Great Trips for a Fabulous 2010

The new year brings a new set of opportunities to enjoy life on a higher level.  This year, why don’t you make your New Year’s resolution to travel as much as you can? Now that we are well into the winter season, it’s almost time to start thinking about the spring, and what better way to do that than to look at booking your first trip of the season?

Florida is beautiful all year round, but especially in the warmer months.  Spring is a favorite season of many because it’s not too hot and not too cold.  Florida has a lot to offer in the way of sightseeing, so this is the best way to check out activities that are exciting to you.  As you know, there are plenty of cities in Florida, so there is sure to be at least one that strikes your fancy.  Here are some suggestions to consider:

Miami is a sizzling hot city with a unique vibe, one that will have you pumped up to party the night away.  Many stars have called Miami home, including Gloria Estefan, Jennifer Lopez, and Rosie O’Donnell.  One visit and you’ll definitely see why!

Panama City is another great place to see, so it is no wonder that it has become the ultimate spring break destination.  There are plenty of things to see and do, including a Dinner & Dancing Yacht Cruise designed to showcase the beautiful St. Andrew Bay.  An all-you-can-eat feast is included, and live music so you can dance to your heart’s content.

Visit Orlando for some family-friendly fun and a visit to Fun Spot Action Park, where you can ride a go kart and take a leisurely ferris wheel ride; whatever suits your mood.  Kids will be thrilled to learn that there is also an arcade!

No matter what you do and where you go this spring, Florida is sure to deliver exactly what you’re looking for.  Check out the above links or visit http://www.tours-florida.us/ for more specific offerings.

Posted under Dinner Cruises, Entertainment, Florida Tours, Miami Tours, Orlando Tours, Panama City Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Tickets, Travel

Autumn Adventures Around the US

Fall is the perfect time to get out and see the vibrant colors of nature, whether you are jet-setting across the country or hanging out in your own backyard.  With the weather getting cooler outside, it becomes easier to get active and enjoy an outdoor adventure or two without breaking too much of a sweat.

Here are a few activities to consider when planning your fall outings:

-Check out the historical town of Salem, Massachusetts for a look inside the history of the Salem Witch Trials

-Watch the change of season in the Berkshires, where you will see vibrant bursts of color in the trees and witness the harvest of beautiful autumn fruits and vegetables

-Venture out on horseback in the San Francisco area and explore the valleys, preserves, and beaches that define the area

-Enjoy an exciting trip to Boston and take in a baseball game to watch the Red Sox play during the post season

-Set out on a fishing trip in Orlando, Florida and catch a “reel” winner!

-Visit a ranch in Texas and live like a cowboy

Reserve123 has a wide array of activities that will keep you entertained throughout the fall season, and their scope is not limited to the United States. 

Worldwide tours are available, from Europe to Asia, Canada to Africa and everything in between.  You can find out more about tours and activities in your area of interest by visiting www.Reserve123.com.

Posted under Boston Tours, California Tours, Fishing trips, Florida Tours, Horseback Riding, Orlando Tours, San Francisco Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Travel, Walking Tours, Wildlife Tours

Kayaking Along Tampa Bay

Those who are looking to set up their own private trip on the water can rent a single, tandem, or glass bottom kayak to explore the bay and go fishing or have a romantic day with a loved one during their time in St. Petersburg.  Sport models are great for fishing, or you can use the add-on seat for 2 children.  Every kayak has room for food and supplies so you can make things romantic by packing a picnic and setting out on the open water.

Renting a kayak is a great way to explore the area without being confined to a schedule.  You can leave early in the morning and paddle and float along Tampa Bay, stopping at a mangrove bird island and a bayou estuary along the way.  This makes for a lovely day out in the company of nature, and it is so peaceful to hear only the sounds of the birds and the gentle flowing of the water.  As you take a break, you are able to stop and marvel over how gorgeous the area is.  Just don’t forget your sunblock and a hat to protect you from Florida’s strong rays!

If you are not from the south, it might be best to go out on a kayak in the fall, as the heat is not as overpowering so you can enjoy your ride even more.  It does get cool on the water, though, so bring an extra layer of clothing just in case.  As always, pack a camera and some snacks and have a wonderful and relaxing day!

For more on renting a kayak, as well as other fun activities in the St. Petersburg area, visit www.StPetersburgTours.org.

Posted under Florida Tours, Sightseeing, St. Petersburg Tours, Things To Do, Transportation, Travel

One of a Kind Cruise in Fort Lauderdale

If you are drawn to the water, you will love the Jungle Queen Sightseeing Cruise in Fort Lauderdale.  This 3-hour cruise takes you up the New River to see the sights in the comfort of a fully-equipped riverboat that is designed specifically for sightseeing.  You will pass some gorgeous waterfront homes along the way that will make you want to relocate to the area just to be able to own something so beautiful!

The tour will stop off at the Jungle Queen Indian Village, where monkeys and exotic birds call home.  The Village is full of life, with flourishing tropical foliage and brightly colorful wildlife.  The captain on board keeps you informed throughout the trip as he points out different species and landmarks.  This is a great option for those who are new to the area and may not have seen some of these animals and landscapes before. 

