March 19th, 2009
Busch Gardens, Tampa, FL., is a great theme park foe all ages. There are so many interesting things to see and do at Busch Gardens, that one day is just not enough. Busch Gardens offers multi-day passes which allow you to return for another day at the park for very little money. Florida residents can attend the park one-day and receive a “fun card” which will allow free access to the park for the remainder of the calendar year.
For the roller coaster enthusiast, Busch Gardens offers 4 large-scale roller coasters, and one small scale. The newest is Sheikra, which gives riders a 70 mph, heart-pumping experience like no other. Sheikra offers three minutes of excitement on the tallest 200-ft. coaster in FL., with a 200-ft. straight down drop. Montu is another amazing steel roller coaster within Busch Gardens offering a 60 mile per hour inverted ride. Kumba is one of the world’s best roller coasters offering a full 3 seconds of weightlessness and several vertical and spiraling loops. Gwazi is the parks wooden roller coaster which offers twin tracks and 2 distinct tracks, the lion and the tiger, with the lion feeling like a continuous number of spirals and the tiger feeling more like a bobsled ride than a roller coaster. The oldest and smallest of the roller coasters is the Scorpion. This is still a great ride it’s just smaller and shorter than some of the other super coasters Busch Gardens has to offer.
There are multiple activities for toddlers including an entire play area, Land of the Dragons, which is dedicated to the little ones, with climbing nets and splash ponds, a sand box, a giant bounce house and a few rides. There are toddler friendly performances multiple times per day on the Land of the Dragons stage.
For the children, there is the brand new Jungala. This area is great for children of all ages. They can take a ride on a zip line, play tug of war with a white tiger ride the waterfall on the wild surge and climb through the tree tops on a large 3 story tree top canopy play land.
There are many different types of live performances throughout the park, which offer interesting information about Africa and African culture as well as pop culture and music.
The animal encounters at Busch Gardens are like no other. The beautiful natural habitats created for these animals seem more like you are on safari, than observing caged animals at a zoo. There are multiple up close and personal tours available where you can actually feed and touch some of these amazing African native animals.
Busch Gardens is a perfect stop for anyone touring Florida, but plan for more than one day, as there is so much to see and do.
Tags: Animals, Florida, rides, rollercoaster, Safari, theme park
Posted in Children, Couples, Family, Family Vacations, Florida | No Comments »
February 16th, 2009
When considering travel in Florida, do yourself a favor and consider St.Augustine. There is something there for everyone. Visitors enjoy multiple sightseeing adventures including it’s vast history, spooky evening ghost tours, fabulous coastal seafood, and beautiful beaches and surfing, just to name a few.
St Augustine is full of History. It is said to be the oldest city in the United States. Ponce De Leon first discovered it in the year 1513, and at that time also discovered the famous “Fountain of Youth” It was the first city to be discovered almost a half century before the English landed in Jamestown. The rich History of St. Augustine is quite interesting even for those who are not particularly interested in history.
The beauty of the city is almost breathtaking. The lush landscaping and the fabulous old architecture are certainly something to behold. The Flagler University building is spectacular. Henry Flagler (oil tycoon) built it in the late 1800’s as a wiinter resort, along with the Cordova and the Alcazar Hotels. These buildings are still standing and operating as a university, a hotel and a museum and are quite fabulous in themselves.
St. Augustine Beach is also known as Anastasia Island. This East Coast beach is breathtaking. There are many exquisite hotels on or very near the beach. The Castillo Real is one such hotel that is not to be missed. A small boutique hotel with only 60 rooms, but a true gem for any traveler.
Shopping in St. Augustine is plentiful. Again there is something for everyone. There are fine bakeries, second hand stores, clothing boutiques, cigar shops, souveneir and novelty shops and a multitude of antique stores.
While touring St. Augustine you will find many horsedrawn carriages available for hire which take passengers on a personally narrated tour, pointing out all the historical places of interest as well as some of the local hot spots. Most vacationers enjoy a day of just wandering through the streets of downtown St. Augustine. This is a really great way to just take it all in. On the downtown streets you will see a little bit of everything. There are many local street performers, artists and galleries and shops of every kind asn so many fabulous little restaurants. The Columbia Restaurant is another must see during your visit, offering amazing authentic Spanish cuisine.
