by our guest blogger Viktoria, SEO and internet manager for Guardian Pool Fence Florida
Even beached, the sting of the very colorful jellyfish is still quite painful, avoid at all costs!
Florida family vacations can be a lot of fun! There is so much to do and so much to see and so many family-friendly destinations in the sunshine state that your Florida vacations could become a regular thing. However with every good time comes the implicit potential for danger. You should always be careful on your Florida vacation by following the following four safety guidelines.
Stay Connected – One of the biggest things you should do on your Florida family vacation is you should always stick together. You should always be able to get in touch with each other if and when the potential for splitting up happens. Everyone should have their own cell phone and if not then everyone should know how to get hold of the one person with a cell phone. Even when you’re all together, if someone goes wandering off they should know a few basics; how to get in touch with the adults, what your family’s name is, who to talk to (uniformed officers; other families) and who to stay away from.
Stay Present – When you’re on a Florida family vacation the impetus can be to want to get out and explore. That’s fine but you should also be careful of just how far you go. Veering off the beaten path is one of the adventures of having a vacation; getting into dangerous areas is dangerous.
Stay Alert – You should keep up with who you’re with but you should also be aware of your surroundings, how far you are from the nearest police officers or other official looking places. You should also be in the spirit of helping others; if you see a lost looking small child in a crowded area it’s the good Samaritan thing to do to ask if they are okay. It’s better to help someone lost find their way back to where they need to be. The favor could be returned before you know it.
Misc. – Of course when you’re in a place called the “sunshine state” you should have plenty of sunblock. You should also have cash in a separate place from your purse or wallet; a safety-stash.
Of course have a great time! Being safe on your Florida family vacation is easy and smart.
Article is provided by Guardian Pool Fence Systems – The safest pool fence you can find.
by Guest Blogger, Alan Horton who writes for Holiday-Rentals, a site offering a selection of 320,000 vacation properties for rental worldwide. Read more of Alan’s work on his Google+ profile.
The city of Saint Petersburg is one of Florida’s top destinations for domestic and international tourists. St. Petersburg is located along the Gulf Coast near the southern tip of the Pinellas Peninsula. The city’s scenic beaches include interior properties located on the shores of Tampa Bay and coastal properties located along the Gulf of Mexico, which are sheltered by a series of barrier islands.
Informally known as St. Pete, Saint Petersburg is the fourth largest city in Florida and one of the country’s top destinations for beaches, snorkelling and fishing. St. Petersburg enjoys year-long mild weather that attracts tourists outside traditional high and low seasons. Winter temperatures hover between 50 and 70 degrees on average. Summer temperatures soar into the 80s and 90s. The city is part of the Tampa Bay area and has a permanent population of 245,000.
With 360 days of sunshine every year, some call St. Pete “Sunshine City”. The difference between travelling in the spring and summer or fall and winter typically means packing several pairs of pants rather than shorts and breezy resort wear. Most visitors arrive in St. Petersburg at the Tampa International Airport or the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. Causeways and bridges link mainland Florida and Tampa to St. Pete and the peninsula.
St. Petersburg was incorporated in 1892 when it had a population of 300. According to a local legend, the city’s two founders flipped a coin to determine who would have the privilege of naming the city. Peter Demens won and named the city after Saint Petersburg, Russia, his childhood hometown.
Modern-day St. Petersburg includes a blend of historic buildings and towering skyscrapers. St. Petersburg has a rich variety of early 20th century hotels along with modern resorts and holiday rentals. The city is home to a wide variety of hotels and holiday rentals, including condos, apartments and beach-front villas. From national chains to small boutique hotels, visitors will find it all in St. Pete.
St. Petersburg is a highly liveable city, a top-rated arts destination and one of the best cities for beachgoers. The city has one of the largest and oldest waterfront parks in North America. Spanning more than seven miles, the city’s waterfront parks host a variety of festivals and community celebrations throughout the year.
This thriving seaside city has a number of outstanding museums, art galleries and dozens of award-winning white sand beaches. Visitors can enjoy golfing, boating and deep-sea fishing. The city also has a large number of waterfront restaurants, including fish and chip vendors, cafés, delis, seaside seafood shacks and ethnic food establishments.
Popular attractions include the St. Petersburg Pier, the Great Explorations children’s museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, a Holocaust Museum, the Salvador Dalí Museum and a large collection of dramatic glass sculptures created by Dale Chihuly. The popular St. Petersburg Pier is home to an aquarium and many retail shops. Visitors can also enjoy shopping at the BayWalk retail complex in the downtown area. The majority of nightclubs are located near Jannus Landing, which is just south of the BayWalk area.
Booking Florida villas is a great way to enjoy the area’s best attractions, downtown shopping areas and beaches. Several of the most popular beaches include Fort Desoto, St. Pete Beach, Shell Key and the ultra-private Caladesi Island. This eclectic city is also home to a number of professional sports teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, so there is truly something for everyone.
by Guest Blogger, Alan Horton who writes for Holiday-Rentals, a site offering a selection of 320,000 vacation properties for rental worldwide. Read more of Alan’s work on his Google+ profile.
There are not too many roads or avenues that offer as much entertainment as International Drive in Orlando, Florida. If planning a trip to the area, you will not want to miss the following exciting theme parks and other attractions that are available. Whether you are planning a weekend trip or a much longer stay, be sure to consider Florida villas and Orlando rentals for comfortable and convenient accommodations.
Sea World
Sea World, Orlando is an amazing theme park that offers not only exciting rides, but captivating shows and educational exhibits as well. From the thrilling water ride, Journey to Atlantis, to fun rides appropriate for the younger set in Shamu’s Happy Harbor, Sea World has something for every age. Shows with unusual stars like killer whales, sea lions and walruses, are sure to provide hours of entertainment. Sea World, Orlando has the largest underwater tunnel aquarium in the world, a penguin exhibit and opportunities to feed dolphins and other animals. Exclusive behind-the-scenes tours are also available.
Aquatica
Sea World’s Aquatica is not just your ordinary water park. For one thing, the two enormous side-by-side wave pools are completely unique and nothing quite like them can be found in any other water park in the country. Dolphin Plunge, the most popular ride is an enclosed tube that sends its riders through an underwater world filled with beautiful black and white dolphins. Whether racing against seven other people on the Taumata Racer, or sitting back on a raft and leisurely riding down the Lazy river called Loggerhead Lane, this water park has it all.
Wet and Wild
Wet and Wild offers more multi-person rides than other water parks, which proves that shared experiences are more fun. At least a dozen rides, wave pools and other attractions make this one of Orlando’s most popular water parks. For a unique water skiing experience, the “Wake Zone” is open May through September,
Universal Orlando Resort
The Universal Resort features two amusement parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure; three resort hotels; and Universal City Walk, a 30-acre complex with shops, restaurants, night clubs and movie theatres. Universal studios gives a behind-the-scenes look at the movie and television industry. Islands of Adventure offers the world’s most innovative rides, shows and interactive types of attractions. Universal’s hotels, shops and restaurants provide more fun for the entire family.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
Ripley’s Believe it or Not, a very odd but extremely entertaining museum, contains 10,000 square feet of highly unusual artefacts from all over the world. You can’t miss this amazing looking building which looks like it has fallen into a sinkhole. Once inside there are sixteen galleries of strange and astonishing exhibits to see.

The image above shows a lady spending time with a happy dolphin. This is one of the activities at Discovery Cove, which is located close to International Drive. Image Courtesy: www.flickr.com/photos/thestorylady/
Discovery Cove
A day at Discovery Cove provides six different unforgettable experiences for the entire family. Opportunities include interacting with bottle-nose dolphins at Dolphin Swim Experience; or “swimming with the sharks” (behind the glass of course) at the Grand Reef; or a scuba-like experience at SeaVenture.
Pointe Orlando
Johnny Rockets, Copper Canyon Grill and BB King’s Blues Club are just three of the many restaurant options at Pointe Orlando, which also offers great shopping, a comedy club, a performing arts centre and a movie theatre with 20 movie choices plus an IMAX screen. Seasonal special events are also offered.
Wonder Works
When driving by this unusual building, your first glance will tell you that something is not quite right. On closer inspection you will see that the entire building is upside down. Fortunately, once inside after having gone through the “‘inversion tunnel” you will able to see all 100 hands-on exhibits. In addition, the ropes challenge course, laser-tag and a 4D theatre add to the fun and excitement.
Yes, you would be amazed that all of these attractions can be found off just one road in Orlando, Florida. This is the road that is called International Drive.
by Guest Blogger, Adam Bruk, traveler and writer for www.travelproducts.com
Miami is a tourist hotspot in the US. Go there with your kids, and they might want to spend every waking moment at the neatest beach. However, lead them around to certain locales, and they’ll have a blast.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
In 1916, International Harvester executive and Miami resident James Deering commissioned the construction of a massive estate on the coast of Biscayne Bay. He spared no expense building for this Renaissance-era Venetian palazzo, gathering art and interior design pieces from around the world. Most of the furnishings have remained, as well as the elaborate garden. A trip through the Vizcaya is a step back into the height of the European arts revolution, interpreted through early 20th century designers. The admission is $15, but the impression this Miami castle will leave on your kids is priceless.

Lummus Park in South Beach
Lummus Beach is the face of Miami, the stereotypical beach filmed in movies and TV shoes. Next to it is a road full of touristy stops like restaurants, shops, and rental stores for bikes and other beach necessities. If your kids somehow get tired of the beautiful white sand, they can even wander over to some of the local parks and playgrounds, or chase each other down the boardwalk.

The Everglades National Park
Just think of what your kids’ science teachers would think if you visited Miami without stopping at the Everglades. The typical Everglades experience consists of some hands-on introduction to alligators, including the exhilarating experience of holding a baby one. Then, a guide will take you and your family on a speedboat through the glades. One popular company charges adults $23 and kids 5-11 $10.

Miami Zoo
If your kids like exotic, Caribbean animals, and the Everglades just weren’t enough, spent a day at the Miami Zoo. You can rent a family bike and reduce the time spent walking around. Admission is $16 for adults and $12 for kids.

Miami Children’s Museum
Like the Miami Zoo, the Children’s Museum is ocean themed, especially its crowd favorite Pirate exhibit. You can spend all day in here and even bring some food in, a plus for budget-saavy travelers. Admission, however, is $15 regardless of age.

Bio: Adam keeps busy making sure customers have the right travel products for their trip to Florida. He also helps international travelers find the right travel adapter they’ll need for their trip to the Sunshine state!

by David Graham, blogger for Real Florida Vacations
Everyone has heard of all the major attractions in Florida, but what about those off the beaten path. As a Floridian and an avid vacationer, I have discovered there are many things to do and see, many of which can be done at a discounted rate. Here are just a few of these tropical treats.
A little off the beaten path outside of the city of Ocala is Silver Springs, “Florida’s Original Tourist Attraction”. When Hullam Jones in 1878 figured out how to put a glass viewing box in the bottom of a boat it opened a new world for tourists of the magical springs. A popular spot for film and television crews, movies such as several of the Tarzan Features, The Yearling, and television shows, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, I Spy and The Crocodile Hunter Series have been filmed there. Silver Springs still offers an exciting look at Florida and now has a water park, Wild Waters.
When Thomas Edison and Henry Ford decided to “winter in Florida” they chose the southwest coast of Florida in Fort Myers. Each built an estate next to each other on McGregor Boulevard and the banks of the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. The estates have been preserved and are open to the public for all of us to enjoy. With breath taking gardens and the tour through Thomas Edison’s Florida workshop, it is like stepping back in time. You feel as though Mr. Edison and his crew will be walking through the door and breaking new ground with their next amazing adventure. Stroll through the Edison home and catch a glimpse of vast number of inventions that are so much a part of our everyday lives. Stroll outside and over to the Ford Estate and peek in the carriage house and garage of the most famous automaker of all time. The Ford Edison Estates give a glimpse into the past and some insight into the future.
There really are mermaids living in Florida and the mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs have delighted visitors since 1947; Located on U.S. 19 at the intersection of State Road 50, about an hour north of Tampa on Florida’s west coast. The 538-acre park Florida State Park offers shows harkening back to a time when roadside attractions were the fare, and there were none better than Weeki Wachee Springs. There are more than 117 million gallons of clear, fresh 72-degree water that bubble up out of subterranean caverns feeding the spring and creating the perfect backdrop for the show in the 400-seat submerged theatre. Added to the springs is the family friendly Buccaneer Bay water park that offers a fun-filled flume rides for thrill seekers of all ages.
Opening in 1955 and now over 50 years later, Miami Seaquarium is the longest operating oceanarium in the United States. Seaquarium is home to some of the most famous animal aquatic shows in the world, but one star rises above the rest, Flipper. The star of the iconic television series filmed at the Miami Seaquarium in the 1960s that lives on in syndication today. There have been many other TV series and movies filmed on location at versatile and beautiful location such as Bad Boys 2 and Ace Ventura Pet Detective. Miami Seaquarium brings a rich history, a huge concern for animal conservation, and amazing shows for all to enjoy.
Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to plan something completely different for your Real Florida Vacation, these are just a few of the many hidden treasures that can be found. Make your plans, Imagine your dreams, and Enjoy the Magic, Finding Florida!
Bio: David is a blogger and web designer for Real Florida Vacations. He spends as much time as he can vacationing all over Florida with his wife, Pam exploring everything fun in the sun. He is also a Disney-fanatic and will share endless information to anyone that is willing to listen (and some that aren’t).

by guest blogger, Meghan Preston is a creative writer from Northern Arizona University
A tropical theme park created around sea life, Orlando’s SeaWorld is indeed a world all its own. A place where both young and old can marvel at nature’s dwellers of the sea, even a few that embrace land and air, it is renowned for providing family entertainment that never grows old. Further, a trip to SeaWorld nowadays is resplendent with not only performances and exhibits featuring dolphins and killer whales and encounters with penguins and turtles, but a host of quality entertainment by humans. Whether flying through the air costumed like exotic jungle birds or diving as gallantly as their animal friends into the water, many skillful and gifted athletes and entertainers make a day at SeaWorld even more memorable.
Also featuring events scheduled to coincide with seasonal or holiday themes, there is plenty of variety year-round. Viva La Musica, one such annual event, is a colorful celebration of Latin culture, and its food, sights, and sounds. Live concerts by internationally famous musical performers are offered free with park admission. Slated for Saturdays, running from April 14 – May 5 this year, entertainers such as Elvis Crespo, Grupo Niche, RKM & Ken-Y, and Gilberto Santa Rosa are already slated to perform during the first wave of shows, their acts spanning both traditional and modern Hispanic music.
Thus, visitors to SeaWorld Orlando will be treated to all of the excitement of the animal world welcoming spring, as well as a human celebration of that joyous time of year when great weather combines with the best elements of Hispanic culture for an unforgettable time. As seats will be doled out on a first come-first serve basis, the musical concert location within the SeaWorld complex will undoubtedly fill up quickly. Accordingly, those planning to be at SeaWorld during the Saturday afternoons when the musical performances are held should be certain to consult their site maps and purposefully head to the concert location well ahead of starting times.
The musical celebrations will highlight other cultural aspects, too, such as Latin food. Tents will ensure sampling many unique dishes displaying Hispanic flair, while offering a nice respite from the fare more characteristic of theme parks. Not only will it be an opportunity for many to try something new, but there will also be a natural transition from eating to entertainment, Latin style.
Significantly for the community of Orlando, Viva La Musica is also a wonderful rand timely replacement for a popular program, the Orlando Latin American Film and Heritage Festival, or OLA Fest, discontinued due to lack of funds. The annual Hispanic cultural and film celebration was only recently cancelled but was backed by the Orlando Magic, Telemundo, as well as a few Orlando abogado practices. Although it is hoped that it will return in the future, SeaWorld’s Latin festivities will help to fill the void in the meantime.
Availing locals and visitors of delicious Latin cuisine and musical contributions that enrich life north and south of the border is one thing. However, doing so within the realm of an already magnificent theme park is bound to ensure an unbeatable combination of family fun amidst the alluring spectacles of sea life.
bio: Meghan Preston is a creative writer from Northern Arizona University. As an aspiring writer she specializes in writing about travel detestations and tourism.

by guest blogger and student James S.
Millions of tourists flock to the sun kissed state of Florida every year in search of some much needed fun and relaxation. Luckily this winter I had the chance to escape law school in Massachusetts and enjoyed a couple of weeks in Orlando, Florida.
Although vacations are never easy on a student’s wallet, I did find some attractions that were less expensive than the great, but pricey, Disney World and Universal Studios.
Here is my round up of 5 top student friendly attractions in Florida:
Gatorland, Orlando
This quirky attraction celebrates Florida’s oldest reptilian resident – the alligator. Tickets are surprisingly affordable and the park showcases a wide range of alligators varying in size and age. Highlights include watching alligator shows and even getting the chance to get your picture taken with you sitting on an alligator! Gatorland’s latest attraction allows you to zip line across the park and over the multiple gator enclosures.
Old Town, Kissimmee
A quaint attraction designed to look like an old fashioned American town; it is free to enter and has many attractions and restaurants to choose from. The wide range of specialty gift shops makes it perfect for buying gifts to take home and most of the attractions aren’t particularly expensive. Some of these attractions include a Ferris wheel and a rollercoaster and vintage car cruises are a regular happening.
Downtown Orlando
If you find yourself becoming tired of the somewhat cheesy elements of the predominantly family themed attractions in Florida, you might want to take a trip to downtown Orlando to sample its colorful nightlife. Covering a large area, downtown Orlando hosts a variety of nightclubs, bars and award winning restaurants. A favorite destination for locals and tourists alike, its prices are much more reasonable and student friendly in comparison with the night life options nearer the parks and attractions.
The Beaches
You don’t want to finish a vacation in Florida without sampling at least one of its beautiful beaches. Although it can be a bit of a drive from the tourist epicenter Orlando, the beaches are absolutely worth the trip. A top free attraction for students, the beaches boast warm clear waters and miles of sand to explore. Favorite beaches include the beaches on Sanibel Island and the Siesta Key beach.
Downtown Disney, Lake Buena Vista
If you are a struggling student and can’t quite afford tickets to go inside the various Disney World parks, the next best thing is Downtown Disney. With free parking, anyone can hang out in Downtown Disney without park entry tickets. Choose from a variety of restaurants, Disney themed shops and a large movie theater.
As you can see, a trip to Florida as a student doesn’t have to leave you in the red. There are many attractions that are free or very affordable. So don’t hesitate to take a trip down to Florida and make sure you thoroughly enjoy its gorgeous weather and endless miles of sandy beaches!
bio: James S. is currently a student in Boston, who enjoys blogging about topics he is passionate about. These include travel, education and the outdoors.

by guest blogger Stephen Baker, writer and blogger on behalf of lowcostholidays.com
A Florida holiday isn’t just about Disney World; it’s also about sampling the best food that the sunshine state has to offer. From beautiful fresh fruit to succulent seafood Orlando offers an array of wonderful food for you and your family to enjoy.
These restaurants are some of the finest that Florida offers:
Hue - Located in one of downtown Orlando’s most exciting dining and shopping destinations – Thornton Park Central, Hue has won plenty of awards for its progressive American cuisine. Ahi Tuna with caramelized lemon beurre blanc and herb couscous is a standout dish.
Norman’s - Legendary chef Norman Van Aken is known internationally as ‘the founding father of New World Cuisine’ fusing Latin, Caribbean, Asian, African and American flavors. Try the pan-cooked fillet of Key West yellowtail for a real taste of Florida.
Victoria & Albert’s - For the ultimate in fine dining at Walt Disney World it has to be Victoria & Albert’s modern American cuisine. The chef’s select whatever is fresh at the market to create truly unique menus. Maine lobster, mango, and passion fruit pearls with German caviar anyone?
Venetian Room - Elegant yet relaxed, The Venetian Room is serves up classic dishes with a contemporary twist in the heart of Orlando. Filet Mignon with Barley Rhubarb Chard, Fennel and Pernod Strudel is enough to get anyone’s taste buds going.
The Rusty Spoon - The Rusty Spoon aims to celebrate a great pub atmosphere with American cuisine rooted in European flavors all sourced from Florida farmers. The menu is no less intriguing than the concept – try the Pork ‘Americana’, cornflake crusted pork with creamy grits and bacon gravy!
Getting to Florida
Organizing a trip to Florida is easier than you’d think, and lowcostholidays.com offers a range of great value holidays to Florida, with flights and accommodation packages to suit every budget and taste.

