Many people travel to Florida for beach vacations or theme-park resort visits. If you are planning to visit Florida vacation rentals and are in search of something different or somewhat untraditional, below are a few suggestions.
1. Tour dry Caves
Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna in Northwest Florida is one of the few U.S. parks and the [...] [...more]
Many people travel to Florida for beach vacations or theme-park resort visits. If you are planning to visit Florida vacation rentals and are in search of something different or somewhat untraditional, below are a few suggestions.
1. Tour dry Caves
Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna in Northwest Florida is one of the few U.S. parks and the only Florida park to offer tours of an air-filled cave. Native Americans used the cave for shelter for thousands of years.
2. Sleep Under the Sea
You can spend the night in Jules Underwater Lodge, an authentic underwater research habitat in Key Largo. The lodge offers three-day scuba diver certification classes during your stay. The accommodation is located in a mangrove lagoon.
3. Swim with Manatees
The only place is the U.S. where it is legal to swim with manatees is in Florida’s very own Crystal River. If you would rather watch, observe the manatees from Homosassa Springs. They say that the best time to swim with the manatees is in the winter when the come in search of warm waters.
4. Canoe Search for Shark Teeth
For 12 years in a row, the Peace River in Arcadia, Florida has been voted Florida’s best river/lake to canoe. The abundance of shark teeth in the river has initiated a common challenge to find as many shark teeth as possible on a canoe ride.
5. Art and Nature As One
The Cummer Museum of Art & Garden in Jacksonville, one of today’s largest collections of fine arts in Northeast Florida, originated as a collection of 60 fine art pieces in 1961. The 2.5-acre historic gardens of a 1903 residence flourish along the St. Johns River.
6. Bioluminescent Kayaking
Natural bioluminescent organisms in the lagoon of the Merrit Island National Wildfire Refuge make the waves take on a blue-green glowing light that resembles an undersea fire. This activity in Titusville is definitely something different. All things underwater from fish to your own hand will glow. Kayak tours are offered between summer and early fall.
7. Visit a Reconstructed Mission Site
Mission San Luis in Tallahassee is the only reconstructed mission site in the state. While you are there, visit the Spanish fort and the Franciscan Mission Church.
8. Reptile World
Reptile World in Serpentarium, St. Cloud is a working snake farm where poisonous snakes are milked for venom used for the purpose of medicine and herpetological research.
With the advent of improving technology at affordable prices, it is now even easier to create unforgettable memories while on vacation. Vacationers can already take pictures anywhere at any time even underwater with a Digital Camera Swim Mask. However, when you are not in the water, it would be ideal to have a camera integrated [...] [...more]
With the advent of improving technology at affordable prices, it is now even easier to create unforgettable memories while on vacation. Vacationers can already take pictures anywhere at any time even underwater with a Digital Camera Swim Mask.However, when you are not in the water, it would be ideal to have a camera integrated in your helmet as you enjoy your favorite sport. Vacationers can practice our traveling tips and film their journey to Key West on their Harley Davidson, their ski run in Mont Tremblant or their bicycle rides in Miami Beach.
Anytime you are ready to get out of your holiday rentals and get active, the Tiny Epic Action Sports Video camera will let you do just that. The Tiny Epic Action Sports Video camera is the size of a thumb, shock resistant and easily mounted on a helmet. Then, return to your holiday rentals and easily share your films and traveling tips with your friends on youtube. For more information on this device or other traveling tips, visit epicstealthcam.com.
Florida travel is known for its wide variety of attractions, entertainment and panorama. The consistently warm and sunny weather is great for outdoor Florida travel activities. While Florida may not have mountainous Florida hiking trails, it does offer an array of different types of Florida hiking trails. You can catch a glimpse of some gorgeous [...] [...more]
Florida travel is known for its wide variety of attractions, entertainment and panorama. The consistently warm and sunny weather is great for outdoor Florida travel activities. While Florida may not have mountainous Florida hiking trails, it does offer an array of different types of Florida hiking trails. You can catch a glimpse of some gorgeous vistas and experience a number of different ecosystems from pine forests to prairies. There are Florida hiking trails of all lengths and intensity levels. Take a 5 minute walk or hikes that last a whole day.
