Hawaii and Las Vegas Twin Centre Holidays

Live it Up in Vegas then Live it Down on Hawaii!
There must be some supernatural, vacation powers at work here! The combination of a two-stop, holiday in Vegas and then in Hawaii seem almost too convenient. On one hand you have Las Vegas, the city where anything can happen and the never shuts down. On the other hand you Hawaii. Any of the Islands offer sun, quiet and relaxation.

The Hawaiian Islands are a perfect place to recover from the fun and non-stop action of Vegas.

What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas and is FORGOTTEN in Hawaii!

This is the perfect opportunity for Hawaii and Las Vegas twin centre holidays. So, how can you make this work for you? Well, leaving the UK on your vacation puts you in a perfect situation to enjoy this MEGA HOLIDAY.

First Stop: Las Vegas
Spend the first part of your holiday in the heart of the action: Right on the world famous, Las Vegas strip! You’ll have the ability to stay at a variety hotels and casinos to get the full feeling of what a Vegas vacation should be.

• Take in shows with top performers from the US and around the world, like Siegfried and Roy
• Feeling daring? Play your favorite games in any of the casinos on the strip
• Get wild by immersing yourself in the Las Vegas nightlife
• Take in a motor race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway
• Go on a bus tour that will show you all of Vegas’ historical spots.
• Lastly, hit up Wet n’ Wild to get relief from the desert heats. (This will also get you ready for the second leg of your holiday!)

Second Stop: Hawaii
This is where you get to relax and recover from your time spent in Las Vegas. You’ll probably need it!

• Fly from Vegas to Oahu and spend time relaxing in Waikiki learning to surf or paddle board.
• Or, go directly to the Big Island, Hawaii and take a helicopter ride to see the erupting Kilauea.
• Perhaps you can fly from Vegas to Maui and do some world-class snorkeling or SNUBA at the Molokini Crater.
• How about Kauai? Nothing says “relaxation” like a drive along the Na’Pali Coast.

Vegas and Hawaii offer the best in holiday destinations for EVERY walk of life and fantasy that you may have been thinking about for a long time. The time is now! Take advantage and go on a twin center holiday and make the memories that will last a lifetime!

Scuba and Snorkeling on Your Cancun Holiday

Your all-inclusive, Cancun vacation has a variety of snorkeling and scuba options with which you can choose. First, you can snorkel right off the waters by the hotel or resort that you’re staying at. However, you can also take guided snorkeling tours into jungle waters for a day of excitement and wondrous marine discovery.

Where to Snorkel in Cancun on Your Holiday

• The southern shoreline of the Hotel Zone near the Club Med and Westin Regina Resorts is the best place to snorkel in the Hotel Zone of Cancun
• The coral reefs near Puerto Moreles (20 minutes from the Cancun airport) are a much better environment in which to snorkel in Cancun. The reef is much closer to the beach and a great place to go snorkeling on your own.
• El Garrafon National Park in Isla Mujeres is also a great place to see tons of fish
• Chankanaab National Park in Cozumel as well as the most of the beaches.
• Eco-Parks like Xcaret and Xel-Ha offer great snorkeling.
• Cenotes (underwater caves) are also a great way to see a different side of underwater Cancun.
• The Nichupte Lagoon between Cancun Island and Cancun City offers a fresh water and saltwater mixture of snorkeling.

Best Scuba Locations in Cancun

• Manchones Cancun Mexico known as “the Great Mayan Reef” in scuba circles
• Grampin, Cancun
• Bandera Reef is for more advanced divers but the marine life abound. Sea Turtles and barracuda gather and school in this area.
• C-58 Wreck isan old ship wreck that is popular with many divers who visit Cancun solely to dive this location.
• Ceuvas de Afuera where you can see HUGE sea turtles and eagle rays. Awesome.

You can see why many snorkel and scuba enthusiasts will favor Cancun locations over those in southern Florida and Hawaii. There are just so many places with such clear water and a bunch of sea life. Check them out on your Cancun holidays and don’t forget to pack your underwater camera to capture the memories!

