Destinations
Save Hundreds On Your Next Disneyland Trip With These Simple Tricks
It’s no secret that Disneyland is known as the happiest place on Earth, and for good reason! Thrilling rides and dazzling shows, immersive experiences and endless amounts of unbelievably delicious food. Everything you need for a fantastic vacation all in one place. All of these magical amenities come at a price, however, and quite a […]
It’s no secret that Disneyland is known as the happiest place on Earth, and for good reason! Thrilling rides and dazzling shows, immersive experiences and endless amounts of unbelievably delicious food. Everything you need for a fantastic vacation all in one place. All of these magical amenities come at a price, however, and quite a steep one at that.
Tickets alone will run you over $100 a piece and on top of that, there are other things to account for like travel, lodging, food, and of course souvenirs. All these expenses adding up can really put a damper on your budget.
Luckily for you, We’ve put together a list of tricks for saving money and getting the most out of your vacation!
1. Pack Smart
Unexpected factors like variable weather conditions can cause unnecessary expenses during your trip. So make sure you check the forecast for your destination so you don’t end up overpaying for last minute necessities like sunscreen, sweatshirts, or umbrellas. If you’re planning on enjoying the water rides, grab a poncho from the dollar store instead of paying $15 for one at the park.
2. Make A DIY Autograph Book
One of the best things about Disneyland is meeting your favorite characters and getting their autograph. It’s just another one of the many layers that make up a truly magical experience. What’s not so magical, however, is paying for all those odds and ends like the little notebooks dubbed “Autograph Books” sold at many places throughout the park.
They’ll run you between $15 and $20 each. It may not seem like much but it’s the little things like this that start to drain your budget, especially if you have a large family. Luckily you can make your own for less than $5. Just grab a notebook or journal from the dollar store and customize it with some markers, stickers, and glitter.
3. Use Shuttle Services
If you’re starting to see a theme here then you might have guessed that parking at the Happiest Place on Earth might leave you feeling a little deflated. Standard parking will cost you $25 and if you’re looking to get a head start with a spot near the entrance you’ll be forking over $50.
If you’ll be staying in the Anaheim area you’re in luck! Anaheim Resort Transportation offers day passes with lines running to Disneyland and they only cost $5.50 for adults and $2 for kids. And don’t forget to check with your hotel’s concierge as many properties near the park offer complimentary shuttle services.
4. Bring Your Own Stroller/Wheelchair
If you’re traveling with really little ones, and especially if your vacation is going to span several days, you’ll definitely want to bring a stroller. Of course, Disney thought of that too! You can rent one of their strollers for $15 a day. The same goes for wheelchairs. The park offers manual wheelchair rentals for $12 with a $100 deposit.
So don’t forget to bring your own strollers and wheelchairs. Your wallet will thank you.
5. Pack Your Own Snacks
As with anything else the Magic Kingdom has to offer, the food inside the park, though delicious, is not cheap. An average meal will cost between $20 and $25. Not to mention the inevitable snacks along the way like popcorn, churros, and cotton candy.
Sure, delicious treats are part of the fun of a vacation but you can lighten some of the strain on your budget by bringing your own snacks and eating breakfast before you hit the park. Disneyland and Disney World both allow you to bring in outside food and beverages (with some limitations) and most hotels in the area offer complimentary breakfast. Otherwise, book a room with a fridge so you can pack some cereal and milk or other easily prepared meals.
6. Book During The Offseason & Pick Value Days
Let’s be honest, Disneyland is always full of people but you can plan your trip around the park’s busiest times to avoid massive crowds and endless lines. Save on everything from lodging to airfare by visiting between mid-January through mid-March, mid-April through mid-May, or mid-September through mid-November – avoiding Halloween, of course.
You can save even more by booking well in advance and checking for “value days” on the park’s calendar. Picking these dates for your vacation will save you $45 per ticket.
7. Bring Your Kids Before They Turn 3
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to plan your trip early, we’ve got one for you. Children under three get into both Disney Parks absolutely free. That will save you a whopping $140 at Disneyland and $124 at Walt Disney World. You can use those savings for some sweet souvenirs, closer parking, an upgraded hotel room, or a better flight.
