Rolling in Style - The Best Casinos on the Planet

World-class casinos provide more than just a place to gamble; they provide an experience full of luxury amenities, dining, entertainment and accommodations.

From Monte Carlo's luxurious Casino de Monte Carlo to Maxim's, these gambling hotspots radiate elegance. Check out our list of best casinos outside Las Vegas and start rolling in style.

The most popular casinos in the world are interesting, but it is much easier to visit online casino game and get maximum service without leaving your home.

1. Casino de Monte Carlo



Monaco's Casino de Monte Carlo was designed by Charles Garnier--architect of the Paris Opera House--and stands as an elegant Belle Epoque temple to gambling. As per law, however, only visitors from outside Monaco may participate. Thus relying heavily on wealthy tourists and high-rollers from around the globe as patrons.

GoldenEye, Heartbreaker and Ocean's Twelve have featured this luxurious casino with its exquisite interiors, gold leaf details and gorgeous wall paintings as a major draw for actors. Visitors to the casino can try their luck at roulette, blackjack or baccarat while admiring its magnificent décor - not forgetting a restaurant/bar/helipad all rolled into one!

2. The Kurhaus of Baden-Baden



Casinos that lack an eye-catching backdrop don't measure up; Germany's Kurhaus of Baden-Baden can take great pride in boasting such an exquisite one.

Style, history and tradition come together to create an unparalleled environment - be it for business meetings, gala events or parties of any sort - making your experience one of a kind! This venue has everything necessary for an unforgettable event experience.

Baden-Baden is an idyllic spa town where traditional luxury meets contemporary culture. Stroll through immaculate gardens, shop stylish designer wear under colonnades, or gamble away your days at its renowned casino - Baden-Baden will leave an indelible mark that you won't soon forget! You won't forget this gem that awaits!

3. Maxim’s Casino

Maxim's Casino is an elegant and sophisticated venue designed to cater to high stakes gamblers. Situated within London Kensington Palace Gate House building, it has managed to retain many of its original features for added charm and allure.

The elegant gaming floor boasts 26 tables offering American Roulette, Blackjack and Baccarat with different stake levels for your enjoyment. Furthermore, electronic Roulette and slots machines can also be found here to add to the fun! Furthermore, regular cash poker games and private poker parties can be organized within their Dickens Card Room.

Between gaming sessions, players can dine at an oak panelled restaurant where specialty chefs serve French, Chinese, Lebanese and Indian dishes. Furthermore, guests can visit a whiskey bar to sample over 126 types of whiskey from all over the world along with cocktails from an impressive cocktail selection.

5. Hotel Lisboa

Hotel Lisboa combines state-of-the-art comfort with breath taking panoramas on one of Lisbon's hills, offering unparalleled panoramic views from each room and from their Limao (Lemon) Chill-out Terrace. 89 comfortable rooms provide the ideal setting for viewing these spectacular scenes; yet what really draws guests is its breath taking landscapes that you can appreciate from either within your room or from its Limao (Lemon) Chill-out Terrace.

This hotel is less than five minutes' walk from Chiado and Baixa's vibrant shopping and café scene, where you will also find Lisbon Cathedral and Rossio Square. Additionally, nearby are fado clubs and restaurants offering traditional Portuguese music; its staff are extremely welcoming and helpful - it will be hard to beat this place!

6. WinStar World Casino and Resort



WinStar World Casino and Resort lies across the Texas-Oklahoma border in Thackerville and stands as an unparalleled gaming paradise. As the World's Biggest Casino, it offers an unmatched collection of electronic games as well as a massive poker room - not to mention an array of luxurious amenities! But this resort offers much more than gaming alone.

WinStar Resort features multiple hotel towers, a golf course and shopping promenade - providing plenty of choices for guests of all ages and interests. There are 17 restaurants and bars at WinStar as well as the new 6,500-seat Lucas Oil Live arena that showcases chart-topping musicians.

