Archive for the ‘North America’ Category

Disneyland for Less

Children who have never had the pleasure of going to Disneyland usually have the dream of someday going there. Just the mention of a vacation to Disneyland will make their eyes light up and their imaginations run wild. The park isn’t cheap, but you can use discounts to make your children’s Disneyland dreams come true.

You could go to the park and pay at the gate, by the day. You could, that is, if you wanted to spend the most amount of money possible. One way to get better deals is to get them online directly from Disney. Go to Disneyland’s official website and check the ticket deals. You can save as much as fifty dollars per ticket.

One service that the Disney site offers is a vacation planner that specializes in Disney vacations. This agent will help you explore all the package deals available. These could include airfare, hotels, and tickets. Once you decide, the planner will book your vacation for you.

The Southern California City Pass allows holders to visit several theme parks with one pass. The pass is good for fourteen days beginning on the first day it is used. The first days, up to three days, are spent at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. Then the pass holder gets admission to attractions like the San Diego Zoo or Sea World on other days.

The combined prices of all the attractions for an adult would be about $329, and for a kid, about $260. The City Pass prices are about $235 for adults and about $189 for kids. To get the savings, however, you need to make full use of your pass. If you skip some of the attractions, you might as well have bought the tickets individually.

Trips advertised on auction sites such as EBay or craigslist often seem too good to be true. They usually are, because the tickets clearly state that they are nonrefundable. If someone has used a part of the trip, you won’t be able to use the remaining portion.

Most of the legitimate good discounts for Disneyland come from travel websites, Disney sources, or travel agents. You can usually find discount tickets at ARES Travel at a good price. This is a travel service that makes itself available over the internet. Be sure to figure in the ten dollar FedEx charge they add in for shipping.

If you don’t have an AAA membership, it might be the time to get one. It may allow you to spend less on hotel rooms and other aspects of your Disneyland vacation. Disney Visa also offers discounts. You can get them just for acquiring the card before you book your trip.

Disney has various packages that include resort hotel rooms, tickets, and sometimes airfare. They also offer “Good Neighbor” vacation packages where you stay in a more inexpensive hotel a few blocks from Disneyland. Many of these hotels have free evening activities for the kids.

For vacation packages, it is helpful to know which seasons of the year are the most expensive. Spring, Thanksgiving, and Christmas vacations are all peak times. You probably won’t get good deals for these days.

The best discounts can be had in the value season. This includes the very first of the year, May and June, and September through mid-November. If you book in advance for these days, you should be able to get a fantastic deal. If you search the internet travel and city sites, you might just find yourself and your kids on a dream vacation in Disneyland.

Technorati Tags: Disneyland, Disney, children, kids, Disneyland vacation, Disneyland destination, California, Disney packages, resort hotels, Teri Champigny

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Built in the neoclassical Georgian revival style, Atwood House in Lincoln, Nebraska welcomes you. Step into the parlor and marvel at the elegance of midwestern luxury. This is a page straight out of the days of the railroad baron’s. The setting is complete with the player piano and period furniture. The staircase is reminiscent of the mansions built by the cattle barons, right down to the chandeliers. No visit to the capital of Nebraska is complete without a stop at the Atwood house.

Newlyweds will be most attracted to the three-room Atwood Suite. Enjoy the leather sofa in the living room as you relax by the fire crackling from the real wood that it burns. In the bedroom are the three-piece walnut and marble Victorian king-sized bed and ornate walnut wardrobe. The roman style bath features a two-person corner heart-shaped whirlpool tub. This suite is as large as some homes so nothing is crowded here.

The western aristocracy is well reflected in the Beals Suite. Center stage here is the three-piece walnut tester king-sized bed. The ambience is aptly set with the Victorian furnishings. Enter the bath and relax in the two person Jacuzzi with handheld shower.

Located just next to the main house is the three-room Carriage suite. The sitting room boasts a vaulted ceiling and leather queen-sized hide-a-bed. The king-sized bed in the bedroom is located next to the French doors of the bath that features a two-person aquatic whirlpool.

The Frank A. Little Suite has an L shaped layout that separates the bedroom area from the living room area. The three-piece walnut bedroom set features a high-backed carved king-sized bed. The bath area features a corner shower and claw foot tub and pedestal sink. Sink into the rocker in the living area and relax with your favorite magazine.