8. Pick Up An Annual Pass
If you’re a serious Disney fan you may want to consider investing in an annual pass. They will cost you a bit up front but they pay for themselves within just a handful of visits. An annual pass gives you admission to both parks at Disneyland and all four parks at Walt Disney World. Not to mention the other perks pass holders get like standard parking and 20% off select merchandise and dining.
Destinations
Must See Canadian National Parks
Canada is a great destination for national parks. However, it should be remembered that not every national park in Canada is the same. Now that Toronto is one of the most searched destinations and a traveler’s paradise, it may be a worthy option to check out the best choices available for the must-see national parks in Toronto and surrounding areas. If you are a small group, simply hire a reliable and affordable Toronto limousine service and stand a chance to enjoy a great experience with nature.
Thousand Islands National Park
Any list that includes the national parks in Toronto or surrounding regions will not be complete without mentioning the Thousand Islands National Park. The amazing national park can perhaps be one of the most unique options in almost every way possible. It may be the smallest national park, but provides you a very unique degree of experience ever. The venue also offers you a set of beautiful stone carvings that you would want to enjoy.
Algonquin Provincial Park
While we found the smallest national park in Toronto, let us move to the largest national park that you would find much more impressive. The park is home to a whole lot of options that can include moose, white followed deer, beavers, wild bears, and wolves. If you are someone who loves biking and birding, this one can perhaps make you enjoy both at the same time here. The mindboggling scenario is home to a few waterfalls as well.
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Next on in our list of the best national parks that you must visit while in Toronto is the Bruce Peninsula, National Park. The pathways, roads and cliffs here would provide you with a very dramatic experience by almost every count. The area is surrounded by cedar trees, thick greeneries, and fragile orchid blooms. The clear waters and caverns underneath are a few of the attractions that you would never want to miss out on.
Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
This is a region that belongs to protected wildlife. The venue has a few great lakes and the Bottle Lake and Sucker Lake is just a couple of them. Right from wetlands to backwoods to rough crops, you would find the park offering you a wide range of attractions that you would find quite unique in their own right. The best things that you would love at the park would include sandy seashores, wildfires, and serene lakes.
The venues above should provide you an insight into the best that you can enjoy with nature. Of course, there are plenty of other nature-driven destinations in and around Toronto, but the ones outlined in the above discussion should be helpful in helping you enjoy one of the extremely exciting performances and experiences. If you are able to get the right type of transportation, there is no need to be worried or annoyed with any of the traffic hassles and have great peace of mind in enjoying what these national parks have on offer.
Destinations
Discover the Four Reasons to Visit Sicily in 2023
Sicily is a popular destination for tourists looking for a mix of culture, history, and luxury. In 2023, there are four main reasons to visit this beautiful island: food, wine, golden sandy beaches, and accommodations. Sicily is a wonderful vacation destination for couples, families, and groups of all sizes.
Food
Sicily’s cuisine is a major selling point for tourists. The island’s Mediterranean environment has a noteworthy impact on the island’s renowned culinary scene. Fresh seafood is a staple in Sicilian cuisine, and many restaurants offer a wide variety of dishes featuring tuna, swordfish, and other local fish. Visitors can also try traditional dishes such as pasta with sardines or caponata, a sweet and sour eggplant dish.
Wine
Wine is another reason to visit Sicily in 2023. The island’s long tradition of winemaking dates back to antiquity. Reds, whites, and sparkling wines can all be found in modern-day Sicily. Visitors can take a tour of local wineries and vineyards, or sample wines at a local wine bar.
Sandy beaches
Golden sandy beaches are popular among tourists visiting Sicily for vacation. The island’s natural coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, many of which are surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Popular destinations for beach lovers include Scopello, known for its Tonnara, a tuna fishing station that dates back to the 1800s, and the nearby Faraglioni, a series of rocky cliffs that offer fantastic views of the sea. Another popular destination is San Vito lo Capo, a picturesque village located on the northwest coast of the island.
Accommodations
Accommodations, especially villa rentals, are the best option to stay in Sicily in 2023. Visitors can choose from a wide variety of properties, including luxury villas with private pools and fantastic views of the surrounding landscape. Select Sicily is a travel agency with more than 15 years of experience that specializes in providing luxury villa rentals.
