Disneyland's Adventure Park Preparing for Holiday Season With Season of Light

The holiday season is approaching fast, and the Disneyland Resort is preparing to usher in the most wonderful time of the year with the return of several favorite holiday experiences starting on November 10. Dubbed the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, visitors will be treated to events such as the Festival of Holidays, World of Color – Season of Light and the Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks spectacular.



At the Disney California Adventure Park, guests will be treated to the popular World of Color – Season of Light nighttime spectacular and the Festival of Holidays celebrations, but there will be so much more this year.

Santa Claus will be appearing at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail; Cars Land and Bug’s Land will undergo festive makeovers; and a 50-foot Christmas tree will be positioned at Carthay Circle.
As for the Disneyland theme park itself, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle returns with night-time snowfall moments that culminate in the Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks spectacular.
At the Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A., a 60-foot tree with nearly 1,800 ornaments will be the backdrop of the holiday fun.

Disneyland will also host the Christmas Fantasy parade, which will feature Disney characters, floats, music, marching tin soldiers and holiday cheer. There will be seasonal transformations of popular park attractions, including It's a Small World and the Haunted Mansion.

The shopping, dining and entertainment district known as Downtown Disney, as well as the various hotels on the property, will be adorned with twinkling lights and ornaments, holiday displays, special entertainment and holiday dining with themed menus. The events run through January 7, 2018.

Americans Most Popular Summer Destinations Statistics

Summer travel plans statistics from the past revealed that Orlando, Florida, and Cancun, Mexico, topped the lists of travelers taking a vacation between May 29 and Sept. 4. In fact, domestic results showed that nearly 9 percent of Americans are traveling to Orlando during the summer. Las Vegas was the second-most popular destination, followed by Honolulu, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Maui, Boston, Denver and Fort Lauderdale.

A review of Americans’ summer travel plans by Allianz Global Assistance found U.S. travelers are keen to sink their toes in the sand and seek the thrills of theme parks. This is perfectly in line with statistics from summers past. 

Orlando, Florida, and Cancun, Mexico, topped the lists of travelers taking a vacation between May 29 and Sept. 4. In fact, domestic results showed that nearly 9 percent of Americans are traveling to Orlando during the summer. 

Las Vegas was the second-most popular destination, followed by Honolulu, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Maui, Boston, Denver and Fort Lauderdale. 

Internationally, travelers are most likely headed to Mexico and the Caribbean. According to the Allianz survey, eight out of the top 10 destinations abroad are south of the border. Cancun topped the list with nearly 17 percent of travelers saying they were taking a summer vacation there. With its popularity growing by leaps and bounds, it’s no surprise to find that Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is the number-two spot for summer vacations.  There are just two European destinations on the international list: London and Paris. 

Rounding out the top 10 in order of popularity are Los Cabos, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Aruba Island, Aruba; London, England; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Nassau, Bahamas; and Paris, France. In line with summer travel trends, the research also shows that most planned trips to top destinations such as Orlando and Cancun are for groups of two or more, indicating that families and multigenerational groups are using the summer months to travel together. 

“Our statistics showed that Americans are more likely to travel in groups this summer and, for those traveling with children, family travel insurance is worth considering,” said Daniel Durazo, director of communications for Allianz Global Assistance USA. 

When you are traveling with kids, you don’t want to leave anything to chance. 

“Traveling can be unpredictable, especially with little ones. Insuring vacation costs for a party of five, six or seven can offer financial relief and peace of mind when travel plans go awry.”

Regardless of where you are traveling to this summer—a crowded beach or an exotic jungle—it’s good to be prepared and protected.

Finland] is The Safest Destination Globally - World Economic Forum Travel & Tour Tourism Competitiveness Index

4/25/2017

Still looking for some summer travel inspiration?   You should put Finland on your list while the booking is good. The World Economic Forum releases the Travel & Tour Tourism Competitiveness Index, which is an in-depth analysis of tourism in countries around the world. One of its most important rankings is the safety of the countries, and Finland has topped the list this year. 

"[Finland] remains the safest destination globally, despite rising concerns in most [of] Europe, including Finland, regarding terrorism," the report reads.

The report collected data from a total of 136 countries, looking specifically at "sustainable development of the travel and tourism sector, which in turn, contributes to the development and competitiveness of a country." With terrorism woes on the rise around the globe, it’s nice to know this destination that poses little-to-no threat.

What's more, Finland has a lot to offer travelers who land on its shores. 

For instance, not long ago, its national airline, FinnAir, made it easy to book a stopover in the country for travelers flying to a variety of destinations in Europe and Asia. Travelers can spend the day in Helsinki or go farther afield to the Lapland or on a Northern Lights journey. 

