Florida: The Sunshine State - A Great Romantic Getaway

When you think of Florida, you will think of beautiful sandy beaches, Palm tress, lots of entertainment, ocean views, boating, spectacular million dollars homes and more. It was on the month of April when I went for my first Florida vacation. The weather I would say at that time was the best and fabulous weather. It was the right temperature for me. During March through May is spring break time, so many of the students go to Florida for their spring break vacation, so if you don't want too much crowd in a beach, you much choose the place wisely. You don't want to spend all of your vacation in the most crowded place.

During the months of June through August will be a warmer months. For some people, this is the best time to go out relaxing by the Florida beaches and pools and just enjoy. Many people go for a Florida summer vacations during these times, so don't be surprise if you see more people on the beaches, restaurants and points of attractions. But if you came from the cold weather place, then you will enjoy the warm weather in this time of year in Florida.

August through October is hurricane season in Florida so you also take into consideration when booking your vacation. Make sure to watch for the weather forecast. From November through February is the holiday season so there are plenty of Florida travelers too. Some may go for a vacation during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year and of course Valentines Day. Lots of people want to stay away from the cold weather for a while.

Florida is a great place for family travel, for romance, and for adventure. There are so many places to choose from depending on what you want to do. There are many romantic Florida beaches to visit such as The Florida Keys, Miami Florida, Clearwater Beach Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, Destin Florida Beach, Anastasia State Park, St Pete Beach and more. These beaches line the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. I would prefer the Atlantic Ocean side. But there are so many things to do at the Gulf side too.

Aside from the beach vacation, lots of people also visit Orlando where the theme parks are. Orlando is the home of the Walt Disney World, Sea World, and the Universal Studio. There are so much fun and excitement going on in these places. This is the place I go during my vacation. I had to visit Disney World and The Magic Kingdom. From there we went to the Busch Gardens. I haven't got a chance to see Universal Studio and Sea world though. You may want to check list of Hotels closer to where you want to go. For people who want more of Florida besides theme parks and beaches, there are plenty of places to go and things to do like boating in the Gulf of Mexico, ride airboat, canoeing, and fishing, hiking and camping. Have a nice and enjoyable vacation in the Sunshine State of Florida!

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Vilano Beach - North Florida's Best Kept Secret

As Spring brightens into Summer, it's not unusual to see a stream of luggage-laden cars rolling down Interstate 95 for some fun in the sun. Each year sees thousands on thousands of tourists heading to Florida, maybe for a trip to Disney World or any of the Atlantic Coast's beautiful beaches. Others may opt for a more cultural experience with a vacation in St. Augustine. While Old City offers a charm and high level of hospitality that is definitely unmatched, she hides a secret that is certain to charm visitors into an extended stay. Just a short drive from the central business and tourist district is beautiful Vilano Beach.

Once a luxury destination for the well-to-do of the early twentieth century, Vilano Beach sits on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, two miles from St. Augustine and near the Tolomato River. Where the area once boasted a large Mediterranean villa resort for sun-hungry northern tourists, Vilano stands today as a vibrant residential beach community, yet there is still much for visitors to enjoy in between sightseeing in St. Augustine and Jacksonville.

The prime advantage to spending time in Vilano Beach as opposed to central and southern Florida destinations is...well, the beach! Unlike Daytona and Cocoa Beach, the crowds aren't quite as large, leaving you with more breathing and sunbathing room. The temperatures maintain a year-round warmth as well, so there's never a bad time to spread out the blanket and sit for a spell.

And food? The Vilano area happens to boast some of the best seafood restaurants in the region. Get your fill of local catch and raw bar specialties at favorites like Salt Water Cowboys, Cap's on the Water, Kingfish Grill, and The Reef. You'll enjoy an unspoiled waterfront view as you dine, and if you come at the right time you may get to try the tastiest delicacies from the Florida waters - succulent tiger shrimp, wahoo, and even alligator tail!

