A Florida vacation means lots of fun for the entire family. Besides its many theme parks, Florida is also rich in history, plant life and wildlife.

There is really no “bad” season to go to Florida. Tourists flock there year-round. Depending on what you want to do, though, it’s important to be aware of the different seasons and the different “tricks” nature may toss in your direction.

High Season

Florida’s high tourist season runs from the middle of December to the middle of April. Prices for theme parks and hotels are generally higher around this time of year and crowded attractions may mean long lines.

Although you may have to put up with some chilly weather – be sure to pack a jacket, just in case – you’ll find the average temperature a delightful 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Late March through May

The spring Florida sunshine warms the crowds from late March through May. During the early part of the season, college students flock to popular party sites like Panama City Beach, Daytona Beach and the Florida Keys. If this isn’t your scene, plan to travel a little earlier or a little later.

The spring weather is usually warm, but expect tropical showers in the afternoons.

June to September

During Florida’s summer months, you can expect the weather to be beastly hot with almost daily rainstorms, which ensure high humidity as well. If you can stand the temperatures, though, this is a great time to visit Florida because the prices are great and the attractions are less crowded.

You can still make this a great travel time if you stay near the coast to pick up an occasional cool sea breeze. Plan your activities earlier in the day so that by the time the heat strikes you will have completed your agenda and returned to your air-conditioned hotel room to search the Internet for Facebook messages from your jealous family members, or the latest celebrity gossip.

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season in Florida starts in June and lasts into November. Although it’s wise to be aware of this, it’s not necessary to drastically alter your trip plans to avoid these months. If you are planning to visit Florida during hurricane season, keep an eye on the long-range weather forecast and buy travel insurance in case your vacation is interrupted by the arrival of one of these intense storms.

A Few Words about Disney World and its Properties

Disney World certainly isn’t the only reason that people visit Florida, but it you’re traveling with kids, you’re probably planning to at least check the theme park out.

Disney World draws huge crowds during school holidays, Christmas week and Christmas Day. In fact, if you don’t get there bright and early on Christmas Day, you may not be able to get into the park at all.

To get the best park rates, hotel rates and air fares, plan to arrive on a Sunday and leave before Friday.

Also, before booking your trip, check online to make sure you are avoiding crowd-drawing festivals. Epcot Center, for example, has a food and wine festival that runs from late August through October.

Frankly, there aren’t any really horrible times to vacation in Florida, but you can use the information in this post to decide what timeframe is best suited to your family’s needs.

Byline: Michelle is an aspiring writer who currently works for a company that sells 1994 Mustang parts. She enjoys writing about a vast variety of topics and loves that blogging gives her the opportunity to publicly voice her thoughts and share advice with an unlimited audience.

Orlando Vacations

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If your expectation of the food to be found in Florida doesn’t extend beyond huge burgers with French fries, hot dogs and fried chicken you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Florida is, after all, the Sunshine State and renowned for its citrus fruits. But there’s far more for the adventurous gourmet to discover in Florida than fruit alone; here we pick out the some of the state’s foremost culinary highlights on a food lover’s tour of Florida.

The Florida Keys

This sweeping curve of coral islands begins fifteen miles south of Miami, eventually stretching around the Florida coast and ending at Key West just ninety miles from Cuba. Key West’s most significant contribution to world cuisine is the Key Lime Pie. Key Limes are a small variety, generally growing no larger than a golf ball and are more acidic than regular limes. But combining their juice with condensed milk produces a thick sweet filling for a pastry tart which has not only become world famous but has earned the title “Official Pie of the State of Florida”
As you might expect from a series of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the Florida Keys are also renowned for their fresh seafood. Delicacies include the Stone Crab, of which only the deliciously sweet claw meat is eaten, and the Florida Spiny Lobster. This lobster has no claws and so the majority of meat is taken from its tail. Locally caught fish include the Hogfish –so called because the male fish has a head that resembles a pig’s snout, and the migratory Cobia which is prized for its firm, delicious flesh.

The Everglades

Southern Florida is dominated by the Everglades, a vast area of wetlands including cypress swamps and mangrove forests. This is natural territory for alligators and one of several places where this reptile can be consumed by humans rather than the other way round. Converts say that alligator meat tastes like pork but has a texture similar to veal, and favourite methods of preparation include grilled ‘gator kebabs, alligator ribs and even alligator nuggets. Alligator tail is regarded as the ‘prime cut’ and is found on the menus of many Florida restaurants.

