Thursday, July 27, 2006

Summer Rafting Tips : Do's & Don'ts

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Summer Rafting Tips: Do's and Don'ts By J. Foley

If you have never done whitewater rafting before, you are probably a little nervous. You have seen it on TV, and what you've seen makes you think it's too damn difficult. Will you be able to keep your balance? Will you do the right thing at the right moment? Can you keep your cool?

Well, you can rest assured. Rafting looks more difficult than it really is. Even complete novices usually do pretty well the first time, provided of course that the water isn't too difficult, and they have expert guidance. Still, you'll do well to keep some tips in mind – some basic do-s and don't-s of this terrific and exciting adventure sport.

First, clothing. What sort of clothing should you bring to your summer rafting trip? Synthetic is best for almost all types of water-based sports, and rafting is no exception. Cotton stuff may be comfortable in the summer, but it's best to avoid them when you're going rafting. Avoid jeans. Also, wet suits and spray jackets are only useful in the winter or if the weather is too chilly. Give them a pass during the summer months, and save the cost.

Footwear is a somewhat neglected part of rafting gear. Your concentration, performance and comfort depend largely on what you have on your feet. Watersport sandals are best if you can afford them, but high-quality tennis shoes will do the job. You don't really need wetsuit booties in the summer.

If you want to preserve fond memories of your daring adventure, you shall need a camera. But make sure it's waterproof! Not the whole stretch of water will be rapids – you shall have plenty of opportunity to click away on calmer water. But still the single-use waterproof varieties are the best for this kind of thing.

Also, if you do not want to leave pictures of horrible sunburn to posterity, you had better bring along generous measures of sunscreen. And adding a pair of sunglasses to your gear will help you to cut the glare from the dazzling water, as well as make you look cool on the pictures!
Before starting out on the raft, make sure you're getting all that you paid for. For example, there's the PFD. You may not be all that great a swimmer, and you're feeling a bit nervous about capsizing and getting in the water. Can you handle it?

Well, you shouldn't really have to worry. The fee you paid includes the charges for a PFD – a personal flotation device. This is usually provided in the form of a life jacket that spreads over you chest and back, with a hole in the middle through which you insert your head. Make sure that you have it on before you get on the vessel.

What's more, there are probably a number of kayaks waiting somewhere close by to pick you up as soon as you hit water. And there are expert guides either on your boat itself, or within a distance of one or two boats. If you want to be sure of having a guide on your own boat, you can usually arrange it by talking to the organizers in advance.

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Article written By J. Foley
http://travelguy.typepad.com/travel_guide

Friday, July 21, 2006

Tips For Planning A Disneyland Vacation

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Tips for Planning a Disneyland Vacation By J. Foley

For many people, planning a Disneyland Vacation
is part of the fun of the vacation itself! For others,
however, it can be a headache. Before you start
planning your vacation, determine whether or not you
are really up to planning the trip yourself or not.

If you don’t want to plan your own trip, you have
several options. Of course, you can have a travel
agent make all of the arrangements for you, but for
the best Disneyland experience, you might be better
off using the Disney Vacation Planning Services.
Either way, you can have every single aspect of your
trip planned for you. Once you get there, all you will
need to do is follow your Itinerary.

If you prefer the fun involved in planning your
Disneyland vacation yourself, there are some things
that you absolutely must not leave out of the planning
stage. Before you can decide what you will be doing at
Disneyland, you must determine which dates you will
be there. The parks offer different things at different
types of the year, with many different themes and
entertainment to choose from.

Once you know when you will be at Disneyland, the
next step is to figure out what you will be doing each
day that you are there. Once you’ve set up your travel
arrangements and your hotel reservations, there are a
few more things you must consider.

Food is one thing you might want to arrange in
advance. Disneyland is a very popular place, and
having reservations at some of the more popular
restaurants is recommended. These reservations can
be made well in advance – before you ever leave home.

