Top Ten Largest Las Vegas Resorts

Las Vegas is hands down one of the most visited cities in the United States. Tourists everywhere flock to the city of lights, fun and gambling all times of the year for an unforgettable experience. The many high-end casinos and resorts have painted a picture of Las Vegas that keeps its standards high. The following numbers are evidence of such.


Las Vegas now has a total hotel room inventory of over 148,000 according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. The ten largest resorts based on number of available rooms are all located on the Strip and collectively offer nearly 40,000 rooms. The following lists the ten largest Las Vegas resorts in descending order of rank ( based on number of guest rooms).

1. MGM Grand 5034

2. Luxor 4405

3. Mandalay Bay 4328

4. Venetian 4027

5. Aria 4004

6. Excalibur 3991

7. Bellagio 3933

8. Circus Circus 3767

9. Flamingo 3545

10. Caesars Palace 3348

Las Vegas currently boasts 14 of the world's 20 largest hotels. MGM Grand is number one in Vegas but ranks third worldwide. The largest hotel in the world is the Izmailovo Hotel in Moscow with 7500 rooms.

Whether you're planning on staying in one of these sure-to-be schnazzy resorts or one of the other many, you'll be in need of a vacation wardrobe to keep you fitting right in. To stock up your suitcase before jetting off shop Avenue Verde


Article by: Charles Higgins
Photo courtesy of Wiki Commons GNU Free Documentation license

One Bag Vacation? An Expert Packs It In

For nearly 15 years Jim Mercer has been performing his amazing vanishing act for live audiences.They come to see for themselves how he can make an entire vacation's worth of clothing disappear inside a single medium suitcase.

Jim Mercer, a travel concierge at Rooten's Travel Center in Irvine, teaches how to pack two weeks worth of clothing into a 22-inch suitcase. He says the methods shown can also be used for a more carry-on friendly 20-inch suitcase. All clothing is expected to be washed once using his methods. Apparently, with ease.

As a mother who for eight years never left the house without two bags, three pieces of equipment and at least one child, I appreciate traveling light.

Haven't you longed to be the jet-setter who carries one small bag that miraculously holds everything? A bag so light it leaves one hand free to toss your hair behind your shoulder?

Mercer, a travel concierge at Rooten's Travel Center in Irvine, notes this is a relatively recent travel fantasy.

"We used to encourage over-packing. Getting you to buy a five-piece set of luggage to take over to Europe, those were the good old days."

Thanks to baggage fees and weight restrictions, less is more has become the new standard of excellence. These days travel has become less glamorous and more casual, and Mercer has adjusted his presentation accordingly. When it comes to packing you can't take it all with you, but he believes that with efficiency you can take what really matters.

For starters, the luggage you lug has changed.

Four-wheeled suitcases have been replaced by two wheels and a pull-up handle. Cases have gotten lighter, shifting from plastics to polycarbonates. Now Mercer notices they are getting larger again.

If you can only check 50 pounds, he says choose a bag that weighs 15 pounds or less when it's empty.
Mercer, 50, sounds like a parent sending a child to the first day of school. Roll your eyes, but it's advisable to listen to his advice.

He preaches the gospel of essentials and versatility.

"If you travel to get away," he asks, "why take it all with you?"

His advice is to start making a pile, a month before the trip, of everything you absolutely have to pack. Then, the day you pack, put half of it back into the closet.

"Half the stuff we typically take on a trip we don't need."

Clearly, Mercer is the kind of guy who would actually prune his garden.

In his demonstration he starts with the carry on, listing item-by-item the things a traveler needs in a bag that will fit under the seat.

Then he moves on to the mother lode: one checked, 22-inch suitcase for an entire vacation.

The litmus test: "How many times can I get this to work for me on my trip? If it's only once, the likelihood is that you really don't need it."

That means no more than three pairs of shoes and a wardrobe of versatile neutrals including bottoms that each match two tops and can be worn at least twice.The real estate inside your suitcase is more valuable than waterfront property: There's not much, so fill it carefully.

Mercer is a fan of rolling clothes before packing and using a modular packing system. He touts cubes and folders and kits as ways to fit more in and as easier ways to take stuff out.

"If I took it all out of the packet organization, I could never get it all in there. It just doesn't fit ... A lot of people are very skeptical, until they start using it."

Mercer sure strikes a chord with me.

In the days when my home was a succession of apartments, I never wanted to buy a couch. Real furniture, I reasoned, was a harbinger of responsibilities I wasn't ready to assume.

