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Top Reasons to Visit Quebec in the Winter

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In the age of global travel, the world is your oyster, so if you are planning a winter vacation, you will be spoiled for choice. You might be contemplating a trip to Aspen Colorado, Disneyworld in Orlando, or even an all-inclusive resort in Mexico for some winter sun, but have you considered a trip to Quebec?

Quebec Province in Canada is full of amazing places to visit and things to do. You can visit all year round, but winter is an especially magical place in Quebec. The Canadians really know to how to celebrate winter in style, so for a magical winter vacation, let’s take a look at what Quebec has to offer.

Winter Carnival

The winter carnival in Quebec is the largest and most spectacular winter carnival in the world. Join the locals for 17 days of fun at the beginning of February. There are dog-sled races, sleigh rides, and skating. You can even take part in canoe races! Quebec City really knows how to party in style, so if you want a taste of Mardi Gras in a Winter Wonderland theme, make sure you visit Quebec around the beginning of February.

Spend the Night in an Igloo

Adventurous types will have enormous fun spending the night in an igloo. The Parc National du Bic organizes packages for visitors who wish to live like an Eskimo. You will receive a warm winter sleeping bag and everything else you need to stay warm and cozy. You also get access to a hut where you can cook meals. If the idea of sleeping in an igloo sounds a bit too much like “roughing it”, book a stay at the world-famous Ice Hotel instead. The Hotel de Glace has 36 amazing rooms, each with a bed of ice. There are also saunas under the stars!

World Class Winter Sports at Mont Tremblant

Mont Tremblant in Quebec is the best ski resort in the eastern half of North America. The scenery is spectacular all year round, but in winter it is simply amazing. The Mont Tremblant village has plenty of boutiques, bars, and restaurants to keep you entertained after a hard day’s skiing, and TremblantSunstar.com has a wealth of superb accommodation to suit all budgets. Ski, snowboard, or have a go at snowmobiling – the fun never stops at Mont Tremblant!

Dog Sledding

Canada is famous for its dog sledding and there are several operators in Quebec that offer dog sled tours. Take a ride out into the snow and finish the trip in a traditional Yurt with some local food and drink.

Experience the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, nature’s amazing light show, are visible from Quebec at certain times of the year. One of the best places to enjoy the show is inside Mount Megantic National Park. Here, light pollution is minimal, so you can stand under the moonlight and stargaze to your heart’s content.

Don’t forget to catch an ice hockey game while you are in Quebec Province. Montreal and Quebec City are also worth a visit.

6 Best Kayaking Destinations in the US

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Kayaking is a growing sport, with a wide appeal to all ages and ability levels. Nature lovers can get stunning alternative views of some of the most amazing natural areas on the planet, while adventure seekers can indulge their inner adrenaline junkies. Picking where to dip your paddle depends on what you are looking for in a trip. From a white water experience, to a fishing and camping vacation, with plenty of nature along the way, these are some of the best places in the US to seek out the ideal kayaking holiday for you.

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The Arkansas River

This is a versatile area, with something for everyone. From beginners all the way up to the most experienced paddlers, this water course offers something for all, with multiple categories of rapids, from class I, easy, up to class V, exceedingly difficult. These white water areas are often interspersed with calmer stretches of water, for a more sedate pace.

The Colorado River

Winding through 3 states and some of the most stunning scenery in the country, most notably the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River is one of the ultimate goals for many kayakers. Along with breathtaking views, this river also offers amazing rapids, making it a thrilling trip for even more adventurous or experienced paddlers.

Rogue River

Found in Oregon, this river also offers a wild ride to the more thrill-seeking kayaker. Aside from its white water, this area is also rich with flora and fauna, and is an excellent destination for anyone who wants to include a little nature watching in their adrenaline ride.

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Devils River

Though its name may conjure up images of death defying rapids, Devils River is in fact a much calmer option for kayaking. Located in Texas, this area is fantastic for fishing, and a more relaxing paddling trip. Devils River, which is the result of the joining of six different watercourses, feeds into Lake Amistad, and winds through beautiful, unspoiled, unpolluted countryside, providing a wonderful backdrop for a long but worthwhile day trip.