Technorati Tags: Atwood House, bed & breakfast, Lincoln Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, travel tips, Teri Champigny

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Travel Tips Video: St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

©2010 Teri Champigny, Teri’s Travel Tips.

St. Patrick’s Day is a huge event not only in Ireland but with the Irish around the world as well. While the Emerald Isle boasts a population of about 5 million, it’s estimated there are 90 million Irish descendants around the globe. And boy, does that number swell on St Paddy’s Day!

Nowhere is that as evident as in parts of North America, where cities like New York and Boston in the US and Montreal & Toronto in Canada have large Irish populations and histories heavily influenced by the Irish in their communities. In Toronto, for example, the population in the 1840’s was about 10,000 before the Great Irish Potato Famine drove nearly 20,000 to emigrate from Ireland to Toronto.

These days the Toronto Irish are flourishing, and many more residents of the world’s most multi-cultural city are ‘Irish for a day’ on St Patrick’s Day, as you can see from this video Doug & I shot there in 2009:

Enjoy this Travel Tips video of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and DO try to make it to the parade live at least once when visiting Toronto (or if you live in Toronto!) as it is truly a great party… Just watch out for the green beer afterwards in the city’s many Irish pubs!

St. Patrick’s Day is March 17th each year, with very few exceptions, and the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held on the closest Sunday. To find out when this/next year’s parade will be held visit the St. Patrick’s Parade Society of Toronto website, official hosts of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Toronto.

Technorati Tags: St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Toronto, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, St Patrick’s Day, Toronto Ontario Canada, Irish events, parade videos, parade footage, Toronto events, Toronto travel tips, Teri’s Travel Tips, Ontario travel tips, Teri Champigny

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Are you planning for an Aspen ski vacation? Do you want to spend and enjoy your days on the fascinating slopes of Aspen? Well, Aspen is one of the well-known ski resorts in the world. With more than 4,500 acres of terrain spread over four main mountains, Aspen no doubt offers an expansive variety of skiing and other related fads for all levels throughout the winter season when a reliably great snow capped the mountains.

Aspen was made known as one of the best destinations for ski vacation when a small group of entrepreneurs and visionaries came to realize the value of Aspen’s other, inexhaustible resource – the snow. Since then, the then sleepy mining town of Aspen was transformed to a bustling and recreational nook. It was the Austrian entrepreneur named Friedl Pfeifer who partnered with Walter Paepcke, a Chicago industrialist, and his wife Elizabeth who came to establish what would be the first of a number of Aspen ski vacation resorts and opened what was known then as the world’s longest chairlift in the winter of 1947. Later, more Aspen ski vacation resorts were opened, followed by a number of hotels and vacation rentals.

Aspen has long been considered as one of the best-known ski vacation resorts in the world because of its fascinating four mountains, which are the main attractions of the place. Located approximately 215 miles southwest of Denver, 75 miles southeast of Eagle, and only minutes from the town’s own Sardy Field (ASE), the four mountains are distinctly highlighting a terrain that is particular for certain levels of skiers. The Aspen Mountain, known as Ajax and one of the attractions of Aspen ski vacation resorts, is specifically geared toward advance skiers as it has more than 3,200 vertical feet on 700 skiable acres. Aside from that Aspen ski vacation attraction, there is also the Aspen Highlands which is situated to the right of Ajax and provides a respectable level of novices as well as intermediate terrain. It is actually the Aspen Highlands where the Olympic medalists prefer to hang out.

For further emphasis, another asset of Aspen ski vacation resorts is the Buttermilk, which is noted for being a smaller, novice-oriented mountain. However, this Aspen ski vacation spot also happens to be the home of the longest terrain park and ESPN Winter X Games of the world. These games, according to some reports usually occur at the end of January, and are considered as one of the added attractions of such Aspen ski vacation spot. Finally, there is the Snowmass, which is the largest of the four Aspen ski vacation mountains. It is best-known for its having a greatest variety for all levels with over 3000 acres of ski terrain. Just like the other mountains, this Aspen ski vacation spot has spectacular views.

Technorati Tags: Aspen, ski vacations, skiing vacations, mountains, ski runs, snow, Denvor, Colorado

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Circus Circus Las Vegas boasts of being the most kid friendly hotel in Las Vegas. With its big top attitude and its indoor amusement park it very well may be. In addition to being the most kid friendly hotel on the Las Vegas strip Circus Circus Hotel is also the fifth largest hotel in the world. Of course this is at the moment and that is subject to change at any time.