Some of the Florida hiking trails may require permits. The FNST, a trail under construction from Big Cypress Preserver to the Panhandle, is a 1,300 mile trail special for longer trips. For more information on that Florida hiking trail, contact the Florida Trail Association at 1-800-343-1662 or www.florida-trail.org.
Find accommodations and Florida vacation rentals near any of the best Florida hiking trails. Ask your travel agency or Florida vacation rental agency where are the best places to go hiking in Florida.
Important necessities for Florida hiking trails:
• Sun block
• Bug spray (particularly in the summer months)
• Drinking water
• Proper gear
• Information and conditions on the trail
Following are some of the top Florida hiking trails. Take a look at the Florida Guide for additional trails:
1. Ocala National Forest, Ocala, FL
2. Withlacoochee State Forest, Brooksville, FL
3. Kissimmee River National Scenic Trail, Lake Wales, FL
Some of the most remote hiking in Florida. 23 miles.
4. Blackwater River State Forest, Milton, FL
The largest of the Florida state forests. Hilly terrain and red soil.
5. Florida Trail - Ocala National Forest: Clearwater Lake to Juniper Springs, Umatilla, FL
24.7 miles.
6. Florida Trail - Ocala National Forest: Juniper Springs to Salt Springs Island, Ocala, FL
18.4 miles. Crosses the rugged Juniper Prairie Wilderness. Minimal maintenance.
7. Florida Trail - Ocala National Forest: Salt Springs Island to Rodman Dam, Ocala, FL
17.6 miles. Crosses over three “islands”: Kerr Island, Salt Springs Island and Riverside Island. These islands are surrounded soil, not water.
8. Corbett Wildlife Management Area, Palm Beach, FL
14 miles. See red-cockaded woodpeckers, bald eagles, deer and wild hogs.
10. Turkey Lake Park Nature Trail, Orlando, FL
7 miles. A 300-acre park in a rural setting with picnic tables, barbecue grills, playgrounds, bike paths, swimming and an authentic farm with animals.
11. Along the Park Road - Everglades National Park, Miami, FL
Walk or drive the paved roads.
12. Apalachicola National Forest, Tallahassee, FL
Walk through the forest, you’ll pass through the habitat of about 10,000 deer, 2,000 turkeys and 175 black bear.
13. Myakka River State Park, Sarasota, FL
A 28,875-acre state park known for wildlife such as bald eagles, sandhill cranes, deer, turkey, ospreys, bobcats, otters, wild hogs, alligators and waterfowl.
14. The Flamingo Area - Everglades National Park, Flamingo, FL
Previously a fishing village only reachable by boat.
15. Econ Loop Trail, Geneva, FL
4.6 miles. Short for the Econlockhatchee River.
16. Disney Wilderness Preserve Loop and Interpretive Trails, Kissimmee, FL
3 miles. This 12,000-acre region (not-related to Disney World) is being returned to wetland conditions.
17. St. George Island, Apalachicola, FL
9 miles. Famous for white sand beaches and a fishery known for their oysters.
18. Dead River Trail, Temple Terrace, FL
2.5 miles. Runs along the Dead River.
19. Alderman’s Ford Park Loop, Lithia, FL
1.9 miles. One of Hillsborough County’s ELAPP sites. One portion is developed as a park but the majority of the area is still in its original condition.
20. Split Oak Forest Trails, Orlando, FL
A 1,700-acre forest adjacent to Moss Park and two picturesque lakes: Hart and Mary Jane and also to a very popular county park, Moss Park.
Florida offers more than just sun, beaches, parties and shopping. A guide of Florida will note that it is also decorated with incredible Florida nature and boasts a variety of rich flora and fauna.
Florida’s flora is unique and wondrous. Miami lies on the edge of the tropic and is, therefore, filled with rich flora. Visitors [...] [...more]
Florida offers more than just sun, beaches, parties and shopping. A guide of Florida will note that it is also decorated with incredible Florida nature and boasts a variety of rich flora and fauna.
Florida’s flora is unique and wondrous. Miami lies on the edge of the tropic and is, therefore, filled with rich flora. Visitors in Miami or other part of Florida that are touring with the help of a guide of Florida are amazed by the Florida nature and lush and tropical plants exhibited all year long. Drive through the famous neighborhood of Sunset Island or visit popular spots read about in a guide of Florida like Vizcaya or the Fairchild Tropical Garden to witness the Florida nature beauty first-hand.
