comps, freebies and Bonus Code your casino offers. Make sure you have joined the player’s club to acquire comps and be sure to use your card every time you gamble. If you are playing at the table, use your card each time you sit down, this casino site accepts bitcoin and was quick and easy to use. If you’re playing on online gambling sites, it’s important to make sure that these are safe and legit online gambling platforms, like sbobet 88.

But not all in las VEGAS is about gambling, check about these other fun (and mostly free) activities

Q – We love the lack of garbage on this web site. Congratulations. It is so nice not to have to get past ads to get a questions answered. We’re headed to Egypt and then, possibly Syria, if things cool down. We’ve been to Israel twice. But my job requires a good deal of international travel and I anticipate really being hampered by my Israeli stamps. Any long-term solution to this? I know you can ask the Israelis not to stamp your passport.

A – We think the permanent fix for you is going to be one of the State Department’s best kept secrets – Americans are not necessarily limited to one passport. You can get a second passport. It looks exactly like your first passport and it has been designed exactly for the situations you describe. It is an extra fee and it will be issued for a limited period of time but it will help you avoid any future unpleasantness.

Q – We are serious luxury level travelers and we’ve heard that the magician David Copperfield made a lot of money in Las Vegas and set up a beautiful resort in the Caribbean, getting inspiration form the beautiful Marquee he stayed in in las vegas. Your recommendations would be appreciated. We have no problem with rates in the $1500 a night range for something memorable.

A – Well, we’re afraid that $1500 won’t quite cut it. David has built a lovely resort in the Bahmian out-island group, the Exunas. His place is called Musha Cay and it is one of the most expensive places on earth, so you can have an idea of why you will be needing much more money than just $1500. There are five lovely cottages and any number of small boats for exploring the two dozen or so islands in the immediate vicinity, you can enjoy of the luxury holiday cottages in Woolacombe are perfect for long days by the sea. And if you are looking for other option, you should have a visit at Hotel Alpenstolz. Read Hotel Alpenstolz Article for more information. Copperfield has tried to spread the word that the waters in this area have life-prolonging minerals. Some of the super-rich have bought into this. Currently, Musha Cay is only sold to groups of up to 12 at an all-inclusive price of $37,500. That is a daily rate, of course, just imagine for a whole week. In  this case, if you don’t have that kind of many to spend in a vacation, we suggest to look for affordable places, it doesn’t have to be expensive for it be perfect, just be patient.

When planning a holiday, one of the decisions to be made is where you will stay. Accommodations can be one of the biggest expenses and also can set the tone for your holiday. If you are traveling with family then an affordable choice is a holiday park.

Holiday parks are perfect for families as they may be able to offer you connecting rooms or even a cabin with bedrooms and a kitchen. Many holiday parks have a space for your caravan if you want to bring one along. Another option in the park might be a hotel room or camping in the park. You can learn more here about Fairway Holiday Park Isle of Wight.

The cost of these accommodations is sure to be a bargain compared to most hotels. The added bonus is that if you have a self-catered kitchen you may be able to cook together as a family with fresh ingredients bought at a local market or caught on your fishing line. Not only will it make the holiday more special it can also help you save on expenses. Holiday parks are more than a place to sleep. Most parks have amenities to make your stay fun for everyone in the family. Swimming pools, either indoors or out, can be a fun way to relax. Well you can read more here for appointing the best swimming pool contractor. A “splash park” is a newer feature offered by some parks with fountains and fun water activities.

Holiday parks might offer entertainment as well. The type of entertainment available depends on the sort of park you choose. A park geared toward adults might have dinner shows, a bar, bands or entertainers. A park with family activities might offer daytime activities such as crafts, storytelling, or sports competitions.

Also included on the grounds of some parks are tennis courts, areas for other sports, or bicycle rentals. They may also have sporting equipment for you to use. Most parks have a children’s playground where the kids can spend hours playing the sun and making friends.

If Dad wants to challenge the kids to a video game in the arcade there is likely to be one at the holiday park. You might also be able to play air hockey or rack up the balls on a pool table. At some parks there is a book exchange for travelers or an internet café. Some parks are now even offering wireless internet so you can stay connected.

Holiday parks are not just in the countryside. You can find them near the sea, in or near the city, or on a farm. Whatever your destination, chances are that a holiday park is nearby. Each park is unique in style, location, amenities, and the accommodations offered. With variety of choices available it is easy to find the right place for your holiday.

Most family holiday camps have an entertainment venue. This is likely to be open all day; with children’s party games, story telling, and activities to keep the younger members of your holiday party amused. In the evenings the entertainment venue will have a more adult theme, with a bar, singers and maybe a cabaret.

The park will be geared up for families, so you’ll find plenty for the young holiday makers to do. You will almost certainly have an adventure playground to explore, some of these adventure playgrounds are so big it’ll take all week for the children to have a go on everything!

Everybody loves a swim, so your holiday park will have a swimming pool too. Sometimes you’ll get an outdoor pool. Sometimes an indoor pool. If you’re lucky you’ll get both an indoor and an outdoor pool. A new arrival to holiday camps are the “splash areas”. These aren’t really a swimming pool – but lots of fountains and waterfalls which have a tendency to cascade over the unsuspecting paddler!

The obligatory amusement arcade will feature in the main entertainment area within the holiday park, and will contain the latest in video games and slot machines – you’ll also get games like pool and air hockey, so watch out dad, you’re likely to get shown up!

Remember there are hundred of different family holiday camps out there, each one will offer slightly different facilities. So if you definitely want a indoor swimming pool, make sure your chosen park has one before you book -you don’t want to be disappointed on your perfect family holiday.

Q – I turn everyone on to this amazing site. You guys should really link up with the big boys to get more hits. If you don’t know the site’s name you can’t find it. So you owe me. A simple question. We’re going to Aruba in two weeks and we heard there is this incredible seafood place that has the best sunsets but it’s way out. I just can’t find it when I Google it. Any ideas?

A – We think you are probably thinking about one of the Yachties favorites – the Flying Fishbone. It is way out there on the edge of the water but the local taxi drivers all know it. Huge platters of seafood that was caught by the boats next door. If you call them in advance to let them know you are headed their way, ask for one of the tables that actually sits in the water.

Q – We are thinking about getting away next May to Bermuda. We’ve found some rates that are almost too good to be true. Any thoughts?

A – Other than pass – not really. Bermuda visitors are just often unaware of it’s location. The Visitors Bureau may not like it when we point it out, but the island is in the Atlantic Ocean not the Caribbean. Mid-summer is the time to visit for the best beach time. Remember, you are talking about an island that is, essentially, off the coast of North Carolina.