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Florida: Kissimmee, A Mother/Daughter Girlfriend Getaway - – Shopping, Spa Time, and a Fun Night Out

For moms and daughters who  want  to share one-on-one time away from the crazy schedules of home Kissimmee is an easy place to enjoy down time together. From golf and tennis to antiquing, and chilling by the pool the options are many. At the core of any mother/daughter bonding time – shopping, a spa, and a fun night out doing girl stuff.

Eat chocolate; drink wine; share a malt; shop for bargains; practice yoga; enjoy a massage; share secrets, and have fun together – no boys allowed.

Unique shopping opportunities meant to be shared. Kissimmee has a place to fit every shopping personality from souvenir and outlet bargain hunters to trendy fashionistas. From one-of-a-kind boutiques and nostalgic shops to air conditioned mega malls and outlet centers, the options for a unique shopping adventure are endless.

Start anywhere along Main Street in Old Town.  The tree-lined streets offers more than 75 specialty shops. From resort wear to sports apparel, jewelry to shoes and old-fashioned collectibles, you'll find some specialty items here that you won't find anywhere else. The atmosphere in Old Town is right out of “Happy Days”- vintage cars on the weekends, sock-hop music and friendly people. At Good Luck Rice Company visitors can have their names written on a tiny single grain of rice and made into a rice necklace – a definite keepsake.  Girls of all ages will love the Marilyn Monroe, I Love Lucy, and Beatles collectibles at Wound 'n Around, the perfect puppets at Sunny and Company and the awesome bead collection at Black Market Minerals. Other must-do activities include: having an old-time portrait taken, learning how to pull taffy, and visiting a petrified rock forest.

If antiques and vintage items are your thing, then the historic downtown streets of Kissimmee and St. Cloud will not disappoint. One spot that is not-to-be-missed is Lanier’s Historic Marketplace in Downtown Kissimmee, a clever place showcasing antiques, decorating accessories, tempting jewelry and interesting gifts. They always have friendly conversation waiting and a fresh pot of coffee brewing. For bargains Kissimmee’s open-air shopping complex, The Loop and Loop West, have Belk, JC Penney, Old Navy, Kohl’s Department Store, Pier 1 Imports, Ross, PetCo, Claire’s, Michael’s, Kirkland’s and Bed, Bath & Beyond plus many restaurants with outdoor dining.

Market Street at Celebration is the place for children’s clothing, paint-your-own-pottery and exclusive, collectible pieces plus delightful cafés and restaurants along the downtown lakefront area. Also in the area Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, Orlando Premium Outlets, The Mall at Millenia, and The Florida Mall so a shopping agenda is easy to create.  Bonus points: The Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores provides a free scheduled shopping shuttle to and from 55 participating area hotels and special scheduled free VIP group shuttle service is also available.

Being pampered together is simply the best. Sometimes even better than shopping, a day at the spa can be the ideal way to enjoy mother/daughter time. Sit side by side and experience a luxurious foot soak, stress relieving facial, or hand massage.  Massageworks just off Main Street in Historic Downtown Kissimmee has several unique ways for guests to relax and be revived. Located in restored 1900's schoolhouse the updated atmosphere has warm and relaxing Mediterranean-style. This spunky day spa has five private treatment rooms - serene and softly lit with candlelight. If you are undecided the best bet is the “Mini Spa Retreat” a sampling of services which includes a 30-minute introductory facial, a 30-minute aroma relaxation massage followed by a soothing dry sauna. Cost is $105 and an upgrade to one hour each is only $140. They also offer a “Detox Facial” ideal for drawing out impurities during a unique detoxification process.  Bonus points: The Studio of Movement onsite doubles as a yoga studio by night. Classes blend stretching, postures, Pranayama, mantra, music, meditation and relaxation. Drop-ins are welcomed and no previous experience in Yoga is required.  Just say Namaste!

