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Cruise and Stay Holidays in Florida

Cruise and stay holidays are a great choice for those looking to make the most of a relaxing holiday with a little adventure and excitement thrown in. One of the best, and most popular, cruise and stay destinations is Florida. Florida offers an amazing choice of resorts, holiday villas, apartments and hotels; not to mention having a wide range of opportunities to keep you entertained on the ‘stay’ part of your holiday.

Holidays with a theme
Most people will be well aware that when it comes to theme parks the State of Florida, at the southern tip of the US, is the world capital. Walt Disney World® Resort has long been established here, but there are plenty of well-known theme parks – and some less well known too. Stay and cruise holidays to Florida offer an ideal opportunity to wear the kids out before setting sail for a relaxing break on-board a luxury cruise liner. If you are beginning your cruise and stay holiday with a theme park theme, Orlando should be your destination of choice. The majority of the main theme parks are located close to Orlando – and just down the road is the “Space Coast” featuring the Kennedy Space Center. The Space Coast also features a range of untouched protected parks, great surfing and snorkelling beaches, fishing, camping and boating. Port Canaveral on this coast is one of the main ports for embarkation in Florida.

Seamless transfers
When it comes to the ‘cruise’ part of your holiday, the key advantage to Florida is that your ‘stay’ part will be close by. No need for complex travel arrangements and as Florida has a massive range of flexible and high quality accommodation, you can move seamlessly from your Florida holidays to your luxury cruise. Cruises naturally feature a strong emphasis on the Caribbean, but Gulf of Mexico cruises and trips to and through the Panama Canal are also common. Cruises are well known for their luxury accommodation and fantastic entertainment. The advantage of a cruise is that you get far more for your money – the view from your window will change hourly and you get the chance to visit exotic ports. The Caribbean is a perfect choice for many – the vast number of islands adding extra variety to this already variety filled type of holiday. All-inclusive packages add that final touch of value.

Relaxed style
Families who have made the most of the theme parks – or the many other attractions in Florida – are usually grateful of the relaxed pace of life on board a cruise liner. Keeping kids entertained is a vital part of any family holiday – entertained kids mean you also get the chance to have some fun. While touring the theme parks is great for them, it can leave you feeling that you are in need of a holiday – and this is where the cruise part of the deal comes into its own. Knowing that the kids are in safe hands and never far away leaves you feel to enjoy the relaxed life on-board, keeping one eye on the turquoise Caribbean and its islands and another on your G&T – all from the convenient look out of a spot by the pool. Most major tour operators, and plenty of smaller ones, operate some fantastic stay and cruise deals, making them affordable and easy to arrange. Cruise and stay holidays featuring Florida as a starting point are also designed specifically with families in mind, taking the stress out of holiday planning and leaving you to make the most of your time away with the family.

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September 21, 2011 · Filed under United States

5 Hidden Travel Gems in New York City

Holidays in New York give you the chance to see some of the world’s most famous buildings and attractions up close and personal. From the Statue of Liberty to Times Square, you will certainly not be short of iconic sights to see.

But as the US city is also home to a number of hidden travel gems you may want to seek out some of its lesser-known attractions.

And for a slightly different cultural experience in New York, why not consider visiting the Staten Island Museum?

Founded in 1881, the museum – located in the borough of Staten Island – contains thousands of items, including a vast natural science collection incorporating everything from fossils to birds’ eggs.

Art lovers are also sure to find that a trip to the Staten Island Museum is a captivating element of New York holidays. The institution first began to display art in 1905, with the works on show covering a range of styles and periods of time, including pieces by Jasper F Cropsey and John LaFarge.

Open seven days a week, the museum is located just two blocks from the free-to-ride Staten Island ferry, so if you’re staying in Manhattan making the journey over the water to see its works should be a simple task.

Holidays to New York could provide you the chance to see a number of towering skyscrapers but to find out more about these fantastic structures head to the Skyscraper Museum. Situated in Manhattan, you will be able to learn about some of New York’s most iconic buildings, as well as skyscrapers from throughout the world.

Containing a mixture of permanent collections – including one that looks at the impact of 9/11 – and temporary exhibitions, you can be sure a visit to the Battery Park City-located museum will always offer something new to see.

However, if you want to get back to nature during a holiday in New York a trip to the Queens Botanical Garden can be a great way to do this.

Containing a wide range of plants and flowers, a visit to the gardens – located in Queens – is sure to offer plenty of opportunity to see wonderful flora, no matter what the season is.

A number of special events and activities are held in the gardens throughout the year, making it the perfect location for a family day out.

There is also a bee garden and a gift shop where you can pick up some souvenirs of the fun you’ve had.