Off the casino floor, guests can experience world-class dining or relax at the spa before resting their head at Fun Town RV Park - both conveniently close to WinStar!

To follow the latest news, you can visit Melbet Insta.

Note: The photographs in this article are courtesy of wikipedia.org and have been borrowed under the creative commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

Continue Reading...

4 Unusual Activities to Try on Your Next Trip to Europe

Do you prefer to term yourself a traveler rather than a tourist? Do you crave new adventures and activities you won’t find in any guidebook? Is your idea the perfect holiday one in which you experience different cultures, try novel things and make unforgettable memories?

If you answered yes to those questions, it’s quite likely you’re continually on the hunt for engaging and innovative destinations, complete with unusual pursuits to fill your schedule. Thankfully, you’re in luck – we’ve compiled a list of some of the lesser spotted and lesser practiced activities from across Europe to keep you busy on your next trip.

Go coasteering in the UK

This is one for the adrenaline junkies out there. Coasteering is a new and increasingly popular pastime which combines elements of climbing, swimming, abseiling and, most notably of all, cliff jumping. Face your fears and leap into coastal waters to access hard-to-reach caves and remote nooks and crannies. Although born in the UK, coasteering can be practiced anywhere really – just make sure the water is of sufficient depth and the tides aren’t too strong before taking the plunge.

Stay in a former military prison in Slovenia



The Slovenian capital of Ljubljana is simply bursting with color, culture and exquisite cuisine… but one of the most eye-catching attractions here is a former military prison-turned-hostel. Celica Art Hostel boasts a variety of different cells, each of which has been decorated in its own unique style. For those who don’t fancy the claustrophobia of a barred room for the night, there are several “regular” dormitories to choose from too, while the bar is a hub of activity even among those not staying behind bars.

Take in a cricket game in Eastern Europe

While you might not normally associate cricket with Eastern Europe, the sport is fast growing in popularity across the continent. Once confined to places such as the British Isles, Australia and India, it’s now not uncommon to see big crowds flock to see breakthrough names such as Ramesh Satheesan hit his opponents for six and keep up to date with the ECS T10 live scores in person. Having already visited Bulgaria and Romania this year, the European Cricket Series will no doubt land on other Eastern European shores soon.

Go ice fishing in Finland



While winter might not strike you as the ideal time to plan a trip to Europe (let alone the northern part of the continent), there are plenty of attractions at this time of year. Skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing are among the most popular, while indulging in a sauna or taking a husky ride are also widespread. But there are few activities more traditional and typical than finding a good spot on a frozen lake, drilling a hole in the ice and waiting for a bite on the end of your line. You can even cook your catch over an open fire (though not on the lake itself, of course!).

The next time you’re gearing up for a trip to Europe, why not set aside time in partake in one of these unusual pastimes? We’re sure you’ll be glad you did.

Continue Reading...

5 Places for a Dream UEFA Champions League Holiday in Europe

Summer is that perfect time for a special European holiday with family and/or friends. Not only is the weather absolutely gorgeous at this time in that part of the world, the pleasant, bright and long days ensure that you get maximum time for exploration followed by action packed nightlife. Add to this the ongoing UEFA Champions League and you have what I think is a dream holiday in Europe.



If you are a football lover or even a sports lover, this could be a lip smacking holiday proposition for you. Watching your favorite players play in iconic football stadiums amidst colorful and noisy fans and then rejoicing that experience over some freshly brewed beer and exploring these amazing European destinations during non football time is kind of like a perfect sports holiday. These days, sports holidays seem to be the in thing in the world of travel. Whether it is the Olympics, the recently completed Gold Coast Commonwealth games, a pan Europe Champions League in this case or the upcoming football world cup in Russia, they offer the best of two fantastic worlds – sports and travel. I would opt for such perfect combo trips in a heart beat.



