Feb
25
2011
There are many things to do on a trip to Florida, and while some people may want to indulge in the usual Florida activities such as visiting Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, but for us, there is only one place to go in Florida, and that is Key West.
Key West can be found in the Straits of Florida at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys. Originally known as Cayo Hueso or ‘the island of bones’, Key West was known as the favourite haunt of some of America’s most prolific writers, including Ernest Hemmingway and Tennessee Williams.
Today, Key West is known as a hive of cultural bliss and accessibility that welcomes every traveller. Florida law states that any hotel must make 5% of their rooms suitable for odisabled guests so that disabled people and their companions are as comfortable as possible.
When it comes to attractions, there are so many things to do in Key West, such as fishing, including back country, night and deep sea fishing, scuba diving, or the chance to interact with dolphins at a number of non-profit animal sanctuaries across the island.
But the most important thing for you to know about Key West is its weather, which is just great, and with an average temperature of 32 degrees in the height of summer, coupled with a nice cool ocean, the weather itself should make you want to book your flights to Key West.
Dec
22
2010
Los Angeles is a vacationer’s paradise. It has a lot of something for everyone, and is great for families, couples and singles alike. Whether you want to relax and take things slow, or always be on the go, this short guide will share some of the best things to do on vacation in Los Angeles, California.
One of the city’s famous attributes is its year-long mild weather, along with its accessible coastline. Winter temperatures can range from a comfortable 59 to 73 °F, while summer generally stays between 79 to 90 °F, cooling down to the mid-60s at night. These temperate conditions allow visitors to experience the 20 plus beaches in and around Los Angeles.
For active surfers and those who want to play in the water, Zuma Beach, which is about 20 miles away from LA, offers white sand and clean water. Venice Beach and the Venice Boardwalk are some of the most eccentric places in this colorful city, and are fabulous places to sit down with a cool drink and people watch. Redondo Beach and Santa Monica Beach are wonderful places for families with children, boasting plenty of amusements for kids of all ages.
Los Angeles has its share of indoor fun as well, and they are world class. MOCA, or the Museum of Contemporary Art, houses pieces by Roy Lichtenstein, Mark Rothko, and Jackson Pollock among many other renowned artists of the mid-20th century to the present. The famed Getty Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, with its vast comprehensive collection, are a must-see for art lovers. Children will get a kick out of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles.
If a little window shopping and food are in order, deluxe shopping and dining experiences await you in this cosmopolitan city. The glamor of Hollywood can be found easily on Rodeo Drive, home of Gucci, Chanel, and Harry Winston. Establishments that cater to antiques, vintage, and more eclectic ware are readily available as well. Gastronomically speaking, Los Angeles offers ethnic fare, popular street food, healthy and natural food for which this area is well-known, and 5 star restaurants by world famous chefs.
Avid sightseers can explore the city for its numerous, iconic landmarks including Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood sign, and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. For your next vacation, search online for cheap flights to Los Angeles and start planning your itinerary.
Nov
16
2010
Florida is the boat capitol of the United States and its coasts and waterways are plied by everything from modest fishing boats to ocean going sailing vessels. Scuba diving is a lifestyle in Florida and there are excellent dive sites all around the state. The keys host gin clear water, coral reefs and a myriad of marine life. Dive shops are more prevalent than restaurants in the keys and the diver has not far to go arrange dive trips, rent equipment or find advanced instruction. The most dangerous aspect of diving activities is cave diving and Florida is the home to the best in the world. Some underwater expeditions have penetrated deep into the cave systems and cave and cavern diving instruction is readily available.
Deep-sea fishing in Florida is an activity that anglers from all over the world come to experience. Fishing charter companies are as common as dive shops and no matter where the visitor arrives, excellent fishing is close at hand. The Atlantic sailfish is the premier quarry for anglers and can be found all along the eastern coast but are most prevalent in the southern half of the state. For a go at the king of the ocean, the marlin, many anglers choose the Florida straits where in the best Hemingway tradition the Gulf Stream flows between Cuba and the keys. These ocean behemoths can be found in the deep waters over the wall and the sight of these beautiful fish breaking the water to shake the hook is something that will never be forgotten.
High-rise hotels and luxury resorts line the beaches throughout the southern part of the state and few are without access to the white sand. Florida is a paradise for beach revellers seeking cheap holidays; miles of umbrellas and chaise lounges can be seen, open-air restaurants and bars are common and for those seeking romance, the beach is home to thousands of bikini-clad bathing beauties. For those whose pleasures are in sampling local cuisine, there is everything from charming street cafes to Spanish style tapa bars and national chains to five star restaurants. Seafood is always on the menu, Cuban influence has provided a Caribbean flair and Florida beef overwhelms the steak lovers. After dinner is time to party and there is an endless array of nightclubs, discos, dance houses and sports bars to while away the night.
Oct
18
2010
If you’re dying to head south in the near future, but you’re on a tight budget, then getting cheap holidays to Florida is all about research, timing and compromise. Cutting the cost of your cheap holidays to Florida can be as simple as a single choice – like where you’re going to stay – or can be cumulative savings from several small, smart decisions.
Visiting During the Off-Peak Times
You’ll get the best possible rates on everything from your hotel to your airfare by heading to Florida during the off-season. Summer and winter – and especially when kids are on vacation – are the busiest seasons in Florida, so if you can arrange your stay at any other time you’re going to see the difference in your bottom line.
Going Off the Beaten Path
There’s a reason why hotels and restaurants in the prime locations cost more, but it’s not always because they’re better. If you’re willing to stay just outside a city like Orlando or at least away from the main drag, then you’re going to see significant savings. Likewise, cities like Miami are full of good food; eating at a restaurant that’s a couple blocks from the main entertainment area won’t affect the quality of your food but it will affect the price.
Getting More Bang for Your Buck
Your hotel isn’t just a place to sleep. Look for establishments that also offer free shuttle services to the biggest local attractions, complimentary breakfasts, and special deals on attraction tickets.
DIY Meals and Wheels
When shuttle services aren’t available, cab fares can really add up; in fact, taking a cab across the city and back again when you’re finished often costs as much as renting a car for your whole stay. Also, consider getting a room with a small kitchen and making a few of your own meals while on vacation. Eating in on vacation doesn’t have to be depressing; you can have steak or lobster in your room for a fraction of what it would cost to eat it in a restaurant. Likewise, a picnic on the beach won’t be any less beautiful if you make the sandwiches yourself.