Everywhere I would live, from then on, I would have to take along that couch.

Couches and suitcases are not exactly a metaphor for life, but both definitely make it harder to move.

As a travel concierge, Mercer does much more than sell luggage.

"I take customers through the process: What do they need for the intricacies of this trip? It's more problem solving."

There's no hard sell here, but it's easy to be dazzled by the array of accessories – like a compression bag to suck the air out of your sweaters or compression socks to improve blood circulation on a plane.

He notes that the Orange County traveler is fairly sophisticated. We tend to take longer trips with itineraries that combine several destinations. He sees a number of grandparents taking grandchildren on an adventure. Security has also become a far bigger concern. Years ago Mercer didn't always discuss it, but now it's his first topic.

He covers the global threats, from pickpockets to security screening. If you're planning to travel abroad, then the details of TSA locks and passports will enthrall. A group dynamic takes hold as audience members share their own insider tips.

Who knew, for example, that the chemicals used in dry cleaning can register as explosives if you pack your clothes inside that same plastic bag? Who knew someone standing across the street can scan and read the chip embedded in your passport or credit card?

As for Mercer himself, well, he grabbed a bag and traveled a lot in his younger years. Now he's more partial to cruises – less unpacking.

For women's resort wear shop Avenue Verde
Article by Teryl Zarnow

Cool Down With A Hot Summer Dress

Although the worst is over, the memory of last week's heat wave has us clinging to our shorts, flip-flops, and ice-cold bottles of water. On days when it would be most comfortable to forgo clothing altogether, what is the first item you reach for before heading into the sauna? For many women, that item is the sundress.

Long a staple of every woman's wardrobe, sundresses are the ultimate in comfort on a hot, sticky day. I'm convinced that the worst thing about being a man is that it is socially unacceptable to don one, although I wouldn't judge a fellow for wearing one when the temps soar above 90.



Unlike stifling pants, shorts that ride up and skirts that cling to the hips, sundresses are easy to throw on and require little in the way of accessorizing. If you are planning on eventually heading into an air-conditioned climate, a light sweater might be helpful, but nothing more is necessary. Any kind of footwear is appropriate to wear with a casual dress, from flip flops to flats. Best of all, there are tons of different styles at shops that cater to any budget.

This year there have been a few interesting dress trends. Most notably, the maxi dress has made a huge splash and I’ve seen women of all shapes and sizes pull this look off effortlessly. You would think only tall, slender women could manage this silhouette, but as long as the dress has a good fit, the maxi can flatter all body types. Since maxis were floating around last spring and summer, checking Main Street consignment shops like Greene Street and The Attic would be a good place to start if you’re on the fence about a maxi.

Another adventurous style for summer is the cutout dress. Catch a breeze on your back or sides with a frock that exposes a little skin in a subtle way. Beware of tan lines, though - I wouldn’t recommend wearing one of these without generous amounts of sunscreen. But worn casually, the cutout dress keeps bodies cool and a little flirty - a great look for a first date.

When in doubt, the tried and true easy summer sundress is a no-fail choice for almost any event. Throw a blazer over a dress for work, add a fun vest to a concert outfit, or a pair of sparkly earrings and heels for a night out. Sundresses cannot be given enough praise. They are flattering, versatile, and most importantly, comfortable during these sweltering summer weeks. Next time you’re tempted to wear a bikini to work, try the next best thing.

Article By Erin Brodbeck


Photo: Dottie-3 colors by Leslie Evers from Avenue Verde

7 Resorts With Spectacular Views

A pool sounds good, a great decor is pleasant, but one of the nicest amenities a vacation destination can offer is a room with a view.

Travel agents say it's the feature clients ask about most when booking a dream getaway.


"Everyone aspires to have the best view in the house," said Terry McCabe, national director of leisure for Altour.
"For some people, the [most important] experience is opening the drapes in the morning and looking at nature at its best. ... It takes people out of their everyday life."

With that in mind, we're taking you around the world to seven hotels where spectacular vistas rule.
Just remember that with so many beautiful places dotting the globe, this list is just a small taste of the stunning views travelers can wake up to.

1. Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

There is literally nothing blocking your view of St. Lucia's famous Piton Mountains and the Caribbean Sea at this resort.
The fourth wall is entirely absent from Jade Mountain's suites, which the hotel calls "sanctuaries," so guests get unobstructed panoramas of the beautiful surroundings.

