Travel Guest Post: Villa Holiday Rentals

Many of us look forward to our holiday all year, and when we get there we want to be able to relax, unwind and enjoy our time away, which is why more and more people are choosing villa holidays.

Hotels can be fantastic, but many feel they lack personality and can create a sense of detachment from the culture and beauty of the chosen destination. Villa holidays offer a fabulous sense of freedom; you don’t have to be tied down to set meal times, or mix with a group of strangers, plus you can immerse yourself in the local culture.

Hiring a villa is often the most affordable and stress-free way of taking a holiday, especially when considering holidays to Florida and other far-flung destinations. Sharing your accommodation with a group of friends or extended family can be a great way of spreading the cost of your holiday, plus you have the option of self-catering and can therefore also split the food bills. It’s also much easier to have your own kitchen when looking after the fussy eating habits of babies and toddlers.

Villa holidays are also great for families because of the freedom and space you’ll be able to enjoy; who wants to be stuck in a tiny family room with the neighbours complaining about the baby crying or the toddler’s tantrums when you can have a whole villa to relax in, and a private pool area to enjoy?

The choice of destinations when it comes to villa holidays is also extensive with holidays in Spain rating high on holiday-home rental popularity lists. Spanish destinations such as the Costa del Sol, Andalucía and the Balearic Islands offer plenty of choice and you’ll find everything from modern villas to more traditional homes with a rustic vibe.

It’s worth doing your research when looking for a villa. Make sure the accommodation fits your requirements; if you want a villa with exclusive use of a pool make sure you choose the appropriate type, and check the distances from the beach and local resort amenities if this is an important factor.

Most people choose to hire a car when renting a villa as it allows even more freedom. Without being tied to a hotel’s meal and entertainment schedule, you can head to the local supermarket each morning to stock up on delicious local produce, pack a picnic and head off into the Spanish countryside for a day of sightseeing and adventure.

But it’s not just Spain that offers great villa locations. There are destinations throughout the world where you can find a luxury home away from home. Many people forget villas are the perfect solution for Florida holidays.

For families with older children, groups of friends, and couples, holiday villas in Florida may be the answer to your holiday prayers and as with everything in America, you’ll find the accommodation here sleek, modern and well equipped. Air-conditioning comes as standard in most Florida villas and you can choose to stay in Orlando if you want to visit parks such as Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Studios, or the Gulf Coast if you’re looking for a more chilled-out break.

Again, the convenience of self-catering will appeal to families with two or more children, especially those who want to head to the theme parks as the expense of eating out can often put a strain on the wallet. Make a packed lunch in the morning, put the contents in a cool-bag and take it with you to the parks, most have picnic areas and spaces where you can eat your own food so it’s an easy and affordable alternative to dining out.

Villa holidays to Florida are also becoming increasingly popular with groups of friends who can enjoy a relaxed holiday experience together, cooking in the evenings and sharing a bottle of wine by the pool as the sun sets; it’s the ideal solution for those looking for a more up-market birthday, hen or stag celebration.

Villas provide that home away from home feeling, albeit a home with more sunshine and better views, and so you can all relax and enjoy your time away. So next time you’re considering a holiday abroad, think outside the box and think of villa holidays.

Travel Guest Post: 10 Reasons to Vacay in Florida

With so many great places to vacation all over the world, it can be tough to narrow down where you want to go. You have to consider cost, location, and if there is enough to keep everybody in the family entertained. One of the best places to head to when you’re on vacation is Florida. It is a vacation mecca from one end to the other. Here are ten reasons why you should go to Florida on your next vacation.

1. The beaches
Florida has some of the best beaches in the world. Whether swimming, surfing or lounging on the sand is your thing, the beaches in Florida have you covered. Daytona and Cocoa beach are two of the best known Florida beaches, but there are several more. No matter where you are in Florida, sand and surf is never far away.

2. Shopping
The shopping in Florida is not only extensive and amazing, but the deals that can be found will blow you away. Whether you are looking for the latest Kate Spade bag or a flowing skirt made by a local artist, you’ll be able to find it in Florida.

3. Disney
You can’t have a list about Florida without including Disney. One of the main reasons families come to Florida it includes several attraction like Epcot, MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom.

4. Other theme parks
But Disney isn’t the only theme park in Florida. There’s Busch Gardens, Seaworld and  Discovery Cove  just to name a few. There’s also Universal Studios theme park and smaller venues, like Ripley’s Believe it or Not. Whether you are into water activities, thrilling rides, animals or site-seeing, there is a Florida theme park for you.

