Carefreetrip.com :: Travel Blog

When I heard I was going to the Big Island of Hawaii on vacation, I was looking forward to seeing the red volcano fields and black lava lined coast. I also packed my golf clubs hoping to enjoy a round on a course that promised one of only a handful of coast lined golf holes in Hawaii. After a long plane ride and a short bus ride to the Waikoloa Beach Resort, my Hawaii experience hit a whole new level. I knew we were in for a special vacation when there was a staff member assigned to clean, transport and care for my golf clubs.

Sixty-two unbelievable ocean front acres, seventeen acres of palm-fringed stone-tiled paths, white sand beaches and tropical gardens adorn the grounds. Located along Hawaii’s only naturally-sheltered beach, the resort features calm waters. I found paradise!

A rustic wooden bridge spans the natural pond bordering the beach. Wooden-floored Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge serves Pan-Asian cuisine with panoramic ocean views. I had dinner with my wife and watched the sunset over a calm, deep blue ocean. The view was incredible - so was the food!

The pool complex includes a sand-bottomed children’s pool with a 90-foot water slide and an infinity-edged pool for adults. The 165-foot heated infinity pool includes a Jacuzzi. The activities center rents snorkel sets, kayaks, boogie boards and pedal boats. The center arranges glass-bottom boat, scuba-diving and snorkeling excursions. Then there was the lagoon …

We enjoyed snorkeling like I have never experienced before! Because the lagoon is only available to guests, you enjoy a small group atmosphere while swimming with tropical fish, eels and even sea turtles. Simply heaven!

If all of this isn’t enough, the bi-level 5,750-square-foot Mandara Spa features services including body scrubs, facial treatments, Massages, and pedicures and manicures. The hotel also includes a 12,000-square-foot Naupaka Ballroom. The fitness center offers cardiovascular equipment, weight machines and flat-screen televisions - all state of the art!

After I had been spoiled to no end, I went golfing on the Beach Course. This course was everything I wanted and more! The trade winds provided a daunting challenge, while the lava fields lining the fairways provided a pinball-like game every time someone in my group hit a ball out of bounds.

The crowning glory of the Beach Course is the 502-yard par 5 twelfth—known throughout the islands as the most spectacular oceanfront par-five in Hawaii. Not only is it a challenging golf hole, it’s a great place to watch humpback whales and catch splendid views of the other Hawaiian Islands.

INCREDIBLE! There is nothing more to say.

This resort has something for everyone. From kids to adults, every one will leave wanting more. I have never seen blues like this. I have never seen beaches like this.

Put Waikoloa on your bucket list TODAY! Take the time, spend the money, enjoy yourself! Waikoloa is nothing less than amazing!

Carefreetrip.com gives the Waikoloa Hilton Resort  out of 5 suitcases.

This Travel Warning updates information on the security situation in Algeria. The threat from terrorism in many areas of the country continues to pose a significant security risk. The Department of State cautions Americans who reside in or travel to Algeria to take prudent security measures while in the country. U.S. citizens should avoid overland travel in Algeria without security escort, including tourist excursions in the Sahara. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on December 23, 2007.

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens who travel to Algeria to evaluate carefully the risks posed to their personal safety. Small-scale terrorist attacks including bombings, false roadblocks, kidnappings, ambushes, and assassinations occur regularly. Since early 2007, use of vehicle-borne suicide bomb attacks has emerged as a terrorist tactic in Algeria, including in the capital. Suicide car bomb attacks in December 2007 targeted the UN headquarters and the Algerian Constitutional Council in Algiers. The attacks occurred in residential areas where many diplomatic missions are located. The group that claimed credit for the December 11 attacks has pledged more attacks against foreign targets, and specifically American targets.

The U.S. Government considers the potential threat to U.S. Embassy personnel assigned to Algiers sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under significant security restrictions. These practices limit, and may occasionally prevent, the movement of U.S. Embassy officials in certain areas of the country. The Government of Algeria requires U.S. Embassy personnel to seek permission to travel to the Casbah within Algiers or outside the province of Algiers and to have a security escort. Travel to the military zone established around the Hassi Messaoud oil center requires Government of Algeria authorization. Daily movement of Embassy personnel in Algiers is limited, and prudent security practices are required at all times. Travel by personnel to areas of the city outside the center requires prior coordination with the Embassy’s Regional Security Office. American visitors are encouraged to contact the Embassy’s Consular Section for the most recent safety and security information concerning travel in the city of Algiers.

The Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens avoid overland travel in Algeria without security escort, including tourism excursions in the Sahara. The Department of State cautions Americans who reside or travel in Algeria to take prudent security measures while in the country, including making provisions for reliable and experienced logistical support. Visitors to Algeria are advised to stay only in hotels where adequate security is provided. All visitors to Algeria should remain alert and adhere to prudent security practices such as avoiding predictable travel patterns and maintaining a low profile.

Americans living or traveling in Algeria are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Algeria. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at 5 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi, B.P. 408 (Alger-gare) 16000, in the capital city of Algiers. The telephone number is [213] 770 08 20 00, which can also be reached after hours. The fax number is [213] 21 9822 99.

Updated information on travel and security in Algeria may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Algeria and the Worldwide Caution, which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov.

This Travel Warning provides an update on the security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR). American citizens traveling to or residing in the CAR should exercise extreme caution. This supersedes the Travel Warning for the CAR issued August 9, 2007.

American citizens who travel to or reside in the Central African Republic (CAR) should exercise extreme caution, especially outside the capital city of Bangui. Armed rebel groups, bandits, and poachers present real dangers and the Central African government is unable to guarantee the safety of visitors in most parts of the country.

The U.S. Department of State advises American citizens who are not affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts to avoid travel to northwestern and northern CAR, particularly the areas bordering Chad, due to insecurity caused by banditry and clashes between government and rebel forces. In addition, the embassy recommends that Americans traveling outside the capital not travel with any armed escort, as an armed escort may cause problems with local authorities or draw fire from rebel troops. In the northwestern prefecture of Ouham and Ouham-Pende, roadblocks by rebels and by government forces pose a serious and continuing threat to aid workers and travelers. Fighting between rebels and government forces continues sporadically, and efforts to broker a peace agreement or ceasefire between the parties have not succeeded to date. An expatriate aid worker was killed in an attack on a well-marked vehicle north of Bocaranga in June 2007, and local citizens continue to be kidnapped and held for ransom on a regular basis. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and UN agencies operating in that area share information on security incidents and the NGOs generally abide by the UN travel restrictions. U.S. Government employees on temporary duty and other contract visitors to the U.S. Embassy are allowed to visit the northwestern or northeastern CAR prefectures only on a case-by-case basis and with specific authorization of the Chief of Mission.

Rebels and armed men are also present in the northeastern Vakaga prefecture, and pose a threat to all travelers in that area. A peace agreement with one group of rebels is in place, but splinter groups and other armed men pose a threat to travelers. The firing on a medical convoy of well-marked NGO vehicles, which led to one patient’s death in March 2008, resulted in the temporary suspension of most humanitarian activities in the Vakaga prefecture outside Birao.

Highway bandits (“coupeurs de route” in French, “zaraguinas” in Sango) pose a serious threat to travelers throughout the country. Two World Health Organization physicians were murdered by unidentified assailants outside Bossembele in April 2006. There have been repeated attacks on Central African and expatriate travelers on the Berberati-Carnot-Baoro-Bouar-Bozoum road.

Poachers and armed men also pose a threat to game hunters in the north central CAR, in and around the Parc National de Bamingui-Bangoran. A French hunter was murdered and three others wounded in an attack on a hunting party outside the town of Ndele in April 2007. The poachers in this area are heavily armed, often with automatic weapons, and outside local and national government authority.

There are approximately 300 peacekeeping troops from neighboring member countries of the Economic and Monetary Union of Central Africa (CEMAC) that move in and out of the capital. CAR military and civilian security forces, sometimes with French military assistance, staff checkpoints throughout the city. Central African security forces (and people posing as such) at those checkpoints frequently harass local and expatriate travelers for bribes or small amounts of money (described as “coffee” in French). American citizens should avoid public demonstrations, as even those intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.

The U.S. Embassy in Bangui has just four American officers and can provide only limited services to U.S. citizens at this time.

