Posts Tagged ‘Reasons’

10 Reasons Why Vacation Villas Are A Great Alternative To Staying In a Hotel

If you are uncertain about Florida villa rentals and think you should stay in a hotel instead, here are ten good reasons that will make you change your mind.

Home Away From Home – Your villa in Florida will be just like your home because it will have all the same comforts that you have at home making it a better way to relax which is usually a primary reason for a vacation.

Cost – For families who need two or three bedrooms or more, a hotel would require several rooms so that you end up spending more on everything because of multiple rooms rather than condensing costs for one Florida villa. Everything in a hotel is more costly particularly food and for a family with children this can become very expensive.

Privacy – There are no restrictions on dining times that you would experience in a hotel being subject to eating when the dining room is open or room service is available. You could really relax and unwind in a villa and would not have interruptions from a maid to bring you more towels or make up the beds.

Space – In a villa in Florida you would have a whole house for your family to be together without being in cramped separate rooms in a limited amount of space where after a few days it becomes claustrophobic.  Not only will you have multiple bedrooms, but you will have more bathrooms along with a dining area, living area and kitchen. Everyone will have areas that they can retreat to rest or relax instead of being stuck together in one room.

Bathrooms – There is nothing worse than having to wait for a bathroom because someone else is using it. When family members are crowded into a small hotel room with one small bathroom, only one person can get ready making others have to stand in line. With more than one bathroom at your vacation rental you will all be able to get ready at the same time.

Kitchens – With a kitchen you have the ability to cook your meals thereby saving you lots of money. Many vacation rentals have barbeques so that you can eat inside or outside. If you want a snack during the night you have it without having to call room service or go without because it is after hours.

Private Pools – The privacy of your own pool makes a huge difference in terms of relaxation and enjoyment for most families. You could sunbathe by your own pool without a lot of other noisy people disrupting your peace and quiet. If you want company you can invite others over but you won’t have to listen to people that you don’t know and don’t want to talk to.

Parking – Most people will have a rental car when they go on vacation or they have driven the family car. If you stay in a hotel there is normally an additional daily fee for parking the car depending on where you are. With a Florida vacation rental you will be able to park in the garage – just like you do at home. Unless of course it has been converted into a luxury games room for your added enjoyment.

Washing Machines – Although some hotels have facilities for washing clothes, you have to pay for it or you have to find someplace to wash your clothes. With a villa, you will have a washer and drier – just like you do at home.

Independence – A rental allows you the freedom to come and go as you like without worrying about leaving your possessions behind in a room.

Reasons We Love Traveling to Florida & You Will Too!!

I think that we have been to over a dozen beaches and cities in Florida. It seems to be the place we choose whenever we travel for a number of reasons. Maybe you have a certain destination you love, and like us, want to venture out and try new vacation spots.

So, without further ado, here are our reasons we love traveling to the best Florida beaches & you will too…

Florida has some of the best beaches in the world. You have an array of places to choose from that will provide you different activities, beauty, and fun each time you go. Whether you go to the Gulf coast of Florida, the Atlantic Coast, or The Keys, you will get everything you want and need out of your trip. Plus, if you get bored or tired of one coast, which probably won’t happen, try the other coast. The Keys are one vacation spot you must visit at least once.

Perfect for anyone. Whether you are a family taking your children, an older couple taking time together, a group traveling with friends, a student wanting to party on spring break, or a couple wanting to find romance, Florida will offer it all.

Orlando and Disney World. Who doesn’t want to visit this magical place? With so many attractions to choose from and things to do in Orlando Florida, you can’t go wrong. There is shopping, adventure, romance, great food, entertainment, and everything you can imagine from a Disney extravaganza.

Variety. Again, if you are looking for multiple vacation ideas, Florida is your spot. There are plenty of things to do in Florida. This ranges from relaxing on the beautiful beaches, sunsets, fishing from piers, driving down the A1A highway, visiting some of the most luxurious spots in the world (like Palm Beach), shopping that will have your heads and wallets spinning for weeks, boating, jet skis, other water activities, golfing, and more. Enjoy great food, entertainment, nightlife, gorgeous architecture, history, people, and so much more.

The Weather. The weather is great. Yes, there are hurricanes and you should plan your vacation wisely. This is typically between August and October; however we have been seeing a string of hurricanes beginning earlier in the summer. Otherwise, you will receive weather that is awesome. Excellent fun and sun!