Each sanctuary also comes with its own infinity pool for the ultimate in privacy and relaxation.

"It's total luxury, and it's a great romantic spot. You can be as alone as you want there," McCabe said.

But be prepared to completely unplug during your stay.

Jade Mountain is "deliberately techno-free," the resort says. There are no telephones, radios or televisions in the rooms, and guests are asked to not to use their cell phones in public. Internet access is available at reception "for those who simply cannot let go of the outside world."

Rates start at $950 a night.

2. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Canada

Experience this magical corner of Banff National Park, and you may feel like explorer Thomas Wilson, who exclaimed, "I never in all my explorations saw such a matchless scene,'' when he first glimpsed the lake in 1882.

Known to native tribes as "lake of little fishes," the majestic body of water was dubbed Emerald Lake by Wilson, and later renamed Lake Louise in honor of Queen Victoria's fourth daughter, Princess Louise Caroline Alberta.

"It's just so beautiful," said Becky Veith of Travel Experts. "The view is incredible."

The hotel offers sweeping panoramas of the lake and the surrounding Canadian Rockies. Come in the winter for unforgettable skiing, sleigh rides and dog sledding -- Veith was there when the lake was frozen, and she had a chance to skate on the icy surface.

There's also lots to do in the summer, including hiking, horseback riding and canoeing.

Rates start at about $358 a night for the Sizzling Summer Travel Package, which is in effect until September 30.

3. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania

This luxury lodge sits perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest caldera -- formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed about 3 million years ago.

Thousands of animals roam the floor of the crater, including lions, wildebeests, zebras and gazelles. The stunning landscape and abundance of wildlife prompted UNESCO to declare the area a World Heritage Site, calling it one of the greatest natural wonders of the planet.

"You can be in your room and look out the window and there's a zebra walking by. It's just amazing," McCabe said.
"Everything is down there, and you're almost looking back at creation in a way. You feel a little bit like it's the Garden of Eden, like you're the first person to ever see this."

The accommodations are luxurious, imaginative and fanciful, she said.

Rates start at $720 per person, which includes meals, drinks and scheduled safari activities.

4. The Springs Resort & Spa, Costa Rica

For a bit of a thrill with your beautiful view, why not stay near a volcano?

This boutique hotel sits on a mountain ridge less than four miles north of Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano but is "safely outside the government declared danger zone," the resort says on its website.

"When I was there, it didn't blow, I was really bummed," Veith said. "[But] you can see the eruptions when the lava is flowing from the volcano."

(Arenal was Costa Rica's most active volcano until 2010 but entered into a resting phase last fall.)

Observe the volcano from your room or from one of the resort's 18 pools and natural hot mineral springs.

Rates start at about $385 a night.

5. Hotel Villa Ducale, Sicily

This boutique hotel features just 11 double rooms and six suites, but there is nothing small about the sweeping views.
Each room has a private balcony or terrace that lets guests take in vistas of Giardini Naxos Bay, Mount Etna, Italy's mainland coastline or the Strait of Messina.

The Hotel Villa Ducale was among the winners of TripAdvisor's 2011 Travelers' Choice awards -- chosen by the site's members as one of the top 10 luxury hotels in the world.

Rates start at about $285 a night in September.

6. The Cambrian Hotel, Switzerland

Expect endless mountain views from this picturesque location in the village of Adelboden in the Swiss Alps.
Built in the late 19th century and revamped in recent years, the hotel is a scenic and luxurious base for hiking and mountain biking in the summer, and world-class skiing in the winter.

And when it comes to promising relaxation for guests, the resort takes a whimsical approach.

"Just look at the cows reclining in the meadows outside," the hotel instructs on its website. "They don't look stressed, do they?"
Rates start at about $225 in September.

7. Hayman Island Resort, Australia

A favorite with honeymooners, this five-star resort is on a private island within the Great Barrier Reef.

Guests can take in uninterrupted views of the Coral Sea and the Whitsundays -- a chain of islands known for their idyllic white sand beaches.

Then there are the underwater vistas -- Hayman offers memorable snorkeling and scuba experiences, as well as night diving on the Great Barrier Reef.

The famous resort, which made the list of Travel Leisure's best island hotels, is reopening in August after recovering from two cyclones that swept through the region earlier this year.

Rates start at about $510 a night.

