Terry Hely asked:


Copyright (c) 2008 Terry Hely

During the 1960s, a gentleman by the name of Walt Disney started buying land on the outskirts of a quiet, sleepy little citrus farming town called Orlando in central Florida.

The remainder of that story is now history and by 1971, that land had become Walt Disney World. Today, Orlando has a resident population of approximately 200,000 people and visitor numbers swell that figure into the many millions.

Hear the words “Orlando, Florida” and your mind immediately conjures up images of entertainment theme parks, fairytale palaces, thrill rides and Disney characters loved the world over. The combination of the “big 3″ entertainment parks of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World, not to mention the many other smaller scale speciality parks, has no equal anywhere else in the world.

Located on the the outskirts of Orlando, the towns of Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee are home to most of the major entertainment park attractions. It’s no surprise that the accommodation industry generates a major portion of the Orlando economy and that it employs a high percentage of the local population.

The nearby towns of Winter Haven and Altamonte Springs offer a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Orlando and the parks. Their sedate pace and quiet rural charm provides a nostalgic glimpse of bygone times before the area became home to the world’s best known entertainment parks.

** Orlando Hotels And Resorts

Orlando has more beds to service the tourist industry than any other USA city except for Las Vegas. Orlando is the fifth most popular USA city for travelers visiting from overseas. It is not surprising that the accommodation industry represents a major portion of the Orlando economy and employs a high percentage of the local population.

Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to Orlando accommodation and every taste is catered for in every price range. Every imaginable type of accommodation is available in Orlando, ranging from fantasy resorts, themed luxury hotels and villas, exclusive golf resorts, vacation rentals, condominiums, bed and breakfasts, backpacker hostels, motor inns and motels… it’s all available in and around Orlando.

The parks have several entrances which can be separated from each other by quite a distance, so selecting accommodation near the best gate for you can be an important consideration. Orlando accommodation is often named for proximity to a particular theme park (Universal) or a particular gate (main gate east etc)

** Orlando Transport

At least 35 airlines and just as many charter operators fly into Orlando International Airport with the bulk of these flights being Delta which accounts for around 25% of the flights that originate in approximately 160 different cities.

Other airlines serving Orlando are America West, American, Air Canada, British Airways, Continental, Northwest and US Airways. Details about airport shuttle services and city transport is available from the excellent Orlando Airport website.

Amtrak is the USA rail service and it operates services to and from New York and Los Angeles and all stops in between. Amtrak provides connections to many of the surrounding towns such as Kissimmee, Sebring, Winter Haven, Sanford and Ocala.

An excellent way for getting around the International Drive Resort precinct is the I Ride trolley service. The LYNX bus service services routes throughout the downtown Orlando metropolitan area and surrounding cities.

The main highway through Orlando is I4, running directly from downtown Orlando to the Disney area. If you plan on driving in Orlando, be prepared for traffic, especially at rush hour.



Brenda

Gary Giardina asked:


Flanked by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the rest of the Atlantic Ocean to the south and east, Florida offers a myriad of alluring beaches for vacationing lovers. Whether you prefer the Panhandle or the east coast Florida has enough beaches and scenery for all. Many couples enjoy relaxing on the white, sandy beaches while listening to the calls of the seagulls flying overhead or the soothing melody of the waves crashing gently to shore. Some of the most private beaches can be found in Navarre Beach or other remote areas.

The Panhandle extends the hospitality of friendly locals and the simple pleasures of small, family owned restaurants that provide an endless supply of seafood and spirits. If the sights and sounds of nightlife are what entice you then Miami is the place to find it. Hot spots like the Marlin Hotel or the Opium Garden are just a couple of trendy clubs that beckon discerning couples.

Everyone knows that Disney is the premier wedding and honeymoon getaway. Disney provides endless fun-filled, romantic packages for young and old alike. Whether a couple prefers an action packed vacation spent enjoying the many rides or shows at Universal Studios or just being pampered at one of the luxury spas Disney is prepared to cater to every whim. With its fantasy honeymoon packages and accommodating staff no couple will want to leave.

Not to exclude the couple who likes variety, Florida offers many other activities. The golf courses in Florida provide the perfect way to spend a day together. From the Diamond Back Golf Club just 30 minutes from Disney World to the brand new Grand Cypress, golfers at all levels will have a fabulous time together on the links. Top it off with a shopping excursion that will please both men and women alike. Florida shopping includes artsy-shopping villages found in Sea Side for the more affluent shopper. There couples will find one-of-a-kind treasures by local artisans. Fun beach shops in Fort Lauderdale sell cute shirts airbrushed with anything the honeymooning couple desires. If couples just want to feel at home many of the malls have been revived and provide fabulous deals on clothing and d?r.

