Lifes a Beach!
If you think that the beach doesn’t exist in Las Vegas then you are mistaken. Mandalay Bay Hotel has its very own 11 acre beach equipped with a wave pool (with waves that can reach 6ft high!), lazy river, 3 swimming pools and 2,700 tonnes of sand.

The pool hours are 7.00am to 8.00pm and gets very busy in the summer months so make sure you get there early and reserve a seat.
There are plenty of things to do at the Beach, if you don’t fancy a dip there is a 3-story, glass fronted Beachside Casino (what do you expect – you are in Las Vegas).

On the first level you can enjoy some snacks in the open air Beach Bar and Grill, the second floor is the casino – blackjack, roulette and craps with an amazing view of the sparkling pool.

On the third floor are five villas soleil with fantastic views of Mandalay Bay Beach that accommodate up to 16 guests with cabana service and access to a private, third level pool.

In addition to the above Mandalay Beach also offers the Moorea Beach Club, guests can enjoy a European style pool experience. Guests do need to be over 21 to enjoy this feature, there are 2 dipping pools, cushioned chaise lounges and a private pavilion. There is a charge for the above.

During the summer there are a number of concerts played on a one off stage above Mandalay Bay Beach, the public are encouraged to chill on the beach or have a paddle whilst listening to the popular music!

Big Apple Greeter is a non-profit organisation then enables travellers to meet up with a friendly New Yorker to show them the experience of New York. If you are travelling on your own, with friends or family you can meet up with a greeter and they will make you feel more than welcome in their home city.

Big Apple Greeters services are free of charge and all volunteers come from different backgrounds and can speak many different languages.

If you would like more information or to request to meet a greeter please visit
http://www.bigapplegreeter.org/02-how_spend/00-how_spend.html

New York Pass
If you have come to NYC for some sightseeing it is definitely worth purchasing a New York Pass. You can get anything from a 1, 3, 5 or 7 day passes (prices below) and you can potentially save over $18.50 a day!
What you can gain from the New York Pass:

• Free entry to over 40 attractions. Attractions include Empire state building, Madame Tussauds, Madison Square Garden Tour, Statue of Liberty, Central Park Zoo, Rockefeller Center Tour
• 140 Page Guidebook including street maps and directions to shops and restaurants
• Queue skipping privileges – fast track entry to some attractions
• Special offers and benefits – Great offers on Broadway tickets and discounts on shopping in Bloomingdales and Macy’s plus much, much more.

Current prices are

Attractions can only be visited once in one day however they can be visited during another day if you purchase more than a 1 day pass

Want to go to Las Vegas but cant find a babysitter – take the kids with you! There is plenty for children to do in Las Vegas, so bring them with you. This is one place I can guarantee they will not get bored.

Here are a few suggestions of what they will enjoy:

Tournament of Kings at Excalibur

A themed dinner show with a difference, you can eat with your hands and are encouraged to be as loud as you like!

The audience are transported to King Arthurs court to celebrate the return of his son. The Kings challenge their skills with jousting, swords and competition. Be alert for the evil wizard Mordred, the kings must unite if the evil wizard is to be defeated.

Adventuredome at Circus Circus

Adventuredome is a huge indoor theme park. 5 acres of rides and attractions under one roof, what child wouldn’t love that!!

The tried and tested ride is the Canyon Blaster (not for small ones though, minimum height of 4ft) A double-loop, double corkscrew rollercoaster reaching speeds of 55mph – not for the faint hearted!

There are junior and family rides for the smaller ones (Minimum 2.75ft). There is also rock climbing and bungee jumping, miniature golf, an arcade and FREE Clown shows! What more could you ask for, definitely worth a visit.

Lion Habitat at MGM Grand

Only 1.5 inch glass is separating you from the lions, fancy it?

If you love watching lions in their natural habitat then make a stop at the MGM Grand, there are 31 lions in total 20 females and 11 males although only a few lions are out at a time. When they aren’t at the MGM the lions live at a 8.5 acre ranch 12 miles from the MGM Grand. They have a special animal trainer and conservationist looking after them.

Presentations are given daily but does depend on the lions and their behaviour if you are lucky you may be able to watch them being hand fed.

If you are feeling hungry one evening and fancy a change why not opt for a Mexican meal? I have heard great reports about Taqueria Canonita at the Venetian Hotel. A true Mexican eatery with an American twist, Taqueria Canonita provides a variety of Tacos, tostadas and quesadillas made with grilled meats, vegetables and seafood. For a recommendation on what to have I suggest Sopa de Tortilla for starter and main course I would go for the Shrimp enchiladas.

If you fancy a cheaper meal you can order the Taco Platter with some chips and salsa for starters. For dessert it’s simple, tequila and more tequila!