Five FREE Places You Can Spend Quality Time in Florida
Five FREE Places You Can Spend Quality Time in Florida
If you are thinking that being in Florida means you have to spend every move you make, well, you are wrong. You can still have a lot of fun without spending a cent either with your family and friends or just you. Of course, you won’t believe it! But take a little time reading this article and you will find out
Sunset Celebrations are FREE
One thing you should remember is that, Florida always has beautiful sunsets and people there always think it is worth-celebrating. Well, it is! Not just because it is free, but because people are used to it; everyday, before sunset, people from Key West and Clearwater Beach gather to celebrate. Live bands play, entertainers give joy to the crowd, painters starts to sketch, etc
FREE Top Beaches
You wouldn’t believe if I told you that you can enjoy along the beach of Florida for free. Well, I tell what; Fort DeSoto Park in Pinellas County offers free public recreation. It is not just because it’s free, but because it is one of America’s top beaches and is known for its “Paw Playground” and being a pet-friendly. There’s nothing else you need to do; just take a picnic or pack lunch and there for the whole day until you can see the spectacular views of the setting sun!
National Naval Aviation Museum has FREE Admission
You don’t have to worry much when you are at the museum because it offers free parking space and admission; although, you just have to look for a space to park your car within the compound as there are lots of spectators everyday. Additionally, from March ’til November, every Tuesday and Wednesday, you can witness the practices of Blue Angels. After which, there will be an autograph session for the pilots. So, you can meet the people who fly the birds worth more than a billion dollar a piece.
Wine Tasting for FREE
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyard is open all day long for the whole week, whole year ’round. When you are in Florida, you can definitely be one of the wine tasters who will be able to witness, on video and orientation, the growth of grapes from the very first day they sprouted until the day they bear fruit to be used for making wine. Now, if it is your hobby to taste first class and most expensive wines, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyard is the best place for you to make your dream come true.
FREE Day in Lake Mirror
Lake Mirror is one of the best places you can go in Orlando without spending a dime. You can have two beautiful options, too; the Barnett Family Park and the Hollis Garden. Barnett Family Park is a unique and beautifully-themed playground and water play with lots of large pavilions for parties and gatherings. On the other hand, Hollis Garden is a 1.2-acre botanical garden overlooking the beautiful Lake Mirror Promenade. In here, you will be able to witness thousands of plants and ornamentals.
The Bottom Line
Not because Florida is one of the best destinations that you will have to pay every time you go from one place to another. In fact, there are even more places which you can spend quality time for free whenever you are having vacation in Florida. Sometimes, you just have to dig deeper to find these places. And if ever you are asking why there are only five places mentioned here, it is for you to find out other free hangouts.…
A Beautiful Getaway to Costa Rica
A Beautiful Getaway to Costa Rica
The beautiful country of Costa Rica offers vacationers a wealth of sights and experiences they won’t soon forget. From the gorgeous beaches, hot climate, thrilling volcanoes and an array of mountains and valleys, Costa Rica is truly a dream come true for many travelers.
Located in Central America, between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica is a family friendly destination that kids will enjoy as much as adults. The people are also extremely friendly, and will make you feel comfortable and welcomed in their country. They will do everything they can in order to help you enjoy your vacation to the fullest. There are a variety of restaurants available so you can experience their food, which is rich and delicious. There is also a wide selection of museums, and sights to see so that you can learn about Costa Rican culture as well as the people.
There are many resorts and hotels to choose from, and each will give you the feeling of being right at home. The hospitality is second to none, and the views are spectacular. There is nothing like relaxing at a beautiful resort after a busy day sightseeing!
Whether you are travelling for an exciting adventure, or just want to relax on the beach, Costa Rica has what you’re looking for. The Guanacaste Region is perfect for those who crave surfing and windsurfing. The Central Pacific Region is more relaxed and suited to snorkelers. The South Pacific Region boasts some amazing coral reefs, with an abundance of beautiful and interesting fish.