St. Augustine is great destination for a romantic getaway, a girls’ getaway, a family trip, or any type of vacation.
Tags: florida beaches, Florida travel, ghost tours, historical tours, sightseeing, St.Augustine
Posted in Children, Couples, Family, Family Vacations, Florida, Getaway, Girls getaway, Group Travel, Holiday Travel, Spa/Resort | No Comments »
January 21st, 2009
The Walt Disney theme parks have started a new promotion this year. The promotion is a good one for everyone involved. They offer free admission to any one of their themeparks for your birthday. This admission is good only on the exact date of yout birthday, but in some cases this works out quite well.
To redeem your free admission you must register yourself or your children online and print a certificate. Upon arrival th the selected park you will need to show a valid driver’s license, or a certified copy of a birth certificate, along with the printed registration certificate from the Disney website. At this point the birthday guest gains free admission and a button to pin on themselves that says It’s my Birthday and the name of the guest. This magic button gets you a lot of recognition inside the park. Every employee who reads it gives you a very warm greeting and happy birthday wishes. In some cases you may get a surprise dessert at a restaurant, or a token souveneir. Be certain to inquire on the day of your arrival what specialties are in store for birthday guests.
The other members in your party have to pay full price for admission, which is about $75 for adults at the Magic Kingdom in FL. This birthday freebie is in no way a freebie day for the whole family. Only the admission for the guest of honor is included. Disney is still raking in the cash on all the food and beverages and souveneirs that will be purchased by the acompanying members in your party. But it is still a fabulous way to spend a birthday, young and old.
There are books and guides available that give you the best dates and times to enjoy the parks, if you are lucky enough to have your birthday fall during one of the slow periods it is a great time to take advantage of the promotion. Mid week is said to be one of the slowest times, when it’s not too close to a Holiday. If your child’s birthday falls at an inconvenient time, you may want to choose to wait until one of the parents’ birthdays. You’ll save even more be gaining free adult admission, it’s close to $10 more for adults than children.
This is a great way to get families into the park and a great way to make a child feel special on their birthday. Another brilliant Disney concept.
Tags: Disney, Disney discount, Disney themeparks, free, free admission Disney
Posted in Couples, Family, Family Vacations, Florida, Travel Tips, Weekday travel | No Comments »
December 21st, 2008
I recently returned from a long weekend at a spa resort. Thoughts of relaxation and mental wellness are definitely on my mind. I admit it, I am a spa enthusiast. I love the tranquil atmosphere inside a spa. I truly enjoy the luxurious feeling I have when I’m taking care of myself and being pampered. I do focus on taking care of my skin and my body, by having facials, body treatments and massage whenever possible. The spa- type atmosphere is what relaxes and centers me the most. I believe that everyone has a different definition of mental wellness. For me, this is how I achieve it; by getting away, relaxing, and allowing myself to be pampered a little.
Wellness is defined differently by each of us. Some see it as physical well being, or medical health others think of mental well being and state of mind. It is defined in many ways. However, to me, it includes a getaway with tranquility, relaxation, time to clear my head as the main focus. A general feeling of relaxation is what makes up a wellness getaway to me. While relaxing at the spa resort I can indulge in some pampering, find time for much needed R&R and eat fabulous well prepared healthy foods and get myself back to feeling normal again.
Some time alone, without stress is what most of us need to make us feel mentally balanced again. Certain times of the year are more stressful than others. During the busy holiday season, is bad for most of us. With shopping and parties and work and kids; a little “down-time” is perfect to get back a calm state of mind and a renewed spirit. A quick trip to a day spa, or a night or two at any resort, may be just what is needed if you’re feeling completely overwhelmed and stressed to the limits. What’s more, many health insurance plans cover spa treatments for injuries, or stress.
If spa treatments and pedicures don’t quite do it for you, You may prefer a weekend in the country. This type getaway may be better for some people. Maybe you would prefer a log cabin up in the mountains, or possibly a relaxing weekend on a beautiful beach somewhere. Some might consider a big metropolitan high rise hotel in a big city to be a place where they can find their center again. It’s important to just take the time to lock yourself up, away from the world. Take time to stare out a window for hours, take long naps, enjoy a book or rent a few movies. Any or all of these activities, are a great way to unwind and promote mental well being. Taking a trip, relaxing and being alone, can help create wellness in anyone.