Miami

Cuba’s proximity to Florida has had a pronounced influence on the state’s cuisine and there’s probably nowhere better to sample authentic and traditional Cuban cuisine than the ‘Little Havana’ district of Miami established in the 1960s by immigrants keen to begin a new life in America. Cuban cuisine is an exhilarating fusion of Spanish, African and Caribbean flavours, and excellent restaurants, bars and cafes abound here selling popular Cuban dishes such as empanadas (a small pastry shell traditionally filled with minced beef and boiled egg), fried plaintain, arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) and palomilla (beef loin) steaks. Many menus also feature the Cuban speciality – roast suckling pig.

Polk County

Polk County sits at Florida’s heart, roughly equidistant between the state’s two coasts. This is the region that makes Florida famous for its citrus fruit and other agriculture and is unmissable for the food lover searching for the freshest, tastiest natural produce that Florida has to offer. Not only are oranges, lemons and limes grown in Florida but also more exotic fruits such as papaya, carambola, kumquat, passion fruit and avocado.

Northern Florida
Ironically, as you reach the northernmost regions of Florida the food becomes influenced by what is considered ‘deep south’ cuisine; the food generally associated with neighbouring states Georgia and Alabama. Here food lovers can experience Creole and Cajun specialities such as barbecued oysters, gumbo, blackened alligator and boiled peanuts.

Throughout Florida
It’s fair to say that food lovers will not be disappointed wherever they travel in Florida. American classics – the ribs, stakes, barbecues and burgers can be found throughout the state, as can wonderful cuisine influenced by a vast variety of cultures including Jewish, Latin American, Asian and European. Even as recently as the 1980s a new cuisine emerged and has gained popularity if Florida. Known as Floribbean cuisine this is fine Caribbean cookery with a Florida twist with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, the creative blending of spices and the incorporation of exotic fruits and fruit juices.

Author bio: Amy Sawyer is a travel writer from Alamo America car hire who offer a range of car hire options in Orlando Florida and across the sunshine state for everything from small family vehicles to large people movers.

Miami Beach

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When planning their wedding, many new brides-to-be have one general wish: a fairy tale wedding. They long to be a princess for a day. They dream about creating a sense of magic, romance, and the beginning of a happily-ever-after. With so many generations of girls growing up watching Cinderella and Snow White meet Prince Charming, it is no wonder that this fairy tale wedding is a dream of most women.

Thankfully, Disney has recognized this desire and has created an easy way for every bride to have her own Cinderella wedding. Getting married at Disney World can fulfil the wishes of everyone involved in the wedding. Set in beautiful Orlando, Florida, you’ll be in the ideal location for great weather and plenty of fun.

Disney World offers several different wedding packages to fit your needs. There are weddings suitable for a small, intimate ceremonies and large, lavish gatherings. You can choose from three types of locations for your ceremony: Magical, Exotic, or Garden. Disney World has so many beautiful and unique locations for wedding ceremonies. The Magical locations are perfect for the classic fairy tale dream wedding. Become Cinderella for the day by arriving for your ceremony in Cinderella’s coach, a white pumpkin-shaped carriage pulled by six beautiful ponies, with your very own driver and two footmen. Proceed down Main Street right inside the Magic Kingdom and walk down the aisle to your groom in Swan Boat Landing. With the famous Cinderella Castle in the background, this ceremony is truly magical.

Live out your princess wedding in other locations as well. Disney has a Wedding Pavilion that is located on a private island in the Seven Seas Lagoon. The island features a gorgeous Victorian style home with a large non-denominational chapel. This setting can hold up to 300 guests and is still in view of the enchanted Cinderella Castle.

One of the exciting possibilities about wedding at Disney World Florida is the options outside the Magic Kingdom. For a more exotic flair, you can hold your wedding at Epcot in any one of the global venues. You won’t need a passport to get married in a quaint German village or a mysterious Japanese garden.

If you envision your dream wedding outside surrounded by flowers and nature, Disney has several options for garden weddings. Outdoor gazebos are set amongst lush and beautiful landscaping located in unique spots such as a 1940′s era seaside boardwalk or an English country garden.

