Month: April 2009

Fashion Island Newport Beach

The Fashion Island, located at the Newport Center
in Newport Beach is the ideal place to go if you
like adventure and shopping. Proving to be one
of the premiere establishments in Newport Beach,
Fashion Island is one place you simply must go if
you crave a fun and exciting time during your trip
here or your stay here.

Centrally located between Los Angeles and San Diego,
stopping here won’t put you out of your way. Offering
shopping, beaches, theme parks, museums, parks and
other events, this is an absolute treasure. On
Fashion Island itself, there are more than 1,300 hotel
rooms within the Newport Center.

On Fashion Island kids love the carousel. The carousel
is a custom made Venetian-themed ride with 32 antique
horses and other animals, perfect for riders of nearly
any age. With animals such as the rabbit, tiger, bear
and fish, the carousel is a must see for anyone who
enjoys theme parks and amusement rides.

For younger children, Fashion Island offers the whimsical
Kiddie Train. For younger children of the area, the
train has become a tradition. If you are visiting here,
you can find the train between Bloomingdale’s and Marcus.

On the island, two of the most signature elements are
the splashing fountains and the well known sparkling koi
pond. Located adjacent to Macy’s, you’ll find the Pop
Jet, and near Island Terrace you’ll find the also well
known Iris Fountain. Both were created in 1989 and
custom made for Fashion Island. The koi pond was also
custom made in 1968 and holds 15,000 gallons.

The entire area of Fashion Island is surrounded by top
class hotels, including the Hotel Newport Beach. Minutes
away from the island is the Orange County airport and
several beaches. During the summer, the sandy beaches
provide the ultimate relaxation from a day of shopping
and fun on Fashion Island.

Throughout the year, there are many events as well. With
summer concerts, a project playhouse, and seasonal
activities for the children, Fashion Island proves to be
more than just shopping.

On the shopping side of things, as the name implies, you’ll
find hundreds of shopping stores and several fine restaurants
to dine in here. Fashion Island on Newport Beach is the
place to be for anyone visiting the area looking to see
the best in shopping and entertainment.

If you’re looking to visit Newport Beach, make sure you pay
Fashion Island a visit. You can find almost anything to
buy here along with plenty of activities to keep the kids
happy as well. A visit to Newport Beach isn’t complete
without stopping here – making Fashion Island a very
important part of the entire beach experience.

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Sweden: the Jewel Within

Another Nordic country considered one of the best places to choose as travel destination is Sweden. Belonging to the Scandinavian group with common culture, Sweden is proud to unravel its majestic close distance to the Arctic, beautiful metropolis and the rest of the area with low population density except in the capital.

Swedish people basically enjoy a high standard of living since 1930 with all the luxury a modern world can extend to every advanced country of good economic standing. It became a part of the European Union in 1995 together with Finland and Austria after silently keeping neutral in a cold war with the unified nations.

Sweden has temperate climate although its latitude location is in the North. The gulf adjacent to it played an important role in giving it a better climate with less harsher winters, though like most countries hit by the Arctic belt, the sun does not set in summers and it has periods endless winter night for a period of time.

Aurora Borealis of northern lights can be experienced in the Swedish skies every winter. Being called “land of the midnight sun” like Norway, this happens because of the periodical winter nights with no sunset in the northern part of Sweden. Its boundary is separated from Norway by a mountain range running longitudinal along the peninsula.

While Sweden shares a common culture and historical background with its neighboring Nordic countries, the country has a distinct diversity of its own. Here are the travel options you can read if you choose to visit the fabulous places in Sweden:

STOCKLHOLM:

Sweden’s capital boasts its natural beauty with more than 30% of the area devoted to opens spaces and parks for a greener environment. Stockholm has exquisite architectural buildings, ornate monuments, museums, and superb landscape.

It has a unique island, in the city, Gamla Stan, actually an old town much attributed to medieval influences, a place perfect to start a good travel in the heart of the capital. With the hint of classic touch, the city unravels homely cobblestones making right of way to antique shops, old-fashioned boutiques, studios, and other cozy commercial establishments.

SKIING RESORTS:

One of the largest Northern Skiing resort with world-class amenities is the slopes of Are, adjacent to Duved known for alpine sports. It has accommodation for heli-skiing and other extreme sport adventures like sleighing with dogs, snow boarding, ice climbing and the like. For the benefit of less active tourists or beginners, it has options for easy skiing for children and the novices.

Aside from the ice adventure, it also offers other sports like mountain biking, kayaking, hiking and leisure walking, mountain climbing and trekking.

MEDIEVAL DELIGHT
Sweden is keeping the assets of medieval times with the grandeur of its medieval castles restored until the present day. The grand castles are owned by private individuals, royal families, government and institutions, where the structures are spread all over the country as monumental glory.

The structures have been maintained since the medieval period, including the recent architectural buildings of the 19th century renaissance era. These castles can be considered priceless historical heritage of Sweden.

The mentioned places are just a few of what can be expected of Sweden, cradled by the gifts of modern accomplishment and with the remnants of priceless antiquity. Sweden can offer both of this in one adventure.

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Ski Vacations on a Budget

When you start thinking about ski vacations, you will find a lot of information about various resorts and packages. Finding terrific vacation spots isn’t difficult, however, finding ski vacations that fit into your budget can be a challenge.

To save money, look for lesser known resorts. This doesnt mean that these resorts wont provide you with a fun vacation it simply means that they arent quite as well known as other resorts, and therefore, the prices may be a great cheaper. Also look for ski vacation packages that will include your lodging, lift tickets, lessons, rentals, and possibly even some meals.

Be willing to make some sacrifices if money is a real issue. For instance, instead of eating in an expensive restaurant each night, eat cheaper fast food, or make sandwiches in your room. Borrow equipment from friends instead of renting it. Join a group for lessons instead of taking private lessons. Dont stay at a lodge, stay at a motel farther away from the slopes if necessary. There are numerous ways that you can cut down on the expense of your ski trip. It is all about the powder after all!

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