ROLLING DAILY FIRST CLASS IN EVERY WAY
TOURS | CHARTERS | CASINOS
ISSUE 07 JULY 2018
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THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN TEXAS YOU DIDN’T KNOW EXISTED We truly are lucky to live in Texas. Finding areas of natural beauty in...
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CASINO GAMBLING GAMES WITH DECENT ODDS For gamblers, four casino games offer decent odds. That is, if you made...
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10 AFFORDABLE TRAVEL TIPS TO STAY WITHIN YOUR VACATION BUDGET
It seems like every time I log into Facebook or Instagram, I’m hit...
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FIVE TOP CASINO GAMBLING TIPS Once you are nestled safely inside the casino, know where you...
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THE 5 BEST VACATION SPOTS IN TEXAS FOR FAMILIES
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BLACKJACK STRATEGY TIPS
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YOUR FAMILY TRAVEL PACKING LIST
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HOW TO PLAN A MEANINGFUL VACATION: TIPS FOR MAKING TRIPS UNFORGETTABLE
Planning a trip for the whole family? Check out these 5 spots with fun...
What is the best way to play Blackjack and optimise your chances...
No matter what the destination, keep your family on track with...
When you plan a vacation, what aspects of the trip do you usually...
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It’s summertime in Texas! Things are blooming, the sun’s out, and we’re finally enjoying the temperatures we all know and love. Although those of us at First Class Tours are Mother Nature fans, we’ve gotta be honest: this year’s winter was long, and we were a little curious about why she was in such a cantankerous mood! Now that summer is finally here, all of us are ready to get outside. Texas has so much to offer at this time of year, and we love helping our customers plan and execute their summertime travel plans! Whether you’re casino goers, a church congregation, school band, or family reunion group, professional transportation is our specialty and we enjoy working with you. While this winter was certainly a long one, it wasn’t quiet here at our headquarters! In the last several months we’ve acquired new coaches, hired additional staff members, and made lots of internal policy changes. As a result, I’m thrilled to say that our company is stronger than ever before. We’ve been grateful for our supportive staff and customers during this time, and know that these transitions will more fully enable us to provide the very best service as we go forward. When I speak with customers and employees, I frequently get asked about our new tag line: First Class in Every Way. People wonder what that means to us as a company, and to me personally. Truth is, those five simple words are more than a marketing tool; they embody what we are, what we stand for, and what we do. First Class isn’t just a name; it is a way of doing things. In airline travel today, first class is mostly about a seat, food, and drinks. But our definition of first-class recalls a time when that meant a unique experience, where individuals were treated differently and every aspect of their trip was remarkable. That is the First Class we’ve chosen to make our goal. We want our passengers, customers, and potential customers to have a first-class experience with us, from the first time they call us until the moment they step off our coaches at the end of the ride. We want to put the “Wow!” back in travel, and we work hard, every day, to make that happen. Our customer service representatives, drivers, shop team, and bus washers all play an important role in delivering on that promise. As with air travel, we know that there will be times when things don’t go as planned, but those moments give us the opportunity to showcase our first-class service. The simple fact is this: First Class Tours is not in the bus business; we’re in the business of being first class, the business of making memories, the safety business, the do-it-right-or-makeit-right business. Our business centers on you, our customers, and we’re proud of what we do. Whether you purchase a casino ticket or a 150 bus move, we will work to show you that we are, indeed, First Class in Every Way.
-Jeff Rogers
www.firstclasstours.net
Jeff Rogers President First Class Tours Houston, TX
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THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN TEXAS
TEXAS YOU DIDN’T KNOW EXISTED
BY: BROOKE VIGGIANO 4
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JULY 2018
S We truly are lucky to live in Texas. Finding areas of natural beauty in the state is like going on a completely tame, domesticated goose chase -- it’s super easy. But despite that, there are still a few straight-up gorgeous gems that seem to slip through the cracks of statewide fame, an error we hope to remedy right here, right now. If you’ve already checked off everything from our comprehensive Houston bucket list, perhaps it’s time you go exploring. And what better place to start than these incredibly alluring places in Texas you probably didn’t know existed. Caddo Lake East Texas With Spanish moss casing thick cypress trees and a sprawling labyrinth of lush bayous and wetlands, this lake is just begging to be kayaked. Created by the gigantic log jam dubbed “The Great Raft” -- which began backlogging the Red and Atchafalaya Rivers as far back as 1100-1200 AD -- it’s one of the only naturally formed lakes in Texas.
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Caverns of Sonora Sonora Just west of the small city of Sonora (which, FYI, is about halfway between San Antonio and Big Bend), this massive cave carved itself into Cretaceous-period limestone about 1-1.5 million years ago. It boasts one of the heaviest collections of calcite crystal formations, most especially helictites, in the world. Make sure to check out the “butterfly,” where two fishtail helictites share the same attachment point, and the “snake pit,” where the formations are so densely packed, you’ll soon be Indiana Jonesing to get out.
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Gorman Falls Bend We don’t even know why you’d visit Colorado State Bend Park without hiking the 1.5-mile trail to this hidden treasure. Afterward, you’ll be treated to a misty chill and a breathtaking 60-foot waterfall cascading into a fern-coated grotto.
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Santa Elena Canyon Rio Grande With over 800K acres, Big Bend National Park is one of the largest national parks in the US. It’s also one of the most desolate, with only 300-350K visitors annually. You may be tempted to hit the Chimneys and Marufo Vega Trails first, but you should really make your way over to the winding valley that separates the US and Mexico. Flowing with the waters of the Rio Grande River and lined by towering 1,000-foot cliffs, the canyon’s water can get as shallow as 2 feet at points, allowing you to both hoof it and paddle it.
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Cattail Falls Rio Grande With all of those acres to cover, we had to bring you two spots in Big Bend. This lush desert oasis, complete with an Instagram-baiting waterfall that can reach up to 80 feet, is hidden off the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive at the base of the Chisos Mountains. The secret spot is not on many travel guides, but you can thank the internet for directions.
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Willow City Loop Fredericksburg We’re sure you’ve seen some Texas bluebonnets. But the best place to view them is this hidden scenic loop outside of Fredericksburg. Take the girlfriend or boyfriend and bring some Hill Country wine and cheese for triple bonus points.
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Blue Lagoon Huntsville You don’t have to drive all the way to South Padre to get blue waters. Just 75 miles north of Downtown Houston, you’ll come upon this clear blue spring-fed lagoon. Hit it to learn to scuba dive or just to swim in pretty water.
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Palo Duro Canyon Canyon If we were a hype man, we’d be hyping this incredibly underrated canyon hard. It’s the second-largest canyon in the United States -- but it’s only visited by around 300,000 people per year (by comparison, the Grand Canyon gets over 5 million). Dubbed “The Grand Canyon of Texas,” the sunken valleys show off a seemingly endless array of green and sunset-colored terra cotta that deserve at least a few more props.
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JULY 2018
Hueco Tanks State Park El Paso A little over 30 miles north of El Paso, you can this 860.3-acre park named for the “huecos” -- large natural rock basins -- that encompass it. Rumor has it the place was a spiritual haven for ancient Native Americans who used the basin’s pooled water to survive in the arid land. Their thousand-year-old pictographs can be found all over the monstrous boulders. Just remember to look, not touch.
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Cascade Caverns Boerne Just 3 miles south of Boerne, you’ll find this limestone cave that formed all the way back in the Lower Cretaceous period. It was once Texas’ only cavern with an interior waterfall, though droughts have limited the flow in recent years. Luckily, people are smart, so they figured out a way to keep the water cascading through man-made pipes. Visit the cool, 64-degree cavern on guided tours year-round.
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JULY 2018
Medina River Bandera County Anyone who’s anyone has been floating the Guadalupe, but this less-crowded 116-mile-long river -- starting in northwest Bandera County and ending just southeast of San Antonio -- is equally as enjoyable. Lined with cedar, live oak, and limestone bluffs, the spring-fed rapids make it a kayaker’s dream. Don’t miss Chamblee Falls on the North Prong, where a 10-foot waterfall and baby 4-foot waterfall provide some pretty blissful scenery.
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Devil’s Waterhole Burnet Forget Lake Travis. Inks Lake, only slightly farther from Austin, is just as amazing. Case in point: this picturesque inlet just off the lake, which is the perfect place to plop yourself into a float tied with another float to house your cooler. Best day ever? You bet.
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JULY 2018
Krause Springs Spicewood Skip the overcrowded jungle that is Barton Springs. This Spicewood watering hole is where you want to be. The 115-acre, family-owned property has 32 springs on site, plus a waterfall, grotto, man-made spring-fed pool, and au naturel pool that flows into Lake Travis. Cliff jump, Tarzan yourself off the rope swing, or lay out on the rocks like a salamander. But whatever you do, bring beer.