If you are a die-hard football fan and money is not an issue, I would say plan a Champions League Europe road trip where you travel between the various UEFA Champions League locations. This way, you get to enjoy the semi finals and finals up close and live, you get to live that European road trip, you get to explore some of the best cities of Europe and you get a taste of the amazing European countryside and its various attractions. If the road trip sounds a bit too much for you, you could opt for a specific UEFA Champions League match location (Kyiv, Rome, Madrid, Munich or Liverpool) and plan your entire holiday around it. Either ways, the below tips and ideas will help you make the best of your dream sports holiday to Europe. Before you read any further, make sure you plan properly to get a solid travel insurance plan and a good multi-currency forex card like the ones offered by Axis Bank to ensure that are fully equipped to handle crowds, safety issues, finance issues and any possible medical contingencies.



Here is the handy UEFA Champions League Schedule to help you plan your trip:

Date: 25-April-2018 | Location: Liverpool, England

Semi final 1st Leg | Liverpool vs Roma | Liverpool won 5-2

Date: 26-April-2018 | Location: Munich, Germany

Semi final 1st Leg | Bayern vs Real Madrid | Real Madrid won 2-1   
   
Date: 2-May-2018 | Location: Madrid, Spain

Semi final 2nd Leg | Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich

Date: 3-May-2018 | Location: Rome, Italy

Semi Final 2nd Leg | Roma vs Liverpool

Date: 27-May-2018 | Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Final | TBD vs TBD
And here is the dope on all the five locations where the semi finals and the finals of the Champions League will be held.

Kyiv, Ukraine



The location of the UEFA Champions League final and the capital of Ukraine is one of the lesser explored hotspots of Europe. I call it as one of the top unlikely holiday destinations in Europe. This inexpensive destination, which happens to be one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe dating back to the 5th century, is a treasure trove when it comes to cave monasteries, churches, cathedrals, palaces, monuments and historic buildings.



I would start my Kyiv exploration with the gorgeous St. Sophia’s cathedral, a UNESCO World heritage site and one that houses the world’s largest ensemble of frescoes and mosaics. And once I have climbed its bell tower and soaked in the city’s spectacular aerial view, I would head to Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Ukraine. After visiting this 11th century cave monastery that has immense religious significance, I would make my way to the beautiful St. Michael’s gold domed cathedral. This working monastery dates back to the 12th century. Other interesting places worth exploring are the Open-Air Museum of folk architecture and rural life, Andrew’s descent, Mariyinsky palace, Museum of the toilet’s history and last, but not the least, FC Dynamo Kyiv, Kyiv’s local football club and stadium. For souvenir shopping, old communist stuff and matrioshka dolls, visit the market at Andrew’s descent.

Rome, Italy



The eternal city and the home of the gladiators, Rome offers an eclectic mix of culture, history, fashion, shopping, food and nightlife. With a UNESCO world heritage site in its historic center, you are never too far away from grand ruins, ornate statues and fountains, ancient churches and beautiful palaces. One of my favorite cities in Europe, this is the land of the pizza and gelato, it is home to the mighty Colosseum, Vatican, the catacombs and about 900 churches and it also hosts some of the best musical theatres in the world.



Like everyone, I would recommend the underground Colosseum and gladiator tours. Once you get through these two, explore the old Rome city by foot and get lost in its medieval atmosphere that is full of uneven cobblestones, roof gardens, fountains, sculptures, paintings, old houses, baroque buildings, churches, narrow streets, squares and viewponts. Key highlights of this walking trip would be Trevi fountain, St. Peter’s Square, Piazza Navona, Tiber riverside, Piazza della Rotonda and the piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere. If you are into viewpoints, I would heavily recommend climbing to the top of the Vittoriano or to the top of the Janiculum hill.



Catholic Rome is a treat to the eye. There are so many churches to explore that you might need a few months to cover all of them. But, for a quick, yet great experience, I would recommend visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, St Paul Outside the Walls, Santa Maria Maggiore and San Giovanni.