Think about what might interest you, and make you feel like your most comfortable you. It’s important for each of us all to take some time away to renew our own wellness, however we may define it.
Tags: beach, log cabin, mental wellness, mountains, R&R, rejuvenation, relaxation, resort travel, spa trip, state of mind
Posted in Florida, Getaway, Spa/Resort | No Comments »
December 15th, 2008
Many women plan “girl’s-weekends” or “girl’s getaways” but not too often do men plan “men’s weekend’s” or “dad’s getaways”. Sure they play golf for hours on end and take all-day-long fishing trips, but how about planning a whole weekend, a getaway just for the guys?
Now, guys weekend wouldn’t be quite the same as girl’s weekend. There would be no spa involved, no hours of relaxing by the pool. But a long day on a chartered fishing boat, or a weekend deep sea fishing would be part of a perfect getaway for most guys.
The men could plan a trip around a big sporting event. Take in all the local sites while staying in the city of a big bowl game or tournament of some type. Think the Masters in Augusta, or the U.S. Open in New York. The Superbowl would be the ultimate sporting event, but it is quite out of reach for most of us.
College buddies could plan a great time hanging out in some of the old dives, and take in a college ball game of some sort.
Golf outings are very popular among most men. I’ve never quite understood it but men can play 36 holes one day and go back out and play again the next day. Find an area that boasts lots of great courses and plan the weekend around that.
Some men are roller-coaster enthusiasts. A weekend planned around a couple theme parks may be a fun time. There are many parks in Florida and Georgia, all within driving distance of one another.
While food may not be as important to the men’s trip as it would be to the women, it is still a consideration. If you are planning a men’s getaway, a hotel that has a restaurant or in the very least continental breakfast is a must. The ladies may make an event out of getting dressed up and enjoying a nice meal in a fine establishment, but the men will probably want to get in and out and on with their day/night’s activities.
Whatever your men-only plans are it should be geared toward fun and male bonding. The men need the down time as much as the women (almost). The ideas are unlimited, just find what interests you and your group and go from there.
Tags: eating, fishing, golfing, guys getaway, guys only, guys retreat, hotels, men
Posted in Group Travel, Travel Tips | No Comments »
December 10th, 2008
Safety Harbor Resort and Spa is heaven on earth to me. Safety Harbor Resort/ Spa is located in the Clearwater, Florida area in a town called Safety Harbor. Nestled directly on the pristine waters of Tampa Bay. This spa/resort is built atop 5 natural springs with much history surrounding them.
The 2,000-year-old Espiritu Santo Springs, meaning “Springs of the Holy Spirit,” are considered a liquid treasure, located beneath the resort. Ancient Indian tribes discovered the springs in the 1400s. Hernando de Soto found them in 1539 when he came upon these shores, and thought he had discovered the legendary “The Fountain of Youth.”
History reports that many others have been attracted to the purity of our mineral springs. In the early 1900s water from all five springs was bottled, and labeled according to the various Healing properties then shipped to eager customers around the world. In 1936 a doctor purchased and rebuilt the facilities and it was used as a healing retreat. Nine years later, the famous Dr. Salem Baranoff bought the property and transformed it into Safety Harbor Spa.
Some of the spa has remained original, while most has been rennovated and transformed into the four star resort we know and love today. The rooms are beautifully decorated; some elegant and classical others with a “Tommy Bahama” inspired feel. Some of the rooms have water views, while others are poolside with balconies and patios. I’ve stayed there many times adn never had a bad room or a bad view.
The treatments in the spa are AMAZING. I recommend the 50 min massage, and the salt glow body treatment. My skin felt unbelievable after the body glow and the relaxation massage was the best ever. They robes they offer for you to wear while in the resort are luxurious as well. They are available for purchase but carefully monitored to avoid theft.
There is a nice restaurant on site and room service is incredible. The chef will make you just about anything you want as long as he has the ingredients on hand; this is great for room service. There is a nice tiki bar by the pool that offers a wide variety of drinks and a small menu.
A weekend at the spa is the perfect retreat for anyone. It’s a great place for “girls weekend” or for a couple to get away and reconnect.