The Fairchild Tropical Garden is a must-see and offers Florida nature art exhibits or fairs for nature lovers. With about 4,000 types of plants (3,600 which are native to Florida), Florida is known for its unique flora. South Florida nature has a fraction of rare and endangered plants which are particularly interesting. Reserve a comfy Miami vacation rental or Florida vacation rental while you venture around.
The Miami International Film Festival is one of the most popular Florida events. The Florida event is responsible for bringing quality independent films to Miami for the past two decades.
Aside from introducing great movies, the 2009 Miami International Film Festival educates fans and new film makers on the filmmaking process with workshops and lectures. Travel [...] [...more]
The Miami International Film Festival is one of the most popular Florida events. The Florida event is responsible for bringing quality independent films to Miami for the past two decades.
Aside from introducing great movies, the 2009 Miami International Film Festival educates fans and new film makers on the filmmaking process with workshops and lectures. Travel plans and Florida vacation rentals reservations should be made in advance before everything sells out or prices go up. EscapeRental.com provides hotel and vacation rental listings as well as travel tips to facilitate your visit.
Stay posted on developments for the 2009 Miami International Film Festival as they come about by visiting www.miamifilmfestival.com. You may also call 305-237-FILM.
There are some magnificent sights to be seen from a helicopter. If you are making your way to any of these areas, make sure to look into one of the helicopter tours. Get settled in a base destination in hotels or affordable vacation rentals. Now go on and explore the best sights on the planet.
1. [...] [...more]
There are some magnificent sights to be seen from a helicopter. If you are making your way to any of these areas, make sure to look into one of the helicopter tours. Get settled in a base destination in hotels or affordable vacation rentals. Now go on and explore the best sights on the planet.
1. New York City, US
This very busy city is a sight to be seen even from the ground. It is very different from other cities and flooded with yellow cabs and skyscrapers. Get a glimpse of the city’s famous Hudson River from above. Most helicopter tours run from 6 minutes to half an hour, unless you charter a private helicopter. Depending on the length of the tour, the number of familiar sights you will fly over will vary. Some of the key sights you will see from above include the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Chrysler Building and Ground Zero. Find accommodations and New York vacation rentals.
2. Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Up in a helicopter is the safest way to get an up-close look of the lava flows and potential eruptions. These helicopter tours leave from Hilo and fly over the rich green rainforests. The lava fields are marked with dark terrain whereas other surrounding beaches are covered with golden sand. Hovering over Kilauea Caldera is probably the closest you will ever come to an active volcano. It is not guaranteed that you will see live eruptions, but you will definitely see lava flows and steam. Find accommodations and Hawaii vacation rentals.
3. Hermanus, South Africa
A whale migrations passes off the shore of Hermanus between the months of August and November. Some may spot a whale from the shore, but helicopter tours offer the best views. Fly out of Cape Town and float over the beauty of Cape Peninsula and east over Walker Bay as you make your way to Hermanus. During whale season, it may be necessary to charter a private helicopter. Helicopters are often the only way to spot whales that veer away from the shore including humped back whales, southern right whales and orcas.
4. Jumeirah, Dubai
Fly above the Jumeirah coastline and get a glimpse of Dubai’s buildings as well as the Palm and World constructions. It is not uncommon for many of the helicopter tours to take passengers over a nearby arid desert so that they may get an idea of how this area once appeared.
5. Great Barrier Reef, North of Australia
The only way to get any idea of the real size of the Great Barrier Reef is from above. Leave from several airstrips along the coast or from Cairns. Many visitors leave Queensland to the reef through the ocean. From above, you will see the reef and all its shapes and different shades of blue, green and white. Guides will point out manta rays, turtles, sharks and dugong below.
6. Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, New Zealand
Both of these ancient glaciers are part of the world’s one percent of glaciers that are not shrinking. To get a real, hands-on experience of the glaciers, do some ice-climbing. If you would prefer to avoid the frozen fingers, see the top of the white and blue glaciers from a helicopter above as it makes its way to the top of snowfield at the top. The ice caves and pinnacles are impressive sights. Some helicopter tours of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier also tour Mount Cook.
