Q&A: Alyssa Antalis on Las Vegas

Alyssa Antalis is one of my all-time favorite dance teachers. (I have to say that because she has very embarrassing videos of me tap dancing when I was eight.) Really, though, she choreographs dozens of dances year after year and never runs out of ideas. How? She travels to Las Vegas once a year with her family (her mother, Sharon, owns a dance studio in Indiana, Pa.) to inspire new routines -- and also have a little fun. We talked about all of her favorite things in the country's biggest party city.

Bon Voyage: Why is Las Vegas one of your favorite places to visit? What keeps you coming back?

Alyssa Antalis: Here are my top ten favorite reasons!

1.) Shopping! Each hotel has so many great places to shop…some are affordable and others are not, but window shopping is always an option. The Forum Shops at Caesar’s are my favorite, followed by the Fashion Show Mall at the end of the strip.

2.) The Water Show outside the Bellagio is a must. The dancing fountains are choreographed to music and change all the time. I always make sure I see at least one during the day and one at night. I think they run every 30 minutes, but it is worth it to get a good spot a few minutes early. Also check out the gardens in the Bellagio. The flowers are beautiful, and they always change for the seasons.

3.) The rides on top of the Stratosphere are a must if you are looking for an adventure. You can hang off the edge of the tallest building in the city and the views are unbelievable.

4.) Riding the rollercoaster at NYNY is something you should do at least once.

5.) You can’t leave Vegas without seeing a Cirque du Soliel show. They have quite a few running right now, but my current favorite is Beatles Love at the Mirage. There is a brand new Cirque show at the Wynn that I can’t wait to see.

6.) Headliners put on amazing shows in Vegas. Loved seeing Celine Dion, Bette Midler, and Elton John at Caesar’s, as well as Barry Manilow at the Hilton. I'm looking forward to seeing Garth Brooks at the Wynn next.

7.) It is totally worth it to hop in a cab and go to downtown Vegas. It is a whole different atmosphere. The street is covered in a giant electrical canopy that turns into a light and music show in the evening. It is a must see!

8.) Gambling! If you want to win, stay away from the slot machines! (When I get the urge to lose money fast, the Wheel of Fortune slot machine is my favorite.) Learn to play blackjack and craps -- if you are a beginner, find a nice dealer during the day to help you. At night it is way too crowded to learn.

9.) There is an awesome club in each hotel. The lines can be so long, but if you meet the right people during the day, it is pretty easy to get your name on the list. Find one club and stick to it for the night because it is way too expensive to hop around.

10.) Impersonation shows are everywhere! Some are cheesy, but they are so much fun. “Legends in Concert” at the Imperial Palace is a classic. I have seen it least three times, and I continue to go back!

(Alyssa, right, and her friend Kellie with a Justin Timberlake impersonator in Las Vegas.)

BV: What can visitors do while in Las Vegas to avoid looking like tourists?

AA: Stopping to take pictures every step of the way causes major traffic jams, so limit yourself to a few really good ones. Also, Paris sells giant Eiffel Tower shaped drinks, New York New York has giant Statue of Liberty drinks, etc. As fun as they may be, if you don't want to look like a tourist, stick to regular cups. Finally, as you are walking down the strip, men will be handing out cards with naked girls and 800 numbers (as if you would actually get a visit from the same girl on the card if you called the number) -- only tourists take them.

BV: What should visitors pack in their suitcase before coming to Las Vegas?

AA: Fashion varies a lot from day to night! For day, pool/sun attire is a must! (Bathing suit, cute cover up and flip flops). If you aren’t spending the day by the pool, just anything casual is completely appropriate. It is so, so, so hot in the summer, so if you can’t be found at the pool bar, you are crazy. At night, you will see everything! I would recommend a cute black dress or even dark jeans and a dressy top with cute heels. A lot of people dress over the top in Vegas at night (actually, day time too) but try to keep it classy.

BV: What foods should no visitor leave Las Vegas without trying?

AA: Well, it depends how much you want to spend! There are so many great restaurants in Vegas that you could go to a different one every day for a year and not run out of options! If you have the money, Michaels is an unbelievable restaurant that can be found at Southpoint Casino, just a short cab ride from the strip. If you are looking for a great view, check out the ‘Top of the World’ located in the Stratosphere. The restaurant is continuously turning and makes one full rotation per hour. It is the best way to see the entire city while enjoying a 5-star meal! Each hotel has their own signature restaurants, so I recommend trying a different one each time! Stay away from the chains -- you can eat there at home! And you will see 24-hour buffets everywhere. You will get a good deal, but the consequences the next day may not be worth it.

