Sin City Brewing Co. -- Now Open at The Venetian

Sin City Brewing Co. Now Open Inside the

Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian

Sin City Brewing Co., Las Vegas's signature microbrewery, has opened its third location in Vegas at The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian.

Sin City Brewing Co. at The Venetian features five original, ice-cold beers on tap: Sin City Amber, Sin City Light, Sin City Weisse, Sin City Stout and the newest, Sin City Pilsner.

Beer is not the only goods available as you can also purchase their logo apparel as well.

"With our original recipes and hands-on brewing process, we've created a line of beer that fully lives up to the reputation of Las Vegas," said Rich Johnson, the company's president and an award-winning craft brewer. "No visit here is complete without having a beer at Sin City Brewing Co."

Sin City Brewing Co. at The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday.

For more information visit: Sin City Brewing Company

Hotels.com -- U.S. Hotel Prices Drop 17%

According to hotels.com

U.S. Hotel Prices Drop 17%

The latest hotels.com Hotel Price Index(TM), the average price of a hotel room in the U.S. fell 17 percent in the first six months of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. During Q1 and Q2 of 2009, the average cost of a nightly hotel room was $115, down from $139 the year before.

"This is by far the most significant change in prices we've seen since we created the Hotel Price Index. Americans' travel dollars have never gone farther than in 2009," said David Roche, President of hotels.com.

U.S. is not alone in regards to the fall in room rates as hotel rooms in Europe were down 16 percent, rates in North America and Asia both declining 17 percent, and hotel prices in Latin America fell 18 percent for the first half of the year.

Other notable findings in regards to U.S. destinations include:

Las Vegas overtook New York City as the favorite domestic destination for U.S. travelers in the first half of 2009, with room rates in the city just $82 a night on average. Destinations rounding out the top five U.S. favorites included New York City, Orlando, Chicago and San Francisco.

Las Vegas and New York City both experienced the nation's greatest drop in room rates with each destination down 30 percent compared to the same period the previous year.

Among the states, New York was the most expensive destination, followed by Hawaii, Massachusetts and Wyoming, whose ski tourism helped boost hotel prices in the state. The nation's least expensive states in the first half of 2009 included Nevada, with room rates just $77 on average, Idaho and Kansas.

For international travelers visiting the United States, New York, Las Vegas and San Francisco were the top destinations in Q1 and Q2 2009.

Young Explorers Join Mike Horn in India-- Applications Close on September 22nd

Young Explorers have until September 22nd to apply to

Join Mike Horn in India

Mike Horn is acknowledged as one of the world's greatest modern adventurer-explorers. He is currently undertaking the Pangaea Expedition, which is supported by Offcine Panerai. The expedition is a four-year trans-navigation of the globe by sea and by land promoting environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources.

During the expedition Mike will share his knowledge of nature and passion for exploration with young adults. Twelve young adults from each continent, between the ages of 15 and 20, will be invited to join Mike at various stages throughout his journey. Currently, the Mike Horn Team is looking for dynamic, enthusiastic, active Young Explorers that are keen to make a difference in the world.

Applications are currently open to join the expedition in India in December. You will need to log onto http://www.mikehorn.com to download the application form.

To join Mike Horn in Nepal in May applications will open in October.

Past Mike Horn Explorations:

Amazon Expedition: 1997- Mike undertook a solo, un-motorized traverse of the South American continent.

Latitude Zero: 1999- Mike circumnavigated the world around the equator without motor transport, an expedition which took him a total of 18 months.

Arktos: 2004- he achieving yet another staggering feat of human endurance when he completed a two-year, three-month solo circumnavigation of the Arctic Circle. He became the first man to travel the Arctic Circle without motorized transport, completing an unimaginable 20,000km journey.

North Pole: 2006- Mike Horn and Norwegian explorer, Borge Ousland, became the first men to travel without dog or motorized transport to the North Pole during the permanent darkness of the Arctic months.

Hotels.com -- Record Breaking Fall Sale

Hotels.com Offers Record Breaking Sales for the Fall

There are nearly 2,000 properties on sale in more than 100 destinations with savings up to 50 percent. Hotels.com is celebrating the season of foliage, fairs and football with the largest Fall Sale in the company's history.

"Fall is one of the best times to travel since it lands between two heavy tourism seasons - summer and the holidays. Travelers can find some of the year's deepest hotel discounts with rates often much lower than other months," said Carl Sparks, general manager of hotels.com. "Plus with great weather, beautiful fall scenery, and an abundance of sporting events, fairs and festivals there's plenty to see and do in almost every destination."

