smart travel tips, vacation rentals news


Florida Lodging Deals for Halloween


Oct 08

Posted: under Best of..., Florida, Lodging and Hotel News, United States.
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Some of Florida’s popular theme parks are offering discount packages for lodging and admission. The Orlando Convention and Visitor Bureau has a Free-for-Fall promotion in which you can find deals on various hotels of all different price ranges.

Universal Studios:

The Miami Gory Getaway starting at $59 per person:

* Buy 3 Halloween Horror Nights tickets and get 1 free
* One night stay at a partner hotel
* Admission to some of the CityWalk venues

You may upgrade to on on-site hotel for $101 per person

For more information, visit halloweenhorrornights.com/mia. Florida residents can save up to $40 on regular day admission. For other package deals, call 888-445-5411 or visit halloweenhorrornights.com.

Walt Disney World:

Package for two Florida resident adults, starting at $69 per night:

* Florida residents may stay at Disney’s Pop Century and All-Star resorts for $69 per night.
* This package is based on two adults for stays from October 4th through November 24th.

For more information, call 407-939-7429 or visit Disneyworld.com/fldeals.

Busch Gardens:

Overnight Fright Package starting at $238 per room:

* Two tickets to Howl-O-Scream
* 1 night at a Busch Garden’s preferred partner hotel in Tampa Bay

Thrills and Chills Weekend package starting at $350.85 per room (based on 2 nights):

* Unlimited admission to Busch Gardens Thursday through Sunday (daytime)
* Unlimited admission to Howl-O-Scream Thursday through Saturday (night)

For more information, call 888-800-5447 or visit houseofVayne.com.

SeaWorld Orlando:

Package starting at $30 per person per day based on a group of 4.

* Rent 3 nights at hotel room at one of over two dozen hotels, and get two additional nights for free
* Unlimited admission to two of the three parks (Sea World, Aquatica or Busch Gardens)

Valid for stays through August 31st, 2010. Must be booked by December 31st.

For more information, call 888-800-5447 or visit seaworldorlando.com.

Another option that you have year-round is to stay in Orlando vacation rentals or Tampa holiday rentals. You can find Orlando vacation rentals or Tampa holiday rentals with multiple rooms to accommodate your group and are more affordable than multiple hotel rooms.


Vacations Rentals in Florida

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Disney Ticket Prices Rise


Aug 18

Posted: under Destinations and Places.
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The best place on earth just got more expensive. Walt Disney World just raised the price of 1-day tickets from $74 to $79 for adults and from $63 to $68 for kids. Prices for Disney World multi-day stays increased as well.

Disney World chose a weird time to raise its prices since travelers are looking for bargains for the park and Orlando holiday rentals. Bargains are abundant among Orlando hotels and Orlando holiday rentals. Many Orlando hotels and Orlando holiday rentals offer significant discounts to attract Orlando vacationers.

disney-orlando-photo

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Free Things To Do at Disney


Aug 03

Posted: under Destinations and Places, Florida, Orlando, Useful Tips and Gadgets.
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Disney World is a place of magic. I think magic is always more delightful when it’s free. Believe it or not, there are a few free activities in Disney you can enjoy while you are in the famous theme park on a Disney trip.

Partake in the simple free activities in Disney that add an extra something to your Disney trip. Magnify the pleasantness of your Disney trip with the following free activities in Disney.

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Songs and Movies by the Campfire

Every night, guests huddle around the campfire for the sing-along and outdoor movies at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Bring marshmallows for toasting!

2009 Disney Birthday Special

Throughout 2009, Disney is granting guests free park entrance on their birthday. Register in advance at disneyparks.com and make sure to bring ID.

Build a Lego City

Outside of the Lego Imagination Center in Downtown Disney, kids are free to build anything they want on the 3,000 square foot Lego area.

Captain the Monorail

Before you board the monorail, just ask a staff member if your child can ride with the captain. Up to four people are allowed per trip.

Learn the Jedi Arts

Several times a day, about two dozen kids are picked to learn the Jedi arts from a full-fledged master on a stage at Hollywood Studios. Make sure to show up early for a better chance of getting picked.

Find affordable or luxury Orlando vacation rentals or Disney Orlando holiday homes before you set off on your vacation.


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The Journey to Key West - Traveling to Key West


Jul 22

Posted: under Destinations and Places, Florida, Key West, South Florida, United States.
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Key West Vacation Villa - Traveling to Key West

The name ‘Key West’ brings to mind pictures of islands surrounded by clear waters, a genuine little town, incredible sunsets and a paradise for nature lovers. Key West can be reached from Miami by car, motorcycle, boat or plane. The distance between Miami and Key West is 150 miles and will take around 3.5 hours to get there by car. If you decide to drive from Miami, you may want to spend a little extra in securing an exotic car rental in Miami, preferably a convertible, to be part of the extraordinary surroundings on this road trip while traveling to Key West. If you have a motorcycle license, rent a Harley Davidson in Miami and start traveling to Key West via US1 from Miami.