If lying on the miles of white sandy beaches just isn’t enough then South Beach extends an exciting, unforgettable experience for couples. Enjoy surfing in the morning or playing volleyball in the sand in the afternoon then winding down with a cool drink under a palm tree. Many restaurants include convenient “beach bars” for adults who need to cool down or just unwind and relax. If that still isn’t enough many a Florida fisherman would be happy to escort any couple on a deep sea fishing expedition. Bring home that marlin as a honeymoon memento no one could forget! Whatever your tastes, Florida provides the perfect romantic getaway for young couples embarking on a beautiful journey together or mature couples reveling in the pleasure of a well deserved, unforgettable second honeymoon.



Brittany

Mark Whichard asked:


If you are planning to spend a vacation or holiday in Orlando or at Disney World, then one of the first things you need to do is to figure out what kind of accommodations are best for you. Are you coming with your whole family or coming with a few friends? If so, then one of the best things you can do is to get an Orlando villa rental rather than reserving rooms in a hotel.

Renting a villa or vacation home has become a preference for savvy vacationers in Orlando due to several factors including convenience, luxury, location and above all economy.

The convenience factor is due to the fact that many of the villa rentals are located within minutes of Disney World. You will not have to spend much time in your car going to and from Disney World or other attractions. In fact, if you chose a villa in a resort community like Windsor Hills, you won’t have to drive at all.

Windsor Hills is a gated community located 1.5 from the gates of Disney World. The resort offers a shuttle bus service to Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios. But that is not all you get in this community.

Each home and villa at Windsor Hills features a master suite with king or queen size bed, TV and a master bathroom with a garden tub and separate shower. All vacation homes and rental villas have a private screened swimming pool with spa and all townhomes have a small pool. Each has a fully equipped kitchen with breakfast area and formal dining area, TV, VCR or DVD player and a washer and dryer. Homes are available with game rooms that include billiards, table tennis and air hockey along with play stations for kids.

That is not all you get when you rent a villa in a community like Windsor Hills. The community also offers a variety of recreation and activities for all ages including a children’s playground, state-of-the-art fitness center, sand volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, 40-seat movie theatre, video arcade and billiards.

While you get all these community services similar to what you would get in a hotel, you also have the privacy of your own home or villa. You can have a barbeque outside your private pool at night. Put your kids to sleep in their own rooms and enjoy the comfort of a spacious villa.

It sounds ideal, and it is ideal especially when you consider the price. A four bedroom home or villa at Windsor Hills starts at $160 per night. Can you get four bedrooms, a private pool and all the amenities I have listed above for $160 per night in any hotel in Orlando? The answer is no, and that is why thousands of visitors have chosen to stay in Orlando villa rentals rather than hotels.

Take a look at the villas that are on offer on this website and make your reservation now. The best villas are usually rented months in advance and if you wait to the last moment you will miss out on great opportunities.



Darrell

S.Palermo asked:


Florida is one of the most famous vacation spots in the U.S. It is a great melting pot where different races get together and party. From great beaches to awesome theme parks, Florida should be included on everyone’s must-visit list.

There are many ways to enjoy your Florida vacation, but you must plan carefully since Florida is a big state and there are lots of places to visit and have fun. If you are still in the planning process for your Florida vacation, here are some very helpful tips to guide you:

1. Determine the best time for you to visit

It really depends on the visitor. If great weather is your priority, you must schedule your vacation from October to April, when Florida is all dry and sunny, the perfect time for hitting the beaches. But you have to remember that hotels and other accommodation rates are at its highest during this peak season, so you have to be prepared to shell out more cash. If you plan to go to areas north of Lake Okeechobee, the fall and spring seasons is the best time to go. Winter is the best option for those who intend to stay in South Florida and the Keys.

Also, take note if your vacation time will fall on holidays, for hotel prices and crowds will be at premium. But if cash is not an issue for you, then holidays is a great time to see the fun and excitement of a Florida vacation. You can time your vacation during their local holidays: the NASCAR race in Daytona Beach, lobster season in the Keys and the seafood festival in Cedar Key. And of course, don’t forget the Spring Break, where practically everyone will be donning their bikinis and will party on the beach all day and night.