The Delaware River

With a Delaware Water Gap map, kayakers can navigate this stunning area of the Appalachian Mountains, where the Delaware River cuts through the range and creates a perfect recreation ground for water sports. Ideal for beginners, or people newer to kayaking, the Delaware River offers a choice between smoother trips, or more rapid flowing areas, with more white water. More experienced paddlers will also enjoy the steep banks and crystal clear waters, which flow quickly at times, being fed by several reservoirs along the way.

Cumberland Island

This stunning island can be found in Georgia, and is located inside a protected area, so visitor numbers are closely monitored and managed to protect the local ecosystem. Kayaking in the sea around Cumberland Island allows visitors to experience a huge range of native wildlife, and unique scenery, as well as enjoying good fishing opportunities, in a tranquil environment.

Conclusion

Whatever your level of experience, kayaking can be a fantastic activity for couples, groups of friends, or the whole family. The U.S. is rich in sites where you can choose to battle through white water, or cruise along green currents, surrounded by some of the greatest natural wonders on the planet. From day trips to week long camping adventures, kayaking is a versatile sport, that almost anyone can have a go at, in any number of rivers, lakes, or bays around the country.

Old and Bold: Three Senior Adventure Tours Across America

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Age is just a number, so why should it keep you from an intense and exotic adventure? More and more seniors are breaking stereotypes and ditching the lazy vacations by the pool for kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing in some of America’s most adventurous locations. Some say your life doesn’t begin until you’re 50, so why not live it to the fullest? Here are some of the boldest locations and senior adventure tours in the United States that you just have to jump on.

Explore the Missouri River with Row Adventures

Missouri may not seem like a typical vacation spot, but it has everything you need for an adventure that gets you in touch with the nation’s roots. Row Adventures, a multisport travel group, takes you along the journey of Lewis and Clark. Travel back in time on your 34’ canoe dugout as you listen to the stories of the river. On your journey you will visit the camps Lewis and Clark stayed at 200 years ago, hike the famous White Cliffs area, and explore Native American cultural sites. Suitable for anyone in reasonable physical condition, it is a great way to dive into America’s past.

Rock the Waves of Hawaii with Road Scholar

Hawaii is regularly listed as one of the favorite vacation destinations for seniors. But why not explore Hawaii in style? Get your feet wet on a marine adventure through the islands with Road Scholar. Originally called Elderhostel, Road Scholar is a travel group that organizes educational travel for older adults. Road Scholar dismisses the idea of simply laying out by the beach and plunges you right in the waters of Hawaii. On your tour, you will learn how to surf and navigate the waters in a canoe. Then, explore the water underneath the waves in a submarine and snorkeling adventure. The program is geared towards grandparents and their grandchildren so bring your loved one along for a journey you’ll never forget.

Navigate the Glaciers of Alaska with ElderTreks

Alaska is full of magnificent animals from the humpback and orca whales to the sea lions. But what if you could get up close and personal with these animals? ElderTreks, an exotic adventure tour agency catered towards travelers over the age of 50, coordinates a cruise through the Alaskan waters. You will travel aboard a motor yacht and sail through the infamous icebergs as you explore the beauties of Alaska. Along the way you can also hike on glacial moraines and sea kayak for sights of whales and sea lions.

If you’re the adventuring spirit, these three tours are sure to impress. Ditch the regular vacation, and embark on an adventure that you will remember for years to come. Remember, age is just a number – to being old and bold!

Cut Employment Cost With POS Systems

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I live in a nation where job opportunities are aplenty for front line workers especially in the food and beverages sectors but manpower is lacking. Many of our young people have gone overseas in search of greener pastures. Our business sectors have been depending largely on foreign workers to fill these vacancies but recently, there is a reduction in the intake of foreign workers. Some businesses for example like the food and beverages business have temporary closed down when their foreign workers’ permit were not extended. Because of this and the other reasons, many businesses have suffered loss.