BV: What is your favorite memory while in Las Vegas?

AA: There have been so many that it is so hard to pick just one! I have always said that New Year’s Eve is an overrated holiday, but let me tell you, ringing in the New Year in Vegas was unbeatable! We went to a private party at the Golden Nugget downtown -- a five course dinner, unlimited drinks, live music, and dancing all night.

(Alyssa and her friends and family in Las Vegas for New Year's Eve 2009.)

BV: What is your favorite travel destination (other than Las Vegas)?

AA: If I am looking to relax, definitely a resort on a tropical island. Lately, I’ve loved Punta Cana, Jamaica, and the Bahamas! If I am looking for a fun weekend getaway, New York City is probably my destination of choice!

Q&A: Flavio Campagna on Italy (And a short story from me)

Italy is my favorite place in the world to visit. Everyone I encounter is always bright, happy, and shoving food in my face. One of my favorite stories about Italy took two trips to come full circle. My father took me on my first trip to Europe during my freshman year of college, and his big goal throughout the entire trip was for us to climb Filippo Brunelleschi’s Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (commonly known as the “Duomo” or “the Duomo of Florence”) together. He even borrowed a friend’s $3,000 camera to capture the view at the top. We climbed hundreds of stairs, and the hardest part was realizing that my 64-year-old father was in better shape than I was. We got to the top and took breathtaking pictures of the city of Florence – including keepsakes of the two of us in front of the view. Days later we took a train to Paris (when I first fell in love with the city), and he took me to the famous restaurant Les Deux Magots. That is where I saw my father age 20 years in two seconds. Over steak frites, my father realized he had left his friend's $3,000 camera in the taxi, and, what’s worse, our priceless pictures together were gone. Now we laugh about it, but it certainly wasn’t funny then. When I went to Florence to visit friends during my semester abroad, the first thing I had to do was climb to the top of the Duomo and recapture the view for my father. Here is me – proud and very, very out of breath – at the top of the Duomo – take two. (Too bad this camera only cost $99 at Wal-mart.)

(Finally! A picture at the top of the Duomo.)

(A view of the Duomo from the top of the Piazza de Michelangelo in Florence.)

Flavio Campagna, a native of Parma, Italy, is an independent filmmaker and director. He was voted “most promising new director” at an Italian film festival in 2009, and his newest film, “Felino,” was just accepted into the Salento International Film Festival to be held in London this April. We talked about our shared passion for the red, white and green -- and he even shared some comical advice for future visitors.

Bon Voyage: What is your favorite thing about Italy?

Flavio Campagna: The variety of cultures from the past, and the many natural and architectural beauties.

BV: What can visitors do while in Italy to avoid looking like tourists?

FC: Stop wearing short trousers and sandals! And looking too happy or too worried while walking around the cities.

BV: What should visitors pack in their suitcase before coming to Italy?

FC: A video camera.

BV: What foods should no visitor leave Italy without trying?

FC: Prosciutto di Parma and white truffles.

BV: Where is your favorite travel destination?

FC: It would be Venice. I go to Rome very often, too.

Q&A: Adam Glassman on Traveling in Style

(Photo by Robert Trachtenberg)

Adam Glassman, the creative director at O, The Oprah Magazine, is my favorite man in fashion. If you read O (if you don't, you should), you know that Glassman gives style advice to real women in his monthly column "Adam Says". For Bon Voyage, Glassman gave us some of his favorite tips for high-fashion flying.

Bon Voyage: What would you recommend for travelers who need to pack lightly (carry-on luggage for example) but still want to look stylish during their trip?

Adam Glassman: When packing lightly, throw everything in an easy wheelie bag. Not only does it save your back from schlepping a heavy bag on your shoulder, but they also fit comfortably in both the overhead compartment and underneath the seat in front of you. To look stylish in the skies, skip the sweatpants. Instead, choose a comfortable sweater and easy-fitting cargo pants (the multiple pockets make it a cinch to store your passport and boarding pass). To save time at airport security, wear a pair of a slip-on sneakers or a ballet flat. Don’t forget socks!