You have many options on where to stay and how to get there. Stay in a beachfront condo or home instead of a hotel. Venture off into the woods in one of Florida’s great campgrounds or rent a houseboat for the week. Florida is fairly convenient for everyone for flying and perhaps even driving (depending on what part of country/world you live). We always suggest, and do ourselves, fly down because you get there quicker, and rent a cool car for your vacation. You will have fun touring around town and exploring.

This leads us into our favorite reason… Cost. Traveling to Florida is quite inexpensive. It can be as luxurious as you want, but if you are looking for an affordable vacation, Florida provides that too. If you are like us and on a budget, taking a vacation is something you must plan ahead and save for. Plus, you want to be able to enjoy and do everything possible. If you worry about money the whole time, your vacation becomes less relaxing and stressful. Don’t let that happen. If you can’t afford to visit an exotic island this year, don’t fret, go to Florida and have a wonderful time!!!

Top Reasons to Stay in Kissimmee for your Disney Vacation

Kissimmee is not the first thing you will think about when you visit Florida. Mention Florida and people will immediately think about Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios, all of which are located in the nearby city of Orlando. But if you get to know Kissimmee well, you will realize that this place has the potential of becoming a top tourist destination if only it is not underrated. In fact, if you want to save big and enjoy much, Kissimmee is a great place to go to.

Not only that, it is also a good place to stay in if you are planning to have a Disney Vacation. Why is that? Here are some good reasons why this is so.

Saves you Money

As you probably know, Disney World hotels can be quite expensive. Its cheapest rate is around $100 per room per night. Other more luxurious hotels can cost as much as $300. Unless you have an oversupply of money, staying inside the perimeters of Disney World can surely leave a dent in your finances. To save money, it would be smart to stay at the hotels of Kissimmee. Prices in this city range from only $50 to $175 per room per night.

Located Nearby

Kissimmee is only a short drive from Orlando so you won’t be wasting much time or energy getting from this place to Mickey Mouse’s home. Plus, some hotels even provide free or low-priced transportations to Disney World.

Great as a Side Trip

Since admission to Disney World does not come cheap, it is possible that you may not have any more money to spend for at the other attractions located in Orlando. Don’t be sad. Kissimmee offers great attractions that are just as enjoyable but not as expensive. You can take a go-kart ride at Fun Spot, go on an eco-scenic lake tour, wander around downtown Kissimmee, visit Lake Lizzie Nature Preserve, and engage yourself into a food feast by trying various delicious restaurants along the way. If you want to save more money, be sure to check out Kissimmee Florida packages. Many travel sites online offer various kinds of Kissimmee Florida vacation packages that differ in price, inclusions, and features. Choose one that you think will fit your family the most.

Various Options

This place also offers various types of accommodations. From quaint hotel rooms that are nice and affordable to spacey vacation homes that can accommodate up to 20 guests. Whatever needs you have, Kissimmee will be able to meet them. Amenities are great as well. You get to enjoy walk-in closets, spacious countertops, fully equipped kitchen, state-of-the-art appliances, scenic patio, and speedy broadband Internet, among many others. It is like your home sweet home but with all the amenities to make you feel like you are in a vacation.

Peace and Privacy

Another great thing that people love about this place is the peace and quiet. You get to enjoy plenty of privacy. You do not have to deal with crowds (which is plenty in Orlando) and nosy tourists.

Relaxing adventures, exquisite dining, and unparallel level of nature encounter—these are the things that Kissimmee can offer any tourist who visits this place. Just a few minutes from Orlando city, an area that features exciting theme parks and attractions, Kissimmee is the best place to go if you want a side trip from your Orlando vacation or if you want to save big on your Disney World trip.

Some Reasons To Go Thousand Island Bass Fishing

One of the most popular sports in the United States is bass fishing.  Thousands of articles had been written about this sport, from tips to testimonials to experiences. Thousands or maybe millions are hooked in this sport. You can usually find them basking on their bass fishing in great lakes and rivers or other aquatic formations in the United State.   

One of the ore popular fishing venues for bass fishing is the Thousand Islands. This is a group of more than 1,000 small islands in east central North America, in St. Lawrence River just east of Lake Ontario, to be particular.

Most are part of southeastern Ontario and the rest are part of northern New York; and many of these islands are privately owned. It has been estimated that there are as many as 1,700 islands, but an exact count is difficult because of the large number of tiny islets. The largest is the Wolfe Island (127 sq km/49 sq mi) in Ontario. The islands have been a popular summer destinations since the mid 1800′s.

