North of the Las Vegas Strip, in the heart of the city and as the oldest area of ​​the city, is the so-called Downtown, whose main artery is Freemont Street. This area, before the birth of the Las Vegas Strip, was the most visited. Although it has lost boom, it still maintains great tourist and cultural attractions. One of them is the large Freemont Street Experience shopping center, a vaulted space and part of the mentioned street, completely pedestrianized, with about four blocks of area and with all kinds of shops, restaurants, attractions and even two casino-hotels. Just behind this center there is a museum for the little ones, the Discovery, and to the northwest, a series of museums to get to know the city as the “The Mob Crime Museum.” Natural History Museum of Las Vegas and the Neon Museum that stores and exhibits all the historical icons that have made this city popular. In the area you can also enjoy nightlife in bars such as Longbar and Atomic Liquors, or shop in a multitude of outlet stores in the rest of Freemont Street. Sleeping in Las Vegas in this area also has its advantages since high prices are in the middle strip. You can also choose to stay in the popular Downtown Grand Las Vegas.

Within a 10-minute walk of Greyhound Bus Terminal, Downtown Grand Las Vegas is easily accessible, making it the perfect place to experience Las Vegas. Rooms have air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Hotel guests in Downtown Grand Las Vegas can take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or relax on the rooftop terrace. Staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, will help you book tours and attractions. There is also a gym with a pool. The Downtown Grand Las Vegas rooms are well thought out and offer wireless internet access in the rooms. Some rooms are communicating, specially designed to accommodate families and groups. While staying at the Downtown Grand Las Vegas, guests can enjoy a unique dining experience in the property’s restaurant, which is ideal for those wishing to dine on site. In the late afternoon, guests can go to the cozy bar to relax. Popular Las Vegas attractions are within easy reach of the hotel, including Fremont Street Experience and Las Vegas City Hall, which are a 5-minute walk away. Its central location allows easy access to major cultural and leisure venues.

Surrounding the Downtown area are three points of interest that are the East, West and North Las Vegas, which are without doubt, very residential. In the case of North Las Vegas, southwest of the Nellis Air Force military base, many of its residents are military, making it a quiet area. It stands out for having, almost out of the city, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where NASCAR races and other international speed competitions are held.

Despite this, the area also has casino-hotels such as Cannery and Texas Station. As for shopping and leisure, like any residential area, there are numerous small restaurants and bars, and the main shopping area is North Las Vegas Boulevard.

To the southeast of the aforementioned area, it is also recommended to visit the East Las Vegas Strip. In this area there is also the university district, with the University of Nevada complex as the main attraction. Also, other places of interest like the Hard Rock Hotel Casino; The Boulevard Mall, and the Paradise Road shopping street, parallel to Las Vegas Boulevard and ending at McCaarran International Airport.

As for West Las Vegas, this is considered the western zone to the Strip and maintains the essence of the great tourist area, but it is not as luxurious and is more frequented by the local population. Even so, it is also a feasible option to stay in Las Vegas.

In fact, the casinos are smaller, in the case of the Orleans Palms; there are streets with small cinemas and bowling alleys, and the most famous bars are the Ghostbar, in the Orleans Palms casino, and the Bodo Lounge, in the Rio casino.

If you are planning on buying a new home in the United States, then understand that the U.S. real estate market is rather complicated. And, if you are a foreign-born citizen, then the process for you will be slightly different. Therefore, doing your research and being aware of the details will significantly help you in making the whole process more efficient.

Following are some essential tips that will help you successfully buy your own home in America.

1. The Basic Requirements

You don’t have to be a citizen to buy a home in America. However, you are required to have an individual taxpayer identification number. This number is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to foreign residents who file income tax returns. Additionally, you must hold a valid international passport along with current photo identification.

While property ownership is not associated with your visa or immigration status, there are rules with regards to how long you can stay in the country. So, before you think about buying a new home, look into the visa requirements.