When planning which attractions at Disneyland you
want to visit, use a map of Disneyland as a guide.
This will make it easier to schedule time for
attractions that are near each other. You want to see
and do as much as possible, so as much walking or
travel time as you can.

Keep your budget in mind. Often, by making
arrangements through travel agents or through the
Disneyland Vacation Planning Services, you will be
able to get better deals – which can save you money.
Look for these deals, and save as much money as
you can on your hotel and food. If you have small
children with you, keep their priorities in mind – they
have less interest in where they will sleep and the
food that they will eat, and more interest in what they
will see and do!

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Article Written By J. Foley
http://travelguy.typepad.com/travel_guide

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Alasken Cruise Ship Travel : Small Ship Or Big ?

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Alaska Cruise Ship Travel – Small Ship Or A Big ? By J. Foley

If your idea of a cruise ship travel is with a giant ship with more than 2000 passengers and 7 to 8 stories with shopping malls, cinema houses, casinos etc, you are only partially right. There are cruise ships, which are like the above-mentioned ships. However, there are other smaller ships that can be easy on your pocket as well as offer a memorable experience. It all depends on how much you are willing to spend. If you are one of the guys with loads to spend, you can go for the first type, if not then go for the second one. Browse through the differences in the services that both offer as well.

The Smaller ships
Smaller vessels or ships will offer you a much personalized experience. You can get much closer to the shore; experience the wildlife at first hand and also dock at much smaller docks, which do not allow bigger ships to dock. Smaller ships even include on shore excursions in their basic charge itself. Of course, you will not have the big casinos, hotels and shopping malls in the small ships. However, if you are looking for a romantic vacation, there are many small ships that offer pretty good services on your cruise ship travel.

The Big ones
Big ships will obviously make you spend big as well. You will not get an opportunity to get very close to the wildlife. The best you can see is some Bald eagles and maybe a humpback whale. The onshore excursions are not included in the package and you will have to pay for every thing extra. You might not notice this until the final bill comes. Then you will see that even the small things that you did have ballooned up the expenses.


They have bigger amenities and are a much grander affair. Ballrooms, casinos, discos, cinema halls, shopping malls, health clubs, massage facilities, your own private deck, private lounges, swimming pools and formal nights are just some of the basic things. Your kids will also have a great time with escorted tours, magic shows etc. However, there will be 2000 people getting down on a beach as compared to a small ship where you will have only 100 on the beach.

On your cruise ship travel, with smaller ships you can visit some of the places that you can only dream of visiting in a big ship. Get real close to some of the aboriginal art. Smaller ships fill up real fast so make sure you book well in advance.

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Article Written By J. Foley


Thursday, July 06, 2006

Disneyland Vacation For Toddlers

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Disneyland Vacation for Toddlers By J. Foley

Disneyland was designed for kids of all ages – and
toddlers are no exception! There are many things
that you can enjoy with your toddler – so many
things in fact, that unless you will be staying for
several days, you won’t have time to do them all.

Start with Toon Town. Here is where you will find
your toddler’s favorite Disney Characters, including
Mickey and Minnie Mouse. All of the Characters
have homes in Toon Town, full of things that will
amaze your toddler, and make them laugh.

Your toddler will definitely enjoy the Disneyland
Railroad. This is a great way to get around the park,
because there are stations in New Orleans Square,
Toon Town, Tomorrowland, and on Main Street. This
will amuse your toddler, and give you a chance to
see some sights and rest a bit.

Its A Small World is very appropriate for toddlers.
Music and colors will keep your child mesmerized
while you enjoy a relaxing ride across the water. The
Storybook Land Canal Boats is another good choice,
as it will take you through the miniature villages that
your child will be quite familiar with from their story
books.

Rides that you and your toddler must not miss
include all of the rides in Fantasyland, King Arthur’s
Carousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the Circus
Train, and the Mad Tea Party. Rides that are
appropriate for youngsters, but that may cause a
little fear are the rides that are dark. These include
Peter Pan’s Flight, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, Alice
in Wonderland, and Snow White’s Scary Adventure.
Buzz Lightyear is a popular ride for all toddlers.

