Vegas is all about getting you to come back. The casinos make so much money from you gambling that they can afford to give a little back. Usually that ‘little’ comes in the form of comps. Comp is short for ‘complimentary’ and comps range from free food and drinks to T-shirts and other souveneirs, all the way up to free hotel suites.  Unless your last name is Sinatra, however, they won’t just offer you this stuff, you have to ask.

The first step in getting comps is to obtain a slot club card. There is usually a slot club window in the casino and all you have to do is fill out a card with your personal information. A slot club card is about the size of a credit card and is used to track your gambling habits within the casino. The card can be inserted into slot machines or given to a dealer at a table game so that your gambling can be ‘rated’. The machine or dealer will then track your average bet and how much you’ve bet. Some casinos have formalized the process somewhat and reward you with points as you gamble that can later be redeemed for a variety of free stuff.

You should also make an effort to meet the host of the casino section that you’re in. The host used to be called a pit boss and their main job is to make sure you have a good time and that you keep gambling at their casino. It’s a good idea to introduce yourself to them when you start gambling as they’re more likely to be generous with you.

Once you’ve been gambling for a while, its okay to start asking for stuff – try starting with a ‘line pass’ to the buffet. It won’t pay for your meal but it will get you to the front of the line. If you’ve spent a fair amount, go ahead and ask for a free pass to the buffet. A good rule of thumb is that you can be expected to be comp’d about 20-40% of what you’d be expected to lose.

Of course, the drinks are the main form of comps. You’ll often see waitresses wandering around, taking orders. Well spirits and tap beers are free, but you should always tip your waitress, especially if you want her to remember you.

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Blackjack has the best odds for the gambler of any game in Vegas; the house edge is only .5%. That means that over time, if you bet 100 dollars on blackjack, the casino will end up with a measley 5 cents. But wait, you ask – if the odds are so good, why do most people lose all their money? It’s because the house edge is based on how much you gamble, not how much you bring to the table. As you win, you play more, out of your own winnings. If you bring 100 dollars to a blackjack table and bet $5 per hand, you’re betting about $150 per hour – more than you actually brought. After 13 hours you’ve bet $1950 and 5% of that is $97.50, meaning that at the end, you’re left with $2.50 and another Vegas story. The other catch is that the house edge is only small if you’re playing with the right strategy. If you do it wrong, you’re playing at a much higher disadvantage. So learn to do it right.

The operating principle in blackjack is simple – there are more cards that are worth 10 than any other value. Keeping that in mind, assume that any card you can’t see – the dealer’s down card or your next hit – is a 10. It’s also important to remember that the dealer has to hit on anything less than 16 so if you’ve got a 14 and his up card is a three, you should stay, since he probably has a 10 and will have to hit and likely bust. It’s not about getting the highest total, its about beating the dealer.

Splitting and doubling down are your two other strategic options. If you have two of the same card you can split them by putting an amount equal to your originial bet next to the cards.  You then play two hands, hitting or standing on each one independently. It’s a good idea to split when you have two aces or two 8s. The former, because of the rule of 10 above and the latter because two 8s are 16, one of the easiest hands to bust.

Doubling down means you double your bet and get dealt exactly one more card. Doubling down is a good bet when you have either a 10 or an Ace.

Two things to avoid are tables where blackjack pays 6:5 and insurance. Without going into why, just remember that these are sucker bets.

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Holidays are expensive. If they weren’t, nobody’d work. One of the main reasons for their priciness is the cost of accommodation. You can easily spend as much for one week in a hotel or resort as you would for one month in your own house. Adding to the strain on your wallet is the fact that resorts are designed like pitcher plants – attractive to look at and apparently filled with nectary goodness, but once you get in you’ll have a hell of a time getting out. That means you pay resort prices for resort foods and, after paying resort prices for resort cocktails you’re all the more likely to indulge in a bit of room service.

Of course, you could always go the time-honoured route of hostels. Of course, in many major cities a private room in a hostel is barely cheaper than a hotel. Dorms are an option but a single room smelling of the socks of the multitudes isn’t conducive to relaxation. Fortunately, you can take a third option and rent your own cottage or apartment.