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Lost Maples State Natural Area Vanderpool Know that co-worker that’s always complaining about how the leaves in Texas never change color? Go ahead and tell him he’s dead wrong. Lost Maples cover over 2,000 rust, gold and green-hued acres in Bandera and Real counties. Visit and you’ll find tons of pristine hiking trails lined with steep limestones, glistening streams, and verdant grasslands. The prime time to hit it is from mid-October through mid-November, when foliage is peaking.
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JULY 2018
Jacob’s Well Wimberley Ever seek the thrill of diving head first into a seriously sexy looking artesian spring with a seriously dangerous looking limestone cave below it? Well, you’re in luck; Jacob’s Well has a charted cave system nearly 140 feet deep and almost a mile long (it’s believed to be the longest underwater cave in Texas). Only experienced cave divers are permitted to go down, because as we stated, this thing’s pretty hazardous. But fear not -- regular folk still cliff jump into 12-foot swimming hole and hang by the water. Boca Chica Beach Brownsville While everybody knows South Padre is quite the eye candy, it’s also known for a, well, rowdy crowd. Just detached from the island, though, there is a glimmer of isolation: this 8-mile, untouched strip of sand. The desolate beach in the Deep Texas South feels a million miles away from it all, making it exactly where you want to camp, fish, snorkel, and straight up chill in natural beauty without the noise of the modern world.
SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.
CLICK HERE.
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Just a short 2 hour drive from Houston, Golden Nugget Lake Charles combines the glitz and glamour of
WEEKLY TRIPS AS LOW AS $17.00 Las Vegas withDAY the hospitality and charm of the South – creating an exceptional one-of-a-kind gaming and entertainment destination in Louisiana.
Since it’s unveiling in December 2014, the 242-acre casino and resort has attracted guests from all WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, & SUNDAY! neighboring states. The Golden Nugget name is synonymous with exceptional service and luxury, including TICKETS START AT $17 deluxe accommodations, 15 restaurants and lounges, a private beach and marina, a championship golf FRIDAY & SATURDAY! TICKETS START AT $18 course and an innovative casino floor.
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Ride with First Class Tours to The Golden Nugget Lake Charles departing Terminal and Eastex Terminal Located off of interstate 210, Lake Charlesfrom is theFM fifth1960 installment of the iconic Golden Nuggeteach brand which Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday! is owned and operated by Houston-based restaurant, hospitality and gaming group Landry’s Inc. The
Perk
craftsmanship and attention to detail is evidence of money well spent. The luxurious rooms and suites feature plush bedding, premium amenities like idocking stations and picturesque lake and pool views.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKET AVAILABILITY
PROPERTY FEATURES • 1,600 of the newest slot machines WITH PERKS • World-class spa, salon and barbershop OVERNIGHT TRIPS • State-of-the-art fitness center • 70 table games • • • • • •
• Pool complex with swim-up bar, lazy river Poker room and waterslide 740 luxury rooms and suites, with a tower addition in 2017 NEW TRIPS COMING SOON • Shopping promenade 18-hole championship golf course 30,000 square-feet of meeting and convention space $74 PP - DBLE OCCUP • Arcade • A-list entertainment Wedding gazebo $149 PP - SINGLE OCCUP Marina with dockage up to 206 feet
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$
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Ride with First Class Tours to The Golden Nugget Lake Charles, departing from FM 1960 Terminal and Eastex Terminals
G A M B L I N G CLICKPHERERFOROTICKET B AVAILABILITY L E M ? 20
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New for 2017!
JULY 2018
B US TOUR S PACKAG ES DAY TRIP PACKAGES (Minimum 5 Hour Stay)
Package A • Golden Nugget will pay $10 per passenger • Receive $5 Free Slot Play or $10 Food Credit • Group leader receives $15 Free Slot Play or $25 Food Credit *No minimum passenger count required.
Package B • Golden Nugget will pay $500 for Bus Transportation • Receive $5 Free Slot Play or $10 Food Credit
GOLDEN NUGGET TRIP • Group leader receives $15 Free Slot Play or $25 Food Credit *Minimum 40 passenger counter required.
Package C
• Golden Nugget will pay $1,000 for Bus Transportation • Group leader receives $15 Free Slot Play or $25 Food Credit *Minimum 50 passenger count required.
*All passengers must be 21 or older. No deposit required. Any payment made by Golden Nugget will be sent to the approved motor coach company. Group leaders are not eligible to receive payment.
From upscale to casual, Golden Nugget Lake Charles also boasts a collection of Landry’s, Inc. awardwinning and nationally recognized restaurants that cater to every palate. Grotto Ristorante, Saltgrass Steak House, Landry’s Seafood House, Claim Jumper, Lillie’s Asian Cuisine, Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar and the crown jewel of steakhouses – Vic & Anthony’s – are just a few of the impressive selections. Guests can also peruse through a shopping promenade featuring all of the latest fashions from designers like Tommy Bahama and Michael Kors, catch a game of golf, or bask in the sun at H20 – an opulent Vegasstyle pool, swim-up bar and lounge. To learn more about available Bus Tour Packages to Golden Nugget Lake Charles, please call 337.508.7221 or email BusTours@gnlcm.com. 2550 GOLDEN NUGGET BLVD.
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LAKE CHARLES. LA 70601
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GOLDENNUGGETLC.COM
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As a local, it is not at all uncommon to be asked “What is there to do in Galveston?” To me, it seems like such an odd question. The question really should be more like “What ISN’T there to do in Galveston?”
CASINO GAMBLI GAMES WITH DECENT ODDS Galveston Island has a diversity of entertainment and leisure options that has made it one of the top beach destinations along the Gulf Coast. I think it’s the fact that Galveston has so much more than just sand and water to lure people across The Causeway. Let’s look at just Downtown Galveston – the epicenter of entertainment, food, drink and social activity in the city. So if you’re looking for something fun to do and need a little nudge for ideas, here’s a quick list of the top 10 things to do in Downtown Galveston.
And I offer this one disclaimer – this is in no way intended to be inclusive. It is not the result of any survey. This is merely my list of top 10 things I recommend to folks based on living here 21 years and visiting the island city my entire life.
1. Shop If you’re fond of unique and interesting items for yourself or gifts for others, downtown Galveston is where you need to spend some time with Hendley Market as your first stop. Be sure to check the store for current hours – they tend to change from time to time. But it is worth the effort for the spectacular collection of unusual items you’ll find. Nativity scenes
BY: KEVIN BLACKWOOD, MAX RUBIN
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JULY 2018
ING
For gamblers, four casino games offer decent odds. That is, if you made a hundred $1 bets at these recommended casino games, your average loss would only be about a buck. These odds aren’t good enough to retire on, but they stretch your bankroll as far as possible, even if you’re on a limited budget. JACKS OR BETTER VIDEO POKER (THE 9/6 VERSION) The 9/6 version of Jacks or Better is considered full pay because you get a payout of 9 for 1 for a full house and 6 for 1 for a flush. The 9/6 version is the only one whose payout rate makes it worthwhile to play. Tips for playing this game well include: • Make sure you’re playing a full-pay 9/6 version by looking at the Full House/Flush payouts for one coin. • Because of the increased payouts for a royal flush, always play the maximum coins to get the best odds — even if that means finding nickel or quarter machines to stay within your bankroll. • Never keep a kicker (a high card along with a pair). • Throw away a small pair (tens or lower) if you have four cards to a flush or three cards to a royal flush.
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BLACKJACK The way to win at Blackjack is to get better cards than the dealer. The aim is to have your cards add up to a maximum of 21. • Play the table with the least number of decks. • Stay away from gimmick games like 6-5 blackjack, Spanish 21, or Super Fun blackjack. • Remember the following important tips • Double down on 10 or 11 when dealer shows 2 to 9. (To double down means you double your bet and are allowed just one more card.) • Stand on 13 to 16 when dealer shows 2 to 6. • Hit on 12 to 16 when
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dealer shows 7 or higher. • Never take insurance. CRAPS Rolling two dice is the essence of craps and what number those dice add up to determine whether bettors on the Pass line win or bettors on the Don’t Pass line do. A new player’s first roll is her come-out roll, and other players wager on what the shooter will roll. The smartest strategy is to stick to the following bets in craps: • Pass line bet with odds bet • Come bet with odds • Don’t pass bet with odds • Don’t come bet with odds
BACCARAT You may be intimidated by baccarat with its glitz, glamour, and European aura, but behind the stiff exterior lies a decent game for the average bettor because there are only three possible results of each hand and there’s no skill involved — it’s strictly the fall of the cards. A couple tips for doing well: Always bet on the banker (house edge is 1.06 percent, meaning if you made a hundred bets of $1, your average loss would be about a buck). You can also bet on the player’s hand. (The house edge is only slightly worse than the banker’s hand at 1.24 percent.) ¦ SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.
CLICK HERE.
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JULY 2018
YOUTH
SPORTS Transportation
Is our
specialty
Game Day starts here!