2. Where should you go?

Plan your itinerary as best as you can to make the most out of your Florida vacation. You should include the most popular tourist spots in the Sunshine State:

- state and national parks

- Disneyworld

- Florida Keys, Key West

- theme parks

- lots and lots of beaches

It depends on how much time you have. If you have only a week, then it’s best to stay in just one region, whether north, south, east or west.

3. What should you pack?

Lots and lots of swimsuits, especially if you’re staying near the beach. But remember that the weather in Florida can be quite unpredictable. Summers can be really scorching, and winters can also have daytime temperatures. Make sure to check weather reports regularly and bring light coats – cold fronts can come in your area anytime, so it’s better to be prepared. Otherwise, laid-back fashion is the best for your Florida vacation. You can find lots of people there in board shorts and skimpy tops, so your flip-flops and sneakers will do just fine.

4. Is there great Internet connection?

Since many people are already bringing their laptops with them even during their vacations, Internet connections are a primary concern. The best way to go about this is to call your hotel beforehand and inquire about their connection. Not all hotels have solid connection, and you should not just rely on what their brochures and online sites say; call them to know how high-speed the connection that you can expect is.



Juan

Daniel Millions asked:


For years, Florida vacations have been synonymous with a great getaway. Whether it’s a summer vacation trip to take in Walt Disney World, or escaping all the snow during the winter or Spring Break, Florida has always been the hot spot whose tropical weather has attracted millions year after year.

The best way to enjoy that adventure has always been and probably always will be a relaxing and private Florida vacation rental. But how do you figure out which one to choose? After all, the assortment of these secluded getaways is nothing short of abundant once you start looking.

Private vacation rentals are ideal for a small family because realistically, you can find an abode that provides a separate room for you and the wife (together, of course) and one for each of the children. Depending on the expense factor and your budget, the brother/sister combo in the same room may happen, but if you can afford it and avoid it, try to find a rental that has separate rooms for each of the children.

Another important point to think about is that there is a lot to see and do in Florida and some destinations that are inland, versus on the beach. Just remember that a trip to Florida is not complete without seeing the ocean and the Florida shores that it sweeps up against, so when searching for that perfect vacation rental, look towards the beach.

To continue with that thought about staying at the beach, remember that there is the Atlantic side as well as the Gulf side to investigate. Don’t ever sell the Gulf side short it can be just as pleasurable a getaway destination as the Atlantic side. Probably the best beach areas to look at are Maui Florida Keys, Destin Fort Lauderdale Daytona and Fort Myers Beach.

These five areas tend to get a little over-trafficked. However, with smart advanced planning you can find nice relaxing and private Florida vacation rentals in every location listed. Some of the best beach rentals are available at these locations, and you can find a rental property to suit everyone’s tastes, as well as the needs of the family. Whether you’re looking for a compact single bedroom, a nice 2-bedroom apartment, or even luxury homes with more than five bedrooms, you should be able to find it at any of these locations.

Here is some more food for thought when planning your Florida vacations: Think about the type of vacation that you want to take. Will you want to play golf while you’re vacationing, or are you looking for more of an Island Paradise theme? The golf thing is great if the wife and you enjoy it, but what about the children? This is one of the reasons why the Island type of getaway is great. It’s pure family time and a great way for you and the family to reconnect from the busy lives that you lead at home.

Finally, you want to make sure that wherever you stay, it is a safe and secure location. Also, never compromise on the cleanliness issue and make sure that all the appliances work in the vacation rental as well. Just remember that no matter what style of vacation you’re looking for relaxing and private Florida vacation rentals are by far your best option for taking that time away from the busy life.



Cynthia

Jason Martin asked:


Florida, the Sunshine State, is home to much more than just beaches. The entire state is a wondrous place filled with numerous attractions for vacationers.

Sure, you might know about Universal Studios and Walt Disney World, but here are a handful of vacation attractions you may not know of. We’re going on a wild Florida vacation ride that will include everything from romance to history.

Let’s just see what we can dig up in Florida.

Let’s Ride

If you like to hike or ride a bike, the Grayton Beach State Park offers a four-mile off road trail. There’s even a 10-mile bike path along Hwy.30.

Bikers who like a leisure pace and eye-popping scenery will enjoy all this great park has to offer.

Romance

For the romantic couples out there, I have a perfect place for you. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are as romantic as it can get. Take a walk on the white sandy beaches. You and your loved one with walk hand in hand experiencing pure tranquility.