There are other areas of the park that have
attractions and rides that are appropriate for toddlers.
Remember that Disneyland is a place for kids of all
ages. Pay attention to the height and age requirements
for each attraction, and avoid taking your toddler to
rides that they will not be able to enjoy. This will only
cause your child disappointment.

Stick to the areas where the toddler appropriate
attractions are located as much as possible. As an
adult, you realize that some rides are simply not safe
for small people – but your small person will not
comprehend this! Your Disneyland vacation should
be enjoyable for everyone, and Disneyland has
made sure that there is something for everyone at
the park. It is up to you to keep your child happy,
and to keep them interested in the rides and
attractions that they are meant to enjoy.

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Article Written J. Foley

http://travelguy.typepad.com/travel_guide

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Family Fun At Newport Beach

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Family Fun In Newport Beach By J. Foley

No matter what type of family getaway you have in mind,
you'll always find something for everyone throughout
Newport Beach. From young to old and everyone in
between, Newport Beach easily combines the best of family
fun with activities to keep everyone entertained for
hours and hours.

One of the most popular family activities in Newport
Beach is going to the beach. During the summer months,
the beach is a very popular resort and getaway spot for
the entire family. You and your wife or your friends can
enjoy swimming, boat riding, or even hitting the waves on
a jet ski. With temperatures in the summer hitting 75
degrees and above, nothing breaks the heat better than
the beach.

For the kids, the beach holds many different activities.
They can build sand castles in the sand, play around in
the water, or simply bask in the glorious sun. If they
get tired of playing in the sand, you can simply go back
to your hotel room and enjoy the fun of the safe yet
confined swimming pool.

Another popular activity in Newport Beach for the family
is the Balboa Fun Zone. There is something here for
everyone, with the Fun Zone keeping kids entertained the
entire time they are there! If you've never experienced
the Fun Zone before, you'll be in for the treat of a
lifetime!

The Balboa Fun Zone is comprised of many different areas,
including restaurants and beaches. There is so much to
do here that you'll probably have to come back over the
course of several days to see everything that the Fun Zone
has to offer.

Another activity that yields a lot of fun in Newport Beach
is rollerblading. You can rent rollerblades from many
different providers, from kids sizes to adults. There are
also many places to use your rollerblades, including the
sidewalks along the beach. If you like rollerblading,
Newport Beach helps to set a new standard of fun.

When it comes to the kids enjoying themselves, nothing
will please them more than the Toy Boat. Located at 3331
East Coast Highway, the Toy Boat is the best place in
Newport Beach to take the kids. There are hundreds of
thousands of toys and activities here to keep your kids
and probably yourselves entertained for hours.

After you have a day of family fun in Newport Beach or
the surrounding areas, you can stop and have a relaxing
meal at one of the fabulous restaurants. The food here is
to die for, giving everyone in your family a chance to
eat their favorite food.

With something for everyone, it's hard to believe that
Newport Beach is actually an undiscovered vacation spot
for many. The area has so much to offer, that it's just
a matter of time before people start to discover
everything the area will provide them with. When the time
comes for your getaway - make sure you give Newport Beach
a try - you'll be glad you did!

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Friday, June 23, 2006

Why A Cruise Is A Good Budget Vacation

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Why a cruise is such a good budget vacation by J. Foley

When many people picture a budget vacation, they picture an intrepid traveler in a roach infested hotel room eating stale sandwiches and riding around on the city bus. However, one of the best ways to save money on a vacation is also one of the most luxurious and most exciting – the cruise ship.

Cruise ship vacations are actually one of the most affordable ways to travel almost anywhere in the world, from the glaciers of Alaska to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.

One of the things that make cruise ships so attractive to budget travelers is the fact that the price of the cruise typically includes everything that happens onboard the ship. This includes, of course, the room, which is often less costly than a typical hotel room in many locations. In many instances, it would be impossible to book a good hotel room for less than the daily cost of the cruise.