The more luxurious, expensive ski resorts such as Vail and Aspen are suffering a bit more than more modest ski resorts. The hotels in Vail and Aspen have been forced to reduce their prices to try and make up for a lower occupancy rate. Vacationers are trying all sorts of things to reduce their total [...] [...more]
The more luxurious, expensive ski resorts such as Vail and Aspen are suffering a bit more than more modest ski resorts. The hotels in Vail and Aspen have been forced to reduce their prices to try and make up for a lower occupancy rate. Vacationers are trying all sorts of things to reduce their total vacation budgets. They are changing the way they travel and opting to stay in affordable, quality ski holiday rentals. Some changes that have been made in travel:
Staying shorter period of times
Statistics have shown that ski vacationers are staying in ski resorts for shorter periods of time.
Waiting for last minute deals
All major hotel ski resorts reported a large number of last minute arrangements made by travelers.
Traveling during off peak seasons
Hotel and flight reservations prices are still high so ski vacationers are traveling during the off peak season in order to get better flight, hotel and vacation rental rates.
Skiing in places where currency is weaker
American skiers are rediscovering Canada as a ski destination. Canada offers great ski destinations such as Banff or Whistler. Americans took advantage of a favorable exchange rate (1USD = 1.21 CAD) in the summer of 2008.
The latest travel statistics indicate a change in the behavior of North America Ski trips taken in ski resorts. New trends are emerging in typically expensive North America Ski trips due to the economic crisis. North America Ski trips are often very expensive.
• Lodging and ski vacation rentals are expensive
• Ski equipment is expensive
• Ski rentals is expensive
• Dining [...] [...more]
The latest travel statistics indicate a change in the behavior of North America Ski trips taken in ski resorts. New trends are emerging in typically expensive North America Ski trips due to the economic crisis. North America Ski trips are often very expensive.
• Lodging and ski vacation rentals are expensive
• Ski equipment is expensive
• Ski rentals is expensive
• Dining in ski resort is expensive
Beautiful view from a Mont Tremblant Vacation Rental
Budget Skiing Trends
Ski resorts are now trying to make up the loss of sales of a full year in just a few months. Ski holiday goers constrained by tight budgets are implementing the following:
Travelers are skiing closer to home. We are seeing more and more skiers from the east coast vacationing on Mountains on the east coast including the ski resort in Vermont or the famous Ski resort of Mont Tremblant in Quebec, Canada.
Travelers are trading hotel accommodations for vacation rentals. Mont Tremblant vacation rentals and Vermont vacation rentals are much more affordable than hotel while still maintaining the same level of charm and quality.
More and more travelers are discovering the benefits of renting a ski vacation rental properties. The direct cost of a ski vacation rental is not only much cheaper, but having a fully equipped kitchen in your unit can create savings that would have gone towards restaurants. Most ski resort restaurants are overpriced; eating at [...] [...more]
More and more travelers are discovering the benefits of renting a ski vacation rental properties. The direct cost of a ski vacation rental is not only much cheaper, but having a fully equipped kitchen in your unit can create savings that would have gone towards restaurants. Most ski resort restaurants are overpriced; eating at home can help you stay within a tighter budget. Ski vacation rentals also provide additional comfort. It is more pleasant to stay in a ski vacation home in Aspen or a vacation condo in Mont Tremblant than staying in a traditional hotel room.
No matter where you travel to and why you are traveling there, we strongly suggest you consider taking a Swiss multi-function army knife. Known for years for its practicality, the knife helps travelers open up devices or screw or unscrew anything. You don’t need to be MacGyver to use the device. These device’s easy [...] [...more]
No matter where you travel to and why you are traveling there, we strongly suggest you consider taking a Swiss multi-function army knife. Known for years for its practicality, the knife helps travelers open up devices or screw or unscrew anything. You don’t need to be MacGyver to use the device. These device’s easy tools can help in instances in which you need to change batteries in an electrical device found in hotels in Hawaii or South Beach vacation rentals.
Adventure travelers should upgrade to a lightweight commercial-grade travel tool such as the high function Leatherman Skeletool. The Leatherman is 100% stainless steel and features strong tools that prove to be quite handy for adventurers and leisure travelers.
The Miami International Film Festival is one of the most popular Florida events. The Florida event is responsible for bringing quality independent films to Miami for the past two decades.