Experience the Mayan Ruins and Ancient on Your Cancun Holiday

The Yucatan Peninsula is home to the world’s best Mayan ruins. You’re all-inclusive holidays to Cancun are sure to be full of education, exploration and seeing sights that you never thought existed. Most of the resorts and hotels in the “hotel district” of Cancun will offer tours to Mayan Ruins, as well as those in the Riviera Maya.

Don’t forget to bring a camera and your learning cap. Once you set eyes on some of the wonders that were created back in the ancient Mayan civilization you’ll want to capture those memories forever.

Details About the Mayan Ruins and History

Historians break down the Maya development into 3 distinct eras that range over 2,500 years. The Mayan Empire was huge! It covered a large area in Central and South America and reached the height of its power between 250 and 900 AD. The empire covered areas around Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and Honduras.

The Mayan culture produced some of the finest specimens in the archaeological world to include: temples, pyramids, observatories, palaces, and ancient ceremonial sites. Incidentally, the Mayan calendar, which ended in the second decade of the 21st century was of such significance in the modern world that many speculated whether the world would end when the calendar did.

What ancient secrets did the Mayans know?

Thankfully, the world didn’t end and we’re all still here to go and visit the wonderful world of the Mayan culture. The greatest thing about Mayan architecture was that it was so well and precisely made. This is one of the factors that contribute in many of the ruins being in such great condition today, so much that they’re really not ruins at all.

Here’s a closer look at one of the more visited Mayan ruins in Cancun: Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza covers around 3 miles of area and literally means “Mouth of the Well”. It was built in the late classic period of the Mayan civilization which puts it being constructed between 800 and 1000 AD. Chichen Itza contains the Pyramid of Kukulcan as its center piece.

When you’re on your all-inclusive Cancun holiday, be sure to take your family or your sweetheart to the Mayan Ruins and enjoy the genius and beauty of an ancient civilization. Enjoy the resort, the beaches, the restaurants and the shopping but don’t miss out on something that you may never get a chance to see again: Ancient Mayan Ruins in Cancun, Mexico.

The Emerald Island Villa Resorts Offer the Perfect Florida Break

There are plenty of great accommodation options to choose from in Florida but the Emerald Island Villa Resort is a gem. This gated community allows you to enjoy the comfort and benefits of a Luxury home while being situated close to all of the major attractions in Florida. These villas are around 3 miles from Disney World, meaning you can drive there in 5 minutes! The villas are also ideally situated for many of the other theme parks and attractions in Florida so no matter where you are going to, you won’t have far to travel.

The location and style of these villas ensures that they are the perfect accommodation all year round. There is always a reason to head to Florida and staying in these villas will provide you with perfect opportunity to relax and make the most of your stay. With many people booking their summer 2014 Florida holidays at the moment, these villas are the ideal location to stay in at this time of year. Being so close to the main attractions is of great benefit but the beauty of the resort and the freedom of having your own villa will ensure that you can get the best of both worlds.

These villas create the perfect base for Florida exploration

While there are many fantastic attractions on the doorstep of the Emerald Island Villa resorts, it can be of benefit to drive a little further and get to see other theme parks and attractions. By going a little further, you get the chance to experience theme parks like Lego Land , Busch Gardens and Airboat Rides.

Lego Land is a perfect theme park to visit if you have younger children. The park is geared towards youngsters but one of the things about Lego is that it often appeals to so many of us. Adults have a great love of Lego and you may find that you spend as much time getting excited by the Lego creations as your kids do! The magic of Orlando allows everyone to enjoy themselves and have a great time, no matter what attraction you visit.

These villas are ideal for children

Finding the right accommodation is crucial, especially when you travel with children. A villa provides a greater degree of freedom and it is possible to suit yourselves. The Emerald Island Villa Resort is one of the most highly regarded villa resorts in Florida. No matter what element you are interested in when evaluating accommodation, this resort wins hands down.

There is a wide variety of villas on offer but no matter which villa you choose, there is something for all of the family. The children’s bedrooms are often themed, so your kids will love their room, which is always a big factor for parents. With LCD TVs, DVD players and game consoles provided in most villa's, there is even the opportunity to have some quality family time together when you need a break from the business of the theme parks.

Discover Kauai with Charter Travel

We arrive in Kauai, the Discovery island, its dark and warm, the smell of Hawaii greets me!