Ready, Set, Travel! It seems that every season there are more games, seasons are longer and the travel commitment gets more and more complex. Imagine taking the entire team on one motorcoach, arriving at the game together ready to play, with plenty of space for players, families, and gear. With full sized motorcoaches that accommodate up to 56 passengers, have video capabilities, an onboard restroom and more. The possibilities are endless, often with prices less than driving in separate cars. Call us today and let our team of professionals put your team transportation in the fast lane!
GoMotorcoach Make the Smart Move! Safe | Green | Efficient | Affordable | Fun
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10 AFFORDABLE TIPS TO STAY WITH VACATION BU BY: JACQUELINE CURTIS 26
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E TRAVEL HIN YOUR UDGET www.firstclasstours.net
It seems like every time I log into Facebook or Instagram, I’m hit with a barrage of pictures from friends traveling the world. Whether they’re backpacking across Europe, sightseeing in Asia, or exploring South American jungles, it’s hard for me not to get a little travel envy. With two kids and a mortgage, though, dropping everything to jet set around the world just isn’t in the cards – or in our budget.
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However, if your finances can’t bear the weight of an extravagant trip right now, finding ways to travel affordably may not be as tough as it seems. It just requires careful planning, savvy solutions, and thinking beyond typical vacation options. With a little forethought, you could be the one posting enviable pictures from your next adventure.
you’re probably going to have to save up before you splurge. On the other hand, if your main priorities are to experience a different culture, learn more about history, or even just take a few days to relax, you can likely accomplish such goals on the cheap.
Creative Ways to Afford Travel
• Experiencing a different culture
1. Define Your Priorities
• Relaxing
Before you start leafing through brochures or browsing online, you first have to define your travel priorities. If you’re not willing to accept anything but a top-shelf experience,
• Visiting a specific location, such as a beach or a historic site
Start out by defining your vacation priorities. Common ones include:
• Trying new foods
• Learning something new Once you define exactly
what you want out of your travels, you can focus on how to best achieve it. If you’re looking for an amazing cultural experience, staying in hostels and shopping at markets might not only be cheaper, but could be a better way to immerse yourself in a culture. Defining what you want out of the experience can align your expectations. 2. Set a Travel Budget Booking travel without any set budget in mind can be dangerous. It’s hard to avoid getting tempted by cheap fares, online hotel reviews, and various attractions – but you could end up overspending without realizing it. By looking over your current personal wwwfirstclasstours.net
JULY 2018
budget and taking your savings, fixed expenses, and variable costs into consideration, you can see where you have a little wiggle room (if any) for a vacation. The average American family spends $1,200 on travel, but that doesn’t mean you have to. Many travel sites now allow you to set your budget and restrict costly search results from appearing. A tool such as the KAYAK Explore module asks you to input your location and what you’d like to pay, and then shows you destinations that fit the bill. 3. Travel During the OffSeason If you’ve got a flexible schedule, you can save a ton simply by traveling during the off-season. And, as an added bonus, you can benefit from less crowded attractions and have a less stressful overall experience. Tourist seasons vary by destination, but generally speaking, traveling during the summer months or during holiday breaks means paying more for airfare, gas, and accommodations. In general, some of the best times to travel are early in the year and early autumn. Tropical destinations, on the
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other hand, can be more crowded during January and February, when vacationers are looking for respite from the cold. Kidfriendly places are usually busier when school’s out. And while winter may seem like an ideal time to travel, watch out for holiday-related price spikes around Thanksgiving and Christmas. 4. Look for Hotel Alternatives You can slash costs significantly simply by exploring non-traditional accommodations. What’s more, some off-the-beatenpath hotel alternatives might actually help you save money on vacation expenses. You can avoid paying high hotel costs by looking into the following accommodations: • Hostels. When traveling abroad, hostels offer inexpensive lodging (and occasionally meals) to travelers. You may have to share a room and bathroom with other travelers, but you get your own bed, and you just may make some new traveling friends while you’re there. Because hostels require you to share space,
they work best if you’re flying solo or traveling as a couple instead of as a family. A typical European hostel costs anywhere from $20 to $40 per night. • Vacation Rentals. Homeowners often rent out their vacation homes to travelers when it’s not in use – you can snag deep discounts on condos, townhomes, and even hotel properties. Websites such as VRBO and Airbnb are great places to start. Often outfitted with a kitchen, backyard, and other amenities, a vacation rental may actually be a better fit for a family trip, especially if you can save money by cooking your own food. Recently, I rented a condo in a resort property from a homeowner for $40 less per night than I would have paid if I had booked through the resort. • Stay With Friends. If you’re lucky enough to have friends and family at a travel destination, call in a favor. It’s a great way to cut your hotel costs, and they can probably give you tips on things to do while you’re in town. • Couch Surf. Couch
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surfing boils down to staying at someone’s house instead of a pricey hotel. Courchsurfing brings together travelers and homeowners willing to offer a guest room, bed, or couch to frugal travelers. It can be unpredictable, but if you’re really in a bind, it’s one way to cut pricey hotels out of your travel budget altogether. It works best if you’re traveling alone or with one other person. 5. Plan Shorter Trips Whether you’re traveling for relaxation or exploration, you don’t need to jet off for weeks at a time to get the experience you want. Shorter travel blocks offer the same benefits as longer vacations, and they can cost much less. Plenty of shorter trips can help you recharge, explore different areas, and experience something new – even if it’s within your home state. Traveling to your state capital, visiting a nearby state park or campground, or going to a museum or local theme park can all be done on the cheap. Some attractions and hotels also offer resident deals if you can prove that you live in-
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state. As an added bonus, planning shorter, closer-tohome trips means you can drive instead of fly, saving the money you would have spent on airfare. 6. Book Last-Minute Deals If you’re not in a financial position for a lengthy trip, go for a long weekend or nab a last-minute deal – I love the site LastMinuteTravel.com for hotels, flights, and attractions. It might require a little more flexibility on your part, but last-minute trips can make travel a lot lighter on your bank account. When gunning for that last-minute deal, remember that sometimes price wins out over destination. Therefore, this approach works well if you want to go on a vacation, but aren’t picky as to where. Lastminute cruise, hotel, and airfare deals can mean leaving as soon as 24 hours after booking. Save even more by making sure to include a Saturday stay in your itinerary, since hotels prefer to book full weekends. And, if you do see a price and destination you love, book it as soon as possible, since last-minute pricing can fluctuate heavily.
7. Watch for Deals I know exactly what I want to spend on flights to visit family and friends. Therefore, I base a lot of my travel decisions on current pricing, rather than my specific schedule. By keeping an eye out for airline ticket deals to the exact destination I want, I never miss a sale and can travel on the cheap. Since I don’t have time to scour the Internet for fare sales daily, I sign up for travel alerts from websites like Bing Travel and my favorite, Airfarewatchdog. Simply plug in where you’re from and where you want to go, and when a fare sale for that particular route surfaces, you get an email alert. 8. Go in Groups If some of your other family members are planning trips, think about making it a joint effort. Group rates for hotels, flights, and attractions are common, often netting a 15% discount. I go on a yearly vacation with a group of 10 friends. We book a condo at a swanky resort for about $200 per night for two nights, meaning we each pay about $40 for lodging. Many group rates start at
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10 people, and airlines like Southwest, Delta, and JetBlue all offer them, which can lead to anywhere from 5% to 10% off published fares. However, you likely have to call the reservation center to book. You can also score group rates if you’re booking several rooms at the same hotel – you just have to ask when you call, since online reservations don’t always offer the best group rates. Another option is to use a site like Groople, which allows you to check out group rates for your specific destination and number of travelers.
dreams are completely out of reach – and out of your budget – you may be able to ask friends and family members to chip in and help.
9. Consider Crowdfunding
Here’s how it works: Set the amount you need and write up a blurb about your plans on a site like Honeyfund or Trevolta, sites dedicated to crowdfunding for travel.
Some travel can be seriously expensive, especially if you’re going to be abroad for a long time. If your travel
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Crowdfunding has helped everyone from microborrowers to filmmakers, and it can help you too. While I would probably recommend this for a special occasion – as a graduation present or in lieu of wedding gifts, for example – creating a crowdfunding travel account can help you raise money for your trip through the kindness of others.
The website then creates a unique page for you, which you can then share with others through social media or email. Your friends and family members can then go online and donate any amount they see fit. When your campaign ends, simply use the funds toward your travel. Even if you don’t reach your goal, you can still make a dent in your expenses. 10. Go on a Volunteer Vacation If you don’t mind pitching in as part of your travel experience, a so-called “volunteer vacation” can help you afford to travel. You’re still responsible for getting to your destination, but many travel organizations pay for lodging, food, travel within
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the destination, insurance, and even some local and cultural activities. Many volunteer-based vacations do require payment, but it’s a deep discount compared to what casual travelers cough up for a similar destination. Here are some example prices for volunteering: • Habitat for Humanity offers a Mexico trip helping to build structures for $1,200 for nine days, including lodging, food, and activities. • STA Travel, which links student volunteers to travel, offers a 15-day Costa Rica trip for $749, where you work in turtle conservation.
