Mar 7

California Travel Expert Veronica Hill offers a guided tour of the American Girl Place Los Angeles in this family travel episode of “California Travel Tips.”

Located in The Grove, next to the LA Farmers Market, this American Girl Store in Los Angeles is one of three major emporiums in the U.S. There are seven American Girl stores in all.

Selling for roughly $100 each, American Girl dolls are one of the country’s hottest collectibles. Even Oprah Winfrey is a fan.

Set aside at least 3 hours to tour this amazing complex, which is packed to the rafters with American Girl dolls, books, clothing, and accessories. On the weekends, there are always fun crafts and activities going on.

In the Doll Hair Salon, your child’s American Girl Doll can receive a new hairstyle, or get her ears pierced. There are more than 50 hairstyles to choose from! Well-loved dolls in need of special treatment can check in to the American Girl Doll Hospital for a 2-week stay.

In the American Girl Photo Studio, your little girl can get her picture on a souvenir copy of American Girl Magazine. For the ultimate day trip, enjoy a meal at the American Girl Cafe, one of the signature experiences at the store. Your child’s American doll girl gets her own Treat Seat. And she doesn’t have a doll, there are plenty to borrow.

Each meal begins with a warm cinnamon roll, and your choice of drink. The pink lemonade is always a hit! Kids can enjoy entrees like hot dogs, pizza or buttered noodles, while grown-ups can order more sophisticated fare such as Pasta Pomodoro or Cornmeal-Crusted Tilapia. Every meal ends with a delicious Flower Pot Chocolate Mousse, served with a sugar cookie and heart-shaped cake. There’s even a souvenir hair bow to take home.

One of the most popular features at the store is the Just Like You Boutique. Kids can buy a doll that resembles them most, and then get kid-sized pajamas, dresses or outfits to match. You can even buy coordinating swim suits! The second level is home to the adorable Bitty Baby Dolls and American Girl Character Boutique, where you’ll find historical displays about American Girl dolls like Kaya, Felicity and Julie, the 1970s girl. Each 18-inch doll comes with a matching book, and you can go wild with the matching accessories.

We were in love with the cool tree house for Kit Kittredge, and camper set for American Doll of the Year, Lanie Holland. If you want to make a weekend of it, several Los Angeles hotels offer special American Girl Los Angeles hotel packages that include a bed for your doll! Participating hotels in LA include London West Hollywood and The Orlando, among several others. The store’s concierge can assist with suggestions. Be sure to ask for a personal shopper, which is a complimentary service at the store. You even get your own private check-out room.

For more California travel videos, travel deals and advice, log on to http://www.CaliforniaTravelExpert.com

Duration : 0:2:44

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Feb 1

Caribbean Princess – Eight of us took the Caribbean Princess for a 7 night Southern Caribbean cruise for Spring Break (April 5-12, 2009). We started the cruise in San Juan Puerto Ricco and made port in Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, Dominica and St. Thomas.
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Duration : 0:8:2

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Feb 1

Yes, its true- Dubai is home to an indoor ski slope and indoor ski mountain resort!

In the Middle East and Gulf region it can reach over 115 degrees outside but skiers of all ages enjoy the ski mountain and snowballs here year round.

Also known for the Tiger Woods Golf Tournament and the World’s Richest Horse Race, Dubai is home to several engineering marvels such as this Ski Dubai, the indoor ski resort as seen on The Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Modern Marvels and the Travel Channel.

In the booming economy of the Middle East, even a trip to the local shopping mall can be pretty exciting. In Dubai, This mall attracts locals and tourists alike. The most popular feature of the mall (and most notable) is Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort. From the outside of the mall you can see the construction needed to sustain the largest indoor ski resort, which features a full size ski mountain.

In addition to the ski resort, the mall has just about every kind of shop that you could think of. This includes many western brands, such as: Virgin Records, Starbucks Coffee, Borders Books, Cinnabon, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Monte Blanc, Channel and many others.

Duration : 0:2:27

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Jan 22

The AquaDuck water coaster will sweep guests on a 765-foot high-speed flume ride with uphill acceleration and a swing-out loop letting you look down to the ocean 150 feet below. While you’ll have to wait until 2011, when Disney Cruise Line launches the Disney Dream, to experience the “real” AquaDuck, this video will give you the virtual experience.

Duration : 0:1:5

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