Tags: Florida resort, Florida Spa, healing, massag, massage, spa, waterfront resort
Posted in Couples, Family, Family Vacations, Florida, Girls getaway, Group Travel, Pet Travel, Spa/Resort, Staycations | No Comments »
December 3rd, 2008
Traveling for Christmas, in my opinion, is not always a good idea. There are so many reasons not to travel on Christmas (or other holidays). Christmas travel is always hectic. No matter how you decide to travel, by car, train, bus, or plane. Christmas time is usually, in most parts of the country, the WORST weather. With this bad weather comes bad weather delays to contend with. Including delays in traffic, and arrival and departure times. These hours of endless waiting send most people into angry panic mode. This is not fun for any one.
Christmas travel is also very confusing for young children. They will often worry about how Santa is going to find them. Then there is the whole ordeal of packing all the gifts, and what size gifts are appropriate.
Once you’ve reached your destination, there is so much pressure to make it a memorable Christmas with the family. Pressure to participate in many of the Holiday traditions. Some of which you have chosen to abandon as an adult. You may be forced to attend a church you are unfamiliar with, and leave behind those you worship with weekly.
I feel that there are so many other opportunities to travel and visit with family throughout the year, that don’t involve all the pressure and formalities. Christmas time is one of the most hectic times of year for everyone, by throwing a big trip in the middle of it I think you are asking for trouble.
I think travel should be relaxing and enjoyable for everyone involved the host and the guests. It is very hard to relax during this type of trip. Another consideration, is other friends and family you may like to visit while you’re in town. Some of them may be traveling as well. If they’re not, they are likely busy with their crazy Holiday schedules and it is a hard time to fit in a casual get together.
There’s nothing like waking up in your own home on Christmas morning, and enjoying the joy of your children as they casually open their gifts. Somehow being at another person’s home, or worse, a hotel, takes away the magic for the children.
Christmas-time travel is just bad timing all the way around and I think it should really be avoided.
Tags: Christmas travel, family Holidays, Family Vacations, Holiday Travel, travel delays, travel weather
Posted in Children, Family, Family Vacations, Group Travel, Holiday Travel, Train Travel, Travel Tips | No Comments »
November 20th, 2008
RV travel is a great way to see the country and spend some quality time with your family. Why not take advantage of gas prices coming down and start planning a family getaway. Traveling by RV is less stressful than other forms of travel because you can control all of the departure and arrival times since you are not at the mercy of the airlines. Depending on your location, you can also schedule your days to include sightseeing tours, or just go out on your own and find your own adventure.
When traveling with the family it is important to find family friendly sites to hitch up overnight. The kids can go a little stir crazy if they don’t have some social outlet. There are many RV parks and campgrounds that are family friendly and offer amenities for entertaining the children, and therefore attract many families. RV travel is quite the social outlet for some families. When you settle into these campgrounds, it is not uncommon to meet other families whom you form lifelong friendships with. This is a great way for the kids to have some time to play with other kids and for the parents to swap ideas about entertainment in the area and exchange other RV travel ideas.
RV travel is also very popular with retirees. After retirement, many couples choose to sell everything they own and live in their RV’s and travel the country full time. There are Senior RV clubs that offer social gatherings all over the U.S. and Canada for those who are full time travelers, as well as the weekend warriors. It is believed by many that RV-ing is the best way to see the country and a great way for empty nesters and retirees to reconnect with their spouses, after the hustle and bustle of raising a family and working 9-5 is behind you.
While RV-ing you may chose to “camp out” in campgrounds or off the beaten path somewhere secluded. This decision may be easy for some that don’t like to “rough it”. RV travel incorporates a few more conveniences than traditional camping. So many people find it fun and interesting.
You can plan a theme for your trip, like antique collecting, or touring the historic sites in the northeast, or all about the Wild West and rodeos. There are unlimited possibilities when planning an RV excursion. Let the road and your imagination be your guide.
Tags: Campgrounds, camping, family travel, RV, RV travel, sightseeing
Posted in British Columbia, California, Canada, Children, Couples, Family, Family Vacations, Florida, Group Travel, Pet Travel, RV travel, Travel Tips | No Comments »
November 4th, 2008
The decision to travel with your pet is one that should be taken seriously. There are many considerations you will have to make before making this decision. Traveling with your pet has become much easier on both you and the pet. Many more hotels and resorts are pet friendly now. There are more and more pet friendly locations and destinations that include pet friendly beaches and parks to attend and enjoy with your furry friend.