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• Spend a month working in a Cambodian orphanage for $550, through International Volunteer HQ. These prices are just a fraction of what you’d pay for a similar vacation without the volunteer component – the trip to Costa Rica would cost close to $1,600, not including food and travel when you reach your destination. The volunteer option is less than half that amount. Besides getting to experience a new culture and enjoy travel, you’re also doing something good. Final Word If travel is something you and your family love to do, it’s always a challenge
when your budget bites back. However, by adjusting your priorities, being willing to compromise, and rethinking what it means to travel, you might be able to find a little wiggle room in your finances. Regardless of what your Twitter feed tells you, travel doesn’t always have to be four-star resorts and top-notch dining. For some, the experience of exploring a new locale is enough. Is travel a priority for you? How do you make it fit your budget? ¦
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Retirement
sets you free.
A MOTORCOACH
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Welcome to the next generation of retirement! A retirement designed for those who have a passion for living, for fun and for spending their best years with those they love the most. Nothing compares to the experiences available on a motorcoach. From local sightseeing to a week on the road, motorcoaches offer the flexibility, comfort, and amenities that will make your next trip the best trip. Motorcoaches are a great way to make the most of your golden years and we look forward to the chance to welcome you aboard one of our modern coaches and wow you with all we have to offer.
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FIVE TOP CASINO GAMBLING TIPS BY: AL MOE
Once you are nestled safely inside the casino, know where you parked your car, and have found your way to a table or slot machine, you should remember the five top casino gambling tips to help make your stay profitable. Tip Number One – Know Your Limit
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Know your spending limit. Money management is a really boring subject and many people have trouble keeping track of what they have spent after a few hours of casino action. Make things easy on yourself by deciding on what you can afford to lose before your start playing. If
you actually win, great, and don’t be afraid to go home with the bucks, the casino will be open tomorrow, too! Know your time limit. If you start work at 8am, know when you need to quit playing to get everything you need to be done before hitting the sheets. Then, stick to your plan and
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leave the casino when your curfew comes, even if you feel like Cinderella. Know your drinking limit. In the heat of battle, fighting for chips and rearming your weapons, you really need to keep track of how many drinks you have had. Any more than a single drink each hour is going to have
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a serious impact on your ability to gamble effectively. Set your limit and stick to it, or expect to go home broke. Tip Number Two – Get Full Value Getting full value from your bets includes taking advantage of whatever comps and freebies your
casino offers. Make sure you have joined the player’s club to acquire comps and be sure to use your card every time you gamble, even if you are only playing for a few minutes. If you are playing at the table, use your card each time you sit at a table, even if you think they know who you
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are – or you were playing on the other side of the pit! Check at the player’s club desk and check your mail for any special deals offered. You may find that just a few new points get you a free breakfast qualifies for a drawing, or gets you some item the casino is giving away like a gift or even cash. When you first sign up for a card there is usually a special deal (often $10 to $25) that you receive if you achieve x-number of points that day. Check it out! Getting full value can have a significant impact on your slot play. Many new slot machines allow you to play any number of credits, lines, and credits per line. It’s confusing. Make sure you read the info screen to ascertain how you reach the bonus screen or top payout. Sometimes you simply can’t play full credits (Some machines take up to 750 credits for full play), but weigh your wagers against the top payouts. Maximum payouts may not be your goal, but make sure you play enough credits to get to the bonus screen or you’ll miss the best part of the game. Likewise for video poker 36
when it comes to max credits. You might want to while away a few hours playing just one or two coins, but be advised that you can’t get the big royal flush payout without at least five-credits played (and often more). You won’t hit that royal very often, but that’s usually what people are aiming for. Tip Number Three – Cameras Cameras, or the eyein-the-sky in casino parlance, are most everywhere in casinos these days. They are there to protect the casino, and may protect you if there is an incident that was under camera coverage, but keep in mind that you don’t want to do anything foolish – because Big Brother is watching! Keep in mind that while the cameras are always rolling, they won’t help you much if you are careless with your jacket, purse, cellphone (which you placed on the chair next to you and forgot about), or even chips on the table, if someone decides to take off with your belongings. Sure, the casino may have film, but if the thief is gone, so is your stuff!
Also remember that casinos don’t want you to take pictures while gambling or strolling the casino. They may allow you to snap a picture or two if you ask, but don’t take shots of the dealers, the slots, or other players. That might get you escorted out. Tip Number Four – Know the Games First People rarely follow this rule, but if you know the game first before you bet any money on it you will improve your odds of enjoying the game and lasting longer significantly. If you don’t know how to play blackjack, why not brush-up on the rules before risking your cash? You wouldn’t offer to play Kobe Bryant a little oneon-one basketball for $1,000 would you? Well, your odds of beating him are probably about the same as winning at a casino game you’ve never played or read about, and while reading about Kobe won’t help you beat him, learning about a new game first will really help! Once you do know a little about a new game, keep in mind that the main bet (such as pass wwwfirstclasstours.net
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line at craps, banker bet at baccarat, ante bet at Three Card Poker) has the smallest house edge. The extra, or bonus bets, are the killers. Most bonus bets have a house edge that is five-times higher. For instance, the pass line bet at craps has a house edge of 1.44 percent, but betting on an eleven has a house edge of 11.11 percent (sometimes even 16.6 percent). Did you know that the average blackjack player has plays at about a 2 percent disadvantage to the house? It’s true, but the Lucky Ladies side bet has a house advantage of 25 percent, ouch! Tip Number Five – Don’t Let the Taxman Scare You
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Taxes can be levied against gaming wins in many places, the US included, but don’t let the Taxman scare you.
and losses (place, time, amount) at legal gaming establishments that can also offset that big win you had.
Sure, if you hit a Keno jackpot for $100,000 you’ll get socked, but don’t fret over a $2,000 video poker jackpot. If you are using your player’s club card, the casino will make a besteffort assessment of how much you win or lose during the year. In January, you can ask for a win-loss statement, and while you’ll have to claim that jackpot (when you got that pesky W2G IRS form), your other play may offset that win. If it doesn’t, the IRS will also accept a journalstyle log of your wins
On the other hand, if you really do hit a big jackpot and you’re having a great year whacking the casinos, keep track and put away some of that big win so you can pay the Piper when April 15th comes. And if you do have to pay – well that just means you had great year – enjoy it! ¦
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THE 5 BEST VACA SPOTS IN TEXAS FAMILIES BY: SARAH KARNEY
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Planning a trip for the whole family? Check out these 5 spots with fun for all ages around the state of Texas.
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South Padre Island Take a relaxing beach trip to South Padre Island. There are tons of hotels and large condos for families of all sizes to stay in, many within walking distance to the white-sandy beaches. The ocean brings with it a range of activities, including jet skiing, fishing, surfing and dolphin watching. For a more high-energy activity, check out the Schlitterbahn, a huge water and amusement park with slides, rides, on-site lodging, and eateries.
Dallas The question isn’t: What is there to do in Dallas? It’s: What isn’t there to do? This enormous city has it all, from theme parks to great shopping to every type of restaurant anyone could ever dream of. Six Flags Over Texas is a fun day trip with roller coasters, fair treats, and arcade games for all ages. Cross the road to catch a Texas Rangers baseball game or the Dallas Cowboys in the fall. For a relaxing day, take a picnic to the expansive Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which has more than 66 acres to explore and a kid-sized pioneer village. San Antonio Take a leisurely trip downstream on one of the boats on the San Antonio Riverwalk then stop by one of the bordering restaurants for an authentic Tex-Mex meal. Catch a Spurs basketball game at the AT&T Center, or visit the DoSeum, an interactive kid’s museum. The Alamo is a great place to explore and learn about Texas history. San Antonio also has quite a few unique attractions: families can go on a 400acre safari at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch as well as dine and get 360-degree views of the city from 750 feet (228.6 meters) up from the Tower of the Americas. 40
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Houston Houston boasts some of Texas’s best family-friendly attractions. Stop by the Space Center to meet an astronaut, see real space gear, and visit Mission Control. The Downtown Aquarium doubles as an amusement park and also features a restaurant surrounded by a 150,000-gallon aquarium. The Houston Museum of Natural Science is also great for kids, and its butterfly center in a simulated rain forest is a must-see for all ages.
Marfa Leave behind the bustling city life and head for Marfa. An adventure in Big Bend National Park alone could take weeks of time with horseback riding, bird watching, hiking, rafting, and camping. At night, keep an eye out for the Marfa lights, mysterious orbs that occasionally light up the night sky. Scientists are yet to provide conclusive answers on this strange phenomenon. If your family finds camping is a bit too primitive and prefers a hotel, stay at the luxurious and historic Hotel Paisano.