In fact, for those who are looking to chase the Northern Lights, it’s not just a winter thing in Finland: The lights are viewable on more than 200 nights per year in the country.

Other reasons to visit Finland: 39 stunning national parks, designers such as Marimekko, a “wild” food culture, clean air, warm locals, a calendar chock full of events and more.

If you aren’t sold yet, let the country’s sauna culture further woo you with the promise of ultimate relaxation.

Take, for example, the newly renovated Allas Sea Pool, which just rejoined the Finnish sauna scene. Without even leaving the capital city of Helsinki, guests are immersed in this Finnish tradition. The complex combines swimming, sauna, urban culture and tradition while revitalizing the sauna ritual year-round for visitors and locals alike. Read more...

St. Augustine Tops MONEY's 'Best in Travel' List

Enjoying an out-of-town vacation in 2017 doesn’t necessarily have to cost an arm and a leg. In fact, says MONEY magazine, there are plenty of destinations that marry quality, cost and value for a “terrific travel experience.’

St. Augustine, Florida

Take St. Augustine, Florida, MONEY’s top domestic pick in its annual “Best in Travel” survey. A week-long trip for two in America’s oldest city, including airfare, will cost around $2,507.

“Relative to other Florida Atlantic beach destinations, St.Augustine is a bargain,” said MONEY. In addition to the value it offers, the destination was cited for its beaches, golf and restaurants.

Estes Park, Colorado

In second place, MONEY picked Estes Park, Colorado. Located in the shadow the Rocky Mountains, the destination provides an “authentic” mountain adventure, and it does so to the tune of about $2,698 for a one-week vacation for two. In addition to adventure activities, the magazine recommends the city for its Rooftop Rodeo, held every July,  it says is one of the best small rodeos in America.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Lobster isn’t the only compelling reason to visit Bar Harbor, Maine. The city, which is located near Acadia National Park, is known for its scenery, its history and its wide variety of on-the-water activities. According to MONEY, a weeklong trip, including airfare, will cost about $2,914.

Fort Worth, Texas

If you’re looking to get your cowboy on, MONEY recommends Fort Worth, Texas. Daily cattle drives and live music are just some of the attractions found in the city’s Stockyard’s National Historic District or get a dose of culture at five area museums, located in The Cultural District. Or take in an opera or ballet or the symphony at Bass Performance Hall. A weeklong trip to Fort Worth will run about $2,281.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

History, culture and inexpensive dining options are part of what makes Albuquerque so compelling. More than 100 art galleries are located in the city as well as an “impressive” variety of street art. And, of course, the annual hot air balloon festival makes this a must-see city. For a week’s vacation, expect to pay $2,194.

Other domestic cities making MONEY’s best-of-list include Williamsburg, Virginia; Las Vegas, Nevada; Carmel-by-the-Sea, California; Gulf Shores, Alabama; and Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Internationally, MONEY picked Hanoi, Vietnam as its top choice. The dynamic blend of contemporary high-rises and nineteenth-century architecture helped propel Hanoi onto the top of the list. And with hotels averaging about 566 a night and mid-range meals costing less than $20 for two, the city’s value is unbeatable. An average trip for two, including airfare will cost about $2,600 in Hanoi.

Bali, Indonesia

Rates have been dropping on Bali, thanks in part to favorable exchange rates, which means hotel prices are down by 22 percent over last year. Whether you prefer a sleepy getaway or a bustling city, Bali is sure to offer something for you, including an exciting culture scene. Expect to spend about $2,579 for a trip for two.

Crete, Greece

At 3,200 square miles, there’s a lot of Crete to explore, including hundreds of attractions. In particular, outdoor activities and beachside locales are well worth the visit. Airfares have dropped in the past year, as have hotel rates, so 2017 should be the ideal time to visit. A one-week getaway for two should cost about $3,642.

MONEY’s other top international picks include Cuzco, Peru; Paris, France; and Marrakesh, Morocco.  Find destinations by searching for relevant keywords.

Valentine’s Day Romantic Gift Ideas For Celebrating Valentine’s Day and Pamper Your Loved One With a romantic Voyage Filled With Sweet Treats – OOCORP

Whether you are looking for what to gift you crush, colleague or family, you can be rest assured of finding just the perfect gift irrespective of your budget. Add a touch of spice to your Valentine this year withaffordable romantic getaways and dinner for two.  Read more...

Valentine’s Day Romantic Gift Ideas For Celebrating Valentine’s Day and Pamper Your Loved One With a romantic Voyage Filled With Sweet Treats – OOCORP

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