World Of Tourism

She spells the word "stromuhr" correctly to win the popular Spelling Bee competition, becoming the third Indian-American in a row to win the coveted rivalry.

14 years old Anamika Veeramani of Ohio reached the 83rd Scripps National Spelling Bee on Friday, and took home more than $ 40,000 in cash and prizes.

The eighth-graders who play golf, likes to dance, go to Harvard and become a cardiovascular surgeon, spelled the winning word - stromuhr, a term for an instrument used to measure the speed of blood flow as Doll winner of 273 Speller that participate in the three-day final in Washington.

"It was surreal. It was a fantastic experience," Veeramani said after being declared the winner.

The teenager, who shared fifth place in last year's spelling competition, was the third consecutive Indian-American victor and the eighth in the last 12 years.

Veeramani passions include reading, writing, taking pictures and painting. She has studied Indian classical music for eight years and has played violin for six years.

A member of the school orchestra, her interests include swimming and science. Her research has earned several awards at various fairs and science; she also aims to become an author and screenwriter.

The spelling opposition is ideal American tradition and has grown enormously popular in recent years. The competition sees the large participation from the Indian-American children.

This year alone, over 40 Indian origin children participate in the competition.
The number of year's Speller was the highest in the history of the occasion.

Two weeks before a highly spirited Republican main election for the office of governor, the State envoy Nikki Haley has been hit by accusations of one of her group that she had an "improper physical relationship" with him three years ago.

Tuesday promise Will Folks, a blogger and political consultant who can validate claims that he had had a relationship with Haley. Haley, 38, who jumped to the front page status in the last week, days after an approval of Sarah Palin, issued a strong refutation, saying: "I've been 100 percent faithful to my husband in our 13 years of marriage."

People were a spokesman for former Governor Mark Sanford, execution out of his office, after admission to an affair last year. People have even been a cheerleader for Haley on his blog, FitsNews. For months, Haley, who has two children, seen as a long-shot candidate opposed by a Congressman, Attorney General and Deputy Governor. She has won the support of the Tea Party camp, and after a visit and advice from Palin, 14 May, Haley political luck rose.

People say Haley's political enemy was shopping a story about their alleged association, which he told press took place in 2007 when he worked for the campaign. (People got married the following year.) In his blog post, people said that he warned Haley campaign of leak and that he was "forced" to "preventive" be familiar with the liaison.

On Tuesday, people went further, accusing "agents with relations to the campaign of U.S. Representative J. Gresham Barrett, one of Haley's Republican opponents" to push the story.Syd's movement manager, refuse Luke Byars it.

Haley said the claim against her was not surprising. "This disgraceful smear took shape less than a week removed from the let go of a poll that shows our campaign with a considerable lead, she says." It is simply South Carolina politics at its worst. " Palin has also jump to his protection.

In a radio meeting Monday, Haley realized that people could take benefit of his claim."Political consultants in South Carolina to take care of those who pay them," she said. People said that he had "a paid position, directly in the contract or delegate with any of campaigns for director." NEWS

Palm Beach, Florida, a barrier island, is approximately one hour's drive north of Miami, Florida. Palm Beach is a beautiful city, filled with lush colorful gardens, palm tree lined streets, large beautiful homes, clean well maintained beaches, luxury hotels, fine dining establishments, high end shopping and a safe, virtually crime free environment.

If you are searching for a safe, beautiful, luxurious, destination for a vacation or getaway, it's hard to beat Palm Beach. Be pampered and spoiled at great hotel resorts and spas like the Breakers, a Five Diamond hotel resort on 140 acres of oceanfront land, with a 36 hole championship golf course, 10 tennis courts, a luxury oceanfront spa, a Mediterranean-style beach club, a broad selection of distinctive restaurants and an array of on-site high end boutiques, the Four Seasons Hotel And Resort, another Five Diamond luxury hotel, with it's beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, each with a private balcony, spacious sitting area, comfortable, well-equipped work space (with two-line telephones and high speed internet access) and luxurious marble bathroom featuring L'Occitane bath amenities, it's award-winning fitness center and spa offering a full range of massages and body treatments and it's three Har-Tru tennis courts or the Ritz-Carlton, again, a Five Diamond luxury hotel and resort, with it's rooms and suites which have have private balconies, marbled baths and Frette bed linens, it's extensive spa services and onsite tennis.

Play on the beautiful beaches and swim in the clear warm Atlantic water. Dine in one of the many fine dining establishments like The Restaurant At The Four Seasons, the Cafe Boulud, L'escalier, the Leopard Lounge And Supper Club, the Palm Beach Grill, the Polo Restaurant, the Trevini and more. Play golf at The Palm Beach Golf Course or one of the many top rated golf courses surrounding Palm Beach, go big game or sport fishing or go shopping on Worth Avenue, one of the world most prestigious shopping districts filled with some of the best designer shops anywhere, like Louis Vuitton, Emilio Pucci, Saks Fifth Avenue, Salvatore Ferragamo, Cartier, Escada and more. Note: Surrounding Worth Avenue you will find many additional prestigious shops.

Palm Beach is a place to relax, wind down and live elegantly, and if you want more, remember, Miami Beach is just a short gorgeous, scenic drive down the highway.

week of togetherness is a long time. Let me tell you about a great vacation plan for your family.


Start together. Orlando has so many theme parks you could almost spend the entire week just doing that. But let me warn you, the lines get long as do the days and after about 2 or 3 days you just can’t take anymore theme park fun.


So break up the trip and let everyone experience some of their own fun. Dad and son, you have to go fishing. Florida has the best bass lakes in the world. A fun relaxing day bonding with your son will fit into the trip very well, especially after a day or two of theme parks. You can also go to Melbourne, Cocoa Beach or Titusville and go deep sea fishing which is only 1 hour away. If you have never caught a sailfish or jack, you really haven’t taken a vacation. You will need a fishing charter or guide. The best place to locate one is Blue Sport Fishing on the internet which has over 10,000 fishing charters and guides around the country. Find a great charter and some great fish!


Mom and daughter, while the boys are out fishing just take a relaxing day on the beach. Enjoying Florida beaches shouldn’t be missed. There are also many local shops and restaurants which are lot’s of fun. Rent a beach bike and go riding up the beach. The point is to have a fun and relaxing day with your daughter. Better yet, go fishing with the guys. You will have a great time and might just show them how to catch some fish. Wouldn't that be a good story for your vacation.