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BLACKJACK STRATEGY TIPS BY:
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What is the best way to play Blackjack and optimise your chances of winning? The answer is called basic strategy. Read on to discover more about how to win at Blackjack... Blackjack is a very popular game amongst both the offline and online gaming communities mainly because the player is required to make several decisions every hand which will affect the outcome of the game. Therefore it is perceived to have more skill than other casino games (not including poker), however for advanced and sensible players, decisions will rarely deviate from the best blackjack strategy, known as basic strategy. In blackjack, the dealer has no decisions to make so optimal player decisions are always the same, which is why basic strategy works. Once the player has grasped the basic rules of blackjack the next thing to learn is how to optimise your chances of winning. Predictably, there are countless theories and strategies designed to give the player an edge against the dealer but, just as predictably, none will actually give the player an advantage over the dealer apart from those considered illegal by the casinos. I am of course referring to card counting in which is banned by most casinos. Card counting will not be discussed here as it is not applicable to online blackjack.
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Rather, the strategy laid out here will be almost exclusively based on basic strategy. Once you feel comfortable to give online blackjack a whirl you should use 888 Casino as your ‘go to’ for all online blackjack action and at the same time minimise risk by taking advantage of their excellent welcome offers. What is Basic Blackjack Strategy? Quite simply, basic strategy is the optimal way to play blackjack. It has been devised using statistical probabilities to calculate the best possible move in any particular circumstance according to your cards and the dealer’s starting card. The aim of basic strategy is obviously to win as often as possible but also to maximise your winnings (through double-down), to reduce the chances of busting, and also in some circumstances, to minimise your expected losses (through surrender or when choosing not to double). Of course, when playing any casino game, including blackjack under standard rules, the house will always have a slight edge but following basic strategy will significantly reduce this edge. It does not take into consideration any other cards which may have been seen in previous
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hands or other players’ cards which would have a slight significance on subsequent cards. This is the basis of card counting which will not be discussed here. However, this is not a significant consideration for online blackjack as each round is played with a newly shuffled deck usually from a 6-deck pack. This means there is usually a 312 pack deck with 24 of each card, so unless you are considering the odds of one particular card which has appeared an incredibly large number of times already in that hand (e.g. 15 or more) then it is negligible. The statistical calculations and permutations which form the basis for the basic strategy table will not be discussed here. The table is a robust playing guide and explaining how each decision has been arrived at is largely irrelevant as the end result - the recommended decision - will remain the same. If you are new to blackjack, it is recommended that you keep this guide close by when playing online, either on your computer screen or printed out, as a quick reference guide. You will find that the more you play, the less often you will need to refer to it as you being to learn the optimal decision for al possible
situations. Eventually, you will be able to play basic strategy blackjack without even looking at the chart! Of course, if you are playing blackjack live at a casino, they might frown upon the use of a chart at the table. Some casinos will allow you to take a printed reference sheet with you (some will even have it available free for players to use at the table!) but almost certainly none will allow it on a computer or mobile device. If you look at the basic strategy guide here you will see general patterns about where to hit and stand. For example, always hit (sometimes double-down) when your hand is below 11 (obviously, as you cannot bust) and always stand on 17 and above (unless it’s a soft hand). The best way to learn basic strategy by heart is not to learn all the possible hands but rather focus on the borderline hands. For example, when the dealer has 7 the recommended strategy for the majority of player hands changes dramatically from when a 6 is shown. Try out the blackjack basic strategy and start with an advantage when you sign up at 888 Casino and get instant bonus funds to boost your play. Practice makes perfect and there are few places online where we’d better recommend playing online
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blackjack. Blackjack Strategy Risk If a player follows basic strategy and does not deviate from its path then the theoretical return to player (RTP) under standard rules is 99.63%. This a very high RTP and will usually be the highest within a given casino, both
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online and offline, so it is perhaps no wonder that blackjack is such a hugely popular game. However, although the RTP is high in blackjack, the variance is low as the highest payout possible in one hand is limited to 3:2 (blackjack). In comparison to slot games for example where players are sometimes able to win up to several thousand
times their stake, blackjack players are unlikely to win a huge amount in one session. Remember that basic strategy does not guarantee that you will win money. In fact, even if you follow this guide to the letter the RTP will always be below 100%. Also, it is important that you stick with it, even if
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you get a run of bad results. Players who play according to basic strategy will always outperform those who make their decisions based on gut instinct in the long run. Similarly, it is a common misconception that basic strategy should only be used on the first card drawn - this is not true. It should be followed during every decision. Blackjack Strategy Chart Of course, the structure of basic strategy depends on the particular rules being played. Popular blackjack variations don’t make too much difference to basic strategy and so you should be confident that the general basic strategy presented here is close enough to cover certain common variations such as the dealer hitting soft 17 and double-down after splitting. As mentioned previously, the RTP with standard ‘European’ rules is around 99.63% (if basic strategy is followed) but as will be discussed certain rules changes can affect this number. Interesting Fact: Blackjack played with one deck; the dealer stands on soft 17; doubles are allowed on any first two cards and not after splitting, is a even
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game - the deal house edge is zero, i.e. the average RTP is 100%. The structure of basic strategy depends on the rules being played and although these are usually the same amongst casinos (both online and offline) there are occasionally slight variations. This guide will focus on the most common rules of blackjack encountered in the vast majority of online casinos, however, rule variations and their impact on basic strategy will be briefly discussed also. The most important rules which occasionally differ and have an impact on basic strategy are whether the dealer must hit on a soft/hard 17 and the ability to surrender. The following basic strategy guide will therefore not consider such situations which is often referred to as a total-dependent strategy. The basic strategy table outlines the best decisions for a player not counting cards. It is true that the cards that constitute a hand, other than the inclusion of an ace, have an influence on the chances of the correct decision to be made in certain situations, however, this is only a relevant consideration in very few situations and when using one deck. As
such it an insignificant consideration for internet blackjack. This type of strategy is referred to as composition-dependent strategy rather than a totaldependent strategy which does not deviate from basic strategy regardless of the cards which appear in a hand. Split Always split aces. Although the player will only receive one further card on both aces, 11 is such a strong starting number that even the limit of one further card stall makes it the best decision to make. Similarly, always split 8-8. For all other circumstances in which splitting is recommended, refer to the basic strategy chart. Insurance Quite simply: never take insurance. It is more profitable in the long term to risk losing your initial stake than to protect it against the dealer hitting blackjack. Double-down Doubling-down is perhaps the single best way of reducing the house edge when playing a blackjack session. By doubling your stake in a very strong
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position you can capitalise on these positions of strength and swing the balance of power away from the dealer. As a rule of thumb, you should always double-down on 11, except when against an ace and you should also double on a 10 (also 5-5), except when against an ace or a dealer’s 10. You should double-down on 9 against a dealer’s 3, 4, 5, and 6. As explained in the rules, some tables restrict doubling to 9, 10, and 11, but for those that allow it on other hands (both early and late) there a number of situations in soft hands in which it is recommended to doubledown. Finally, as shown on the chart, if it is not possible to double-down you should hit apart from four situations where it is recommended to stand: when a player has soft 18 and the dealer has either 3,4,5, or 6. Surrender As explained in the rules section, surrender allows the player to escape from a particularly unfavourable position in which neither hitting or standing are preferable. In these exceptional circumstances, surrendering your hand and sacrificing half your
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stake will result in losing less in the long term. The only times basic strategy recommends the player to surrender is when the player has hard 15, dealer has a 10 or when the player has hard 16 and the dealer has either 9, 10, or A. If the player is not permitted to surrender (if the table is restricted to early surrender only or if it is not allowed at all) they should hit.
The number of decks used by the dealer in blackjack has a very slight effect on the house advantage.
Side Bets
As you can see, the difference is pretty small but generally speaking the fewer decks used, the better. It is very rare to see double or eight deck games online and the most common being four or six, however, some sites do offer single deck blackjack. Single deck blackjack is often limited to one hand only and the cards are shuffled after every hand so the advantage here would only be found during exceptional hands in which a large number of one particular card, e.g. ace, appears many times and is an important factor in further decisions.