BV: What products do you bring with you on a long flight to make yourself more comfortable and/or to look refreshed after landing?

AG: To stay warm on flights, I recommend wearing a scarf that can double as a blanket when the air conditioning is too chilly. Grab some noise-canceling headphones to drown out crying babies and your neighbor’s conversation. (I like the ones by Bose.) Since airlines no longer provide in-flight snacks, I always fly with a bag of raw almonds. I love Dr. Sharon’s Am I Dreaming essential oils and Formula 303 natural tension relief to calm my nerves in-flight. In lieu of a pillow during the flight, I place the StressRoller behind my lower back. Finally, when you land, do some light stretches to keep the blood flowing. The StressRoller works wonders to get the knots out of your neck upon landing.

Haiti Relief Funds

(Haitains clamour to receive water at a nearby airport. Photo courtesy of The New York Times.)

The more I read about the earthquake that devastated the population of Haiti on Jan. 12, the more I want to do my part and help in some way. The photos of children standing alone in the streets and covered in dust are heartbreaking. Below are a few ways to get involved.

President Obama announced this morning (click here to watch the announcement) that former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have come together to create the The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. Donate an amount of your choice online.

The American Red Cross has pledged an initial $200,000 to assist communities impacted by the earthquake. They expect to provide immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support. They are accepting donations through their International Response Fund.

UNICEF issued a statement saying, "Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them." UNICEF is asking for donations to provide relief for children in Haiti through their Haiti Earthquake Fund. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF.

Doctors Without Borders is on location and has set up clinics to treat injured in Haiti. Donate online so they can keep their efforts going.

Or simply text "HAITI" to 9-0-9-9-9.

Paris, Je t'aime

I didn't start a blog when I lived in Paris last spring. Instead, I came home and made a NFT (Not for Tourists) guide that my friends and family could really benefit from if they ever traveled there, too. And now I'm sharing it with you!

(Across the street, or shall I say "rue," from the Plaza Athénée.)

Before you go: Leave all of your tourist guides at home and buy City Walks: Paris: 50 Adventures on Foot instead. (http://www.amazon.com/City-Walks-Paris-Adventures-Foot/dp/0811838439) These cards were without a doubt my favorite way to see the city. Each card describes a short, 20-30 minute walk around Paris and includes restaurants, museums and more to stop by during your walk. It's a great thing to buy for any city you travel to. (They even have a set for New York City.) Pull out the Avenue Montaigne card first, only because I'm a little shaky on directions through the area, but it's a definite must-do. Avenue Montaigne boasts every major designer store in the world, is home to Plaza Athénée (where Carrie Bradshaw stayed in “Sex and the City”) and, during the walk, it will take you to the Presidential Palace (where Nicolas Sarkozy, the president of France, and Carla Bruni live). It's a very classy walk! The flagship Longchamp store is also along this walk on St. Honoré, another famous shopping street. When packing, a quick piece of advice is to pack neutrals. (This is my secret to packing for any trip, leaving color to the accessories that take up little space in my suitcase.) Parisians wear black no matter what time of the year, and if it’s cold or rainy, everyone is in a trench coat. Try to find a sophisticated pair of flats because it is very much a walking city, but throw a great pair of heels in your suitcase as well if you want to blend in with the French women!

(My friends and I (white coat) in front of the view from the Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre.)

My Secret Treasure: My favorite area in all of Paris is Montmartre. Take the green 12 line, get off at Abysses, and you’ll be in the heart of the area. Go on a Sunday and there are usually markets with tons of free food and wine to taste. This is one of the best shopping areas in Paris because there are dozens small boutiques (some are even vintage) instead of typical stores like Zara and H&M. They're also affordable! I can’t remember the names of either, but there is a great paper store on the main street in Montmartre, followed by a cute café that is painted red and purple. I recommend both! Walk up, up, up and you’ll be in the artist’s square where all sorts of painters gather and paint all day. It's surrounded by tons of little cafés to grab lunch, and it's a great place to shop for souvenirs. At the top of Montmartre (just keep going up) is the Sacré-Coeur. On Sundays (and most other days) there is a man who sings and plays guitar on the stairs, and there are always hundreds of people from all over the world who sit and sing along. Sit and watch the beautiful view of the city during sunset.

