Legoland California Resort

Geared more towards families with young children, Legoland's parks don't usually boast the speedy rollercoasters and intense rides many other theme parks do. Nevertheless, Legoland parks have many of their own features and fun activities to make each of them a unique and appealing experience for families everywhere! As for the southern California Legoland location in Carlsbad, CA, there are 10 distinct areas for visitors to check out while at the park, including a water park. The areas of the park are as follows: The Beginning, Dino Island, Duplo, Fun Town, Miniland USA, Castle Hill, Imagination Zone, Pirate Shores, Land of Adventure, and Legoland Water Park. While the park is designed to appeal primarily to children 11 years old and under, each of the 10 areas offers a bit of something different, bringing something to the table for every member of the family! The Duplo area, for example, includes Duplo-themed (basically large Lego) and water based attractions for children 5 and under. Shops and markets throughout the park offer Lego souvenir shopping options for people of all agres. Miniland USA is a 1:20 scale model miniature park which depicts noteworthy architectural structures from significant spots within the United States, primarily created for the visual enjoyment of the more adult family members who visit the park. There are also several rides (some intended for children only), a couple of playgrounds, and various displays of Lego art scattered throughout the park, keeping the place fun-packed and exciting as you walk throughout it, exploring all that it has to offer. Whether you're a family with children or just a big kid yourself, there's a bit of something at the park for every Lego lover to enjoy. Just be sure to remember your sunscreen when you go and make sure you bring your inner child with you as well!

Yosemite National Park: Tips for Planning Your Trip

 

When traveling to Yosemite National Park as a tourist, there are quite a few things to keep in mind such as what to wear, what to bring, what not to bring, costs of visiting, etc. Here are few key things that should be noted:

The roads leading into the park wind through mountains and can get very slick in the winter and spring months. Accordingly, these roads tend to have lower speed limits than you might expect and sometimes require snow chains to use. If driving in, be sure to observe and follow all posted road signs for the sake of everyone on the road. Sometimes, roads into or areas inside the park are closed off due to weather or other natural causes. Check the park's website prior to travel to make sure the routes and areas you plan to utilize are available during your visit and to find out whether or not you'll need snow chains.

Because of the elevations and other natural factors, Yosemite tends to stay significantly cooler than surrounding cities as close as an hour away such as Fresno, Merced, or Modesto. Particularly if you're visiting in the winter, camping, spending the night in the park, or planning to hike or climb to areas of higher elevation in the park, be sure to dress accordingly. Most times of the year, you'll want at least a moderately warm coat and possibly even heavy winter wear handy, depending on your travel dates and plans. Fog and snow are common, especially in the cooler months and throughout most of winter.

Cell phone reception is hard to find inside the park so be sure to prepare accordingly.

Being a national park, there are quite a few rules and regulations in effect to protect both you and the park. Try to read up on these prior to your visit or read the pamphlets you're given upon park entry to assure your safety as well as the safety and longevity of the plants, animals, and landscape of the park.

There is a fee to enter the park, which varies based on mode of transportation, but credit cards, cash, checks, and traveler's checks are all accepted methods of payment.

If planning to camp or climb mountains, such as Half Dome, or other structures while in Yosemite, you'll want to research as far in advance as possible to find out whether there are fees associated or permits or reservations required to do so as these do apply to some spots in the park. For some things, such as camping, there are only so many slots available and they go fast so you'll really want to research and get in early, depending on your plans.

If you're into adventure or interested in visiting popular spots or tourist attractions, it can be a good idea to take a look at a park map in advance, look over the map you're given upon park entry, or even look up the most visited or most interesting places to see or things to do in the park using TripAdvisor, Google, or another search engine so you're sure not to miss out on something special. The park has many fun and famous attractions and amenities such as those at Yosemite Lodge, the giant sequoias, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Curry Village, restaurants, gift shops, and quite a few campgrounds.

Whether you're looking for a great place to go ice skating, a beautiful Chapel to host a wedding in, a gorgeous getaway from your otherwise busy routine, an escape from the summer heat, inspirational scenery to write or paint from, a taste of nature and adventure, or breathtaking views to photograph or just gaze at, Yosemite is one of those places that really has something for everyone. You just have to know where to find it so be sure to do your research or even ask a park ranger either at the entrance or if you spot one inside the park if you know what you're looking for. They're always happy to help you find your way! Be sure to pay a visit to the gift shops as well if you're interested in taking any souvenirs home, tasting any of the local central California harvests, or just picking up a quick snack or sweatshirt, in case you forgot yours at home.

Lodging in and near the park tends to be a little pricier than your normal hotel, due to the lovely location, but can be worth it for the experience for some guests. If you're a bit more adventurous, however, you can stay in a canvas tent cabins in the park with optional heating (extra fee) at a lower cost than the hotel options. If you're even more daring, there are options for camping in the park too!

Whichever option you choose, you're sure to have an incredible time as long as you take the time to prepare. Do your research and enjoy your trip. Just be sure not to feed the bears!

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island in the New York Harbor, is one of the most recognizable symbols of freedom in the United States. It is accessible only by ferry from either Jersey City or Lower Manhattan but the view of the statue as you approach Liberty Island is breathtaking! The statue itself may not seem as large in person as some, myself included, might imagine it or as it's sometimes portrayed. It's stature and beauty, however, are just as imposing and impressive in person as any tourist could hope for. The island it sits on is small but there are plenty of amenities available for tourists there including restrooms, a cafe, a souvenir shop, and even an audio-guided tour and informative sign postings that tell about the statue, the island, and related topics. From the island, tourists can experience not only a fantastic, up-close view or perhaps even a trip to the top of the crown of the Statue of Liberty but can also enjoy an incredible view of Lower Manhattan as well. Walkways run around and through the island allowing tourists to view the statue from all sides. Elevated by its brick pedestal, the statue towers high above surrounding tree tops so that it can be seen for miles. Made from copper which has turned a pale green color due to exposure to the elements, it tends to stand out well against the often cloud-covered skies and sometimes appears as a shadowy silhouette of a figure, depending on time of day and which side of the statue you stand on. Regardless of how or where you view it from though, the Statue of Liberty is an extremely beautiful and powerful icon and continues to serve as a solid reminder of America's promise of freedom, liberty, and justice for all!