The insufficient supply of manpower to the business sector have driven many business owners to turn to POS machines as a solution to replace the lack of manpower.  Depending on the scale of the business, setting up and running with an efficient personalized POS system will definitely help reduce your dependency on manpower. Running with less manpower helps to reduce cost because the POS system takes over most of the running of the business.

With a personalized POS system, you will only need one front line staff at the payment counter to handle table reservations, takeaways, receiving food orders and payment transactions. With the cutting down of the number of staffs, you also save back on the cost of staff employment.

In some businesses outlets, customers can place their orders through the e-order tablets set up at the table where they are seated. Some outlets even set up e-booths outside their stalls for ordering and payment of food before they approach the food counter to be served. The younger generations adapted easily to this e-order systems where they can take their time with their orders without the waiters or waitresses hovering over them.

If you are currently facing a problem with insufficient manpower to keep your business running, and if you are interested to know more about the various types of POS systems available but not sure of what is suitable for your business, you can contact MerchantAccountSolutions.com for professional help and recommendation.

Where to Start if You’re Visiting the Caribbean for the First Time

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The Caribbean is one of the most rewarding places you could ever visit, but most people haven’t ventured to this natural paradise. This is a shame. For Americans, it’s especially easy to visit the Caribbean Islands, because you don’t even need a passport to go to this United States-controlled region. There are literally dozens of Caribbean islands, so there’s more to do than the average person can pack into a single trip. The following tips will help you start a lifelong relationship with one of the most beautiful regions in the entire world.

Wherever else you go, you absolutely must visit Barbados. Barbados is a sovereign nation and one of the most well known islands in the Caribbean. The culture of Barbados is a smattering of various peoples that have immigrated or been relocated to Barbados over the centuries, including populations from West Africa, India, Britain, and Creole regions. All of these influences are reflected in the food, music, and culture of Barbados. The nation is very welcoming to tourism, as it is a major part of its economy. As such, scheduling family-friendly holidays to Barbados is a cinch.

The Bahamas and Cayman Islands are also common stops for first timers. The weather is so pleasant, and the price of visiting so hospitable, that you’ll find something to enjoy no matter who you are. The Bahamas is a great place to learn how to surf, to sample local cuisine, to go on guided tours of jungle and ancient volcanic landscapes. For those who simply want to relax, the beaches are a perfect place to drowse in the sun, perhaps reading a book, perhaps not.

Trinidad and Tobago offer many pleasures for nature lovers and those interested in one of the more dynamic nations in the Caribbean. Swamps and wetlands offer greenery and wildlife not seen in most other parts of the world. Trinidad and Tobago’s natural landscapes are incredibly colorful and verdant, as is the food you’ll enjoy, with its tastes of native spices and traditions. You’ll enjoy the cities as much as the natural areas, basing your stay in independent hotels or in any of the resorts that dot the coasts of these lovely islands.

No matter who you are, the Caribbean is an incredible treat. Because these islands depend so greatly upon tourism, many of them make it very easy to visit from different parts of the world. For example, plenty of cruise lines stop in the Caribbean, some moving from island to island to give you a taste of different corners of the Caribbean. Flights arrive in these islands’ many airports, from spots all over the globe. Once you’ve arrived, ferries and tour boats can take you wherever you need to go, as can small passenger planes used solely for travel between islands.

In the end, the Caribbean is blessed with natural resources and natural beauty. If you love eating, recreating, and life itself, the Caribbean is definitely for you. Visit now, visit again, visit as often as possible.

The Luxe Life in Los Cabos, Mexico!

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Los Cabos is often considered the ‘Lands End’ of the Baja California peninsula. Yet with average flights times from the states being less than 3 hours, Los Cabos is the perfect location for a quick getaway with your friends. The two towns of Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, offer beautiful landscapes and action-packed activities. From La Sierra de la Laguna mountains to dry desert and finally the Pacific ocean, there isn’t much that you can’t do in Los Cabos. It’s no surprise that this is one of Mexico’s top 5 travel destinations.