(The famous Berthillon glacerie. C'est délicieuse!)

Paris by Foot: I have a few favorite walks to get around the city. The first begins at Notre Dame. There is a really famous ice cream parlor, Berthillon, located right behind the Notre Dame on the left. (If you start by facing the Notre Dame, just walk down the left-hand side and go across the bridge also on your left.) It has a green awning, and, since it's summer, you'll probably be able to point it out based on the long line. But the ice cream is totally worth it. A piece of advice—don’t try to sit down and order ice cream to avoid the line. Unfortunately they won't let you and are complete jerks about it if you try. After you see the Notre Dame (try to start this walk about a half hour before the sun begins to fall so you’re walking during sunset), walk straight ahead the entire way down the Seine. It's such a gorgeous walk, and your final destination will be the Musée D'Orsay straight ahead and the bridge leading to the Louvre on your right. Take a right and walk toward the Louvre as it gets dark. It's so pretty to watch the whole area light up at night. You can get a drink at the outdoor café in front of the Pyramid, or, if you go on a Friday, go inside the Louvre because it's free from 6 to 9 p.m.

(Paris Fashion Week took place in the Tuileries gardens last spring. This is from Barbara Bui, a major French designer.)

Another great day walk from the Louvre is to the Tuileries and Champs Elysées. Go to Angelina (226 Rue de Rivoli; metro is the yellow 1 line and Louvre-Rivoli is the stop) for hot chocolate first. It’s the best thing you'll ever taste, and Audrey Hepburn used to go there often. Walk forward from the Louvre and walk straight through the Tuileries. This is where Paris Fashion Week is held! Keep walking straight and go through Concorde. Keep your eye out for photo shoots by the fountains to your right and left. Keep walking straight and walk down the Champs Elysées. Hop in the flagship Louis Vuitton store and Ladurée for macaroons. My personal favorite (even if you're not a plain eater) is vanilla. The view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe is my favorite day view because 12 major avenues in Paris jet out from the Arc. I'm sure it's also amazing at night, but I prefer that view from the Eiffel Tower.

(Photo shoots often take place in Concorde, which has a beautiful view of the Champs Elysées.)

(The view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe has a pretty good view of the Champs Elysées too...)

Of course the Eiffel Tower (metro stop is the green 12 line at Bir-Hakeim) is a must-see, but there's not a good way to go without just swallowing your pride and being a typical tourist. Not to be cliché, but it is one of my favorite monuments because every time I saw it, it always reminded me of where I was. My advice is that if it's a nice day and you're debating whether or not to go, just go. Odds are that the next day will be cloudy and you’ll have missed out on the great view. (It’s about 10 euro to go to the top.) Definitely do this at night if you go to Sacré-Coeur or the top of the Arc de Triomphe during the day. There is a champagne cruise across from the Eiffel Tower called Point de Vedettes that I highly recommend. I think it's around 40 euro. You can buy tickets online by going to http://www.o-chateau.com/paris-champagne-cruise.php.

If you have a Sunday free (but you can go any day of the week), the Marais District is one of the only areas in Paris where stores are open on Sundays. It's a really fun area to walk through, and, since this is where all of the modeling agencies are, French models are everywhere. It's trés chic! Just take the yellow 1 line and get off at St. Paul. There are beautiful pastry shops here, so make sure you go with an empty tummy.

(My friend Stephanie and I doing at a cheers on our final night in Paris.)

(The interior of Buddha Bar, where my friends and I had our "last supper".)

Restaurants: A word of advice is to avoid eating at restaurants right along touristy spots. (For example, the large cafes across from Trocadero or the restaurant right behind the Musée D’Orsay.) You'd think they're friendlier and accustomed to tourists, but they're not. They're also very expensive. Walk a few blocks around the corner and you'll find more average priced, friendly service. My favorite restaurants are Bofinger (http://www.bofingerparis.com/), Buddha Bar (http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=buddha+bar+paris+&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g10&fp=sEPs8bayk4Q) and La Gare (http://www.restaurantlagare.com/). Each of these are a little expensive, but I didn't go out to eat that often so restaurants were always a splurge! Step out from Buddha Bar into Concorde right before the clock strikes the hour. Every hour, on the hour, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes, and it’s a beautiful view from Concorde. (This is how I said goodbye to Paris!) Try lots and lots of bakeries, patisseries and cafés. It's hard to find bad food.