If you want the excitement of a Florida vacation without the sensation of feeling packing in with other out-of-towners, Vilano Beach offers a few lodging alternatives to the skyscraper beach hotels of Daytona. You will find some hotels along A1A and near the waterways, but Vilano is best known for their comfortable vacation rentals. This is the perfect solution for an extended Florida vacation which gives you good access to St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Daytona, and Orlando. The possibilities for day trips are endless, but Vilano offers so much serenity you may just want to stay here.

The next time you think Florida, think Vilano Beach for a relaxing trip you'll never forget.

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Your Florida Summer Beach Vacation - What to Bring & How to Pack For the Best Family Fun in the Sun!

My family's first beach vacation was in 1997.  We went to Mexico Beach, a town in the Florida Panhandle.  Even in our Dodge Caravan, known as "the mom-mobile," we pulled out of the driveway packed to the gills.  Since that first trip, we have headed on beach vacations more times than I can count.  Here are my tips learned in 10-plus years of packing for vacations in Cape San Blas, Florida, to help you avoid the hassles and be a smart beach vacation packer!

CLOTHING:   Create a checklist of clothing to bring.  Now reduce that by half, and that is what should actually go in the suitcase!  Seriously, depending on the destination and your planned activities, a Spartan approach is fine.  Bathing suits, shorts, a cover-up, jeans or slacks for cooler evenings  t-shirts or summer blouses, a sundress for ladies and aloha shirt for men, and you're good to go.    As for shoes, flip-flops, Tevas, boat shoes or running shoes for the athletic types.  Dress shoes are only worn by, well, tourists.  Except for hotels, most Florida beach vacation rentals provide a washer and dryer, so plan to wash things out to lighten the load if you're tight on space.

LINENS AND TOWELS: If your rental doesn't supply them, make everyone responsible for finding room in their suitcase for their share.  If like me you have a teen-aged diva, make her fit extra bath towels for her hair in her suitcase.  Leave super-plush towels behind.  In the Florida humidity, they'll stay damp all week.  Opt for thinner towels and nothing you'll cry over if stained with suntan lotion or left behind.  In Cape San Blas vacation rentals, beach towels are a less common amenity.  Have each person be responsible for theirs.  One  per person is plenty.  Hang them up each night or throw them in the washer and dryer.

BEACH CHAIRS, TOYS, ETC.:  Consult your rental company, since what is guaranteed varies.  Are beach chairs provided?  If so, how many?  What about beach carts, floats, skim boards, boogie boards and kites?   Many times you arrive at your vacation rental and find everything you need there, left behind by someone who didn't want to drag it home.  If there is a beach store near your rental, weigh the savings of bringing from home versus waiting until you arrive to make any purchases.  Beach chairs take up a lot of room.  Don't take them unless you have to!  With any items you do decide to take along, divide things up in as many suitcases as possible.

TOILETRIES, MEDICATION, FIRST AID AND PET SUPPLIES:  Do a check-list of needed medications and refill prescriptions well in advance so you have plenty of required drugs to pack for the trip.  Many places provide "hotel amenities," but don't count on those getting you through the week.   Have everybody take a supply of personal toiletries in their suitcase.

Nobody wants to think about a jellyfish sting or other injury, but they happen.  Check with the rental company and see if the home has a first aid kit.  If not provided or the company is unsure, pack essentials -- pain reliever, something for upset stomachs, hydrogen peroxide, band-aids, neosporin, and benadryl for allergic reactions.   Important note:  Beach vacations often mean bringing your kids' friends along.  Be sure you have a signed medical authorization for each minor and a copy of their insurance card!

For the pets, most pet-friendly vacation rentals require your dog to have current flea treatment.  Also bring proof of rabies vaccinations.  Find out where the nearest vet is and their contact information.  Don't wait to be dealing with a crisis and have no idea who to call.

RAINY DAY KIT:  Ours is simple.  We bring a jigsaw puzzle.  Find out if the unit has games, puzzles, cards, movies.  If not, be sure to bring items or make plans for when beach activities are unavailable due to weather.