Now it is about day four or five. Ready for some more theme parks? Right ? Go for it. You are now rested and ready to chase the lines and the fun. But, if your not quite ready yet. Go snorkeling, diving, canoeing, sailing or a thousand other activities that Florida has to offer. Ask your fishing charter or fishing guide. They often either do scuba and snorkeling charters or can recommend one to you.


I don’t want anybody to get upset so let me just say it now. Yes, dad you can go with your daughter to the beach and mom can take son fishing. You can all go fishing. But I would not recommend mom and dad going fishing and leaving the kids to play on the beach. You don't want them to have that much fun!


It is about a great relaxing vacation for everyone. Do things you don't normally do. That is the opportunity of a vacation. That is why I highly recommend a fishing charter for catching some big fish in the Gulf of Mexico or in the Atlantic. But if you don't go bass fishing much or just want to stay real close to Orlando, get a fishing guide and catch some great bass. Give your children more of an experience than just the theme parks.

The beach city of Redondo Beach, California is situated in Los Angeles County approximately eighteen (18) miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles and ten (10) miles northwest of Long Beach.

Redondo Beach is a family oriented community and is a good safe place to take the family for a day trip or for a vacation. There is plenty to do for everyone. Check out the Redondo Beach Pier (the pier is open 24 hours a day, although most businesses close at 2:00am or earlier) with it's free public fishing, free concerts on Thursday and Saturday evenings, numerous restaurants, fast food establishments, gift shops and boutiques, as well as a bait and tackle shop for those of you that wish to fish and a kite shop (buy a kite and fly it off the pier). There is also a dance club and bar and a jazz and blues club. Visit the Redondo Beach Marina. There you will find sport fishing charters, boat rides, water sports, seasonal whale watching excursions, twilight fishing, spectacular sunsets, and more restaurants. Take a ride on the "Looking Glass", a 19 passenger USCG inspected semi-submersible underwater viewing boat, or on the Gondola Amore which offers enchanting harbor cruises and romantic dining or rent a pedal boat or kayak and take your own harbor cruise. Go sportfishing at Redondo Sportfishing and fish for Barracuda, Bonito, Yellowtail, Halibut, Kelp Bass, White Sea Bass, and many other species.

Go swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, snorleling or just sit on the beach and enjoy the sunny California weather. According to the Redondo Beach Chamber Of Commerce you can "walk, skate or bike north or south along the beach and King Harbor. From the harbor, south takes you along the beautiful Redondo Beach Esplanade to Torrance Beach. North takes you along the strand through Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach or you can cycle through neighboring beach cities for more than 20 miles to Venice and Santa Monica".

Stay at the Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach Hotel, 300 N. Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach, Ca. 90277, (310) 318-8888 or the Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club, 260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, Ca. 90277, (310) 379-8481 "where crashing surf, graceful sails and exhilarating sea breezes set the stage for the perfect getaway", or the Best Western Redondo Beach Inn, 1850 South Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, Ca. 90277, (310) 540-3700 with it's "heated pool, spa, sauna and exercise room" or the inexpensive Palos Verdes Inn, 1700 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach, Ca. 90277, (800) 421-9241.

Whether your dining preference is fast food, ethnic food, seafood or steaks you can satisfy it in Redondo Beach where you will find everything from hamburger stands to great seafood to fine dining establishments like Redondo Beach’s Breakwater Steak, Jazz & Seafood restaurant with it's "candlelit tables, glowing fireplaces, strains of live jazz floating through the air" and a menu that includes everything from roquefort-crusted filet mignon and 16 oz. boneless rib eye Angus steak to roasted halibut in a lemon caper sauce and roasted cold water lobster tail.

Playing billiards is an extremely popular pastime, both in America and abroad. Although the game has been with us for a very long time, there has been an incredible resurgence in interest surrounding the game in recent years. The pool halls of today are markedly different from those of yesteryear, due mainly to the increasing popularity of the game.


Pool players today demand a different sort of pool hall. Gone are the days of smoky pool halls filled with shady characters and shifty crooks. The pool hall owners of today are making valiant efforts to meet the needs of their new found customers. The billiard aficionados of today have a higher set of expectations, and many pool hall owners have made great strides to get with the times. It is not uncommon to find a restaurant or a martini bar inside the modern pool hall.


Slate is one such example. After receiving a much-anticipated renovation back in 2000, it has become one of the hottest pool spots in New York City. With over 16,000 square feet of space on two floors, Slate is one of the most unique and exciting places in the city. It boasts a massive 54 foot glass bar, a full service restaurant, 30 championship pool tables, a stellar sound system, and a collection of plasma TV's placed throughout the venue. It also has an incredible glass staircase in the shape of a pool triangle. Believe the hype; Slate is the place to be and be seen.


The Continental Modern Pool Lounge is another fine establishment. It is located in Arlington, Virginia and is quite possibly the funkiest billiard room in America. This venue is the perfect combination of fun and sportsmanship. The décor speaks volumes about the type of establishment they are trying to operate. It is very much a 70's inspired spot, reminiscent of The Jetsons or something to that effect. This pool hall is, without a doubt, a flashback from way back.


There are three main things that separate a good pool hall from a great pool hall; respect for the game, quality equipment, and stylish décor. Shakespeare's Pub and Billiard Room in Denver, Colorado is without a doubt, a great pool hall. They have an excellent menu, a fine selection of ale and lager, and some of the best equipment and players in America. It is not uncommon to discover some of the best and brightest players playing alongside relative beginners. Shakespeare's is considered one of America's top pool spots, even garnering a recent mention in USA Today. If you are ever in Denver, be sure to drop in for a game and a pint.

Among polite society, a few subjects are invariably touchy, threatening to flare into heated debate. Politics. Religion.


And don't forget to add one more topic to that list if you’re in Texas: barbecue.


Whether you spell it barbecue, barbeque, bar-b-que, or just bbq, one thing's for sure: barbecue is more than just a meal, it's a mantra.


At last count, Texas boasted over 1,300 barbecue joints, ranging from side-of-the-road greasehouses with slamming screen doors to sit-down restaurants with beautiful vistas, air conditioning and even (gasp) wine lists. The business of barbecue rings up over a half-billion dollars annually, a cobweb of commerce that connects an otherwise diverse, sprawling state with a common mission: Go forth and seek out good barbecue.


Although you can find good barbecue throughout the South, the Texas variety is different from that in other barbecue capitals. Texas barbecue means beef brisket, basted meats, and tomato-based sauce, or sometimes no sauce at all. The selection varies from pit to pit but in most tradition reigns.