(My friends and I out in Bastille. Can you tell who is French and who is American?)

Nightlife: My favorite club is Duplex. Any night from Thursday on they offer some kind of "special" where girls get in for free. If you get off the metro going toward La Défense on the yellow 1 line at George V, you'll come out right on the beautiful Champs Elysées. Walk forward down to the Arc de Triomphe and turn left when you get to the round-about. Walk about two blocks in a circle (It’s a little difficult to describe...you’ll understand when you’re there) and turn left again when you see a purple/pink glowing building on your left. It's really easy to find. It's a 4-story club and each room is a different theme. It's usually always happy hour, which means you get two drinks for the price of one. (I think it’s still around 10 euro.) Showcase is another fun club, which is under the Point Alexander bridge. I can't remember exactly how to walk there, but take the light blue13 line and get off at Invalides. You'll see a big bridge with gold statues right away. That's the Point Alexander bridge. Just walk all the way down, turn right and walk to go under it. You'll see it! The Bastille has TONS of bars. That's an entire metro stop on the yellow 1 line. Just get off and explore. My favorite bars are Frog and Princess, Hideout, and the Latin Corner. That's also a fun bar to go to during the day for a drink. But there are literally bars lining the streets. Although plenty of Americans frequent each of these bars, don’t be afraid to talk to French people! Even if you don’t know a word of French, they typically know English and love talking to Americans. I can’t tell you how many offers my friends and I have gotten from French people who want to cook us a “real French meal” after a night out!

Final Thoughts: Don't be afraid to take the metro. They have metro maps at the info desk and the stations are marked so well. It does not take long to figure out and it's better than risking a taxi driver who might drive around town just to take you around the corner. You'll definitely encounter rude French people, but just talk quietly in public places and be very polite when you're asking questions. It's usually easier just to ask questions in English. Most of the time, unless you have a polished French accent, they revert to English as soon as they hear the tell-tale American “r” in your voice. Our accent is really, really noticeable!

(The Paris Ballet at the end of a performance.)

(The inside of the breathtaking Opéra Garnier.)

Other must-dos: The Luxembourg Gardens (take the RER B line) are beautiful in the spring. This is a perfect place for a picnic. Go into a bakery and buy some fruit, wine, cheese and a baguette and you’ll look just like a Frenchie! The Musée D’Orsay (take the RER C line) is my favorite museum. It’s heaven for anyone who loves impressionism. The Louvre is beautiful from the outside, but it's kind of overwhelming. Another beautiful museum is the Musée de l’Orangerie (take the yellow 1 line and get off at Concorde). This houses many works by Monet and is very doable in one afternoon! If you like the ballet, you must visit the Paris Opéra Garnier. Visit their Web site (http://www.operadeparis.fr/cns11/live/onp/site/) to find show times, and if you are willing to walk in the side entrance and wait in line for about an hour before the show begins, you can buy a ticket for only 6 euro. The Ritz is just around the corner, which is where Princess Diana left from right before she died.

Additional restaurant suggestions from friends:

· Procopio Angelo, 89 rue Saint Honore. Italian restaurant, seats 20, closed Sunday and Monday. Reservations a must for dinner. Very casual and inexpensive for Paris.

· Swann et Vincent, 22 place Denfert-Rochereau. Italian restaurant, casual and reasonably priced.

· Philippe and Jean-Pierre, 7 rue du Boccador. For excellent traditional French cuisine, order their Foie Gras two ways (one traditional cold pate w/jam and the other served warm in a delicate pastry shell). Upscale dining, business casual to formal. Located between Champs Elysees and Georges V.

· Chez Janou Bistrot, 2 rue Roger Verlomme near the Bastille. New, trendy French cuisine, casual and fun place. Reservations for dinner a must.

· RATN, 9 rue de la Tremoille, excellent Indian cuisine and around the corner from a very popular steak and French fry restaurant that has patrons lined up for an hour at a time for dinner. Located between Champs Elysees and Georges V.

I hope you enjoy this guide! If you discover any new favorites during your stay in Paris, please e-mail me at devin.tomb@gmail.com so I can add them to my list!