The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

USA

The Top 6 US Cities for Live Theater Shows

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If someone mentions live theater in the United States, one of the first suggestions is New York City and Broadway. New York is great. You have Times Square and many other attractions, but it is incredibly expensive. Los Angeles is similar; it has great theater thanks to its proximity to Hollywood, but it is expensive and crowded. However, there are many great destinations that are just as good but come with a lower price tag. Here are the top 7 US cities for live theater shows.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston has one of the most culturally significant theaters in the United States. Better yet, it hosts many shows from Broadway. And, most importantly, many shows start in Boston before they get picked up by Broadway. Hit the Boston theater scene, and you might see a play before it becomes a Broadway hit. You could also hit the Williamstown Theater Festival that’s a short drive away.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago has a history of producing comedy geniuses, and this city is a must-see if you’re into comedy. After all, it is the birthplace of long-form improv. However, its theater scene has much more than comedy. Many tours end here, and the local scene is worth exploring, too. The training programs in DePaul and Northwestern, for instance, will give you the chance to see budding talents before they hit the main stage.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis has the most theaters per capita than any city in the U.S. except NYC. The Minneapolis theater scene is a mix of tours and local productions bolstered by the up-and-coming writers at the Playwright’s Center. It is even home to one of the oldest theater companies in the country, and they have a history of great live shows.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle’s theater scene is notable for its risk-taking. The theaters in Seattle can take on more controversial topics or cater to more niche audiences because they don’t have the same economic burden as Broadway shows. They also deal with lower overheads, so they can host more experimental shows and be more ambitious than Broadway theaters that need to maximize revenue. You can also buy your tickets from an online reseller to save even more money over the cost of Broadway tickets.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco should be first on your list if you’re interested in opera. The city is home to the second largest opera company in the United States as well as dozens of live theaters. These feature a mix of classic and original works. For example, the Berkeley Rep hosts a mix of regional and world premieres.

Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville, Kentucky, would make this list because of the 30 shows a year held at the Actor’s Theater alone. However, it is also home to the Humana Festival, a new theater festival. If there is a new play that’s creating a storm, there is a fair chance it premiered here first.

No matter where you want to visit in the United States, the odds are that there is a great theater center that you can hit. Or you could visit one of these cities, which we think are the best incubators for theater and the arts, to see shows not available anywhere else in the world.

The Importance of A Meticulously Planned Itinerary For Your Upcoming Trip to Florida

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When we take vacations most of us will have an idea of a couple of activities which we’d like to do but most of us would rather get to our destination and then let the wind take us where it will. In fact many people love this spontaneity and the idea that anything can happen during their time away. With a trip to Florida however, this is simply not the case and it is absolutely vital that you have an itinerary which is packed from morning til night on each day, and here is why.

Volume of Possibilities

Here in Florida there is simply so much to do for tourists that even a two week vacation won’t begin to scratch the surface. Whether you plan to visit Miami, hit the beach, go to the Everglades, indulge in some of the amazing theme parks here, catch some sports or go shopping, you will only be able to enjoy a small percentage of what is available. This is why you have to be efficient with your time, in order to make the most of every minute and at the very least tick of some of the main activities which you want to do.

Theme Parks

Once you have a solid itinerary you can start making preparations to save some money with your theme park tickets. Let’s say that you want to get some tickets for Universal Orlando, if you decide to rock up on the morning then you can expect to be waiting in line for a very long time before you even get the chance to buy the tickets, and that is before you even enter the park. Having an itinerary means that you’ll know exactly which days you’ll be at each park, allowing you the chance to secure your tickets online and save money in the process as well. Ticket online are notoriously cheeper than buying at the park.

Route Planning

Florida is a big place so you will need to ensure that you know where you are going and when, in order to design the most efficient route. For example if you are staying in Kissimmee and you want to visit Orlando downtown, there is no point in trying to get to Tampa as well because they are in different directions. As you plan your itinerary you will be able to map out smart routes which allow you to hit multiple destinations in one day.

Saving Money

You can find a huge range of coupons and vouchers online for restaurants, theme parks, activity centers and all manner of money saving opportunities. In most cases you’ll need to select the day that you plan to use the discount and this cannot be done unless you know where you’ll be and when. With this in mind then it is fair to say that by having an itinerary in place, you will be able to save yourself a lot of money on your trip, something which everyone can appreciate.

Map the trip out, plan your days well and maximize your time in Florida.