In each region, divided by hundreds of miles, the local barbecue is influenced by other culinary cultures, from Southern to Tex-Mex to Southwest. Cabrito or barbecued goat is often served in the western portion of the state while pork or lamb is a more common offering in East Texas. Cooking styles vary as well. Out on the West Texas plains, barbecue is usually cooked over a slow fire of mesquite wood while in Southern and Central Texas pecan and oak are more common. Farther east, barbecue pits are stoked with hickory. Throughout the state, meals are served with sides of cole slaw, pinto beans, and spongy white bread, often on plates of butcher paper. Dessert, if found at all, is usually a scoop of banana pudding with a dose of vanilla wafers.


Unlike Kansas City and Memphis, Texas has no clearly defined capital of ‘que. But Texas does have what’s sometimes nicknamed the “barbecue belt,” a smoky swath that runs through the central part of the state and includes:


Llano: On the westernmost edge of the barbecue belt lies the community of Llano. What makes Llano unique among the central Texas barbecue towns is its cooking style. Most pit masters in this town rely on indirect barbecuing. In a firebox, wood burns down to coals, then it's transferred to the main section of the pit beneath the meat to impart a delicate smoky taste subtler than ordinary smoking. Don’t miss Cooper's Old Time Pit Barbecue. From its huge rectangular pits located by the front door to the dining room lined with loaves of white bread and jars of jalapeño peppers, this is the real deal.


Taylor: Taylor calls itself "The Barbecue Capital of the World,” home of two legendary barbecue joints separated only by a parking lot and small road at their locations on Second Street. Louis Mueller's is housed in one of the most authentic barbecue joints in Texas, with an old-fashioned screen door, smoke-covered walls, and giant fans that provide the only cool breeze on a hot summer day. Next door, Rudy Mikeska's serves its equally fine offerings in a more citified atmosphere. During his lifetime, Rudy Mikeska was the dean of Texas pitmasters. If there was a political function to be held, Rudy Mikeska and his barbecue specialties were there.


Elgin: In Texas, the town of Elgin is synonymous with sausage. The small community, located about 25 miles east of Austin, produces the sausage sold by many barbecue joints through the state. The best known of Elgin's smokin' stops is the Southside Market, probably one of the most recognized names in Texas barbecue lore. In business since 1882, the market is known for its Elgin hot sausage, sometimes known as Elgin Hot Guts.


Lockhart: Twenty-three miles south of Austin lies another "Barbecue Capital of Texas," Lockhart. The test of a real Texan is to know the correct pronunciation of the town’s Kreuz Market. No, don't say "Cruise." It's "Krites," rhyming with "lights." Also in town, don’t miss Smitty’s, housed in the building where the original Kreuz Market was located, and Black's BBQ, which claims to be the oldest barbecue house in Texas continuously owned by the same family. Since 1932 the Black family has been firing up these brick pits every day for lunch and dinner.


Luling: Located east of Austin, Luling is the land of oil wells. No longer a boomtown, today the barbecue restaurants are the ones producing black gold. The best known spot in town is the City Market, a no-frills smoky meat market, with ambiance replaced by plenty of local atmosphere.

Considering a romantic or family Costa Rica vacation? You're choosing one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Costa Rica has been called the Hawaii of Central America. A Costa Rica vacation is full of beauty, lush foliage, many wildlife surprises, incredible lakes, rivers, and waterfalls.

Activities on a Costa Rica vacation include bird and butterfly watching, surfing, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, tree top (canopy) tours, four wheeling, snorkeling, shopping, hiking, river rafting, horse back riding and casinos. On a Costa Rica vacation you'll find pristine beaches, tropical jungles, clear blue skies, high mountain rain forest, and tropical sun. That's why Costa Rica was aptly named ‘rich coast’ by Christopher Columbus in 1502.

Nature is Costa Rica's green card. Wildlife diversity and exceptional landscapes merge in a long list of untouched lands and protected areas that will get you involved in as many Costa Rica expedition activities and adventure sports as you can imagine.

Costa Rica is unusually blessed by the diversity of its butterflies. There exists about 20,000 butterfly species worldwide. Of these, about 1,000 or 5% can be found in Costa Rica. With more than 850 species of birds, all found within a tight geographic area, Costa Rica offers birders of all levels of expertise an unrivaled bird watching experience. Birders out on the trail in Costa Rica's forests should keep an eye out for mixed flocks foraging on certain types of food, especially fruit, in the forest canopy.

Costa Rica is home to roughly 150 species of amphibians, some of which are extremely colorful and exotic. There are tree frogs, which spend their entire lives above the forest floor, breeding in the water of tank bromeliads or in holes in the trunks of trees. Others, like the poison-arrow frog, are exuberantly colored, ranging from bright red with blue or green legs to bright green with black markings. There are over 200 species of reptiles in Costa Rica. The 14 turtle species include both marine and freshwater varieties. The largest of the marine turtles are leatherbacks. Their shells are up to 5 feet and they weigh upwards of 800 pounds! Marine turtles climb up sandy beaches to lay their eggs, a spectacular sight because it happens en masse.

Costa Rica is home to over 9,000 identified species of vascular plants, including over 900 different species of trees. Costa Rica is home to some 1,500 species of orchids. From sub-alpine dwarf vegetation, rainforest flora from sea level to mangrove swamps and seasonal dry forest with its deciduous trees, there is an astounding range of floral habitats for a country so small.

The protection of Costa Rica's natural heritage is managed by the respective national parks and reserves. These areas protect many species of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fresh and salt-water fish, and a vast number of identified vascular plants-representing 4% of the world's total floral and faunal species.

In addition, these management groups protect examples of almost all the existing natural habitats such as deciduous forests, mangrove swamps, rain forests, herbaceous swamps, cloud forests, paramos, hilillo forests and marshlands. They also protect areas of historical and archaeological interest, such as pre-Columbian settlements and early battlefields, as well as beautiful areas of scenic interest, such as beaches, valleys and waterfalls. But above all, the areas of particular interest to the conservationist are the zones which protect the last remaining examples of Central American dry forest and the beaches where the sea turtles nest.

The protection of Costa Rica's natural resources has implications beyond its borders because they encompass an incredible biodiversity, including numerous species on the verge of extinction. All of this is the reason the country has become one of the most popular destinations for visiting ecologists and biologists. On the whole, access to these areas and facilities are freely available provided the visitor respects the need to protect them. These protected areas are ideal for hiking and rafting, for watching the birds and other wildlife, for camping and just for enjoying in general, their rivers, beaches, jungles, mountain forests, volcanoes as well as their historic and archaeological sites.