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Article By A. Pawlowski, CNN

Five (And Then Some) Tech Tips for Travel

In the big airports, you sometimes see three different lanes for the X-ray machines. They’re marked by a black diamond (expert travelers who know the routine and have their laptops out and shoes off), blue square (casual travelers) and green circle (families and people who need extra help).

I have no idea if that self-selecting system actually lets anyone get through the lines faster. But it occurred to me that if there were such a thing as a black-diamond lane for technology, I’m probably in it.



I’ve been racking up about 70 round-trip flights a year, so I know this space pretty well. I’ve got the tech part of it down to a science. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way—tips for maximum flying efficiency and minimum misery.

1. Use TripIt.com. Tripit is this amazing, free Web site. Every time you book a flight, hotel or car rental online, you forward the e-mail confirmation to plans@tripit.com. Magically, the service parses the confirmation e-mail and records all of the details: confirmation numbers, times, dates, flight numbers and so on.

Best part: You can subscribe to your own Tripit feed, meaning that your computer or cellphone calendar will record those flight details automatically. If you’re still typing your flights and travel details into your computer calendar or phone by hand, you’re wasting a lot of time.

2. Use FlightTrack Pro. This app ($10), for iPhone, iPad or Android, is amazing. It shows every detail of every flight: gate, time delayed, airline phone number, where the flight is on the map, and more. It knows more, and knows it sooner, than the actual airlines do.

Or more than they’ll admit. For example, for any flight, one tap shows you its on-time record. You’d be shocked at how rarely certain flights take off or land on time.

(I’ll never forget the time FlightTrack asserted that my flight would be departing 55 minutes late—even as the flight was boarding! I sat there defiantly in my seat in the gate area, working on my laptop. I was confidently putting my trust into FlightTrack’s information, even as the last rows were called for boarding. Just when my nerves couldn’t take anymore, sure enough: people started pouring back off the plane. The gate agents had finally gotten word of the delay, and everybody had to get off and wait 55 minutes, just as my app had foretold.)

Best part: it auto-syncs with Tripit.com. Once again, you’re spared having to do any manual data entry at all.

3. Check in from your phone. For a long time, I wondered why every airline had an iPhone or Android app for checking in. Is displaying a barcode on your phone really so much better than clutching the little boarding pass paper printed out by the kiosk at the airport?

(Frankly, I don’t even understand the premise of checking in when you’re still at home. If you can check in before you’re actually at the airport, why can’t you check in at the time you buy your ticket, and be done with it? It’s usually nonrefundable, so what does the airline have to lose?)

Anyway, I finally tried it. The Delta app is the best of the bunch. You open the app—the day before your flight, for example, or even on the way to the airport—and it automatically shows the flight you’re about to take. It’s much smarter than most airline kiosks, which make you manually enter your flight information before printing out your boarding pass. (Shouldn’t the computer know what my next flight is on that airline?)

In the Delta app, you tap the flight, tap Check In, and presto: it displays your “boarding pass” in the form of a big black-and-white QR code (a newfangled barcode). On that same screen, conveniently enough, is your gate number, seat number, seating zone—even Delta’s customer-service hotline.

Other airlines have similar apps, but none as fluid or beautifully designed. Continental’s app, for example, makes you re-enter your frequent flyer number every time you check in for a flight. (Hey Continental, guess what? My frequent flyer number hasn’t changed since last time!)

No matter which airline’s app you’re using, you handle your phone just as you’d handle the boarding pass. For example, you show it to the security person who monitors the entrance to the security line. When you get to the actual T.S.A. rep who checks your ID and boarding pass, you put your phone face down on a little glass scanner at the rep’s little desk, and you’re ushered right on through. Kind of amazing, really.
Anyway, I’ve discovered several advantages to checking in with your phone. First, there’s little chance that you’ll lose your boarding pass. Second, you’re saving paper and trash.

Third, some airlines, like Delta and United, automatically reassign you to first class if you’re a frequent flyer and if there’s room. In my experience, checking in early, using your phone, gives you a better chance of snagging one of those free upgrades. You’re ahead of all those people who don’t check in till they get to the airport.

4. Use Kayak and FlightAware. I should also mention my two other favorite travel apps.

Kayak (free for iPhone and Android) offers a beautiful, fast app for searching flights—all airlines. It doesn’t sell tickets, just helps you find out what flights are available. I love the Time filter: you can drag a slider to narrow down the hours of takeoff or landing that you’d consider.