Many blackjack games, both online and offline, give the player the option to participate in one or more side bets that operate separately but alongside a normal hand. Note: players must place a stake on the ‘normal’ blackjack hand if they want to participate in any side bets. In the blackjack rules section, two common side bets are explained, Perfect Pairs and Luck Lucky, however variations of these side bets plus countless other special ones exist, some exclusive to certain casinos only. Generally speaking, side bets are not recommended. They almost never offer value to the player and the house edge is much larger than the normal game. Number of Decks
Number of decks House advantage: • Single deck 0.17% • Double deck 0.46% • Four decks 0.60% • Six decks 0.64% • Eight decks 0.65%
Strategy for Blackjack Variations at 888 Casino There are multiple versions of blackjack available at 888 Casino and although
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most of them are only slight variations of the normal rules of blackjack stated here, some of the games require a slightly different strategy in order to optimise your chances of winning. Below, the variations are listed and appropriate alterations to basic strategy are explained. Classic Blackjack Classic Blackjack features 4 decks, no side bets, betting limits between 1 and 3000 and with normal rules (i.e. dealer stands on all 17s, doubles allowed on 9,10,11). Basic strategy should be used and the only difference between this variation and the others is that Classic Blackjack allows the player to choose
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to play alongside other players, just like in a real casino. In public tables, up to three players can play simultaneously. However, this does not affect the optimal strategy for each player. In public tables, each player is restricted to just one hand each. Blackjack The most common variation of blackjack with 6 decks, no side bets, limits between 1 and 1500 and normal rules. The basic strategy guide is optimised for this version of the game. Blackjack at 888 Casino allows players to play up to 5 hands simultaneously. Players can also choose the ‘Turbo’ option which speeds up hands considerably
by cutting out the dealer animations. American Blackjack As stated in the blackjack rules, there are several key differences between American Blackjack and it’s European cousin (often just referred to as Blackjack in online casinos), however, in 888 Casino’s version the dealer stands on all 17s rather than hitting soft 17. The most noticeable difference is the dealer’s hole card in American Blackjack, however, this has little to no relevance in online play. The hole card is considered somewhat important, although mainly to superstitious players if there are multiple people in the hand. Therefore, there
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is no overall significant change to basic strategy in this American version. ‘Turbo’ is also available in American Blackjack. Blackjack Premium and American Blackjack Premium The ‘Premium’ version simply refers to the betting limits which can be extended all the way to 10,000 units if you are so inclined. Three betting limit classes are on offer before the game begins which change the minimum and maximum limits, however, the strategy is the same for normal rules. Crazy Blackjack Crazy Blackjack is quite different from most of the other varieties available on 888 Casino and involves three side bet options. You play against the dealer in a private, multi-hand (up to three simultaneously) table with three betting limits classes. The total betting limit per hand is the sum of the side bet and regular blackjack bet limits. The three side bets are ‘777 Jackpot’, ‘Highest Hand Bet’ and ‘Safe Bet’. 777 Jackpot gives players the chance to win 1500 units from a 1 unit stake if your first three
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cards (two initial and first card hit) are all 7. If they are all the 7 of spades the player will win 30000. There is not too much value here and the odds suggest it is not worth it. However, it can give a very jackpot win which is normally not possible in blackjack. Highest Hand asks players to guess which hand they are playing will be the highest total. It is only applicable when playing two hands in which a correct bet pays 1:1 or three hands which pays 2:1. If you receive blackjack this win increases to 2:1 two-handed and up to 7:2 when three hands are played simultaneously. It offers decent value and if you’re feeling lucky it could be worth a gamble. Note: Highest Hand can only be placed on one hand. Similarly, Safe Bet gives decent value by giving the player the chance to win with a bad starting hand (12,13,14,15, or 16 and not containing an ace or two cards of the same value). It only pays out 3:2 so it not as good value as Highest Hand but as it protects bad starting hands you might consider it a decent offer (although of course, you lose on good hands reducing your potential
winnings). Safe Bet can be played on up to three hands simultaneously. Spanish 21 Spanish 21 has a significant change in rules compared to the other versions. These are: • The player can double on any 3rd card • 8 decks are used • The player may split all 10s • The player can split only once • The player can surrender (both early and late) • Double after splitting is allowed • The dealer hits on all 17s Probably the most significant change in Spanish 21 compared to blackjack is the absence of the number 10 card. All picture cards remain in the deck but the lack of the 10 increases the house edge but this is evened out by various other rules changes which benefit the player. In addition to the rule changes stated above, there are also several bonuses that are paid out to players without the need for any side bet wagers. These are:
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• 5 card 21 (21 points with 5 cards) - pays 3:2 instantly • 6 card 21 (21 points with 6 cards) - pays 2:1 instantly • 7+ card 21 (21 points with 7 cards or more) 3:1 instantly • 6,7,8 or 7,7,7 mixed suits - pays 3:2 • 6,7,8 or 7,7,7 same suit pays 2:1
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• 6,7,8 or 7,7,7 all spades pays 3:1 • 7,7,7 same suit when dealer also has a 7 shown - pays 50:1
decks, Multi-hand Blackjack players should follow the basic strategy guide. The minimum bet is 1 coin and the maximum is 3000. ¦
Live Blackjack The strategy for Live Blackjack is the same as basic strategy.
SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.
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Multi-hand Blackjack With no side bets and 4
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YOUR FAMILY TRAVEL PACKING L BY: TRAVELCHANNEL.COM
No matter what the destination, keep your family on track with these packing tips for infants, small children, teens and parents. Summer is well underway, and so is the peak travel season for many Americans. Whether you’re traveling to a nearby beach or water park, hopping a 56
plane or packing up for a road trip, it can be hectic keeping track of everything that you’ll need. And unfortunately, when you don’t use some type of list, things get forgotten in the madness. When we first started traveling as a family, I was charged with packing ev-
eryone’s luggage. Although I considered myself fairly organized, I didn’t use a packing list — and inevitably, I’d forget someone’s goggles or after-shave lotion. Eventually, I created a system and made individualized packing lists for everyone in my house. Not only did having these lists keep me organized and wwwfirstclasstours.net
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LIST
remind me what to pack, they also took the pressure off me to pack for everyone else. True, your overall summer packing list can vary, depending on destination, planned activities and mode of transportation. However, there are essential items needed for every trip. Check www.firstclasstours.net
out these suggestions to keep your family organized while traveling.
You also don’t want to forget your baby’s pacifier, nightlight and favorite blanket.
Packing for Infants
Remember: As you’re packing your baby’s footies, clothes, swim diapers, visor, swimwear, cup, bowl and utensils, you may want to consider grabbing his washcloth and towel as well. Your baby’s sensitive skin isn’t
Packing for a baby requires the most attention and planning. Formula, diapers, baby wipes, onesies and bottles are necessities that you can’t leave home without.
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ready to be exposed to the hotel’s commercial laundry detergent. And while you’re thinking about their skin, it’s also a good idea to carry a tube of A+D ointment, baby powder and a thermometer for extra precaution. Packing for Toddlers and School-Age Kids The key to packing for an infant is to carry any and every item that will keep them happy during the journey. This is where your Gerber snacks, Baby Einstein toys and Disney storybooks become your best friends. Thankfully, your toddler or school-age children are less dependent and can help you with the packing process. Giving them this responsibility helps build their excitement for your family vacation and also teaches them organizational skills early on.
pack their own bags with all the necessities to keep them entertained. Remember: Teenagers can be fun to travel with because of their independence and helpfulness. No longer babies (for the most part), they can pack their own bags with all the necessities to keep them entertained. Packing for Mom and Dad Mom’s packing list is probably the most intricate list, aside from the baby’s. Personally, where my boys and my husband can share their multi-compartment American Airlines suitcase, I have to pack and carry separate luggage for myself.
I faithfully use my Kathy Van Zeeland set because not only is it cute, it’s expandable and can work as either checked luggage or a carry-on. It has half a dozen Remember: While your kids compartments, so if any of may remember to pack them are empty, I can detertheir toothbrushes, gogmine that I may have forgotgles, clothes and socks, they ten something, even without might not think about their looking at a packing list. The swim shoes or even Bandexternal compartments are Aids for those potential vaca- perfect for slipping in a pair tion mishaps. of shoes or liquid toiletries, thereby keeping my clothes Packing for Teenagers protected from dirt or mishaps. In addition to what Teenagers can be fun to everyone else is carrying, my travel with because of their luggage is filled with makeindependence and helpup, nail-care supplies, perfulness. No longer babies fume, a flat-iron and a min(for the most part), they can iature bottle of hairspray.
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One could argue that Dad probably has the most streamlined packing list in the family. My husband can fill up the compartments of a Scottevest travel vest and a backpack and be happy. However, while Dad is trying to keep things simple, he may overlook less obvious items, such as a miniature flashlight, hand sanitizer, bug repellant and cleansing cloths in case his hands get dirty. Remember: If you’re traveling overseas, carry an outlet converter, a global phone, an external cell phone battery and a small roll of toilet paper — you never know when you’ll walk into a bathroom without any. Our carry-on is also always filled with our electronics, a change of clothes, essential miniature toiletry items and a Tide detergent pod, just in case our luggage is lost or delayed. ¦
SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.
CLICK HERE.
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FIRST CLASS
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INTRODUCING THE TEXAS BLUE SKY AND THE TEXAS TRAILBLAZER.
Thank you for becoming part of First Class Tours History. After our successful naming contest, we are pleased to announce the winners. We received over xx name ideas. Thank you for your participation.