Picked up the rental car and headed to the sumptuous Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, we are greeted even at this late hour with a smile and a lei greeting, shown to our room and we get to bed very quickly

Waking early is something I always do on the islands, I am not the only one awake, I can see guys fishing from the beach and I sit on the Lanai watching the sun come up listening to the birds sing

This fabulous resort is surrounded by some fantastic grounds with beautiful gardens and wildlife, situated in the the sunny area of Poipu with an abundance of water things to do in Kauai, choosing from zip lining, surfing, kayaking or scuba diving among rare sea turtles and luminous fish
We opt for the dry option and head on to Kilauea Lighthouse, the views from here are outstanding, lunchtime approaches we head off to the Olympic café in Kapaa for some coconut shrimp and a piece of hula pie! Just has to be done, before heading back we pop into my favourite shop in Kauai Hula girl, this store sells great authentic Hawaiian clothing and Vintage Hawaiian Shirts, all made in Hawaii, they even have a replica of world famous Elvis Presley 'Blue Hawaii' shirt

Today we take our boat trip around the Napali coast, the coastline is stunning, here films like Jurassic Park and pirates of the Caribbean were filmed, within the mountains the areas are like jungles with lots of waterfalls, not accessible by road, the highlights were the dolphins, as well as the usual spinners, we were also lucky to see bottle nosed dolphins and a whale! Just amazing

We have decided to have a more relaxing day today and head off to the North Shore, we stop en route at Na ‘Aina Kai, it’s around 240 acres of diverse gardens and amazing bronze sculptors along with 13 amazing gardens it has a truly amazing wild forest garden. There are nutmeg and cinnamon trees, cardamom, ginger and vanilla vines and even chocolate trees! Something for everyone

Travelling north we arrive in Hanalei bay just in time for lunch! Stopping by Postcards Cafe , after we head off to wet and dry caves. The three main Kauai caves to look for are all located along the beautiful North Shore. Maniniholo Dry Cave, Waikanaloa Wet Cave, and Waikapalae Wet Cave are all within a short distance of each other making a cave tour easy, the walking is easy the parking is not! Maniniholo Dry Cave is right opposite Haena Beach Park this is a popular location and all the parking is taken really early, still it’s worth the effort. The eerie caverns of the wet caves in Kauai are quite a sight to see. Both the Waikanaloa Wet Cave and the Waikapalae Wet Cave are legendary meeting spots for ancient Hawaiian chiefs. A better way to explore this is by boat…..probably more relaxing too!

On the way back to Poipu we take a detour to Spouting horn! A famous blowhole that was important in Hawaiian legend Ancient Hawaiians believed this coastline was once guarded by a giant moo (lizard) named Kaikapu. Everyone was afraid of the moo because it would eat anyone who tried to fish or swim in the area. One day, a young boy named Liko entered the ocean to outwit the lizard. Kaikapu attacked him, but Liko thrust a sharp stick into her mouth, swam under the lava shelf, and escaped through a small hole to the surface. The moo followed Liko and got stuck in the lava tube. To this day, you can hear the lizard’s roar and see her breath spraying from the blowhole

We arrive back at Grand Hyatt and have a wonderful dinner at Tidepools before we head for our bed!

Our last day in Kauai and we have passed this place several times on the road and never stopped, today we will! We are off to the Kilohana Plantation.

Sugar was important on the islands, it was big business!, Captain Cook introduced this on his arrival to the islands in 1778, this generated huge growth so much so that approx. 337,000 emigrated to the islands for the work that this industry provided The first sugar plantation, known as the Old Sugar Mill of Koloa, was established in 1835 the sugar produced was primarily shipped to the mainland USA. Today Kilohana runs a sugar train experience along with a few others, your trip is not complete until you have taken the Kola rum company , rum tasting is every 30 minutes, not to be missed

As this is our last day before heading off to Maui, we are going to drive the Waimea Canyon

Stretching 14 miles long, one mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep, the Waimea Canyon Lookout provides panoramic views of crested buttes, rugged crags and deep valley gorges. The grand inland vistas go on for miles. The main road leads you to a lower lookout point and the main Waimea Canyon Overlook, offering views of Kauai's dramatic interior. This is spectacular stuff! Nicknamed the ‘ Grand Canyon of the Pacific" it certainly is big!