With a cottage or apartment rental you get the privacy and comfort of a hotel room without the enticing added extras that can send the bill spiraling to Virgin Galactic heights. Cook your own food, bring your own grog, supply your own entertainment, all in surroundings that have a personal touch often lacking in mass market resorts.

A quick google search to the effect of holiday rentals (destination) can often yield some pleasant surprises.  Two Mile Bay Cottage in Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road is one of them. Built by a local artist out of the pylons of the old pier, this quaint, two-bedroom home sleeps up to six and provides a fantastic ocean view. At 200 dollars per night, it’s a very economical option if you’ve got a group.

Although Valentine’s day passed too long ago, it’s not yet too late for you to treat your partner on a romantic get-away. Here in the Land down Under are some of the perfect places where you and your partner can bask in the glory of your love.
• Melbourne- It remains a mystery why Melbourne is considered as one of the romantic cities in the world. The city’s ambiance might have created a powerful force that hypes up the emotions and passions of couples and lovers. Additionally, the city’s many bars, cafes, restaurants, galleries, events and nightlife contribute to an intimate evening for couples or offer a chance to single individuals to get their awaited love life.

• Broken Hill – This popular lover’s town in NSW. Starting from Adelaide, this 7-hour outback journey northeast leads you to a mining town with art galleries, pubs, camel rides and other services and establishments. A great outback adventure is definitely a new and memorable experience for you and your darling.

• Brisbane – There are lots of theme parks, attractions, shows, dining and shopping that you can see here in Brisbane. The Broad beach area is the ideal place for a beach outing. An hour away, you’ll also find Noosa which is an attractive town that has sorts of hotels and resorts, beaches, restaurants and stores that are perfect for a couple’s honeymoon.

• Sydney – This vibrant city the first port of call for most international travelers that arrive in Australia. The perfect blend of wildlife, beach, wine-tasting and awesome city life makes Sydney and its nearby countryside New South Wales an ideal place for a honeymoon. Some of the most popular attractions that can be reached easily by ferry are the aquarium, zoo, Lunar Park, Darling Harbour, and many more. There are also amazing honeymoon packages outside Sydney that you can take like a trip to the Blue Mountains where you can view kangaroos and the Hunter Valleys where some of Australia’s finest wines are produced.

The aforementioned places are parcels that make Australia a top romantic destination for lovers. Whether it’s a tour in the jungle, exploring nature or indulging in the city’s life, the activities are truly endless. Add some spark in your love life and surprise you partner to a trip to the cities in Australia.

Boutique hotels in Sydney are known to offer good accommodation with their awesome ambiance and design. Traditional standard bearers of Sydney’s boutique hotels industry have consistently satisfied tourists and business travellers  alike. Now, a new breed of boutique hotels have opened their doors to a more diverse, unique and personalized experience for all guests. Whether you like a room that gives you an astounding view or a feel of Sydney’s heritage, there’s a boutique hotel for you. You deserve nothing but the best for your entire stay at Sydney. So here’s a list of our picks of the best boutique hotels in Sydney:

1. The Diamant

The place is strategically located near the city which allows you to enjoy the leisure of work and play. Upon entering the hotel lobby, you’ll surely have an impression of a grown-up feel. The rooms are spotlessly clean.

2. Ravesi’s

When you’re in the Bondi Beach, this is the best place to check –in. Rooms provide you a beautiful scene of the ocean and morning sun. This place is definitely your sanctuary after a day of surfing, moving about on the sand, restaurant hopping and partying.

3. Moog Hotel

Here is a hotel that was once a dilapidated 10-bed hotel. But now, it has been renovated into a single, huge room. The amenities include two pools, playstation-enabled spas, big screen projectors and an awesome stereo system. This is surely a pick of rock-stars and their likes.

4. The Storrier

Do you have the love for art? This place combines hotel and art gallery in one. The paintings and artworks displayed in this hotel are the creations of Tim Storrier. Rooms come with kitchenettes and terraces at the back of the hotel. Amenities include LCD-flat screen TVs with Foxtel, fast internet connection, his’ n’ hers robes, quality linens and toiletries from Molton Brown.

5. Australia Street Cottage

With modern furniture and bare sandstone walls, it’s evident that “Old meets New” is the hotel’s primary motif. From the yoga mat placed on a cupboard, pantry filled with supplies you need, queen-sized bed hovered with an insect net; truly you can say that this place has been well thought of to provide you with convenience and comfort. Unfortunately, the rooms don’t have airconditioning systems. You must open the windows and get a bit of noise during weekend nights.