Similarly, a trip to the Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn can be a great place for a little fresh air.

With tennis and basketball courts, as well as various playgrounds, you can certainly stretch your legs here. However, the park is also steeped in history. Originally the site of forts built during the Revolutionary War, visiting Fort Greene today means you can see the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument, which was built in tribute to the 11,500 people who lost their lives in the conflict.

You can also see four magnificent sculptured eagles made from bronze during a trip to the park.

If you enjoy watersports, holidays to New Yorkcould offer the perfect chance for you to try your hand at kayaking. The volunteer-run Downtown Boathouse in Manhattan offers kayak lessons and trips along the Hudson River from a number of piers along the waterfront between May and October.

And it won’t cost you a penny to take part, as all the activities offered by the Boathouse are open to the public and free of charge.

New York has so many captivating hidden attractions that no matter what your interests are, you’re bound to find something for you.

Travel Advice For Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a popular destination for international travelers to soak up the California sun, enjoy the city’s multi-cultural diversity, unique dining options, and bargain shopping deals. However, the first-time visitor to Los Angeles may need a few tips to help them better adjust to the city’s transportation system and local laws, in order to make the most of their vacation in southern California.

Transportation
LAX International Airport is one of the most famous in the world, with hundreds of thousands of people passing through on Los Angeles flights every single day. Los Angeles freeways are renowned for being both an effective way of connecting the cities and surrounding areas, as well as a nightmare during rush hour. Traffic jams during 3PM to 6PM are becoming increasingly common, and with fewer alternatives available, commuters are often faced with lengthy delays. The best alternative to heavy freeway congestion is to take the Los Angeles trains and subways. These services provide easy access to Hollywood Boulevard, front gate drop-off at Universal Studios on the Metro Red Line, rapid service to and from Los Angeles International Airport on the Green Line, as well as downtown L.A. routes on the Metro Blue and Purple Line. A day pass that works on trains, subways and all Los Angeles buses is available for a nominal fee at the station vending machines, or you can enjoy greater savings from a weekly or monthly pass.

Smoking
California law prohibits the use of tobacco inside office buildings, restaurants, airports and most public beaches. However, many restaurants are adjusting to this legislation, and now offer legally approved smoking sections with adequate ventilation. Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas that provide an ashtray, and it is still generally permitted to smoke on both the sidewalks and other open public areas.

Safety
Los Angeles is stretched over 60 square miles, with plenty to see and do across the city. However, for many tourists it is advised to stick to the main tourist areas and avoid suburbs and less-populated or notorious areas of the city. Los Angeles is noted for crime and gang activity in some districts, as such caution is strongly advised when venturing out at night.

Sun Stroke
Travelers flock to Los Angeles for its warm and sunny climate, attracting tourists and locals in droves to sunbathe on the city’s infamous beaches. It is adviseable to remember that the sun can also be damaging – so be sun smart! Be sure to bring plenty of sun block and a visor cap to screen out the sun’s intense rays, protect your skin, and help prolong your outdoor adventures in L.A.

Los Angeles can be an attractive and intimidating holiday destination. The city’s diversity and expansive geography has continued to prove popular with tourists on last minute holidays and extended vacations, and will continue to do so in the future.

Key West Florida Sunset

When visiting the Key West area in Florida the one thing you have to do is to watch the sunset in a glorious location. It is an event which draws in thousands of visitors from all around the world as the sun goes down into the Gulf of Mexico and has in turn led to events and concerts being organized in the area.

At Mallory Square Dock there is a nightly celebration of the sunset in Key West. It is a celebration which includes performers in the street, arts and crafts, food stalls and music performed by a number of buskers who travel from all over the country and indeed the world. It is a celebration that you can experience without the need to buy any tickets and you only have to spend whatever you want to spend.

However, if you are in the area you have a number of things you can do during the day with a strong emphasis on the water due to the location. Numerous companies offer boating expeditions with cruises, fishing, and snorkeling being popular activities. Prices for this can vary depending on the time of year and the exact location.

The same can be said about food in the area with a variety of cuisines available depending on your tastes. You are able to sample Italian, seafood, food with a Caribbean twist to it as well as finer dining but you do not have to go to top class restaurants to get a good meal.

The main reason to be there is of course to watch the sun go down and in the Key West area you have a variety of potential accommodation in various price ranges. You have choices from campsites near the water to bed and breakfast up to resorts next to the beach. By looking into the area before travelling you can find a place to stay that can come within almost any budget.

But the best part about visiting Key West, Florida for the sunset is that the main reason why you are there is absolutely free and you can experience it time and time again during your stay.

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September 25, 2010 · Filed under United States