Caitlin Moore asked:


Travelers hungry for a change of pace but who prefer to stay within the United States will find Florida to be a natural choice. With 1,100 miles of coastline and a peninsula filled to the brim with theme parks, natural wonders, and night life, the sunshine state is a treasure trove of vacation delights.

Beginning with the obvious, the beaches in Florida are a major attraction. They range from remote and isolated to popular and packed with sun-seekers, and many offer diversions such as surfing, shelling, and celebrity-seeking. Rugged stretches of sand are great for exploring and picking up sand dollars, while more manicured areas offer the best sun tanning around. No matter which area of the state you plan to visit, there will certainly be a place to kick of your shoes and wade into the nearby surf.

While you’re near the water, be sure to save some time to squeeze in some fishing. Florida boasts that it has the best fishing in the world, so pack up the tackle box and see if the title is deserved. Or, if you prefer to observe rather than catch, put on your diving or snorkeling gear and head to the nearest reef.

In the interest of the kids, and the kids we used to be, nowhere else compares to Florida when it comes to the number and diversity of available theme parks. Disney, which includes the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom, certainly deserves some time. And don’t forget about Sea World, Universal Studios, the Kennedy Space Center, or any of the numerous water parks that dot the land.

Golfers will find themselves in a veritable heaven, as courses seem to occur naturally and every day of the year is fit for enjoying 18 holes. There are over 1,000 golf courses in Florida, many of which are designed by the biggest names in the sport. In other words, don’t forget to pack your clubs.

If you come alive after the sun sets, you’ll find plenty of exciting prospects in places like Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Key West. Seafood restaurants, dance clubs, and a variety of shows make the nights in Florida fly by. Before you know it, dawn will be breaking as you return to your room with a head filled with music and memories of a state that truly knows how to have a good time.

If you want to ensure that you’ll have a comfortable stay during your sunny adventure, be aware that Florida is filled with vacation rentals of all shapes and sizes. Many of these properties contain all the amenities of home and make it easier to avoid the pitfalls of long lines and cramped quarters sometimes associated with vacationing. So whether you aim to be near a beautiful beach or the fantasy lands of Orlando, the perfect vacation rental is waiting for you.

After you have decided what is important to you when it comes to choosing a place to stay, be it location, special features, or size, visit HomeAway.com for the widest selection of Florida Vacation Rentals.



Annette

Ryan Erisman asked:


By now you’ve heard the news. With a surplus of homes and a temporary lack of interested buyers, real estate in Florida is on sale. For those looking for a second home, or thinking about going ahead and buying a home that they may actually retire to in a couple of years, it’s a great time to be in the market.

But, should current home prices and real estate market mania be the only factors under consideration?

Of course not, so let’s ignore prices for just a moment and explore some of the other factors that need to play into your Florida real estate purchase decisions today. I’m talking about things like:

• finding the best part of Florida for you

• how to choose the right type of community

• real estate taxes and property insurance, and

• maintaining your new home in Florida while you’re away

Consider this your road map to buying a second home or your eventual retirement home in Florida today.

Finding The Best Florida Location for You

One of the most common mistakes people make when buying in Florida is finding a home, falling in love with it instantly, buying it or having it built, and then waking up after the first night in it and realizing the surrounding area has nothing to offer you in terms of your pastimes or interests.

The home is important, of course, but you should spend just as much time investigating the surrounding area as you do looking for the perfect home. You should ask yourself if the area and surrounding community offer the types of activities you enjoy and the level of shopping, dining, and other services you’re used to or expect.

For Jeff and Laura Harris of New Hampshire, choosing the town of Port Orange on the east coast of Florida for their second home was an easy decision. Jeff says, “My brother Dan has owned a house 10 minutes away for a couple years prior to us moving down. We’d been to visit him several times and fell in love with the area. Plus with him nearby we’ve always got someone to hang out with.”

Also, think about family members you hope to come visit, your kids and grand kids. Is it more important to be 10 minutes from Disney World, or do they prefer to spend most of their time relaxing on the beach? The last thing you want to do is move to Florida leaving your kids and grand kids behind, and then nobody wants to come visit you because there’s nothing to do.

What kind of community is right for you: Choosing the right kind of community for your retirement or second home plays a close second to choosing the right place.

