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What a beautiful spot, Laguna Beach is, so much so that a television show about the teenagers that live there and get tan and discuss their love lives is shot there as the backdrop. Other people might want to visit there for the sheer beauty of the city and its coastline rather than the drama.
A vacation here feels like a break from reality that will leave you refreshed and relaxed.

What makes Laguna Beach so attractive as a vacation spot? The scenery of the beaches along with the outdoor activities help to make it as popular as it is. This may be the main thing to do but not the only thing to do-Laguna Beach is also home to art festivals, nature trails, tours and so much more. People always expect shopping, spa facilities, golf and tennis and great restaurants on vacations and Laguna Beach has no shortage of all those!

The world-renowned Festival of Arts in the summertime is a collection of living portraits presented to music and narration. The Sawdust Art Festival is less showy and focuses on local talents and the Laguna Dance Festival draws dancers and dance-lovers to show off their grace, beauty and athletic abilities each October. A whole vacation can be planned around an event of your choice so that you can have it all!

Those that want more adventure and excercise can venture into Laguna Coast Wildnerness Park to go on a three hour hike while others prefer something easier like examining the tide pools at Crystal Cove State Park. Other activities for those that prefer a more ‘active’ vacation include dolphin and/or whale watching, surfing (of course!), scuba diving, kayaking along with a variety of other outdoor activities along the coastline. Main Beach has a series of volleyball and basketball courts for the public to use.

Believe it or not, a winery is also in town. If you would like to see the whole process of how grapes are made into wine, make sure to schedule a stop here. You might consider getting a case of the wine to take home to enjoy and pretend you are still on vacation while sipping it. You can even go to the culinary school in Laguna Beach to test your kitchen skills. If you don’t like to cook, go out to one of the many restaurants in the city and you will be amazed at the variety of types of foods available. Whether it be Mexican, fresh fish, Italian or Asian it is available. After dinner go for a walk in the beautifully lit city and enjoy the night life. Bars are open with all kinds of music available and many places have dancing. There is always a place available to party at.

Where to stay in Laguna Beach is always a decision but the many hotels and vacation properties in this coastal city offer a great variety of different amenities. You can stay in a heavily visited part of town or off in a more private setting in the hills. Wherever you stay you will enjoy the sun and the beauty of this great coastal city.

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It is hard to imagine a more exciting, magical, and eagerly anticipated vacation than a Disney theme park adventure.

And because the prospect of the trip is so exciting, the planning process can be half the fun. Here is how to get started planning the trip of a lifetime, for a lot less than you might think.

Order Your Free Disney DVD
One of the first things you will want to do is take advantage of the free Disney Parks Vacation Planning DVD. This official Disney DVD takes you on a complete tour of both resorts. Go inside the parks and get an overview of the Disney complexes in both Florida and Southern California. Preview the water and roller coaster rides and get tips on where to go and what to do. The DVD also features planning guides, information on affordable places to stay, things to do, and upcoming special events. You can order it on the official Disney Parks website. (Simply do a Google search for “Free Disney Vacation Planning DVD.”)

Hotel Deals
The second thing on your list will be to find the best Disneyland and Disneyworld hotel deals.

Keep in mind that you will pay lower prices on both lodging and park tickets if you book your trip during the off season, which runs from October through April.

Disney resorts have a number of on site hotels, which bring lots of advantages, including discounted ticket prices and, of course, convenience. But the experience of staying in a resort hotel comes with a price: as much as triple the cost of other hotels.

If cost is the foremost consideration in planning your Disney vacation, begin an online search for hotels near the resort instead. Many of these neighboring hotels offer comfortable, clean lodging and may provide a complimentary shuttle service to the resort.

Accommodations range from value priced to deluxe, with amenities to match. Make a list of the features that are most important to you and refer to them when deciding on a hotel. If you do not mind parking your car and walking instead of using the valet, or if you do not mind limited room service, then you do not need to pay more for a deluxe hotel stay.

The distances to and from the park can differ, so be sure to ask about the location of the hotel in relation to the park, as well as whether the hotel offers complimentary transportation, such as shuttle bus or monorail service. There are lots of choices and you can find many different package deals depending on your budget and preferences. The Internet has made it so easy to compare Disney area hotels (and their amenities) at a glance.

Saving on Meals
Disney does not allow you to bring food into the park. But you can save money by having breakfast before entering the park and eating dinner after you leave. Lunch prices tend to be quite a bit lower than dinner prices at the restaurants inside the park, so you can experience the magic of a meal in the park for less.