In addition to a cheap place to stay, a cruise also offers unlimited food, including many amazing buffets that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, the food on cruise ships is often superior to those in all but the best land locked restaurants, and once again, the food is included in the price.

After eating all that food, you will probably feel the need to work out, and the cost of the cruise also typically includes unlimited use of the gym, the weight room and the sports locations. While many hotels tack on a surcharge for the use of the hotel gym, with a cruise it is generally included.

The cost of a cruise also includes all shipboard entertainment and classes. The entertainment options on a cruise are often one of the best parts of the experience, and many cruises offer such things as movie nights, theatres, spas, night clubs, discos, and even casinos. There are also some great classes offered by cruise lines, in everything from origami to bridge to ballroom dancing. And again, these classes and entertainment options are included in the price you pay for the cruise.

Among the only things that are not included in the typical cruise are alcoholic beverages and shore excursions. Many of the higher priced cruises even include these extras. If the shore excursions and drinks are not included, be sure to get a price list for shore excursions and drinks.

It is often possible to save money on shore excursions while on a cruise by booking the tours locally at portside instead of going with the cruise line. Just be sure, however that the book it yourself excursion will get you back to the ship on time.

For all these reasons, cruises can be among the best, and most economical, of all vacation opportunities. The ability to enjoy a week or two week vacation at one low price is one more reason to love cruising.

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Article Written J. Foley
http://travelguy.typepad.com/travel_guide

Monday, June 19, 2006

This Summer Visit Cabo San Lucas

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This summer visit Cabo San Lucas by J. Foley

Regarded as the best party town of Mexico, Cabo is situated on the Baja California Sur coast. Along with La Paz, San Jose del Cabo, Todos Santos and Loreto, it is one of the main attractions of Baja California Sur. Known for its luxury hotels, trendy bars, bistros and night clubs thousands of visitors choose Cabo as their summer destination over other vacation spots.

The word 'Cabo' means cape. Just to the south of the United States it is not a part of the mainland of Mexico but is separated by the Gulf of Mexico, occasionally referred to as the Gulf of California.

With expanses of hot deserts and both cool and warm breezed oceans this is as close as you can get to paradise. The waters of this region of Mexico have different shades of blues and greens. Especially popular among divers, golfers and people interested in fishing excursions this region is increasingly becoming one of the hot spots of tourism.

Tourists, mostly Americans come down here mainly to relax, enjoy water sports and play golf. Golf has seen a sea change in the last few years with some of the world's best golf courses coming up. The weather is also just right for golfing.

If you really want some quality time then Cabo San Lucas is the place to be. With the best of comfort and luxury you can ask for and so much to do you are sure to have one hell of a good time during your summer vacation. The activities you can participate in can be anything from water sports to all night parties.

Medano is the main beach of the region. If you are into snorkeling you can rent the equipment you need from the stalls in the beach. But is you just want to lay back and enjoy the sun, you can do that also as it is one of the favorite spots for sun bathing among tourists. And if you really want to pamper yourself you can check in to one of the health resort spas.

If you are looking for some solitude and privacy you can head for the remote beaches that lie between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. These beaches include Barco Varado, Chileno, Palmilla, Santa Maria and Vista del Arco Beaches. With stunning beaches and amazing blue waters these are the perfect beaches to lose the crowd.

Water sports are encouraged as the waters are calm and the weather mostly remains fine. So you can indulge in any sort of water sport you want to – from scuba diving and snorkeling, to kayaking and diving. And if you are one of those who enjoy a bit of calm then you can also go fishing.

To enjoy the scenery of the place the best option is to go on a cruise in a local boat. These boats navigate through the many islets in and around Baja California Sur and help you to catch glimpses of some of the most stunning views you will ever get to see. The sunsets are especially stunning in this region. You can also enjoy the whales in their full regality if you visit the place between the months of January and March.