SUN PRODUCTS:  Go to your favorite discount store and stock up on suntan lotion (we like the spray kind, and you can never bring enough).  Select waterproof and maximum SPF.  Don't become a cliche.  Growing up I have seen hundreds of visitors underestimate the Florida sun and fry themselves on their first day at the beach.  Don't ruin your vacation!  Chap-stick is a must too.  Sunglasses for everybody, hats and/or visors.  Bring something for sunburn since somebody always gets too much sun.  

GROCERIES AND OTHER SUPPLIES:  If you have family members with allergies and special needs, definitely pack what they need.  We have gone both ways on things like toilet paper and paper towels, but  I find the little we save dragging these items to the beach isn't worth it.  We hit the Piggly Wiggly in Port St. Joe the day we arrive or first thing the next morning.  Stopping in your unit first to do inventory helps you make wiser purchases.  At the Cape, town is 20 minutes away.  You want to plan your shopping trips and not spend your whole vacation driving!  Your rental agent and their website is a great resource.  They should list suppliers for groceries, fresh seafood, etc.   If this is your first trip, shop with the mindset of "less is more."  We see so much food go to waste on check-out day from folks who overestimated what they needed.  Also, find out what is supplied in your rental, whether a grill, a crock pot, blender or crab pot.  When you're cooking for your family, you want to be sure the kitchen supplies available work with your menu!

BEFORE YOU GO:  Review the checklist and be sure you eyeballed everyone's suitcase.  Moms are the ones who realize your son has forgotten his retainer (or even his toothbrush) and your husband didn't pack a any underwear, but he has golf clubs and 14 fishing poles.

Once you leave home, if you forgot it, you probably don't need it or you can buy it when you get there.  Remember, this is a beach vacation and it's supposed to be fun and relaxing!  You've planned, you've prepared, and now you deserve to kick back, soak up the sun, read a good book and watch the dolphins and the pelicans from your deck.  If you followed these simple rules, you'll actually have a book, your sunglasses, suntan lotion and your beach towel, too.  Enjoy your vacation at one of Florida's fabulous beaches!

Article Source: EzineArticles

West Palm Beach Hotels in Florida

West Palm Beach hotels offer comfortable lodging options for you and your family. Renowned as a vacationer's paradise, West Palm Beach is located along the well-known Gold Coast in Florida.

West Palm Beach hotels range from cheap to luxury hotels and resorts that can match every taste and interest. Reasonably priced one-bedroom condominium suites, vacation rentals, apartments, and dormitories are available for travelers on a tight budget. Moreover, discount rates are offered for corporate and government staffs, senior citizens, and other special groups.

Some of the two-star and three-star West Palm Beach hotels within city limits include: Comfort Inn Palm Beach Lakes, Days Inn Airport North, Marriott West Palm Beach Hotel, and Radisson Suite Inn Airport. The hotel rooms are all equipped with modern facilities and amenities for business and leisure travelers, honeymooners, students, and other vacationers. Visitors can indulge in a variety of ocean activities, recreational sports, and other entertainment.

Clematis Street, Mizner Park Amphitheater, Atlantic Avenue, Flagner Museum, Lighthouse Center for the Arts, and Society of the Four Arts are at a convenient driving distance from these hotels. A characteristic warmth and superb service draw more and more guests to these hotels.

The room rates of West Palm Beach hotels vary based on the availability and season. Visitors can select their lodging options with prices ranging from under $60 to over $200. Online reservation facilities are provided by most of the hotels in West Palm Beach.

Special packages are also offered periodically.

West Palm Beach hotels have easy access to Palm Beach International Airport.

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Pensacola Beach Hotels in Florida

Pensacola Beach Florida hotels offer everything needed for families, business travelers, golfers, and other vacationers in Pensacola Beach. This area is one of the affordable tourist spots in Florida with numerous attractions including sandy beaches, emerald green waters, zoos, amusement parks, race tracks, miniature golf courses, and Marine Park.

Visitors can find a choice selection of hotels within the city limits to make their stay more comfortable and enjoyable. The accommodation options include inexpensive hotels, luxury hotels, and business hotels. You can also find everything from motels, condos, inns, suites, resorts, condominiums, lodges, and vacation rentals catering to the varying tastes of the guests. Generally, room rates of hotels range from under $60 to over $200.