There are gated communities, maintenance-free communities, active-adult communities, manufactured home communities, golf communities, condominium communities, as well as combinations of each of these types. You should seriously consider what type of community and what combination of community amenities will be right for your lifestyle, because the type of community your home is in will determine a lot of things such as your enjoyment and quality of life, not to mention your home’s future value if that’s important to you.

New Hampshire’s Jeff and Laura chose a maintenance-free, gated community for their second home. “We liked the fact that everything would be taken care of for us while we are away. We didn’t lose any sleep wondering if the yard had been cut or if the shrubs had been trimmed and it was all covered in our monthly assessments. Plus the security gates gave us an added peace of mind.”

The community Jeff and Laura chose also included a clubhouse, the fees for which account for nearly one-third of their monthly assessment. Laura says, “it’s nice knowing it’s there if we want to use it, but I can’t really say we get our money’s worth out of it.”

Another important consideration when choosing a community is the restrictions that you’ll be expected to abide by. These can either work in your favor, or against you.

For example, if your neighbor wants to paint his house school bus yellow, most communities with restrictions would require an architectural board’s approval before your neighbor could go through with his painting project, and his request would hopefully be denied.

But lets suppose for a moment that part of your Florida daydream includes a 24-foot motorboat, but after towing it home you realize it won’t fit in your garage. If you think you’ll just stick it in the backyard or park it in the driveway, you might have a problem in most communities with restrictions.

But in either case, these restrictions are an important part of maintaining order in a community and protecting the aesthetics as well as home values.

Insuring your piece of paradise

Homeowners insurance rates, especially in coastal areas of Florida, tend to be higher than what you might be used to, and coverage can be hard to find depending on the location, age of the home and the type of construction. This is ultimately a result of the 2004 hurricane season when no less than four hurricanes affected the Florida peninsula.

“The insurance issue definitely played a role in our choice of neighborhood. We knew the further inland we chose, the better off we’d be as far as rates were concerned,” said Jeff.

Another reality you’ll have to contend with is that of the 200 or so private homeowners insurance companies in Florida, less than 20 percent are writing new policies. That said, insurance is available, you may just have look a little harder than you might have expected.

So, where should you start? After asking for referrals from your real estate agent or friends and family already living in Florida, you should also be sure to check the Florida Market Assistance Program at www.fmap.org. This is a referral service created by the Florida legislature to connect those who need homeowners insurance with those who are writing new policies.

If all else fails, you can always turn to Citizens Property Insurance at http://www.citizensfla.com, the state run “insurer of last resort”. Rates will be higher than in the private market, and this is by design so that the government doesn’t compete with private insurers. So, in the end you’ll pay more but it beats going uninsured.

One last insurance recommendation is flood insurance. Most people neglect to get it, as its not required in all areas, and if you own your home free and clear, it’s not required at all. But, no matter if it’s required in the area your Florida home is in or not, you should definitely consider it. You’ll find that the rates are fairly reasonable, especially in areas where coverage is not required.

Property Taxes

In most parts of the state you should expect to pay between 1.5 and two percent of your home’s assessed value when you get your tax bill. The best way to get an idea of what your tax bite may be once you own a home in Florida is to contact the local property appraiser’s office.

Their job, besides placing a value on all property in their area, is to provide residents and prospective homeowners with the most current property tax information. You can find links to most county property appraiser’s websites at the Florida Department of Revenue website at http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/property/appraisers.html

Homeowners who qualify for the homestead exemption by making Florida their primary residence enjoy a $25,000 reduction in the assessed value of their home, which affords the average homeowner about a $500 savings each year on their tax bill. A new proposal to increase the amount of homestead exemption to $50,000 will come up for a vote in January 2008.

Another part of the proposal up for vote in January is a cap of 10 percent on increases in assessments for homes owned by people who are not full-time residents. Many politicians and real estate agents lobbied for a five percent cap on non-homesteaded property (homesteaders currently enjoy a three percent cap) but they were ultimately unsuccessful.

But unless Florida home prices spike again in the near future, this shouldn’t be a major issue for those of you who are not planning on making your Florida home a permanent residence.

Home (left) Alone

Another thing to consider when purchasing a second home in Florida, is what will become of it when you’re hundreds or thousands of miles away in another state. How can you be sure that everything is taken care of while you’re away?

Assuming you don’t have the convenience of having a friend or relative in the area like the Harrises did, you could opt for a maintenance-free community, or even a townhouse or condominium. In these types of communities you’d know that the exterior of your home was being maintained, and you won’t have any angry looks from the neighbors when you come to visit because your grass is three feet high.

