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Movies and make-believe may teach you that taking risks is the only way to get things done, leaping into danger and dynamically charging through all opposition to achieve everything you ever wanted in 90 minutes or less. But that’s because they’re movies. And usually Bruce Willis. He can do that.

In reality, even a slight scuffle can destroy your productivity for days or weeks, to say nothing of being so extraordinarily unpleasant that the word “unpleasant” really doesn’t do it justice, even when you use the massive adjective “extraordinarily.” Because we’re not Batman, we can’t shrug off these scares. However, we can at least pretend we’re him while using gadgets to improve our security.

1. SpotCrime

SpotCrime combines the Internet, crowd-sourced criminal reports and Augmented Reality to let you see the world like RoboCop. The site can overlay recent crime data on any map, instantly warning anyone on a business trip which areas they shouldn’t blunder into.

And this isn’t just glorified gossip. SpotCrime is signing deals with police services around the world to constantly improve the quality and amount of information available on the service. It seems the police understand that preventing crime is easier than cleaning things up afterwards.

SpotCrime

Of course there’s now an app — the ubiquitous iPhone offers a range of security services (as well as increasing the use of the word “ubiquitous” because of the way it really is becoming the mass market personal portable computer). Simply enter the desired location and you can see the criminal map or even overlay event locations on a live feed from your camera. (Though the whole point of the service is making sure you’re never close enough to do that, or that you at least know not to wave expensive electronics in the air if you are.)

2. SafetyButton and Anylarm

SafetyButton does exactly what it says in the title: it turns your iPhone touchscreen into an instant alert button.

Safety Button and Anylarm

Cupertino’s implications to the contrary aside, Windows users are people too and also deserve protection. CaptureTech Corporation’s Anylarm provides the same service for Windows phones, programming a pressable button (or even the shake sensor on suitable cell phones) to act as an alert beacon.

Both alarms send a message (with GPS co-ordinates) to a predetermined number. There are a number of options to help avoid false alarms and you’ll want to make sure you really check your messages if you’re using this system!

3. Are You Safe

Are You Safe is advertised as the Geiger counter of crime. That’s the sort of tagline that’ll get press with us any day of the week.

Are You Safe

The apps are cheap (a dollar), though each one only serves a single city. If you move or travel, you have to buy a new location-specific copy. There’s also the psychological danger of trying to get a high-score on the meter, an extremely human urge which we implore you to resist the way you would if it was a real Geiger counter. Getting the needle all the way to the right is a very bad thing.

4. iWitness

iWitness offers the same services as the above, uploading GPS and alert data to pre-determined number, but it adds an extremely useful group function. Instead of stepping straight to alerting friends or authorities, a distributed group can set their iWitness apps as an “Alert Group,” instantly signaling each other with a message and location.

iWitness

A godsend for anyone who has to administer a group in a strange place, iWitness also has the iReporter function (enabling users to upload pictures or recordings). Use it to inform up to 16 people of places, concerns or simple status messages.

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(Photo: Vlingva / iStockphoto)

Just a few years ago, you probably would have called up your travel agent if you were thinking about taking a trip or vacation somewhere. These days, though, there are thousands of websites online that can help you with every step of the planning process — as well as offer some help beyond what a travel agent could do for you. With these online tools, you can make sure that your travels, whether for business or pleasure, are enjoyable.

Planning

Tripbase

Tripbase — Get ideas on where to travel and what to do, based on what you enjoy.

Yahoo! Travel — Access an integrated set of travel tools that recommend specific trips, help you find cheap airfare and hotels, and more.

Iloho — Read up on locations you’re considering visiting, as well as plan your itinerary.

Triporama — Manage the travel plans of whole groups of family or friends and make sure you all get where you’re going.

RealTravel — Look at reviews for trips, locations, and even hotels in order to plan your travel.

TripConnect — Get travel advice from your network of friends.

Travel.State.Gov — Check government advisories on travel as well as get tips for specific countries.

TripAdvisor — Plan each step of your trip while consulting reviews from other travelers.

