Nevada Photo by João Martinho

Car rental in the USA is great value and it affords you the freedom to explore wherever you choose in your own sweet time. Today we consider the rugged landscape of Nevada, which effortlessly combines hedonistic cities with charming small towns and beautiful scenery.

Here are just a few of the highlights…

Las Vegas

It just wouldn’t be right if we didn’t start this list with Las Vegas. What better way to begin your road trip of the state than with a slow cruise down the Las Vegas strip? Don those sunglasses, get that roof down, marvel at the towering hotels, and try your best not to be blinded by the brightness of all the neon. Try your hand on the tables if you dare, and if you have time, you know this is where all the cool kids come to party – make sure you experience all that it has to offer.

Lake Tahoe

From the bright lights of Vegas, to one of the USA’s most tranquil destinations. Lake Tahoe is a 191 square mile body of the most crystal clear water located right on the border of California and Nevada. Gaze into the water and you can expect to see an almost perfect reflection of the surrounding snow-topped mountains and alpine forests. As well as its undeniable beauty, Lake Tahoe is a popular destination with lovers of the great outdoors, and is the perfect place for you to stretch your legs and get some fresh air after all of those miles behind the wheel.

If you are visiting in the summer you’ll have the chance to try a little deep water fishing, horseback riding or maybe a few holes of golf at one of the area’s many golf courses. Come here in winter and you’ll find places to ski, sled and ice skate. The area offers great accommodation options whatever time of year you visit, ranging from cosy log cabins to modern and comfortable campsites.

Ski resorts

If you time your trip right, you will have the opportunity to pop on your salopettes and hit the slopes at any one of the 18 ski resorts in Nevada. Depending on your route – a few that you might like to try include Squaw Valley, Sugar Bowl and Diamond Peak.

Reno

Back in the days when Las Vegas was merely a gleam in the developers’ eyes, Reno was satisfying the tourists’ desire to have a flutter. Affectionately dubbed the “biggest little city in the world”, Reno traditionally attracts tourists from San Francisco and Sacramento, whereas Vegas was more frequented by those hailing from Southern California and Phoenix.

Reno is located just 90 minutes drive from Lake Tahoe but just 18 miles south of the city is Washoe Lake – another great photo opportunity and popular choice with kite boarders and windsurfers.

Lifecruiser Love Roadtrips

Other US Roadtrips related posts at Lifecruiser:

Maine – The Getaway from the Getaway
Travelling The U.S. By Road This Summer
Cool routes for a driving holiday in Florida
Travel Dreams: Cruising US Coast in a Corvette Stingray
Hiking on the edge: a Grand Canyon experience
 

The number one advantage of cruising for families with young kids in particular is that they only need to pack and unpack the one time – when they board and at the end of the cruise. Getting to see loads of different places and not having to worry at all about the bags, supplies and arrangements has its obvious advantages, with an attentive, professional crew always there to help things along. Arrive at a different destination on a daily basis, travelling while you’re asleep, and enjoy new experiences fresh and alert rather than sleepy and frustrated.

On the cruise ship itself, there’ll be no shortage of things to do for all members of the family. From fun quizzes, deck games and pool to fitness centres, boutiques, libraries, bowling alleys and even jogging tracks, these vast vessels are floating cities packed with entertainments and activities. Many ocean cruise liners have multiple cinema complexes showing the very latest releases, video gaming halls for the kids and teens, and sumptuous restaurants serving up food created by world-class chefs. With play areas with dedicated minders for toddlers, and discos and similar venues for the restless teens seeking noise and excitement, not to mention safe freedom from parental control, cruise ships offer the lot and then some.

Cruise destinations used to be fairly limited, but the oceans have opened up. Now you can choose from lots of different types of cruises and varied itineraries, these types of hassle-free holidays are becoming increasingly popular. Whether you want to explore destinations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, Far East, Australasia, South America or even the Arctic Circle, there’ll be a cruise calling out to you like a siren and you’ll be hard pressed to resist. Forget about drawing up complex, expensive and fussy travel arrangements because all you need to do is get to the departure point, unpack and simply take it easy, allowing the crew to do all the legwork whilst you just sit back and literally let the world go by.