Another option is to hire out the work of maintaining the exterior of your home. The only problem with this is that things happen, people get sick or don’t show up or just go out of business. How would you know if this were to happen to the person in charge of maintaining your home?

The business of “Second Home Concierges” is thriving because so many people are opting for the second home lifestyle. A concierge of this type would typically be given a key to your home, and would perform routine checks of the homes exterior and interior, making sure necessary maintenance is taken care of for you. Fees and the level of services performed vary by area, and you can start your search for businesses offering this service in the pages of this magazine, as well as online.

I hope I’ve given you some important things to think about when considering Florida for a second home or your eventual retirement home. It’s a great place to live, and it’s much more enjoyable when you have the knowledge to make the most of the experience. Follow the information I’ve outlined here and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the Florida lifestyle you’ve dreamed of.



Steve

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

Sylvestor Johnson asked:


Every city and town of Florida leaves a mark of its diversity of culture and experience. There are many exotic places in Florida to visit such as theme parks, universal studios, Busch gardens and many more as it is very difficult to list them all. Florida is loaded with number of places to visit and lost of things to do there. Florida has something for every age group that is from beauty to adventure. And, enjoyment in Florida gets doubles when after a tiring day you get a place where you can relax as home which is only possible through Florida vacation rental by owner.

Florida vacation rental by owner implies taking a home on rent at holidaying destination directly through an owner of the house. You also have other option to accommodate while holidaying that is in hotels or any other accommodation. But, accommodating at hotels is an expensive as it involves huge cost which subsequently increases the rent of the rooms. Thus, Florida vacation rental by owner is comparatively cheaper than accommodating in hotels. In this way you can save an amount of money which can be further utilized on other activities in Florida.

There is variety of Florida rental vacation which is being offered by owner that is villas, condos, apartments, cottages etc.

You can easily locate the owners offering vacation rental at Florida through online mode. You are only required to do research on the internet and for sure you will get number of offers for vacation rental by owners. But, before that you are also required to fill an application which asks for certain personal details and preferred location of vacation rental in Florida. And, finally you can choose from wide range the one which suits your budget and needs.

The reason as to why Florida vacation rentals are preferred over hotels is that the vacation rentals are more spacious and are more comfortable. Above all, no one can disturb as the one is disturbed while residing at hotel.

Florida vacation rental by owner serves you all the facilities which are available at one house that is fully furnished kitchen, living room, spacious bed room, swimming pool, washer, dryer, laundries etc. These all facilities make you feel as if you enjoying at holidaying destination but relaxing at home.



Joann

florida asked:


Florida is one of the most exciting places to visit in USA. It is popularly known as the sunshine state as it has sunshine all round the year. Florida is one of the best destinations suited to visit for every occasion whether it is honeymoon, trip with your children, or even to enjoy the festive holidays. Florida is well known for its excellent beaches and the sub tropical climate. Here is a list of few of the must see places in Florida:

In Tampa the first place which you need to visit is the Busch gardens. It is a 335 acre theme park all based on African theme featuring beautiful fountains, beautiful water rides and other amusing rides. The end feeling which remains after an exciting visit to the Busch gardens is an all in all thrilling experience with loads of memories. It is a complete treat to visit this place as it has all family rides and the best animal exhibits; it has a treat for the people of all ages’ right from the age of five years to sixty. 

If you are looking forward for some more animal destinations then visit the Lowry park zoo where you can have a glance of almost 2000 animals. Recently the Lowry Park Zoo has been awarded as the number one Zoo in the world. Further to add to your excitement the Zoo does not merely have exhibits of animals but you have a wide range of rides as well as shows. 

If you love fishes and have a dream to swim along with them; then here is one of the best places waiting to fulfill this dream of yours. For this you need to visit Florida aquarium and you can have a dive with the sharks and dolphins. The Florida aquarium is a cool way to see the inner world of water. The aquarium has almost ten thousand sea plants at its exhibit.

Do not forget the beaches in Florida; they are among the most well maintained beaches and the North beach has the maximum tourist. It is one of the best swimming area, a day is worth spending at the beach sunbathing and relaxing. To my knowledge visiting the beach is one of the best options to feel relaxing. Further to add spice to the mixture there is Fort De Soto Park known for its beautiful, scenic, natural setting and the local wildlife.