Tripology — Get help from travel agents with planning your vacation.

OneBag — Learn how to pack your bags and travel light.

Trekaroo — Put together a family friendly travel plan.

PlanetEye — Read reviews of destinations around the world.

TripWolf — Get access to professional travel articles as well as information from other travelers.

AmateurTraveler — Discover new places to visit.

TripEssentials — Bookmark and manage accommodations and other travel information while you’re planning your trip across multiple sites.

TravelIndex — Ask questions about traveling and find resources.

Openplaces — Research your destinations and find reliable information.

Flying

SeatGuru

FareCompare — Find cheap flights and get Twitter updates about cheap deals from your home airport.

SideStep — Search major travel sites like Orbitz and JetBlue with just one search.

Mobissimo — Compare results from a variety of travel search engines, as well as get news and connect with the Mobissimo community.

Bing Travel — Find airfare and get tips on when to buy your tickets so that you get the lowest possible price.

Frekfly — Get the details on the airports you’ll be flying through, like where you should eat.

atLarge — Find Internet access at any airport in the world.

AirTroductions — Connect with other passengers who will be traveling through particular airports at particular times.

FlightAware — Track your flights and check out the activity at the airports you’re headed to.

FlightStats — Get information on the status of your flights.

SeatGuru — Learn which seats are the best on the plane.

FlyerTalk — Improve the number of airline miles you get from frequent flyer programs.

Vayama — Search for international flights.

Momondo — Discover the dates that will offer you the cheapest airfare.

Airline Quality — Check the quality of the airline you’ll be traveling with before you book.

FlyMyCase — Have your baggage shipped to your destination before you leave and skip baggage claim.

Yapta — Track ticket prices to make sure you get the best deal.

Riding

Google Transit

Google Transit — Plan trips on public transportation.

RailEurope — Purchase rail passes to travel around Europe.

Driving

Ridester

Ridester — Share rides in the U.S. by either finding a ride or offering one for a share of the gas money.

TripWiser — Plan road trips and get advice from a social network on where to go.

TravMatix — Create a driving plan, complete with suggestions on where to stop for gas.

PlanYourTrip — Find information on motels, campgrounds, and attractions around the route of your roadtrip.

Moblu — Calculate your gas costs for your trip.

Accommodations

LicketyTrip

Hotels Finder — Find hotels in various cities and see their rankings and details on a Google Map.

Rent Me A Vacation — Search for vacation rentals based on location and price.

EpicTrip — Watch videos and read reviews of the hotels you’re considering staying in before you book.

TravelPost — Search for hotel reviews across thousands of websites.

HomeAway — Find vacation rentals all over the world, as well as rent out your own vacation rental.

LicketyTrip — Get last minute deals on vacation rentals.

HostelWorld — Check out hostel options in more than 170 countries.

LateRooms — Book hotel rooms at the last minute for deals.

Skoosh — Search for boutique hotel rooms.

ConcertHotels — Going to a concert? Find a hotel near the venue.

CouchSurfing — Couchsurf your way around the world by finding locals to stay with.

Hostelling International — Book hostels around the world in order to travel on the cheap.

Hospitality Club — Travel for free and connect with locals through this site’s volunteers.

HostelTrail — Read up on hostels located in Latin America.

Domegos — Locate vacation rentals in more than 70 countries.

AirBNB — Connect with hosts who will let you sty in their homes.

gloveler.com — Rent private accommodations inexpensively.

Travel Guides

Simpatigo

Boo — See guides and travel advice written by other travelers.

EveryTrail — Share trip routes and photos online and through mobile devices, as well as find trips where you’ll be traveling.

WhereTo.org — Look at information shared by other travelers describing places they’ve been, along with their recommendations.

Vcarious — Read travel guides written by recent visitors, as well keep your own travel journal.

WikiTravel — Find and edit this shared travel guide organized along the lines of Wikipedia.

Cosmotourist — Get travel tips that go beyond guidebooks and ask any questions you want answered before you travel.