5* resorts line the coast and bring the two towns together. Including spa resorts, adults only and family friendly choices, there is a resort for everyone. However, for an authentic yet luxe stay at Los Cabos, a luxury villa rental is also a great choice.

While the two towns of Los Cabos are generally referred to as ‘Cabo,’ they both have distinct personalities. Your stay in Los Cabos will no doubt include a mix of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, as they are separated by a mere 20 miles of coastline. But it’s good know the difference when you decide where you want to stay.

  • Cabo San Lucas:The louder, gaudier town of the two, Cabo San Lucas is always ready for a party. San Lucas relies heavily on tourism and so, unsurprisingly, you will find tourist shops, bars and beach parties on every corner. As a result, San Lucas is a hit with the younger crowds looking for adventure. The majority of the action takes place around the marina. Activities include: Snorkeling, diving, quad biking and dune buggy riding, zip-lining, fishing, sailing and a plethora of watersports.
  • San José del Cabo: A mere 20 miles can make a world of difference in Mexico. San José del Cabo is the older, more mature of these towns and this is reflected in the town’s very atmosphere. 250 years is no small age gap, and so San José del Cabo has taken on a more sophisticated, grown-up approach to tourism. Cobblestone streets, authentic eateries and local culture make this part of Cabo a laid-back and luxe destination. Activities include:sampling authentic Mexican cuisine, perusing the local galleries and wandering around the marina.

The best thing about Los Cabos is that you really do have the best of both worlds. If you like a party but need your time to relax, staying in San José del Cabo gives you the downtime you need. If you love being the life of the party but also enjoy a few hours looking at impressive local art, then you can stay in San Lucas and head over to San José for your culture fix.

Within San José del Cabo there are many exclusive communities that offer luxury rental villas.  The Puerto Los Cabos development is home to many such communities. Fundadores is a great example that offers stylish villas with unbeatable ocean views. The Los Cabos corridor joins the two towns and also offers many unique vacation rentals. Developments along the corridor include beautiful Punta Ballena. Cabo San Lucas is known for it’s famous developments such as the Pedregal. Often frequented by celebrities and socialites, Pedregal is home to unique and innovative villas that leave a lasting impression.

Wherever you decide to stay, there are some things to keep in mind when visiting Los Cabos:

  • Be Aware at the Beach- Due to the strong currents of the Pacific ocean, not all beaches in Los Cabos are swimmable and some can be very dangerous. San Lucas has better (and more swimmable) beaches than San José but they are also busier.
  • Haggling is a Thing-With Los Cabos attracting so many tourists, there are many sellers offering over-priced souvenirs and local wares. Feel free to ignore or politely decline their offers. However, if you are interested in an item, haggling effectively will save you some cash.
  • Adventure Tours-Many tours are available for all of the different activities available in the area. Booking a tour in person will always be cheaper than online versions as you can once more negotiate the price.
  • Rentals – Luxury vacation rentals are aplenty in Cabo, however be aware of the location. As the center of the action Cabo San Lucas is generally more in demand and therefore more expensive than San José del Cabo.
  • High/ low season – As with all tourist destinations in Mexico, Los Cabos has a high and low season. Generally speaking, the high season runs from October to March/April while the low season is April/May to October. Weather is temperate year round, with slightly more rain in the summer months. If crowds aren’t your thing, travelling towards the end of high season or during the low season will pay off.