Because of these, Ontario’s most important scenic and recreational attraction is its waters. The province is home to some 250,000 lakes and has thousands of rivers and streams. Four of the Great Lakes are the Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

The extensive shorelines of these lakes provide a natural playground for the people. Lake Simcoe, Muskoka and others, are very accessible lakes from the north of Toronto. They are also popular vacation centers. Ontario also shares with New York’s one of the greatest scenic attractions in North America, the Niagara Falls.

The Thousand Islands make a patch work of the river as it leaves Lake Ontario. The islands cater to large rocks, hold farms, estates, and summer cottages that can cost millions of dollars. Now, because of the popularity of it as a vacation and fishing destination, there are islands where in resorts and lodge houses are put up for the accommodation needs of the tourists and bass fishing enthusiasts.

You will find also a lot of establishments that sells and rents gears and boats to be used for their bass fishing. Restaurants are abundant if you finally get tired of eating your catch.

Ontario’s fishing activity can be divided into commercial fishing and recreational or sport fishing. Although fishing was an important economic activity in the 19th century, the commercial catch is relatively small today. Like other fishery problems; overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction, and the introduction of predators have greatly reduced catches.

Thousand Islands being very rocky are places that small mouth bass species love to stay and live.  The beautiful scenery and the rocky background of Thousand Islands, bring adventures to bass fishing aficionados and lovers.  They loved to go there not just for bass fishing but also for sight seeing and camping.  There, they tried to commune with nature and feed their imaginations.

A large part of Canada’s freshwater catch comes from Ontario. The major species of fish caught during recreational fishing are perch, smelt, walleye, and smallmouth bass.  While the colorful fall foliage draws an annual pilgrimage of tourists to the area. It is the fabulous bass fishing of the Thousand Islands region that attracts the attention of anglers competing in Thousand Islands for bass fishing.

The water is clearer, and baitfishes are abundant. The bass always make access to the bait and make feeding better. Because the zebra mussels have cleared up the water, vegetation is more widespread, which means the bass have better overall habitat. Both the largemouths and smallmouths are thriving.

While the bass may be both larger and more abundant, they are still found in the same areas discovered by touring pros. In St. Lawrence, those areas include Lake of the Isles, Goose Bay, Chippewa Bay, and the rocky coves and points around the Admiralty Islands. In Lake Ontario, the key spots are Fox and Grenadier Islands, and Chamount Bay

These characteristics of Thousand Islands of Ontario make the place greatly known for bass fishing. The geographical aspect, location and richness of  its great lakes and rivers make bass fishing a sport or hobby very inviting.

Four Reasons Why Vancouver Island Is Ranked #1

‘Conde Nast Traveler Magazine’ readers have ranked Vancouver Island as the “Top North American Island” eight years in a row and this was matched by the readers of ‘Travel + Leisure Magazine’ who voted this island in the Pacific North-West as “The World’s Best Island in the Continental United States and Canada”.

These publications do not bestow their blessings lightly and without reason, so what is it that has “wowed” the readers of these prestigious magazines?

1. Vancouver Island is a travelers dream.

The island is easy to get to by ferry from the mainland or from Seattle or by plane into the International airport, some 20 km’s from downtown Victoria. It’s mild climate is easy on the visitor, all year long, and is conducive to lush greenery, beautiful gardens and colorful flowers. It’s easy on the eye and easy on the language: Canadian eh!

But what makes it so easy for the visitor is the network of tourist offices up and down the country, manned by knowledgeable, helpful staff who can direct you to world class accommodation and amenities. Camping in the wild or five star hotel, the choices are many, varied and of quality. Driving is easy, information readily available and the tourist industry is healthy and strong.

2. Vancouver Island has adventures for all.

Sailing and Kayaking are world class, through the surrounding Gulf Islands and there is abundant moorage for all sizes of vessels. Diving, fishing and surf-boarding are first class and there is ski-ing and snowboarding on Mt. Washington.

The island is known for it’s caving and pot-holing, it’s biking and walking trails and it’s wilderness camps. But that’s not all. Some of the best salmon fishing in the world is available here, as well as whale watching and other marine life studies.

Mountain climbing, guided tours to see the bears, both black and grizzly, snorkeling, canoeing, swimming, para-sailing or the quieter sport of watching over 260 species of birds. Take your pick, there are adventures, organized or not, for all forms of visiting travelers.

