VidMama » Travel

LA Theme Parks

admin — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:00:00 +0000

It’s impossible to know how many families travel to Los Angeles every year just to visit the area’s many theme and water parks. No doubt the number would be very high, if it could be calculated. With four major theme parks and four large water parks all within easy distance of the Los Angeles Airport, it’s clear that many of the families making use of the shuttle to LAX services are headed to one or more of the parks.

Knott’s Berry Farm holds the distinction of being the oldest theme park in the United States. It was also the first theme park to open in America. It features modern rides as well as a recreation of a ghost town circa 1880.

The big kahuna of theme parks is, of course, Disneyland. Founded in 1955, it was the first Disney park. In 2001 the California Adventure Park opened, providing a much needed expansion of the park and featuring a back lot tour.

Universal Studios is the other park with a Hollywood connection. The Studio Tour is part movie history, part ride and the premiere attraction at Universal. There are also movie-based rides, shops, and entertainment.

Located in the San Fernando Valley is Six Flags Magic Mountain. It has some of the most popular and famous rides in the country. The park encompasses the Warner Brothers Theme Park, with rides based on Warner Brothers Films.

The four water parks in the area are Knott’s Soak City and Hurricane Harbor Water Park (part of Six Flags), Wild River Waterpark, and Raging Waters which is the largest water park in California.

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Money Tips for Touring Canada

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:00:00 +0000

When traveling to another country, dealing with money can be just as foreign as the language — and in the case of Americans taking canada tours , the differences may be completely overlooked given the number of similarities. It is very important for tourists to take note of a few important points regarding the Canadian economy.

Canadian currency is known as the dollar, but it is not the same as the US dollar. Currently, the Canadian dollar is worth slightly less than the American version. Paper money in Canada comes in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. Coins match the US in name and value for penny, nickel, dime, and quarter, however Canadians also have a loonie or $1 coin and a toonie, the $2 coin.

The best currency exchange rates can be found at the nationally chartered banks. Currency can also be exchanged at airports and exchange service offices. ATMs can be used to withdraw locale currency, but in addition to noting the exchange rate offered, customers should take into account ATM fees that will be added to the transaction. The same goes for using a credit card from a foreign bank to conduct transactions.

Canada has a national Goods and Services Tax that applies to all sales. The various provinces also have their own sales taxes on top of the GST. As for tipping, the accepted practice in Canada is to tip bar or restaurant staff between 12-15 percent. Cab drivers expect 10-12 percent tips and motorcoach drivers and tour guides should get between $1-2 per person per day.

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Orlando Tourists Need a Car

admin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Sooner or later many families find themselves heading to Orlando , Florida. This may be because they have family or friends in the area to visit, but most people are drawn to the area due to the concentration of nationally — and internationally — famous theme parks. Disney and Universal Studios both have numerous parks within driving distance and there are many other theme parks nearby.

A very high percentage of these visiting families will need a car rental Orlando Airport in order to navigate the region. Sure, a few will get a courtesy shuttle from the airport to the Disney resort and then spend their entire time on the property, never needing outside transportation. However, a vast majority will want to visit other amusement parks or take advantage of the various attractions in the area, including heading to the beach. These families will want to rent a car at the airport rather than waiting until they get to their hotel. This way they won’t have to worry about transportation for duration of their trip.

One of the biggest advantages of having access to a car while on vacation in Florida is freedom. Families without vehicles are at the mercy of shuttle, tram, and monorail schedules. Their other alternative is to get a cab, but the fares involved in traversing the distances between parks or even into Orlando’s growing shopping and entertainment district can quickly outstrip the cost of a budget rental car.

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Lodging at the Grand Canyon

admin — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:00:00 +0000

The Grand Canyon is more than just an amazing view. It’s a living, growing ecosystem that can best be experienced in person. Aerial views and perching at the Rims aren’t going to be enough. People need to venture into the Canyon itself to get the full experience. The geology, wildlife and plants, to say nothing of the wind and water, can only be seen by those who venture down into the Canyon. To do that experience justice, they will want to arrange their trip to be more than a drive by of scenic viewpoints.

Finding lodging at the Canyon can be a problem at the height of tourist season, as there are only so many hotels and campsites available. However, with careful planning or a willingness to visit at other times of the year, lodging can be found.

Camping is a popular choice with naturalists and other outdoor enthusiasts. They want the unencumbered and pure experience of sleeping under the stars and cooking over a campfire.

Those that prefer creature comforts can check out Tusayan hotels on the South Rim. These range from the basic motel to a three star resort with pools, tennis courts and other amenities. Most lodgings will have basic comforts like air conditioning and internet access.

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Passport to London

admin — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 08:00:00 +0000

London is an amazing, cosmopolitan city. First-time visitors to England must allow plenty of time to explore all the city has to offer. From historic sites to art galleries, from shopping to entertainment and dining, the London experience can be one of the most memorable of a lifetime.

It can be overwhelming to try to choose what to do when first arriving in this historic city. There are so many museums, neighborhoods, castles and churches to see. Getting a London Pass or travelcard can make the process easier. They grant tourists access to dozens of the top attractions in the city for one price. In addition to offering discounted admission, they allow visitors to skip the lines to buy tickets, which gives them more time to explore and experience a given attraction.

The best approach to visiting any city is to sit down and list what attractions are a personal priority. Never assume that just because everyone goes to the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral that you would enjoy it. Figure out what you and your family enjoy and then find the attractions that suit you. Designing your own vacation is half the fun.