Jungle Queen Cruises in Fort Lauderdale

Two of the sights you will see as you cruise are downtown Fort Lauderdale and part of the Everglades, a subtropical wetland that begins up in Orlando.  The Everglades are shaped by fire and water and, thus, are always changing based on alternating flood and drought.  You will want to keep your eyes open as the scenes will often change suddenly.  Keep your camera snapping and you will definitely have some fantastic pictures to remember your trip by.

Reserve your seat online at www.fortlauderdaletours.net to save $5 per adult ticket.

Posted under Florida Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Transportation, Travel

Orlando Dining and Entertainment

By the time you finish your day of sightseeing in Orlando, you should be ready to sit back and relax as you enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal.  In Orlando, there are many dining options, several of which combine quality food and top-notch entertainment into one enjoyable evening.

The Pirate’s Dinner Adventure in Orlando, which is set on a large, fully-rigged pirate ship, is made complete with an excellent Broadway-quality show of epic proportions.  The classic story of good and evil, which is presented with the perfect mix of comedy, action, romance, and adventure, will leave dinner guests in stitches.  The show’s cast includes Princess Anita and Sebastian the Black - the leader of the unruly pirate gang.  At the end of the evening, you can join together with the cast for the Buccaneer Bash and a chance to party the night away.

In stark contrast to the pirates’ treachery, your trip to Orlando can be rounded out with an appearance at Disney World’s Chef Mickey Character Dinner.  A chance to dine with Disney characters including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, Goofy, and Chip & Dale, this dining extravaganza is perfect for kids and those who feel young at heart.  Your evening begins when you are picked up from your hotel in a classy 5-star stretch limousine for a ride over to Downtown Disney and a chance to walk around Disney’s Marketplace.  Then you will be taken over to Disney’s Chef Mickey restaurant for a tasty buffet dinner and dessert bar with your favorite Disney friends.

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy an evening of dining and entertainment during your time in Orlando if you know where to look.  Visit www.Orlando-Tours.com for more exciting options to choose from.

Posted under Florida Tours, Orlando Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Tickets, Transportation, Travel

Bring Your ‘Booty’ on Board the Pirate’s Ransom in Clearwater

For a cruise with a little attitude, climb aboard the Pirate Cruise from Clearwater for 2 hours of family fun and adventure set to the music of a steel band.  On board the 70-foot pirate ship, there are several fully costumed pirates and other characters which add to the overall experience.

Passengers will embark out into the Gulf of Mexico along Clearwater Beach as they enter the fantasy world where pirates litter the seaways and dolphins come along to play.  Children can get their faces painted and adults can take advantage of the full service bar to purchase an alcoholic beverage. 

This is a magical adventure that the adults will enjoy just as much as the children.  The ship is custom designed to look like a pirate ship from the past, and as you travel the waters of Clearwater, you will feel like you are truly a part of the story.  Everyone must do this cruise once, and you may decide to even do it again just to share the experience with others.  Enjoy some time aboard the Pirate’s Ransom and you will feel like a kid again.  Just don’t forget to bring a camera because the dolphin sightings are spectacular. 

Clearwater Tours has even more exciting tours and activities to choose from on their site, www.ClearwaterTours.com.

Posted under Florida Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Transportation, Travel

Fort Lauderdale, the ‘Venice of America’

Fort Lauderdale, located in Broward County, Florida, is often referred to as the ‘Venice of America’ because of its intricate and expensive canal system.  It is a popular destination for tourists and is a major yachting area with 42,000 yachts and 100 boatyards and marinas.  Conveniently located a few miles from Miami, there are a number of tours and activities that take you to this nearby city. 

For a day of fun with the kids, book the Swamp Safari Day Package from Fort Lauderdale.  This package includes a one hour eco tour on a Swamp Buggy, which is specially designed to provide elevated views of the frontier while passengers ride through the cypress heads and wetlands.  A 20-minute Airboat Tour and an educational Alligator and Snake Show or Swamp Critter Show are also included.  This is a great way to introduce your kids to Florida wildlife, and you will likely see deer, hawks, wild hogs, bison, water buffalo, and other rare species.  You will also learn a bit about Seminole legends and folklore as the safari takes you onto their Reservation where they have dutifully cared for the land and worked to preserve its natural balance.   

Additional tours are offered by airboat, airplane, boat, ferry, and more.  You can also travel to Miami to visit the homes of celebrities or take in the Mai-Kai Polynesian Dinner Show in Fort Lauderdale for a unique interpretation of traditional dinner theater.  No matter what you decide to do, you will never be bored.  The weather in the area is beautiful and allows you to take advantage of a wide array of outdoor activities like charter fishing in Miami, an Everglades Day Safari from Ft. Lauderdale, or a Jungle Queen Cruise.  When you are finished seeing all there is to see in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, take an Orlando Day Tour from Miami for a change of pace and some theme park fun!

For all the details on tours and activities like these, visit www.fortlauderdaletours.net.    