FlightAware.com tracks a flight’s progress. (Similar: The Flightwise app for iPhone or Android.) This isn’t necessarily a benefit to you, the traveler—but if you’re the one who’s supposed to pick up somebody at the airport, it’s a must. You’ll see exactly where that plane is (on a map), and exactly when it will be landing.

5. Know which flights are laptop-friendly. There are now about 1,100 planes in the United States that offer Gogo’s inflight Wi-Fi ($13 cross country, smaller amounts for shorter flights, $40 monthly unlimited). You’ll find them, usually on cross-country flights, on Alaska Airlines, American, Virgin, Delta, Frontier, US Airways and United.

You can use SeatGuru.com to find out if your flight will offer Wi-Fi and power outlets. Most important of all, it tells you how cramped your seat will be compared with other airlines (click “Comparison Charts”).

The airlines that offer power outlets in coach are Virgin (always) and American and Continental (sometimes).

Other black-diamond traveler tips, based on my experiences: Delta recycles all cups and cans from the beverage service, and donates the recycling proceeds to Habitat for Humanity.

Continental charges $7 to watch its in-flight TV on cross-country flights. And its exit-row seats don’t recline.

Virgin has free seat-back TV, very cool lighting and music, and a touch screen that lets you order a drink or a snack at any time during the flight.

United and Continental are supposedly merging, but in the meantime, they’re completely bungling the integration. You might buy a Continental ticket, but arrive at the wrong terminal at the airport because it’s actually a United flight—or vice versa.

There we go, folks: my black-diamond frequent-flyer brain dump. Fill in the gaps in my knowledge in the Comments, will you?

Article by David Pogue , Image by Travel Agent Central

Two of the "world's top ten resorts" in one exquisite vacation

Everything about South America has always sounded appealing to me. Though I've never been, I've always imagined jam-packed adventure days with enough beautiful beaches to force you to still make time for the R&R we all need. So when I stumbled upon this, I couldn't help but be intrigued over the resort-life in a beautiful location and elaborate options. It's a 2 for 1 deal for those who strive to have their vacation be nothing short of a few days in the lap of luxury so I had to share. Bon Voyage!


Visitors to Belize can now stay in two of the recently awarded top ten resorts in Central and South America as part of an all-inclusive, affordable rainforest to reef holiday package.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek has recently been selected as one of the top ten resorts for the entire Central and South American region, according to this month's Travel+Leisure Magazine, which features their annual "Best resorts in the World" awards list for 2011.

And the good news for travellers to Belize is that Chaa Creek's partner in an all-inclusive Rainforest to Reef package, Victoria House on Ambergris Caye, was also named as one of the top ten by the magazine and its website. This means that guests booking the Los Dos Cayos Belize package will be staying in two resorts judged to be not only the best in Belize, but for the entire region.

Chaa Creek and Victoria House were the only two Belizean resorts to receive the distinction, with the other eight winners coming from locales as far flung as Easter Island and Argentina.

Both award-winners are part of Chaa Creek's Los Dos Cayos Belize Vacation package, an all-inclusive, Rainforest to Reef holiday deal that gives guests the opportunity to explore Belize's tropical rainforest , Maya temples and ancient city sites and then enjoy a Caribbean beach holiday on beautiful Ambergris Caye at the stunning world heritage-listed Belize Barrier Reef.

Chaa Creek owner Lucy Fleming said the awards confirm that Chaa Creek and Victoria House are a perfect match. "We've always recommended Victoria House to our guests who are looking for a Caribbean island and reef experience. It's a beautiful resort that shares our views on quiet luxury and sustainable tourism. We've established a very good relationship over the years, so it's great to see them recognised along with us.

"A Travel+Leisure recommendation is always an honour, but to be recognised as one of the top ten in the entire Central and South American region, and then to see our Los Dos Cayos partner on the same exclusive list - well, to say we were delighted is an understatement," she said.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize's Hotel of the Year 2011, is situated within a 365 private nature reserve and offers an unparalleled range of activities and amenities, including beautiful thatch roofed cottage accommodation, luxury suites, excellent dining, Hilltop spa, butterfly farm, miles of beautiful rainforest trails and easy access to the region's many Maya temples and ancient city sites.

Victoria House is Ambergris Caye's premier resort featuring stunning beach and barrier reef views, diving, snorkelling, fishing and a range of activities as well as fine dining and Caribbean style luxurious relaxation. Both resorts have received numerous awards from other travel industry insiders such as Conde Nast, Trip Advisor, Andrew Harper and others.