The beauty of this particular hotel doesn’t lie so much in its size or even the circus-like atmosphere. The charm lies in the fact that it was something new and relatively untried along the Vegas strip. Rather than build to suit the gamblers they were hoping to attract, this particular hotel was wise enough to offer something new and untried by appealing to families with children rather than solely to gamblers.

The gamble seems to be paying off in a city that is known for both its hits and its misses. Other hotels and casinos are also working to cultivate the family friendly image that Circus Circus has basically proven. Not only did this hotel build The Adventuredome Theme Park they also decided to make accommodations even more family friendly by accommodating RVs at the Circusland RV Park. This offers a great place for families to stay that might not otherwise grace the theme park, hotel, or the casino.

Don’t forget that there is a casino involved and that is the primary purpose of this gigantic hotel, resort, and theme park. The casino makes the expense of building it all very much worthwhile and brings in big business of its own each and every day. In grand Vegas style there is also the requisite onsite shopping and of course full service of wedding options in addition to a wedding chapel and banquet facilities in which to hold the reception of your dreams. The shopping at Circus Circus offers everything from ultra exclusive boutique shops and salons to stores such as Under $10 and the trading Post, which offers fad jewelry and other kid friendly gifts.

This hotel has a somewhat unique concept that sets it apart from the many others along Vegas’ strip. If you are traveling to Vegas with the family I very much recommend at least checking them out and comparing prices and packages with the other hotels and resorts in the area. Keep in mind that comps are like money in the bank particularly when they involve food or activities that you were planning to do even without the comps. So you may be able to negotiate a much better deal even if you’re paying a couple more dollars a night by having free parking, complimentary meals, or tickets to events, shows, or attractions.

Now we’re on to my favorite part of the discussion. Dining options. Circus Circus does not disappoint when it comes to offering variety to its guests. In addition to The Steakhouse, there is The Garden Grill, Mexitallia, Pink Pony, Circus Buffet, Pizzeria, Westside Deli, and Barista Café. The food offerings accommodate varying budgets and familial needs by offering some kid friendly dining choices to visitors and guests as well. The good news however is that if these restaurants aren’t appealing to you there is another hotel, casino, or restaurant next door that has different fare to offer.

If you are looking for a great place to stay in Las Vegas along with the family there are very few hotels that will offer the overall environment of fun and wonder that you will find at Circus Circus. In addition to the wonderful rooms, the great food, the casino, and The Adventuredome Theme Park you will find that the shows here are as kid friendly and entertaining for the entire family as the atmosphere in general. This is a great vacation destination anywhere. Considering the fact that it is in Las Vegas and it is very nearly the perfect vacation retreat for those with children.

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The tropical paradise of Maui offers something special for every visitor, but the outstanding offerings particularly well-suited to families surprises many.

Most resorts on Maui provide programs for young guests including planned beach activities. The Westin Maui at Kaanapali Beach Resort is particularly popular with families thanks to the tropical foliage, waterfalls and parrots. The aquatic playground featuring a 128-foot slide makes childhood fantasies come true. Maui hotels and resorts are about much more than a room and a beach and many include special touches to encourage family visitors.

Children love to explore the natural beauty of Maui. A trip to Haleakala National Park is a must-do for families. The diversity of ecosystems and the exposure to so many new and different tropical species is a learning experience not to be missed. While watching the sunrise from Haleakala is popular with Maui visitors, it is not generally well suited to younger children because of the early start time and amount of waiting time involved.

The Maui Ocean Center showcases Hawaii’s underwater environment. Voted Hawaii’s Top-Rated Family Attraction by Zagat Survey, the Maui Ocean Center should be on every family’s tour plan.

Children enjoy the tactile experience of feeling things like a sea cucumber in the touch pool. A particularly interesting feature of the Maui Ocean Center popular with adults as well as children is the glass tunnel that leads into a 750,000-gallon aquarium with sharks and other colorful tropical fish swimming overhead. The average visit to the Maui Ocean Center takes about two hours, but many visitors linger longer over exhibits and choose to dine in one of Maui Ocean Center’s two restaurants.

The Hawaii Nature Center located in the Iao Valley on Maui is especially popular with children ages 3 to 8. The Center includes more than 30 hands-on, interactive exhibits as well as guided rainforest walks. Exhibits feature species native to Maui including the world’s only carnivorous caterpillar.