If you and your friends have your hearts set on a fantastic Mexican getaway but you’re not sure where, Los Cabos is a clear contender. It’s true, there are many amazing destinations in Mexico but how many can offer you a mix of majestic mountains, desert dunes and the rolling waves of the Pacific ocean? If you still need convincing, here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pro’s-

  • Accessibility: Los Cabos is a short, direct flight from the States. It is especially accessible from the west coast.
  • Two in One:Los Cabos is literally a two in one vacation. Visitors can choose how much time to spend in each town, making the most of the distinct personalities.
  • Unlimited Adventure:Los Cabos’ unique blend of landscape means there’s not many adventure activities you can’t do here. From whale watching and deep sea fishing to riding over the desert on your choice of vehicle – Los Cabos was made for adventure.
  • Safety:Los Cabos is generally considered safe as a travel destination. Beware of hangovers above all.
  • Choice of Accommodation: Los Cabos offers a range of accommodation options in different areas along the tip of the Baja California Peninsula.

Con’s-

  • Popularity: Los Cabos is a very popular destination. If you’re looking for a less touristy destination, head for San José del Cabo.
  • Sea Safety:As with many awe-inspiring things, the Pacific ocean can also be very dangerous. Many beaches are off-limits to swimmers so waterbabies may find this frustrating.
  • High Season, High Prices:Accommodation and activities usually cost more during peak season.

Whether you choose Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo, you and your friends are guaranteed a memorable stay. With so much on offer every day is different in Los Cabos, creating a vacation you won’t forget in a hurry.

Why Niagara has so much more to offer than just the Falls

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Well over 30 million people visit Niagara Falls each year, with numbers increasing with every season. With so much to see and do for all ages though, it isn’t hard to see why. If you’re planning your next break away, check out these top reasons why Niagara has way more to offer you and your family than just a few snaps by the Falls…

1. So Many Tours On Offer

You’ll probably be familiar already with the Hornblower Cruise, which sails past the American and Bridal Veil Falls before taking you right up to the base of the famous Horseshoe Falls. While this adventure is thrilling in its own right, were you aware that there are dozens more tours besides that? If you’d like to see a new side to Niagara, why not take a guided tour around the Gorge, where you can feast your eyes on all the geological features and ancient landscapes that have made Niagara the place it is today?

If you fancy somewhere a little livelier though, how about taking a tour around the Daredevil Exhibit in the IMAX Theatre by Clifton Hill, which is packed with amusement arcades and other fun activities for the kids, not to mention the SkyWheel and Skylon Tower for unparalleled views.

2. Just Think Of The Food And Drink

If you’re a food lover or wine connoisseur, you couldn’t be in a better spot that Niagara! This area is home to some of the best wineries in Canada, including award-winning Icewine recipes. You can take one of the regular tours from the Fallsview area right into the heart of the wine country, where your expert guide will explain the production process, even allowing you to sample some of their best tipples and ideal food pairings.

If you prefer company while you eat, why not attend one of Niagara’s many food festivals? You and 30,000 other people will be able to enjoy the Springlicious Food and Drink Festival this year, with many culinary delights on offer, as well as beers and spirits. For a touch of class though, you’ll find many fine-dining experiences to satisfy your appetite; why not try out the new Niagara Falls restaurant, Morton’s Grille? With crispy pizzas, tender steaks and tasty cocktails, who could resist?

3. Perfect Territory For Nature Lovers

Finally, if you’d prefer the quiet life, Niagara Falls is ideal for nature lovers. You’ll find dozens of picturesque hiking trails around the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve and Devil’s Hole State Park, which will lead you to phenomenal views of the rushing river rapids, through complex cave systems, right out onto tranquil picnic spots.

Heading just 10 minutes north of the Fallsview area though, you’ll stumble across the stunning botanical gardens. Not only is this home to the exotic Butterfly Conservatory where over 2,000 tropical inhabitants are available for you to photograph, but you’ll find the world-famous rose gardens here too.

Will you be going to Niagara Falls this year?

5 Deserts You Should See One in Your Lifetime

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If you want your next holiday to be unique, you should head to the desert. To make your experience even better, consider staying in desert hotels and camps, which will allow you to have unique accommodation. Don’t know where specifically to go? Keep on reading and we’ll suggest some places you might want to consider.