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SOME OF THE GREAT NAME SUGGESTIONS THAT WE RECEIVED! The Texas Star The Texas Coast The Texas Eagle The Texas Fantom The Texas Lighten Rod The Texas Tango! The Texas TWO STEP The Texas Trail Blazer The Texas Dream The Texas Honor The Texas Way The TexasTornado The Texas Incentive The Texas Tidalwave The Texas Whisperer The Texas Dreamer The Texas Cruiser The Texas Valor The Texas Bluebonnet The Texas Lone Star Blackhawk! Texas Roadrunner The Texas Cut & Shoot Texas First Class Classic Tours The Texas Blue Bell The Texas Skyline The Texas Hopper Texas Tee The Texas Energizer The Texas Classic Texas Twister Texas Pride Texas Bullet Texas Come And Take It
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The Texas Thing Texas Strength The Texas my Texas The Texas Guld Stream Texas Elite The Texas Executive The Texas Trooper The Texas Stomper The Texas Express The Texas Scholar The Texas Two Step The Texas Bluebonnet The Texas longhorn The Texas Lonestar Road Master Houston Strong First Class The Texas Monarch The Texas Woodpecker Texas Troubadour Texas Outlaw Texas Red Headed Stranger Texas Roadmaster Texas Mist Texas Globetrotting Texas Globetrotter Texas Tomorrow Texas Dream Catcher Texas unlimited Texas True Texas Red White and Blue Texas King of the Road Texas Bluesman Texas Thunder Coach TRIPPERS
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HOW TO PLAN A MEANINGFUL VACATION: TIPS FOR MAKING TRIPS UNFORGETTABLE BY: DISCOVER CORPS
When you plan a vacation, what aspects of the trip do you usually consider during the planning process? Dates, destinations, and day-to-day details are probably at the top of that list. Usually we pick a place that we’re interested in traveling to and then fill in the details from there.
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But what about the feeling that you want to have when you walk away from your vacation? How much thought do you usually put into how a given trip will transform you? This isn’t something that most families consider when they plan trips. I haven’t always been so
intentional about this aspect of my own travels. But I’ve recently come to realize that the feelings I want my trips to inspire are a really important element. It’s hard to beat walking away from a vacation not only with wonderful memories, but also with that feeling you get when an experience
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is particularly special or precious to you. So what are the components of a meaningful vacation? And how do we ensure that our travel experiences live up to this somewhat intangible expectation? Each of us is different in
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terms of what we find most beneficial. But we’ve put together a few suggestions of how to plan a meaningful vacation that will change you for the better‌ Plan Trips Around an Interest Many of us have particular interests that can be
deepened by a meaningful vacation. Including these passions or hobbies in our travels is a great way to ensure that our trips are truly memorable. In fact, some travelers are so invigorated by these types of vacations that they continue to prioritize travel around their hobbies year after year.
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Take history buffs, for example. Many travelers who have a passion for historical events seek experiences around the world that add to their understanding of them. They may visit Belize to learn more about Mayan temples, or visit museums in Egypt to learn more about the Pharaohs. By experiencing things that they have previously only read about in books or seen in documentaries, their passion comes alive in an entirely new way. There are, of course,
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countless ways to plan a trip around your hobbies or interests. It all just depends what you like to do. Are you a spiritual person? In recent years, yoga retreats have gained popularity as a way for travelers to deepen their practice, unplug, and recharge, often in a naturally beautiful place. Discover Corps recently launched a Yoga and Culture Exploration in Cuba for both beginning and advanced yogis who want to visit the famed island nation and share in
the yoga practice of local Cubans. Planning a meaningful vacation around your hobby isn’t as challenging as you’d think, especially since there really is something for everyone. The tough part is just deciding which of your interests to you want explore! Check Off an Experience from Your Bucket List Another way to create a meaningful vacation is to create your own world
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travel bucket list. Most of us have a list– whether it’s committed to paper or not– of the things we want to do, places we want to see, and adventures we want to have in our life. The items we choose to put on our bucket list are special to us for a reason: They somehow excite us, inspire us, or call to us. It makes sense that a meaningful vacation might include checking one, two, or ten items off of your bucket list of dream experiences. So the next
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time you’re planning a trip, think about that list of yours and prioritize. Have you always wanted to take a photo on Princess Diana’s iconic bench at the Taj Mahal? Plan a trip to India, or join an organized trip there, including the Taj in your itinerary. You’ll surely have a meaningful vacation, simply because you’ve brought a dream to fruition. Or maybe your goal is to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, go
to Munich’s original Oktoberfest, or spot the Big Five on an authentic African safari? These are all once-in-a-lifetime experiences. And whether you’re adventuring solo or sharing them with loved ones, you’ll never forget them. Help Others Of course, we here at Discover Corps think that one of the best ways to plan a meaningful vacation is to include a volunteer experience in the trip.
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When you’re working in service to others, you gain a more comprehensive understanding of the lives that others live. In doing so, you gain an entirely new appreciation for the place you’re visiting. For this reason, volunteer travel has become an increasingly popular choice for those who want to vacation while also making a difference. With many different experiences to choose from, travelers are able to select trips that align the places they’re
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interested in exploring with the projects that they’re excited to contribute to. If you want to work with local children, selecting a program that arranges work with schools or NGOs serving youth can place you in a position to gain the rich experience you’re looking for. If you want to contribute to wildlife conservation, there are programs to help protect the animals you love, as well as the environments they call home.
Volunteer travel an excellent way to share deeper interactions with locals in the community you’re visiting, and to learn more about a new place. But it also allows travelers to feel good about their time spent abroad. And it’s difficult to imagine a more meaningful vacation experience than that. – Sara McDaniel. ¦ SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.
CLICK HERE.
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OVERNIGHT TRIPS! TICKETS START AT $49 PP/DBL
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WHERE TO GO. WHAT TO DO.
m e M
A DEFINITIVE LIST OF THE BEST, HOTTEST, HIPPEST, COOLEST, DOWNRIGHT AWESOME GROUP TRAVEL IDEAS THIS SIDE OF... WELL ANYWHERE!
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s e ri
o m
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HOUSTON WORLD SERIES OF DOG SHOWS
ELECTRIC OCEAN
THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF SHERLOCK HOLMES
AFTER DARK AT HOUSTON ZOO
AIA SANDCASTLE COMPETITION
SHAKIRA - EL DORADO WORLD TOUR
July 18-22, 2018 @ NRG Park
April 30 - September 30, 2018 @ Houston Museum of Natural Science
August 25, 2018 @ 1923 Boddeker Rd., Galveston, TX
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June 15 - August 12, 2018 @ SeaWorld San Antonio
July 19, 2018 @ Houston Zoo)
August 22, 2018 @ Toyota Center
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PEACOCK IN THE DESERT: THE ROYAL ARTS OF JODHPUR, INDIA
THE LION KING
FÊTE ROUGE
LOVE NEVER DIES
CHRISTMAS EXPO HOLIDAY LIGHTING & DECORATING CONFERENCE
DALLAS BRIDAL SHOW
June 13 - July 7, 2018 @ Music Hall at Fair Park
May 8 - August 19, 2018 @ Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
August 17, 2018 @ Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel
July 3 - August 5, 2018 @ Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc.
July 29, 2018 @ Dallas Market Hall
July 19-21, 2018 @ Mesquite Championship Rodeo at Mesquite Arena
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GOTTMAN 7 PRINCIPLES WORKSHOP FOR COUPLES
FIRST LADIES: STYLE OF INFLUENCE
GLADYS KNIGHT & THE O’JAYS
OUT OF BOUNDS COMEDY FESTIVAL
BODY MIND SPIRIT EXPO
BAT FEST
August 4, 2018 @ Frisco/Plano, TX
August 8, 2018 @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
July 21-22, 2018 @ Palmer Events Center
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May 22 - October 1, 2018 @ George W. Bush Library and Museum
August 28 - September 3, 2018 @ various locations
August 18, 2018 @ Congress Avenue Bridge
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BALCONES HEIGHTS JAZZ FESTIVAL
SUMMER ARTISAN SHOW
SAN ANTONIO FILM FESTIVAL
SHAKIRA
AUSTIN PRIDE FESTIVAL & PARADE
AUSTIN CHRONICLE HOT SAUCE FESTIVAL
July 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2018 @ Wonderland of the Americas Amphitheater
August 1-5, 2018 @ Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
August 11, 2018 @ Fiesta Gardens
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July 27-29, 2018 @ the River Walk extension
August 24, 2018 @ AT&T Center
August 26, 2018 @ Fiesta Gardens
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DIRTY LINEN NIGHT
August 11, 2018 @ 200 - 1000 Block of Royal Street
NOLA DOWNTOWN MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
TALES OF THE COCKTAIL
SATCHMO SUMMERFEST
BRFC FALL FASHION FEST 2018
BATON ROUGE ENERGY VENTURE CAMP 2018
July 17-22, 2018 @ French Quarter
August dates TBD, Tin Roof Brewing Co.