For Rome’s top haute couture, via Condotti and via Cola di Rienzo are the places to go to. If you feel like a flea market, head to the one at Porta Portese, but do be warned that this place gets quite crowded.

Madrid, Spain



This capital city of Spain packs so much cultural and artistic heritage that you can see it almost everywhere, right from its landmarks and architecture to its museums and art galleries. This city also lives and breathes football, so a trip to Santiago Bernabeu, the home of local club Real Madrid is not to be missed. It’s food scene and nightlife is also top notch, so you have pretty much a lot to see and do both during the day and night.



Madrid feels like a young and high energy city, so as a traveler, you are bound to have a spring in your step as you explore its key landmarks such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, Palacio Real, Plaza de Oriente, Museo del Prado among many others. For something more action packed, catch a flamenco show or a bullfight at the Las Ventas Bullring and if you are into music, head to the nearest opera theatre. For a gastronomic experience, opt for a old Madrid Tapas and Wine tour and for nightlife, the iconic joints are La Esquina de Eusebio Tapas Bar, the El Rincon de Fogg bar and the Joy club.

Munich, Germany



The birthplace of the Oktoberfest and the home of Bayern Munich, Germany’s most famous football club, football and beer is an integral of this capital of Bavaria. While you might not be able to indulge in the Oktoberfest during the UEFA Champions league, you can certainly soak in the culture, shopping, fine dining, nightlife and Bavarian beer hall atmosphere. Munich’s baroque architecture is a treat to the eye. Whether you are at the four grand royal avenues (Briennerstrabe, Ludwigstrabe, Maximilianstrabe, Prinzregentenstrabe) that run through Munich’s inner city, Schloss Nymphenburg or at the churches of Frauuenkirche and Theatinerkirche, the bavarian architecture of this South German city is bound to dazzle you.



Munich as a city is all about appreciating art, football and beer. It is home to many theaters and music venues showing different plays and performances. So, do catch a show when you find time. And typically, there are summer festivals. Do keep an eye and ear open for dates and locations so that you can experience the true Bavarian festival where beer never stops. If you are a hardcore beer lover, spend a lot of time in its many beer halls and beer gardens and get the best experience of Bavarian beer culture.

Liverpool, United Kingdom



Liverpool, the city that lies within the historic county boundaries of Lancashire is famous for its cultural heritage, football teams, music and nightlife. The birthplace of ‘The Beatles’ and the home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, every music lover is bound to want to visit this uber friendly city. And that's not it. There is the UNESCO World Heritage Pier Head Waterfront that is living testament to Liverpool’s successul seaside trade and maritime history. Then there is Europe’s oldest Chinatown and Liverpool and Everton, two of England’s most successful football clubs. Then, there is the World Capital City of Pop. There is the European Capital of Culture. As you can see, Liverpool wears many different hats.



As a sports lover, we are bound to visit the Liverpool and Everton Football clubs and then I would recommend taking a walk through the streets of Chinatown, Canning and Ropewalks to see Liverpool as it was hundreds of years ago and then winding it up with a trip to the Beatles museum on Albert Dock. For shopping, there is Bold street, Lord street and MetQuarter and for an interesting shopping and dining combo, immerse yourself in the place called Liverpool One.

So, what have you decided? Are you embarking on that Champions League road trip across Europe or do you prefer to spend your time in one city or country? Whatever is your decision, this trip is bound to be a dream European holiday with plenty of top class sporting action. All you need to remember is to get yourself a good travel insurance coverage (for all medical and logistical contingencies) and a solid forex card to get the best of both safety and great exchange rates. Axis Bank with Mastercard is currently running an offer on their forex card where they are offering a fully sponsored trip to the UEFA Champions League finals in Ukraine along with other branded merchandise. Do give them a look. Who knows? May be, you might be the lucky winner! Go on and have a fabulous sporting holiday in Europe this summer.

Photo Courtesy: All photographs have been borrowed from wikimedia commons. Each photo has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

Continue Reading...

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.

Continue Reading...

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.

Continue Reading...