by Guest Blogger Kevin Kaiser, who just enjoys traveling.
Hot, Humid, and horrible weather.
No, I’m not talking about Florida. I’m talking about my home state of Missouri. I spend my time between the cities of Columbia, where I sell Betsey Johnson Pink Patch clothing, and St. Louis where my family and surety bond company are located .
There are plenty of reasons to love being a Missourian, but I often find myself dreaming of vacationing in Florida.
Besides the occasional trips to Orlando and Miami, my vacation spot is the beach of Siesta Key.
Siesta Key allows you to live life so simply, and enjoy one of nature’s finest creations.
Considered to be one of the top beaches in Florida, it is a vacation paradise that is little known.
The perfect day consists of an early morning rise to walk across the street to beach and watch the sunrise.
Afterwards, enjoy some of the best breakfast options offered at the Village Café or The Broken Egg, where Dick Vitale is sure to make an appearance. I even saw OJ Simpson there when I was 11, though I had no idea who he was!
After a relaxing breakfast, the only natural thing to do is … relax on the beach.
Grab your Kindle and “open” up a book while getting some sun on the beautiful white sand. Once you experience it, you will never appreciate another beach as much as Siesta Key.
Hide your skin under the cover of the Shack for some lunch, or bring your own. The afternoon is ripe for another dose of relaxation on the sand and in the easy tide of the Gulf waves. There are plenty of activities to enjoy as well, such as parasailing or a pick-up game of beach Volleyball.
Then get ready to take a quick shower and head to dinner in downtown Siesta Key or hit the mainland for a more crowded nightlife.
Just be sure to set aside as least one night to head back to the beach one last time to catch the sunset. After all, for a guy from Missouri, this is paradise.

by guest blogger James Cave, writer and blogger for skyscanner.net
Find all the fun you’re looking for on a family holiday to the Sunshine State with one of the four best family-friendly Florida beaches.
These beaches are all ready and waiting for your family; Find flights to Orlando in 2012 that will give you a special summer holiday to look forward to.
#1 Cocoa Beach: Only an hour drive away from Orlando’s major attractions, resting nearby Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center, this beach is an ideal addition to any family holiday in Florida. Lovely natural sand dunes, a seriously relaxed attitude, and a pier packed with tantalising restaurants, you’ll find few reasons for ever wanting to leave.
It’s a popular beach for surfers, but there’s a real family feel and for those needing a break from it all. Some fantastic fishing can also be found at Jetty Park, just off Cocoa Beach.
#2 Manatee County Public Beach: One of Florida’s most family-friendly beaches, you’ll find white sand and calm, clear water that’s shallow enough for even the smallest kids to enjoy paddling in. Located on Anna Maria Island, this is a great beach to go to if you’re looking to escape the party crowds and relax in a nice, laidback atmosphere.
The Island enjoys some of the clearest water off the west coast of Florida. You’ll find all the facilities you need on the beach, as well as a range of great local restaurants and seafood
specialties nearby.
#3 Fernandina Beach: If you’re looking for a beach untouched by commercialism for some family bonding, there are few Florida spots better that Fernandina Beach. Enjoy trekking across a beach with 40-foot dunes, sit and watch the stunning sunset, or venture to learn to sail as a family with some help from the Windward Sailing School.
Other unforgettable activities include: a boat tour of Amelia River, where you’ll hear about its pirates of the past; a gallop across the beachfront on horseback; and in the evening, you can relax in one of its casual and children-welcoming bars
#4 Clearwater Beach: An excellent all-rounder, Clearwater is a good choice if you have a mixture of teens and little ones on your family holiday. The main beach may be packed with young sun worshippers during the day, but you’ll find there are plenty of parks and conservation areas nearby where you can enjoy the spectacular sunsets and gorgeous views in a quieter environment.
What’s more, young adults are sure to love dancing to live music at Pier 60 in the evening. During the day, you’ll be hard pushed to drag kids away from the beach’s clean and friendly playground. And the whole family can get hands-on with friendly dolphins and otters at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Bio: James writes for Skyscanner.net a cheap flights comparison site based in Edinburgh. For more information about Skyscanner, follow the Skyscanner Linkedin page.
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