U.S. citizens in the CAR are strongly urged to register on the State Department’s web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov. Americans without internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Bangui. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy in the CAR is located at Avenue David Dacko, B.P. 924, Bangui; tel. (236) 2161-0200; fax (236) 2161-4494. Americans may also obtain updated information from the American Embassy in N’djamena, Chad, at telephone (235) 51-70-09, 51-92-33 or 51-90-52; fax (235) 51-56-54; web site http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov/.

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s most recent Consular Specific Information Sheet for Central African Republic and the Worldwide Caution, which are located on the Department’s web site at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on safety and security is also available at 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers from other countries, on a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

This Travel Warning is being issued to update U.S. citizens on safety and security conditions in Kenya.Threats of political demonstrations and violence have dramatically receded following the widely accepted power-sharing agreement signed on February 28.The U.S. Department of State has rescinded the authorized departure order for Kisumu and environs and USG personnel and families are able to return there.The temporary suspension of the United States Peace Corps program in Kenya is under review with the goal of resuming the program in the near future.The U.S. Department of State continues to recommend that private American citizens in Kenya and those considering travel to Kenya evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing, potential threats from terrorism and crime.This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning of February 8, 2008.

Current Situation
—————–
The power-sharing agreement signed on February 28 has been widely accepted throughout Kenya; parliament ratified it on March 18.Implementation of the agreement is expected to proceed. The threat of widespread civil unrest has receded, although there remains potential for spontaneous demonstrations in areas of the country previously impacted should implementation not proceed as expected.

Crime and Terrorist Acts
————————

Kenya has a high rate of violent crime and remains potentially susceptible to attacks from terrorists in the region. The U.S. Government continues to receive indications of potential terrorist threats aimed at American, western, and Kenyan interests.Terrorist acts could include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings, attacks on civil aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports.Many of those responsible for the attacks on the U.S. Embassy in 1998 and on a hotel in Mombasa in 2002 remain at large and continue to operate in the region.

Violent and sometimes fatal criminal attacks, including armed carjackings and home invasions/burglaries, can occur at any time and in any location, particularly in Nairobi. In January 2007, two family members of a U.S. Embassy employee were killed by armed carjackers.U.S. Embassy personnel continue to be victims of (non-fatal) carjacking incidents, as recently as mid-March 2008.In the short-term, the displacement of thousands of people by the recent civil unrest combined with endemic poverty and the availability of weapons could result in an increase in crime, both petty and violent.Kenyan authorities have limited capacity to deter, investigate and prosecute such acts.

American citizens in Kenya should be vigilant, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as clubs, hotels, resorts, upscale Shopping centers, restaurants, and places of worship.Americans should also remain vigilant in residential areas, schools, and at outdoor recreational events, and should avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

Americans who travel to or reside in Kenya are encouraged to register through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov.By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.The U.S. Embassy is located on United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; telephone (254) (20) 363-6000; fax (254) (20) 363-6410.In the event of an after-hours emergency, the Embassy duty officer may be contacted at (254) (20) 363-6170.The Embassy home page is http://kenya.usembassy.gov.

Updated information on travel and security in Kenya may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Kenya and the Worldwide Caution Travel Alert, which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov.

Baggage tips provided by Delta Airlines -

• Put your name and the phone number of your destination on the inside and outside of your bag.
• Don’t wrap your gifts since all luggage is subject to inspection.
• Travel light when you can. Try bringing one carry-on bag that will fit underneath the seat in front of you.
• Don’t overstuff your bag. That makes it more likely to get damaged.
• Make sure your bags don’t have any straps or hooks sticking out that could get caught on something and damage your bag.
• Stay within the Baggage Allowance.
• Carry valuables, medication, and travel documents in your carry-on luggage.
• Pack anything that might leak inside an air-tight plastic bag.
• Know the rules for any of your stuff that might be considered Dangerous Goods. That includes what to do with those spare batteries.
• Know the requirements for the Security Checkpoints where you’ll be traveling. There are still restrictions on Liquids and Containers.
• Check with our airport agents if you need extra Packaging.
• Check as many bags as possible to make clearing Security Checkpoints smooth and fast.

This Travel Warning is being issued to update information on the general security environment in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, and to remind American citizens of threats to themselves and to U.S. interests in those locations. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to remain mindful of security factors when considering travel to Israel at this time. In addition, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to the West Bank and to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip. This warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued July 13, 2007.