Another thing which you cannot afford to miss is the Walt Disney World resort, it is the large complex having several theme and water parks and not to forget the magic kingdom. SO if you visiting Florida one destination not to be forgotten is the Walt Disney world resort.



Marjorie

Jen W. asked:


When beginning your search for the ideal place to spend a weeklong vacation, consider the veritable wonderland of attractions and amusements that populate the state of Florida. With its warm weather and 1,100 miles of coastline, Florida is perfect for a fishing adventure, a relaxing week on the beach, or an action-packed family vacation. Make your way to Florida for your next trip and experience all the fun and excitement the Sunshine State has to offer.

On Florida’s Panhandle, visitors will find cities such as Destin and Panama City that are a part of one of the most beautiful stretches of waterfront land found anywhere in the country. Perched along the Emerald Coast, the beaches here have sugar white sands that will roll over your feet as you stroll along the shore, soaking in the sight of emerald-green water. With such high-quality water at your disposal, you may find it difficult to pull yourself away from the numerous offshore activities that can easily fill the duration of trip, including snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, and kayaking.

If you are leaning towards an adventure on the Florida Gulf Coast, consider the Tampa Bay area for an always exciting excursion filled to the brim with diverse amusements. Although the beaches along Clearwater and St. Petersburg are an obvious way to fill your day, these areas are also teeming with natural beauty that is just begging to be explored. Here you will find underdeveloped barrier islands, nature parks, and botanical gardens so you can see a side of Florida that exists beyond the beaches all while getting a little exercise in, too.

As one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, the Orlando/Disney area is a must-see for anyone with young children or anyone who cannot ignore the inner child inside of us all. With Walt Disney World’s four parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom, located here, you could spend the duration of your trip navigating these distinct and highly-entertaining attractions. However, before you leave the Orlando area with your family, be sure to check out the other great amusements outside of Disney World, including SeaWorld, Universal Studios, and the water parks of Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

For those who prefer the Atlantic side of Florida, West Palm Beach is ideal for kicking back and enjoying amazingly scenic golf courses. The PGA National Golf Club has five championship courses that will challenge even the most experienced and well-rounded golfers with their astounding length and difficult hazards. With designs by Arnold Palmer and Tom Fazio, you can expect the gorgeous Florida landscape to be framed by stunning water hazards and lush green fairways.

When searching for a multitude of cultural attractions and a lively nightlife, Miami is the place to head for entertainment that certainly will not be forgotten. With a Hispanic background prevalent in the area, you can sample some of the diverse Spanish offerings at the Latin American Art Museum and Little Havana. And at night, you can find a wide selection of night clubs, ranging from blues to jazz to even rumba rap, that will meet your needs and leave you dancing in the streets as you make your way home.

The Florida Keys are the perfect getaway no matter what kind of attractions you are searching for. The Upper Keys are known for their excellent diving since the continent’s only living barrier reef is easily accessed from the east side and with Key Largo located here, you can find the typical tourist recreation to keep you occupied for the duration of your trip. Popular in the Upper Keys and Middle Keys, sportfishing is an excellent way to get out onto the water and try for a variety of fish such as tarpon, tuna, and sailfish. While the Lower Keys are known for being the quieter area of the Keys, you can easily head to the lower tip and experience the spontaneous parties and excitement of Key West.

No matter which part of Florida you decide to visit, your adventure can be filled with whatever kind of recreation interests and relaxes you. For the perfect cap on a promising trip, choose accommodations that make it easy to enjoy your Florida destination with all the gusto you can possibly imagine. Florida vacation rentals are located in the all the areas that matter most to you, so experience the convenience and comfort of home by staying in a home or condo rental that makes it easy to enjoy the beauty and attractions of this amazing state.



Laurie

Ray La Foy asked:


The Sunshine State is one of the world’s biggest getaway locations for a lot of reasons. Pristine beaches, excellent food, outdoor adventures and world-class amusement parks combine to make a Florida vacation one-of-a-kind. But for those who want to enjoy it all and save a little money and perhaps planning time, too, nothing compares to Florida vacation packages.

No matter the desired destination, Florida has a lot to see. From the historic roots of St. Augustine and the beach fun of Fort Lauderdale to the high-class shopping of Coconut Grove and the night life of Miami, there’s so much to see and do, one trip can’t cover it all. Trying to plan the perfect trek can be nearly impossible. But for those who take advantage of vacation package offers, a lot of the “little details” that can bog down vacation fun melt away.