Dealing with airport transfers, checking flight times, worrying about cancellations, collecting luggage and sorting out language problems are things that simply don’t exist when you go for the cruise option. Also consider that it’s much easier to keep to a budget on a cruise as opposed to on a traditional holiday, because on an all-inclusive cruise you’ve paid for it all up front and there are no rapidly mounting extras to factor in.

Take a break with a difference this year and give yourself a well-deserved treat that makes great sense whichever way you look at it.

Author bio: David Elliott is a freelance writer who loves to travel, especially in Europe and Turkey. He’s spent most of his adult life in a state of restless excitement but recently decided to settle in North London. He gets away whenever he can to immerse himself in foreign cultures and lap up the history of great cities.

Some other cruise related posts at Lifecruiser:

The Worlds Oldest Gun Ship: A Medieval Cog Ship
The Best Things to do on a Cruise in Hawaii
The coolest cruise is a Caribbean cruise
The top five Red Sea cruise destinations
Broaden your horizons when there are cruise deals to be had
Fabulous Cruise Alternatives
Cruising is the Perfect Gift
Top 5 Pacific Cruises For Your Next Getaway!
Mediterranean Dream Cruises
Top 5 Cruises for family’s on a budget
Luxury Dream Cruises
Bargain Cruise Ships Tips
 

Whether you prefer to save the city jaunt until a suitable celebration, or you feel like treating yourself and your loved ones to a post-Christmas dinner, you can. Staying in London doesn’t have to add that much to the bill either, with cheap London hotels being centrally located and within close proximity to many of the restaurants on offer.

With eclectic menus and first class fare, here’s some of the best celebrity chef led restaurants for you to choose from in the city:

With its owner being one of the most popular and familiar chefs on TV today, it’d be rude not to include the flagship Fifteen in a list of top celebrity chef restaurants. Famous since its inclusion in his show in 2002, this restaurant is one of the pinnacle dining experiences from the very capable hands of Jamie Oliver. With a trendy and chic atmosphere, not only does this place provide sumptuous Mediterranean delights but 15% of your bill goes towards training fifteen apprentice chefs in the kitchens, helping to ensure world class cuisine continues to flourish.

Located on Royal Hospital Road and boasting three Michelin stars for its high standard of French cuisine, you can’t get much more prolific than Gordon Ramsey’s Chelsea restaurant. Having received the highest of accolades within the field, you’d expect the best quality service, food and professionalism here and you won’t be disappointed. As one of the ultimate treats for anyone visiting the city and with an eye for fine dining, Chelsea is an absolute must. Be sure to book in advance as it’s incredibly popular, but it’ll be well worth the wait.

Situated in Tower 42 in the heart of London, Gary Rhodes’ Rhodes Twenty Four not only provides you with Michelin starred food but also gives you stunning panoramas across London. Offering traditional British fare, but with a classic Rhodes twist, you can enjoy an array of sumptuous delights including the Rhodes signature pudding plate – perfect to satiate the sweet tooth.

With one of the most experimental of cuisine techniques, and a continued ambition to make jaw-dropping creations, no list is complete without the scientific genius of Heston Blumenthal. Although his primary restaurant isn’t in London, his new addition aptly named, Dinner is. Found in the heart of Knightsbridge, near Hyde Park, there’s no better location for this ultimate dining experience.

With many of the restaurants mentioned, their weekend service is often booked well in advance. To guarantee your table, book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment and look forward to a truly memorable experience.

Lifecruiser Love London

Other posts about London at Lifecruiser:

UK Travel: Swedes Love London
Stay in an ‘unhotel’ in London
What to do in London during a short weekend
A Thames tour of London
 

Photo by Del Barfoot

Stonehenge

Situated in Wiltshire, Stonehenge is a testament to the UK’s intriguing history. It is over 4,000 years old, and although no-one knows for certain the purpose of this mystical stone circle, it may have been used as a centre for Pagan worship and healing.

The West End

The world famous West End offers some of the best entertainment and culture you can find, with a huge range of plays, comedies and top shows like Spamalot and Les Miserables. With major auditoriums like the Strand, the Lyceum and the Royal Opera House, a trip to London’s Theatreland is one of the best excursions to be had in the UK.

Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall was built along the Scottish border by the Romans in the 3rd century AD, and large sections of the wall are still intact even to this day. The Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail offers amazing views along pristine moorland and rolling hills.