The 6 Best Mexican Restaurants In The Las Vegas Area

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If you’re a fan of Mexican food, you’ll want to hit all six of these amazing spots during your time in Vegas. Each offers excellent Mexican cuisine served by excellent chefs and friendly, courteous staff. We’ve compiled this list so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying your favorite Mexican dishes!

1. Nacho Daddy

Nacho Daddy was first opened in 2010 and remains locally owned and operated. Boasting an impressive menu of Mexican dishes and a philosophy of “never a dry chip”, this restaurant has made a name for itself in the industry.

Nachos have never been the same! The restaurant serves “gourmet nachos” of every variety, from their Fiesta Nachos to Lobster and Crab Nachos, there is a nacho variation for any taste you can imagine. If you’re not into nachos, the menu also has other options, including an all-day breakfast sub-menu.

One of the defining features of this restaurant is its world-renowned Scorpion Shot. And yes, it is literally a scorpion in a shot of tequila. The question is, are you brave enough to get stung? The scorpions are kept in a live terrarium inside the restaurant, so you’ll get to see the scorpion before you drink it.

2. Tacos El Gordo

Nothing beats authenticity when it comes to Mexican food, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Tacos El Gordo. Family owned and operated since 1998, this restaurant has gained a serious reputation for cranking out some amazing food.

They only use homemade corn tortilla and high-grade meats in their cooking, making the tacos one of a kind. Since the opening, the restaurant has also opened a location in California, spreading the message that this is real authentic Mexican cuisine.

3. Borracha Mexican Cantina

This Henderson Mexican Restaurant is a must-see for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine. With decor that lends a nod to Dia De Muertos, the Mexican holiday “The Day of The Dead”, this eatery certainly carries its own unique reputation for interior design.

The tortillas are made by hand from scratch, so you can be sure you’re getting the highest quality burritos and tacos made fresh daily. The menu also boasts a Vegan section for those of you that enjoy tacos without the meat.

Don’t worry, the drink menu is up to the task of matching the extensive food menu. Whether you want a glass of wine with your tacos, a beer or margarita, the menu provides. Its extensive list includes tequila as well for added authenticity.

4. El Dorado Cantina

One of the top-rated Mexican restaurants in Vegas is the El Dorado Cantina. Known for its superb authenticity and for being open 24 hours (that’s right, tacos at night!) this restaurant is a force to be reckoned with.

Featuring 181 seats, this upscale location provides excellent customer service and authentic foods. Their ingredients are all sourced from sustainable farms, and everything on the menu is made from scratch.

From tacos to burritos to enchiladas, the menu has something to offer everyone. An extensive drinks menu will ensure that your thirst is quenched throughout your stay at El Dorado, and the dark wood decor will inspire awe as you enjoy an authentic meal.

5. El Segundo Sol

This Mexican eatery boasts handcrafted margaritas and a stunning patio overlooking the beautiful Las Vegas Strip. With a focus on quality and taste, El Segundo Sol deserves its spot on our list.

The restaurant has worked hard to provide an authentic experience reminiscent of Mexico City, without the trip south. The fresh-made guacamole is a staple of the impressive menu and has gained quite a reputation for being delicious.

Tacos, enchiladas, fajitas. The restaurant has it all, and at great prices. You can even order bottomless chips and salsa for less than five dollars. Stop in today to see why El Segundo Sol is one of the top-rated Mexican restaurants in the Vegas area.

6. Hussong’s Cantina

In 1941, a man by the name of Don Carlos Orozco invented the margarita; which would become one of the most popular drinks on the planet. This is a little-known fact held dear by the Hussong family, who in fact provided the restaurant that this iconic drink was created in.

Hussong’s is one of the oldest cantinas around, meaning they’ve had a lot of practice perfecting their menu. Using only fresh ingredients, this restaurant combines authenticity with superb quality for a dining experience you must see to believe.

Burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and freshly made guacamole are just a few of the excellent dishes offered at this unique and savory location. If you find yourself thirsty, house-made margaritas are just the thing to quench your thirst.

Hussong’s also offers catering for your personal events, should you decide that any old place just won’t make the cut. They’ll provide their famous authentic Mexican dishes to make your event a memorable-and tasty-occasion.

The Take-Away

While Las Vegas literally has dozens of Mexican Restaurants and cantinas, these six are the staple of the industry, boasting well-deserved reputations and impressive menus. If you’re looking for authenticity, quality, and customer service all in one place, any of the six restaurants in our list will provide just that. Enjoy your stay in Vegas and remember, always choose higher quality when it comes to food!