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Article Written By J. Foley

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Cheap Carribean Travel

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Cheap Caribbean Travel By J. Foley

When it comes to island destinations, the Caribbean and its islands are one of the most popular vacation spots in the world. Here you can have the best of everything from gorgeous beaches, wonderful surf, sailing, scuba diving and snorkeling, to great food, exciting gambling casinos, shopping, and a wide range of nature-related activities. And accommodations? No problem! With cheap Caribbean travel plan, you can get a whole range of affordable accommodations from basic to the most luxurious all inclusive-resorts and rental villas.

Scroll down below for a list of our cheap Caribbean travel accommodations picks.

Dover Beach Hotel

A place that epitomizes Barbadian hospitality, the Dover Beach Hotel offers you cheap Caribbean travel accommodations tucked away on a secluded white sand beach where island warmth, peace, and tranquility are in abundance.

Located a mere 15-minute drive from either airport or from Bridgetown, the Dover Beach Hotel is also right within walking distance of the St. Lawrence Gap, famous for its lively nightlife, duty-free shopping and many bars and restaurants as well as other activities.

All accommodations at this cheap Caribbean travel hotel are either seafront or garden views with air-conditioned bedrooms, kitchenette, telephone, and private patio or terrace. There are weekly cocktail parties and nightly events. Amenities and facilities available include the following:

Children’s rates
Restaurant
Convenience store
Laundry service
Baby-sitting
Nearby shopping
Nearby tennis
Nearby banking
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
In-room safe
Beachfront
Bar
Children-friendly
Cribs
Daily maid service
Pool
Nearby water sports
In-room kitchens
TV available
Telephone in a room
Bath tub
Private balcony
Fax available

Morne Fendue Plantation House in Grenada

What’s old is new again as Grenada’s historic Morne Fendue Plantation House adds not, not two, but thirteen new guest rooms. Since 1974, the Morne Fendue has been welcoming visitors where they can enjoy overnight accommodations at this glorious estate. Each room offers cheap Caribbean travel accommodation for two guests with enough comfortable space to go around and a generous queen-size bed and modern bathroom facilities. What’s more, the rooms also offer access to the estate’s grand kitchen. But the highlight of each guest room is definitely the extensive balcony that overlooks scenic Mt. St. Catherine and the majestic sea where you can get excellent sunset views of the cheap Caribbean travel destination of Grenada.

Nevis and St. Kitts

For cheap Caribbean travel accommodations in the islands of Nevis and St. Kitts, try the following places:

Jonathan’s Villa Hotel at Mount Lily, Nevis offers seaside charm and great secluded spots.

Yamseed Inn at New Castle, Nevis is a quaint little inn, offering comfortable accommodations for a reasonable price.

For guest houses, try Al’s Cottage at Farm’s Estate in Charlestown, Nevis. You can also try Meadville Cottages, Cabindish Villa, Pinney’s Village Complex, and Central Cottage – all of which offer cheap Caribbean travel accommodations at convenient distances from the most happening places in the region.

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Article Written By J. Foley
http://travelguy.typepad.com/travel_guide

Friday, June 09, 2006

Getting The Best Deal On Your Rental Car

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Getting the best deal on your rental car by J. Foley

The rental car can be a big vacation expense, and getting the best deal you can on the transportation you need is important to keeping your vacation fun while staying within budget.

One way to keep costs as low as possible, of course, is to choose the smallest, most economical car you and your family are comfortable with. Choosing a compact, subcompact or economy car makes sense on a number of levels. For one thing, such cars are generally less expensive to rent in the first place. The other important consideration, however, is gas mileage. You as the renter of the car will be responsible for keeping it gassed up, including topping off the tank before returning it. Buying a car that gets great mileage will definitely help your travel budget stretch farther.

If you need a larger car or minivan, it is important to shop around for the best deal you can find. While it is important to shop around no matter what type of car you are considering, it is even more important when trying to rent vehicles for which there is a lot of demand, like convertibles, minivans or SUV’s. Shopping around at a number of travel related web sites, as well as at the web sites of the rental companies themselves, is usually the best way to land the best deal.