The Gaza Strip

Areas of conflict shift rapidly and unpredictably in the Gaza Strip and American citizens should avoid all Gaza travel. Those already in the Gaza Strip should depart immediately. This recommendation, which the State Department has maintained since the deadly roadside bombing of a U.S. Embassy convoy in Gaza in October 2003, applies to all Americans, including journalists and aid workers. No official travel is permitted inside the Gaza Strip at this time.

Hamas, a State Department-designated foreign terrorist organization, violently assumed control over Gaza in June 2007, making worse the already dangerous security situation there. The Gaza Strip is wracked by ongoing violence between Israeli security forces and several Palestinian terror groups. In recent months, extremist factions in the Gaza Strip have specifically targeted Palestinian Christian groups. Militants there have abducted Western citizens, and terrorist organizations have threatened attacks against U.S. interests. The American International School in northern Gaza was the target of an attack on April 21, 2007, and again on January 10 and 12, 2008. Hamas and Islamic Jihad (another designated foreign terrorist organization) have intensified the launching of daily rocket attacks against Israeli towns as far north as Ashkelon. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are responding to these attacks with military force.

The security environment is very fluid in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip. Rocket and mortar launches into Israel are unpredictable and occur frequently with little or no notice, resulting in a potentially unsafe situation. Gunfire from Gaza into Israel is a danger. On January 15, 2008, a Palestinian sniper killed an Ecuadorian kibbutz volunteer working near the Gaza border. As a result, travel in the surrounding area is strongly discouraged. Due to heightened tensions and violence in and near the Gaza Strip, all U.S. Embassy and Consulate General employees are required to provide 24 hours advance notice of any official travel to the city of Sderot, crossing points into Gaza, and any other areas bordering Gaza. Hamas has recently threatened to carry out suicide bombings in the neighboring Israeli towns.

The West Bank

The security environment in the West Bank remains volatile. Violent demonstrations, kidnappings, and shootings are unpredictable and can occur without warning. The Department of State urges Americans to defer travel to the West Bank at this time.

The IDF continues to carry out security operations in the West Bank, including nightly raids to arrest terrorist suspects that sometimes result in gun battles. Israeli security operations can occur at any time, including frequent raids to arrest terrorist suspects that result in shootings, demonstrations and often violent conflict. This heightens the risk of Americans being caught in the middle of potentially dangerous situations. Some Americans and Europeans involved in demonstrations and other such activities in the West Bank have become involved in confrontations with Israeli settlers and the IDF. The State Department recommends that Americans, for their own safety, avoid demonstrations.

All those who pass through the West Bank should exercise particular care when approaching and transiting Israeli military checkpoints. Travelers should be aware that they might encounter delays and difficulties, and might even be denied passage through a checkpoint.

American citizens should be aware that as a consequence of the current limitations on official travel to the West Bank, and the prohibition on travel by U.S. Government employees to the Gaza Strip, the ability of consular staff to offer timely assistance to U.S. citizens in these locations is extremely limited (particularly in the Gaza Strip).

Travel Restrictions for U.S. Government Personnel

American U.S. Government personnel and their dependents are prohibited from traveling to any cities, towns, or settlements in the West Bank, except when they are on mission-essential business or are traveling for other Mission-approved purposes. For limited, personal travel, U.S. government personnel and family members are permitted to travel through the West Bank only by using Routes 1 and 90 to reach the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge or the Dead Sea coast near Ein Gedi and Masada. They are also permitted to travel north on Route 90 from the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge to the Sea of Galilee. Use of these routes is approved for transit only, with stops permitted only at Qumran National Park off Route 90 by the Dead Sea. Each such transit requires prior notification to the Consulate General’s security office and must occur during daylight hours. U.S. Government personnel and family members are permitted both official and personal travel on Route 443 between Modi’in and Jerusalem without prior notification, during daylight hours only.

General Safety and Security

Israeli authorities remain concerned about the continuing threat of terrorist attacks. A March 2008 shooting in Jerusalem and a February 2008 bombing in Dimona are reminders of the precarious security environment. The threat of such attacks is on-going. American citizens are cautioned that a greater danger may exist in the vicinity of restaurants, businesses, and other places associated with U.S. interests and/or located near U.S. official buildings, such as the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. Rocket fire from Lebanon into Israel, except for one recent incident, has ceased since the end of military hostilities between Israel and Hizbollah forces in southern Lebanon in the summer of 2006. Although Israel denied any involvement, the killing of a Hizbollah leader in Syria on February 12, 2008, raises the possibility of Hizbollah attacks against Israel.

