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Las Vegas evokes visions of extravagant, exciting, colorful mega resorts; flashing neon lights; warm, desert weather; slot machines; showgirls; and fun. Las Vegas is no longer just about gambling. Today, Las Vegas has world-class restaurants, unique shopping, headliner entertainment, spas, golf, tennis, and elaborate pool complexes. If you’re planning on going to Las Vegas, here are some tips to save you money.

Package it
Las Vegas trip planning needn’t be difficult. Often the best prices are found by booking a package through a tour operator that includes roundtrip airfare, accommodations, and transportation to and from the airport all for one price. Often these packages feature charter flights, and are frequently non-stop flights. There’s something festive about a plane full of vacationers all headed for Vegas. Charter flights require a little flexibility, as they generally don’t operate every day, but the rewards can be savings of up to 40 percent.

Book Early; Book Late
The paradox of Las Vegas travel planning is that the best rates, almost always, go to those travelers who either book very early or very late. Tour operators, airlines, and hotels reward those who ante up their travel dollars early and help operators meet their booking goals. Conversely, they tend to panic within 21 days or so of departure, fearing they won’t be able to sell all their seats or rooms, and consequently slash prices dramatically. One example of this is the deep discounts offered via the Internet for travelers who can book on Wednesday and travel on Friday or Saturday. The catch to this, of course, is that not all cities are offered on any given week.

Take Advantage of the Freebies
Las Vegas is famous for its “comps.” You don’t have to be a high roller to qualify for freebies. Most casinos have some type of frequent player’s club. Don’t be shy. Sign up as soon as you arrive and make sure that you insert your card into the slot machine or show it to the pit boss for table play. Rewards can range from complimentary meals and gifts to free hotel nights.

Ask about coupon books when you make your reservation and when you check into the resort in Las Vegas. Many tour operators and most hotels offer a value book with two-for-one drink and meal specials, match play coupons, and other specials. Don’t leave this bet on the table.

Travel Off-Season
It’s hard to imagine that the thousands of hotel rooms in Las Vegas can all be full during certain times of the year, but they are. Las Vegas is one of the busiest convention destinations in the world. These mega-shows are held mostly from early spring through late autumn with a break during the hottest middle of the summer. Book your trip in early January or mid-July for a lower price.

Las Vegas trip planning needed be stressful. Online travel information, a good travel agent, and a little flexibility can go a long way to putting together a memorable and enjoyable trip to Las Vegas. Don’t delay. Get started on planning your trip today.

Sandy Mitchell is a Cleveland-based full-time freelance writer and former travel agent. When she’s not at the computer, she’s flying off somewhere for the weekend. She’s available for copywriting and travel article assignments. See more of her writing at http://www.wordbrains.com.

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Gals, do you sometimes feel that the only way you can really get close to your guy is to gulp down booze while you cuddle up to him on the sofa and watch sports on TV? Guys, do you envision a room full of perfumed candles, sentimental music, and hours of effort as the only way to get your gal in the mood?

Guess what?

Many guys don’t really care all that much about sports. They watch the big game (and enjoy it), but sometimes their sports interest is sparked by boredom or a quest for subject matter to discuss with the guys at work. They would rather go to a museum opening or on a wine-tasting tour. (Remember ‘Frasier’?) Some men are invigorated by a debate or an argument with an intelligent woman - followed by a particularly ardent reconciliation afterwards.

Many women nowadays are actually so busy (and tired) that they don’t want to spend hours being romanced. They may be particularly receptive to seemingly mild love scenes during a TV program - or a thoughtful gesture, like her guy remembering the anniversary of their first kiss with a single rose.

You can’t peghole anyone. We are all different.

While planning a romantic getaway together, you and your partner should be prepared to make some concessions to the other person’s likes and dislikes. It is highly unlikely that you will agree on everything.

If one of you likes camping, but the other doesn’t, perhaps a backpacking trip would be ideal. You can spend days in the great outdoors - and nights in a romantic cabin with strawberries and chocolate sauce in the refrigerator, truffles on the bed, and heated Jacuzzi on the back deck. Relax in front of a real fireplace while you feed one another strawberries. You can practice your massage skills in the Jacuzzi by soothing those tired hiking muscles.

If you are flying to Vegas because one of you likes gambling, plan to tour the M&M and Coca Cola factories. Travel the show circuit and watch fantastic entertainers like Cirque du Soleil, famous singers, and extraordinary magic acts. Perhaps spend an evening strolling hand-in-hand down the strip, gazing at the lights and hotels along the way.

The locale of a romantic getaway is not nearly as important as the company and ambiance. Treat one another with love and respect before, during, and after your getaway. Don’t be afraid to show a bit of affection in public - perhaps holding hands, whispering sweet nothings to one another, and silently mouthing ‘I love you’ from across the table during supper. Order one dessert and two forks or one milkshake with two straws. Talk about something that won’t provoke a disagreement. Avoid topics like work, relatives, kids (if you have them), and household renovations.

Every romantic getaway is a product of thoughtful planning and respect for your partner’s desires. It is not a place or an activity, but a state of mind that can continue into every day of the year.

You can get more ideas and advice for romantic adult getaways at AdultEscapes-dot-com: http://www.adultescapes.com/ or 111 Travel Directory: http://www.triple1.com/ - and 1000 Tips 4 Trips: http://1000tips4trips.com/ has over 1000 travel tips submitted by travel enthusiasts from all over the world.

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