The length of the rental can have a large impact on the cost as well. Weekly rentals are often far less costly than a comparable daily rate spread over a week. So if your vacation plans are for a week or more, be sure to inquire about special rates.

Joining a frequent renter club, or using the same rental car company each time, is a great way to get some special coupons and some very good deals. In addition, most car rental companies partner with at least one airline to provide frequent flyer miles or other types of rewards when you rent a car. In addition, many airlines run bonus programs where you get extra miles or extra credit, so be sure to inquire about these bonuses when making your reservation.

Another great way to save money and keep your rental car budget low is not to buy things you do not need. In most cases, this means waiving the optional collision insurance coverage offered by the rental car company. Many rental car companies really push this insurance, but in most cases you are already covered and can safely decline it.

For instance, most automobile insurance policies already provide collision coverage for rental cars, so be sure to check with your car insurance company before starting to plan your vacation. Even if your insurance company does not cover your rental car, chances are one of your credit card companies does. Many credit cards provide coverage for rental cars paid for with the card, so be sure to check with your credit card company to see if they provide this coverage.

Another method to keep rental car costs to a minimum, and one that many people are unaware of, is renting a used car. There are a number of large national companies, and a number of smaller local companies as well, that rent used cars at a much lower price than comparable new cars. In most cases, these cars are only a few years old, and they provide the same protection, and the same transportation as more costly new cars.

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Article Written By J. Foley

Monday, June 05, 2006

Belmont Park In San Diego

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Belmont Park In San Diego By J. Foley

Located in sunny San Diego, the Belmont Park is one
of the best amusement parks in San Diego. With plenty
for the entire family, this Park has something for
everyone. With rides for the entire family and basically
everything in between, Belmont Park makes for a very
exciting adventure.

The most distinctive attraction in the Park is the Giant
Dipper Roller Coaster. The coaster was built in 1925 and
has been restored over the years. This coaster is truly
one of a kind, as it offers quick drops, steep hills,
and insane speed!

Belmont Park in San Diego also offers the endless wave,
which is perfect for wave riders. The Flowrider offers
hourly rides, even lessons for beginners. If waves
aren't your sort of thing, you may find the raceway bumper
cars or the Chaos enticing. Chaos resembles a ferris
wheel, although it creates a random three dimensional
rocking and rolling. Anytime you get on it, no two rides
are every the same!

For arcade enthusiasts, there is a family fun arcade and
gamelords. This creates the ultimate gaming experience,
keeping kids, teenagers, and even adults occupied for
hours on end.

Other rides at the park include the Vertical plunge, krazy
kars, and the infamous "plunge". The plunge is a great
attraction, and actually happens to be the largest indoor
heated pool in San Diego. Perfect for swimming, diving,
and just enjoying yourself, the plunge is a blast.

To feel the sensation, the Crazy Submarine and the
Trampoline can help you. To truly test your limits, the
Rock Wall will offer a unique challenge. Anyone wanting
to give it a try, can get to climbing the wall and see if
they truly have what it takes to get to the top.

Once you've had your fill on rides, there are plenty of
other entertainment and events to keep you occupied. In
Belmont Park, there is always something going on. With
San Diego being a tourist attraction, you can bet the
entertainment in Belmont Park is nothing short of
spectacular.

For the kids, Belmont Park offers some truly unbeatable
deals on birthday parties or private parties. If you
decide to have a party here, you can pretty much rent a
chunk of the park for yourself. For kids, this can truly
be an unforgettable memory.

Closed Monday - Thursday, Belmont Park is open Friday and
Saturday 11 AM - 10 PM and Sunday 11 AM - 8 PM. Although
the park is closed on major holidays, you can visit on
the weekends and enjoy the best in entertainment.

To round out your fun, make sure you do a little shopping
and take in some of the food. Belmont Park in San Diego
has great food and shopping, giving you more than a few
reasons to visit the park and be amazed - truly amazed.

travel guide for you
Article Written J. Foley