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August 24, 2018 @ Downtown / CBD / Warehouse District
August 3-5, 2018 @ French Quarter
July 16-20, 2018 @ LSU Digital Media Center
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ITALIAN HERITAGE FESTA July 22, 2018 @ Belle of Baton Rouge Atrium
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BATON ROUGE ARTS MARKET
August date TBD, 5th & Main Street
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HOW TO FIND CHEAP ACCOMMODATION BY: NOMADICMATT.COM 78
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Accommodation is one of the biggest fixed costs travelers have and reducing that cost can lead to big savings! I’m sure many backpackers would sleep in a barn if it was the cheapest accommodation they could find! No matter what your accommodation tastes may be, one thing everyone has in common is that no one wants to pay a fortune for it. In fact, one of the best ways to take a cheap holiday is to cut down on accommodation costs. Since you have to stay somewhere every night, reducing this expense can save you a lot of money off the total cost of your trip. Next to finding a cheap flight, finding free or inexpensive lodging will have the biggest impact on your budget. Luckily, there are a number of ways travelers can find a
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decent place to stay without forking over their entire vacation fund:
local.
I use this site all the time, and I think it’s one of the Hospitality Exchanges greatest things to happen in travel. While I love the fact One of the best ways to get I can get out of hostels and free accommodation is by hotels and save money, what staying with someone who draws me to the site over lives where you’re going. Stay and over again is that I get with a local who will give to see the local side of a city. you a free place to rest your I get taken to parties, and head, local information, and restaurants, and sites that someone to hang out with! aren’t in any guidebook. There are a few websites that make this happen: A lot of times, people are scared to couchsurf because Couchsurfing they wonder if it’s safe. I was nervous about it at first, Global Freeloaders too. There you are, in a new city, with all your stuff — in Hospitality Club a stranger’s home. What if they try to murder you in Stay4Free your sleep? What if they Couchsurfing is my favorite. steal your stuff? However, I’ve The goal of the site is to found that people who are help travelers not only save willing to open their homes money on accommodation to strangers tend to be but also learn about the very open-minded people, local culture by being able and are also usually former to stay and interact with a travelers. They know what
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you are going through. They want to help. Couchsurfing is aware of this and take many steps to provide security. It offers various levels of verification and allows users to rate and leave comments on people’s profiles. When I am looking for a Couchsurfing host, I use the following criteria: • There has to be a picture with the profile. This just shows me that it’s a real person. • The profile has to be filled out – It shows they are interested and involved. Most people aren’t going to spend the time to
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fill this out if they aren’t going to be comfortable with strangers in their home. If someone hasn’t bothered to fill out the profile, they probably don’t use the site and I simply move on. • They should have reviews – If other people have stayed with or have at least traveled with the host and had a good experience, you and your stuff will probably be fine. You might not get along with the host but at least you know they aren’t a creep. The more positive reviews, the better.
• Verification helps – Couchsurfing offers different levels of verification. People can be verified by other travelers, with a mailing address, or with a credit card. Knowing that a person has been verified reduces the likelihood that they are going to be a crazy psycho killer. However, if someone isn’t verified but has a lot of reviews, that’s O.K. with me. No matter what, you need to use your own judgment but I haven’t heard of any really bad couchsurfing experiences, besides the
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host being a jerk or a little anti-social. Usually, you end up talking with hosts over e-mail to get a feel for them and what they expect. If it doesn’t seem right, don’t do it! But once you couchsurf for the first time, you see that it really isn’t that bad. If you do it frequently, you’ll end up saving hundreds upon hundreds of dollars on accommodation and making friends around the world. Hostels Hostels are another option for budget travelers. In hostels, rooms are dormitory-style with all
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the facilities shared. Many people think of hostels as a “young thing” and are not interested in sleeping in a dormitory. Yet people do not often realize that many hostels offer small rooms, singles, and doubles designed for solo travelers or couples. I have met people in hostels in their 50s and 60s. The myth they are dirty, gross places to stay designed for young people is wrong. Many hostels offer more amenities than hotels, the new ones are really clean, and as young people expect more comfort, hostels are cleaning up their ways. These aren’t the hostels you see in movies.
I think hostel dorms are the best value for budget travelers. The bigger the room, the cheaper the cost. Yes, you have to share a room with a lot of people, but if you are on a budget, it is your best way to save money. If you are traveling in a group, you could get one of the dorms for your entire group and not have to share with strangers. While many hostels are geared toward young travelers, and set age limits, some of the bigger international chains such as YHA and Hostelling International focus more on older or group travelers.
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But I’ve seen families, tour groups, and older travelers in hostels all over the world. A hostel is really for anyone who wants to meet other travelers, regardless of age. Hostels are safe, secure, and cheap. Don’t overlook them — even if you’re not part of the young backpacker set. My favorite hostel booking website is Hostelworld. They have the best inventory, deals, and interface. Home Exchange Another good way to get cheap accommodation is a home exchange program. This probably works best for older travelers who already own a home. These programs have been around
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for a long time but are growing in popularity due to good marketing and wordof-mouth on the Internet. Home exchanges are just like they sound — for a set amount of time, you swap homes with a family from another country. It’s a great way to live cheaply abroad.
do this are like-minded, so the chances of something going wrong are slim. Moreover, the family sends a few people to check up on you when you arrive. You can get all the comforts of home (hot water, laundry, etc.) while in another city, without paying for it.
Most people don’t do this because they worry about security — but remember that the other family is trusting you with their home, too. Sites that facilitate home exchanges usually have various levels of verification and security similar to Couchsurfing. Families talk to each other over phone and e-mail, and there’s no commitment if you find that it’s not right for you. Most people who
For more information on home exchange, check out Home Exchange. This website was featured in the movie “The Holiday,” which did a lot to alleviate people’s fears over home exchange and bring this travel option into the mainstream. Some of the other home exchange websites are: Seniors Home Exchange, IHEN, and Home for Exchange. If swapping homes isn’t your
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thing, then consider housesitting as an alternative. In exchange for watching and cleaning someone’s home while they are away, you’ll get a place to stay in the area you are visiting. Good house-sitting sites include: Mind My House, House Carers, Luxury House Sitting Short Term Rentals Similar to home exchanges, rentals allow people to stay in furnished apartments while traveling. These apartments can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and provide many more amenities. They are great if you plan to spend a week or more in one place. You’ll get all the comforts of home
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without spending a fortune.
reduce your food costs.
You can find a lot of rentals in Europe and Australia, where apartments tend to be rented on a weekby-week basis. These apartments are a nice bridge between a hostel and hotel, though they can get a bit expensive if you are a solo traveler. They are roughly double the cost (if not more) than a hostel dorm room. However, if you are part of a group or a couple and are looking for a respite from the dorms and hordes of travelers but don’t want a hotel room, this is your ideal accommodation option. Another reason to use this method? You get a kitchen, allowing you to cook and
My favorite rental websites are: Wimdu Airbnb Roomorama Farm Stays Want to live on a farm but not work like you would with WWOOFing? Try a farm stay. Farm stays allow you to stay on working farms, learn how a farm works, possibly get involved in the workings of the farm (milk that cow!), and enjoy a number of organized outdoor activities. Facilities range from basic camping to luxury rooms
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depending on the farm, but in general it’s like you’re staying at a bed and breakfast. Prices vary widely depending on where you are in the world but generally, expect to pay the price of a budget hotel (so at least $40 USD per night). Here’s a list of resources to find a farm stay: Farm Stay UK Farm Stay Accommodation
very spartan, containing no more than a bed and desk, with simple meals prepared by the monks and nuns. Monasteries are very familyfriendly and quiet (most also have curfews). While many monasteries cost at least $50 USD a night per person (many have dorms for half that price), most simply ask for donations or are free, making them an amazing budget option too.
Farm Stay US
Resources for finding a monastery stay:
Farm Stay Australia
Monastery Stays Locations
Monastery Stays
How to Stay in a Monastery
Want something totally off the beaten track? Stay in a monastery. Accommodation in these monasteries is often
15 great Monastery Stays
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The next time you head out on the road, consider one these options to lower your accommodation costs. Get out of the hotel mindset! They will help you reduce your expenses, freeing up more money so you can do activities, eat out, drink more, and overall, experience the destination you saved so long to visit. ¦
SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.
CLICK HERE.
Monastery Stays Around the World (CNN)
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FCT NEWS UPCOMING OVERNIGHT TRIPS AUGUST 5-11 2018 TWENTY YEARS STRONG FIRST CLASS IN EVERY WAY
Las Vegas Trip
$549 $729 PER PERSON – DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
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HOW TO BOOK BOOK ONLINE AT FIRSTCLASSTRIPS.NET OR BY CALLING OUR OFFICE AT 281.590.8800