World66 — Check out more than 20,000 different destinations with almost 80,000 articles written about them.

TripCart — Find what to do once you’ve got an idea of where you want to travel.

Geobeats — Watch video travel guides to learn more about where you’re headed.

Travelistic — See thousands of travel videos from all over the world.

Simpatigo — Create custom tours of the area you’re visiting.

World Hotel Link — Read up on information about different areas with a socially conscious angle.

LonelyPlanet — Browse professional travel guides online.

OffbeatGuides — Print your own customized travel guides.

WorldSaurus — Access travel guides written entirely by locals.

KeenGuides — Watch guided tours for the areas you plan to visit.

Local Help

Yelp

Boomtrek — Get acquainted with individual cities, from finding the neighborhood you want to stay in, as well as find other information about the city.

Wayn — Find locals and other travelers to hang out with.

CityTherapy — Hear about the newest and coolest places to go in European cities.

BringSome — Bring or get items usually only available in other countries.

Where’s the Beach, Dude! — Get listings on where nearby beaches are.

Yelp — Read reviews of restaurants and other businesses in there area you’re visiting.

DailyCandy — Learn about local events and the bests of different cities.

HiEverywhere — Connect with a local who has volunteered to be a tour guide.

Networking

Dopplr

Dopplr — Share information about where and when you’ll be traveling with your network so that you can tell when you’ll be in the same places as your friends.

myTripBook — Write about your adventures and share them with your Facebook friends.

TripIt — Network with your traveling friends and update your plans just by forwarding your confirmation emails to the site.

Matador — Read about the exciting adventures of other travelers, network with them and find trips you’d like to take as well.

Jauntlet — Create a travel plan that you can add to your blog, social networking profiles, and other places where you can share your adventures with your friends.

GeoJoey — Vote on the experiences you’ve had while traveling and see what trips are the most highly ranked.

Diddit — Share lists of your adventures and compare them with your friends.

Here or There — Read and write travel blogs to share your experiences.

Extravigator — Discuss luxury travel options and get the inside scoop.

Sosauce — Recreate your travel memories with photo tools.

TripHub — Pull together all your information about your travel plans in one place so you can easily share it.

Where I’ve Been — Map out the places you’ve visited on your Facebook page.

TwisitorCenter — Find visitor information for different cities through Twitter.

TravelBlog — Post a travel blog for free and discuss your adventures with other travelers.

Trips — Use this Facebook application to plan trips with friends as well as share your travel information with your friends.

Driftr — Plan and record your trips so that you can easily share them with friends and family.

TripSay — Tell your friends where to go.

Twaller — Get and give travel tips on Twitter in real time.

EverLater — Keep a record of your travels for later.

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(Photo: sonya123 / iStockphoto)

Modern technology makes everything easier, but sometimes the pursuit of powerful hardware ignores the actual humans. How many times have you witnessed others struggling with an unwieldy laptop, forcing it edge-on into an unsuitable case? Or spilling their carrier’s contents as they extract their electronic assistant? A good choice of computer storage makes every single use that much easier — and making the right choice once to ease life forever is what this blog’s all about.

1. Solo Urban Vertical Messenger

The Urban Messenger is just army-looking enough for function and ruggedness without suggesting psycho wannabe-tough tendencies. The smooth styling combines multiple compartments with a total lack of awkward straps, buckles, or bagginess. Anyone looking to reduce the military vibe further can go for the black variant.

Solo Urban Vertical Messenger

An incredibly useful addition is the large, file-sized separate pocket ideal for newspapers, magazines, or printouts — negating the need to jam large sheaves of paper into the laptop compartment. Ease of access to this “reading material” pocket shows real thought in construction.

2. Pocket Full of ‘Puter

The opposite end of the style spectrum is served by Melissa Beth Designs with the Pocket Full of ‘Puter. Forgive the insufferably cute name and you end up with an intelligently engineered case which doesn’t sacrifice function for form. Leather trim lends this laptop bag real style, while foam padding protects the contents.