Stay in and still get pampered. After a busy day of shopping nothing compares to a gentle relaxing massage that soothes away stresses and body fatigue. Luckily, if you are in Kissimmee, A-Team Massage will provide a custom massage in your vacation location any day of the week – a recipe for pure bliss. Select from their menu of wonderful services including Swedish, aromatherapy, relaxation, deep tissue, and therapeutic massages then relax in the comfort of your vacation base. Spa treatments include soothing hot paraffin wax for hands and feet along with educational manicures and pedicures.  Prices for 24-hour advanced scheduling begin at $95.00 for a 60-minute massage and an aroma experience (lavender/eucalyptus for tranquility or peppermint for rejuvenation) is only $20 more.

For a quirky evening consider the haunted side of town. The Haunted Grimm House of Old Town features live actors, special effects, and two floors with more than 20 rooms of scary stuff presented with a sense of humor. In Historic Downtown Kissimmee it is possible to take hair-raising ninety-minute tour into the spirit realm with guides from Kissimmee Ghost Tours as they spin tales of murder, unexplained phenomena, and mystery.

Share a fairy tale together. Horses, knights in shining armor, conflicts, love stories, surreal lighting, and no dinner dishes – sounds like a fairy tale evening for sure. Arabian Nights Dinner Theater in Kissimmee has created a surreal dining experience – like stepping into the pages of Scheherazade. With the use of surreal lighting techniques, magical costumes, engaging music, and beautiful horses, skilled riders create a show which is both dreamlike and enchanting. Daughter’s note: My mom and I celebrated her birthday within the magic of Arabian Nights complex. It was a blast. We arrived early enough to go behind the scenes. The early entry option allows visitors to wander within the arena; meet the actor/riders; and walk back stage; see the holding stalls; talk with the trainers; to where the horses stay.  The opportunity was worth the extra cost and effort because during the show we felt connected to several of the riders and their horses making the experience even better. Add to that a surprisingly top quality dinner served with speed and efficiency - our evening was truly perfect and we have a framed photo to prove it. Bonus points: Before the show it is possible to take photos with both the actors and the horses in the arena and back stage – a really cool opportunity.

Who doesn’t want to have dinner in a castle? Medieval Times Theater with its fairy tale atmosphere offers a perfect escape from reality. The movie set castle just off Irlo Bronson Highway successfully transitions from reality into an ethereal event. Mom’s note: I have been there with my daughter to celebrate her birthday in princess-like style. We arrived early enough to browse the medieval village where several crafts folks were demonstrating typical crafts of the 11th Century, and then it was off to the entrance line for a photo take and to enjoy the chaotic atmosphere of the Hall of Arms. Wearing our golden (cardboard) crowns we found our way into the theater. The feast was served; the lights dim, and using stroboscopic and pyrotechnic effects a story of six knights in shining armor was told with tournament jousts and other tests of skill. Swords clashed and everyone in the audience cheered for their favorite knight – good old fashioned fun. Bonus points: During the evening it is possible to purchase the photo taken at the entrance. Maybe a little odd but it makes a nice souvenir.

Kissimmee offers plenty of terrific mother/daughter girlfriend activities to share. Create your getaway in Central Florida – the choices are many from spa time and yoga classes to shopping and dining out. To discover more fun vacation choices, call toll-free 1-800-333-KISS or log on to www.FloridaKiss.com

Planning Details
MassageWorks 405 Church St. Kissimmee, FL 34741. (407) 932-0300 or www.massageworksdayspa.com

A-Team Massage (321) 251-8267 or a-teammassage.com

Arabian Nights 3081 Arabian Nights Blvd. Kissimmee, FL 34747. (407) 239-9223 or www.Arabian-Nights.com

Medieval Times Dinner Theater1W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. Kissimmee, Florida 34746. Toll-free 1- 888-WE-JOUST or 1-888-935-6878 or www.medievaltimes.com/home.aspx

Content created by FamilyTravelFiles and images provided by Kissimmee CVB. Copyright 2008.

