Robert Leon is pleased to present this review of two vacation hotspots for your vacations

Robert Leon is glad to offer you this article to assist you with your travel plans this year and Robert Leon hopes you have a great vacation.   Robert Leon is aware that there are a lot of travel companies out there, many of which are great and many of which are scams.  Robert Leon hopes that you avoid any travel scams that are out there and if you have any questions or concerns about an upcoming vacation, or if you are just looking around, Robert Leon is here to answer any and all questions you may have.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

This Mexican seaside paradise has something special for everyone, with a wide variety of attractions and entertainment options. There are cultural events and exhibits, exciting day trips to the jungle, relaxing days at the beach, and countless romantic hideaways to explore. Immeasurable activities, both on and off the water, will keep you entertained until it is sadly time to depart. Night life abounds with many popular night clubs and an array of quality restaurants to please even the most discriminating palette. Puerto Vallarta is yours to savor.

Well known as one of the friendliest and most diverse beach destinations in the world, it is also the most well-kept beach area in all of Mexico. Now a world-class modern destination, it still has retained most of the quaint charms of the original fishing village it once was. The cobblestone streets and bell tower architecture are part of the mystery and romance of the scenery. Donkeys are still used for delivery in many parts of this unique city, and many of the crafts available here are made by local Indians using the same methods for hundreds of years.

This area enjoys over 300 sunny days a year; and with temperatures averaging right around 83 degrees, it’s perfect for the seemingly endless number of beautiful beaches. Choose from wide-open soft, white, sand beaches to picturesque rock surrounded coves. The most popular beach is Los Muertos, just south of the Rio Cuale, in Old Town. Weekends at this beach are fantastic. The beaches just north, on the road to Punta de Mita, are full of quaint beachside restaurants featuring an array of delicious fresh seafood. The southern beaches, like their northern partners, are beautiful and usually much less crowded.

When you’re here, make sure to charter a “Pangas” to go fishing. Almost everyone will catch something. The waters are abundant with sailfish all year long and other species more seasonal. Or if serious shopping is your game, this area is a dream come true. There are specialty shops galore lining virtually every street in the downtown area (where English is widely spoken). There are outdoor markets, flea markets, shopping centers, small indoor centers, and everything in between.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

“What happens here stays here”…need we say more? Falling in love with Las Vegas is easy to do. The “Entertainment Capital of the World” welcomes over 35 million pleasure-seeking tourists a year with unique shopping experiences, first-rate restaurants, and of course…world class adult entertainment. Nowhere else can you find this many live performances by the most famous singers and comics in show business, as well as lavish productions featuring statuesque showgirls, stunning sets, and incredible special effects.

Long ago, shopping was a diversion. No longer. Vegas has become a global shopping destination. Las Vegas Boulevard South is now one of the world’s great shopping streets with huge outlet malls and exclusive boutiques in exquisite casino resorts, offering shoppers everything from haute couture to traditional souvenirs.

Four Seasons of fun in Las Vegas? You bet! The Las Vegas area is a paradise for all kinds of recreational and sightseeing activities. Dozens of lush and challenging golf courses beckon the avid and novice golfer twelve months a year. For hiking, rock climbing and outdoor photography, there’s magnificent Red Rock Canyon and picturesque Mt. Charleston. Skiers love Mt. Charleston and the many other ski slopes within a short drive of Las Vegas for their winter fun.

Make sure and take advantage of the enjoyable day tour to beautiful Lake Mead and the magnificent Hoover Dam. An engineering marvel, this “Eighth Wonder of the World” holds back the Colorado River, forming one of the world’s largest man-made lakes. Lake Mead’s deep blue waters and 550 miles of shoreline are enjoyed year round by boaters, water skiers, swimmers and people just hoping to hook a trophy fish. And for the really adventurous, the Colorado River offers unforgettable white water rafting. Viva Las Vegas!

Robert Leon is proud to present 18 strategies to travel green and save money at the same time.

Robert Leon is concerned about the environment and at Robert Leon reviews, he often writes about green travel.  Robert Leon realizes that when many people think of ecotourism they are concerned about paying higher prices.  A while back, Robert Leon decided that it would be beneficial to publish articles on how to travel green and save money at the same time.  So without further Ado, Robert Leon presents to you some strategies to save money while traveling green.

The terms “green travel” or “ecotourism” evoke a wide variety of images ranging from sleeping in hammocks to purchasing pricey hemp luggage from the newest “hip” shopping center.  However, to travel green one does not have to do without luxury or inversely to spend a lot of money.  It simply means doing your part to preserve the ecology of the place(s) you visit.  In fact, green travel can save you money at the same time.  We have provided the following list of 30 ways to save money through green tourism, while at the same time doing your part to “save the planet”.

Planning & Packing

1. Bring your own digital camera instead of purchasing an expensive disposable camera that can only be used once before being dumped in a landfill.

2. Combine work and play.  If you have to fly somewhere on business plan your personal vacation before or after so you won’t have to fly twice.

3. Consider purchasing a solar charger as most cameras, cell phones and iPods can be quickly and easily recharged this way.

4. Consider traveling closer to home this year to avoid flying.  Flying is getting more expensive every day and uses a tremendous amount of fuel and contributes a lot of pollution to the air.

5. Pack light, especially when flying.  It not only saves on extra baggage fees, but less baggage equals less weight equals less fuel.

6. Print maps and tourist information before you go.  Better yet, borrow a guidebook from the local library and save a tree.

7. Purchase empty travel bottles and fill them with your favorite shampoo and other products.  By reusing them on multiple trips you save money and keep dozens of travel size bottles from local landfills.