Pocket Full of 'Puter

It isn’t just for tittering teenagers, either — while it’s the pinkest ‘puter case you’ve ever seen, a range of other colors reflects the fact that the designer understands that not every female has just pranced off the set of a stereotypical soap opera.  In fact, not everyone who likes good-looking accessories is a girl — an amazing insight that the tech industry is finally catching up with.

3. Cargo Sleeve

BUILT doesn’t want to sell you bags — this designer understands that you might just already have some with having been alive this long and owning a computer. Instead they offer a cool Cargo Sleeve with neoprene padding — ideal for encapsulating your electronics inside larger luggage which otherwise wouldn’t treat your laptop with the respect it deserves.

Cargo Sleeve

It’s an extremely functional piece of kit, combining extra zippers and pockets (for all those essential but annoying bits and bobs your work requires) with distinctive design. The result is something you wouldn’t be ashamed to be seen with — and for an “I bought a special sleeve to protect my precious computer” item, that’s very well done indeed!

4. DIY Jean Bag

Finally, we have a bit of fun for Smartlifers who like to make their own cool (though we recommend someone else doing it for you). This handy video shows the steps involved in converting old jeans into a stylish tote bag — because if there’s anything sexier than a shiny little laptop, it’s said system in Daisy Duke cutoffs.

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(Photo: Brasil2 / iStockphoto)

It would certainly be nice to have the same kind of expense account as high-ranking corporate executives, but not everyone is quite so lucky. This applies to people who are self-employed, as well as regular employees who need to fit their regular business travel expenses into the company’s budget. This is especially true given today’s economic climate.

According to the IRS, deductible travel expenses can include such costs as airplane tickets, in-town transportation, hotel stays, dry cleaning, business calls, and equipment rental. All of these can add up very quickly, so how can you cut back on business travel expenses without having the business suffer as a result? Here are six handy tips to consider.

Book Flights Well in Advance

They say that if you fail to plan, then you should plan to fail. A similar philosophy can be taken when it comes to travel expenses. When you know that you’ll need to be in a certain city on a certain date, it pays to book the flights well in advance. Scrambling to find a flight at the last minute can prove to be an expensive endeavor.

By planning your itinerary in advance, you also afford yourself the time to shop around to find the best deals. Use online booking sites like Orbitz and Priceline to compare fares across multiple carriers. Better yet, hire a virtual assistant through a service like YourManInIndia and have him or her do the comparison shopping for you.

Pack Some Extra Snacks

When traveling for business, you may find yourself burning the midnight oil on some nights. During those later evenings, you may find yourself craving something from the vending machine in the hotel or, worse yet, something from mini-bar inside the hotel room.

While it would likely be unrealistic to cook your own meals while on the road, it’s very easy to pack a few granola bars or other small snacks as part of your luggage. Save even more money by buying your snacks in bulk from Amazon Groceries or other online retailers.

Skip the Rental Car

Even if you opt for the cheapest economy class vehicle, you still have to deal with additional costs like insurance, fuel, and parking. Again, with proper planning in advance, you can save a lot of money by skipping out on the rental car altogether.

If you are attending a conference or trade show, try to get a hotel within walking distance of the venue. Alternatively, most of these venues will be easily accessible by public transit, so book a hotel that will only require one train or bus.

If your smartphone is equipped with GPS, use Google Maps Mobile. This not only provides nearby points of interest and driving directions, it can also supply directions via public transit.

Forget the Overpriced Hotel Wi-Fi

Many hotels charge an arm and a leg for in-room Internet access. The typical rate for a Las Vegas hotel on the strip is about $15 per day. That’s quite pricey and, depending on the hotel, the wireless broadband may leave much to be desired in terms of reliability and speed.

Ideally, you’ll want to find a hotel where the in-room Internet access is included as part of your room fee. Alternatively, do a quick search online before you go to see what free Wi-Fi hotspots are available within close proximity of your hotel or the venue that you will be visiting.