You will be permitted to bring in bottled water, which is much less expensive than buying sodas and bottled water inside the park.

More Disney Travel Tips
1. Some hotels and travel agents offer discounts to nurses, teachers and government workers, as well as AAA, AARP and Entertainment Book members.
2. Make sure to purchase your tickets before you get to the park, so you do not have to stand in line when you get there.
3. Read your tickets and passes and make sure you understand what you are paying for. Remember, too, that some rides have certain height requirements for children.
4. Walking the parks may be fine for the adults, but you may want to either bring your own stroller or rent one for your child.
5. If you have a child who is too small for a particular ride, take advantage of the Disney “Baby Swap” option. All you need to do is tell the attendant. When you reach the front of the line, one parent will be able to ride while the other parent holds the child. When the ride is over, you switch. That way, neither parent has to sit out.
6. The weather can be unpredictable so do not be caught off guard. Make sure to bring an umbrella, ponchos and some cool weather clothing. Plan ahead for rainy days by having a list of indoor activities you want to do in the area, as well, just in case of an extended downpour.

Though a Disney vacation may seem overwhelming during the planning stage, rest assured that a little bit of planning now will make for a more relaxed, memorable (even magical) vacation that you and your children will remember for a long time to come.

Jamie Jefferson writes for http://www.momscape.com
Visit today for money saving online coupon codes: http://www.momscape.com/coupon-codes
and for more Disney Travel Tips and Coupons:

http://www.momscape.com/articles/disney-travel.htm

Are you planning a trip to Florida? If you are, you’re going to want to find the best possible lodging. Florida is full of hotels and resorts, and knowing where to look for the best hotels in Florida could make or break your trip. There is a lot to consider when shopping for hotels and resorts in Florida. Here’s what you need to know.

Florida Hotels

There are so many different types of hotels in Florida, it’s important to think about what you’re looking for to narrow your search. You may be looking for a budget hotel to keep your trip inexpensive and easy. If you’re not going to be spending a lot of time in your hotel during your trip to Florida, why spend all that money for a fancy room? When you want to save money, budget hotels are the way to go.

On the other hand, if you want to have the full Florida experience – sun, sand, and luxury accommodations on the beach – a four or five star luxury hotel may be for you. Luxury Florida hotels allow you to soak in the best that life – and Florida – has to offer.

When lounging by the pool and soaking up the Florida sun, wouldn’t it be nice to be waited on hand and foot? And, after a long day wandering the beaches or visiting the theme parks Florida is so famous for, wouldn’t it be great to sink into a luxurious bed in a gorgeous room with all the amenities? If you have the money to spend while in Florida, spending a few extra bucks on a luxury hotel might not be such a bad idea.

Florida Resorts

Florida is best known for two things: swimsuit settings and famous theme parks. When staying in Florida, many vacationers prefer to stay in resorts. Florida resorts are a cut above hotels. They offer lodging, but they also provide an array of activities like shopping, sports, family fun, dining, games, and dancing. While in Florida, resorts offer the ability to find all the fun you’re looking for in one place.

Many of the major theme parks in Florida have their own resorts. They’re so elaborate and entertaining you could spend your entire trip at a Florida theme park resort. If you’re in search of fun for the whole family, a Florida resort is a great way to keep everyone delighted and bring the family closer together. If you stay at a Florida resort attached to a major theme park, you gain convenience as well as safety.

Finding Resorts and Hotels in Florida

Once you know what kind of lodging you’re looking for in Florida, you need to know how to find the best hotels and resorts in Florida. The best resorts and hotels in Florida are the ones that will give you the most bang for your buck. You want hotels and resorts that combine quality, value, and location to bring you everything you need to have the best possible time while in Florida.

For nearly a decade FloridaEscape.com has brought travelers unbeatable discounts, savings and travel packages to one of the country’s most beautiful states. Find the best places to stay in Florida and get special internet rates and travel discounts at http://www.FloridaEscape.com.

The african lion has been in the news during the past few years possibly for the wrong reasons. Considering it has has been touted as an animal headed for possible extinction in the years to come, this news must horrify safari enthusiasts and animal lovers worldwide.

The African Lion – Will It Survive?

When talking about the king of the jungle and everything it represents, it’s hard to imagine from an outsiders perspective that this symbol of strength could even be considered as a species on the endangerment list. What could possibly be a threat to this magnificent beast… Well, the answer should have come to you quickly… man!