American citizens are urged to exercise a high degree of caution and common sense when patronizing restaurants, cafes, malls, places of worship, and theaters — especially during peak hours. Large crowds and public gatherings should be avoided to the extent practicable. American citizens should take into consideration that discos and nightclubs, as well as public buses, trains and their respective terminals are “off-limits” to U.S. Government personnel.

The State Department urges American citizens to remain vigilant while traveling throughout Jerusalem, especially within the commercial and downtown areas of West Jerusalem and the city center. Israeli security services report that they continue to receive information of planned terrorist attacks in and around Jerusalem. Spontaneous or planned protests within the Old City are possible, especially after Friday prayers. Some of these protests have led to violent clashes. The Old City of Jerusalem is off-limits to U.S. Government personnel and their family members after dark during the entire week and between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm on Fridays.

Entry/Exit Difficulties

The Government of Israel considers American citizens who also hold Israeli citizenship or have a claim to such dual nationality to be Israeli citizens for immigration and other legal purposes. For example, an American citizen child of an Israeli parent will be considered an Israeli citizen by Israeli immigration officials and Israeli law will apply to the child’s travel to, and departure from, Israel.

American citizens whom Israeli authorities judge (based on their name or other indicators) may be of Palestinian origin are likely to face additional, and often time consuming, questioning by immigration and border authorities. If judged to have, or judged to have a claim to, residency status in the West Bank or Gaza, such American citizens may be required by the Government of Israel to use a Palestinian Authority travel document to transit Israel to enter the West Bank or Gaza. Such a determination could be made for American citizens if they or their immediate family members were born in the West Bank or Gaza, currently reside there, or lived there for any appreciable amount of time.

American citizens who hold a Palestinian Authority ID, as well as persons judged by the Israeli authorities to have claim to a Palestinian Authority ID, are subject to Israeli law and regulations that apply to residents of the West Bank and Gaza, regardless of the fact that they hold U.S. citizenship. A Palestinian ID number might be active or inactive. If active, the Government of Israel may stamp the Palestinian Identification Number in the U.S. passport, and the American citizen may be required to obtain Palestinian Authority travel documents prior to departing Israel. In addition, American citizens considered to have or to be eligible for a Palestinian Authority ID who entered Israel via Ben Gurion Airport might be required to depart via the Allenby Bridge to Jordan. Upon arrival, such persons should ask Israeli immigration authorities from where they are required to depart.

The United States Government seeks equal treatment for all American citizens regardless of national origin or ethnicity. American citizens who encounter difficulties are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv or the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem at the telephone numbers below.

Americans in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are strongly encouraged to register with the Consular Sections of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv or the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Consulate General in Jerusalem at (972) (2) 622-7250 or the Embassy in Tel Aviv at (972) (3) 519-7575.

Current information on travel and security in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. For additional and more in-depth information about specific aspects of travel to these areas, U.S. citizens should consult: the Country Specific Information for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza; and the Worldwide Caution. These along with other Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts and Country Specific Information sheets are available on the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be accessed at http://usembassy-israel.org.il or http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov.

This updated Travel Warning alerts U.S. citizens to the threat from armed conflicts and warns of continued threats from terrorism in Sudan. The Department of State continues to warn against all travel to Sudan. American citizens who choose to remain in Sudan should review their security posture, and take appropriate precautions in light of the January 2008 murder of an American Embassy official. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued for Sudan on September 6, 2007.

On January 1, 2008, an official with the American Embassy and his Sudanese driver were shot and killed in their vehicle while returning to the official’s residence. The Embassy has implemented heightened security measures to protect Embassy personnel when traveling in Sudan, which include obtaining advance permission for all travel and modes of transportation to be used. American citizens residing in Sudan are urged to carefully review and assess their safety and security situations, and to practice situational awareness at all times to ensure personal safety.

The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Sudan, particularly in the Darfur area, where violence between government forces and various armed militias continues. Americans and other westerners have been victims of carjacking and armed robbery while traveling in Sudan. Land travel at night should be avoided.