For example, you can use this Google Map that shows a huge number of free Wi-Fi in Vancouver or this list of hotspots in Las Vegas.

If you already have a wireless broadband account for Internet access in your hometown, see if you can use this account in the town where you will be on business.

Yet another option is to enable your iPhone or similar device as an Internet Tethering Wireless Modem for your PC.

Remember You’re Not on Vacation

When you are traveling to another city for business purposes, it’s easy to forget that you are there for business purposes. You’re not there for sightseeing or to visit the local attractions. You’re not there to indulge in lavish dining or other expensive amenities.

These kinds of expenses might not be the kind of expenses you can submit for the purpose of a tax deduction, but they can easily deduct funds from your wallet. This is especially true for conventions that take place in places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

Minimize Travel Altogether

What is the single most effective way to reduce the amount of money you spend on business travel? How about minimizing the travel altogether? Given today’s technology and the ability to share ideas over the Internet, face-to-face meetings aren’t nearly as necessary as they have been in the past.

Nearly everything can be accomplished over a brief email exchange, an IM chat, or a short Skype call. Alternatively, you can use any number of free videoconferencing services, including those embedded in Windows Live Messenger.

There are certainly still instances where business travel can be a requirement, but many trips can be replaced by less expensive alternatives like the shipment of product samples. Shipping a box is cheaper than flying a group of employees and putting them up in a hotel.

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(Image: emyerson / iStockphoto)

Forget the Groundhog and its sham prognostications and let’s look at the real indication of spring’s proximity: the NCAA Tournament, March Madness, The Big Dance.

Now most people recognize March Madness as the quintessential cairn of spring’s presence, and with the brackets so easy to understand and bet on — whom among us has never participated in an office pool? It’s here on the storied brackets that even the most uneducated can use their proprietary picking method that can range from team colors to mascots to prettiness of school name (I kid you not). I temper my judgment on any these approaches based on the fact that on more than one occasion the seemingly random picker has schooled me in a big way. But, for those of you who take this as serious as I do, there is only one thing to do during March Madness: get thee to Las Vegas.

If you’ve never been to a Las Vegas sports book during the NFL regular season, the Super Bowl, the World Series, NHL Finals, World Cup, or any of the truly dramatic sporting events, then I highly encourage you to do so. Watching sports is one thing, but waging a little money on any game adds a dynamic that I can only describe as energizing.

Okay, I’ve convinced you to hit the Nevada desert, so now what? Well, funny you should ask because I’m going to tell you exactly what to do and where to go.

Fly into Vegas Wednesday night the day preceding the Tournament First Round/Second Rounds and go out and see the sites because when the First and Second Rounds start you will have little time to ride the Stratosphere roller coaster. Get your whalebone, slots, and any shows out of the way so you can focus on the avalanche of basketball coming at you.

As I’ve written in my previous Las Vegas post, hotels matter very little to me in terms of luxury and amenities (well, to be fair let’s just say that wherever I travel, I do my best to stay in a Four Seasons) but I proclaim it’s the location that is critical. You’ll be out and about for most of your stay so as long as the hotel has a decent room with a comfortable bed and related basics — that should be all you need. Don’t waste your money on an expensive room; save your bucks for the sports book.

Okay, so we agree to stay somewhere mid-strip, and if you do plan on spending some time at the pool and utilizing restaurants, then I recommend Bellagio, Paris, Venetian, Treasure Island, Wynn, Palazzo, Caesar’s, or the Mirage. Treasure Island and the Mirage offer the best value and if money is no object to you and your deep pockets then Wynn, Palazzo, Bellagio, and the Venetian are for you.

I’m warning you ahead of time, if you’ve never been to a sports book on a college Saturday or a NFL Sunday, then you’ll find it hard to believe when I tell you that once you’ve placed your bets and the games start you’ll find it very difficult to leave the book for any reason (including the bathroom). The drinks start flowing, any single play can make or break you, people are cheering, and time dissipates into a forgotten concept and the next thing you know it’s twelve hours later and you’re trying to decide whether you can dash to a restaurant for dinner before the Sunday night game kicks off. It’s a constant high and you’ll be captivated, emotionally battered, drunk, sober, happy, pissed, rich, poor, and after it all, you’ll want more (kinda like a fat kid and cupcakes.you know he should stop but he won’t).