For your fairy tale reception, Disney World has a wide array of facilities to suit any number of guests you may have. From an elegant ballroom an upscale restaurant to an African safari celebration in the Animal Kingdom, Disney can make your dream come true. Wedding packages can be built to include a sit-down meal, a buffet, cocktails, and drinks. Disney also offers photography, videography, and even all floral arrangements, bouquets, and boutonnieres. Entertainment options range from string quartets to orchestras and bands. For the couple who are real Disney enthusiasts, you can even opt to have some Disney characters visit your reception and mingle with your guests!

By allowing Disney to build your perfect fairy tale wedding, you’ll get the wedding you’ve dreamed of with the stress-free assurance that someone is taking care of all the details so that you can just enjoy your magical day.

Your guests, and the bride and groom as well, can enjoy all the fun Disney World has to offer before and after the wedding. Planning a fabulous honeymoon is easy when you have your wedding at Disney World. Your options are endless: book a cruise from one of the nearby ports of call in Florida, stay in Orlando to visit the many fun theme parks, or choose one of Disney’s honeymoon packages that include a variety of land and sea escapes.

Any way you plan it, a wedding at Disney World will be magical and fun, and make you feel like a fairy tale princess.

 

Wayne Barker writes for Portfolio of Fine Diamonds about all things wedding related. Portfolios are renowned worldwide for their superior quality diamond wedding rings and engagement rings.

Romantic Vacation
Orlando

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My family and I recently took a vacation in Florida, flying from our West coast home, Eastward in search of a warmer sea to swim in and some renowned Floridian hospitality. Traveling with three small children, under the age of 6 meant that there were certain limitations as to what we could all enjoy doing as a family and what our budget would stretch to. However, we did not want to place too many restrictions on our time away so we did a lot of research before hand, both online and through our friend’s recommendations’ so we could make the most of our money without missing out on doing stuff.

I got a great discount on our hotel by booking a last minute deal online and I found a cheap car rental on a car hire comparison website. I also managed to make the most of air miles, which I had been saving for a trip like this. Even with all of the economizing I had managed to do, we were still unable to find the funds to do the traditional family theme park visit that is usually associated with travelling to this part of the States. Instead, we looked for family friendly places to go where we could spend time without spending too much money.

A couple of our friends who had recently visited Florida recommended that we go check out the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center as it was close by where we were going to be staying and, in their opinion, well worth the trip. I had a brief look online before we set out, but had no expectations of it being as enjoyable as it turned out to be. It is free to get in, although they suggest you donate $5 per person as it is an organisation run entirely by volunteers who dedicate themselves to restoring the health of sick and injured wild birds. We made our donation on arrival as it would not survive without the generosity of its visitors and supporters, and it was well worth it simply for the feeling that you are somehow involved in the wonderful work they are doing. The kids loved it and took a real interest in all the different breads of birds that were there and their stories. You can get quite close to many of the birds and they have very spacious, well-kept enclosures. It is also home to an amusing Pelican who followed us around and seemed to enjoy the attention he received.

We left after a good few hours with lots to talk about with the kids. We timed our visit to coincide with feeding time (around 3pm), so we got to see lots of ‘Action’ and the children were excited to witness all of the birds enjoying their food, even if it was a little smelly with all of the fish etc. Overall, we had an educational, fun day out which was unique experience that we could have missed if we had just stuck to the beaten track.

Abby Wilkinson is a freelance writer and mother of three exuberant children. Born and bred in the UK, she has spent time living in the US and regularly travels to Africa and around Europe. She loves to draw upon her experiences and observations of travel and motherhood in her writing.

Key West Vacations

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Florida is the Sunshine State of our globe. To begin, it is highly bejeweled with historic hotels, quaint inns, pretty & picturesque tourist destinations, and extensive beach resorts to perfect heart-warming memories for the tourists. It’s the love for this place that tourists often feel to treasure it in their memories by assuring it as their wedding destination. If you are in a love relationship and tying knots this year, let Florida- the state eye-witnessed several nuptials, be your place to commit sweet memories in love.

It’s never a clandestine that Florida is the godly blessed paradise destination for marriages. Brides do love Florida as it’s quite easy to arrive at, Pleasant and laid-back weather (highly suiting with marriages & its mood), sprawling beach resorts for after marriage parties & honeymoon as well many more. Since, it is recognized as the best wedding destination in the world, let this pick guide you to justify its uniqueness in beauty unrivaled in knotting two hearts for life!