Travelers are reminded that the U.S. Government has received indications of terrorist threats aimed at American and western interests in Sudan. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or kidnappings. U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public places, which include tourist sites and locations where westerners are known to congregate, and commercial operations associated with U.S. or western interests. As physical security remains high at official facilities, terrorists may turn towards softer targets, such as residential compounds.

Travel outside of the capital city of Khartoum and the adjacent town of Omdurman is potentially dangerous. Sporadic fighting instigated by militias often is reported in the southern parts of the country. Threats have been made against foreigners working in the oil industry in Upper Nile state.

Americans who travel to Sudan despite this Travel Warning must possess a valid passport with at least six months of validity and a Sudanese visa. Travelers must apply for a visa in their own country of residence. In August 2006, five foreigners, including two Americans, were arrested and detained in Darfur after entering Sudan via the Chadian border town of Banal without the appropriate documentation. Several of these individuals had solicited and obtained escorts in Chad who allegedly promised to facilitate entry into Sudan but who were ultimately unable to follow through with their commitments. Without appropriate travel documents and permits, travelers may face arrest and detention for crimes including illegal entry, publication of false information, and espionage. If convicted, sentences range from deportation to life in prison or the death penalty.

The Sudanese Government requires that anyone seeking to enter the Darfur area, and some other areas, obtain a special travel permit. This includes humanitarian workers, journalists, photographers, and other media employees. Separate additional permits are required to take photographs, even for private use, and to conduct journalism anywhere in Sudan. Additional information about entry requirements for Sudan and other countries is located on the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens are strongly urged to register with the Embassy in Khartoum or through the State Department’s Travel Registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Sharia Ali Abdul Latif, Khartoum; tel. (249-183) 774-701/2/3 (outside Sudan); tel. (0183) 774-701/2/3 (inside Sudan.) For after-hours emergencies, please call 249-183-774-705 and leave a message with Post One for the Consular Duty Officer.

Recently I attended a conference in Las Vegas that was held at the JW Marriott. I was a little irritated that I wasn’t staying on the strip - so that I can enjoy the many sites and sounds of the night life. The conference was okay, but the stay was better than expected. My room was equipped with a jetted tub, a rain-flow shower head and a large work area. The view was of a beautiful pool area and near by golf course - fantastic! They even have an on-site casino, if your in to loosing you life savings. The room was big and the hotel provided lots of pillows - a win for my wife. I enjoyed 5 star accommodations and the staff was very helpful when planning my nights and getting transportation to my destinations.

I think the hotel was great, but it was a bit of a downer because of the distance from all of fun and entertainment of Las Vegas. I also would have appreciated a shuttle service to the strip that operated more than 2 times a day.

I would recommend you stay at this hotel if you are looking to enjoy Las Vegas in the slow lane. I enjoyed the amenities, while taking it easy. It is just a short cab ride to the strip if you want to enjoy a show!

Carefreetrip.com gives the JW Marriott in Las Vegas out of 5 suitcases.

This Travel Alert updates U.S. citizens about security concerns in Tunisia.In light of the reported kidnapping of two Western tourists in the Tunisian-Algerian southern desert region, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution if traveling in this area.Sections of this border are not clearly marked.All U.S. citizens in Tunisia are encouraged to comply with local regulations regarding desert travel, to maintain a high level of vigilance with regard to their personal security and to remain aware of local developments.This Travel Alert expires on June 15, 2008.

Al-Qaida in the Land of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of two Austrian tourists in Tunisia in late February 2008.The two Austrians had been driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle in the southern desert.AQIM is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, and the presence of AQIM in North Africa presents potential dangers to travelers.

U.S. citizens planning travel to the southern desert regions of Tunisia despite this Travel Alert, as well as Americans residing or traveling in Tunisia, are urged to register with the Department of State through our travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov.Specific information on desert travel in Tunisia, including local regulations and procedures, can be found at http://tunisia.usembassy.gov/desert_travel.html. The U.S. Embassy in Tunis is located in Les Berges du Lac, Nord de Tunis 1053. Tel: (216) 71-107-000, Fax: (216) 71-964-360, Internet: http://tunisia.usembassy.gov.

Updated information on travel and security in Tunisia may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Tunisia and the Worldwide Caution, which are available on the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov.