When we travel to a new city the first thing I do is find a good map to help us stay organized. Often, the folding and unfolding of said map renders it useless after just a couple days . Enter Crumpled City Maps. These super resistant, 100% waterproof maps take just 2 seconds to open and close and come with a carry pouch. Offered in 17 cities (Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Helsinki, Lisbon, London, Milan, New York, Oslo, Paris, Rome, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo) each map provides details about a large part of the city, including streets, monuments, museums, art galleries.
Designed with busy travelers in mind, these maps can be easily crammed into your pocket, backpack or the carrying pouch provided without having to worry about refolding it along the original creases.
Families who are looking to visit Disney World in Orlando this summer will have to pay a little more to see Mickey. For the second time in less than a year, the already steep admission is set to go up starting Sunday.
Disney announced the new prices yesterday, which affect most park passes. Vacationers will see the price of the one-day, one-park ticket will increase from $82 to $85 plus tax and the popular five-day pass will go from $237 to $251.
Also set to rise was the price to upgrade the one-park tickets to park hoppers. A park hopper upgrade for a single day ticket will be $35, while the upgrade for the multi-day tickets will go to $55.
Florida resident need not worry. Rates for those buying a one-day, one-park pass online costs stayed steady at $73.80 .
Speaking about the new prices, Disney spokesman Bryan Malenius said,
“Our research tells us that nearly all of our guests agree that a Disney theme-park experience is a strong value.”
A full list of Disney ticket-price increases:
1-day: $82 to $85
2-day: $162 to $168
3-day: $224 to 232
4-day: $232 to $243
5-day: $237 to $251
6-day: $242 to 259
7-day: $247 to 267
10-day: $262 to $291
“Park hopper” or water-park admission added to a multi-day pass: $54 to $55 (+1.9 percent)
Annual-pass price increases:
Premium (incl. water parks, etc.), non-resident: $629 to $649
In the 20 years I’ve been traveling, I have forgotten to bring a lot of things. In fact I leave a hairbrush in my suitcase because, oddly, that is the thing I forget the most followed by my toothbrush because it’s the last thing I pack and batteries.
When you forget something that’s important you’ll quickly learn that travel convenience stores charge double what the product would be had you purchased it at your local Walmart or Pharmacy. That is why I keep this list handy and check it off as I pack for each trip.
toothbrush/toothpaste
batteries
sunscreen
Personal products(deodorant & feminine hygiene)
Pain relief medication
Sunglasses
Camera
Hairbrush
Electronics chargers or USB cords – laptop, cameras, smartphones
First Aid Supplies
When you travel with kids, its not always that you forget, but that you don’t bring enough.
For this reason I double up on sunscreen(wipes and cream), bring extra batteries and carry a first aid kit.
When my boys were in diapers I packed 8 diapers per day that we were away(just in case) and 250 wipes per 7 days.
I also make sure that I pack familiar brand medications as I have found that I can normally only find generic versions at the pharmacies when we travel, which I don’t trust.
Vacationing as a family can be expensive. But that reduced if you don’t need to necessities at inflated prices.
Visitors to Zoo Leipzig, in Germany, will have access to an incredible new experience, starting July 1st, with the opening of Gondwanaland. Zoo Leipzig, aptly called “the zoo of the future” has pulled out all the stops to create a tropical habitat like no other in Europe.
Gondwanaland is named for the primeval supercontinent Gondwana, which was comprised of Africa, South America and parts of Asia. The sprawling 16,500 square meter exhibit will contain 300 animals and, in excess of, 17,000 plant specimen from these areas.
Gondwanaland is basically a gigantic greenhouse that designers have used to create a tropical rainforest habitat, the largest of its kind in Europe. Every dimension of the environment is accessible to visitors. There are underwater exhibits, visible through tunnels. Guests can traverse the forest floor and can even explore the forest canopy via suspension bridges. A river boat carries passengers through the jungle, past animals who are free to roam their environment. There are no cages here.
Among the wildlife, visitors will come face to face with the only Komodo dragon in Germany. A fearsome creature, the Komodo dragon can kill with a single bite, leaving their victim to succumb to the blood infection brought on by bacteria in the saliva.
Less ominously, by July 1st, Heidi, the world-famous cross-eyed opossum, will have taken up residence in the nocturnal animal section, along with two of her friends.
The hot, humid environment in Gondwanaland may call for some refreshments. They’ve got it covered. Guests can partake of the authentic food offered at the beautifully designed Asian restaurant, located within the exhibit.
Looking for a singularly unique atmosphere, for an important function? Take advantage of the stunning event space available at Gondwanaland. It has wedding reception written all over it.
This exciting new exhibit is sure to be a hit. Zoo Leipzig has spared no effort in creating an experience visitors will remember for years to come. – Jen R, Staff Writer
Disneyland Resort held this year’s “What’s Next” event in a construction site; a very special construction site. They were showing off progress on the future home of Cars Land.
Cars Land, part of a one billion dollar expansion and upgrade to Disney California Adventure, is on track to open in 2012.
The main entrance, to the venue, will take visitors down historic Route 66 and straight into Radiator Springs. Once there, guests will encounter their favourite characters, from the movie, and find that all the downtown landmarks have been recreated. Restaurants, snack-stops and souvenir boutiques, will all be housed behind the familiar façades of Radiator Springs.
Example, Sally’s Cozy Cone will host a snack bar offering exclusively “cone” themed treats. How cute is that?
There will be three great attractions in Cars Land, the main one being the high-speed, E-tick ride Radiator Springs Racers. The attraction will last approximately four minutes and will culminate in a race where the rider’s car is pitted against another in a fast passed dash to the finish. There are a number of race profiles programmed, so riders can visit the attraction over and over, with a different outcome each time.
All of this will be set amid some spectacular scenery. Cars Land will occupy 12 acres of southwest landscape featuring a six acre, man-made mountain. It is an ongoing 14-month project to build the mountain with an overlapping 12-month project to paint the mountain and give it that signature Painted Desert look.
The entire undertaking will be a sight to behold, when it opens, this time next year. It’s definitely something to look forward to. – Jen R, Staff Writer
Insidethemouse.net captured the presentation from the park on video. It gives us a look into how Cars Land is progressing:
The seasoned and worldly readers of Travel + Leisure have had their say. Each year, they complete the America’s Favorite Cities survey, and out of that data, comes a series of city rankings, not the least of which is the Top 20 U.S. destinations for summer fun.
10. Honolulu, Hawaii – is the sort of destination that leaps to mind as a winter escape, but Honolulu is really a year round destination. It is less rainy through the summer months and travellers may find more bargains, too.
9. Chicago, Illinois – has a wealth of parks, waterfront, and festivals to amp us summer fun. The Windy City is one of the most walkable in America, which is the ideal way to burn off all that Chicago style pizza.
8. Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota – The fabulous tradition of the August State Fair and the Aquatennial Festival, in July help boost the Twin Cities to the number 8 position.
7. Anchorage, Alaska – is probably not at the top of your list in the winter but during the summer, it presents unique potential for cruising, wildlife spotting and glacier trekking.
6. Denver, Colorado – is the place for you, if you’re a fan of the active outdoor life. The city is also replete with summer festivals, from calk art, to music to Buffalo Bill Days, they’ve got something for everybody.
5. Providence, Rhode Island – is a food lover’s dream, with a great café scene and fantastic burgers. But, the coolest thing about Providence, in the summer, is the Waterfire; a series of bonfires that illuminate the river.
4. San Diego, California – is a great place for families. Boasting world class venues like the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, Legoland and beautiful sunny beaches, California dreamin’ makes San Diego a Summer draw. Summer is also the season for ComicCon, so if you’re a fan of the off-beat, you’ll be in your element.
3. Portland, Maine – is not known for its nightlife but it is renowned for succulent lobster. Summer is the season for crustacean fans. Once you’re full of lobster tail and butter, burn it off with a walking tour of the historic Old Port, or head out, onto the water, for a little recreation.
2. Seattle, Washington – the famous clouds over Seattle part in the summer, revealing beautiful views of Mount Rainier. Seattle is a great city to experience in the warmer months with beautiful parks and opportunities for city adventure around every corner.
1. Portland, Oregon – is a creative city with one of a kind cafés and microbreweries, taking inspiration from the top notch produce found in the city’s farmers markets. It’s an active city too, with plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking.
Travel + Leisure readers round out their top twenty with:
11. Boston, Massachusetts
12. Salt Lake City, Utah
13. San Francisco, California
14. Santa Fe, New Mexico
15. Nashville, Tennessee
16. Los Angeles, California
17. San Juan, Puerto Rico
18. Kansas City, Missouri
19. Charleston, South Carolina
20. Baltimore, Maryland
Each city offers a unique experience for families. Check out one or two, during your travels this summer. I’m sure the trip will be worth your while. – Jen R, Staff Writer
When you are flying as a family there are quite a few things you must take into account when booking a flight. I will pay more for conveniences like a flight that doesn’t connect, one that offers in-flight seat entertainment and those who don’t charge extra for luggage.
As airlines look to raise their bottom line, baggage seems to be the first perk they take away followed by snacks and entertainment. And when you are traveling with kids there always seems to be a lot of luggage – even if you try to pack light.
For those who travel frequently it may not come as a surprise that Amadeus Review of Ancillary Revenue Results, revealed this week that airlines revenues from baggage fees, co-branded credit cards and other sources not specifically tied to transportation grew to $21.46 billion last year. Leading the list were United Continental ($5 billion), Delta ($3.7 billion) and American (almost $2 billion).
To help you save a bit we look at which major airlines in Canada and the U.S. charge(or don’t charge) for baggage. While all information is taken directly from the carrier’s websites, you should always check their site before your trip to make sure that their policies haven’t changed.
Canadian Airlines:
Air Canada – For most destinations Air Canada doesn’t charge for the first bag up to 50lbs (2nd $20), but that changes if the flight is operated by a second party. Their site states that the baggage rules of the carrier that is operating the first flight apply (if there are connectors that are operated through other airlines). So you must read the fine print of your itinerary to see if your whole voyage is being done through them or just a portion. For many of their flights Air Canada partners with United Airlines, who does charge for 1st bag.
Westjet – for all flights including those within Canada, flights to/from the U.S., international flights and charter flights, Westjet allows each ticketed passenger to check the first bag for free (up to 50lbs). Like with Air Canada the second bag is $20(each way) up to 3 bags.
Porter Air – One item of checked baggage is permitted, free of charge, per fare-paying passenger.
Can Jet– For each passenger, CanJet allows up to two (2) checked pieces of 20kg (44 lbs) in combined weight and 158 cm (62 inches) each in overall dimensions (height + width + depth). Wheels and handles are included.
Sunwing – The travel provider’s site is vague but it states that they offer ‘free baggage allowance per seat paying passenger up to 32kgs’.
In The U.S.
Jetblue – Each customer may bring one bag free of charge. All checked bags must not exceed 62” (157.48 cm) in overall dimensions (length + width + height) and cannot exceed 50 pounds (22.73 kilos). If youll be checking additional bags, there is a $35 fee for checking a second bag and a $75 fee for a third bag. All checked bags must not exceed 62 inches (157.48 centimeters) in overall dimensions (length + width + height) and cannot exceed 50 pounds (22.73 kilos).
Southwest Airlines – Southwest allows two (2) checked pieces of baggage per ticketed Customer. Maximum weight is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height) per check piece of luggage. Overweight items from 51 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be accepted for a charge of $50 per item.
Delta – If you are flying between from the United States to Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico the first bag is $25 and second $35. If you are flying from the United States or Canada to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean the first checked bag is free and the second checked bag is $30.
USair –
United Airlines – United charges $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. For many destinations internationally, the first bag is free so please check their chart to determine if that applies for you.
American Airlines -For flights from the United States to Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands AND flights from Canada to the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, there is a $25 charge for the first bag and $35 for the second. Many international flights including those that originate in Mexico and the Caribbean offer a free first bag and sometimes second bag. Check American Airline’s chart on their site for an accurate fee.
Continental Airlines – For flights within the United States and Canada traveling to Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii, there is a $25 charge for the first bag and $35 for the second. Many international flights including those that originate in Mexico and the Caribbean offer a free first bag and sometimes second bag. Check Continental’s chart on their site for an accurate fee.
Airtran – 1st checked bag weighing 50 lbs. or less; dimensions: 61 inches or smaller is $20, second bag $25.
Allegiant – When purchased at time of booking, a fee up to $34.99 for the first checked bag and up to $34.99 for the second checked bag will apply per person, per segment. If purchased at flight check-in, $35 for first checked bag and an additional $35 for second checked bag will apply per person, per segment. In all cases additional higher fees will apply for three or more checked bags. Bags that are “Gate Checked” will incur a $35.00 fee per bag, per segment.
*all sources are bolded*
The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure opens today, June 3rd! The newest Disneyland attraction promises to leave riders spellbound.
The adventure occupies prime real estate on Paradise Pier at Disney California Adventure Park at the Disneyland Resort and adds to the fun of Disney Soundsational Summer (June 3 – Sept 5).
Glen Keane, the supervising animator and character designer for Ariel, in the original, animated motion picture says, “Many times I’ve thought, ‘Why didn’t we have a Mermaid attraction sooner?’ But now I’m glad we didn’t. They’ve done this one so well.”
The exterior of the attraction, graced by the mighty King Triton himself, replicates the style of the seaside attractions of the early 1900s.
Riders board clamshell ride cars and take the Omnimover through a dark ride designed as a point-of-view experience; riders’ attention is drawn to specific points of action and interest.
The first stop is a magical recreation of Arial’s Grotto, followed by a visit with that horrible Ursula. Riders are carried through Ariel’s adventure, hearing their favourite songs and seeing their favourite characters. The rides designers have thrown in a few twists at the end that will surprise, even the most dedicated fan of the movie.
The Little Mermaid has come to life and, starting today, we can all enjoy it! – Jen R, Staff Writer
SOURCE
{Photos by Paul Hiffmeyer, courtesy Disneyland Resort}
Families looking to sail with Disney Cruislines this Fall will be happy to know that the popular tour company is offering a Kids Sail Free promotion of select Mexican Riviera sailings.
Kids age 17 and under sail free when traveling with 2 full-fare Guests in the same verandah stateroom in categories 4A – 6A on most Mexican Riviera sailings from October 30 to December 18, 2011. Government Taxes and Fees not included. This offer is only available to residents of U.S. and Canada. Offer applies only to verandah stateroom categories 4A – 6A (excluding Verandah Category with Restrictions, suites and concierge).
Departing from Los Angeles, while sailing the Mexican Riviera, Disney Wondervisits Puerto Vallarta and spends a day and a half in luxurious Cabo San Lucas.
When I priced out a family of four – 2 adults, 2 kids(2,6) for the first week of November, in a category 5c it was just 3284.92 including taxes, which is a great price when you consider that Disney is the number 1 cruise line.
If you’ve been looking to visit Mexico and knock Disney off your list, this just may be the time!
Be sure to indicate booking code “KFO” at time of booking.
Parents who are planning to travel on American Airlines with their children this week may want to get the scale out a check the weight of the stroller they’re planning to bring along. Starting tomorrow (June 1st, 2011), you will no longer have the convenience of gate checking your stroller if it weighs more than 20lbs.
Under the new policy, large, jogging and non-collapsible strollers will need to be checked at the ticket counter but can be done free of charge.
What this means for most families is that you will have to purchase a lighter, secondary stroller in order to be able to have something that will be waiting for you when you land.
“It is simply a matter of many strollers these days being very large and not being collapsible and easily handled at the gate and on the jet bridge,” said American Airlines’ spokesperson Tim Smith.
Currently United also requires passengers to check big strollers at the ticket counter, while Alaska, Delta, Southwest and several other airlines allow strollers of any kind to be checked at the gate.
“We know that traveling with little ones can be a challenge,” said Southwest spokesperson Laurel Moffat. “We want to make that travel experience as easy as possible.”
Air Canada also has a size limit. They require that any stroller being gate checked not exceed 10″ W X 36″ L . Anything bigger must be checked and is counted as baggage.
SOURCE
Designed with busy travelers in mind, these maps can be easily crammed into your pocket, backpack or the carrying pouch provided without having to worry about refolding it along the original creases.
Disney announced the new prices yesterday, which affect most park passes. Vacationers will see the price of the one-day, one-park ticket will increase from $82 to $85 plus tax and the popular five-day pass will go from $237 to $251.
Also set to rise was the price to upgrade the one-park tickets to park hoppers. A park hopper upgrade for a single day ticket will be $35, while the upgrade for the multi-day tickets will go to $55.
Florida resident need not worry. Rates for those buying a one-day, one-park pass online costs stayed steady at $73.80 .
Speaking about the new prices, Disney spokesman Bryan Malenius said,
In the 20 years I’ve been traveling, I have forgotten to bring a lot of things. In fact I leave a hairbrush in my suitcase because, oddly, that is the thing I forget the most followed by my toothbrush because it’s the last thing I pack and batteries.
When you forget something that’s important you’ll quickly learn that travel convenience stores charge double what the product would be had you purchased it at your local Walmart or Pharmacy. That is why I keep this list handy and check it off as I pack for each trip.
When you are flying as a family there are quite a few things you must take into account when booking a flight. I will pay more for conveniences like a flight that doesn’t connect, one that offers in-flight seat entertainment and those who don’t charge extra for luggage.
As airlines look to raise their bottom line, baggage seems to be the first perk they take away followed by snacks and entertainment. And when you are traveling with kids there always seems to be a lot of luggage – even if you try to pack light.
For those who travel frequently it may not come as a surprise that Amadeus Review of Ancillary Revenue Results, revealed this week that airlines revenues from baggage fees, co-branded credit cards and other sources not specifically tied to transportation grew to $21.46 billion last year. Leading the list were United Continental ($5 billion), Delta ($3.7 billion) and American (almost $2 billion).
To help you save a bit we look at which major airlines in Canada and the U.S. charge(or don’t charge) for baggage. While all information is taken directly from the carrier’s websites, you should always check their site before your trip to make sure that their policies haven’t changed.
United Airlines – United charges $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. For many destinations internationally, the first bag is free so please check their chart to determine if that applies for you.
American Airlines -For flights from the United States to Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands AND flights from Canada to the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, there is a $25 charge for the first bag and $35 for the second. Many international flights including those that originate in Mexico and the Caribbean offer a free first bag and sometimes second bag. Check American Airline’s chart on their site for an accurate fee.
Continental Airlines – For flights within the United States and Canada traveling to Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii, there is a $25 charge for the first bag and $35 for the second. Many international flights including those that originate in Mexico and the Caribbean offer a free first bag and sometimes second bag. Check Continental’s chart on their site for an accurate fee.
Airtran – 1st checked bag weighing 50 lbs. or less; dimensions: 61 inches or smaller is $20, second bag $25.
Allegiant – When purchased at time of booking, a fee up to $34.99 for the first checked bag and up to $34.99 for the second checked bag will apply per person, per segment. If purchased at flight check-in, $35 for first checked bag and an additional $35 for second checked bag will apply per person, per segment. In all cases additional higher fees will apply for three or more checked bags. Bags that are “Gate Checked” will incur a $35.00 fee per bag, per segment.
*all sources are bolded* 
The adventure occupies prime real estate on Paradise Pier at Disney California Adventure Park at the Disneyland Resort and adds to the fun of Disney Soundsational Summer (June 3 – Sept 5).
Glen Keane, the supervising animator and character designer for Ariel, in the original, animated motion picture says, “Many times I’ve thought, ‘Why didn’t we have a Mermaid attraction sooner?’ But now I’m glad we didn’t. They’ve done this one so well.”
The exterior of the attraction, graced by the mighty King Triton himself, replicates the style of the seaside attractions of the early 1900s.
Riders board clamshell ride cars and take the Omnimover through a dark ride designed as a point-of-view experience; riders’ attention is drawn to specific points of action and interest.
The first stop is a magical recreation of Arial’s Grotto, followed by a visit with that horrible Ursula. Riders are carried through Ariel’s adventure, hearing their favourite songs and seeing their favourite characters. The rides designers have thrown in a few twists at the end that will surprise, even the most dedicated fan of the movie.
The Little Mermaid has come to life and, starting today, we can all enjoy it! – Jen R, Staff Writer
When I priced out a family of four – 2 adults, 2 kids(2,6) for the first week of November, in a category 5c it was just 3284.92 including taxes, which is a great price when you consider that Disney is the number 1 cruise line.
If you’ve been looking to visit Mexico and knock Disney off your list, this just may be the time!