Posted under Florida Tours, Miami Tours, Orlando Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Transportation, Travel

Heli Tours of St. Augustine

If you have never had the privilege of taking a helicopter tour, now is your chance.  On your next visit to St. Augustine, Florida, make seeing the city from above a top priority for you and your loved ones and you will not regret it. 

On the Helicopter Tour of Porpoise Point & Old Downtown from St. Augustine, you will get a bird’s eye view of St. Augustine and the beaches of northern Florida.  Not only will you get to catch all the city highlights, but you can also scope out the area for boats and dolphins.  You may even see a dolphin or two jumping up out of the water as if to welcome you to the area.  The view of the coastline is amazing, and you will get down close to it as you whip across the beaches and over to Porpoise Point.  Some of the sights you will see along the way include the St. Augustine Lighthouse, Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler College, and Bridge of Lions.  When all is said and done, you will have covered 16-17 miles of ground!

For a slightly more comprehensive tour, take the Helicopter Tour of Fort Matanzas and Old Downtown in St Augustine.  This trip, which covers much of the same area as the aforementioned tour, also incorporates Menendez Park, Fort Matanzas, and Conch Island along with several other important landmarks.  Children and adults will love the feeling of being scooped up and carried across the magnificent coastline as they look down over the sparkling water below and admire its brilliance.

There are several other heli tour options, including the Romantic Sunset Helicopter Tour which is often used for wedding proposals and other special occasions.  No matter which one you choose, you are in for a great adventure as you check out one of America’s oldest cities.

For more information on helicopter tours like those mentioned above, visit www.staugustinetours.net.

Posted under Florida Tours, Sightseeing, St. Augustine Tours, Things To Do, Tickets, Travel

‘Monster Fishing’ with Mark the Shark

Miami, Florida is the perfect place to get in a little fishing and soak up the sun, and there are several options for those who are looking to do just that, from half day trips to full-day excursions out on the water. 

One of the most popular ways to fish is on the Miami Fishing Trip with Mark the Shark.  You can enjoy a full or half day of fishing aboard a private charter boat under the direction of “Mark the Shark,” the most famous captain in South Beach.  Mark is an expert at taking you to the biggest fish and has fished with celebrities around the world.  He has appeared on television and on the radio for his work in the field and has caught more sharks with his rod than anyone in the world.

The 50-foot Hatteras Luxury Sport Fisherman boat is comfortable and fully air conditioned, with a full service head and galley.  The Captain’s specialty is ‘Monster Fishing,’ and he has been doing it for over 30 years.  Avid fishermen and beginners, hang on for a wild ride! Marlin, Wahoo, Tuna, Sailfish, and Shark offer the best deep-sea game fishing in the world and there is plenty of fishing to do in the waters of South Beach.

Even if you haven’t expressed a particular interest in fishing before, you will be pleasantly surprised at how much fun you can have, vying for the biggest catch of the day.  Check out www.miamitours.us for more info on this trip, and give it a shot even if you haven’t fished before or are somewhat of a novice. Besides, you never know when and where you will find a fun new hobby!

Posted under Florida Tours, Miami Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Tickets, Travel

Snorkeling Fun in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, Florida, a beach town located between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, is a popular location for both tourists and retirees.  Nicknamed the “Sunshine City,” St. Pete enjoys around 360 days of sunshine each year, making it the ultimate vacation point year-round.  The weather is perfect for doing outdoor activities, since temperatures rarely dip below 50°F, so you will have ample opportunity to explore the area and get acquainted with its key landmarks without having your plans squelched by rain and inclement weather. 

While you are visiting Florida, consider taking full advantage of the crystal clear waters and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling adventure.  St. Petersburg is a great place to do just that, with the Snorkeling Adventure from St. Pete Beach.  You can go out on the boat and catch some rays or go swimming if you decide that snorkeling isn’t for you.  Like everything on this trip, it is completely optional.  If you do decide to take the plunge, suit up and get ready to explore the remains of Fort Dade, which was built up around the time of the Spanish-American War.  You will also get the chance to visit the island of Egmont Key and explore its trails and National Wildlife Refuge.  If you are a snorkeling newbie, don’t worry.  Everyone receives in-water instruction as a prelude to the main event. 

There is so much to see that it would be impossible to put it all into words, except to say that you will be truly amazed by the underwater world that you discover during your journey.  Over four hours, you will check out the Lighthouse at Egmont Key State Park, which was constructed in the 1800s, swim with the fish, and come face to face with history as you seek out any existing remnants of various historical structures.  Then, on the way back to land, you can relax and soak up the sun on board the boat, which has been designed like a catamaran for maximum comfort and stability.

The next time you are trying to choose a vacation destination, keep sunny St. Petersburg in mind.  When you need help deciding on a tour or activity in the area, visit www.stpetersburgtours.net.  If you book your tickets online, you will save $5 on each adult ticket.

Posted under Florida Tours, Sightseeing, Snorkel Cruises, St. Petersburg Tours, Things To Do, Tickets, Travel, Wildlife Tours