Affordable Summer Things To Do In Washington, DC

If you are looking for affordable summer things to do with your family, you will be more than happy to find out what Washington, DC has in store for you. Head off to the nation's capital and experience fun and excitement without breaking the bank.

Start your family summer vacation in Washington, DC by joining one of the numerous tours and cruises that the city offers. Discovering the city by land or by sea both seem very inviting. The DC Ducks Tour offer both land and water tour in one trip, without even having to change vehicles. Plus, the amphibious vehicle will definitely be a huge hit to your kids. The tour begins at the Union Station and takes the route past the monuments and museums of the National Mall while the captain narrates stories and historical facts. A few turns here and there later, the vehicle turns into a watercraft and splashes into the Potomac River for the water part of the tour.

Because children never get tired of animals, take the family to the National Zoological Park. The animals in the entire zoo live in very large and open enclosures, giving them the atmosphere of their natural habitat and, at the same time, making it possible for visitors to easily spot them. There are two trails in the zoo that you can follow: Olmsted Walk and Valley Trail. The Kid's Farm is perfect for families with very young kids as they observed different farm animals such as ducks, cows, chickens, goats, miniature donkeys and more. The Asia Trail, on the other hand, features sloth bears, fishing cats, Japanese salamanders and giant pandas.

Parents always want to take their children to places where they can have fun and at the same time, learn new things. Washington, DC's National Museum of Natural History has the Butterfly and Plants exhibit that illustrates the evolution of the butterflies. It is also a great place to somewhat cool off from the summer heat as the room temperature is far cooler than it is outside for the butterflies.

A trip to Washington, DC automatically means a visit to those famous landmarks – the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials. The majestic monuments of these two former US Presidents are constant fixtures in photo sessions of people visiting the city. There are also other monuments that you can go to with your family this summer: the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the National World War II Memorial. It is best to visit these attractions early in the morning to beat the crowd and avoid the heat of the summer sun.

Get on a water adventure with your family for this summer vacation in Washington, DC. Head off to the Thompson Boat Center and rent out kayaks or canoes. Life jackets are provided by the boat center free of charge. It is a great way to experience the water at your own pace as you paddle around the Theodore Roosevelt Island and under the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

All the paddling will definitely have your family work up an appetite. Grab a bite at the very well-established Ben's Chili Bowl. Enjoy a great meal with your spouse and kids while you observe the photos of celebrities hanging on the wall.

Fun never ends at sunset. On the west front of the US Capitol, free entertainment awaits both Washington, DC locals and visitors on summer evenings. The military bands – US Navy Band, US Marine Band, US Air Force Band and US Army Band – provide spectacular musical performances for the whole family. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic basket as it is a great place to just relax with your family while listening to jazz and classical music. Occasionally, the bands perform well-known songs, Broadway show tunes and original movie soundtracks.

There are really so many things to do in Washington, DC. There is always something great to explore in every  corner you turn. The best thing about these attractions and activities is that they come at a very low cost or, even better, free – exactly how you would want your summer things to do with your family to be!

Ensenada and Oaxaca: Summer Things To Do In Mexico

If you are looking for summer things to do outside the United States, Mexico is just there waiting for you. Mexico is a very lively country with a multi-ethnic society of Spanish, Native American and American traditions. This ethnic diversity is very much reflected on the country's culture and food, and here are two places in Mexico that greatly illustrates the fact:

Ensenada

Ensanada is located in the Mexican state of Baja California and is just 84 miles south of San Diego. From San Diego, you can join an Ensenada Day Tour, which is a great way to start your summer vacation. The tour gives an amazing introduction to the things to do in Ensenada and its Spanish atmosphere with its alluring shops, authentic restaurants and more. Learn more about the people's culture and heritage at the Cultural Center of Ensenada and find out how they are greatly influenced by the Spaniards.