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Sahara

Located in Northern Africa, this is the largest desert in the world, which is already enough reason to include this in your bucket list. It has an expansive area of about 3.5 million square miles, which is already 10% of the entire African continent. One of the best ways to experience the desert would be through camel trekking, which is a magical experience when done during sunrise or sunset. During your tour of the desert, there are also several historical ruins that can be visited to make the most out of your trip.

Gobi

The fifth largest desert in the world, this is another destination that you will love. Located in Asia, its isolation and silence are some of the things that make it magical. This is a place where you can disconnect from the outside world and just focus on living the present. Because of its location, the desert is cold, as against many that are hot and humid. In some instances, you can even see snow.

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Atacama

This desert is located in Northern Chile and has an estimated size of 105,000 square kilometres. It is recognised as one of the driest places in Earth. This means that there is very little evidence of human development, which is exactly what rouses the interest of many people. Aside from the desert itself, you can also explore the intimate town of San Pedro de Atacama, which will make a great jump off point for your desert adventure. For the best sunset view, meanwhile, head to Valley of the Moon and see the surroundings turn pink.

Namib

This desert covers Namibia, South Africa, and Angola. It has a diversity of flora and fauna, including species that you cannot find anywhere else in the world. A large portion of the desert is a protected area. Some of the animals that you can see in the desert include antelope, springbok, jackals, hyenas, lions, rhinos, elephants, zebras, and ostriches. This is one of the best deserts if you wish to have an up close and personal encounter with animals in the wild.

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Kalahari

Magical – this is one word that is often used by many people when describing this desert in Botswana. Beautiful sunset, lush greenery, stunning waterfalls, and crimson sand are just some of the things that will make this place unmatched in terms of natural beauty. There is perhaps no better way of experiencing the desert than being on a safari. This will give you the chance to be close with ostriches, lions, buffalos, and antelopes. For something that is more memorable, try a walking safari at night and explore the desert under the gaze of bright stars.

The Disney Park bucket list

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Visiting a Disney Park will be on a lot of peoples bucket lists, but the question is which park do you choose to visit? Well actually that’s wrong, it should be which park should you visit first?! There are six parks around the world, two in the US; Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California and Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando Florida. One in Europe; Disneyland Paris, France. Three in Asia; Tokyo Disney Resort, Japan, Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disney Resort in China. They all have differences but all still hold the Disney magic loved by many.

If you’re looking to visit one of the parks, My Voucher Codes have created a handy infographic comparing all the parks with their key features, to help you decide which park you should visit first.

Walt Disney World

The biggest park built to date, Walt Disney World covers 27,258 acres with 4 theme parks, 2 water parks and 4 golf courses. There are 27 hotels on site in and around all 4 parks and for food you can choose from over 340 different restaurants. Walt Disney World Florida also has a 56m tall Cinderella Castle, its design based on the castle from the film but also other palaces including Fontainebleu, Versailles and Castle Neuschwanstein.

Disney World

Disneyland Resort California

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The first of the two US based parks built, by Walt Disney himself, opening in 1955. This original park is also smaller then is neighbouring Walt Disney World Park covering 500 acres. It only has 3 hotels but 91 different restaurants. The Sleeping Beauty Castle is designed like the original castle from the Disney film and stands at 23 metres tall.

Disneyland Paris

The Disneyland Paris resort covers 990 acres and is made up of two theme parks and a golf course. There are 7 hotels to choose from and it’s easily accessible from Paris. It has 53 attractions across the two parks and 66 restaurants and like the California Disneyland it also has a Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Disney Park

Tokyo Disney Resort

The third park to be built and the first outside of the US, has 2 theme parks: Tokyo Disneyland Park and Tokyo Disney Sea and covers 494 acres. There are 4 resort hotels to choose from and 84 restaurants. The Tokyo Disney Resort has a Cinderella Castle which stands 51m high just a bit shorter than the Castle in Walt Disney World.

disney park

Hong Kong Disneyland

It might be the smallest resort, but it doesn’t mean it’s any less magical. Hong Kong Disneyland covers just 310 acres. There are 2 hotels to choose from and over 30 places to eat. This resort also has a Sleeping Beauty Castle which is 23 meters tall, which is the only castle to also feature a natural mountain in the background, magical.