There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained, and many beautiful beaches to relax at. Curl up with a good book and watch the tide come in, or try your hand at kayaking. The best thing about Costa Rica is the wide range of activities it offers. You might even catch a glimpse of a Komodo dragon!
Many vacationers have such a great experience that they invest in Costa Rican real estate. There are beautiful vacation homes and timeshares that are available for those wanting to invest and have a destination to go to in their retirement.
There are many four and five star hotels and resorts in which to stay. The Four Seasons Resorts offer luxurious rooms and suites and can accommodate special requests. There are also pools and hot tubs that will make you never want to leave! Golfing and fine dining are also offered at the Four Seasons. The Ritz Carlton also offers an amazing resort experience, with pools, hot tubs and fine dining. No matter what region you go to, there is an amazing resort to fit your needs.
When you shop online you’ll have access to some of the best deals available. Many packages include hotel and airfare. The website also offers information about the country, and some of the more popular sightseeing attractions. You can also read other customer reviews to find out about their vacations in Costa Rica.…
What’s New at Universal Orlando and Sea World?
What’s New at Universal Orlando and Sea World?
The theme parks in the Orlando area are in a competition for attendance, and you, the visitors, are the beneficiaries because it means that you get to see new attractions each year. This year is no exception and both Universal Studios and Sea World have spectacular new rides. Let’s take a look at what you can expect when you visit these theme parks.
Universal Studios has one new attraction already in place and newer mega attraction scheduled a little later in 2009. First we’ll see what is already there, and it is indeed spectacular. The Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit is a high-tech roller coaster which gives you the chance to control the sound-track and to take home a customized video of the ride.
The new ride is located on a themed movie set called “Production Central.” If you are a roller coaster lover, then pay attention to these details. The ride has a vertical, 90 degree lift that goes to a height of 167 feet. You plunge down the first drop at speeds reaching 65 mph and then your Rockit will enter what Universal calls a “Double Take.” The Double Take is a 136 feet tall non-inverted loop. You remain upright right at the point when you would have expected to be inverted. The process is then reversed when the car switches back to the inside loop of the Double Take.
Other features of the new coaster are specially shaped areas such as the Treble Clef, a section of track shaped like a musical notation. There is also the Jump Cut, spiral plunge that will flutter your stomach with negative-Gs, and the Crowded Surfer, a banked flyover. The “Drop Tuning” is a dive through an underground tunnel and the Plot Twist is a final banked turn which brings your Rockit back to the station.
Not to be outdone by Universal, Sea World unveiled its own new roller coaster this year. It is Manta, a themed flying coaster. What do they mean by flying? You are harnessed in a prone position and you can soar through the sky without holding on to anything.
Roller coaster fans always want to know the vital statistics of any new roller coaster, and here they are: This coaster is 140 feet tall and the first drop is 113 feet. The top speed is 56 MPH and the length of the track is 3359 feet. The rides lasts for 2:35.
As we said, this is a themed roller coaster and the Manta Ray theme is evident in a variety of ways. The cars are shaped like rays with a wingspan of 12 feet. The Manta’s pre-ride queue is set amidst viewing tanks with waterfalls and you can get underwater views of several species of rays, sea dragons and fish. At the bottom of the ride, the cars skim along the lagoon and create a picturesque plume of water. (Be prepared to get wet on this coaster.) So, Sea World did it, they combined a thrilling roller coaster with the marine life theme of their park.
These are two standout rides at two of Orlando’s most popular theme parks. If you are in Central Florida this summer, be sure to check them out.…
Wild Vacations – Opportunities to Experience Exotic Wildlife
Wild Vacations – Opportunities to Experience Exotic Wildlife
If you are an animal lover, you probably seek out an opportunity to visit a local zoo or aquarium whenever you travel. Many of us enjoy this because it is a great way to enjoy the day and each other. Imagine, however, providing your family the opportunity to experience wild animals with no fences or cages in their own native habitats. It really isn’t hard to plan a vacation to accomplish this but you will find that you will need to have a passport to travel outside the United States so with emergency passport services, getting your passport needs met have been made easier than ever.