Book your boutique hotel here

The Honeymoon experts specialize in providing the ultimate honeymoon or romantic vacation.

The great thing about the company is that it is run by locals who live in the area, and know exactly what would be perfect for your special private celebration of life together.

You only get one shot of having a honeymoon (hopefully), so it is pivotal that you make the most of it. There is no point cutting corners on pricing if it ends up ruining your trip. You need to ensure that everything goes to plan.

Some may be skeptical about using a third party to organize your honeymoon, however, the crew at Honeymoon Vanuatu do a great job of ensuring that your trip away is carefree, and enjoyable as possible.

Honeymoon Vanuatu and romantic breaks offer the following deals for newlyweds:

•    Personalized itineraries
•    Selection of quality honeymoon resorts
•    Romantic tours and activities – gourmet beach picnics, horse rides, dive & snorkeling and big game fishing – whatever you wish to do
•    Transport – Meet, greet, transfers and personal driver for day trips
•    Complimentary champagne and flowers in room on arrival
•    Complimentary beverage/discounts at selected restaurants

Of course, there is much more you can choose from and whatever your needs are, they will be met with expert advice.

For more information head to the website: http://www.honeymoonvanuatu.com/

The list features several hotels and resorts in a number of well-known South Pacific, Asian and Indian Ocean locations. But the top 20 listing also underlines the emergence of several new romantic destinations including the Middle East (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Jordan and Oman), Brazil, New York and Prague.

Featured Arabian Gulf resorts include the Six Senses Hideaway, Zighy Bay, Oman which Holidays For Couples positions as “the perfect exotic honeymoon location for couples who like adventure.”

The Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa is seen by the magazine as being perfect “for those who want to live out their Arabian Nights in perfect luxury.”

The featured resort in Brazil is the new Uxua Casa Hotel in Trancoso on Bahia’s Atlantic coast which Holidays For Couples describes as being ideal for laid-back couples looking for gorgeous beaches, unique accommodation and a “cool South American vibe.”

City based hotels include the Buddha Bar Hotel in Prague which the magazine positions as “the ideal venue for couples seeking to combine old Europe with a luxe modern edge.”

The Cooper Square Hotel in the very core of the Big Apple’s Bowery area has also made the cut.

Australian properties on the list include the Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef’s luxury tented accommodation in Western Australia and the Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in New South Wales’ Blue Mountains.

Holidays For Couples editor Tanya Joslin said the main criteria for selection in the list was based on properties opened after 01 October 2008, their location in a unique or special part of the world and hotels and resorts proven five-star service and accommodation.

So you can join in with the celebrations they are promoting an exclusive Centennial Accommodation Package, which includes a menu at Michelin starred restaurant La Barbacane, featuring traditional regional dishes inspired by the founding father of French cooking, Auguste Escoffier. They are also offering a special rate for your first night when you book a minimum of two nights at the hotel. The centenary room promotion is available from November 1, 2009 to January 16, 2010.

Over the past 100 years, gourmets have flocked to the hotel to sample the treasures of its wine cellar and its Michelin starred restaurant, La Barbacane.  As part of the centenary celebrations, Executive Chef, Jérộme Ryon, has recreated a five course centennial menu of Escoffier classics such as Lobster Newburg, Duck Foie Gras Perigourdine-style and a Tête de Moine cheese course.  Ryon, a student of Escoffier, has made only slight modifications to the classic recipes to cater to the preferences of modern day diners.

Hôtel de la Cité opened on September 1, 1909 with just eight rooms, but soon grew to become an elegant and inspiring home away from home for stars of literature, theater and film such as Buster Keaton, Rudyard Kipling, Princess Grace of Monaco, Walt Disney, Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis.

The hotel is set in its own glorious gardens overlooking the ramparts and has a total of 47 guest rooms and 14 junior suites and suites, offering a unique opportunity to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site in authentic style. Hôtel de la Cité is situated between Carcassonne’s two main attractions – the Basilica St. Nazaire and the Château Comtal and resides in the Languedoc-Rousillon region of Southwestern France in the foothills of the Pyrénées.