History

If you are looking for stuff to do with the kids, take them to Jacksonville Museum of science and History. It’ll be fun for the whole family, and educational at the same time.

Silver Springs – Ocala, Florida

Silver Springs is a beautiful 350-acre “nature’s theme park.” Here you can see the underground springs from the famous glass-bottom boat. The Silver Springs surrounds the headwaters of the Silver River, the world’s largest artesian spring.

The Wild

For my money, the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, which spans over 35,000 acres, is also another must-see attraction. Enthusiastic nature lovers pack your backpacks and your tents and let’s go camping.

Florida Beaches

Fort De Soto Park North Beach is a great Florida beach.

It’s located near St. Petersburg, Florida, the Fort De Soto Park’s North Beach was ranked as the #1 beach in the nation in 2005 by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman also known as Dr. Beach, an environmental studies professor at the Florida International University in Miami.

Next stop, Clearwater and St. Pete beaches.

If you like playing volleyball with friends, the St Pete and Clearwater Beaches is the place for you to show off your moves.

Sunset Key Guest Cottages

Sometimes where you stay is an attraction all by itself. And Westin’s Sunset Key Guest Cottages is one of those places.

The Westin’s Sunset Key Guest Cottages is one of the top 500 places in the world to stay.

The 27-acre private island is located just 500 yards from the “Old Town” Key West. The island has 37 guest cottages.

So Much More in Florida

Florida has countless opportunities to enjoy. As you can see from this short list, we have beaches, romance, history, water fun, nature and so much more. Florida really is one of those special places to visit.

I hope this sampling of vacation attractions sparked an interest and gave you more ideas. From the beaches to canoeing to culture to fishing, Florida definitely has it all.



Steven

Kirby Collins asked:


Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are truly a Caribbean paradise that stretches from Key Largo to Key West. Key Largo is well known divers and snorkelers with clear water it’s the easiest Key to get to. Islamorada is the Gamefish Capital of Florida with both offshore fishing and inshore fishing for bonefish and tarpon. Bahia Honda Key is one of the most natural of the Florida Keys and popular with campers and snorkelers. And Key West is party central with Duval Street and the Annual FantasyFest.

Tampa

Tampa Florida is a busy metro area similar to other cities across the nation. What makes it special is it’s semi-tropical seaside location and the culture, which are considered by many as one and the same. Ybor City located in Tampa’s Latin Quarter, has become the new “South Beach”. Complete with clubs, restaurants and eclectic shops, the region has a strong Cuban flavor complete with merchants selling hand rolled cigars.

Tampa is also home to Busch Gardens, one of the most popular attractions in Florida and for good reason, Beer. But beer is not the only reason to visit Busch Gardens, there are roller coasters like the SheiKra and Gwazi. Busch Gardens is also home to Animal Attractions.

Miami

Miami is located at the south eastern and that’s what gives it the unique beaches and water quality. Even though the region is a major population area and shipping port, the clear Gulf Stream waters flush Biscayne Bay and the nearby shoreline. The close proximity of the Gulf Stream also makes offshore fishing some of the best anywhere. Fishing for marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and king mackerel are available year round.

Miami is also home to a large Cuban population giving the area a Latin flavor that impacts the fashion, food and nightclub atmosphere. There are also professional sports teams like the Miami Dolphins.

Orlando

Orlando Florida is one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the nation, and for good reason, theme parks. Disney, Universal and Seaworld are the most famous. But there are other attractions close by such as Gatorland, Wet N’ Wild and nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex.

Hotels and Resorts around Central Florida cater to visiting families and International Drive offers a shopping experience you won’t find anyplace else. Restaurants and dinner shows are also popular with the visiting families for any budget.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando, with nearby Port Canaveral it’s a great place to stay before and after a cruise. There are many great restaurants and nightclubs to enjoy, many right on the beach.

Families enjoy the wide sandy beaches of Cocoa Beach, they are some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. The Cocoa Beach Pier is a favorite for fishermen and tourist who just want to enjoy a cocktail or a cold beer while listening to island music.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is home to the international rich and famous with shops on Worth Ave and some of the nicest beaches in South Florida. Palm Beach is also popular with the yachting set with Palm Beach Inlet offering direct access to the Atlantic and nearby Gulf Stream.

Wherever you go in Florida, be sure to enjoy the fresh seafood and seasonal citrus to make your vacation one to remember.



Arthur