A Costa Rica vacation is fast becoming the #1 romantic honeymoon and family vacation destination in the world. Whether it's your honeymoon or family vacation-- Exotic, Romantic and Nature-- the perfect ingredients for that special get away, what more could you ask for on your vacation. An unbeatable choice for those travelers looking for a combination of relaxation, romance and activity. The atmosphere on a Costa Rica vacation is "Pura-Vida", the pure life.

People who choose to stay full time can have numerous reasons for doing so. They could be Disney employees thus enjoying the luxury of a very short journey time to work, since the majority of vacation rental villas are very well situated to access Walt Disney World and all it has to offer. Some residents own vacation homes in and around where they stay and they like to be close at hand to keep an eye on their property and look after their guests themselves. Others may have some kind of occupation related in some way to the hospitality/vacation industry. Then again you may just find some friendly folks who like the idea of having new and different neighbours every few weeks!

Having full time residents nearby can be a great thing. They very much enjoy visitors to their area and those who settle there full-time are well used to new neighbours every one or two weeks and are very friendly and keen to learn you are enjoying your stay and having a fabulous vacation.

Just generally walking about the resort your vacation villa is in, you are bound to pass some local residents who are always ready to greet you with a smile and genuinely wish you a “nice day”. If you have questions about the local area or attractions, I am sure you will find them only too happy to help.

That said, since these people are resident full time, one should always be remember to be courteous to them whilst still making the most of your vacation.

Local residents need their sleep too!

Generally there are safety and courtesy rules in all residential areas for “quiet times” at the pool. As a rule of thumb these tend to be 11pm-7am. One of the most tempting times to forget about these rules is for those visitors who have travelled from far away (e.g. U.K.) and need to make huge adjustments to time changes and body clocks. On the first morning of these guests’ vacation, they will tend to waken very early and it is strongly advised to resist the urge to come straight down to the pool until it reaches what everyone would agree is a slightly more reasonable time.

Stay in a resort based vacation home…

You will find a great many of Orlando vacation villas have been built in resorts that offer communal areas. These can include any combination of the following: a communal swimming pool (in addition to your very own private pool at your holiday villa); a games room; a fitness room; a shop; a café; basketball/volleyball courts; tennis courts; childrens play areas. Any of these areas offer the ideal opportunity to meet people from all over the world- both full time residents and other holidaymakers like you.

Showing your neighbours common courtesies will encourage them to extend a warm welcome when you return for another vacation at a later date and then your villa experience really will be like a “home from home” since you already know the neighbours!

And that answer is both “yes” and “no”…. maybe !

Undoubtedly, not everyone wants to drive on vacation, and for those that fall into this category, there are of course taxi cabs available, as well as limited bus services to get you around. However, although it can be done, the bus / taxi combo is not in any way the most cost effective or convenient way to travel.

Of course, if you are just visiting Florida to soak up the sunshine from the pool deck of your rented luxury villa, then you may be content to forgo the car and just utilise taxi cabs for the odd time that you do venture away from your vacation home. However, there is such a vast world of excitement out there, that to do so would surely be selling yourself short.

And whilst Disney does provide free park to park transport once you are on Disney property, getting there initially can be a time consuming and often expensive experience.

So, to my mind, if you want the convenience of being able to go where you want, when you want, there is no better way to achieve this than by renting a car for the duration of your vacation. Amazingly, with the incredible all inclusive and fully insured rates that a select few on line car hire companies provide, I feel sure that you will be pleasantly surprised how economical it is to have the freedom and luxury that you really deserve.

However, a word of warning is advisable at this point, as not all car rental deals are as clear cut as they first appear. Many travel agents or charter airline companies, will offer you a “free” rental car as an incentive to get you to book with them. In reality, these “fly drive” deals as they are commonly known, can often work out many times more expensive than if you had booked the car hire and flights separately, as they often involve many hidden extras and required insurances to be paid when you pick up your car at your arrival airport.

Of course by that stage, you are thousands of miles away from home, and literally stuck between a rock and a hard place. As a result, you have no option but to pay the hefty extra fees, and very quickly, the “free” car rental doesn’t seem such a good deal anymore.

I would therefore always advise that you do a little research and check on line which car rental companies offer a guarantee of fully inclusive, fully insured prices, and also allow you the opportunity to select the size and class of vehicle that is best suited to your travelling party. You will be amazed at how much money you can save by cutting out the middle man and making a simple on line reservation.

So, in conclusion, I would reiterate that whilst it is possible to “do” Florida without a car, the benefits of renting one far outweigh the other options available. After all, for most folks, a trip to Florida is a long anticipated vacation of a lifetime, and once you discover how much there is to experience and enjoy, you’ll be glad that you took my advice.

And that answer is both “yes” and “no”…. maybe !

Undoubtedly, not everyone wants to drive on vacation, and for those that fall into this category, there are of course taxi cabs available, as well as limited bus services to get you around. However, although it can be done, the bus / taxi combo is not in any way the most cost effective or convenient way to travel.

Of course, if you are just visiting Florida to soak up the sunshine from the pool deck of your rented luxury villa, then you may be content to forgo the car and just utilise taxi cabs for the odd time that you do venture away from your vacation home. However, there is such a vast world of excitement out there, that to do so would surely be selling yourself short.

And whilst Disney does provide free park to park transport once you are on Disney property, getting there initially can be a time consuming and often expensive experience.

So, to my mind, if you want the convenience of being able to go where you want, when you want, there is no better way to achieve this than by renting a car for the duration of your vacation. Amazingly, with the incredible all inclusive and fully insured rates that a select few on line car hire companies provide, I feel sure that you will be pleasantly surprised how economical it is to have the freedom and luxury that you really deserve.

However, a word of warning is advisable at this point, as not all car rental deals are as clear cut as they first appear. Many travel agents or charter airline companies, will offer you a “free” rental car as an incentive to get you to book with them. In reality, these “fly drive” deals as they are commonly known, can often work out many times more expensive than if you had booked the car hire and flights separately, as they often involve many hidden extras and required insurances to be paid when you pick up your car at your arrival airport.

Of course by that stage, you are thousands of miles away from home, and literally stuck between a rock and a hard place. As a result, you have no option but to pay the hefty extra fees, and very quickly, the “free” car rental doesn’t seem such a good deal anymore.

I would therefore always advise that you do a little research and check on line which car rental companies offer a guarantee of fully inclusive, fully insured prices, and also allow you the opportunity to select the size and class of vehicle that is best suited to your travelling party. You will be amazed at how much money you can save by cutting out the middle man and making a simple on line reservation.

So, in conclusion, I would reiterate that whilst it is possible to “do” Florida without a car, the benefits of renting one far outweigh the other options available. After all, for most folks, a trip to Florida is a long anticipated vacation of a lifetime, and once you discover how much there is to experience and enjoy, you’ll be glad that you took my advice.

And that answer is both “yes” and “no”…. maybe !

Undoubtedly, not everyone wants to drive on vacation, and for those that fall into this category, there are of course taxi cabs available, as well as limited bus services to get you around. However, although it can be done, the bus / taxi combo is not in any way the most cost effective or convenient way to travel.

Of course, if you are just visiting Florida to soak up the sunshine from the pool deck of your rented luxury villa, then you may be content to forgo the car and just utilise taxi cabs for the odd time that you do venture away from your vacation home. However, there is such a vast world of excitement out there, that to do so would surely be selling yourself short.

And whilst Disney does provide free park to park transport once you are on Disney property, getting there initially can be a time consuming and often expensive experience.

So, to my mind, if you want the convenience of being able to go where you want, when you want, there is no better way to achieve this than by renting a car for the duration of your vacation. Amazingly, with the incredible all inclusive and fully insured rates that a select few on line car hire companies provide, I feel sure that you will be pleasantly surprised how economical it is to have the freedom and luxury that you really deserve.

However, a word of warning is advisable at this point, as not all car rental deals are as clear cut as they first appear. Many travel agents or charter airline companies, will offer you a “free” rental car as an incentive to get you to book with them. In reality, these “fly drive” deals as they are commonly known, can often work out many times more expensive than if you had booked the car hire and flights separately, as they often involve many hidden extras and required insurances to be paid when you pick up your car at your arrival airport.

Of course by that stage, you are thousands of miles away from home, and literally stuck between a rock and a hard place. As a result, you have no option but to pay the hefty extra fees, and very quickly, the “free” car rental doesn’t seem such a good deal anymore.

I would therefore always advise that you do a little research and check on line which car rental companies offer a guarantee of fully inclusive, fully insured prices, and also allow you the opportunity to select the size and class of vehicle that is best suited to your travelling party. You will be amazed at how much money you can save by cutting out the middle man and making a simple on line reservation.

So, in conclusion, I would reiterate that whilst it is possible to “do” Florida without a car, the benefits of renting one far outweigh the other options available. After all, for most folks, a trip to Florida is a long anticipated vacation of a lifetime, and once you discover how much there is to experience and enjoy, you’ll be glad that you took my advice.

All Walt Disney World Resorts® are fabulous places to visit, but they are also amazing places to dine. Whether it be a quick snack or a full gourmet dinner, you will not be disappointed by the choice and quality of fare that Disney has to offer.

Each theme park, water park and resort area has a vast selection of eateries for you to sample and enjoy, and as you would expect, depending upon your budget, you can eat for just a few bucks, or really push the boat out and savour the delights of five star cuisine.

Many of Disney’s restaurants are “themed”, and these are incredibly popular with the kids. Likewise, character dining experiences (aimed at younger members of your party, but enjoyed by all) are often the highlight of a child’s day. Well what could be better when eating your meal than to be served by Mickey, Donald, Pluto, or maybe even a real life Disney princess ? Of course character dining also allows you to capture some magical photographic memories too.

All to often, people get the impression that theme park food is going to be unhealthy food. Admittedly, there is fast food available in the form of burgers, hot dogs and fries, but you will also be pleasantly surprised to discover that the alternatives are indeed exceedingly healthy, and downright tasty too.

Our vegetarian friends are also well catered for, along with guests who have special dietary requirements, or those who cannot eat certain foods because of religious beliefs. Full details of the contents of all meals served on Disney property can be found by simply asking the cast member who takes your order.

And whilst a lot of food served throughout Disney parks is essentially “American” cuisine, a visit to Epcot World Showcase for example, will give you the opportunity to experience a vast selection of foods from around the world, ranging from Chinese, to French and even little known Norwegian delicacies, to name but a few.

Each Disney park that you visit has it’s own map so that you can find your way around. Clearly marked on these maps, and divided into categories are the dining experiences offered to tempt your taste buds.

So whether it be a full service restaurant, character dining, a quick takeaway or a healthy fresh green salad, you will find it all at Disney. The service is, as with all things Disney, friendly and polite, and it’s great to know that when those hunger pangs strike, that you will be well catered for, in every sense of the word.

All Walt Disney World Resorts® are fabulous places to visit, but they are also amazing places to dine. Whether it be a quick snack or a full gourmet dinner, you will not be disappointed by the choice and quality of fare that Disney has to offer.

Each theme park, water park and resort area has a vast selection of eateries for you to sample and enjoy, and as you would expect, depending upon your budget, you can eat for just a few bucks, or really push the boat out and savour the delights of five star cuisine.

Many of Disney’s restaurants are “themed”, and these are incredibly popular with the kids. Likewise, character dining experiences (aimed at younger members of your party, but enjoyed by all) are often the highlight of a child’s day. Well what could be better when eating your meal than to be served by Mickey, Donald, Pluto, or maybe even a real life Disney princess ? Of course character dining also allows you to capture some magical photographic memories too.

All to often, people get the impression that theme park food is going to be unhealthy food. Admittedly, there is fast food available in the form of burgers, hot dogs and fries, but you will also be pleasantly surprised to discover that the alternatives are indeed exceedingly healthy, and downright tasty too.

Our vegetarian friends are also well catered for, along with guests who have special dietary requirements, or those who cannot eat certain foods because of religious beliefs. Full details of the contents of all meals served on Disney property can be found by simply asking the cast member who takes your order.

And whilst a lot of food served throughout Disney parks is essentially “American” cuisine, a visit to Epcot World Showcase for example, will give you the opportunity to experience a vast selection of foods from around the world, ranging from Chinese, to French and even little known Norwegian delicacies, to name but a few.

Each Disney park that you visit has it’s own map so that you can find your way around. Clearly marked on these maps, and divided into categories are the dining experiences offered to tempt your taste buds.

So whether it be a full service restaurant, character dining, a quick takeaway or a healthy fresh green salad, you will find it all at Disney. The service is, as with all things Disney, friendly and polite, and it’s great to know that when those hunger pangs strike, that you will be well catered for, in every sense of the word.