Maui was once considered the capital of the whaling industry and is the winter home to migrating Pacific Humpback whales. The Whalers Village Museum located in the Kaanapali shopping complex is dedicated to teaching about this important creature. This Maui museum displays over seventy species of whales. The skeletal remains of a 40-foot Sperm Whale are amazing, and children are shocked to see the actual size of this ocean giant. Admission to this Maui attraction is free.

The Lahaina Kaanapali Railroad, better known as the Sugar Cane Train, will be a hit with young train fanatics. While this Maui attraction is often rated as boring by adults, it is perfectly suited to families with younger children.

Traveling in an open-air coach pulled by a steam-engine, visitors enjoy a leisurely six-mile journey through Maui. Crossing a 325-foot curved wooden trestle provides a panoramic view of the West Maui Mountains, as well as islands neighboring Maui. Storytellers share the history of Maui during the trip.

A Maui vacation is not complete until a luau is included. Most Maui resorts and hotels offer luaus. Among the most recommended non-resort luaus are the Old Lahaina Luau and The Feast at Lele, both located in the Maui village of Lahaina. Children will be captivated by the Hawaiian dance and music offered by these Maui performers and are certain to find something they enjoy eating among the many luau offerings.

Maui is considered a top choice for family vacations. Children and Adults alike with enjoy learning the history and culture of Maui at locations all over the island.

Technorati Tags: Maui vacation, family vacations, Maui Hawaii, Maui, Hawaii, Hawaiian vacation, luau, the luau, Hawaiian Islands

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An Arkansas Destination Worth Visiting

Looking for an Arkansas destination? If you are, Buffalo River is a tourist attraction that should be included in your itinerary. Considered as America’s first national river, there are a lot of things that makes a visit to this 132-mile stretch worthwhile.

A journey to the Buffalo River would take you down to the White River in the wilderness of upper Ponca as well as towards the most remote and rugged counties in the Ozarks. However, this stretch of water is not ideal for floating, provides minimal access, and can only be reached by the dedicated hiker.

Situated in Northern Arkansas, the Buffalo River is the first national river in the United States. Stretching over 150 miles long, the lower portion of the river, covering 135 miles, is operated by the National Park Service. The whole stretch of river passes through four counties namely Newton, Searcy, Baxter, and Marion. It starts from the highest section of the Boston Mountains of the Ozarks, then descends down to the Springfield Plateau, crossing the Salem Plateau before merging with the White River.

The Buffalo River National Park boasts of being the home of Arkansas’ only elk herd. The upper part of the River located in the Ozark National Forest is run by the U.S. Forest Service and is considered as a national scenic and wild river.

On March 1, 1972, an Act of Congress paved the way for the establishment of the Buffalo National River. The enactment of this Act officially ended the plans of the United States Army Corps of Engineers to build more than one dam on the river.

Boxley Valley as well as Ponca are top destinations for elk watching. Serving as access point is Ponca and Steel Creek, which is an ideal spot for primitive camping. Lost Valley and Goat Trail are perfect spots to go hiking. Going down the river, there are several camping sites at Kyle’s Landing, Carver, Pruitt, and Ozark. Kyle’s and Ozark provide opportunities for hiking.

Majority of the areas in the Buffalo National River are ideal for family getaways. A canoe ride can be an exciting venture for the children as well as pets. Along the way, one would be treated to a sight of turtles sunning on a log, blooming wild azaleas floating in the river, or taking a dip in the river’s blue-green waters.

Since the restocking program that brought a total of 112 elks to the state from Colorado and Nebraska in the early part of the 1980s, approximately 450 elks have made the river their home. Spring is usually the time when calves are born and by the middle of May, the sight of newborn elks following their parents is a sight to behold. In the fall, the shrill cries of mating bulls can be heard from the bluffs.

The Buffalo National River also boasts of being the home of black bear although these creatures are rarely seen. However, there is a chance that you might see a mother bear cuddling her cubs as you make your way round the bend.

The trip would also provide an opportunity for spotting different varieties of herons. A glimpse of the Great Blue can be as elusive as the black bears although the green herons will play hopscotch with you. Woodpeckers can be heard from the distance although they would not be seen. Along the way, you will hear the sounds of songbirds such as mockingbids, finches, cardinals, among others.

