ALASKA AMONGST FASTEST GROWING HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS

While tourism in the US is enjoying a boost thanks to the "Obama effect", Alaska has become one the fastest growing destinations as a result of the "Palin effect".

The media attention focused on America's largest state by Republican vice-president candidate Sarah Palin has been credited with the growing interest from UK holidaymakers.

Daily news broadcasts from Alaska throughout the US elections and recent travel programmes such as Stephen Fry in America highlighted the state's unique natural beauty.

The growing demand has seen travel company Cruise118 launch the UK's first Alaskan specialist brand www.AlaskaOnly.com, after seeing a 35 per cent spike in Alaska-related web searches over the past three months.

Director Mal Barritt said: "We have been inundated with requests for Alaska cruise and land holidays, to the extent that we saw there was a real gap in the market for an Alaskan specialist brand in the UK.

"Alaska has been a popular destination for US holidaymakers for decades but the worldwide attention focused on the state in recent months has led to interest from around the world, especially the UK.

"Its breathtaking scenery, incredible wildlife and unspoilt wilderness give Alaska its deserved title of 'The Last Frontier' and make it one of the world's most unique destinations."

What to do, where to stay, and where to eat in Las Vegas

No city in the world has the power to transform itself like Las Vegas, a sales-savvy amusement park that unapologetically changes themes whenever it likes. When entertainment revenue began to eclipse gambling proceeds in the 90’s, the city’s marketing gurus declared it the ultimate family destination. When celebrity chefs moved in, it became the world’s culinary hot spot. Its nightclubs, once borrowed from more cosmopolitan cities like Los Angeles and New York, now serve as the nightlife templates for the rest of the country. And then there’s the new (but already iconic) skyline, a four-mile stretch of neon and borrowed architecture. But beyond the Strip, an entire city exists. This is where to find some of Vegas’s most transformative experiences: the mammoth new Las Vegas Springs Preserve, legendary local restaurants like Lotus of Siam, and events like First Friday, when gritty downtown turns into a giant art party.

Hotel in Las Vegas Bellagio

Built on more than 120 acres and situated at the four corners of the Las Vegas Strip, the Bellagio is three miles from McCarran International Airport. Local attractions include the Las Vegas Convention Center, located two and one-half miles from the hotel, and the Hoover Dam, located 32 miles from the resort. The world famous Fountains of Bellagio feature choreographed streams of water which conduct a show to the sounds of classical music and opera


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Bellagio's lobby features 2,000 hand-blown glass flowers created by Dale Chihuly. The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens contain exotic plants. There is also an onsite Gallery of Fine Art, currently featuring works by Ansel Adams (general admission is $15). The hotel's outdoor pool area resembles a Mediterranean villa, is open year-round, and includes a courtyard, a whirlpool, and cabanas for rent. Gambling guests can try their luck at one of more than 2,700 slot machines, 140 gaming tables, and 30 poker tables, not to mention the race and sports book. The full-service spa offers massage therapies, beauty treatments, a fitness center, and fitness classes. Live entertainment includes performances of O by Cirque du Soleil. Several high-end boutique shops are located throughout the Bellagio's grounds. Rounding out the amenities are the full-service business center, valet parking, tour assistance, golfing arrangements, and two wedding chapels.

Fine dining options include Le Cirque, Circo, Prime Steakhouse, Picasso, Michael Mina's seafood restaurant, Jasmine, and Shintaro. Guests may partake in casual dining with at Sensei, Olives, Noodles, FIX Restaurant & Bar, Cafe Bellagio, the Buffet, and the Pool Cafe. In addition, the Bellagio also offers four quick-dining establishments, five onsite bars, Jean-Philippe Patisserie, and the nightclub, Light.

Guestrooms feature minibars, irons and ironing boards, dual-line telephones, dataports, high-speed Internet access, and bathrobes