5. National Parks
If you’re into nature and wildlife there is no shortage of national parks in Florida for you to visit and explore. Biscayne National Park, Everglades National Park, Gulf Island National Seashore and Big Cypress National Reserve are a few of the Florida national parks that offer amazing scenery, lots of wildlife (both on land and in water) and outdoor activities.

6. Historical sites
You could plan a trip to Florida just around the historical sites in the state. You can visit historical homes, actual battlefields or historical cities and towns, like St. Augustine.

7. Food
The food in Florida is diverse, phenomenal and can seem like it’s never-ending! There’s everything from inexpensive all-you-can-eat buffets to fancy restaurants for a romantic evening meal. You can even try some delicacies like alligator! And don’t forget fresh squeezed orange juice and amazing key lime pie.

8. Something for everyone
If you are traveling with your kids and spouse, and maybe even your extended family, it can be hard to pick a vacation destination that will please everyone. But Florida has such a variety of things to do, that no one will be bored. Outdoor adventure, exciting nightlife, luxurious day spas and local markets. Everyone will be able to find something to do.

9. Evening fun
Whether you want to take in some evening activities at a theme park or hit a club or two, the evening and nightlife in Florida is thriving. There’s plenty to do once the sun goes down.

10. Low cost
The best part about vacationing in Florida is that it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Despite the fact that it is a prime tourist destination, things can be inexpensive. You can look online and buy coupon packages for theme parks and activities. And there are some great rental properties throughout the state that can cost less than staying in a hotel. If you plan you can have the perfect Florida vacation at a fraction of the cost.

Shelly Towns is a self-proclaimed travel fanatic who enjoys exploring new places, visiting beaches, and researching  vacation rentals in Florida.

Travel: CEO Status at The Sagamore

For those craving a bit of luxury, head to Miami and indulge in the “CEO Package” at the Sagamore Hotel.

Stay in the three bedroom 1,800 square foot Penthouse with 1,800 square foot private outside terrace with private elevator entrance and breathtaking ocean views. The hotel features original art work in each room and the Cricket Taplin Collection in the hotel, infinity pool, pool-side grill, and the upscale Sagamore bar and lounge. The hotel is steps away from prestigious shopping, dining, and entertainment located in the heart of South Beach.

Like most CEO offerings, this package comes with some perks. Mention the “Sagamore CEO Package” at the time of booking and receive some cool gifts: an iPad2, comp airport limo pickup, bottle of champagne upon arrival, daily comp breakfast for up to 6 and free beach chairs.

Reservations for this special offer must be booked by June 15, 3011 and require a 2 night stay. Starting at $1300. per night. For more info: www.sagamorehotel.com.

 

Top 10 Places to Spend NYE

I have a bad case of wanderlust. Every chance I get, I am on a plane to explore something new. New Years Eve gives me the perfect excuse. Here is my list of the top 10 places you should be come midnight on January 31^st:

1.)    New York City Sort of an obvious choice. This has been a NYE tradition for years. Join one million people in the middle of Times Square as they celebrate the ringing in of the New Year with the drop of the infamous New Year’s Eve ball from the top of the flagpole of One Times Square.

2.)    Sydney, Australia They definitely know how to party down under with firework shows over the harbor at 9pm and midnight. The perfect evening: A cocktail cruise around the harbor on a beautiful yacht.

3.)    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil If you want to start the New Year with an all-out party, grab your swimsuit and white garb (traditionally thought to bring good luck)and head to the beautiful beaches of Brazil, and watch the fireworks from the pristine beaches of Copacabana

4.)    . Las Vegas, Nevada The city of sin is a perfect way to bring in the New Year. An ode to non-stop parting all-year long, Vegas rolls out the red carpet on Jan. 31^st to host the several celebs and jetsetters in town.

5.)    Negril, Jamaica If you are going for an island New Years, check out the colorful, casual beaches of Jamaica.

6.) Paris, France The city of light gets additional help with fireworks near the Eiffel Tower and nightlight that ranges from formal balls to small parties.

7.) London, England Cruise down the Thames River or gather at The London and watch Big Ben bring in the New Year at the stroke of midnight.

8.) Miami, Florida The younger jet set crew heads here to the sexy beaches and exotic nightlife. Watch fireworks from your glam hotel, or any of the many South Beach parties.

9.) Edinburgh, Scotland Scotts keep the party going with a four day celebration! Known as the biggest street party in Europe, join celebrating Europeans for celebration events for all ages!

10.) Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok celebrates New Years’ three times annually; January for Chinese New Year, April for Thai New Year and December for Western New Year.