All Walt Disney World Resorts® are fabulous places to visit, but they are also amazing places to dine. Whether it be a quick snack or a full gourmet dinner, you will not be disappointed by the choice and quality of fare that Disney has to offer.

Each theme park, water park and resort area has a vast selection of eateries for you to sample and enjoy, and as you would expect, depending upon your budget, you can eat for just a few bucks, or really push the boat out and savour the delights of five star cuisine.

Many of Disney’s restaurants are “themed”, and these are incredibly popular with the kids. Likewise, character dining experiences (aimed at younger members of your party, but enjoyed by all) are often the highlight of a child’s day. Well what could be better when eating your meal than to be served by Mickey, Donald, Pluto, or maybe even a real life Disney princess ? Of course character dining also allows you to capture some magical photographic memories too.

All to often, people get the impression that theme park food is going to be unhealthy food. Admittedly, there is fast food available in the form of burgers, hot dogs and fries, but you will also be pleasantly surprised to discover that the alternatives are indeed exceedingly healthy, and downright tasty too.

Our vegetarian friends are also well catered for, along with guests who have special dietary requirements, or those who cannot eat certain foods because of religious beliefs. Full details of the contents of all meals served on Disney property can be found by simply asking the cast member who takes your order.

And whilst a lot of food served throughout Disney parks is essentially “American” cuisine, a visit to Epcot World Showcase for example, will give you the opportunity to experience a vast selection of foods from around the world, ranging from Chinese, to French and even little known Norwegian delicacies, to name but a few.

Each Disney park that you visit has it’s own map so that you can find your way around. Clearly marked on these maps, and divided into categories are the dining experiences offered to tempt your taste buds.

So whether it be a full service restaurant, character dining, a quick takeaway or a healthy fresh green salad, you will find it all at Disney. The service is, as with all things Disney, friendly and polite, and it’s great to know that when those hunger pangs strike, that you will be well catered for, in every sense of the word.

As a Florida villa owner, this is one of the most commonly asked questions I receive from guests. In truth, there is no definitive answer. Various factors will affect your ability to seek out all that Disney has to offer within a limited timescale, but with a little common sense and some handy tips, you’ll certainly be on track to achieving your goal!

So here is a list of ideas to help smooth your day:

1: Ensure everyone has a hearty breakfast. The “all you can eat breakfast buffets” are very popular, or diners such as Dennys offer excellent value for money.

2: Buy your Disney tickets in advance to save valuable time standing in line at the ticket window when you arrive at your chosen park.

3: Choose which Disney Park you are going to visit. Fairly obvious ~ But you would be amazed how many families just head off to Disney, and then decide in the car ! Not conducive to good debate or safe driving !

4: Arrive early. Check the park times and arrive when the gates open. It will give you a head start on those guests who take a leisurely breakfast and arrive mid morning.

5: Pick up a couple of park maps and timetables at the park entrance. This way if any members of your party decide to split up, you can easily arrange a meeting point to find each other again, as there is no excuse for getting lost.

6: Talking of getting lost. Don’t allow members of your group to just wander off. Before anyone separates from your group for whatever reason, decide on a specific meeting point, to link up again. Many valuable minutes can be wasted looking for a “wanderer” !

7: When you enter the park, go straight to the farthest attraction, and work backwards toward the front entrance during the day.

8: If you travel in a counter clockwise direction around the parks, your journey time will be quicker, as most folks enter a park and turn right ~ it’s a right handed thing !)

9: Decide ahead of time which attractions if any you want to miss out, and any that are definite must sees.

10: Co-ordinate your travels in conjunction with the various parades and shows that are continually being performed throughout the day.

11: Take advantage of Disney’s Fast Pass service, which allows you to avoid the lines at the more popular attractions, by giving you a designated ride time. Details are available at the entrance to all participating rides.

12: There is usually one big afternoon parade and up to two night time parades. However, if parades are not your thing, these times are an excellent opportunity to visit other attractions, as the majority of guests will be out on the streets waving at Mickey Mouse !

13: Taking a supply of nutritional snacks and fruit will save you time and money, as opposed to waiting in restaurants.

14: Use the Tip Boards. All Disney parks have Tip Boards, showing the average wait time for each attraction. This information is updated regularly throughout the day.

15: Save any shopping until you are ready to exit the park. Shops will stay open for at least an hour after the park officially closes, and if you buy your souvenirs as you exit, it will save you having to carry them around the park all day !

So is it possible to “do Disney in a day” ? Probably not ! Although the above tips will give you a better chance than “Mr and Mrs Average”. Seasoned veterans of theme parks may be able to notch up every ride and attraction on their visit, but they have the advantage of being on familiar territory.

The good news however is that there is always something different, new and exciting to see, experience and explore in a Disney park, so even if you don’t manage to cross off everything on your theme park list, there is no better excuse for a return visit at a more leisurely pace !

As a Florida villa owner, this is one of the most commonly asked questions I receive from guests. In truth, there is no definitive answer. Various factors will affect your ability to seek out all that Disney has to offer within a limited timescale, but with a little common sense and some handy tips, you’ll certainly be on track to achieving your goal!

So here is a list of ideas to help smooth your day:

1: Ensure everyone has a hearty breakfast. The “all you can eat breakfast buffets” are very popular, or diners such as Dennys offer excellent value for money.

2: Buy your Disney tickets in advance to save valuable time standing in line at the ticket window when you arrive at your chosen park.

3: Choose which Disney Park you are going to visit. Fairly obvious ~ But you would be amazed how many families just head off to Disney, and then decide in the car ! Not conducive to good debate or safe driving !

4: Arrive early. Check the park times and arrive when the gates open. It will give you a head start on those guests who take a leisurely breakfast and arrive mid morning.

5: Pick up a couple of park maps and timetables at the park entrance. This way if any members of your party decide to split up, you can easily arrange a meeting point to find each other again, as there is no excuse for getting lost.

6: Talking of getting lost. Don’t allow members of your group to just wander off. Before anyone separates from your group for whatever reason, decide on a specific meeting point, to link up again. Many valuable minutes can be wasted looking for a “wanderer” !

7: When you enter the park, go straight to the farthest attraction, and work backwards toward the front entrance during the day.

8: If you travel in a counter clockwise direction around the parks, your journey time will be quicker, as most folks enter a park and turn right ~ it’s a right handed thing !)

9: Decide ahead of time which attractions if any you want to miss out, and any that are definite must sees.