Memories are the sweetest to treasure even if they have crossed several years in life. Such is true for me, when my best friend took me to this place for a surprise visit, proposed to me and then we get married. It took a very little time in my life but calculated several of the sweetest memories to embrace. Memorizing my marriage at the wedding destination in Florida, it has truly assisted me with unique happy moments in my life.

During my first visit, we (me & my husband) had fallen in love with almost everything… quaint cottages, palm-tree walkways, cozy lifestyle, warm sunshine, beach honeymoon treats, boutique shops, restaurants, great food, nature trails, nightlife entertainment, shopping joints, festivals, beach nightlife (for marriage & after-life parties), moss-draped oaks; a charming place gifted with natural essentials for marriage ceremonies bonding your love in relationships. It is quite a true in saying that beautiful marriage destinations do define Florida and vice versa.

Top 10 Marriage resorts in Florida:

1)   The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island

2)   The Don CeSar, A Lowes Hotel St. Pete Beach

3)   The Gasparilla Inn & Club, Ponte Vedra Beach

4)   The Celebration Hotel, Celebration

5)   Ocean Key Resort & Spa, Hollywood

6)   Steinhatchee Landing Resort, Steinhatchee

7)   The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood

8)   Naples Grade Beach Resort, Naples

9)   The Sundy House, Delray Beach

10)  Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Marco Island

My favorite three wedding resorts out of the stupendous 25:

25 Marriage resorts are there in Florida suiting any of style combinations you are looking for your marriage… matching the ethnic in elegance to the beach modernity- these destinations are perfect to suit any of your desire.

1)   The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island: It’s a beach resort by The Ritz, which has perfected it as the stunning beauty to describe such a lovely relation in this world. Eight-storey outpost in Amelia Island, which overlooks 13 miles of the much known Pristine Beach, this resort perfectly season the decorations with scurry of Southern propriety.

2)   Steinhatchee Landing Resort, Steinhatchee: Natural coast beauty in Florida measures a vast in astonishing surprise. Just from palms and beaches, it is enriched with easy assurance of moss-draped oaks and marshy-liner rivers too. In this fishing town of Steinhatchee, you will get natural beauty to experience from your newlywed life & companionship.

3)   Ocean Key Resort & Spa, Hollywood: It’s the stylish gateway that radiates the South beach atmosphere, highly surprising availability in a place known for its outlandish behavior. You can sincerely experience sunset celebrations at the Mallory Square which is perfect for cherishing every steps of love, leading life in peace & harmony.

 

Author Bio: Soma Dutta is a content developer and writing on Travel Agency Kolkata& Tours from Kolkata holiday destinations is her sphere. In this piece, she is sharing her own experience in dream weddings of Florida- the rich wedding destination blessing nature’s beauty in marriage-knots of love.

Amelia Island Vacations

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While Orlando is home to the famed Disney World, it is also host of some unique and different shopping experiences. Remember, Disney World is designed for children, but the shopping caters for everyone. So check out ‘Downtown Disney’ for the best shopping experiences.

Lego Imagination Centre

This is a place every child wants to grow up in. First and foremost the 3,000 square foot Lego play area out the front is a child’s wonderland. It’s full of oversized and life sized Lego building blocks, bringing Lego creations to life. As ‘mature’ as anyone can be, this is somewhere we all want to visit (secretly). After your kids are worn out by the play area, visit the indoor shop which I’ve been told has literally every kind of Lego imaginable. From high tech puzzles to simple creations, this store has everything in between. It’s well worth the airfare to Orlando just to see this place.

World of Disney

The ‘World of Disney’ store is the crux of Downtown Disney, with every bit of Disney merchandise possible. From famous “Mickey” baseball jerseys to all sorts of plush toys, kids buy these young, and treasure them forever. I know, I still have everything I’ve bought there. There are twelve rooms in this store with different apparel for different ages, so there’s something for everyone.

Arribas Brothers

So you’ve taken your kids everywhere they wanted to go, and now you want something for the adults. Well the Arribas Brothers shop hosts fine glassware, collectibles and crystal products. They also hold glass blowing sessions daily, and can personalize almost any item you want. They offer engravings which can create outstanding memorable gifts for loved ones at home or memories of your experiences with the family.

Design-A-Tee

Disney has a unique shop that allows you to design and create your own tee shirt. You can select different characters, colours and write different phrases on the shirt. This isn’t something for everyone, but if you want a more personalised experience then this is the first stop.