If you and your family are intrigued by underwater sea life, perhaps shark cage diving would be something you would want to consider. While the shark is certainly one of the scariest creators on earth, an opportunity to view them closely while being secure from harm in a large, underwater cage, will create a memory that will never be forgotten.
You really can’t mention a vacation that is interactive when it comes to animals without mentioning an African safari. South Africa is the home of the Kruger National Park and is one of the places where the dream of experiencing a real African safari can be fulfilled. Mother elephants with their babies in tow, cheetahs, rhinos, gazelles and lions are found in abundance on the African plains and simply await your visit.
Another famous for its diverse wildlife is the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos National Park consists of 97.5% of the entire land area of this country and provides an experience in one of the most untouched naturals preserves on the face of the earth. Populated by unique wildlife as well as plant life, this location provides an opportunity unlike any other to see marine iguanas, tortoises and penguins in their own, natural habitat.
When you think of whales, you most likely think of Sea World but how about Canada and Africa? Yes, whale watching is a unique experience that you and your family can enjoy if you visit certain areas of these countries. Guided boat tours are provided to give the visitor an opportunity to watch enormous whales and dolphins jumping, playing and living in their coastal waters.
A vacation providing an opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive also presents great opportunity to get in touch with some of the beauty to be seen in the incredible sea life that populates the waters of our earth. Beautiful coral reefs exist all over the world to provide this opportunity and if you need an urgent passport renewal to get there, your need can be met as close as your computer.…
Benefits of Holiday Homes
Benefits of Holiday Homes
Holiday – the very word excites. A break from the monotonous routine is just like standing beneath a cool shower. You will feel like going somewhere, where there is only you and your loved ones. You may also need privacy. Privacy is very important source of enjoyment which adds beauty to your trip.
When you’re planning for a vacation, you may think of taking your family and checking into a big hotel. With so many expenses like airplanes, hotels, car rental packages out there, it’s easy to get sucked into the frame of thinking. You may be worried with so many expenses occurring. You may be thinking how to reduce those expenses. One way to reduce your expenses is by choosing vacation rentals which offers various amenities that most of the hotels do not.
When you’re planning for your next vacation, consider a holiday home instead of a hotel.
Price:
When you compare the price of a hotel room and holiday home (vacation rental) for a five day stay you will find the price to be somewhat similar and in some cases the stay at vacation home rental would be considered cheaper. But one difference that you would be amazed to know is that when you choose a hotel room to stay you will get only one bedroom and bathroom to stay, but if you prefer vacation home rental you will get a five bedroom and five bathroom private vacation home rental at the same price or in some cases it may be cheaper in the case of vacation home rental.
Amenities:
If you have decided on a holiday cottage you will find infinite amount of amenities compared to a hotel room. There are some villa rentals that provide various amenities that are included in the price of your rental price. Some of the amenities provided are swimming pools, hot tubs, golf course and at times fishing may also be an available option.
Feel at home:
If you stay in a holiday cottage you will feel like you are staying at home. If you’re staying in holiday home you will get all the comforts of your home. These comforts can relax you after a long day of sightseeing in a pool and you don’t have to share these comforts with anyone but your family. One more advantage is that children can get a separate room and parents can get a separate room.
Get discounts:
Another option for choosing vacation rental is because most professional management companies will have multiple rentals in their inventory and you can get discounts on last minute bookings with value added benefits that has coupons for visiting local places and even complimentary rental car facility.