Chatsworth House

There are many beautiful country estates situated in the UK, and Chatsworth House in Derbyshire is one of the most magnificent. It has been home to the Dukes and Duchesses of Devonshire for over 500 years, and offers over 100 acres of enchanting gardens and something for all the family to see and do.

Cheddar Gorge

Somerset’s Cheddar Gorge is the biggest gorge in Britain, with cliffs rising over 450 ft. You can explore the caves and walk along the cliff-tops to enjoy the beauty of this National Nature Reserve, and also take part in rock climbing and adventure caving. And, of course, sample the delicious cheese that originated here.

The Eden Project

This is definitely one of the best modern attractions to visit in the UK. It is formed of two massive biomes that each holds its own climate, with the largest captive rainforest in the world. Many different events are held throughout the year and Eden is located in the popular tourist county of Cornwall.

Tower Bridge

Built in 1894, Tower Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world, and if you are visiting London, make sure you see inside it. You can walk along high walkways and gain excellent views of the city, see the Victorian Engine Rooms, and there are also art exhibitions to explore.

The Giant’s Causeway

This is a World Heritage Site situated on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland. The site’s 40,000 basalt columns were formed after a major volcanic eruption and are a source of Irish folklore. It is an excellent attraction and also has an educational visitor’s centre.

Brighton

If you want to experience some of the best urban culture and nightlife in the UK, Brighton is the place to go. The town is lively, colourful and dynamic, and situated by the shore with excellent beaches. Don’t miss visiting the Royal Pavilion – a real quirk of architecture. Notable events include the Brighton Festival and the Gay Pride carnival.

Portmeirion

If you want a UK location to truly surprise you, visit this wonderful tourist hotspot. Situated on the coast of North Wales, this fairytale village was built between 1925 and 1975 in the Italian Style – it looks like nothing else in the UK.

These unmissable suggestions were brought to you by Show & Stay, the London theatre break specialists.

Lifecruiser Love UK Destinations

Other UK related posts by Lifecruiser:

5 Things To Do in Windermere – Lake District
Top 3 UK Summer City Destination
2012 Edinburgh Fringe Festival Budget Breaks
Vacations with a view in the UK
8 Truly Local English Experiences
Enjoy UK golf breaks and take in these top three courses
UK Travel: Swedes Love London
 

This is a great way for friends and fans to have fun, and in some cases even win money. Money you can use for either other games – or to do other enjoyable things you’re interested in. For me that would be golf travel, since golf has been a part of my heart for more than 20 years, but when that’s not possible, a fantasy sport is the perfect replacement, especially in the snowy winters.

The Evolution of Fantasy Sports

Since Wilfred Winkenbach began a fantasy golf contest in the late 1950s, people have been having fun with fantasy sport league competition in just about all major genres of sports. In 1960 a Harvard University sociologist began what was called the “Baseball Seminar” which allowed colleagues to form rosters that earned points on the players’ final scores.

Around the same time the Greater Oakland Professional Pigskin Prognosticators League started up with 8 teams. But the two big game changers were the development of Rotisserie League Baseball in 1980, and the internet which has allowed for widespread communication and connection of fantasy sports participants. According to the Fantasy Sports Trade Association, by 2010 it was projected that 32 million individuals throughout Canada and the US played in fantasy sports.

Different Leagues

There are a number of fantasy sports leagues available, but a few popular ones include:

• Fantasy baseball-draft fantasy players, determine the lineup, and make the GM decisions.
• Fantasy cricket- find a site like ESPN, pick an 11 man team, and the points are scored on bowling, batting, and fielding.
• Fantasy football-(American) join a league, draft players and build a team, your team competes every week and is scored on actual game plays.
• Fantasy hockey- find sites like Yahoo to connect with an battle head to head or join a rotisserie.
• Fantasy surfer- build a team of up to 8 surfers who will acquire the highest points in each contest to win the World Tour season.

So if you like sports you can grab a ball or puck and head outdoors, call Golfzing to arrange a tee-time (that would of course be my first choice), get your Formula 1 car out, or simply join a fantasy league.

What would be your choice…?