Join Ensenada locals and other visitors at the Ensenada Summer Wine Festival for some wine tasting. The festival is an annual international event that is taking place on the first ten days of August this year! Aside from the regular wine tasting event, the festival also holds a paella cooking contest, a gala dinner and a sunset musical performance. If you wish to experience the wine in Ensenada with a relatively smaller crowd, you can also go to Bodegas De Santo Tomas. It is Baja California's oldest winery, and still conducts demonstrations of wine-making traditions. Bodega De Santo Tomas also offers samples of wines from their vineyard as well as samples of their bread and cheese.

A visit to a new place always includes shopping for souvenirs or memorabilia that you would want to bring home to remember the summer vacation by. Avenida Lopez Mateos is Ensenada's main shopping street  lined with retail stores selling everything that shouts a genuine Mexican identity, such as straw hats and wood carvings. If you are looking for something more refined, Avenida Ruiz is the place to go. It is the stretch where you will find the more polished shops and cafes.

There are so many dining options to choose from in Ensenada. One of the most popular ones is the oldest cantina in Baja California, Hussong's Cantina. Dating back to the late 1800's, Hussong's Cantina was the hang out of some of the world's literary geniuses and is said to have been the place where Margaritas originated.

Oaxaca

The province of Oaxaca is located in the southern part of Mexico and is named after its largest city. The best thing to do to get to know the city is to visit Plaza de la Constitucion de Oaxaca, more popularly known as Zocalo. The plaza has been the heart of Oaxaca for over 500 years. Surrounded by stores, the dominating feature of Zocalo is the very grand old Cathedral that dates back to the 18th century.

Seasons Of My Heart offers an extraordinary Culinary Cultural Travels , and Mexican Cuisine Events and Oaxacan Food Holidays. This is great for those who love to cook, want to learn how to cook or those who simply enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. They have tours available almost the entire year, with recipes and menus appropriate for each season.

Visit the world-renowned archaeological site of Milta, combining both Zapotec and Mixtec structures, the San Pablo Villa de Milta. It is among the constant in every visitor's things to do in Mexico list. The ancient ruins are just so inviting.

Looking for accommodations in Oaxaca is a walk in the park as there are very many lodging options to choose from. The hostels, such as the Casa de Don Pablo Hostel, have very affordable nightly rates, making you enjoy more of the numerous summer things to do in Mexico.

Fun and Exciting Summer Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park

The list of summer things to do in Yellowstone National Park makes it one of the best weekend getaways this season.  The national park is visited by millions of visitors during holidays because of its magnificent beauty as well as the wide variety of summer and winter activities it offers.

Yellowstone National Park stretches across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, that has an intact ecosystem with a diverse and numerous wildlife. Within the park is a collection of some of the most extraordinary geysers, hot springs and the world-famous Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. It is home to various animals such as elk, buffalo, bison, grizzly bears and wolves.

Kick off your summer by going out to experience the hundreds of geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone National Park. The Old Faithful geyser erupts more frequently than any of the big geysers in the park, which is one of the reasons why it is the most popular geyser in the world. Check out the very colorful Grand Canyon of Yellowstone where you can drive around. Hiking the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is even more rewarding as you get to see breathtaking vantage points of the canyon and the waterfalls. The Canyon Village visitor center for any inquiries and tips you might need before the hike. The Canyon also has an evening program that will educate its visitors with a narration of Yellowstone's natural and cultural history.

Get your cameras ready for wildlife sighting as you wander around Hayden Valley, which is part of the Yellowstone River and sits between Yellowstone Lake and Upper Falls. It is a natural prairie with plenty of opportunity to see the animals that reside in the park. Find yourself a comfortable spot along the Yellowstone River and explore the history of the Fishing Bridge area as well as the polka-dotted cutthroat trout.