Pensacola Beach hotels house some of the finest restaurants, serving every type of world flavor.

The Best Western Resort, Clarion Beachfront Suites, RMI Vacations, Holiday Inn Express, Paradise Inn, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, and Springhill Suites by Marriott are some major Pensacola Beach hotels perfect for families and travelers.

Pensacola Beach hotels are at a convenient distance from popular city attractions such as Bonifay Water Sports, Reel Eazy Charters, Pensacola Beach Air Show, Island Palms Miniature Golf, and Tiki Island Golf and Games. To engage you during your stay, these hotels arrange a wide variety of outdoor adventures and golf packages. Pensacola Beach hotels are furnished with stylish amenities and facilities that ensure a pleasant vacation. Guests can also experience a wonderful variety of shopping, water sports, and recreation and entertainment activities. Those wishing for a change of scenery can plan visits to nearby area attractions.

Hotel booking can be made through travel agents, who can help you to get the perfect room for your vacation with family or friends. Online reservation facilities are provided by most of these hotels. Group discounts and special vacation packages are provided to attract more guests.

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Oceanfront Hotels For Making Your Stay Comfortable & Memorable

If you want to spend your valuable time and money with your dear ones or with your family or with your friends, then what else would be the best idea than going for vacations on the beach side attraction.Organizing a trip to a beach is always a good idea which offers you a range of attractions and a lot of things to amuse you and your dear ones.

Almost all of the beaches of the world offer panoramic views along with great settings for several thrilling and adventurous activities.It is not always possible to enjoy and explore these locations in one or two days and it may require few days also to explore the beauty of the area along with some attractions around these destinations.

Having a great and comfortable accommodation is another thing which decides whether your tour will be successful or not.It is always a good idea to book an oceanfront or a beachfront hotel or resort during your tour to any beach side location.These beachfront or ocean front hotels make your holidays cool and refreshing by providing a range of facilities and amenities.

Some of the most popular oceanfront sites which are known for ideal settings of their oceanfront hotels are Atlantic City Oceanfront Hotels, Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotels, Southern California Oceanfront Hotels, Florida Oceanfront Hotels and many more to add to the list.

The Atlantic Beach is recognized as a small seaside community with a varied range of attractions.These attractions make this place a wonderful holiday destination and perfect place to spend a weekend or an entire week.It is located in the northeast Florida and is completely packed with natural beauty along with pristine beaches and several other attractions which make them a unique place to visit.

Most of the hotels of this area are oceanfront and beachfront giving an opportunity to enjoy the panoramic views of the ocean and the beach.Staying around these hotels means enjoying a range of adventurous aquatic sports in form of surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, waterskiing, tubing, waveboarding and many more things which will make your trip memorable.

Most of the oceanfront hotels arrange wave surfing and allows you to take some classes about wave surfing.After some time you will find yourself on the waves with some practice.

Another most exciting and adventurous water activity is snorkeling.Staying at these oceanfront hotels gives an opportunity to explore a whole world of natural wonders under the water.If you want to take the glimpse of this world you just need to put on snorkel, swim fins and diving masks.

Most of the oceanfront hotels are a bit costly as compare to other hotels due to their ideal settings and facilities.These are generally preferred by most of the business and leisure seeking travelers due to their excellent facilities and amenities.Most of the hotels arrange several events for entertaining their guests.

These hotels generally exhibit rooms which are equipped with all the modern facilities such as telephone, television, refrigerators and many more.The staff of the hotel remains in service for round the clock for making your stay comfortable and memorable.

Article Source: EzineArticles

Orlando Set To Dominate Condo Hotel Market !

As one of the world's top vacation destinations, Orlando offers beautiful weather, unparalleled theme parks, incredible shopping, championship golf and close proximity to top-notch beaches.

In the hospitality field, the city has long been noted for its many hotels and timeshares. But now, it has also taken a leadership position in the condo hotel market with more properties under development than any other city in the country.

CONDO HOTELS OFFER HASSLE-FREE OWNERSHIP
 Because condo hotels are a new type of vacation home ownership, it's not surprising that they're popular in Orlando, the vacation capital of the world.