Vacation packages can range from simple offers that combine hotel accommodations and airfare to elaborate undertakings that cover everything from meals and amusement park tickets to hotel accommodations and even live entertainment. Tours are sometimes even included or at least offered as optional buy ups along with rental cars and more.

For those heading to Florida for vacation, the rental car is almost a must. Unlike many other tourist areas, Florida doesn’t have a lot of public transportation. And even so, there’s so much to see and do, to not have a car could cut out some fantastic and affordable side trips.

Here are some of the highlights of different parts of the Sunshine State:

North Florida, Panhandle: The beaches of Destin are famous for their pristine quality. This area is known for its laid-back Florida style and warm Southern hospitality. Nearby visitors will find the state capital of Tallahassee and even Jacksonville within a fairly short driving distance. The great outdoors is key here with fishing, swimming, sailing and more all on tap.

East Coast – The East Coast of Florida is famous for its surfing beaches heralded for their Spring Break activity. From Fort Lauderdale to Daytona, the swim and surf fun is incredible. Here visitors will also find the ancient city of St. Augustine with its fort, oldest schoolhouse and more.

South Florida – Miami, Coral Gables, the keys and beyond are all major attractions here.

Central/West Florida – From Tampa and St. Petersburg to Orlando, this is the amusement park corridor. Disney, Busch Gardens, Universal, Sea World and Adventure Island are all found in this part of the state as is great shopping and museum hopping in St. Pete and Sarasota.

Outdoors types revel in Florida’s many options. From hiking and biking to hunting, fishing and camping, the state is jam packed with outdoor areas to explore. The Everglades are spectacular as are the wooded areas in the Ocala National Forest.

Seeing all Florida has to offer in a single trip is nearly impossible, but well-created packages can go a long way toward helping vacationers achieve their goals while taking the details of planning off their shoulders.



Ruby

Remy Jirek asked:


Have you ever considered a Florida vacation? If so, then you are not the only one, as this state consistently attracts millions of tourists every single year. There are hundreds of reasons that people choose to visit Florida, ranging from the wonderful climate, beautiful scenery, to the amusement resorts. Here is everything you need to know about planning your vacation to the sunshine state, including: how to get started, what to do while you’re there, and how to make the most out of every penny.

Initiating the Vacation

The first thing you need to do if you want to go to Florida is decide how you are going to travel there. By contacting a travel agent, you can likely find a vacation package that will suit your needs. These packages generally include airfare, accommodations, tours, and other exciting features, and usually for a discount. For those who prefer to customize their own vacation, you can contact the airlines to find cheap rates or take a bus (if you are looking to save). It is best to wait for a time when a travel company is having a sale or special promotion, as that will get you the best rates (try to be as flexible as possible).

Planning Trips: Where to Go

The most difficult task you will face when planning your trip to Florida is deciding what you will do when you get there. You can choose resorts, such as Disney World, or cruises on magnificent ships. You could even bypass both and find your own forms of entertainment in cities like Miami, Orlando, or Tallahassee. With so much to do, it is recommended that you research this state based on your interests because there is something there for everyone.

Saving Money

To get the most out of your trip, you should look into a bargain vacation. Bargains are available at every step of the vacation planning process, such as choosing where to eat, where to stay, who to fly with, etc. If you want to save on accommodations, look into people who temporarily leave their homes and allow them to be short-term rentals.

If you plan to stay for two weeks or more, finding a place like this will allow you optimal savings (unless you have a friend or relative who will give you a place to stay for no charge). Finally, try to avoid fancy restaurants, as fine dining is available anywhere you go. You will want to spend as little as possible on food if you wish to make the most of your vacation.

Don’t Wait Til The Last Minute

You should start planning your vacation right away if you plan to make it the best it can be. By planning now, you will allow yourself increased flexibility, in addition to giving yourself time to research everything that you might want to do while you’re there. Remember, the sooner you plan for your vacation, the more memorable it will be, guaranteed.



Robert

David Arnold Livingston asked:


So you have saved enough money for a Florida vacation. You are very excited. You want to go to the beach but still have access to other amenities. But you don’t where to go.

Well there’s no better place to go than to Florida. If your purpose is to have fun and relax, Florida is the perfect place to be.