Yellowstone National Park is rich with a lot of amazing gifts of nature. Visit the Mud Volcano where you can view colorful and interesting mudpots and hot springs. You can also have the opportunity to find out the explosive past and future of Yellowstone. There is also the Morning Glory Pool that resembles the morning glory flower, and is arguably the most beautiful pool in all of Yellowstone. Then, discover Yellowstone's geographic past and learn about its present through the colorful hues of the Mammoth Hot Springs. In the evening, an illustrated lecture on Yellowstone's history takes place at the Mammoth Campground amphitheater. Other things you can find in the park worth noting are the Fountain Paint Pot and the Biscuit Basin.

All the above mentioned activities can be explored by joining the Ranger-led programs if it makes you more comfortable discovering the park with a guide rather than on your own. No matter how you choose to go around, though, you are certainly going to marvel over everything there is in the park while fishing, hiking, camping and viewing exhibits and films. Yellowstone National Park is definitely filled with adventurous summer things to do that defines an amazing vacation.

Things To Do In London: Kew Gardens and More!

Among the most refreshing things to do in London this summer is a visit the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew.  Located in west London, the Kew Gardens, as it is commonly referred to, offers you the opportunity to neutralize the heat of the season by cooling off in a vast green environment.

The Kew Gardens is primarily a botanical research center and a training ground for professional gardeners. There are tens of thousands of  different collection of orchids, ferns, cacti, mountain plants, tropical lilies and other plants. Since its establishment, it has attracted millions of visitors from all over the world, making it one of the most popular things to see and do in London. The 326-acre site consists of greenhouses, walks, pavilions, lakes, museums, tropical lilies, a forest and some of the architectural crafts of Sir William Chambers. The newly-constructed XStrata Treetop Walkway makes a visit to the Kew Gardens even better. With no additional charge to the gardens' entrance fee of $25.50, (children 16 and under enter for free with every accompanying adult), visitors now have the chance to experience the trees and wildlife at 18 meters high. The walkway also allows you to have a bird's eye view of the entire Kew Gardens as well as the London skyline.

The best thing about the Kew Gardens is that it has its very own London Underground Tube station making it easily accessible for everyone who wishes to visit the arboretum and all the other attractions and activities within the area. If you wish to catch live musical performances, you can check out either Carling Apollo Hammersmith or the Sheperds Bush Empire just about three miles from the Kew Gardens. The two serve as concert venues for both local and international artists, and over the years have hosted some of the world's finest musical acts like the Beatles, Bob Marley, the Rolling Stones, Incubus, the Black Eyed Peas and more. The Museum of Rugby is also located near the Kew Gardens. In the museum, you will find a huge collection of books, balls and programs related to the sport and its history. Displays of shirts, photographs of former Rugby legends are spread throughout the museum.

There are a lot of restaurants, bars and pubs near the Kew Gardens. You might even find it difficult to choose where to go for a meal or a drink. The Pizza Express serves authentic Italian dishes at a very reasonable cost. The Travelodge Kew London is just around the corner to take care of your accommodation needs while you enjoy your Kew Gardens visit and all the other things to do in London during your summer vacation.

Amelia Island: Summer Things To Do In Florida

Florida is rich with plenty of summer things to do.  Both Walt Disney World Resorts and the Universal Orlando resorts have already made the state one of the most happening places in the United States on holidays.  However, Florida has a lot of other places all just waiting to be explored.

If you wish to veer away from the big and popular attractions and want to keep your vacation as low-profile as possible, then the Amelia Island is just right for you. Amelia Island may be just thirteen miles long and two miles wide, but it is overwhelmingly full of fascinating things for you to do on your summer vacation.

Spending some time on the beach is almost always in every traveler's things to do list during his or her summer vacation.  On Amelia Island, whether you are traveling alone, with your friends, with your family or with your pet, there is a perfect beach spot for you to relax and unwind. Time is on your side. Do all your regular beach activities – swimming, diving, sunbathing, shelling, kayaking and more. The beaches of Amelia Island offer a rare activity for beach goers: fossilized shark teeth collecting! Now, that shark tooth something you would want to have as a souvenir for yourself and to bring home to your friends and family.