On the way back we stop off at Island Taco, we had some delicious Ahi, mahi mahi and shrimp, very fresh very tasty and very reasonable! We have taken the opportunity whilst here to check out the statue of Captain Cook which is in the centre of the town a replica of the original statue found in Whitby England

Things to do and see in Los Angeles

What immediately comes to mind when you think of LA? The majority of people are thinking Hollywood, fame and glamour. This is a huge part of the Los Angeles experience, yet there is so much more to the global metropolis than meets the eye. The question in Los Angeles is not what to do, but where to begin? The city with the second largest population in America is home to many famous attractions in a relatively concentrated space. From Sunset Strip, the cutting edge of the entertainment industry, to many admired architectural landmarks, take your pick. Where Mickey Mouse and Hollywood were born, Los Angeles has been shaping the minds of millions for over 200 years.

Universal Studios Hollywood receives more customers than any other attraction in LA County. It’s no surprise; the Studios are bursting with thrilling theme park rides, shows, a working movie studio, shops and restaurants. The perfect day out for movie enthusiasts, you can personally witness special effects used in some of the greatest action movies like King Kong and the War of the Worlds.

Another extremely popular family attraction is, of course, Disneyland Resort. With 2 theme parks, 3 hotels and 8 different magical lands to explore, there’s no underestimating the enormity of the global Disney phenomenon. If you have young children, you’ll be dragged to Disneyland for sure and even if you don’t, the park is a great day out and fully equipped for all ages.

After a tiring few days roaming around Disneyland, you’ll probably jump at the chance of a relaxing excursion to Catalina Island. Although it’s only 22 miles off the shore of Los Angeles, the distinction between the Island of Catalina and the urban jungle of LA is remarkable. Escape from the bustling madness of city life and catch a ferry to the island, where you can undergo the ultimate experience of a massage on the beach then rent a snorkel to explore the clear blue wonders of the Pacific Ocean. Sounds like a plan to me.

If you fancy a more educational experience, the Getty Centre, a stunning collaboration of art, architecture and gardens could be more suited to your taste. Including the artwork of some of the most influential artists in the world such as Van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet and many more, the Getty Centre forms one of LA’s finest cultural destinations. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in western America and holds over 100,000 works from ancient times to modern day.

Wedged between Hollywood and Beverly Hills, Sunset Strip, a 1.7 mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard, holds a fantastic collection of restaurants, nightclubs and bars. Giant Billboards at every corner and common celebrity sightings, Sunset Strip is most definitely a must-see attraction of Los Angeles. The heart of Hollywood is another place to most definitely visit on your holiday in Los Angeles. Explore the Walk of Fame, where over 2,300 celebrities including Elvis and John Lennon, have been commended with a marble-encased brass star and catch a movie premier at one of the most historic Hollywood movie theatres.

Los Angeles clasps a handful of some of the world’s most desirable attractions, just waiting for you to discover. Check out our things to see and do in Los Angeles for even more ideas.

Las Vegas Holidays

With over 150,000 hotel rooms, 15 of the world’s officially biggest hotels and not forgetting the ratio of 8 slot machines to every resident, Las Vegas is truly the ultimate holiday destination. Only in Vegas can you be transported to many different worlds in the space of a few miles along the infamous strip (factually and quite interestingly, the majority of the strip and its hotels are actually outside the limits of the city of Las Vegas, it actually comes under the jurisdiction of Clark County!). With the legalisation of gambling only in 1931 and the construction of the Hoover Dam starting in 1935, Las Vegas has grown in leaps and bounds in a relatively short period of time from a small city to a major tourism, gaming and convention capital.

When thinking about holidays in Las Vegas it automatically gives thoughts about fancy hotels and gambling casinos. Well, it’s true! From the moment you step off the aircraft at the airport, you cannot miss the lights and hear the distinctive chorus of the slot machines, the cheers from the gambling tables (and spectators) and the never ending casinos. The thrill of the game is there and while you may not be Ashley Revell , selling all your possessions , travelling to Las Vegas and betting it all on red, everyone should at least have one flutter (or two) in sin city!