With so many reasons to visit Sicily this year, it’s no wonder that is a popular destination for travellers of all ages and backgrounds. So why not plan your trip today and experience the magic of Sicily for yourself? With the help of Select Sicily, you can easily find the perfect luxury villa rental in the surroundings of Scopello or another local destination. They will assist you to choose a property that suits your needs and make the most of your visit to this beautiful island.
Other reasons to visit Sicily
Travelers to Trapani often stop by the Zingaro Nature Reserve. Numerous species of birds, reptiles, and animals call the reserve home. Visitors can take a hike on the many trails that wind through the reserve or go for a swim in one of the many crystal-clear coves. Another popular destination in the province of Trapani is the ancient castle of Castellammare del Golfo. The castle offers a fantastic night view and visitors can also explore the historic buildings in the village. The Gulf of Castellammare del Golfo is also a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Summer events are another reason to visit Sicily. Visitors can attend a variety of festivals and events throughout the island, including the annual Tuna Festival in Scopello and the San Vito lo Capo Cous Cous Festival. These events offer a great opportunity to sample local food and wine and to experience the rich culture of Sicily.
Conclusion
Sicily is an ideal destination for those looking for a mix of culture, history, and luxury. Whether you’re looking to sample local food and wine, relax on golden sandy beaches, or enjoy the privacy and luxury of a villa rental, Sicily has something to offer everyone. The island’s rich history is reflected in its ancient ruins, historic buildings, and traditional villages, while its natural beauty is evident in the stunning coastline, rugged cliffs, and unspoiled nature reserves.
Destinations
The Different Types of White Wine Explained
Have you tried to select a good white wine for a special meal, or as a gift, but get overwhelmed by the endless white wine options at your local winery?
So many different bottles, with different labels and categories, can be frustrating. While you might not want to become a wine connoisseur, you wish you had a little knowledge of the types of white wine and its flavors.
The guide below will introduce you to the basic types of white wine and how to pair them with food. Knowing your white wine options and how they affect your palate will help you make the perfect selection later.
Chardonnay/Chablis
Chardonnay might be considered the “go-to” white wine for casual gatherings, rather than for a large meal. But, Chardonnay is actually a very full-bodied wine, and best paired with creamy, heavier food.
There is a distinction between Chardonnay and Chablis. Chablis is a region in France where wine is made from the Chardonnay grape. Chablis is not usually cured in oak barrels, as is a lot of Chardonnay, so it has a much lighter taste and is often paired with light appetizers like raw oysters.
Pinot Grigio/Gris
Pinot Grigio has really taken Chardonnay’s place as the “go-to” wine these days, due to it’s consistently dry, light, and slightly fruity flavor.
Lighter in color than Chardonnay, a Pinot Grigio can be paired with pasta and heavy salads, as well as most seafood. A Pinot Grigio stands well all by itself as well.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon white wines are on the dry side, with a tart taste. Certain varieties, particularly those from New Zealand, have a more fruity taste. Many describe the taste as having a slight hint of grapefruit or sour apple flavor.
This is a great stand-alone wine, but pairs well with cheese, and fresh seafood.
Moscato
Moscato is a sparkling white wine that is often thought of as a “dessert” wine, due to its sweet flavor. But these days, Moscato is becoming a popular dinner wine, as it pairs well with spicy foods, and even with a refreshing summer salad. And, of course, you can pair it with your favorite dessert.
Moscato is lower in alcohol content as well, making it a good starter choice for someone new to drinking white wine.
Reisling
Riesling is also a popular dessert wine, as it is quite sweet, though not as sweet as Moscato.
Again, pairing it with spicy Asian or Indian dishes is a great idea, or with fruity desserts.
Gewurztraminer
From a region in Germany, Gewurztraminer is a great dry/sweet combination wine and is slightly fruity. This white wine is less popular in the United States, usually because the other wines listed here are more familiar.
If you are unsure whether to go to a dry wine or sweet one, try a bottle of Gewurztraminer and pair it with cinnamon-laden desserts, creamy bisque soups, or curry dishes.
Choosing from the Types of White Wine
With so many types of white wine, how do you choose?
First, decide if the wine will be paired with food, and if so, what kind of food, and work from there.
If the wine is a gift for someone else, find out if they prefer a dry or sweet white wine. If the wine is for you, choose one from each of the types of white wine, and have a tasting party!
Do you love to travel, and dream of exploring the world? Stick with this site for content that will help you expand your horizons.
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