To book or for more informaiotn visit www.hoteldelacite.com and enter the promotional code “Century” or call Orient-Express at (800) 237-1236.

Forget the clichéd images of kangaroos and rugged “blokes” with heavy Aussie accents. Australia has much more to offer than what you see on TV. Its exotic, modern, classic and romantic – what more could you want?

From spa treatments to horse drawn carriage rides, hot air balloon rides to white water rafting and scuba diving, there is no shortage of activities for couples who are keen to explore the outdoors. And no, you probably won’t have to go to a zoo to see a kangaroo.

Outdoors-types are spoiled for options when it comes to amazing destinations. Before heading to the cosmopolitan cities of Australia, various areas in the countryside are well worth a visit. The Barossa valley is South Australia’s premier wine region and honeymooners are invited to go wine tasting at one or more of its 60 cellar doors. The world-famous wine region is as beautiful as you’d expect it to be and the soothing taste of its produce has to be tasted fresh to be truly enjoyed.

Another must-see destination is the Limestone Coast also in South Australia. There’s white sandy beaches, lush pasture lands, seaside towns and more vineyards and wineries to explore. Coonawarra is another famous wine region and the experience is as exhilarating as the wine you get to taste.

Beyond the wilderness, beaches, gourmet food and wine and rolling hills of the countryside, Australia is also home to a number colourful cities bursting with entertainment, stunning scenery, prestigious restaurants and luxurious hotels that all make for a memorable honeymoon experience.

A world class city, there’s Sydney to explore – the restaurants for wining and dining and the stores for shopping number into the tens of thousands – that is, if you ever get tired of the Australian wild. If you want adventure, there’s the Sydney Harbor Bridge to climb to take you on top of the world.

And if you want to feel the seaside breeze and the cool mountain air, there’s the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne. Many an international’s favourite, Melbourne is known as Australia’s cultural heart. Explore their offerings of parks, gardens, and pure, Australian entertainment. For wine lovers, there’s also the Yarra Valley with its 30 wineries to visit.

Further north lies Brisbane with its tropical weather and amazing beaches. Go swimming at the Gold and Sunshine Coasts or explore the islands of Moreton Bay and the Scenic Rim. Farther north, there’s an amazing rainforest you and your new spouse can explore to your hearts content.

South of the country there’s Adelaide, a stylish and vibrant city. With its hills and beaches, Adelaide offers the best in entertainment outside of Melbourne and Sydney. Visit its bookshops, galleries, cafes and pubs, antique stores and fashion houses. Twenty-minutes out from Adelaide are the Adelaide Hills, a break from the city life. It offers an excellent taste of country life – great food, great wine, great country scenery. Drive around the area and explore the vineyard and market gardens, Australian bushlands and pasture land.

Forty minutes farther from Adelaide, honeymooners can go exploring the coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula. If you’re looking for some private swimming, this is the place to go. The beaches are protected by cliffs, bushlands and rolling hills.

And of course, don’t ever dare miss the Kangaroo Island when you go exploring Down South. A nature lover’s haven, Kangaroo Island is the third largest island off the coast of Australia. Isolated from the rest of the country, it offers wildlife yet to be explored – clean air, clean water, unspoiled scenery and an exotic mix of flora and fauna.

While some would not consider Disneyland as a place to go for a honeymoon, it is actually a popular choice for many couples around the world. Buying a Disneyland honeymoon package is actually a cost-effective and convenient way of structuring your honeymoon. These all-inclusive packages offer you a choice of which Disneyland park you want to visit, on-site accommodation, tickets for park attractions and all sorts of other activities and facilities.

Face it – it’s hard to imagine having a bad time in Disneyland. A Disneyland honeymoon package is an invitation to the self-proclaimed “happiest place on earth” because it encourages a return to the carefree days of childhood. Best of all, you can enjoy it with your new spouse before you enter your new life together and soon start raising children of your own. A honeymoon in Disneyland promises to be exciting, therapeutic and a lot of fun.

Disneyland parks exist all over the world. From Los Angeles to Paris, from Hong Kong to Tokyo, you can literally choose the location that appeals to you and experience Disneyland there. For the ultimate Disneyland experience, Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida is that largest and most popular choice for honeymoons as it has the most theme parks as well as honeymoon-themed on-site resorts.