Before booking hotel rooms, do consider villa rentals.…
Why a Dessert Bar at Your Wedding Can Be Bad
Why a Dessert Bar at Your Wedding Can Be Bad
There is something magical about beach weddings. Even the low budgeted wedding ceremonies can appear grand and expensive if held along the shoreline. It’s like a natural venue, for the floor is the sand, the fa?�ade is the ocean, and the roof is the blue sky. What a perfect paradise that can surely make this important celebration of yours a memorable one. Beach weddings are spot-on couples who prefer intimate wedding ceremonies because it’s far from the busy city. If you are planning for such kind of wedding, you then have to pick the best beach location. Commercial beaches should be avoided because it is crowded with people and dessert bars. It will totally spoil your intimacy and may create hassles in your wedding celebration.
Since beaches are perfect for nightlife, many bars are crowding them. The worse thing about it is that the noise is deafening. The ratio of bars in an island may be enough not to give you a peaceful wedding or even a sweet honeymoon. Screaming, dancing and sometimes squabbles are the bad scenarios if you decided to wed in a commercialized beach.
A crammed beach is not a good idea. You will encounter difficulty with the beach amenities and also your venue might be limited. It will be expensive to rent the whole resort just to have the ease in all its facilities and to achieve serenity during the ceremony.
Troubles and hassles in your wedding along dessert bars don’t end with the noise and a huge crowd of people. You might grapple with problems with your guests who went on drinking in the bars all night and will attend your wedding while intoxicated the day after. Instead of concentrating on your romantic union, you will be bothered for your guests may cause irregularities in the wedding rites. The worst, if one of them is your Maid of Honor or probably your Best Men.
Dessert bars at you wedding is not advisable if you want a stress-free wedding. Expect nuisances along your wedding just in case you had it in a commercialized beach flocked with bars. If you decided on a beach wedding, choosing the appropriate location should be the foremost thing to do. Go for Virgin Islands or less visited beaches where you can enjoy your privacy. You need not to deal with the noise from bars and the hassles that go with it.…
Key West Vacation Rentals
Key West Vacation Rentals
The colors of Key West, Florida are vivid and mesmerizing. Visit this ode to nature on your next beach vacation. The enchanting respite called Key West is located within the Florida Keys, a sliver of islands off the southern tip of Florida. While it may be small, it still manages to find room for plenty of activities and rental homes, condos and cottages. The island is functionally separated into six beach resort areas: South Beach, Dog Beach, Higg’s Beach, Smathers Beach, Fort Zachary Taylor, and Rest Beach. Each resort has its own style and provides plenty of Key West vacation rentals.
Expect to find a heavy dose of tropical decor in this lush paradise, with the choice of size and amenities unexpectedly large. Most Key West rental homes, cottages and condos come fully furnished, with complete kitchens and linen service. After that, it’s up to you to decide how luxurious you vacation digs will be. You will find options such as designer decor, gourmet kitchens, private pools and hot tubs, private decks, high def television and wireless internet, private docks and gorgeous views. Once you have decided to make Key West your vacation destination, try to book your accommodations as soon as possible for the best and largest choice.
If you really need to do something besides meditate on the beach, there is plenty of activities from which to choose. Swim with the dolphins. Go snorkeling, scuba diving or scuba diving (yes that would be the combo plan). Take a kayak trip or hop on a jet ski and create a wake to be proud of. Fish till you drop – or maybe catch something. In the waters around Key West you might flirt with grouper, yellowtail snapper, cobia, amberjack, Mahi Mahi and Wahoo. Go for the big boys if you dare: sailfish, sharks and tuna. Take a catamaran or sailboat out for a spin, or let the experts do the spinning.
Appreciate the beautiful underwater world of sea creatures and marine plant life on a glass bottom boat cruise. Take your revelry into the evening with a good old fashioned bar crawl, and end the evening in a beach chair near the pacific, listening to the waves roll in and all the other assorted sounds of the sea. If you wake up in the same place in the morning, you may want to re-think the whole bar crawl thing. Key West is a true tropical vacation, without really having to rough it. Find the perfect Key West vacation rental home, beach cottage or condo, and enjoy paradise like you deserve to.…