Candy Cauldron

Disneyland doesn’t only offer souvenirs and memorabilia; it will also allow you to embellish your senses on the spot in a moment of guilt and glutton. This candy store offers everything you can imagine to treat your senses, from candy apples dipped in chocolate and sprinkles to fudge from around the world. It’s open every day of the week until 11 or 12 pm, so you can have a ‘cheat meal’ whenever you want. Check out this shop in Downtown Disney’s West Side.

Citations:1. cc flickr photo by greencolander

Tom Wilson+ – Traveled to Orlando at a young age and experienced shopping first hand all throughout the Disney World area.

Orlando Vacations

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It’s finally time for the kids to go back to school and you’ve probably been spending the last few weeks buying supplies to fill their new backpacks and picking which outfits they’ll wear their first week back. Between fighting crowds over school supplies, running last-minute errands and scheduling open house visits with your kids’ teachers, you’ve earned a break! Luckily, Labor Day is next weekend, giving you one last long weekend to commemorate the end of the summer. If you live in Florida (or close enough that you can manage a weekend getaway), it’s not too late to plan a beach getaway for the family. Looking for the perfect place to take your family? Here are some suggestions for family friendly beaches to visit this Labor Day weekend.

Sanibel Island and Captiva Island

Why go to one tropical island for the weekend when you can visit two? Captiva Island and Sanibel Island are sister islands joined by a small bridge that crosses over Turner Beach. With a wildlife refuge, snorkeling, bird watching and shelling to fill your days, it’s no wonder Frommer’s Travel Guide named Sanibel Island the No. 1 tourist destination in 2011, ranking above Bali and Paris. The islands provide 15 miles of untouched beaches, 22 miles of biking paths that are sure to wear out your kids, 50 different types of fish and they even feature pet-friendly accommodations if you need to bring your four-legged friend with you.

Clearwater Beach

The white, powdery sand on Clearwater Beach is the perfect place to bring your family for some outdoor fun. Visit Pier 60, which offers nightly sunset celebrations that feature street performers, musical entertainment and artisans, in addition to free film showings every Friday and Saturday night. For some daytime entertainment, you can visit Clearwater Municipal Marina or Caladesi Island State Park, which was named America’s Best Beach in 2008 and offers boating, canoeing, camping, hiking and fishing. For any pirate enthusiasts in your family, you can set sail on one of Captain Memo’s pirate cruises, which have been setting sail on Clearwater Beach for 34 years.

Destin

Perfect for families in the Panhandle, or even those in Alabama looking to make a last-minute Florida getaway, Destin offers soft, sandy beaches and emerald green Gulf water, which explains why it’s part of Florida’s Emerald Coast. This quiet beach town is perfect for families looking to make a relaxing getaway by the Gulf. Visit the well-known Fudpucker’s that lets kids entertain themselves with games, playgrounds and areas of the restaurant where they can write on the walls and leave their mark. You can also visit Gator Beach at Fudpucker’s, which lets you get up close and personal with 100 live gators. If the beaches aren’t enough to keep your kids entertained, spend a day at Big Kahuna’s water park, home to more than 40 attractions that are sure to wear your kids out for the day.

Siesta Key

Located in family friendly Sarasota, Siesta Key offers a great escape for a long weekend. For any circus fans, Sarasota is home to the Ringling Museum of Art that features the Circus Museum. See memorabilia from the history of the Ringling Bros. circus and also see the grounds and gardens, which feature more than 27,000 square feet of gardens blooming with roses. You and your family can also set sail on a dinner cruise on the Marina Jack II, located at Marina Jack, Sarasota’s first environmentally friendly marina. You can also charter a sail boat for the day or parasail or jet ski if you have some thrill seekers in your family.

Daytona Beach

Not just home to spring breakers and bikers, Daytona offers a variety of attractions perfect for your family. For any race enthusiasts, be sure to visit the Daytona 500 International Speedway and take part in the Daytona 500 Experience, which features a race simulator, video games, pit crew simulation and more. There’s also Daytona Lagoon, Daytona’s nearby water park, and several museums such as the Southeast Museum of Photography and the Ponce de Lion Inlet Lighthouse and Museum. For those wishing to satisfy a sweet tooth, visit the Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory, home to gourmet chocolate since 1925. One word of advice: Make sure you don’t visit the chocolate factory before you hit the beach – unless you want your sweet treats to melt all over your beach bag.