Las Vegas is not just about gaming though; arts and entertainment is also a well-known feature of this metropolis, often dubbed as ‘The Entertainment Capital of the World’. The world’s most expensive stage show, EFX, was made and ran in Las Vegas for years. The highest gross box office takings ever was achieved in Las Vegas in 1999 with Barbara Streisand (at the MGM Grand) taking $14,694,750.00 from 12,477 tickets. The Coliseum, a huge purpose built auditorium at Caesar’s Palace (originally designed and built exclusively for Celine Dion) now houses many headline acts including Elton John and Cher.

Trouble may come in picking where to stay; the standard is high and the variety vast. For the value-conscious traveller, it has to be New York New York. Situated on the strip, its architecture evokes New York’s skyline. Featuring a casino and a dozen bars and nightclubs, this resort makes the perfect base from where to explore the city. Whilst here, you must check out the full size theatre currently showing the Cirque du Soleil show Zumanity (a personal favourite of the writer) and the history making ‘The Roller Coaster’ built into the complex! Taking of New York, you can also experience a real life stopover in the big apple either on the flight out or back on either United Airlines or Delta. read more at our East and West Coast Holiday

For the more deluxe experience, the Aria is the place to stay, a triple-a five diamond rated hotel, it is part of the new City Centre complex. It is commonly known as one of the most technologically advanced hotels ever built, renowned for its energy saving policies and technology throughout.

Have you ever heard if you ever get lost in Las Vegas at night, just head towards the light? Well, the Luxor actually has the brightest and most powerful beam of artificial light in the world, so bright it can be seen in space!

In recent years, Las Vegas has become associated with adrenaline fuelled activities to rival any thrill-seeking hot spot in the world. For example, fancy meeting a shark face to face? Mandalay Bay is one of only a select few licensed attractions in the world that dive-certified individuals can scuba dive with the sharks in the tank! However, one of the newest additions to the portfolio is the death defying Sky-jump at the Stratosphere Resort & Casino, a free fall bungee jump from the 108th floor to the ground! Not matter what may take your fancy check out our things to do in Las Vegas for more options and ideas.

Whatever you decide, just remember the wise words spoken ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’!

New York Holidays

New York, New York – The Big Apple. Everyone knows the well-known facts, but, where did the term ‘Big Apple’ come from…..well; this is just one of a few ‘little-known’ facts that, for me, make this truly amazing city even more unique! The term, Big Apple, was first popularised by a newspaper editor, John Fitzgerald, who titled his column: Around the Big Apple. He first heard the term, the 'Big Apple', being thrown around by stable boys, which they used to describe New York City as place of monetary abundance and opportunity.

New York, also referred to as the "city that never sleeps." One reason for this nickname is because the city never shuts down. There are activities and venues open at all hours of the day and night. The other reason for the nickname is because the subway system never shuts down except for maintenance. Even then, only part of it is shut down at a time. Even Washington D.C.'s subway system shuts down around the hours of 2am to 5am.

In addition to the current sophistication of the subway system, most people are not aware that the city has many abandoned and hidden subway stations. Beneath City Hall is one of the hidden subway stations. It has been inactive since 1946. Despite being abandoned, the station is an architectural wonder. It boasts high ceilings, skylights, and antique tiling. In-fact, during Pope Benedict XVI’s recent New York visit, it was widely reported that the Pope travelled by “Pope-mobile” through the city, greeting spectators and press. These reports were, of course, completely false. Since soon after the New York subway’s creation, visiting heads of state, high profile celebrities and religious leaders have travelled in special armoured subway cars.
So while one of the Pope’s many look-alikes rode above ground in a sham motorcade on the East Side of Manhattan, the real Benedict XVI was speeding along a downtown IRT express track — on one of his annual trips to withdraw gold from Federal Reserve vaults and to deliver stock market closing averages for the coming year.