The Fall Sale offers up to 50 percent off in select hotels in Chicago, Boston, Las Vegas and Miami, as well as free nights at participating hotels in New York, Dallas, and Orlando. Also, in addition to great rates, guests may also receive added perks including resort credits, food and beverage gift certificates, and more.

Guest must book by October 12, 2009, for stays through October 19, 2009. For additional information and details on the promotion go to: www.hotels.com/fallsale

Sample of Fall Foliage and Fairs:

Boston: The Westin Boston Waterfront

4 star, 4.3 hotels.com guest rating, 88% recommended

Save up to 30%, Sale rates from $132

Denver: Hotel Monaco Denver -- A Kimpton Hotel

4 star, 4.5 hotels.com guest rating, 94% recommended

Save up to 20%, Sale rates from $135

Seattle: Fairmont Olympic Hotel

5 star, 4.7 hotels.com guest rating, 94% recommended

Save 40%, Sale rates from $179

Santa Fe: Villas de Santa Fe

2.5 star, 4.5 hotels.com guest rating, 95% recommended

Save up to 50% Sale rates from $100

Football Destinations and City Escapes:

Austin: Radisson Hotel Austin -- Town Lake

3.5 Star, 4.0 hotels.com guest rating, 81% recommended

Save 40%, Sale rates from $131

Miami: Pelican Hotel

3.5 stars, 4.6 hotels.com guest rating, 100% recommended

Fourth night free, Sale rates from $120

San Francisco: Hotel Adagio a Joie de Vivre Boutique Hotel

3.5 star, 4.4 hotels.com guest rating, 90% recommended

Save up to 30%, Sale rates from $123

New York: On the Ave Hotel

3.5 star, 4.4 hotels.com guest rating, 92% recommended

Save 20%, Sale rates from $219

A minimum night stay may be required for some Fall Sale Rates. For more information go to www.hotels.com/fallsale.

TripAdvisor -- Top 10 Places Worldwide to Beware of Pickpockets

TripAdvisor -- Beware of the

Top 10 Places for having your Pocket Picked

According to TripAdvisor, the world's most popular and largest travel community, visitors would do well to watch their bags in the top 10 cities below:

1. Barcelona, Spain: Watch out for the Las Ramblas, the famous wide, pedestrian walkway full of life, music, and people, as it is the perfect place to get your purse poached.

2. Rome, Italy: Rome is full of both tourists and incredible things to sightsee making it easy for a pickpocket to lift a camera or purse with a quick snip of scissors or some clever handiwork with a zipper.

3. Prague, Czech Republic: There are thousands of tourists who crowd the ancient stones on the Charles Bridge each year, this makes it a perfect recipe for pickpocketing so make sure you strap down your valuables.

4. Madrid, Spain: Watch out at the El Rastro fleamarket as this is a crowded area that attracts unfriendly pickpocket schemes.

5. Paris, France: Be careful in the city's metro system as it is crowded with travelers and pickpocketers.

6. Florence, Italy: When admiring Michelangelo's creation, or at its replica in busy Piazza della Signoria, be alert that others may have their attention on your wallet.

7. Buenos Aires, Argentina: Very busy outdoor attractions that attract thieves waiting to help the weary traveler.

8. Amsterdam, Netherlands: It is easy to get carried away with all of the fun things to do but pickpocketers have been known to take advantage of countless tourists in this enchanting city.

9. Athens, Greece: Whether visiting the Parthenon on the Acropolis, or anything else in this magnificent historic city, keep the bags close to the vest while your eyes admire the rest.

10. Hanoi, Vietnam: This is the capitol of Vietnam and very beautiful and unique place to visit with 600 temples and pagodas, but also a place to stay alert for mischief.

TripAdvisor gives advice on how to avoid being pick pocketed as this can happen in any city.

1. Never keep your wallet or valuables in your rear pocket, even if it buttons - it's by far the easiest target.

2. Beware of the distraction tactic. Dropping something near you, squirting something on you, or simply jostling you. Be on guard when in crowds, and secure your belongings.

3. Pickpockets often work in pairs or groups and it's not just the usual suspects. Be cautious with any strangers -- sometimes people who don't look like they'd be a threat, such as children or the elderly, can be part of larger operations.

4. Stay alert in confined spaces and near passageways. Try to avoid standing near the doorways of trains as groups of pickpockets can rush at you when the doors open.

5. Before you set off on a trip, pare down the contents of your purse or wallet as the smaller the bulge, the less likely pickpockets are to covet it.

Marriott Global Rate Break -- 20% off Participating Marriott Hotels

Global Rate Break --

 20% Off Participating Marriott Hotels

Marriott Hotels is offering 20 percent off, for a short time only, for weekend stays at participating hotels. This weekend getaway deal is being offered at more than 2,500 participating Marriott hotels around the world. Reservations must be made between September 10 - 24, for weekend stays (and mid-week stays at select hotels) between September 25 and December 13, 2009.

In order to receive the discount you will need to go to www.marriott.com/globalratebreak1 and use promo code F5X, or call 877-MARRIOTT.

"We continue to find great ways for travelers to save on their next trip," said J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO, Marriott International, Inc. "The Global Rate Break allows guests to choose from affordable rates at eight or our brands, making it easier than ever to stay with Marriott."

The eight brands:

Marriott Hotels & Resorts

JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts

Renaissance Hotels & Resorts

Courtyard by Marriott

Fairfield Inn by Marriott

SpringHill Suites by Marriott

Residence Inn by Marriott

TownePlace Suites by Marriott

*Terms and Conditions: 20% discount applies to room rate only. Promotional rates are valid for weekend stays, Thursday through Sunday for reservations booked between September 10, 2009 and September 24, 2009, for stays from September 25, 2009 to December 13, 2009 at participating Marriott Hotels and Resorts. Go to: www.marriott.com/globalratebreak1 for more details

Travel Photos: IanAndWendy.com

Wonderful Travel Photos -- IanAndWendy.com

IanAndWendy.com is a travel site of two Canadians who are now living in the United States and have traveled to 51 countries.  Their site provides information about their travels along with some great photos of their adventures.  They have been traveling together for 10 years as their travels have taken them to places all around the world.  Check out their Travel Photos and their blog for detailed information.  The site also offers reviews of hotels, motels, hostels, information on tours, and restaurant reviews. 

photo credit provided by:  www.ianandwendy.com

Cedar Point Announces New Water Ride for 2010 Season

Cedar Point will offer A Whitewater Family Adventure!

Shoot the Rapids, an all-new family water ride, will be offered on Opening Day of 2010 at the CedarPoint park. The ride offers a 2,100 foot-long journey as adventurers will travel in a 10 passenger boat, seated in five rows of two, and secured with over-the-head lap bars.

Shoot the Rapids offers two lift hills as the first and largest hill will be 85 feet tall and will drop riders down into Millennium Island at a 45-degree angle. The second hill will be 49 feet tall that ends with a dramatise "shoot" through water rapids and rock work.

With a cost of more than $10.5 million to build, Shoot the Rapids, will be the most expensive water ride ever built at Cedar Point.

"Shoot the Rapids will instantly become a family favorite," said John Hildebrandt, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point. " Our guests wanted another option to cool off on warm summer days. We listened, and Shoot the Rapids will deliver the perfect combination of refreshment, thrills and new memories at Cedar Point."

Discovery Cruise Line -- Only $19.99 per Person

Discovery Cruise Line -- Low Prices during Fall Campaign

Discovery Cruise Line is the largest tour operator between South Florida and Grand Bahama Island, has announced its lowest fare ever. The fares reflect bookings between September 8 through September 30 and travel between October 1 and January 31. Prices for a Fun Day cruise are from $19.99 per person and the price for a two day, one night Cruise and Stay Vacation package is from only $39.99 per person. Please take note that surcharges of $39 per person apply to all passengers and these special rates are for Florida Residents only.

For additional information and what is included on the cruise go to Discovery Cruiseline.

TripAdvisor -- Fall and Labor Day Travel Survey

TripAdvisor Announces results from its

Fall and Labor Day Survey

TripAdvisor surveyed over 2,400 U.S. travelers and found that 84% of travelers plan to take leisure trips this fall, up from 82% one year ago, and 43% said they will be traveling more this autumn than last. Also, 69% are likely to fly on a whim for a great deal and 70% will stick to the road.

In the past month, here are the top 10 regions that the millions of travelers on TripAdvisor.com have been browsing:

1. Coastal South Carolina

2. Jersey Shore

3. Florida Keys

4. Cape Cod

5. Southwest Gulf Coast

6. Florida Panhandle

7. Texas Gulf Coast

8. North Carolina Coast

9. Monterey Peninsula

10. Napa Valley

Here are the Top 10 most searched Cities in August currently with airfares under $199:

1. Orlando

2. Las Vegas

3. Fort Lauderdale

4. Tampa

5. Miami

6. Atlanta

7. New York

8. Denver

9. Fort Myers

10. Boston

Top 5 Fall Activities

1. View colorful Fall Foliage -- 44%

2. Visit a State/County Fair or Fall Festival -- 28%

3. Go Wine Tasting/Visit a Vineyard -- 26%

4. Go to a Football Game -- 23%

5. Visit a Beer Festival/Oktoberfest -- 14%