San Diego- Go on vacation in your own backyard!

If you live in San Diego, don't forget you can go on vacation in your own backyard!

Many people travel thousands of miles to make San Diego their vacation destination. Only a select few of us are lucky enough to call it home!

This month's San Diego highlight is the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park. With parks in San Diego and Escondido, one of the Zoo's parks is basically in your own backyard. This summer brings some exciting events and exhibits to the San Diego Zoo that you won't want to miss. Whether you are interested in a exciting day with the kids or a romantic evening stroll with that special someone the Zoo is full of options.

The San Diego Zoo has opened their newest exhibit, Elephant Odyssey. Zookeepers, members, and visitors alike are all very excited about the wide open exhibit for the elephants. The exhibit allows visitors to see the elephants in a more open and natural environment. Make sure to visit http://www.elephantodyssey.com for more information.

With summertime comes the ever exciting "Nighttime Zoo," where the San Diego Zoo is open from 9am to 9pm until September 7th. This exciting nighttime experience includes bands and special shows that are sure to thrill the whole family, or make an exciting date night, quick call the babysitter. To find out all of the details be sure to visit http://www.sandiegozoo.org/nighttimezoo

The San Diego Zoo is not the only place with new and exciting activities. Check out the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park for the new "Flightline" experience, a zip line that will take you soaring over the Wild Animal Park. "Soar from a ridgetop along a cable as you glide approximately 2/3 of a mile over exotic animals and open exhibits, the picturesque San Pasqual Valley unfolding before you." The reservations for this exiting new experience are available online at http://www.sandiegozoo.org/calendar/wap_flightline.html Don't forget the most important part, your ticket purchase to the Flightline sponsors the conservation efforts of the California Condor.

Last but not least the Dino Mountain exhibit is at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park until September 7, 2009. This exhibit is an exiting look at the dinosuars, sure to be loved by children of all ages. Make sure to get your Dino Mountain passport and collect all 13 Dino Stamps. For more information visit http://www.sandiegozoo.org/dinomountain

Best value tickets and membership options are available now on the San Diego Zoo's website http://www.sandiegozoo.org. This website makes ticket purchase a breeze and there is no waiting in line when you get to the park.

Let's go San Diego!

Vacation Destination of the Month- July 2009

This month's BellaMar Concierge, Inc. vacation destination is the Dominican Republic.

There are two major resort areas within the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata and Punta Cana, they offer all of the amenities expected from a resort destination. Best of all, both areas are easily accessible with airports just outside of town, and can be reached from most major airports in the United States.

If you are looking to lounge on beautiful beaches the Dominican Republic is right for you. Many resorts offer all inclusive services, which not only include food and beverage, but also include non-motorized water toys like kayaks and sail boats. They have great restaurants, shopping and spas with oceanfront massage palapas.

For the more adventurous at heart the options are endless. Scuba diving, deep sea fishing, hiking, 4x4 tours, sunset cruises, and many other spectacular tours.

My personal favorite is the 27 Waterfalls Tour just outside of Puerto Plata. The tour begins by meeting your personal local guide and don your helmet and life jacket at the "27 Charcos Visitor Center." From the visitor's center you will cross a wide river and begin a rigorous 90 minute hike up a mountain and into the jungle. You know you have reached the river when you hear the roaring waterfall "number 27" and will soon see it on your left. During the next two hours you will spend your time jumping from rocks (up to 25' in height) into crystal clear pools surrounded by sandstone walls. If you are not interested in jumping from all 27 waterfalls you do the shorter tour first 7 waterfalls, which will still give you great exposure to the beautiful area.

A few recommendations:
-Get to the visitor's center early, we arrived at 7am and were the first couple on the hike
-Bring cash, the cost is about $8 for 1-7 waterfalls or $14 for 1-27 waterfalls
-Plan on wearing tennis shoes or tight fitting water socks, Crocs and flip-flops will not work on this tour
-Bring a waterproof camera, there is NO way you will not get wet, in some cases the only way down is to get in the water
-HAVE FUN! There is no other tour in the world like this!-For more information visit the website www.27charcos.com

For more information on travel to the Dominican Republic or for anywhere else in the world please visit our website at www.bellamarconcierge.com or email us at bellamarconcierge@gmail.com, Thanks and happy traveling