First you must decide if your pet has the right temperament to handle your travel schedule.Does your pet travel well in the car? Will your pet behave well in the hotel in your absence? Does he or she suffer from separation anxiety. Is your pet healthy enough to survive the trip? Some ailing or elderly dogs are best left at home in the care of a relative, petsitter, or in a kennel? Check with your veterinarian before making any decision to travel with your pet.
Some airlines will allow a well behaved small dog to travel in an appropriate sized kennel under your seat, while others will only allow pets to travel with the other cargo. If you chose to travel by air, look into the airline and their possible restrictions before you make any further arrangements. If your pet is used to a crate or kennel and does not struggle during normal transportation (car rides, to the vet) then he or she will probably fare well on this journey.
Once you have mad the decision to travel with your pet, you should also learn what the hotels requirements are for your pet’s stay. Some hotels require mandatory babysitting, meaning your pet can never be left alone in the hotel room. These babysitters are a good idea to provide companionship for your pet in your absence, however, they can cost about $50 an hour. Be clear on the hotel’s policy before you arrive to avoid any expensive surprises.
A few more general tips to consider when you decide to take your beloved pet along, whether you travel by car or plane. Be certain your pet has proper identification with a current tag or a microchip. A microchip is preferred because obviously, the possibility of losing the tag. A travel ID tag is also a good idea for your pet. This will identify the location where you will be staying, including your cell phone number so you can be reached immediately. Grooming before the trip is a must, as well as packing your pet’s favorite food, toys, and dishes to make him or her feel more comfortable. Be sure to have all current shot and health records available when crossing state or international borders. Also be sure to check with your Vet. Regarding your location and any particular insects or disease to be aware of and treated for.
Keep a close eye on your pet’s well being during your trip. Monitor him or her for any difference in mood, appetite, or any other physical changes. Contact a local veterinarian as soon as you notice anything unusual about your pet’s behavior or condition.
There is a wealth of information available from your vet and other travel resources regarding travel with pets. Do plenty of research before planning to avoid any surprises that can make or break your vacation.
Tags: airline travel, pet hotel, Pet Travel, petfriendly
Posted in Pet Travel | No Comments »
November 3rd, 2008
Are you getting caught up in the shuffle of everyday life? Are you losing touch with your spouse or significant other? Are you stressed out beyond belief and taking it out on each other? Then what you need is a romantic getaway. There are so many ideas for planning the perfect romantic getaway, from the very elaborate and expensive pampering spa weekend to a low-key weekend at the beach, there are numerous ways to plan and enjoy a romantic getaway.
Many of us get caught up in every day life and begin to take our significant others for granted. If you feel this may be the case then plan a getaway for just the two of you. First you must pick a date that is convenient for both of you to totally break away. No work, no kids, no responsibilities of every day life to spoil the romance. This getaway should be entirely about the two of you. If possible leave all cell phones and laptops at home.
Plan your time and activities around being relaxed and pampered. Most better hotels will provide a very private relaxing location as well as some little extras upon request. If your budget only allows for one night at the hotel, make the most of it by requesting the latest possible checkout spending time at the pool or spa before and after your checkout time. If there is a hot tub or sauna, plan some time enjoying that as well. Whenever possible take advantage of the complimentary breakfast to save a little money as well.
If budget is not a big factor in your planning, visit a spa resort. You can partake in a couple’s massage in your room or possibly on the rooftop or balcony. Any spa services for two are a great idea for romance and relaxation. Room service is a must wherever possible, but an evening out in a fine dining establishment with drinks and dancing is sure to turn up the romance too. If you are not able to find a spa resort, check with the concierge for a possible massage therapist that will travel to your location. Beach weekends are also always a great way to relax and rekindle a romance that may be lost.
Whether your budget allows for one night away or a week of endless romance, the planning should revolve completely around romance and relaxation. No matter what your budget there is always room for romance. Whatever you decide, be certain that the priority is time alone together to relax and talk and revive a relationship that was starting to feel a bit tired.
Tags: beach, beach resort, couples getaway, romance, romantic travel ideas, spa, spa resort, vacation
Posted in Couples | No Comments »