The trip, itself, is an extraordinary experience. Take your time and stop in any of the multiple outdoor Tiki bars that pave the way traveling to Key West. Stop to have your lunch and sip a cocktail. For the speediest journey, take a plane from Miami to Key West. A flight from Miami will take a little less than 30 minutes and the cost is affordable.

Another great way to get to Key West is to set aside some money to rent a boat or a yacht in Miami. The journey traveling to Key West is absolutely gorgeous. Be sure to do your homework and study your trip before hand. The Keys can be delicate to sail. Depending on your boat, you will spend between 5 and 12 hours traveling to Key West.

Visitors have several lodging options in Key West. Stay in a hotel, a Bed and Breakfast in Key West or in a Key West vacation villa. We recommend the Key West vacation villa because it allows you to experience the real Key West lifestyle. Key West Key West vacation villas are mostly affordable and provide plenty of comfort. The sunshine state can be easily enjoyed with a stay in Florida vacation rentals from Orlando holiday rentals, Miami Beach vacation rentals or Key West vacation villas.

Interesting video on the development of the highway connecting the Florida Keys with inland Florida.

Now, see it like it is today!



Vacations Rentals in Key West

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Gatorland Orlando, Orlando vacation rentals


Mar 13

Posted: under Destinations and Places.
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Very rare ghostly white alligators are on display at Gatorland Orlando. Do not mistake these white alligators for the more common pink-eyed albino alligators. These, called leucistic alligators, have steel blue eyes and it is believed that only a dozen of the 5 million alligators in the US are born and live this way. Their pigments are actually a result of a genetic defect but it is said that those who can make eye contact with leucistic alligators can expect good fortune.

The four leucistic alligator brothers will be on display in the White Gator Swap section of Gatorland Orlando through Labor Day. Find nearby, affordable Orlando vacation rentals or Orlando vacation homes.

Admission:
Ages 13 +: $22.99
Ages 2 – 13: $14.99

For more information, call 407-855-5496 or 800-393-5297. You can also visit www.gatorland.com

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Top Family Destinations in Florida, Florida Vacations


Feb 12

Posted: under Destinations and Places, Florida.
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Florida, the sunshine state offers a variety of top family destinations and activities for all types of vacationers. Whether you are a single man, woman, group of friends or a family, you are sure to find Florida vacations of interest.

Florida vacations attract families from all over the world with their extensive portfolio of attractions. Florida top family destinations and attractions are not only concentrated in Orlando, but scattered throughout the state from Tampa to Miami. Families can go on Florida vacations for weeks and never get bored. Stay in Florida holiday rentals near the attractions for an extra convenient stay.

Best Family Attraction in Cape Canaveral, Florida

Best Family Attraction in Daytona, Florida

The Best Family Attractions in Tampa, Florida

The Best Family Attractions in Orlando Florida

The Best Family Attractions in Miami Florida

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The Best Family Attractions in Orlando Florida


Feb 12

Posted: under Destinations and Places, Florida.
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Orlando is Florida’s top family destinations point with close to 90 million visitors every year. Orlando Florida vacations are strongly focused on family-friendly attractions. Reserve Orlando vacation rentals or hotels near the popular attractions so you can just walk right over. Below are the most important ones.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando Florida

The late Walt Disney pioneered these top family destinations which are now the “kingdom” of the area. Disney is, of course, not only for kids. Many adults go…alone. Children are delighted to interact with all the famous Disney characters. The Magic Kingdom truly feels magical. There are so many attractions for guests of all ages on Orlando Florida vacations. Rides like Peter Pan or Cinderella cater to the younger guests while the older guests will get a thrill out of testing their courage in Splash Mountain or Space Mountain.

disney-magic-kingdom

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/
3111 World Dr.,
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
407-939-6244

Universal Studios, Orlando Florida

Universal Studio offers many rides based on Hollywood movies or cartoons such as Jaws, Spiderman or Shrek. The roller coasters are particularly amazing and make this park one of the top family destinations. Find Florida vacation rentals near Universal Studios Theme Park.

www.universalorlando.com
6000 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819
407-224-4233

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Florida Outlet Malls, Florida travel


Feb 12

Posted: under Destinations and Places, Florida.
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Vacationers enjoying Florida travel love the great weather, pristine beaches, nature and the large variety of Florida attractions and activities. Florida offers incredible shopping experiences all over the state including renowned malls such as Bal Harbour Mall or Aventura Mall in Miami. Florida is known all over the world for its extensive network of Florida Outlet Malls. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a millionaire to dress like celebrities like Paris Hilton.