"The Los Dos Cayos Belize Vacation really is something special," Ms Fleming said, "We wanted to provide a package that combines the best of Belize, from our gorgeous rainforest to the Caribbean and barrier reef, and make it completely hassle free and affordable. And now, with Travel+Leisure's recommendation, guests will have no doubt that they're experiencing Belize with the best of the best, not only here, but in all of Central and South America. And that's something we're proud of."


Get you resort wear for your tropical vacation by shopping at Avenue Verde

5 Phases of Vacation

Vacation, phase one.

You finish your shift or meet your deadline. Turn off the computer or put away your tools. Shuck off your uniform or just the metaphorical hair shirt of your routine obligations.

When the phone trills, you ignore it, even if it's the boss. Whatever needs doing can be done when you get back.

Actually, even though you have made it clear to your superiors that you are ON VACATION, you return the call because the first phase of vacation is disbelief.

Yes, you've felt the chains of duty go slack, but you can't yet fathom that you're free. And you are not.

You have to plow through pre-vacation chores before you can escape. Pay your bills. Take out the garbage. Somehow get rid of the milk. Find someone to take care of your plants or pets. Cancel the newspaper.

You never remember to cancel the newspaper.

Vacation, phase two.

You reach your destination. You've switched into comfortable clothes, meaning nothing pinches. You're flush with books, brochures, maps and plans for all the fun you're about to have.

And you will have it, just as soon as you check your email, your voice mail, your Facebook page and Twitter account. Just once. Or twice. Just in case there's something that demands an answer now.

"Stop it," says a voice, which may belong to a fellow traveler or merely to your inner guide. "It's not vacation if you stay tethered to bad habits."

Somewhere in this phase — call it transition — a funny thing occurs. You release your grip. Slightly, anyway. You go hours at a stretch without checking your techno-gadgets.

And you feel a curious sensation. Are these your lungs? Is this what they call breathing? Do you really spend your average days without an exhale?

Vacation, phase three.

What happened to your shoulders? They feel oddly good down there, so far from your ears. You sleep.

In this third phase of vacation, you see all the halos in the universe. People aren't so bad. You're OK too. And it hits you with a clarity reserved for the redeemed: Yes. Yes. You will always live like this. You will move here, to this place where your shoulders are relaxed and you say hello to strangers, where portions of yourself usually buried in your daily fears and habits are again revealed.

Back in phase two of vacation, you could see your workaday life retreat in the rearview mirror. But here in phase three? Even the mirror vanishes. You don't look back. Or forward. That "be here now" thing finally makes sense. You eat well, exercise, read at leisure, connect with people you love and parts of yourself you've put on hold.

The revelation grows louder, clearer. You must get rid of your home and settle here, forever.

This phase is called fantasy.

Vacation, phase four.

What time is your return flight tomorrow? Or what time do you need to hit the road to miss the traffic? You'd better check your email and the weather report.

Someone asks, "So when exactly are you leaving?" and once the question has been asked, you're halfway to gone. Why does vacation always vanish like a dream and seem as short?

This phase is called regret.

Vacation, phase five.

Disbelief. Transition. Fantasy. Regret. Those are behind you now. In front of you are a crammed mailbox, a pile of unread newspapers, your favorite coffee cup, the peace of your own bed.

You suddenly relax in a way you never quite can in the incessant novelty of vacation. This phase is called home.

For resort wear perfect for your vacation shop Avenue Verde
Article by Mary Schmich

What to Eat, Wear, and Do on Your Next Long Flight

Whether you're jet-setting out of town to beat the heat or searching for it, Summer vacation can mean a few dehydrating, monotonous, or stressful hours on an airplane before you reach your rest and relaxation destination.

If you're gearing up for a long flight, make sure you're prepared so you can make those hours as healthy as they can be. Before you go on vacation, read these tips to make sure you have a healthy and safe flight.

Germ fighter. The air in there may not be as dangerously full of germs as you may think — in fact, airplane air is often filtered more often than the air in most office buildings — but that doesn't mean you're not more susceptible to diseases when you're up in the sky. While the coughs and sneezes of your fellow passengers may not make you ill, the fast turnaround times between flights means that certain areas on planes don't regularly get disinfected like they should. Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer for a quick wipe down of your area when you first sit down.