10: Co-ordinate your travels in conjunction with the various parades and shows that are continually being performed throughout the day.

11: Take advantage of Disney’s Fast Pass service, which allows you to avoid the lines at the more popular attractions, by giving you a designated ride time. Details are available at the entrance to all participating rides.

12: There is usually one big afternoon parade and up to two night time parades. However, if parades are not your thing, these times are an excellent opportunity to visit other attractions, as the majority of guests will be out on the streets waving at Mickey Mouse !

13: Taking a supply of nutritional snacks and fruit will save you time and money, as opposed to waiting in restaurants.

14: Use the Tip Boards. All Disney parks have Tip Boards, showing the average wait time for each attraction. This information is updated regularly throughout the day.

15: Save any shopping until you are ready to exit the park. Shops will stay open for at least an hour after the park officially closes, and if you buy your souvenirs as you exit, it will save you having to carry them around the park all day !

So is it possible to “do Disney in a day” ? Probably not ! Although the above tips will give you a better chance than “Mr and Mrs Average”. Seasoned veterans of theme parks may be able to notch up every ride and attraction on their visit, but they have the advantage of being on familiar territory.

The good news however is that there is always something different, new and exciting to see, experience and explore in a Disney park, so even if you don’t manage to cross off everything on your theme park list, there is no better excuse for a return visit at a more leisurely pace !

The answer is “yes” and “no” ! There are very few, (in fact, I’ve condensed it down to just four) but ultimately it all boils down to common sense and respect for the owners of the vacation property.

Sounds pretty good huh ? And it is… so here are the few simple rules that the villa owner will expect you to obey during your occupancy.

Check In & Check Out Times :

Please adhere to the times stated on your booking forms. These are stated for a reason and are part of the contract that you make with the owner when you agree to book their accommodation. Early check ins cause terrible problems for the cleaning staff, who work like Trojans in order to ensure your first impression is a great impression. Look at it this way… if it normally takes the cleaners 4-5 hours to clean the villa, and you arrive early, it is not going to make them clean any faster ! You will not be allowed entry to the villa until the job is complete, so if you do arrive early, take the opportunity to do a little shopping and stock up on those daily essentials.

Likewise, late check outs cause problems as this has a knock on effect throughout the day, as the cleaners struggle to make up the time caused by a late check out. Imagine you were the guests arriving on a day that the previous guests had checked out late. And imagine how annoyed you would be if the villa wasn’t ready, just because of someone else’s selfishness.

So the general rule of thumb, is to please check in and check out on time. Remember that if you overstay your welcome, as with hotels, you will be charged an additional fee.

Notices :

The villa owner and their management company will have gone to great lengths to ensure that the appropriate signage is displayed inside and outside the villa. Some people say that these signs are insulting to their intelligence, but the bottom line is that they are the law, and an owner can be fined if they are not displayed. Besides which, they are there for your health and safety, so take note of them and follow the instructions they give.

General Behaviour :

Always remember that you are staying in a privately owned home ~ not something owned by a faceless corporation. Villa owners spend thousands of dollars a year maintaining and upgrading their homes to ensure that you, as guests, get the best value for money vacation experience that you can.

Please don’t disrespect the owner’s property, and the trust they have placed in you by turning your accommodation into “dump” or a “party house”. Would you like your home and your possessions damaged ? Of course not ! So please don’t think that an owner will feel any differently.

Report any accidents immediately to the management company. Don’t try to hide the evidence in the hope that you will get away with it. Trust me… you wont ! Also bear in mind that if the manager is not given time to repair damage or replace damaged items, the next guests will have to suffer the consequences of your actions. Put yourself in their position, and do the right thing !

Pool Rules:

One of the greatest things about renting a private villa is the fact that get your own private swimming pool too. However, care must be take at all times in and around the pool, especially if you have children in your party.

The villa owner will give specific details of pool safety in their Welcome Folder, and you will also see signs at poolside, which are required by Florida State Law. Please read these carefully and follow them to the letter.

A legal requirement in a short term rental villa is the provision of a pool alert alarm which should be fitted to any internal door which leads out to the pool area. This alarm will sound whenever a door is opened, and is designed to alert parents to small children who may have entered the pool area unnoticed. It is an excellent safety feature. An override button on the alarm, which can be activated by adults will ensure that the siren does not become annoying.

Many guests however simply disarm this alarm, showing total disregard for the safety of their children. Not only is this stupid beyond belief, but also an arrestable offence in the State of Florida, with fines of $5,000.00 being levied against offenders.

Again, be smart, think health and safety, and do the right thing.

And that my friends is pretty much it ! Nothing too scary or overwhelming. Just simple common sense and courtesy. Follow these rules and you will not only enjoy a fantastic vacation, but you will always be welcomed back to the villa again, year after year after year.

The answer is “yes” and “no” ! There are very few, (in fact, I’ve condensed it down to just four) but ultimately it all boils down to common sense and respect for the owners of the vacation property.

Sounds pretty good huh ? And it is… so here are the few simple rules that the villa owner will expect you to obey during your occupancy.

Check In & Check Out Times :

Please adhere to the times stated on your booking forms. These are stated for a reason and are part of the contract that you make with the owner when you agree to book their accommodation. Early check ins cause terrible problems for the cleaning staff, who work like Trojans in order to ensure your first impression is a great impression. Look at it this way… if it normally takes the cleaners 4-5 hours to clean the villa, and you arrive early, it is not going to make them clean any faster ! You will not be allowed entry to the villa until the job is complete, so if you do arrive early, take the opportunity to do a little shopping and stock up on those daily essentials.

Likewise, late check outs cause problems as this has a knock on effect throughout the day, as the cleaners struggle to make up the time caused by a late check out. Imagine you were the guests arriving on a day that the previous guests had checked out late. And imagine how annoyed you would be if the villa wasn’t ready, just because of someone else’s selfishness.

So the general rule of thumb, is to please check in and check out on time. Remember that if you overstay your welcome, as with hotels, you will be charged an additional fee.

Notices :

The villa owner and their management company will have gone to great lengths to ensure that the appropriate signage is displayed inside and outside the villa. Some people say that these signs are insulting to their intelligence, but the bottom line is that they are the law, and an owner can be fined if they are not displayed. Besides which, they are there for your health and safety, so take note of them and follow the instructions they give.

General Behaviour :

Always remember that you are staying in a privately owned home ~ not something owned by a faceless corporation. Villa owners spend thousands of dollars a year maintaining and upgrading their homes to ensure that you, as guests, get the best value for money vacation experience that you can.