Florida Outlet Malls offer incredible discounts with major American and International luxury brands such as Todds, Gucci and more. Bargain hunters will find satisfaction in Florida Outlet Malls. Shop Florida Outlet Malls when you take a break from the wonderful beaches during your Florida travel. Below is a list of Florida Outlet Malls:

shopping-and-outlets-3

Orlando Premium Outlets
Some of the best upscale name-brand outlet stores

Prime Outlets - Ellenton
Over 130 factory-direct stores and a food court located between Tampa and Sarasota

Prime Outlets - Florida City
Over 50 name-brand outlet stores located south of Miami and North of the Florida Keys.

Prime Outlets - Naples
Over 40 brand-name outlet stores just southeast of Naples.

Prime Outlets - Orlando
Over 170 brand-name stores in this largest Central Florida outlet center.

Prime Outlets - St. Augustine
Over 60 name-brand outlet stores.

Sawgrass Mills - Sunrise
Florida’s largest shopping mall with over 350 discount retailers and restaurants

St. Augustine Premium Outlets
Over 85 outlet stores

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Florida Travel Coupons, Florida travel


Feb 12

Posted: under Destinations and Places, Florida.
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Everyone could use some help financially these days. Especially if you are need an escape or a vacation. Make a Florida travel vacation easier and more affordable with Florida travel coupons.

Florida Coupons and Discounts:

1. See Visitors Magazines provides a wide selection of coupons for almost every city in Florida - www.see-florida.com

2. Theme Park and Attraction Discounts:

Butterfly World Coupon -  http://www.butterflyworld.com/images/coupon.gif

Monkey Jungle Discount Coupon - http://www.monkeyjungle.com/discount.htm

Flamingo Gardens and Coupons - http://www.flamingogardens.org/coupon.htm

AAA Membership Card Discounts - http://www.aaasouth.com/SYCS_attractions.asp

Sarasota Jungle Gardens - http://www.sarasotajunglegardens.com/jungle/?page_id=39

It is highly advised to revise Florida theme parks and attractions’ websites when planning a visit since the usually offer Florida travel deals, discounts and special offers.

Florida Fun Card - Florida residents can purchase a SeaWorld Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Fun Card and enjoy unlimited visits in 2009 to that same park for nearly the price of a single-day admission. The Fun Card can be bought at www.seaworld.com and www.buschgardens.com.

florida-theme-parks-magic-kingdom

3. Senior Travel Clubs

AAA - https://www.aaasouth.com/home.aspx

AARP (American Association of Retired People) - http://products.aarp.org/

It is always good to plan your vacations in advance and check online travel magazines or guides such a Miami guides to find the best discounts or even travel coupons.  Usually, Florida travel coupons often provide discounts on attractions, shopping and lodging such as Miami vacation rentals, vacation rentals in Florida, Orlando vacation rentals and Sarasota vacation rentals.

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Distance Between Cities in Florida, Florida Vacations


Feb 12

Posted: under Destinations and Places, Florida.
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Florida is a large state covering an area of 65,795 square miles. It is 361 miles wide and 447 miles long. People on Florida vacations hoping to explore several cities should be well organized and plan their Florida trip and routes well in advance.

We selected the major vacation destinations in Florida and computed the distance between cities in Florida to help those on Florida vacations plan their trip. People who plan to explore on Florida vacations will discover great cities with many different attractions and points of interest. The roads in Florida are very well maintained and renting a car is easy and inexpensive. Directions from city to city are very clear.

The use of a car is strongly recommended when exploring the sunshine state on Florida vacations. Hereunder, find a grid containing the distance between cities in Florida. Look into affordable lodging options at each destination. The best quality found for the most affordable prices are vacation rentals: Miami vacation rentals, Florida vacation rentalsDaytona Beach vacation rentals and more.

florida-city-routes

Distance Between Cities in Florida:

Boca Raton Bradenton Clearwater Cocoa Beach Daytona Beach Ft. Lauderdale Ft.  Myers
Boca Raton · 201 247 204 212 17 142
Bradenton 201 · 47 164 172 209 84
Clearwater 247 41 · 152 160 256 124
Daytona Beach 212 168 160 78 · 229 207
Ft. Lauderdale 17 209 256 221 229 · 133
Ft.  Myers 142 84 124 193 207 133 ·
Ft. Pierce 79 148 170 69 133 97 123
Gainesville 295 164 132 156 98 312 230
Jacksonville 300 223 261 156 89 317 285
Key West 193 353 399 350 405 177 270
Kissimmee 176 103 97 50 71 193 141
Lakeland 193 61 54 101 108 210 109
Melbourne 126 158 158 8 86 144 170
Miami 39 220 270 192 251 22 141
Naples 121 117 164 232 241 105 34
Ocala 258 129 103 119 76 276 195
Orlando 192 114 106 47 54 209 153
Panama City 519 364 328 382 331 536 448
Pensacola 613 458 433 485 425 630 541
St. Augustine 264 214 185 118 53 281 251
St. Petersburg 226 26 21 162 159 234 110
Sarasota 199 13 52 176 181 201 71
Sebring 135 79 123 124 140 150 85
Tallahassee 427 272 235 289 234 444 356
Tampa 218 41 20 130 139 234 123
West Palm Beach 26 176 217 127 187 43 124
Ft.  Myers Ft. Pierce Gainesville Jacksonville Key West Kissimmee Lakeland
Boca Raton 142 79 295 300 193 176 193
Bradenton 84 148 164 223 353 103 61
Clearwater 124 170 132 261 399 97 54
Daytona Beach 207 133 98 89 405 71 108
Ft. Lauderdale 133 97 312 317 177 193 210
Ft.  Myers · 123 230 285 270 141 109
Ft. Pierce 123 · 217 221 272 98 118
Gainesville 230 217 · 69 474 123 121
Jacksonville 285 221 69 · 493 152 180
Key West 270 272 474 493 · 355 363
Kissimmee 141 98 123 152 355 · 44
Lakeland 109 118 121 180 363 44 ·
Melbourne 170 47 175 174 319 54 98
Miami 141 118 331 338 155 212 220
Naples 34 154 264 319 236 175 143
Ocala 195 181 37 95 436 87 87
Orlando 153 114 109 134 371 18 54
Panama City 448 441 236 260 698 347 339
Pensacola 541 535 330 354 792 441 433
St. Augustine 251 184 73 39 456 115 152
St. Petersburg 110 165 143 208 379 95 52
Sarasota 71 146 177 236 341 116 74
Sebring 85 79 170 219 304 71 60
Tallahassee 356 349 144 163 606 255 247
Tampa 123 145 128 188 387 74 32
West Palm Beach 124 54 269 274 219 150 168
Melbourne Miami Naples Ocala Orlando Panama City Pensacola
Boca Raton 126 39 121 258 192 519 613
Bradenton 158 220 117 129 114 364 467
Clearwater 158 270 ? 103 106 328 433
Daytona Beach 86 251 241 76 54 331 425
Ft. Lauderdale 144 22 105 276 209 548 650
Ft.  Myers 170 141 34 195 153 448 550
Ft. Pierce 47 118 154 181 114 451 554
Gainesville 175 38 264 37 109 237 339
Jacksonville 174 338 319 95 134 265 368
Key West 319 155 236 436 371 702 805
Kissimmee 54 212 175 87 18 353 455
Lakeland 98 220 143 87 54 339 433
Melbourne · 165 201 138 67 399 493
Miami 165 · 107 294 228 561 663
Naples 201 107 · 229 187 483 589
Ocala 138 294 229 · 72 264 366
Orlando 67 228 187 72 · 336 438
Panama City 399 555 481 262 334 · 107
Pensacola 493 649 575 356 428 107 ·
St. Augustine 137 302 285 83 98 298 404
St. Petersburg 149 245 143 113 96 342 435
Sarasota 174 211 105 142 127 376 481
Sebring 121 161 117 133 86 397 500
Tallahassee 307 463 389 170 242 97 199
Tampa 129 245 156 93 85 332 434
West Palm Beach 101 64 147 233 166 507 609
St. Augustine St. Petersburg Sarasota Sebring Tallahassee Tampa West Palm Beach
Boca Raton 264 226 199 135 427 218 26
Bradenton 216 26 12 79 271 41 176
Clearwater 185 21 52 ? 235 20 217
Daytona Beach 53 159 181 140 234 139 187
Ft. Lauderdale 285 241 211 150 455 237 40
Ft.  Myers 251 109 71 85 355 123 121
Ft. Pierce 187 167 150 79 358 148 59
Gainesville 72 145 180 170 143 130 278
Jacksonville 38 217 248 219 168 196 279
Key West 468 381 344 304 606 391 223
Kissimmee 115 94 121 71 257 78 155
Lakeland 152 52 74 60 247 32 168
Melbourne 137 149 171 121 307 129 101
Miami 310 255 217 161 468 251 67
Naples 292 146 107 117 391 159 160
Ocala 82 116 146 133 171 98 242
Orlando 98 104 130 86 243 84 171
Panama City 298 344 376 395 97 332 507
Pensacola 404 448 481 489 199 434 609
St. Augustine · 198 230 183 201 180 243
St. Petersburg 197 · 39 102 250 20 200
Sarasota 230 39 · 89 283 51 179
Sebring 183 106 92 · 304 90 113
Tallahassee 201 248 283 303 · 239 412
Tampa 180 19 51 84 239 · 199
West Palm Beach 243 208 179 109 412 199 ·

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