Drink up. Speaking of what you're breathing up there, the air in planes lacks almost any humidity, which can lead to dry nose, throats, and mouths. That in turn can leave your defenses down. To combat dehydration, bring on the drinks — but not the sugary or alcoholic kind. Skip the soda and cocktails and drink as much water as possible instead.

Comfort first. The most comfortable clothes work both for getting on the plane as well as staying healthy. While you want shoes that you can slip on and off while in the security line, cold air can make for an uncomfortable plane ride for your toes. But lacing up in too restrictive footwear can also be uncomfortable if you experience swelling. Have a pair of travel-friendly socks in your carry-on so you can sport them while you're in flight. Your clothes should be easy to wear for an extended time too; wear comfortable layers in case you get too hot or too cold, and avoid extra zippers or buttons, which can impede you while you try to find a comfortable position.

Snack attack. Bringing your own healthy meals is easier to do when you're flying domestically, but when you are in for an overseas flight, you may be at the mercy of the galley kitchen's offerings. If you're taking an overnight international flight, try eating before your plane takes off and bringing healthy snacks so you don't have to eat the heavy dinner offerings. Or check out these airlines with the healthiest on-board fare.

On the move. Even if you're not on a 20-hour flight to an exotic locale, it helps to get up and move to reduce your risk of developing blood clots in the legs. Try getting up every few hours, and do a few of these stretching exercises (some discreet and some not as much!) in your chair to keep your circulation going.

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Article by Leta Shy

Tips to prepare your car for summer travel

Getting ready for a summer road trip also means getting your vehicle ready for the trip. In addition to maps and route planning, you need to spend some time checking the car that will take you to your destination. The best plans may not end up quite as fun if you break down during your travel.

Fluid levels: Check all of the fluid levels in your car. If the oil has not been changed recently it might be a good time for this service. Another critical fluid level is the radiator to prevent overheating while you travel. Your owner’s manual should give you detailed instructions on the location of the fluids that you need to check. If you are not comfortable with this step, most auto shops will perform the service for a minimum fee. Do not forget your washer fluid, and be sure to check the quality of your wiper blades.

General items that may require service: If your car’s brakes are already making noise, you should have them inspected before heading out for summer travel. Check your air filter and replace it if necessary. This can be especially important if you plan to travel to any desert or beach areas. The potential for sand in the air will not help an already clogged air filter. Test your air-conditioning before heading off on your trip. If your system is not producing enough cold air, a simple recharge may be all you need.

It is also a good idea to check that your headlights, taillights, turn signals and flashers are all operational. Make space for a small emergency kit in the trunk of your car. Your kit should contain one or two road flares, a quart of oil and a half-gallon of clean water. You may also want to add a set of screwdrivers and a small medical kit. If you have a membership with an auto club for emergency services, make sure that you carry a card with their phone number and your account number.

Once your car is ready, you will only need to pack the items you need for your summer travel. Carry some drinking water and snacks for yourself and any passengers. While you can not prevent all vehicle breakdowns, a few simple steps should keep you safe along the way.

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By: B. Leslie Baird for the Washington Post

Oily Skin Solutions: Sweatproof Your Face for Summer

A fringe benefit of breaking a sweat at the gym? Besides cooling and detoxifying the body, sweat cleanses pores of dirt, dead skin cells, and excess oil. (Just be sure that a towel is within arm’s reach; allowing these released toxins to sit on your face too long can result in reclogging and breakouts.) But what happens when your sweaty brow is due to hot weather—and not a hot workout? Here, five ways to keep shine in check.



1. Maintain a Balanced Complexion
It’s only natural that you want to splash your face with cool water and cleanser more often during summer. But too much suds and H20 can strip skin of moisture and cause sebaceous glands to work overtime, resulting in a rebound effect (read shinier, oilier skin). Stick to deep cleansing twice daily and for midday touch-ups use a gentle toner like Boscia Clear Complexion Tonic or pre-moistened facial wipes.

Other skin care don’ts that can cause irritation and imbalance: using overly intense acne treatments and exfoliating improperly. “It’s important not to use products aimed at teenage acne,” dermatologist Howard Murad, MD, told ELLE's Johanna Cox for her article on how to get clear skin. “Those products target violent hormonal acne, which is a very different condition from what women in their twenties through forties have. What you need are calming agents with anti-inflammatory ingredients.” A great blemish-buster to try: Votre Vu Au Revoir! Trouble Spot Treatment. Disinfecting, healing, and anti-inflammatory, the powdery mixture visibly reduces pimples overnight.