Note: If you are traveling with children, the Ritz Carlton has kiddie programs that they can join, plus an indoor swimming pool and access to a lovely beach with shallow lagoons.

A visit to the Amelia Island Museum of History not only gives you a glimpse on the island's colorful past from the time of rogue pirates and Victorian ladies, it also holds the Amelia Island Museum of History Ghost Tour which is a walking tour down the historic streets of Fernandina Beach. Ghost tours are particularly popular in Amelia Island because the place is believed to have supernatural inhabitants. If you wish to dare yourself, spend the night at the Florida House Inn, the state's oldest surviving hotel,  for some quality time with the ghosts!

While at the Fernandina Beach, take the Amelia Island Carriages tour which takes you around the Victorian-like village of the area's historic district. The tour allows you to take a look at the neighborhoods and their various landmarks, and listen to chilling ghost stories and other things about the island's history and culture. The tours are available all year round, but it is best to make reservations during the summer season. From the horse-drawn carriage, go horseback riding next. Navigate your way inland or ride the horse on the beach. Kelly Seahorse Ranch allows you to go horseback riding along the surf, perfect for couples on their romantic summer holiday.

You will be surprised at how a small island like Amelia can surprise you. With all the amazing summer things to do in this Florida gem, Amelia Island definitely proves that great things come in small packages.

Summer: Fun Things To Do For The Family In New York City

There are more than just a handful summer things to do in New York City.   If you are looking for fun, exciting and energy-filled activities for a family vacation, then the Big Apple is perfect for you.

One thing you can do to start your summer vacation is to get a 360-degree bird's eye view of the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island), its surrounding waters and the Statue of Liberty from the Empire State Building's Observatory.  Additionally, within the Empire State Building is an interesting ride that will definitely be a hit to kids of all ages – the New York Skyride, which provides a three dimensional virtual tour of the entire city.

It is best to join tours and cruises in the beginning part of your New York City summer trip to have an idea of all the things to see and do that the city has to offer. The Liberty Cruise provides an interesting introduction of New York City with amazing views of the Manhattan skyline and Ellis Island. The cruise, of course, includes an up close look at the great American icon, the Statue of Liberty, that will sure give you a renewed sense of freedom.

If you are looking for something educational and interactive for your kids to do this summer, New York City has the world's best museums that you can take them to. The Children's Museum of Manhattan caters to the inquisitive minds of young children which houses exhibits that will challenge their creativity. The museum features themed displays, such as Nickelodeon's Dora The Explorer and Diego, to catch the little kids' attention and to entice them to participate in the activities. Older kids, on the other hand, will truly enjoy roaming around historic aircrafts, particularly those used in the second World War, in the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum.

Summer means lots of outdoor activities. Hit any of the New York City beaches and join all sorts of fun things to do. You can take this opportunity to teach the little ones how to swim, build sandcastles with them and look for shells that you can add to your collection. The older kids can learn how to surf and join beach games such as frisbee, volleyball and tennis. Some of the beaches hold events and festivals that you can also check out with your family to feel the New York City vibe.

One of the best things to do to enjoy the nice summer weather is spend an afternoon in Central Park. It is a great opportunity to be close to nature in the middle of a busy city. Your family can have quality time together for a little picnic. Kids (and parents) can have fun with a carousel ride and inline skating. You can also visit the Central Park Zoo for some wildlife encounter – lions, zebras, penguins, polar bears and over a hundred more different species of animals.

New York City is a shopping mecca. Whether you are looking for clothes, shoes, accessories or toys, New York City has a store waiting for you. Your kids can express their creativity by making their personal stuffed animal at the Build-A-Bear Workshop. A visit at the FAO Schwartz will definitely make your kids go wild. It is the ultimate toy store any kid could ask for. You can find everything at FAO Schwartz – from the regular Barbie dolls and Transformers collectibles to kid-sized Mercedes 500SL.