 

Amy Nicole is a freelance writer for Hope Paige Designs, which offers fun and fashionable medical ID bracelets perfect for any member of your family. Make sure your kids have the ID bracelets they need before you hit the road with them this Labor Day weekend.

Sanibel Island Vacations

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Florida’s reputation as a favorite travelers’ destination is well known and well deserved. Its man-made attractions are world famous, of course, but for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, Florida’s natural attractions are unsurpassed. If you’re planning on visiting Florida because of its wildlife, you’ve made an excellent choice. The abundance and sheer variety of fascinating animal and plant species make Florida an outstanding region of world-class natural beauty and diversity.

Here are just a few examples of the rich wildlife that make Florida the ideal destination for visitors who appreciate nature at its very best;

Alligators

Florida’s alligators are among the most famous animal species in the state. They can often be found basking on river banks and often come close to inhabited areas – especially areas that have been reclaimed from mangrove swamp regions. Alligators tend to shy away from close contact with people and alligator attacks on humans are very rare. While Florida’s alligators are common and number in the millions, crocodiles are also to be found in the state. These, however are very rare and confined to the extreme south of the state.

Snakes

Florida boasts an impressive forty five species of snake. Some, such as the coral snake and rattlesnakes, are venomous while others, such as the Eastern Hognose snake, are harmless. A recent incomer to Florida’s wildlife is the huge Burmese python. They became established in Florida as a result of people releasing pet python snakes that had outgrown their owners’ ability to look after them properly.

Manatee

One of Florida’s more interesting mammal residents is the manatee. These huge but harmless aquatic mammals are held in great affection and can often be found in warm shallow coastal waters and rivers. Although Florida’s natural environment is perfect for them, they are under threat due to coming increasingly into contact with boats and other human activities

Florida Black Bear

One step down in size from the manatee, the Florida black bear is another famous resident that is worth trying to see. If you’re lucky, you can see them in several places in the state, including Ocala National Forest, Okefenokee Swamp and Big Cypress National Preserve.

Mountain Lion

Also known as puma, cougar and, in Florida, as the Florida panther, this magnificent and iconic north American wild cat was thought to be extinct in Florida until 1973 when a small population was discovered in the south western part of the state. Efforts have been made to increase their numbers and range, and this has been successful to an extent. They’re still very rare, though, and you’d be extremely lucky to see one. The state’s other famous wild cat is the bobcat, a smaller but ferocious cat that often preys on animals far larger than itself.

Birds

Bird watchers who come to Florida are in for a treat. With almost 500 native bird species, Florida offers bird watchers an unforgettable experience. Pelicans, herons, eagles, ospreys, vultures, owls, woodpeckers, jays – the list goes on and on.

Small Mammals

 

Let’s not forget the many smaller species of mammal that are at home in Florida. These include species of armadillo, raccoon, otter, coyote, fox, and rabbit to name a few.

Floridans are justifiably proud of their state’s natural environment, and they’re happy to share it with visitors. Information and tours to remote and wild areas are available through various Florida wildlife and tourist authorities. Don’t hesitate to use their services to ensure a safe and unforgettable experience amidst the wonderful natural attractions of Florida.

 

Will Kerr is a travel enthusiast with a passion for wildlife. He blogs about all aspects of his travels, from the marvels of the natural world he gets to see, to more mundane practical issues such as car hire.

Ocala

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Florida is one of the premier destinations in the U.S. for anyone looking for an amazing an unforgettable fishing experience. I personally have had many great fishing trips across the U.S., but the greatest of those trips are all from my travels to Florida. The natural beauty and unmatched deep sea fishing opportunities in the Sunshine State are certainly the primary reasons for its fishing greatness. However there are three essential factors one must consider in order to maximize their Florida fishing experience; location, company and bait.

Location: This is probably the most important thing with fishing. If you are just on the beach you are probably not going to catch much more than a tan, so boats are the way to go. Some of the best times on my Florida fishing adventures were in a boat in the Gulf of Mexico. I can even remember a time when a shark got into the act…The adventures to be had are truly limitless.