Please don’t disrespect the owner’s property, and the trust they have placed in you by turning your accommodation into “dump” or a “party house”. Would you like your home and your possessions damaged ? Of course not ! So please don’t think that an owner will feel any differently.

Report any accidents immediately to the management company. Don’t try to hide the evidence in the hope that you will get away with it. Trust me… you wont ! Also bear in mind that if the manager is not given time to repair damage or replace damaged items, the next guests will have to suffer the consequences of your actions. Put yourself in their position, and do the right thing !

Pool Rules:

One of the greatest things about renting a private villa is the fact that get your own private swimming pool too. However, care must be take at all times in and around the pool, especially if you have children in your party.

The villa owner will give specific details of pool safety in their Welcome Folder, and you will also see signs at poolside, which are required by Florida State Law. Please read these carefully and follow them to the letter.

A legal requirement in a short term rental villa is the provision of a pool alert alarm which should be fitted to any internal door which leads out to the pool area. This alarm will sound whenever a door is opened, and is designed to alert parents to small children who may have entered the pool area unnoticed. It is an excellent safety feature. An override button on the alarm, which can be activated by adults will ensure that the siren does not become annoying.

Many guests however simply disarm this alarm, showing total disregard for the safety of their children. Not only is this stupid beyond belief, but also an arrestable offence in the State of Florida, with fines of $5,000.00 being levied against offenders.

Again, be smart, think health and safety, and do the right thing.

And that my friends is pretty much it ! Nothing too scary or overwhelming. Just simple common sense and courtesy. Follow these rules and you will not only enjoy a fantastic vacation, but you will always be welcomed back to the villa again, year after year after year.

Florida has long held the title of “Most Kid Friendly Vacation Destination” due to an abundance of theme parks and miles of sandy beaches. Ranging from the large theme parks around Orlando to nature oriented kid programs in the Everglades, there is so much to see and do that your kids will love! On your next Florida vacation, give your kids a little something out of the ordinary and experience all that the Sunshine State has to offer!

Water Parks

A great way to beat the Florida heat is to spend a day at one of the state’s many water parks. Adventure Island, located in Tampa, is a mid-sized park that caters to kids of any age. Parents and young children will enjoy the pool and beach area, Paradise Lagoon, where guests can relax and stay cool in the water. North of Tampa in Weeki Wachee, visitors will find Buccaneer Bay, the only spring-fed water park in Florida. With water rides, mermaid shows, animal shows, riverboat rides, and scuba experiences, it’s sure to delight. Families will love Wild Waters in Ocala due to its natural feel with giant oaks shading the entire park. There is a kid’s cove for the little ones, a wave pool, and plenty of huge slides for older children and adults. Disney has two parks in Lake Buena Vista that offer totally different experiences but with the same kind of excitement. Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are both known for having the newest and most exciting rides and cater to preschoolers, young children, teenagers, and adults with lazy rivers, looming slides, and surfing rides. Florida’s oldest water park, Wet ‘n Wild, located in Orlando has plenty of rides, new and old, including an area where the young and young at heart can go tubing, knee boarding, or wakeboarding. There are also plenty of slides and pools for toddlers and small children. There is also Rapids Water Park in West Palm Beach, Shipwreck Island in Panama City, Adventure Island in Jacksonville Beach, and so many more! The opportunities to beat the heat at one of Florida’s water parks are endless and can be found just about anywhere.

Orlando Theme Parks

An article about hot kid spots in Florida could not be written without mentioning the Orlando theme parks. It all started with Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. This charming park starts with a walk down Main Street USA with shops, restaurants, and street performances. This park is perfect for all ages with rides and shows catering to every age group. Younger children will love Mickey, Minnie, and all the other characters while an older crowd will enjoy the rides and roller coasters. Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center takes a trip through different nations with rides, performances, and hands-on activities. Disney MGM Studios is a backstage pass to see how and where Disney/MGM movies are made. Hold on to your seat for the Tower of Terror, watch the voyage of The Little Mermaid, and ride with Aerosmith on the Rock ‘n Roller Coaster. The younger crowd will love Disney’s Animal Kingdom with safari rides, animal shows, and Disney characters to share the day. Universal Studios and Universal Studios Islands of Adventure cover all the bases with rides, shows, good eats, performances, and great characters while letting their visitors “experience the movies”. Enjoy the roller coasters at Islands of Adventure while Universal Studios takes you behind the scenes. Get lucky on JAWS, watch Indiana Jones save the day, and experience Earthquake-The Big One. SeaWorld Adventure Park will thrill the kids with tanks, aquarium, and exhibits about sea life and thrill the older crowd with rides and roller coasters. The Waterfront is SeaWorld’s own seaside community with restaurants, entertainment, and shops. Enjoy Orlando: it is what children’s dreams are made of.

Kid-Centered Activities

Aside from water parks and Disney-centered Orlando, Florida has many other attractions that children of all ages will enjoy. For older kids and teenagers, make at stop in Tampa for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This park is full of wild roller coasters, exciting water rides, and shows. The draw for younger children, however, is the zoo-like experience with their exotic animals. Enjoy safaris and exciting train rides to see the gorillas, gators, giraffes, tropical birds, and beasts. The Kennedy Space Center is a way for kids and adults to have fun while learning about the past, present, and future of space exploration. Children of all ages will enjoy meeting astronauts, touring space shuttles, watching films in the IMAX theatre, and being able to touch a piece of the planet Mars. Head to Crystal River and Homosassa between November and March to swim with the manatees and learn about these prehistoric creatures. If the family is looking for a laid back activity, look no farther than the Ichetucknee. This north Florida river is powered by a natural spring to give the perfect inner tube ride, complete with one of the best scenic views around. The Everglades are full of wildlife in its natural habitat. Shark Valley is a 15-mile bike loop that takes you past, not sharks, but alligators, big and small. Kids will love seeing the gators up close and, not to worry, they will not bother you as long as you do not try to feed them! Looking for other adventures? Sail with pirates in St. Petersburg and Clearwater, look for scallops in the Gulf of Mexico in Keaton Beach, Panama City Beach, or Steinhatchee, or swim with sea creatures at the Theatre of the Sea in Islamorada of the Florida Keys.

On your next trip to Florida, experience all that the state has to offer its smallest visitors. With the world’s most popular theme parks, the nations most watermarks, plenty of natural habitats to explore and learn about, and great family-friendly vacation rentals, Florida lacks nothing for kids looking to have fun.