2. It is Better to Get a Mortgage

Buying a property in the USA is an expensive affair, so if you are thinking of saving money and building equity, you might have to wait a while. However, if you have a regular flow of income, you can quickly get a mortgage on the house. Even if you have certain budget constraints, there are still many secure and affordable mortgage options that may fit within your perquisites. If you are planning to get a mortgage, make sure that you build a good credit score. The eligibility of your loan highly depends on the credit score you hold.

3. Paying for Property in All-Cash

If you do have enough money to buy a new home in all-cash, you certainly can do so. However, all cash transactions above USD 10,000 must be reported to the federal government. All the parties, including the purchaser, real estate agents, attorney, and title companies, will be involved while reporting the transaction. And the government may also ask you how you have earned the money to verify whether it was acquired legally.

4. Hire Certified Realtor

Ensure the realtor that you hire is certified international property specialist (CIPS). Hiring an experienced realtor will help you safeguard your interests. Moreover, request your agent to explain the home buying process in the USA thoroughly. Knowing how homes are bought and sold, and understanding the inspection and negotiation process will help you get good deals.

5. Plan Out Your Finances

Creating a financial plan beforehand can help you in the whole process. Consider all the expenses you will have to bear as a homeowner such as mortgage, insurance, property tax, maintenance costs, etc. By knowing all your costs associated with the house, you will be aware of how much money you have to set aside for such continuous expenses.

Buying a home in the USA is a bit complicated task. Therefore, it is essential to do your research and understand the process comprehensively to make a well-informed decision.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

When it comes to Metro Manila staycations, some of the first cities that come to mind are Quezon City, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, and Manila. These locations are jam-packed with hotels, malls, food parks, and other establishments to give you a pleasant break from the daily grind.

However, there’s another great location for city staycations, one that doesn’t get enough attention: Pasay City. Located in the central part of Metro Manila, Pasay has a lot to offer if you’re looking for an enjoyable, hassle-free holiday. Here are a few reasons why you should definitely have your next staycation in the “Travel City.”

Plenty of Hotels in All Price Ranges

One of the keys to a great staycation is a great hotel. Thankfully, there are plenty of hotels in Pasay that you can choose from. You can find 5-star hotels like Conrad Manila and Maxim’s, 3-star chains like Microtel Inn and Holiday Inn Express, as well as a wide range of budget apartments and hostels. What’s more, you’ll find that most of these accommodations are strategically located. Either they’re right smack in the middle of a CBD or very near transport routes and terminals, making it easier for you to reach them.

Variety of Activities

Unlike some locations where the most you can do is swim in the hotel pool, shop, and eat, Pasay has easy access to a variety of other activities. Do you want to go to a theme park? Star City is just a few minutes away, as is SM by the Bay, the mini theme park behind SM Mall of Asia that’s perfect for the kids. Do you want to watch a theatrical production? There’s CCP, Solaire, and Resorts World Manila. Do you want to try your luck in a casino? You can go to City of Dreams, Okada Manila, or Casino Filipino in Heritage Hotel.

There are also a lot of museums in Pasay, like the Philippine Air Force Museum and the GSIS Museum, if you’re looking for a more mentally enriching vacation. Of course, it’s also easy to get to Manila from Pasay to visit the Planetarium, the National Museum of Natural History, and more. You can also shop ‘til you drop, if you want. MOA has a great selection of boutiques and retail stores, while Newport Mall has some luxury brands. Finally, there are restaurants aplenty in Pasay City. Again, you can visit the malls and upscale hotels for a wide range of restaurant and buffet options. There’s also Seaside Dampa along Macapagal Boulevard, and individual establishments like Crisostomo, Song Do Won, and more.

Near the Airport

If you’re spending a couple of days in Metro Manila before flying to another destination, it’s a good idea to have a quick city staycation in Pasay. NAIA Terminals 2, 3, and 4 are located in the city, which means you don’t have to deal with too much traffic to make it to your flight on time. If your trip is for business, then you’ll be well-rested and ready for a barrage of meetings. If your trip is for pleasure, then you simply extended your vacation—which of course is always a good thing.