Buffalo National River is an Arkansas destination that gives you an opportunity to experience nature and make your trip truly exciting.

Technorati Tags: Buffalo National River, Arkansas, destinations, trips, Buffalo, national, rivers, black bears, birds, songbirds, travel tips, travel, tips, Arkansas

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The snow, the slope, the scene, the chill…these factors are important in considering the Ski site. Some ski-enthusiasts are really making sure that they do not only go skiing because of their hobby but they also check out the Ski sites. They are indeed worth your visit. These sites are also having this race to popularity against each other.

As of the present, there are a lot of well-known Ski sites around the globe. You could check for your self the seven most sought-after sites where you could enjoy the thrill, the challenge and the splash of snow. According to Askmen.com these are the seven Ski sites you would not dare miss going to and a travel would be very cherished for you:

1. Vermont, Eastern US is the mother of the Ski resort named Stowe. There are two Ski areas here: Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield. It has the most picturesque ski resort in the area. It possesses the traditional New England lure and the largest vertical drop.

2. In France, the host of the 1st World Olympic Games: Chamonix Mont-Blanc is one of the world’s finest Ski site. It is proud to have a lift-served vertical drop and the longest run.

3. Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise are three Ski sites that could be found in Banff National Park in Western Canada.

4. Be captivated with Vail, also called as the “America’s favorite Ski resort. What makes this resort from Colorado, in Western United States so unique is that it does not only hold skiing activities but as well as it give s clients the best art galleries, ice skating, snow mobilingand the like.

5. Switzerland, one of the cleanest in the world, who would have known that in its womb, is the beautiful, it is said to be the cleanest Ski resort. The peace of mind it complementing t6he beautiful country of Switzerland is really a sight.

6. Go to Austria and visit Ktzhubel, the “Peal of the Alps”. As the former host of the Olympics, it also has the breath-taking scene that would steal any skier’s heart out. It is also the most famous during holidays.

7. The most famous Ski site is the Whistler/Blackcomb which could be found in British Columbia. It has the biggest vertical drop. What makes it so big for those thrill-enthusiasts? Cafes, restaurants that cater foods of the world, stores that are internationally known, make it as the coolest spot for both skiers and non-skiers.

The delicious food is the topmost reason why people crave for this Ski site.

Discover the snow, the thrill, the fun, the excitement. Unravel the Skier in you- visit the seven of the best Ski sites in the planet. Travel the world, travel around these sites for skiing.

Technorati Tags: skiing, snow, skies, slopes, mountains, ski resorts

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Niagara Falls Waterparks

Niagara Falls is a great place to be. In Niagara Falls, Ontario there are great places to go for family fun and it can be year round. There are three waterparks here in Niagara Falls. This is great, because it makes enjoyment of Niagara Falls a year round activity. Niagara Falls is wonderful place to be at any time of the year.

Niagara Falls Waterparks continues here…

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Whenever I think of a trip to New York City whether for a vacation or just a short one or two-day visit I can’t help but think of Broadway and the delightful shows that await in these hallowed halls of entertainment delight. Broadway is the essence of New York to me. It can in turns be bawdy, brawling, loud, rowdy, soft, romantic, comedic, and rip-roaringly hilarious. Broadway has it all for those who are willing to look for their perfect fit.

The problem with Broadway is that there are so many wonderful shows to see and such limited time (for most of us) in which to see them. I don’t even believe those who live in New York City have enough time in which to appreciate the artistic treasure trove that is represented within this wonderful city that never sleeps. The truth of the matter is that in order to properly enjoy all the theatrical offerings available to you, you’d almost have to never sleep yourself.

Broadway Musicals

It is important to remember that all shows are not available at all times. Check to see if the show you wish to see will be playing during your visit before getting your hopes up. On to the musicals, which are, by the way, my favorite types of Broadway entertainment. Chicago the Musical, Forbidden Broadway (this one offers an hilarious ’spoof’ of Broadway), Jersey Boys, Naked Boys Singing (yes, they are!), Phantom of the Opera, Rent, Wicked, and Mama Mia!

To read about the Broadway comedies, dramas and other exciting Broadway shows in New York City, read the rest of Broadway Makes New York Sing.

Technorati Tags: Broadway shows, Broadway theatres, Broadway musicals, plays, comedies, dramas, New York City, New York entertainment, New York City plays

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