Transportation Planning

8. Carpool whenever one is available.  Carpooling is not just for work anymore!

9. If you have to rent a car get a small one, or better yet rent a hybrid.  Many car rental companies are now offering hybrid vehicles. Sure they might cost a little bit more to rent, but typically you save on fuel prices.

10. If taking your own automobile, take some or all of the following steps to increase your fuel efficiency and save on gas costs while reducing emissions.  Have a tune-up before you leave, make sure your tires are properly inflated and reduce the number of unnecessary items you might have stored in the back seat or in your trunk. Turn off the air conditioner whenever possible.  Reduce any drag on your car by removing roof racks and driving with your windows closed.

11. Take short trips by walking or using a bicycle.

12. Whenever possible get around town using public transportation.

While on Your Trip

13. Bring your own reusable water bottle instead of filling up landfills with old ones.  If the tap water is not safe to drink at your destination, purchase a gallon size or larger of water and use it to refill your smaller bottle.  It saves you money buying in bulk and saves the environment from billions of water bottles.

14. Buy locally produced souvenirs.  Handicrafts made by locals are not only sustainable but they are often a fraction of the price of items shipped in from out of town.

15. Eat locally produced food.  It is a lot healthier and less expensive and it saves on all the shipping costs and emissions from transporting them across the country.

16. Visit local, state and national parks and reserves.  The costs are usually very reasonable and the fees are used to support these protected areas.

Housing / Accommodation

Look into a home exchange whenever you can.  This type of tourism not only saves you money over an expensive hotel, but you can more easily practice green living while away from home.

Stay with family and friends whenever possible.  Hotels use a lot more energy and resources than homes through daily cleaning, mini bottles of shampoo, hallway lights constantly lit. Whenever you do stay in hotels remember to turn off the lights and TV, turn the A/C down whenever you leave, and when an option reuse the towels and sheets instead of changing them daily.

Robert Leon is glad to offer you this article to assist you with your travel plans this year and he hopes you have a great vacation.   There are a lot of travel companies out there, many of which are great and many of which are scams.  Robert Leon hopes that you avoid any travel scams that are out there and if you have any questions or concerns
about an upcoming vacation, or if you are just looking around, Robert Leon is
here to answer any and all questions you may have.  So without further ado Robert Leon brings you his article. And don’t forget to contact Robert Leon if you have any questions or comments.

There are numerous travel programs available to seniors and baby boomers today.  Deals are available for senior couples, single senior travelers and senior groups.
Robert Leon is proud to offer the following information about a few of the services he
recommends for seniors interested in travel.

The National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass for Seniors

One of the easiest and best ways to save money for seniors is to visit the National Park Service website and purchase the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – Senior Pass which costs only $10-.  As age and residency must be verified, the pass must be purchased in person at a participating Federal recreation site or office.  For a list of frequently asked questions click here for the official FAQ page.

The National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Senior Pass is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are aged 62 and over.  The pass provides access to Federal recreation areas that charge an entrance or standard amenity fee. It also admits the pass holder and passengers in non-commercial vehicles that charge a per vehicle fee and for parks and recreation areas that charge a per person fee, the pass holder and 3 other adults are admitted (children under 16 are always admitted free).  The pass also provides a 50% discount on some expanded amenities fees to
include camping, swimming, boat launching and specialized interpretive services.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

The AARP offers one of the most comprehensive discount programs are available anywhere which includes extensive travel discounts.  For an annual membership fee ranging from only $16.00 for one year to $63.00 for five years, members can enjoy discounts not only on travel but on virtually everything from shopping, dining, fitness and wellness to health care, home auto and technology.  Click here to see their homepage for more information.

Misc. Transportation Discounts

The New York City Transit Authority offers half price fares using your Medicare identification card.  Seniors can also acquire a Reduced Fare Metro Card which enables individuals to transfer for free from a subway to a bus or conversely from a bus to a
subway.  To acquire an application individuals can call 1-718-243-2499 or ask for an application at any police precinct house, Department of Aging office, public library or subway toll booth.

Amtrak offers a 15% discount on most fares for riders 62 years of age and older.  You can click here to see their website for more information on their senior discount program.

Greyhound Bus Lines offers an unrestricted 5% discount for seniors.  Click here for more information.

Airline Discounts

Many airlines offer regular discounts fares that are actually cheaper than their senior fares.  However, senior fares typically are sold at only a few dollars more than other discounted fares but offer fewer restrictions than other discounted fares.  For instance, senior discounts apply to last minute travel deals and are refundable even if you have to cancel your flight.  So for many, the airlines’ senior discount programs are the best option.

Below is a sampling of some of your options with the airlines:

Delta Shuttle offers senior fares for travelers age 62 and above. Delta Shuttle operates 16 daily flights between New York and Boston, and 15 daily flights between New York and Washington, D.C., Monday through Friday (and reduced weekend schedules).

American Airlines, American Eagle and American Connection may offer senior fares in some domestic markets for seniors age 65 or older.

Southwest Airlines: travelers 65 years of age or over may get details on fares, limitations, and any restrictions via reservations on the Web site, from a reservations sales agent or a travel agent.

United Airlines offers travelers age 55 and older saving along with several of its travel partners and as much as 50% off at participating luxury hotels and resorts by joining its Silver Wings Plus program.

Northwest offers senior discount fares in select markets. Identify yourself as a senior when proceeding through the booking process on www.nwa.com.

Continental offers senior fares to select travel destinations for passengers who are 65 and older.

Robert Leon is happy to provide this information and if you have any questions feel free to drop him a line.