3. Vancouver Island has the scenery.

From the rocky inlets of the west coast to the central mountain chain through Strathcona Provincial Park, this Island has the extremes in scenery. Mountain streams feeding crystal clear lakes, glaciers melting into salmon rivers which flow into the sea through pot-holed gorges. Craggy headlands, small island chains, meadows, valleys and long soft sandy beaches: and all within a days easy drive!

Within a six hour period you could experience a bustling modern city with a European flavor, a coastal forest with 800 year old trees and miles of flat sandy beaches full of surfers: and if your quick, get in some night ski-ing as well!

4. Vancouver Island has all the family stuff as well.

Beaches and fairs for the kids, historical sites and golf for dad and glorious gardens and street markets for mum. Throw in the antique fairs, the book fairs, the jazz and art festivals, the sports teams, the cycle tours, the boating, the swimming, the craft fairs, the local wineries, breweries and cideries and all the street performers you could imagine: there really is “something for everyone”.

Vancouver Island is family friendly, whether it be camping, driving or ‘bed and breakfast’, which is probably one of the main reasons for it being selected as such a popular place.

But the one thing that makes Vancouver Island such a glorious place to visit is that there is so much to discover, so much to do, so many experiences to enjoy, and it’s all waiting for you.

Be like John Sebastian Helmcken, the Hudson Bay Company surgeon who helped negotiate British Columbia’s entry into Canada. Discover Vancouver Island like he did: you can visit his house from 150 years ago, which is B.C’s oldest, still on it’s original site. He knew how important the island was, long before any magazine readers voted on it, so much so, he married the local governors daughter.

See for yourself, check out his house and medical equipment if you don’t believe it: you’ll be glad you did.

10 Reasons Why Condo Hotels are the Ideal Second Home

Condo hotels are taking many resort locations by storm! Operated by renowned hoteliers such as Hilton, Hyatt and Trump International, condo hotels are being built in premier vacation destinations such as Las Vegas, Orlando, the Caribbean, and Dubai.

They often include five-star amenities, making them the ultimate vacation getaway. As real estate, they offer appreciation potential. Combine all these qualities with the ability to generate rental income, and you’ve got yourself one good deal.

Is a condo hotel right for you? Consider these 10 factors to decide:

1. Escape to your second home any time. With timeshares or partial ownership, you can use your condo one, maybe two, weeks of the year. Condo hotels, on the other hand, allow you to use your vacation home any time, given the proper notice.

2. Visit your favorite vacation destination over and over again. Condo hotels tend to be built in fantastic locations. They may be overlooking the ocean in Miami Beach, near theme parks in Orlando, on a golf course in California, slope-side in Telluride, or right on the exciting Las Vegas Strip.

3. Live in the lap of luxury. Enjoy premier living right in your own second home! Your condo hotel unit will be delivered designer furnished. But it’s the resort’s amenities that really make it special: the brand-name spa, resort-style pool, gourmet restaurants and state-of-the-art fitness center, all right on-site. Plus, don’t forget the hospitality extras, from daily housekeeping and room service to 24-hour concierge assistance.

4. Relax with hassle-free ownership. Don’t have the time or desire to handle the upkeep of your property? Condo hotels offer a built-in property management team that takes care of everything, from maintenance and housekeeping to operation of all the amenities.

5. Have pride of ownership. With a condo hotel you can possess your very own Trump, Hyatt, Hilton or Ritz-Carlton. How cool is that!

6. Receive rent revenue. When you’re not using your condo hotel unit, simply place it in the hotel’s rental program. The hotel management team takes care of finding the guests, and you’ll get a share (usually around 50%) of any revenue your unit generates. This income can help offset your costs of ownership.

7. Resell your condo unit at any time. With timeshares reselling is difficult to do since you only own a particular week of the year. With a condo hotel unit, you have deeded whole ownership and can resell your property just as you would any other type of real estate.

8. Get in early on the condo hotel craze. Condo hotels are a fairly new type of real estate. As the market increases in popularity, demand for these units will grow. Now is the time to get in at the ground-level phase.

9. Gain appreciation potential. Condo hotels, like most quality real estate in highly desirable destinations, are likely to appreciate. Maximize the appreciation potential by buying your condo hotel unit in the pre-construction phase, when prices are at introductory levels.

10. Diversify your investment portfolio. If you’re looking for an alternative to the stock market, condo hotels offer a means to invest in real estate without assuming the responsibilities of becoming a landlord.