More to the point, progress, and as Africa continues to implement newer technologies in the areas of farming and infrastructure, more and more of the mighty african lion’s habitat is being whittled away. The result of this is both lion and man are brought into direct conflict and as the great animal’s habitat is being eroded, so is it’s natural food source which means it needs to look for alternatives.

These alternatives are the farming animals which graze the former territories of the lion. They are easy pickings for one of the world’s most ferocious and skilled hunters but with it comes the wrath of man, who naturally has to protect his own interests and livelihood; so it’s the lion who comes off second best. You can guess the resultant action!

Best African Lion Destinations On Safari

If you are planning an african safari, undoubtedly the highlight from an animal perspective is the african lion. To see this mighty creature in the flesh is one thing but to actually see it in action is another. You see, despite it’s hunting capabilities it is somewhat of a sleeper. Yes, they can “shut-eye” for up to twenty hours a day which can be a nightmare if you are hoping to capture the king in all his hunting glory!

As a photographer, some patience is obviously required but as a tourist an amateur cameraperson then given the obvious time constraints associated with group tours on safri then it becomes a little like “pot luck.”

There are many excellent destinations within Africa to see the lion. The two best destinations to see the lion in 2007?

- The Serengeti in Tanzania is our first choice. Why? The migration of the wildbeest during the last half of the year. The lions and many other predators lay in wait as their prime food source scampers across the countryside.

- Kenya’s Masai Mara is another african lion hotspot. Again the wildbeest migration is a strong reason while the open landscape is an ideal environment.

- South Africa has several options to see the “king” including the magnificent Kruger National Park.

- Botswana has plenty to offer for safari enthusiasts but the presence of big cats such as the lion draws visitors here regularly. Check out Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta East… great African landscape and plenty of wildlife to go with it!

An African lion safari is a once in a lifetime experience for most. There are some excellent programs now in place to ensure the king of the beasts makes it to the next century. Now is a great time to head off on safari to see the lion in it’s own backyard!

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Check out these top African Lion Safari destination tips for 2007! We give four must see areas! Plus, read the latest african safari related news and reviews at:http://www.african-safaris-site.com/wp

Whether you are planning a trip to the second largest city in Texas or want to know more about this illustrious destination, Dallas definitely presents its fair share of intriguing attractions and activities to enjoy. Jam-packed with top-notch zoos and interesting museums, the city is definitely a booming place to visit in terms of history, culture, art, nightlife, entertainment, and excitement. Below you will find some of the top points of interest scattered about the Dallas area.

Dallas Arts District

As you explore the awe-inspiring Dallas Arts District, you will encounter an inviting assortment of fine and performing arts venues. A variety of impressive landmarks are also situated in this part of town, which presents the exhilaration of productions held at the Morton H Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas Theater Center, and the Trammal Crow Center Pavilion.

Dallas Zoo

Situated in their natural habitats, the animals living at the Dallas Zoo hail from all corners of the world. Visitors lucky to plan a trip during the summer will be able to enjoy a Monorail ride about the zoo grounds, where you may come close to the “Wilds of Africa.” This inspiring sight showcases an 85-acre park holding rare Sumatran tigers, and a forest filled with chimpanzees.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Venturing a little outside of the downtown Dallas area, you will encounter the colorful spread of the arboretum on White Rock Lake, which offers daily tours and an open garden all-year-long. Many events take place on the premises, including banquets and the romantic scene of weddings. Some of the blooms you will encounter on the grounds include breathtaking azaleas in the spring (some of the best in the country) and attractive chrysanthemums in the fall.

Dallas Sports

Whether or not you are a Dallas cowboy fan, you will learn to respect the awesome sight of the Texas Stadium, as well as the many other sporting and entertainment events that the city has to offer. Dallas is home to an arena football team (Dallas Desperados); NBA basketball (Dallas Mavericks); NHL team (Dallas Stars); and other sports squads, such as a major league and indoor soccer lineup.

Fair Park

Fair Park can be found southeast of downtown Dallas, which was constructed to host the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936. Today, the site serves as the Texas State Fair location, which is considered one of the largest in the nation. During the months of September and October, more than three million people pour in to enjoy the festivities. Fair Park is also home to a wide-range of museums, including a medical gallery, a planetarium and a fun-filled IMAX theatre.

Visiting Dallas? See the Bed & Breakfast in Dallas Texas / Dallas, TX Bed – Breakfast: http://www.adallasguesthouse.com