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D.C. Rally to Restore Sanity

admin — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 04:10:00 +0000

Billed as the rally for people who are too busy to go to rallies, the Rally to Restore Sanity is an anti-rally of sorts. Headed by Jon Stewart of television’s The Daily Show, the event is scheduled to take place on the National Mall in D.C. on October 30, 2010 — a date that Stewart says has no significant at all. It’s for people who are tired of extremists hijacking political debate in the US and was inspired by the tea party rally in September led by Glenn Beck.

The website for the Rally claims it’s for the Busy Majority — those who are too busy with families, lives and jobs, or looking for jobs — to spend time yelling at the top of their lungs — those who believe the big issues facing the country during this election season are best addressed in rational debate, using inside voices. For those who can’t find the time, or money to stay in top Washington hotels , satellite rallies are being organized around the country in places like Chicago.

A counter-rally, being hailed as the March to Keep Fear Alive is being held at the same time by Stephen Colbert of the Colbert Report. Stewart and Colbert maintain a faux rivalry on their respective “news” programs, which are where attendees can get all updates and announcements for the competing rallies. No doubt there will be some entertaining and exciting interplay both on television and at the actual rallies in Washington.

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The Montreal High Lights Festival

admin — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:10:00 +0000

It’s one of those events that has to be seen to be really appreciated. There is plenty of live music, from multiple genres, gathering in a very cultured city to perform work that makes intellectuals nod, and everyone else start to shake. There are performances by bands as well as other acts, like magicians and performers of all kinds of art, that number over 100. One can find their way here pretty easily from a Montreal hotel , and enter into landscapes where artists create new worlds for children and adults. This is one of the more concentrated efforts to put on a large-scale public art event anywhere.

The Montreal High Lights Festival also offers plenty of foods, served up by chefs from all over the world. The 2010 edition offered focuses on Portugal and New Orleans, and the culinary goodies spoke of these places, and the music also reflected the eclectic traditions from these parts of the globe. It’s held every year in February, and the underlying mission is to bring light to the darkest part of winter. Technically speaking, it’s not the darkest, but anyone who’s spent time in a chilly place understands why February can be the longest month. For this reason in particular, it’s a wonderful chance to see some stunning work, and get to know how the local community stays warm.

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Blues & BBQ in New Orleans

admin — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 04:10:00 +0000

October brings the annual Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival to New Orleans. The 2010 event will be held October 16th & 17th at Lafayette Square Park. This free festival is organized by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and claims to showcase the best barbecue in the South along with two stages of great music and a crafts fair.

Blues & BBQ is one of several festivals sponsored by the Jazz & Heritage Foundation, which also produces the annual New Orleans Jazz Fest every Spring. Other festivals feature R&B, Latin Music, Cajun, Zydeco, and even African drumming. The Foundation produces several jazz and gospel concerts throughout the year as well as hosting lectures and literary events. In 2008 the Foundation opened the Jazz & Heritage Center and maintains the Jazz & Heritage Archive.

This year’s Blues & BBQ featured performers include Taj Mahal, Ruthie Foster, Li’l Ed & the Blues Imperials, Barbara Lynn, Corey Harris and Henry Gray. The event will feature an Oral History Stage, the crowd-pleasing Voodoo Blues Challenge, and a new Sports Bar area as well as a variety of craft and food vendors.

So, book a New Orleans boutique hotel and make a weekend of it in the Big Easy.

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Types of Insurance for Traveling

admin — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 04:10:00 +0000

Before traveling outside of their own country larger numbers of people are beginning to wonder if they should take out a health insurance policy for their trip. And while this is an excellent question, it really only has one answer. Yes, you should definitely look into getting a health insurance policy for your travels. It is a common mistaken belief that people only need to have insurance if they are going to be gone for extended periods of time. And while it is absolutely essential that you have insurance in those situations, it is also important to access a visitor insurance policy when you are going on vacation.

Of course there are various considerations, and mitigating factors and if you live in the United States, are extremely healthy and are simply crossing the border into Canada for an afternoon picnic, you may not want to go to the trouble acquiring insurance, unless there’s mayonnaise on the sandwich you’re eating and it’s been in your backpack since yesterday. However, if you plan to go on an extended trip, for any reason, then you will definitely want to look into the various policies that are available for you. Generally, you can get a policy that is specific to the needs of extended work related travel, traveling for study or even vacations. And if you’re heading to Africa to climb Mount Kilimanjaro there is even a policy for you.

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Saint Louis Coffee Culture

admin — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 04:10:00 +0000

It’s a phenomenon that’s happened quite suddenly, but surely, across the country. It’s not that difficult any more to find a great cup of coffee in any of the big cities, and St. Louis is no exception. The city that’s famous for bars and clubs that are a continuation of its fantastic music history also has a culture that loves the bean. Although it may be somewhat new to this century, the phenomenon of the coffee house goes back a very long way. Its endurance, and ability to cross borders and cultures stems from the allure of hanging out with friends for an afternoon discussing news and the great ideas of the day.

Visitors to Saint Louis hotels will have ample opportunity to find spots for a great espresso, and may even discover some rather charming company as the locals start to gather. Most of the houses offer food, and some are open for all the meals. The Coffee Cartel , the city’s largest coffee house, holds 250 people and is open 24 hours a day. For a more relaxed atmosphere, there’s Mokabe’s , a more socially-minded spot where everyone is welcome. And the Mud House is a favorite spot for early jolts of caffeine served with full breakfasts.

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