In terms of exfoliating, dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD, recommends using a glycolic cleanser daily and doing mechanical exfoliation around four times a week (sensitive skin types can do less often; oilier skin types can do more often). “To avoid irritation, look for exfoliators that contain spherical, pliable microbeads versus grains with rough, scratchy edges,” she says.

2. Switch to a Lighter Moisturizer
The thick, emollient face cream you use during winter isn’t necessary for summer since the outside elements aren't as harsh and drying. Though a more nourishing antiaging formula is fair game for overnight—it can enhance the skin cell regeneration and collagen production that naturally occur during REM sleep—your daytime lotion should be light. After applying moisturizer in the morning, makeup artist Angela Levin recommends laying a tissue flat on your face and gently tapping (“the tissue will pick up any excess moisture”).

3. Use a Non-Drying Foundation Primer
To make skin stay smoother and shine-free longer, Levin says to apply a primer prior to foundation. The ideal primer should be oil-free and oil-absorbing yet nourishing and non-drying. Ones to try: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Light, Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation Primer, and Cargo Blu Ray High Definition Mattifier.

4. Wear the Right Makeup
As with primers, an oil-free yet non-drying formula is key when choosing the perfect foundation. Those with oily skin might try CoverGirl Clean Oil Control Makeup, which contains oil absorbers and conditioning ingredients. Combination and sensitive skin types can dab on Revlon PhotoReady Makeup which in addition to being oil-free also contains SPF 20. For the best sweat-proof eye makeup, invest in a long-wearing cream eye shadow and water-resistant eyeliner.

5. Carry Blotting Papers
If in spite of your best efforts, oil and sweat still seep through your flawless finish, always have a pack of blotting papers tucked away in your purse. Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Paper contains a touch of powder, while Sephora and Boscia versions come powder-free.

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By: Emily Hebert for Elle

Makeup With Sun Protection

Makeup basics that pack high SPFs keep you protected from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays

The promise: Foundations, primers, and powders now pack the high SPFs (think 15-plus) for filtering out burning UVB rays, plus protection from skin-damaging UVA. Some even include a UVA rating developed in Japan: You'll see a PA+, PA++, or PA+++ (to indicate the highest level of UVA protection).

The reality: Because the FDA regulates sun-protection claims, dermatologists are more enthusiastic about the efficacy of SPF cosmetics than of anti-aging makeup. So the number on the label truly reflects the level of UVB filters you'll get. To bolster UVA protection (the rays that are mostly responsible for skin cancers and skin aging), cosmetics often include the minerals zinc and titanium. They form a shield on the skin's surface, diffusing UV light before it can penetrate and damage your cells, Brandith Irwin, M.D., a Seattle dermatologist and author of The Surgery-Free Makeover, says. You'll get even better coverage if your makeup contains both. Try Revlon Age Defying Spa Foundation SPF 18 ($14, drugstores) and Prescriptives All Skins Mineral Makeup SPF 15 ($32.50, department stores). Or choose makeup with SPF 30 or up, plus zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Try Jane Be Pure Mineral Skin Perfecting Foundation SPF 30 ($5.49, drugstores) and Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation SPF 42 PA+++ ($33.50, department stores).

Even the more potent formulas can't replace an SPF day cream. "Relying on makeup alone is like taking a boat intended for lagoon fishing out in the ocean," says Fredric Brandt, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and Miami. One reason: Most people don't apply enough. You need about half a teaspoon for your face and neck to get the required thickness. Mineral-powder foundation, such as Colorescience Suncanny SPF 20 Foundation Brush ($60, colorescience.com), stays put longer, but priming skin with an SPF-infused facial lotion is still recommended. So why bother with SPF makeup? Sunscreen lotions and sprays alone let some UV light sneak through, and people skimp on application, just as they do with makeup. The best way to stay protected: Double up by layering makeup over a moisturizer containing an SPF of 15 or higher and UVA filters (Mexoryl, Helioplex, or avobenzone). Try Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Pro Deep Wrinkle Cream SPF 20 ($17, drugstores) or SkinCeuticals Active UV Defense Sunscreen Cream SPF 15 ($29, skinceuticals.com).

Bottom line: Ultra-protective makeup is a boon for skin. But think of it as the Robin to your sunscreen's Batman — a dynamic duo stronger together than either is alone.

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By Beth Janes
Photo by: J MUCKLE/STUDIO D