Hotel accommodations are aplenty in New York City. There are even those that are particularly family-friendly. Among the best places for your family to stay is at the Hilton Times Square. The hotel lobby holds an entertainment complex complete with restaurants, retail stores, a movie theater and even a wax museum. Hilton Times Square has a program especially made for kids and also offers babysitting services. The best thing about the hotel is that it is located right in the middle of Times Square, giving you an easy access to all the fascinating summer things to do in New York City.

Las Vegas Summer Vacation With Friends

All the things to do in Las Vegas make the city one of the best places for a weekend getaway with your girl friends for a summer vacation.  It is already well-known that Las Vegas is the ultimate destination to experience the thrills of gambling, but there is more that the city has to offer.

If the high-stakes games of chance do not appeal to you, there is no need to worry. Summer in Las Vegas does not only mean hot weather and hot casino jackpot prizes.  Summer also means hot shopping and hotel deals, and hot nightlife. Put together you get plenty of things to do in Sin City with your friends!

Here is one thing you and your girlfriends will surely love to do in Las Vegas during your summer vacation:  shopping!!! There are so many shops in Las Vegas where you can splurge on clothes, shoes and accessories such as the Fashion Show Mall, Hawaiian Marketplace and Las Vegas Outlet Center. There are three shopping centers that particularly stand out with their impressive arsenal of designer products.  Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and the fairly new installment Wynn Esplanade. The Wynn Esplanade holds not only high-end clothing and shoes stores, it also has a Ferrari and Maserati showroom where you have to pay $10 just to enter and look around.

Check in at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club at the Flamingo. The hotel is conveniently located in Las Vegas Boulevard, more popularly known as Las Vegas Strip (or The Strip), and gives you easy access to all the hip and fun things to do in the city. Maximize your stay by taking advantage of the hotel's luxurious amenities. After  your day of shopping, chill out with a refreshing drink, cool off in the outdoor pool and work up a tan, or simply relax in the hotel's hot tub. Or you can go visit the health club for a rejuvenating full body massage.

Note: The Hilton Grand Vacations Club at the Flamingo's rates are from $129 and up. They vary on promotional dates, though, and are always cheaper on weekdays.

Dining options in Las Vegas soar to the sky. Whether it is Asian, Continental or American cuisine that you are looking for, there is a corner (or a hotel) in Las Vegas that will cater to your taste and your budget. You and your friends can try the Los Angeles original Pink's Hot Dogs, where the hot dog sandwiches are named after famous celebrities or treat yourselves with some fine dining at celebrity chef's, Wolfgang Puck, Spago.

One great thing to do to conclude your weekend getaway is to turn up the heat at any of the very many nightclubs in Las Vegas. Head off to Ghostbar, grab yourselves glasses of Martini and hit the dance floor. Chances are, you might be dancing the night away with the Hilton sisters, Usher, Justin Timberlake and lots of other social icons. Now, that is the one summer vacation you will always remember.

Orlando: Things To Do For The Family In The Summer

Orlando offers a great package for an amazing summer break.  The city has earned its reputation as a family-oriented vacation destination since the establishment of the Disney, Universal and Nickelodeon properties. There are just so many things to do in Orlando that spells out the words fun and excitement for families with kids of varying ages.

Orlando is a huge hit in the summer. We have the nice Florida weather and the seemingly endless list of Orlando things to do for that. Gear yourselves up with your most comfortable summer get ups and let Orlando amuse you with everything the city has to offer.

Accommodation options in Orlando and around the area is aplenty. The Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Nickelodeon Hotel give you great lodging choices that will fit both your interest and your budget. Outside these properties, you still have a wide variety of options that offer comfortable lodging with cheap rates: Orlando Centroplex Travelodge, Best Western Movieland Orlando, Orlando Vista Hotel and more. If the focus of this family summer break is Disney, you can check in at the Hilton Inn in the Walt Disney World Resort where you can enjoy such perks as free shuttle from the airport, free bus rides to the different theme parks, extra magic hours at the theme parks, to name some.

