Archive for the ‘Florida’ Category

Busch Gardens

Thursday, 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.

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Fabulous St. Augustine

Monday, 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.

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Disney Birthday

Wednesday, 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.

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Mental Wellness Getaway

Sunday, 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.

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Safety Harbor Resort and Spa

Wednesday, 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.

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RV Travel

Thursday, 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.

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Posted in British Columbia, California, Canada, Children, Couples, Family, Family Vacations, Florida, Group Travel, Pet Travel, RV travel, Travel Tips | No Comments »

Florida Coastal Eating Vacation

Thursday, July 10th, 2008
I am so ready for a little vacation and I have rarely been so financially strapped. So what am I going to do? Well, I can stay close to home and just pretend that I am visiting my general geographical area for the first time.

There are definitely museums and theme parks less than a tank of gas away. There are gorgeous beaches, beautiful lakes and well-known rivers, including the Suwannee River (you know, ‘Way Down Upon the…”) and the St. Johns River which is one of only three rivers in the nation that flows north.

In Florida, there is water, water everywhere and people are always drawn to water. Where there is water, there is all manner of fresh fish and seafood delicacies. This year, I intend to eat my way up through the Florida gulf coast until the money runs out and/or my clothes no longer fit.

I prefer the gulf coast (Florida’s Nature Coast) to the Atlantic coast and good thing for that. It appears to be a little sleepier, a little less populated and a little less expensive to travel through. Let me put it this way, if you are expecting Ritz Carlton- or Four Seasons-styled accommodations on the gulf coast, north of St. Pete/Clearwater area, fagettaboutit. If you can be comfortable in one of the more common, but reputable hotel chains, you are in luck. If you are looking for luxurious, world renowned dining experiences, fagettaboutit. But if you are ready to enjoy the local delicacies along your journey, especially seafood, bring along your most comfortable clothes, a bathing suit and join me.

The Florida gulf coast has its share of charming old estate-styled bed and breakfasts, as well as the usual moderately priced hotels and fishing resorts. On this trip, I am choosing the moderately priced hotels because I don’t intend to do anything but sleep there.

The beaches are not the most notable from just north of Clearwater until you reach our panhandle (where they are possibly the most beautiful, accessible beaches in the United States, excluding Hawaii of course). But along that strip of the coast you will find some of the best oysters, bay scallops, clams, shrimp and blue crabs you may ever feast on. And nothing along that strip of the coast requires formal or dressy attire — probably not much more than just shirts and shoes. That is how I like to travel, honestly — Florida Cracker style. Did I mention that if you get tired of the gulf-fresh seafood (ha), you will find some of that down home country cooking at just about every turn along Florida’s Nature Coast.

There are plenty of things to see and do along the way also, especially if you enjoy the outdoors. Fishing is a serious pastime, as is diving, snorkeling, bird watching, kayaking and canoeing. There are campgrounds, wildlife parks, hiking trails, underground caverns and beautiful crystal clear springs. You can get up close and personal with a manatee or a dolphin or view nature‘s beauty from the comfort and safety of a glass bottomed pontoon boat. There are pioneer museums, antebellum mansions and antique shops. This section of the coast still remains relatively unspoiled and I believe the very best way to see it all is by car.

Well, it is right here at my back door, but you really need to experience it. Contact your favorite travel agent, go online and do your own booking or just get yourself down here some way. Rent a comfortable, economical car and spend some time studying that map. It is pretty simple driving this part of the coast. Holiday travel or anytime travel is the time to make this trip. I’m leaving soon and can hardly wait. I’ll join Weight Watchers once I return.

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Florida beaches

Saturday, July 5th, 2008
I happen to be fortunate enough to live in central Florida and maybe an hour or so from the gulf coast and some of the most fabulous beaches in the world. To me, nothing is more relaxing than a beach vacation. There is something about being around the salt water and the salt air that can bring on a nap in no time at all. It’s a Florida thing for sure. No matter where you are in Florida, you are never very far from a beach.

I suppose my love of the beach and beach vacations stems from growing up here and having it all made available to me most of my life. As a child, money was scarce but we could always scrape up enough to go to the beach for a day or a long weekend or a week or so. Oh, the memories that flood my mind. The most inexpensive of meals tastes so much better when you are at the beach. Anything from an egg salad sandwich to bologna to peanut butter and jelly becomes the best thing you have ever eaten when you enjoy it at the beach. And for entertainment, all you really need is a reliable inflatable floating contraption of some kind and a bucket and a shovel (and some kind of sunscreen preparation). Only your imagination will limit the fun and relaxing and interesting things you can do.

If you have never enjoyed a vacation at one of our beaches, you are in for a treat. It does not matter if you are traveling with your teens or younger children or grandma and grandpa. It does not matter if you are planning a romantic get away for two or a singles vacation for six. The beaches offer so much enjoyment for everyone.

The beach accommodations range from the luxurious to the ‘bargain basement discount’ places. Beach resorts and condominium rentals and hotels and cottages are all available to you. You just have to decide on your particular needs. Do you want to find a destination that has a lot of night life and some great restaurants? Do you like to fish or sail? Would you be satisfied by just working on your tan and reading a book or gathering shells? It is all available at the beach.

Almost any of the airports here are only a short distance from a beach somewhere. There are world famous theme parks not too far from our beaches. Beach resorts abound that will give you the best of both worlds, the enjoyment and beauty of our beaches as well as discounts at some of the theme parks and the more local sight-seeing excursions.

Check out the hotel and/or resorts all up and down the gulf coast and you are bound to find something to fit your budget. I particularly like to try to find one of the old Florida cottage accommodations with a pool and the old Australian pines whispering in the breeze and offering you respite from the noonday sun. They are very casual and not so crowded for sure. And actually, I prefer my lodgings to have some sort of kitchen facilities because I don’t always feel like leaving the beach for long enough to find a meal somewhere or a refreshing cocktail. Those kinds of establishments are not as easy to find as they once were because they have given way to the larger hotel chains and resorts. Don’t get me wrong, if it fits the budget, a nice resort is a great way to enjoy the beach too and they will usually have a beach bar or restaurant directly on the beach so you don’t even have to get in your car to meet those needs. Many of the more exclusive resorts have staff that will come to you while you are out enjoying the beach and offer to bring you one of those refreshing libations or perhaps just a snack to tide you over until your dinner reservations later that evening.

Maybe I should have been a travel agent or spokesperson for the tourist industry, but I would probably just steer everyone towards our beaches. Except for possibly European travel, those beach related travel experiences have been my favorites. Whenever I think of traveling anywhere else, I get the distinct feeling that I hear something out there calling to me…sounds a little like seabirds and the gentle lapping of those waves on the shore…is that the whisper of the Australian pines I hear too? To me it is all like the sound of beautiful music beckoning me back to the place I love most, like the lap of my mother, my beloved Florida beach.

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