One of the first places China tourists want to see and be seen through their camera lenses is Tiananmen Square. The world-famous plaza, located in Beijing, the nation's capital city is the largest public square in the world. It’s named for the sacred Tiananmen, translated as Gate of Heavenly Peace. This structure stands at one end of the Square as guardian doorway to the Forbidden City.

The Forbidden City dates back to the early 1400s, and through the centuries has served as palace, religious site, government quarters and residences of Chinese royal dynasties. When the Communist regime took over the city in 1949, a new kind of dynasty was created to be honored on the Square.

Times are toooo sloooowwww in the Nevada gambling mecca, and you’ll find bargains galore all around town. Hotels and casinos are giving away lots of coupon books and tickets. When you first check into your hotel, ask the front desk clerk for any current free or discount offers for meals, rides, entertainment, casino games and other goodies. Also check in-flight and in-room magazines for similar deals.

Did you read all about it? A 17-year-old British kid just returned after sailing 28,000 miles around the world. The cruise would have been very boring, but every day he did lifeboat drill, played deck shuffleboard, won at bingo, attended the stage show in the theater and lined up for midnight buffet. And all tips were included.

Israel is expected to welcome a new wave of luxury cruise ships this autumn, beginning when the 2,500-passenger Royal Caribbean ship Vision  of the Seas docks in Haifa and Ashdod during an 11-night tour.  Also, Celebrity Cruise's Celebrity Equinox will anchor in  Israel during a series of nine cruises in October. For more information, check with your hometown or online travel agency.