In short, it’s exciting and fun, and you’ll never look at sports the same again.

Ok. You bought your plane tickets, domiciled in a mid-strip hotel, so the next big question is where to spend the next three or four days. Well, I’m here to help you make that decision. You can spend Wednesday night scouting sports books or you can take my hard-earned advice. I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time in these books and these are my favorites and the reasons why.

#1: Venetian

This may come as a surprise to most people but my favorite place to spend 15 hours a day is the reasonably-sized sports book at the Venetian. It’s not the biggest; it doesn’t have the most action or the biggest TVs, or some of the amenities you think you need (trust me you don’t). We’re here to gamble and watch the games and this is my favorite spot for many reasons (objective and subjective).

The Venetian sports book is on the far end of the casino and the viewing area is in four sections. The left-facing and right-facing wings are for sports patrons, as is the middle-front section. The middle back is for those wagering the ponies, but I suspect you can plant yourself there with little resistance if you wager a little on both. I like the wing seats as they are close to the flat screen, high-definition TVs. From this vantage point, you can actually see five or six games without breaking out a Hubble Telescope to see Terrell Owens drop yet another easy pass. The chairs are comfortable, rounded back, upholstered seats. If you don’t score these limited chairs, then the remaining seats are your standard padded metal frames — but they aren’t too bad either.

Be aware, and this goes for all sports books, you must arrive early and stake out your seats and, please, don’t send one guy down five hours ahead of time to save seven seats. It won’t work and it’s highly irritating to everyone in the place. After ten minutes people will just start sitting in your saved seats and there’s nothing you can do about it. A lot of people are in and out. So even if you oversleep or realize that after several wasted hours that the woman you think is Celine Dion is really just a man dressed like the Canadian uber vocalist and that you aren’t really her next back-up singer, all is not lost because seats will become available, but sitting as a group is probably out of the question.

The Venetian is small, intimate, and the TVs are accessible, plentiful, and the action fairly good. The drinks situation isn’t what it used to be but if you’re nice and promise to lose more than you win you’ll have no problem getting extra coupons when you’re at the window. I don’t know who thought this was a good idea but just about every book I’ve been to now requires you to provide a coupon for drinks while in the sports book. Some just make you pay. You’re supposed to get roughly one ticket per hundred you wager, but I was given two or three for even smaller four or five $10 parlays. I’m guessing you can thank the students at UNLV for this change. I was there one weekend a few years ago and watched college students put down a few $10 bets and drink for hours. After they were all liquored up they left to go party. They probably drank $100 worth of Corona each and then bailed.

In terms of lodging, the Venetian has nice rooms and if you have a group of four you can get a two queen bed suite for around $300/night on weekends. And that’s in a 720 sq/ft room (“suite” as they call it). The suites have two flat screen TVs so if you do decide to leave the sports book you can watch a couple of games in the comfort of your room. The Venetian has a great variety of restaurants, clubs, cafes, and other attractions that should cover your every need. The attached sister property, Palazzo, is a little more expensive but very nice. It does have a sports book but it’s in a modern NYC club-like room that has several levels and certain patrons are placed in nice VIP sections. This whole arrangement makes watching a lot of different games difficult. The Palazzo has limited places outside and, if it’s a nice day, it wouldn’t be too bad to partake, but this is, in my opinion, not a place for the hardcore bettor. If you need to smoke a “look-at-me” cigar and drink small batch bourbon so that everyone can appreciate your good taste then by all means make your way over to the Palazzo. However, for me it’s too modern and it seems too much like you’re sitting in your weird neighbor’s home basement football emporium. Plus — and this is the real deal breaker — it’s a good hike across an untold length of fine imported marble to get to the Venetian sports books. In fact, the Palazzo sports wagering area may technically be closer to the Wynn sports book. On the upside, you’re very close to gelato here (I think you get my drift).