Other Ways to Have Fun with Fantasy Sports

You can participate in a free league, but there are also hundreds of leagues to join where you can bet, be in contests, and use your team to win money. One option is something low key like CBS Sports where you can register for gold, platinum, diamond, or double diamond packages and as a result win up to $2,000. Or you can go big with events like Vegas’ National Fantasy Football Championship Diamond League which costs $10,000 to register with and has an ultimate prize of $80,000.

Fantasy sports can be a great way to enjoy the sports you love. It can allow you to get into the action without having to be a professional athlete, or have millions of dollars to own a team, but you also learn a lot about the sport of your choice.

For me it’s a way to keep my “golf-mind” going through a long winter or other period without golfing, because the mind needs taking care of as much as the muscle memory, to keep my golf handicap in the right status.

Lifecruiser Love Golf Sport
 

Some other golf related posts by Lifecruiser:

The Perfect Reunion Between Old Friends
Orlando Top Golf Vacation
Hooks Mansion Golf Course Southern Sweden
Enjoy UK golf breaks and take in these top three courses
Swedish Golf Season Start 2011
Golf self-reflection
Golf pleasures in and out
 

Tailgate parties allow fans to bond and have a good time before a game. Football players spend time in a locker room getting excited for the game, and tailgate parties are a similar activity for football fanatics. Although you may come as strangers, you can leave with new friends and stories to last a lifetime.

Preparing

The preparation for a tailgate is very important. Showing up to this pre-game event without anything prepared can put a downer on the party. To make your tailgate party a big hit it is important to have enough food, drinks and games. A great tailgate party also includes a tent. It can be a great resource if it is hot outside and you need a place to cool down. These tents can also be every helpful on colder days. Many individuals use these shelters as a center for the games or to keep the food out of the elements. If you are a supportive and consistent fan of your team and go to these types of parties frequently, a good tent can be a great investment.

Showing Support

Showing support before the game is important. It is just as important as showing it during the game. Places like Team Tailgate Shop offer many products, but not just any kind of product. Most of them are custom-made specifically for your college team. They offer all of the essentials such as tents, coolers and games. The tents can be made with the symbol of your favorite team. There will be no question of what team you support. With these products you will be able to canvas your area with your teams colors and logo.

Before a game fans come together to have a good time. The excitement of attending a game does not have to start when the first whistle is blown. Showing up before the game can allow you to share your excitement with other fans. As you wait for the game to start, you can share laughs and food. You can make the entire game day fun and exciting. From the beginning of the tailgate party until the end of the game you will be able to show support for your team.

Lifecruiser Love Tailgate Parties
 

For us, the most important choice for New Years Eve (or birthdays), is the one and only: what Champagne to drink…? Below you see three different choices, from a cheaper Crémant to expensive Champagne.

Lachèze 2009 Crémant du Jura, Moët Chandon Grand Vintage 2004 and our very favorite Champagne, the Rolls Royce of Champagne: Dom Pérignon Vintage 2003, which we brought home after visiting the Champagne district in France at our Europe trip in August 2012.

As you have noticed, so far we prefer French, real Champagne – we yet have to taste more Cavas when we go to Spain later to have something to compare with – or what do you say…?

We wish for you all another very special, fantastic Happy New Travel Year of 2013, together with friends, family and filled with lots of love, passion – and Champagne of course…

©Lifecruiser Love Champagne
 

Some other New Years posts by Lifecruiser:

Happy Bubbly New Year 2012
Happy New Year Champagne Sweden 2010
Stockholm: Happy New Year (2009)
 

You will notice many scenes from Disney films, that is because it’s an old tradition in Sweden to show Kalle Anka (Donald Duck in Swedish) at 3 o’clock in the afternoon at the Christmas Eve day.

Enjoy the peace and happiness of the holidays, where ever in the world you are. We spend this Christmas in Stockholm, Sweden this year. Next year it will be somewhere else!