Company: Having almost as much of an effect on your fishing experience as the location, is the company you keep while you are fishing. It is always a plus to have a native Floridian along on the boat to guide you to fishing success. You also want to of course be with any friends, family, and loved ones. After all, the majority of the time you will just be waiting for the next big catch, and the moments of rushed reeling and catching are complemented with the relaxing waves and pleasant conversation on the boat. Fishing isn’t always just the catches you get to haul back, but also just the sheer enjoyment of being on a boat on the water in the calming environment.

Bait: With good bait comes a great catch and can define the day of fishing. If the fish are biting on your bait it can be a busy day. I have a mildly unorthodox but effective bait I prefer to use especially when in Florida, because it just seems to work; hotdogs. Some laugh, but this is easily one of the most affordable and effective baits to be used for fishing. You don’t need to do anything special to prepare them or anything; just put a piece on your hook and throw it out. More than likely you will have a feast of fish by the end of the day rather than a feast of ball park hotdogs.

So if you decide to have fishing adventure in Florida remember it is all about your location, your company you keep, and the bait you are using. If you follow these simple rules you are sure to have some great fishing experiences to take back home from your Florida travels.

Author: Written by, Matt Green from the Marketing Team at The Reeves Law Group, a group of California Car Accident Lawyers

 

 

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By David Graham, blogger and writer for Real Florida Vacations

With so many tickets to choose from on your Florida Vacation at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando, sometimes it’s difficult to know just which ticket to choose. I have assembled a list of the Disney and Universal tickets, so that you can select the one that is right for you.

At the Walt Disney World Resort, the base ticket is called the Magic Your Way; this a basic admission to one of the four theme parks for one day’s entrance.  There are several upgrades on this ticket that can make your stay even more magical.

• The Park Hopper option allows you to move from park to park in a single day. Start out in the Disney Hollywood Studios and finish the day out in the Magic Kingdom.
• The Water Park and More option adds your choice of the following:
  • Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
  • Disney Quest Indoor Interactive Theme Park
  • Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
  • ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
  • Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course
• The number of visits on the Water Park and more depends on number of days purchased on a Magic Your Way Ticket.

• With the No Expiration Option your unused Theme Park days and Water Park Fun & More visits never expire. Magic Your Way Tickets expire 14 days after first use and need to be upgraded with the No Expiration Option so that remaining days can be used at a later date.
• Walt Disney World offers a variety of annual passes including, Epcot after 4, Weekday Select Pass,  Seasonal Pass, Annual Pass and Premium Annual Pass.
• For Florida Residents Walt Disney World has variety of options, from the Magic Your Way to Annual Passes, all with significant savings for the Florida Resident.

Admission to Universal Studios Orlando ticket is simply named the Base Ticket and allows admission into either of the 2 parks. Universal also has several upgrades to their Base Ticket which allows their guests to make the most of their visit to Universal Studios Orlando.

• Purchase your tickets online and save $20 off gate price multi-day tickets, receive a coupon book worth up to $150 in savings at the resort, and skip waiting in lines and go directly to the front gate.
• The Park to Park Option allows you to move between the parks throughout the day and into the night; giving you the choice to pick between your favorite rides in both parks.
• The Multi-Day Theme Parks ticket gives you a free CityWalk Party Pass which allows you to enjoy unlimited one-night club-to-club access and incredible music and entertainment at Universal CityWalk.
• If you want to step it up a bit Universal offers a VIP Tour which includes Valet Parking, Refreshments, VIP Tour Lanyard, Universal Express and an expert personal guided tour throughout Universal Orlando Resort.
• If you plan on coming to the Parks throughout the year Universal offers 3 plans for Annual Passes, The Power Pass, Preferred Pass and the Premier Pass. Each offers unique options to fit everyone’s budget.
• For Florida Residents Universal Orlando has variety of options from single day Base Tickets to Premier Annual Passes with just the Florida Resident in mind.

After you have decided which tickets are right for you, here are a couple of tips for you to keep in mind to save both time and money: Ticket prices for both theme parks are always less online and you add the convenience of not having to wait in a line to purchase tickets, and you can head directly to the gates at the parks. If you are going to be staying multiple days or coming back at a later date buy your tickets in bulk; the price drops so that buying a 5 days costs only a few dollars more the buying 2 days essentially give you a couple days for free. If you can bundle meal packages and extra activities in with your tickets it saves you on the cost of meals and drinks and even adds things like golf and water parks at a huge savings.  Shop ahead so that you can save and make the most of your Florida Theme Park Vacation.

Bio: David Graham 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.

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