#2: Bellagio

Most people choose Caesar’s as their top pick or at least their number two. Not me. It’s too big, the TVs washed out, too many people, and, in general, not how I like to spend my time. If you like those obstacles, then participate in the mayhem, and you’ll be rewarded with a lot of cheering and good camaraderie and a direct line of sight (a little squinting may be involved) to see the Pussycat Dolls dancers who strut their stuff between gaming tables a couple of hundred yards away.

My number two is an easy choice: Bellagio. The hotel embodies a sense of class that brings in a higher level of clientele and the people watching here is fabulous. By contrast, walk over to Harrah’s and you’ll immediately know/sense/feel what I mean. The sports book is larger than the Venetian but its layout doesn’t put you as close to the TVs as I like. The seats are excellent and if you have to spend 15 hours somewhere this is not a bad place to do it. The sports book offers decent choices and the big board is legible and comprehensive. The amenities cost you a little more but it always seems worth it at the Bellagio. It has great restaurants and, as I reviewed in the last Las Vegas post, the Bellagio Buffet is excellent. Get there early as the dinner line can get crazy long.

#3: Mirage

The Mirage occupies my number three spot. My last Vegas trip was based here and, although most of my time was spent at the Venetian sports book, I found this a pleasant home away from home. The sports book is large like Bellagio’s but it isn’t as updated or sophisticated as the Venetian or the Bellagio. However, it does the basics well and, although the TV’s aren’t as plentiful or as clear as the others, it does have a great location and the proximity to the Carnegie Deli or BLT’s burger outpost makes it even better. At Carnegie, go with the Pastrami on rye (shocker) and the burgers at BLT are worth it (and so is the Buffalo Chicken sandwich).

#4: Wynn

I wanted to love the Wynn sports book, and expected way more than what it is. Located on the left as you walk through the Wynn casino, resides the sports book, which is much smaller than you would guess. As you enter for the first time, it’s hard to tell if you accidentally entered the deli that abuts it or if this is where you’re supposed to be. To your right are a plethora of cubicles for the track bettors and then after you make your way forward you finally get to the sports book seating. They are nice-looking seats with rounded backs and faux leather that’s aesthetically pleasing but much too hard for my liking. It’s always very difficult to find a seat and, when you do, you may need to step over six or seven people to get situated. The drink service was surprisingly slow and not really that impressive once delivered (stick with beer). The TVs are nice and plentiful but if you get stuck with the less-than-desirable seats, you may be so close that you have to crane your neck at a very uncomfortable angle to see any action. However, it does have nice ambiance and, even though getting to the wagering window involves working your way through the crowd, it’s fairly expeditious and the gaming solid. The deli is extremely close so you can order food and not miss a lot of the game.

#5: MGM

It’s not mid-strip, but the MGM sports book is solid as well. The seats are comfortable and TVs are everywhere (although a little far and most awkwardly placed over the wagering counter). It’s framed by elevated VIP areas for those that like to look down on the little people. MGM has all the bells and whistles and there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and sports action to sate most players. Again, I prefer mid-strip so I can move in and out of sports books if I desire, but the MGM is an excellent choice if you plan on staying in one place for the duration.

Order something quick from the adjacent restaurants or delis or take a break and hit one of the great buffets. The Wynn Buffet is best followed by Bellagio and Paris.

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Getting lost is definitely unproductive. (image: DSGpro / iStockphoto)

With Google Maps you can organize a hiking tour around the world without even standing up (which may indicate you’re a little over-ambitious). Some people might say that plans and schedules totally ruin the relaxed vacation experience, but let’s be honest: most of those folks can’t manage their time. And likely can’t afford to go very far anyway. The rest of us can’t stand the thought of wasting time or money as a result of non-planning. We didn’t fly halfway across the world to stand around staring at street signs, after all.