Vibrant Nightlife Scene

For those who love to party, Pasay is certainly no slouch when it comes to nightlife. There’s Centerstage KTV Bar in Seaside Boulevard, Padi’s Point in Savers Center, Salem International Complex along EDSA, and so many more. There’s also the Hard Rock Cafe in S Maison, House Manila and Bar 360 in Resorts World, C Lounge in Conrad Manila, Centerplay at City of Dreams, and Cove Manila in Okada. For those who prefer something more laidback, you can take a late-night stroll along the Baywalk or have a nightcap at Sunset Bar in Sofitel. Mind you, these are just a few of the restaurants, bars, and clubs that you can go to. There are so many other places you can visit—Google is your friend to find the best one for you.

There’s certainly more to Pasay than meets the eye. So the next time you have some days off, why not plan a staycation in this vibrant city. You’re sure to be pleasantly surprised!

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

Altea is a picturesque town located close to Benidorm in Spain, although it has almost the opposite atmosphere. Rather than being a hot spot for nightlife, Altea is a thoughtful and relaxing location. You’ll still find bars to visit and culinary excellence, but this town situation running down a cliff to the coast is a better place for seeing the culture Spain and the relaxing way of life.

Looking at Altea from the cost, it is easy to see why it is such a special town. The church is located on top of the large cliff; from which you’ll enjoy some breath-taking views. As the rest of the historic settlement surrounds this building, you get the sense of how the building was the centre of the community in the town’s past.

The culmination of this way of life is the frequent festivals held in the city.

The L’Abert

The L’Abert is a unique tradition to Altea. It is one of the few places you’ll find which has residents that still uphold these unique local rituals.

In accordance with their old ways, residents meet during the fiestas of San Juan. An ancient tree is carried from the base of the town up to the clifftop by the Church. It is planted here, with the assistance of some topes from the church building itself. This makes the churchyard a permanent reminder of the event you experienced. It is a magical process that you’ll want to return to watch every time.

Other festivals

While the L’Abert is something really unique, Altea takes the same interesting approach to more widely celebrated festivals too. If you manage to time your visit right, you can join in with their celebrations of the Moors and Christians, Holy Week, the Castell de l’Olla, and the night of San Juan.

While proceedings vary depending on the festival, each is a village-wide celebration. You may not get the scale of celebrations that you’ll find in a big city. However, spending these special times in Altea lets you see how an authentic Spanish village celebrates the big occasions in Spanish cultural life.

Living in Altea

Altea might offer special events at certain times of the year, but the town itself is worth visiting year-round. The medieval buildings are fantastic to walk around; the entire town can give you the type of idyllic experience that you’ll struggle to find at the more tourist-focused destinations.

If you are looking for a beautiful property for sale in Altea it will allow you to visit these festivals every year if you want to. Although most of the town is built on the hill, the amount of property for sale in Altea will give you lots of choice of whereabouts you’d want to set up shop or buy a holiday home. While the L’Abret and fiestas De Moros y Cristianos are major draws, the celebrations for the Holy Week in Altea aren’t to be missed either.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

Traveling to New York City to visit the Big Apple’s many landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, is a rite of passage for many Americans. This monument, in particular, represents freedom and the hope of a better life. In addition to the actual Statue, the site also features a 26,000 square foot museum with three gallery spaces designed to educate and inspire visitors as they learn more about its representation and meaning.

Guests to Liberty Island can also visit nearby Ellis Island to immerse themselves in the life of the early immigrant to the United States. Together, these two historical sites deliver an informative and moving experience. Here is everything that you need to know about planning your trip to this special monument.

GETTING THERE

In order to reach the Statue of Liberty, you must purchase a ticket through Statue Cruises. This transport is the only provider that is authorized by the National Parks Services to visit both the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island.

You can also visit the statue as part of the authorized New York CityPass. Ferries to the island can be caught from either Battery Park in Lower Manhattan or from Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

CHOOSING YOUR TICKETS

There are a variety of ways that you can experience the Statue of Liberty. Tickets to the crown are the most coveted passes. These must be purchased well in advance of your visit. You can also purchase a ticket to the pedestal, allowing you to climb the stairs to the balcony.