Your Zion National Park Questions, Answered!

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The Zion National Park in Southwest Utah is one of the most visited national parks in the United States for a number of reasons. It has gorgeous scenery and plenty of hiking trails to explore, making it the perfect destination for those who love adventures. It is also home to diverse wildlife, from the mule deer to the bighorn sheep.

A trip to Zion National Park is one that you will remember for years to come. To make the trip more fruitful and enjoyable, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the national park, answered.

How Do I Get There?

You can reach the Zion National Park in a number of ways. Those visiting the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley can continue their journey by car; the Zion National Park is about four hours away from the Grand Canyon. The same can be said for those who are visiting Zion from different parts of Utah. The closest national park is the Bryce National Park, which is about an hour away from Zion National Park.

The most convenient way to reach the park, however, is by flying to Las Vegas. From McCarran International Airport, the Zion National Park is around two to three hours away by car. You can easily rent a car from Las Vegas, plus you get the bonus of being able to sample this glamorous city upon arriving or before ending your trip.

What about Accommodation?

Being the popular destination that it is, Zion National Park has a number of accommodation options to choose from. The Bumbleberry Inn, the best Zion hotel in the area, offers homey accommodation for any kind of traveler. It has its own theater and you can use the shuttle rides to get to various points in the national park.

There are several camping grounds too, so you can go all out with your adventure to the national park and spend some time in the wild. The Lava Point Campground and the South Campground are the more popular ones, but you have other options to choose from. There are even RV resorts for those traveling in their RVs.

Is it Safe to Drive to Zion National Park?

Driving to Zion National Park is not only safe but highly recommended. The Zion Scenic Drive is actually one of the area’s best attractions. The route takes you across the national park and straight to the forest area.

The drive itself is special. You will be driving along a twisty road with gorgeous scenery to enjoy from start to finish. There are some areas with sharp hairpins and challenging turns – not all of them have guardrails – but as long as you are focused, you will have a lot of fun taking this route.

Don’t forget to have your camera ready too. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the landscape; chances are you’ll be making several stops while driving this route.

Once you get to Zion National Park, you will have even more things to do. Now that you have these questions answered, you can plan for the trip better and have the best time exploring the national park.

Eco-Tours are Booming in Key West

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Ahh, the backcountry of Key West. Flats that extend for miles in either direction, full of game fish, sharks, rays, tarpon and other surprises. Get up close and see it all on one of the island’s many discovery tours. Go kayaking or have a guide drive you to the remotest areas where nature thrives and excitement rules.

What Makes Key West so Special?

Key West is a sub-tropical island set way out in the Atlantic Ocean, 120 miles from the mainland. To the north, we have the Gulf of Mexico and to the south, we have the Atlantic. There are miles and miles of backcountry around this island, too.

All of this means there is a thriving marine ecosystem out there just waiting to be explored. Key West eco tours will take visitors to remote areas to view wildlife and discover nature in a non-obtrusive way so we harm the environment as little as possible. If you’re an eco-tour newbie, here’s what you can expect:

  • Some eco tours take a boat of visitors to special spots to view dolphins
  • Some tours will take visitors to a remote spot to snorkel an area that’s not frequented by the bigger tour companies
  • Some eco tours involve boating out to a remote spot for kayaking on the flats and amongst the mangroves.

Whatever form is taken, an eco-tour means you get to discover nature at your own pace, silently and carefully. These trips are great for picture-taking, too.

What About Diving?

Key West diving is an exciting way to see the living coral reef that’s just minutes away from shore. Experienced divers and novices alike can get out to the reef and discover the underwater world that surrounds the reef system in our waters.

Even if you’re new to diving, you can take a short course and get temporarily certified for some scuba on vacation. If you really love it, why not get certified for real after you return from Key West? Diving is a lifelong sport that you can enjoy for years to come. There are dozens of charter companies in Key West ready to take you out to the reef or to a wreck for some fun exploration.

What Makes the Coral Reef Near Key West so Special

Key West diving is such a big deal because we are just six miles from the only living coral reef system in North America. That means an amazing diversity of marine life and a thriving, diverse ecosystem out there. All sorts of coral flourish on the reef, from soft coral species to hard coral, like rock.

The reef fish that make snorkeling and diving so popular abound everywhere on the reef, from zebrafish to parrotfish and Sargent majors to all kinds of jacks, snapper, rays and more! A Key West diving trip will take you out to the best areas of the reef, like Eastern Dry Rocks or Sand Key Light, for the best time ever discovering the coral reef.