4 Of The Top Gaming Havens Around The Globe

These days, many people opt to gamble online, choosing to take advantage of convenient, internet-based options like Euro Palace casino games. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette and all your other favorites are waiting for you, and you can even get a welcome bonus of up to €500 for free. Still, land-based gambling has its charms, so you would be remiss if you ignored the leading gambling destinations around the world.

1. Las Vegas



Not for nothing is Las Vegas known as Sin City: There are around 100 gambling venues in the Las Vegas area. Poker players especially will find their needs catered to with the many well-run poker rooms open to the public. Originally centered on the old, downtown area, the hotspots in Vegas are now located along the Strip -- Las Vegas Boulevard South. Many themed resorts and casinos allow you to play within diverse environments. Las Vegas bills itself as a center of entertainment, so you will find a wide selection of fine dining, shopping, theatrical performances and other diverting amusements.

2. Macau



Macau, a special administrative division of China, has benefited from economic growth in the country and the rest of Asia in recent decades. In fact, it now generates more gambling revenue annually than any other city, including Vegas. More than 30 casinos would like to earn your custom, and the trend is toward huge establishments that spread almost any game you could think of. The "Big Game," as poker fans call it, runs regularly and features many variants of poker played for astonishing stakes by frequently drunk competitors with deep pockets.

3. Monaco



The casino in Monaco offers an upscale setting for ladies and gentlemen who enjoy high-stakes thrills. Since its opening in the 1850s, this center of iniquity has been the downfall of many an over-optimistic aristocrat. Despite the age of the casino, the gaming here is up-to-date, and the accommodations are first-rate. When you need a break from the tables, you can hang out by the French Riviera, check out the museum of vintage automobiles or visit the Prince's Palace.

4. London



London's other interesting elements often overshadow its gambling action, but you should be aware that a couple dozen gambling halls serve the capital of the United Kingdom. Most of them are open to the public, but there are a few exclusive clubs that maintain strict membership lists. London casino staff members have earned their reputation for being more polite and respectful than those in many other gambling destinations although they can be a bit reserved at times. Many professional gamblers, from England and abroad, call London home because gambling income is completely tax-free in the United Kingdom.

Pack your bags, and head to one of these highly regarded gambling destinations for a memorable getaway. Whether you prefer North America, Europe or Asia, you will be bound to find games that interest you as well as relaxing pursuits away from the tables. You deserve a break from your everyday routine, so make your arrangements today.

Note: The pictures have been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the Creative Commons license and each photo has been linked to the host page.

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Forest of Dean: Ancient Woodlands of England

The brilliant green of the new beech, the stunning array of colors of the bluebells and daffodils, blossoming in the pear and apple orchards and a myriad of delightful flowers are decorating an ancient region of England this spring and summer. An area that has been inhabited since the Mesolithic times, this amazing forest has seen its fair share of the Romans, the Dark Ages and the Tudor empire. It is England’s first national forest park and one of the United Kingdom’s few remaining ancient forests. This place is the Royal Forest of Dean that is located in the cradle between Wye valley, the Vale of Leadon and the Severn valley.



It is in this very 120 square kilometre ancient woodland that many great artists have found their inspiration. Some key people who were captivated by the mystery and magic of this place are JK Rowling, JRR Tolkien and Dennis Potter. With an unspoilt river, rolling farmland, vineyards, black and white timbered buildings, hilly terrain and gorgeous forests, the Forest of Dean is popularly referred to as the Queen of all Forests in England.

It is one of those places that offers serenity, charm and adventure all year around. And to top it, the surroundings host great events and festivals making it a double thumbs up for holidaymakers.



From canoeing and fishing in the Wye valley to getting closer to the industrial heritage and history of this forest, from enjoying the local plum to sipping some delightful Perry (Pear-based traditional fermented drink) and from soaking in the stunning view at Symonds Yat Rock to seeing the rare mosses and lichens that grow on these ancient oak trees, the Forest of Dean is full of rare and eye-catching sights and experiences.



Irrespective of whether you are on a long weekend break from work or a leisure holiday, the Forest of Dean has enough charm to keep you captivated all throughout. Here are some of the special experiences for those considering Forest of Dean Cottage Holidays:

1) Mesmerize yourself with the sight of Scowles – strange landscape features that is unique to the Forest of Dean and thought to be natural geological occurrences exploited in ancient times for open-cast mining activities.

2) Discover evidence of life in the Old Stone age at the King Arthur’s Cave

3) Explore the ruins of 12th century Tintern Abbey, which were the inspiration of Wordsworth’s famous poem.



4) Check out Chepstow Castle, the oldest post-Roman fortification surviving in Britain.

5) Indulge in fishing, canoeing, cycling, hiking and caving in the rich woodlands and its two famous rivers (River Severn and River Wye)

6) Enjoy a ride on the ancient steam train from Lydney to Parkend line.

7) Explore the beautiful town of Gloucester that is home to amazing Tudor buildings, a super Gothic cathedral and a historic quayside.

8) Check out JK Rowling’s childhood home at Tutshill.



Whether you are planning on a simple picnic with your family, a relaxed outdoor holiday with your partner or just want some me time, the Forest of Dean through its rich nature, history and culture is bound to have you mesmerized. No wonder the place is immensely popular with TV production crews, movie production crews, fantasy book writers, river surfers, painters, walkers and so many people from different walks of life and with varied interests. Are you planning to go there this Spring-Summer?

Note: The photographs in this article have been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the Creative Commons License. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.

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London Underground: Interesting Travelling Facts

In large cities, I love taking the public transport. In fact, that is my preferred mode of travel during my trips as it helps me get a good feel of the way the locals live their day-to-day life while I save on the stupidly expensive cab fare. From rush hour traffic to the weekends, public transport is always buzzing with all kinds of action for the holidaying traveler. Whether you are in Hong Kong, New York, Tokyo, Paris, London, Singapore or Istanbul, taking the public transport is one of the top ways to explore the city. 



If you are the public transport type and if you are planning a trip to London or if you plan to re-locate there, you will be interested in this infographic created by The London Pass. It shares some cool facts about the oldest underground rail system on Earth.

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The Best Events In South Devon During 2015

When it comes time to book one of your precious and much deserved holidays it can help to do a little planning beforehand. While an impromptu break in South Devon is always going to be enjoyable, surrounded by beautiful scenery and a relaxed atmosphere, you can make much more exciting by timing your holiday right.

Throughout 2015 you’ll find a huge variety of events on across the South Devon region, ranging from regattas to food festivals. Whatever your interests are you’re sure to find something to make your holiday truly memorable.

Let The Music Play
The annual Dartmouth Music Festival is running from the 15^th to 17^th of May this year. The majority of the events are free and run the gamut from folk to jazz, rock and all points in between. Aside from performances you’ll also find a range of workshops which can get you making music, from ukulele to African drumming.

Have A Little Word
Do you like to curl up with a good book? It’s certainly a nice way to end a day on your South Devon holiday. Visit the region between the 3^rd and 13^th of July and you can share your love of books with hundreds of others who flock to Dartington Estate for the Ways With Words Festival. Each year a stellar line up of authors come to talk about the craft of writing and share their love of literature.

Set Sail
South Devon has an incredibly rich nautical history, so it’s little wonder that the area has plenty of annual regattas that celebrate the maritime way of life. You’ll find two boating events in Salcombe in August: the Salcombe Town Regatta and the Salcombe Yacht Club Regatta. The former takes place on the 3^rd to the 7^th of August and features boat races, swimming competitions, fireworks displays and much more. The yacht club’s regatta runs from the 9^th to the 14^th of August and has a much stronger emphasis on sailing competitions and races, but also puts on a mix of social events too.

The jewel in the crown of South Devon’s regattas is the Dartmouth Royal Regatta. The first formal event took place in 1834, and it has been an annual fixture ever since. From the 27^th to the 29^th of August Dartmouth develops an incredibly inclusive party atmosphere as everyone joins in this celebration of sailing. There are dozens of events that visitors can get involved in too.

A Taste Of South Devon
From the 23^rd to the 25^th of October the air of Dartmouth is saturated with the mouth-watering aromas of the Dartmouth Food Festival. South Devon has a wide selection of award-winning food producers and farms, so it’s no wonder this festival is one of the culinary highlights of the year. Not only can you sample and buy delicious foods, there are also workshops led by celebrity chefs and other events to get your teeth into.

Candle In The Wind
Capping off 2015 is Candlelit Dartmouth. During the 27^th and 28^th of November you can enjoy this magical festival, which ushers in the Christmas season as the beautiful lantern procession lights up the town’s winding streets. Late night shopping and a seasonal market means that you can get your Christmas shopping done in style.

2015 in South Devon is full of exciting opportunities and events, so be sure to book your holiday to enjoy what’s on offer. Coast & Country Cottages has a range of luxury holiday properties, take a look and find the ideal location in South Devon.

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To the Hills

Usually walking holidays are associated with the older generation. However, in recent times there has been a huge increase in younger visitors lacing up there hiking boots and enjoying the many benefits a walking holiday can bring. Not only can walking increase your physical and mental wellbeing, it enables many of us to get away from the city and enjoy the natural world we so often rarely see. With that in mind, here are some top walking hotspots in Western Europe.

Lyme Regis to Axbridge
Often referred to as the ‘Jurassic Coast’, this beautiful walk along the Devon/Dorset boarder is a great introduction if you’re new to walking holidays and want to try out some hiking gear such as men’s hiking boots and other accessories. There are many woodland paths with relatively easy terrain to navigate. You’ll find many secluded sections to this walk and when the woods clear it reveals a spectacular viewpoint across the ocean.

La Roche, Ardennes region
For a truly autumnal experience head to La Roche in the Ardennes region, Belgium, the changing colors of the wild forest offer a classic spectrum of browns, reds and yellows. They really bring home the cold crisp feel the changing of seasons brings.

Kandersteg, Bernese Oberland
Head to Switzerland if you’re in search of a more testing walk; this half day trek is perfect if you’re planning to take your trip in the winter months. With snow tipped mountains and huge pine trees, the landscape feels magical to even the most seasoned walker. If the going gets too tough there are many cafe stop points and ski lifts to the frozen lake and mountainside view. Whether you’re considering a walk at home or abroad this year, make sure you do your research into the paths and conditions so you’re well prepared. And don’t forget your camera for those views you’ll want to remember long after your visit!

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