Florida is known as the Sunshine State because of its long stretches of sandy beaches, larger-than-life theme parks and near perfect climate all year round. It is because of these attractions, Florida is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Florida is composed of 1,200 miles of sugary white beaches and surrounded by clear blue seas. Florida offers a unique blend of tropical sunshine, modern Miami culture and warm Southern hospitality. The best thing you will love about Florida is the weather. Florida’s average temperature is in the mid 80’s in the summer, and the mid 70’s in the winter.

To experience Florida as its best, it is highly advisable that you rent a vacation rental home or a beach front condo that would provide you with the perfect sand and sea holiday.

Aside from swimming and basking under the Florida sun, you can do other fun activities in the sunny state. You can enjoy a round of golf in the cosmopolitan city of Naples; you can do some canoeing through the waterways of Sarasota; you can fish at Fort Myers Beach or feast on the delicious seafood in Tarpon Springs. A Florida vacation would ensure you have a good time both indoors and outdoors.

Another fun activity to do in Florida, is shopping. Miami, in particular, is a very fashionable city. Miami is literally a melting pot of cultures.

To complete your Florida vacation you must visit Orlando, the homeland of Mickey. Orlando is a vibrant city brimming with extravagant theme parks, shopping malls, late-night bars, restaurants and family catered entertainment. This is the reason why Orlando earned the distinction of being America’s theme capital.

Exploring Florida will take time because Florida is a very long state. Be aware that you will spend a lot of time on the road. if you want to visit both the Florida Panhandle and also Key West. So it would be necessary to spend at least two weeks in Florida to see all the sights. One week is simply not enough to catch all the fun Florida can offer.

If you are planning to work while you’re on vacation and will tote along your laptop, it will not be a problem as most hotels offer wireless Internet service. But it is advisable to call ahead to the hotel and verify the connection you can expect.

If you don’t like running into crowds, then plan your Florida vacation for the cooler seasons. You tend to get a bit better service and often a break on hotel prices. February and October are the two best months, due to the really nice weather. Also take note of local Florida events, like the lobster mini-season in the Florida Keys, the seafood festival in Cedar Key and the Daytona 500 NASCAR Race at Daytona Beach. Whatever your preferred activiites, take lots of sun screen!



Robin

Vincent Berkmans asked:


 

Did you know that Florida is one of the most sought after destinations in the US? Because of this, more and more Florida vacation home rentals are being advertised on newspapers, magazines and of course, on the internet.

 

Thanks to its year-round sunshine, combined with its 800 miles of ocean front, theme parks such as that of Walt Disney world, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, the demand for Florida vacation home rentals is surely on the rise. Aptly named as the sunshine state, Florida offers more than tropical beauty and modern Miami culture, it also has Southern hospitality which makes any vacation here truly memorable.

 

If you are planning to visit Florida and you would like to save a little on accommodation, staying at privately owned homes is the way to go. Of course there are other types of accommodation such as hotels, condos, apartments, chalets and cabins but getting Florida vacation home rentals offers greater privacy. Several homeowners in the state put up their homes for rent especially during the tourist season and this is really great because you can avoid the overcrowding and paper thin walls of commercial resorts. Aside from this, most Florida vacation home rentals are offered at tourist rates since you can talk directly with the owner and you no longer have to pay for the extra costs of a middle man. Other costs such as taxes, parking, tips, and telephone surcharges can be avoided.

 

Most private homes in Florida are built in great locations such as the beach front so you can get a great location without the extra charge! Most Florida vacation home rentals are also spacious and have abundant outdoor space compared to hotels which offers the same prices. This means comfortable accommodation for families and friends who are travelling in bulk! Also, since you are renting a private home, you can cook your food so you save on the markup price of food and drinks plus, you get to eat what you’re craving for! Ordering for kids at a restaurant can also be tedious sometimes and with kitchen amenities available in rental homes, this problem is solved!

 

Looking for Florida vacation home rentals is easy because a lot of them are actually listed on the internet, so much like the yellow pages. Most listing are sorted by owners, and provides information such as the number of rooms, amenities, property description including location and the rates. Of course, the contact details of the owners are provided upon request of those who are interested to rent.

 

If you are the type who loves to travel a lot but staying away from home makes you homesick, then renting out a vacation home can provide you the comfort you need while you are enjoying your vacation. All necessities are available and depending on your needs, you can also package in housekeeping, laundering and even cooking! Of course these all comes at an extra cost. Nevertheless, Florida vacation home rentals provide you with the change from your regular routine at home.



Patricia