Disney park

Shanghai Disney Resort

This park only opened this summer! The latest addition, it covers 963 acres and there are plans to expand it in the next few years. Currently there is only one theme park however there are 2 resort hotels to choose from and 28 restaurants. This park also differs to the others, it actually has a different castle. The Enchanted Story Book castle which represents all Disney Princess Castles rather than just one.

Disney Park

5 Must-Do Activities in San Francisco

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Those lucky enough to live or work in San Francisco understand why it is one of the top tourist destinations. In fact, San Francisco is one of the 100 most visited cities in the world, and attracts the 5th highest number of foreign visitors of any city in America. One cannot possibly take in all of the sights and sounds the city has to offer, but here are 5 activities that everyone needs to do to enjoy an authentic San Francisco experience.

1) Visit the Haight-Ashbury

Centrally located in the city, Haight-Ashbury district is notable for being the epicenter of the “hippie” movement. The counterculture, steeped in its love of art, psychedelic rock music and sticking it to “the man”, came to ahead in the summer of 1967 when thousands of young men and women converged on the quaint neighborhood to take in concerts and participate in demonstrations. Today the neighborhood still boasts the counterculture aesthetic, but has slowly transformed into a popular shopping hub, offering a mix of unique boutiques, record stores and mainstream shops.

2) Take in Chinatown

San Francisco

[Image Credit: Z & Y Restaurant]

Many large metropolitan areas have a Chinatown, but none are as prolific as San Francisco’s. Established as a port of entry for working-class Chinese immigrants in the 1850’s, Chinatown remains an important epicenter for the Chinese culture in America, with dozens of social clubs, places of worship, shops and restaurants committed to maintaining cultural authenticity. San Francisco’s Chinatown is noted for being the birthplace of westernized Chinese cuisine, bringing dishes like Dim sum to the forefront. If planning a day in Chinatown, prepare for crowds; the district is the most densely populated area of the city.

3) Catch a game at AT&T Park

You don’t have to be a baseball fan to enjoy an afternoon at AT&T Park, the home of the MLB’s 2012, 2014, & 2016 World Series champion San Francisco Giants. Located along the water in the cities China Basin neighborhood, the stadium has been home to the team since 2000, when they moved from the aging Candlestick Park. The beautiful stadium offers gorgeous views of the bay that visitors can take in while scarfing down a helping of the famous garlic fries offered there.

4) Fisherman’s Wharf

Another heavily visited area, Fisherman’s Wharf has so many things to do it can be a bit overwhelming at times. Established as the home base for seafood in the mid to late 1800’s, mainly by immigrant fisherman from Italy, the Wharf is still dozens of great seafood restaurants that serve fresh crab, lobster rolls, and clam chowder. The Wharf is also home to floating museums like the USS Pampanito, a World War II-era submarine. Most visitors converge at Pier 39, which features the Aquarium of the Bay, the famous sea lion enclave, and serves as the launching point for ferries to other surrounding Bay Area communities.

San Francisco

[Image Credit: Bistro Boudin]

5) Take a stroll through Golden Gate Park

Need a break from all the hustle and bustle downtown? Then a relaxing afternoon in the San Francisco’s largest park is right up your alley. Stretching over three miles long, thousands of visitors visit the park each year to enjoy the trails, lakes, and trees abound. The park is also home to great museums like the De Young and the Academy of Sciences, as well as the Japanese Tea Garden (the oldest in the US). After at day at the park, there is no better way to end it than a meal at the Beach Chalet, a great restaurant at the north end of the park that offers breathtaking views of the ocean

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We write about once-in-a-lifetime experiences from around the world – everything from the greatest festivals to visit, to the best foods to eat and the simple must-see destinations from this wonderful planet.
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