These fabulously-furnished condominium suites in luxury hotels and resorts offer visitors fantastic amenities like full-service spas, state-of-the-art health clubs, resort-style pools, extravagant clubhouses, upscale restaurants and 24-hour concierge services.

Owners can use their condo hotel vacation homes when they want and place them in the hotel's rental program the rest of the time. They'll receive a share of the revenue their unit generates, typically about 50%. Because the onsite hotel management company takes care of finding guests and maintaining and operating the property, condo hotels offer hassle-free ownership.

EXPANSION OF THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR TO INCLUDE CONDO HOTELSGreater Orlando has approximately 120,000 hotel guest rooms. While that's far more than most U.S. cities, many hotel and condo hotel developers are confident there's still room for expansion in this popular tourist and convention destination. They cite the following facts about the Orlando market as the reasons for their optimism:

· Approximately 50 million visitors come to Orlando each year, and that number is continually growing.

· Orlando is the vacation capital of the world. With new attractions continually being built, it shows no signs of relinquishing that prestigious title.

· In addition to theme parks, Orlando attracts visitors with its 200+ championship golf courses, 800+ tennis courts, numerous world-class shopping venues, and a high concentration of lakes ideal for fishing and water sports.

· Hotel occupancy rates in Orlando are historically 73%, although many properties report occupancy rates of over 83%. These rates are among the highest occupancy rates in the country.

· Orlando's average daily rate for rooms is 4% above the national average.

· The Orange County Convention Center in Orlando is the third largest in the country, enabling it to attract major trade shows and conventions and keep hotel rooms filled year-round. Over one billion delegates attend conventions at the Orange County Convention Center each year. In 2005 and 2006 Orlando was able to absorb many of the conventions and trade shows planned for the Louisiana Superdome.

· Attendance at Orlando's theme parks grows annually, and their reach extends far beyond U.S. borders. The theme parks spend millions of dollars each year on worldwide marketing and promotions. Attendance at Disney's Magic Kingdom, the area's largest theme park, is estimated at over 15 million annually.

· Orlando is strategically positioned in the center of the state, making it an easy visit from Florida cities north, south, east and west.

· Orlando International Airport is seeing annual increases in traffic of approximately 20%, making it one of the top 20 busiest airports in the U.S. and within the top 30 for the world. It is ranked #1 by JD Powers in passenger satisfaction.

· Florida is the single most preferred state by Americans for a recreational property purchase according to the ARDA (American Resort Development Association).

· Foreign buyers favor Orlando over other Florida and U.S. cities. They account for 23% of Orlando home sales, according to the National Association of Realtors. International buyers are more likely to purchase higher-priced homes, and these purchases are likely to be used as a vacation home (38%) or as investment property.

MANY CONDO HOTELS ALREADY UNDER CONSTRUCTION
There are 15 to 20 condo hotels currently selling units or under construction in Orlando. Many more are in the planning stage, including some that will be large-scale, mixed-use projects incorporating spas, golf courses, town centers, stores and restaurants. A few of the biggest projects are over 1,000 units and will include water parks, movie theaters and entertainment venues as on-site attractions.

Some of the condo hotels will be new construction while others will be conversions of existing hotels and resorts. Most will be of three- to five-star caliber and in close proximity to Orlando's theme parks, attractions and golf courses.

Some of the condo hotels will have well-known franchise operators like Sonesta, Starwood and Hilton while others will be run by independent hospitality firms.

ORLANDO CONDO HOTELS OFFER VALUE
Orlando condo hotel units tend to be larger than those found in cities like Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Designed to accommodate the many families and extended families that come to the area theme parks, two-, three- and even four-bedroom units in Orlando properties are not uncommon. In South Florida cities, you primarily find studios and one-bedroom units.

Orlando condo hotel units also tend to cost significantly less per square foot than South Florida condo hotels. In Orlando, you can expect to pay $400 - $700 per square foot. You can find a luxury unit with resort amenities starting at $350,000.

Article Source: EzineArticles