The Lower Manhattan Federal Reserve Bank holds over $2 trillion of the world's assets, according to the Federal Reserve website. A substantial portion of these assets are in gold bullion. Six stories or 80 feet below the streets around the bank is the world's largest storage of gold bullion. The bank's vault holds approximately 37 percent of the world's gold, according to the Bundesbank. As of 2012, there are 530,000 gold bars located in the vaults, according to New York Fed. Bundesbank, the Federal Bank of Germany, owns most of the gold stored below the Federal Reserve Bank building. The Federal Reserve Bank actually owns none of the gold it stores. The streets are paved with someone else’s gold!

Holidays in New York can be enjoyed by visiting all five distinct boroughs. Each of the boroughs is separated by a major waterway. The five boroughs are Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. Manhattan is what most people think of when they think of New York City. In reality, this is just one portion of New York City. It is where Times Square, Central Park, and most of the major entertainment and shows occur. To be situated here, would be the most convenient for tourists. Some properties that come highly recommended are ‘The Waldorf Astoria’ or the ‘Marriott Marquis’. If you are looking to go on a budget, then perhaps the ‘Broadway Plaza’ or the ‘Skyline’, both very close to all of the main sites of interest, yet not compromising in standard.

Holidays in Boston

Welcome to Boston! Well known for its rich American history and quirky architecture, no wonder this is one of the most desirable cities to visit in the USA. Fancy a morning sail across sparkling waters on the coast of Massachusetts, visiting some of Boston’s most picturesque islands along the way? Feel like catching a breath-taking whale watching trip to admire some of the most beautiful animals of the sea on an enlivening catamaran ride? With such a diverse range of things to see and do, it’s no surprise that Boston hosts over 12 million annual visitors. You could be one of them...

If you fancy a Boston city break, a serious shopping trip is vital! Luckily Boston has some of the best shopping centres and restaurants in America, so whether it’s a large department store, a friendly boutique or an all you can eat American diner that takes your fancy, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’ve treated yourself to an Armani handbag or a triple decker cheese burger, there’s still more to see and do in Boston

Boston is a city where history and cultures are greatly treasured, creating ideal trips out for any history enthusiasts. Travel back in time to 1773 and recall the events of the Boston Tea Party. Take a tour of the ships and museums and discover real artefacts that play a part in the story that is so vital to American history. Find out why colonists threw over 300 crates of tea into Boston Harbour and how this event helped lead to the American Revolutionary War.

Boston has become well known for its wide selection of museums. There is literally a museum to suit everyone’s interests. Whether it’s a tribute to John F. Kennedy or the Sports Museum of New England, take your pick.

The New England Aquarium makes a perfect day out for the whole family. Transport yourself to the Caribbean as you walk amongst massive ocean tanks, sharks and giant turtles swimming together. Reach out and touch the sharks and sting rays, as they glide through crystal waters beneath your hands. Don’t miss out on this opportunity of a lifetime, and make sure you visit for an unforgettable experience.

Want to unwind during your holiday in Boston and have an easy and comfortable day out? Take a refreshing day trip to Martha’s Vineyard. To make this day out as convenient as possible, we will pick you up from your hotel by minibus and take you on a relaxing ferry ride across the coast of Massachusetts. Once you arrive on this scenic island you have a chance to explore for yourself, hike the green cliff faces and spend your time investigating cafés and restaurants around town. If you’d rather put your feet up and go on a pre-organised guided tour, then upgrade your ticket for a day that couldn’t get any easier. Accompanied by professional tour guides, you’ll come away feeling educated and stress-free. Sounds good to me!

Another popular purchase worth making is the GO Boston card. This card will give you admission to 60 of Boston’s best attractions and tours, including New England Aquarium, Fenway Park, Museum of Science and a two-day trolley tour. This GO Boston card is the cheapest and best way to get the most out of your trip!

Similar to the Boston GO card, the Boston CityPASS gives you admission to all the best of Boston for one incredible price. Lasting for nine days, the pass includes New England Aquarium, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, Skywalk Observatory and either the Harvard Museum of Natural History or the Revolutionary Boston at the Old State House. Not only does the Boston CityPASS include entries to these top attractions, it also offers free information including maps, travel details and insider tips. A Boston CityPASS is a great value for money and would definitely be something worth spending your money on!

With such a diverse quantity of things to see and do, Boston really does propose the perfect city break. Whether you come with a bulging purse or just a few quid, the city of Boston is an ideal get away.

Charter travel - Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (+playlist)