1.  Get Where You’re Going

The first (and most blindingly obvious) use of maps is working out your route from point A (the conference) to point B (the pub). No points for spotting this, as it’s kind of what maps are for. The revelation is in just how awesomely easy Google Maps makes the process. The days of MapQuest directing doomed drifters to Timbuktu and back to get down the street are over.

Google Maps

With mobile access, you never need be lost again. GPS-gadgets can keep you located at all times, and even without satellite assistance, you need only be able to read to enter a street number, intersection, even business name — the all-seeing eyes of Google will find you. If you’re heading out into the sticks (or staying downtown, but don’t want to be waving a few hundred dollars in hardware around every second step), you can print a map or even copy a few key intersections. If you’re taking the old-school pen-and-paper route, be sure to label the streets before and after each turn off — that way you won’t be stuck with the crippling “did I miss it?” worry at each intersection.

2.  Go Somewhere Better

Anyone who’s tried to find a late-night bar, but foolishly waited until it’s actually late at night and  they’ve already been in the early bars to do so, knows this one. A single wrong turn can send you down a maze of alleys that’d make the Minotaur give up and go back to the Labyrinth. What’s worst is when you discover the next day that the 24-hour bar, Captain Alcoholic’s Free Drinks for Visitors Pub, you were looking for was just one street from where you started. (Anyone who’s never tried to find a late-night bar — man, just get out more.)

Avoid such wasted time with the Google Maps “Search Nearby” feature. Whether you need fish and chips or a fridge fixed, you can find any business in range and likely several reviews before wasting your shoe leather. And while the official sites might enhance the truth a little — they’re unlikely to write “covered in graffiti and vomit” in their description — services like user reviews and Street View can let you check what things are really like before turning up in-muggable-person. (In fact, you can use Street View to take a virtual walking tour of Russell Scott’s step-by-step Las Vegas travel agenda.)

Google Maps Street View

3.  Save Money Getting to Both

There’s nothing worse than driving 10 extra blocks on a two-block trip to save 15 cents in gas. Such cent sucking is senseless. The petty penny-pinchers who drive this “short” distance to “save on gas” are sacrificing a precious 15 minutes or so of life — and no matter how quick they say it is, it always adds up — for an almost imperceptible saving.

But if you’re planning a long trip or driving a non-routine route near your home (perhaps to shop somewhere), there’s no point in missing out on lower pump prices, as long as the change in distance is negligible compared to how far you’re traveling. Everywhere you expect to fill your tank, check the GasBuddy website or use Google Maps’ GasBuddy add-on and choose the lowest price. Don’t waste time checking trends (the Internet will drown you in useless data if you let it) or scrimping for that extra half cent, just choose a sensible stop and stick to it. (Check out Smartlife’s post on how to save money using GasBuddy for more information.)

GasBuddy

4.  Show People What You Did There

Google Maps won’t just save you time on your trip, it’ll save time after. One of the great “hidden costs” of vacationing is uploading the photos after the fact. “I’ll just send the photos to my friends,” you think, before losing two hours to signups, uploading, captioning, linking, gallerying, and e-mailing links to all and sundry. And worrying about who’ll see them, in which case you shouldn’t be putting those particular snaps online in the first place. Always assume EVERYONE will see whatever you put online.

One fun shortcut for this slog is Panoramio, which will upload your images onto a personal Google Map. No more shuffling through stultifying slideshows, as your friends can see your events by location — clicking on the thumbnails that look interesting, or happen in interesting locations. You can also opt to have your pictures public, helping others to avoid your mistakes. Or repeat them, if they look fun enough.

Panoramio from Google

Quite frankly, I only scratched the surface on the number of ways you can optimize your trip-taking with Google Maps: getting Street View and walking directions on your mobile device, viewing live traffic conditions and creating alternative commute routes, and so on. I HIGHLY recommend you take 10 minutes and review Google’s series of excellent and entertaining Google Maps video tutorials. Or, if you have A LOT more time, check out this blog dedicated to aggregating anything and everything related to Google Maps. Either way, it could end up saving you countless hours in “lost” time.

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