Disney promises nothing but the best time for everyone in the family. There are kiddie rides built for the younger kids, as well as more thrilling rides especially made for the older ones and teens. Parents, of course, are welcome to ride anytime with their kids or just simply be kids again. Watch out for your the display of Disney characters in the very-well rehearsed Parades, live stage shows (including a stage version of Finding Nemo), memorable Characters Meals where the servers are clad in Disney characters (you can also join the costume dining by dressing up like your favorite Disney characters) at the Crystal Place, and last, but not the least, the very unique and impressive spectacle of fireworks at night. Other things to do during your summer break in Orlando is to have an afternoon playing golf with the family PGA-style at Disney's Magnolia Golf Course. Or you can also cool off at the water parks - Blizzard Beach and the Typhoon Lagoon – which have wacky themes that offer loads of fun for the family in a lovely tropical atmosphere.

Downtown Disney is the best place to go to at night. It houses acres of fun things to do during your Orlando visit. There are dozens of shops and entertainment venues. Start the night with a family dinner at the Rainforest Cafe, admire the intricate Lego figures as you stroll past the Lego Imagination Center or catch a show of the acclaimed Cirque Du Soleil. Parents can also grab the chance to spend some quality time during this summer break by having a relaxing massage for two at the Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, an evening yacht cruise along the Seven Seas Lagoon with butler-served gourmet meals, or simply a romantic stroll down Disney's Boardwalk.

There are more things to do in Orlando outside the Disney premises that you can explore. Check on this page to have more ideas. Orlando is definitely for kids, teens and parents – an ultimate one-stop destination for the summer break!

Romantic Summer Things To Do In Seattle

The weather hints that summer is just around the corner. It is time to narrow down your summer break options and start planning your vacation by checking out various destinations, attractions and activities that appeal to you the most.

Fly in to Seattle for a romantic weekend getaway this summer and enjoy the dozens of things to see and do in the city for a much-needed break.  See all of Seattle and Puget Sound from the world-famous Space Needle. Plus, with the nice and clear summer weather, you can also get to see Mount Rainier from a distance.

One of the best things to do in Seattle is to join one of the many guided tours and cruises the city offers. The Seattle Harbor Cruise lets you enjoy a narrated trip over Elliot Bay and Seattle Harbor as you view spectacular panoramic profiles of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, the stunning city skyline and even a glimpse of one of the world's largest shipping terminal, all under the beautiful summer sun.

Downtown Seattle's urban cultural attractions, arts venues, classy restaurants and retail stores provide a romantic ambiance suited to every couple. Visit the Experience Music Project and feel free to create a compilation of your favorite songs. You can even compose your own love songs together. Afterwards, you can do some shopping at the many establishments you will find in the area. The choices are endless – national and international shops, local boutiques, furniture and art galleries, novelty stores, upscale designer goods and outlets, Downtown Seattle just has it all! Grab an early Italian dinner at Serafina to catch an evening professional baseball game of the Seattle Mariners at the Safeco Field. For this romantic weekend getaway, the Westin Seattle's luxurious amenities is perfect for your accommodation needs.

Take in more of the flavor of Seattle by spending some time at the Seattle Waterfront. Capture the eclectic taste of the city by clicking your cameras away with the Puget Sound and the towering skyscrapers as backdrops. The Seattle Waterfront also holds the Colman Dock where the ferry to the Bainbridge Island awaits both residents and visitors to board to experience the small-town charm of the island. Make the most of the sunshine this summer break by having an afternoon picnic and a swim at Madison Park Beach. After which, you can go for a romantic boat ride over the very cherished in-city water, the Green Lake.

Make the most of the last night of your weekend getaway in the city by having a romantic dinner and a bottle of wine (or discounted margaritas) at the Terrace Garden, an outdoor restaurant where you can enjoy the evening breeze and some privacy. Sipping some summery drinks and dancing the rest of the night away at the Cuban-themed club, Havana, would be a great way to conclude a very memorable romantic summer break in Seattle.