For those less adventurous travelers, you can decide to visit the museum and stroll the grounds of Liberty Island, taking in the majesty of the statue and the breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline.

WHERE TO STAY

There is no shortage of hotels close to the Statue of Liberty. If you want to make a trip to New York City part of your adventure, choosing a hotel in Lower Manhattan will provide the easiest access to the statue. The Residence Inn by Marriott New York Downtown Manhattan/World Trade Center Area is just a few short blocks from the ferry access in Battery Park. This hotel provides spacious suites, a complimentary hot breakfast, and easy access to all of the sites of New York City.

Or choose the Hyatt House Jersey City, with its modern suites and stunning views of the Big Apple just across the Hudson River. Conveniently located just next to the Exchange Place District, this hotel provides easy access to a myriad of restaurants and shopping opportunities to make your stay more comfortable. It is close to the ferry that can bring you right over to the Statue of Liberty.

WHERE TO EAT

Regardless of where your travels take you, it is easy to find a bite to eat before or after your visit to Lady Liberty. If traveling from New Jersey, the Exchange Place District delivers a cornucopia of mouth-watering options such as the Piggyback Bar and its Asian-inspired cuisine and waterfront views. The Porto Leggero offers premium Italian eats with an upscale vibe.

In Manhattan, you will find a bevy of options near the ferry terminal in Battery Park. Blue Smoke Battery Park City will satisfy your thirst for barbeque and bourbon or choose the Inatteso Pizzabar Casano with its Neopolitan-style pizzas.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

Atlanta, Georgia is home to some of the most historically-significant landmarks in the United States. This city was a key player in the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement of the 60’s. Needless to say, you could easily spend your time visiting history-making attractions during your time in Atlanta.

But what if that’s not your thing? You are probably wondering if Atlanta is even worth your time if you’re not overly enthusiastic about American history. Another thing you need to consider is the size of the group you’re travelling with. Many of these historical sites and landmarks aren’t always fit for catering to large groups.

For those travelling in Atlanta with a large group, your best bet is to hire an Atlanta charter bus service. Group members not interested in seeing historical sites? Here are a few ideas on unique group outings in Atlanta, Georgia.

ASW Distillery

This might not be the ideal outing for everyone, but those interested in alcohol will love a trip to ASW Distillery. During a trip here you’ll get to enjoy some aged whiskey and bourbon that Georgia natives have come to love. There is no need to make a reservation, but you should definitely consider booking a tour if you have a group of ten or more.

While at ASW Distillery, be sure to try Duality Double Malt. It is the world’s first whisky to mash, ferment, and distill rye and barley in the same batch. Not exactly sure what this means? You’ll learn all about during a tour of the distillery.

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

Whether you are a local or just visiting at the end of May, be sure to add the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival to your group’s itinerary. This year the festival will take place from May 30th to June 2nd in Midtown. It will feature some of the most well-known and under-the-radar food vendors from around the city.

Bad Axe Throwing

If you’re looking for something different to keep your group busy, Bad Axe Throwing is as unique as it gets. The team at BAT can make any bachelor party, corporate event, or special occasion a fun experience. Not only can axe throwing be exhilarating, it is a fun form of exercise and can even be turned into a team-building activity.

The Painted Pin

The Painted Pin is not your average bowling alley. Not only can you bowl here, but you can also order fancy cocktails at the upscale bar. Even if you don’t consider yourself an avid bowler, you’ll enjoy a night out at the Painted Pin. Their food menu includes everything from small bites to shareable pizzas.

Adult Big Wheel Club

Both Atlanta-based companies and out-of-town businesses love holding corporate events at the Adult Big Wheel Club. ABWC offers tons of team-building exercises that are not only fun, but also productive. Your team will have to work together using positive communication and teamwork to accomplish a common goal. Companies with a large number of employees can benefit big time from a trip to the Adult Big Wheel Club.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.