©Lifecruiser Love Swedish Christmas
 

Earlier Swedish Christmas posts by Lifecruiser:

Christmas Tree Gifts 2011
Swedish Heart Pepparkakor for Christmas
Santa Travel Speed Need
Merry Christmas 2009
Christmas Dinner Delights 2008
Swedish Christmas Dinner Preparations 2008
Different Christmas 2007
Merry Christmas All Bloggers 2007
Some Swedish Christmas Gifts
Christmas Street Market Stockholm 2007
Wordless Christmas
Swedish Christmas Traditions
Christmas Eve is here (2006)
Christmas Preparations (2006)
Lucia with Glögg & Lussekatter (2006)
Lighten Up Christmas (2005)
 

Lost
If you haven’t yet, you must watch Lost. The writers and creators of this fantastic and intriguing show worked really hard to keep it from being the Gilligan’s Island of the new millennium. The pilot for this show was one of the most expensive to make in television history, but the effort certainly paid off! Every episode brings just another degree of “what the heck is going on?!?” while keeping enough continuity to keep you invested.

Flash Forward
This show is created by the creators of Lost and asks an interesting question: what if you did know the future, but only a part of it? The show plays with the concepts of destiny and free will better than any other has done before it. Is the future written in stone? Can the characters keep it from happening? Do they want to? If one person changes his destiny does that change the destiny of everybody else? These are the things that keep you watching one episode after the next.

The Prisoner
We don’t mean the modern version of this show. We are talking about the original version that so confounded viewers the stations airing it were flooded with angry letters. The main character wakes up in “The Village” but doesn’t know how he got there, who he is or why he keeps having visions from another life—is it his? How did he get to where he is now? Every episode tells you a little bit more but you definitely won’t see a lot of the best moments coming!

Battlestar Galactica
Go for the “reboot” or “retelling” of the story that aired on the Sci-Fi channel. After being attacked by the “Cylons,” the last of humanity is stranded in space so they set off in search of the fabled “Earth”, hoping it will be their new home. Sounds simple enough but there’s a twist: the enemy looks just like everybody else…which begs the question: who do you trust? One thing is for certain, you won’t be able to stop watching until you’ve seen the whole thing.

Dexter
Though this one isn’t mind-bendy in the “wow I didn’t see that one coming” sense, it definitely messes with your mind in a “what is he going to do next?” sense. This show, based around Dexter a man who murders almost for fun is violent and often horrific but somehow—in spite of all of the blood, Dexter is a sympathetic character.

Obviously there are other shows that provide their own excitement and mind bendiness (Twilight Zone? The early years of X-Files?) but these are some of the best and most worthy of your time. Is this list missing your favorite mind-bender? List it below!

Lifecruiser Love Mind-Benders
 

Like any sport, surfing requires you to put in time and effort to master it. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Once you get the basics right, you’ll find that surfing can truly be an amazing adventure.

In the following article we go look into a few tips to help you surf better…

1. Know How to Swim: First things first, surfing isn’t for non-swimmers because of the obvious dangers. You need to be a decent swimmer to ensure safety and maximum fun. Real surfers aim for the biggest waves to ride, which means they’re ready to face powerful currents. So if you don’t know swimming, learn it first.

2. Find a School or a Teacher: In order to learn surfing well, you need to be aware of the basics – right from standing on the board to approaching a wave. This is why you should find a good surfing school or an experienced instructor to start off. It’s always good to compare surfing schools and do your homework before you jump in. Remember, learning how to surf properly is good for your own safety.

3. Dress for it: Make sure you get a wetsuit before you go out there and hit the waves. It not only helps you keep warm in those chilly waters but also works as a rash guard for your skin when it gets rubbed against the board. You can rent one at a surfing school or if you’re not comfortable with it, you can always buy one – especially if you plan to surf regularly.

4. Choose a Good Board: Your surfboard needs to be durable and easy to handle, which means you should get one that is of the right size and construction. Out of these two factors, you should focus on size first. Big surfers require long boards and small surfers require short ones. As far as the construction of board is concerned, softboards are the best. If you’re planning to buy the board online, check out IsleSurfBoards.com for an affordable deal.

5. Work Out Your Arms: Surfing is a physically demanding sport. You’ll have to constantly “push up” to go through the various steps such as getting on the board, paddling and standing up. It requires a lot of arm work, which is why it makes sense to do some regular arm strengthening exercises.

Here a few safety tips to keep in mind when surfing:

• Don’t surf during heavy rains.
• Come out of the water if you get injured or sick.
• Avoid surfing near swimmers.
• Never surf alone; do it with a friend.
• Talk to lifeguards before hitting the waters.

In order to surf better, you need to keep on improving yourself. So the more you practice it while being safe, the easier it will get.

Lifecruiser Love Water Sports