Top Gambling Getaway Destinations

In collaboration with James Guill.

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Casino de Monte Carlo

Gambling getaways have been growing in popularity with tourists over the last few years as many of the social stigmas around gambling have become relaxed. As such, tourists are always looking for the best spots to vacation and get their gamble on. Below are our picks for the best gambling getaway destinations.

Las Vegas

The top gambling destination in the United States is easily Las Vegas, NV. Known as Sin City, Vegas offer any type of gambling and almost any type of entertainment that tourists would want.

Not including establishments with just slots and video poker, Las Vegas has 77 casinos spread out through the city. Twenty-nine of those are located on the Vegas strip and include the Bellagio, Venetian, and Wynn.

With so many casinos, many offer low cost options for those looking for budget gambling getaways. With a little research you can find discounts on everything from hotels to entertainment.

Monte Carlo

If you've ever seen the classic James Bond movie Casino Royale, then you have seen
one of the most elegant casinos in the world. The Casino de Monte Carlo is located in
the heart of Monaco and is the oldest of all European casinos.

Built in 1863, the Monte Carlo is famous for its classic architecture as well as its
sophistication. A dress code is enforced here and at night patrons dress exactly as you would find them in Bond films.

This casino is a great place to experience the life of a high roller, but without having to have the bankroll of one.

Macau

Macau has quickly grown to become the top gambling destination in the world. In fact,
their revenues have grown at such a dramatic rate that they have surpassed Las Vegas as the top casino destination in the world.

At present there are 33 casinos in Macau with a large number of them running under a
government franchise. In recent years, large casino companies have been allowed to build in Macau, and one of those companies constructed the largest casinos property in the world.

The Venetian Macau has a casino with over 500,000 square feet in gambling space
and the property takes up 10.5 Million square ft in total space. In addition to casino gambling, there are plenty of options for patrons that include hit shows, live music, and more.


The Venetian Macau

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Happy Nations - World Happiness Report

As if the United Nations didn't have more pressing matters to deal with, in April 2012 they commissioned the World Happiness Report, which reviews the state of happiness in the world today.

The report reflects a new worldwide demand for more attention to happiness and absence of misery as criteria for government policy.

These are the results of the first ever World Happiness Report 2012.

The World Happiness Report

1. Denmark
2. Finland
3. Norway
4. Netherlands
5. Canada
6. Switzerland
7. Sweden
8. New Zealand
9. Australia
10. Ireland
11. USA
12. Costa Rica
13. Austria
14. Israel
15. Belgium
16. Luxembourg
17. United Arab Emirates
18. United Kingdom
19. Venezuela
20. Iceland

View World Happiness Report
Download PDF of World Happiness Report

Kauai Has Many Gems – Here's 4

A guest post by Vincent Stokes.

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Secret Kauai Bay -  picture by Justin Donnelly

Just 20 minutes by air from Honolulu, the garden island, Kauai is over 550 mi.² of some of most beautiful terrain on earth. Kauai is known as the garden isle and is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. Receiving over 450 inches of rain a year Kauai is one of the wettest spots on the planet. The millennia rains have carved out some of the most beautiful canyons, cliffs, and waterfalls in the world.

Kauai offers a truly relaxed atmosphere with small quaint towns and a plethora of tropical beaches and resorts. If adventure is in your heart then you won't have to go far to find world-class hikes, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing or other Hawaiian style activities. Here are a few gems of the garden island to wet your appetite.

Waipouli Beach Resort

Words can't do justice to the beauty of Waipouli Beach Resort. This works well for the entire family or for a romantic getaway for that special someone. It's one of those places where you actually feel like YOU want to say thank you for letting you stay there. Everything you need is within walking distance. We strolled across the street coconut marketplace to get a taste of the local scene and found a free hula show right there in the center of the quad.

Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon is located on the Westside of the island. It is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and believe me, that is no exaggeration!  Make sure you follow the main road all the way into the mountains where it ends at Kokee State Park. This is the furthest end of the canyon and when you get there get ready to look down to the ocean over 4000 feet below you. If you are a newcomer then stop by the Kokee Natural History Museum and ask the staff to provide you with the best trail and scenic advice for the day.

Polihale State Beach Park

This beach-park is located miles away from the nearest town and only publicly accessed through poorly marked dirt roads. The road is bumpy, dusty, and turns into somewhat of a mini road trip but it is worth it once you arrive. There is open beach for miles and it is nearly empty most of the time. If you want to get away from life on the mainland and from the tourist traps you can fall in, then go to Polihale. I was there on a holiday weekend and still only saw about 10 people all day. Amazing!

Kipu Falls

Kipu Falls is a lovely little gem hidden off the main highway. Use extreme caution though, when entering the pool. It may look inviting and calm, however, there has been a few serious injuries and deaths over the past few years. This has prompted local authorities to remove Kipu Falls from tourist guidebooks. This makes the place a little bit more exotic and less crowded.  Only go here if you understand the risks and are confident in your swimming abilities. Enjoy the scenery and if you do
use the rope swing take the tips from the locals and never dive headfirst.


Kauai Sunset   - picture by Doug Brown

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About the Author:  

Vincent Stokes is an avid traveler and freelance writer. He is also a Hawaii enthusiast.

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