Different Themes for Florida Holidays

If I need to mention Theme Parks and Florida in the same breath – then you’ve probably been in a coma for some time. Florida is an ideal place for a family holiday with theme parks and attractions to suit small kids, medium-sized kids, and really, really big kids. However, there is more to a Floridian holiday than theme parks. Here are a few of the other major advantages to Florida holidays in 2012 – for those days when you find yourself all themed out.

Coasting along
Florida has more coastline than any other continental US state. This should be great in itself but add to that fact that there are three different coasts to choose from – the western gulf of Mexico, the eastern Atlantic and the southern Straits of Florida in the north of the Caribbean – and you can see why the home of surfing in the eastern US is here in Florida. One added extra makes the coastline special – the climate is tropical, which makes the water deliciously warm! With so many coastlines it’s unsurprising that the range of activities along the shores is varied. Surfing is big here – the Atlantic coast combines great swells and warm waters; diving and snorkelling are hugely popular – thanks to the clear waters and abundant sea life. Meanwhile, swimming with dolphins in Florida is almost compulsory. Kayaking along the shores or creeks is also popular, as is just lying around and doing absolutely nothing at all. Bliss.

Natural states
Florida is littered with National and State Parks. Everglades is in the far southwest of the state is a massive sub-tropical wilderness and offers the best chance to get closest to some of the world’s rarest species. Less well known to tourists are the State Parks – and these are well worth a visit. These parks offer all manner of leisure activities and most offer camping facilities of two different kinds – that with full facilities or the ‘primitive’ variety which allows you to experience the beauty of Florida’s landscapes at its best. The State Parks include access to some of the best preserved environments in Florida, from beach paradises to pine forests, and are a real surprise to those who believed that the most likely animal to spot in Florida was a man dressed up as a big mouse.

Cultural highlights
Again, if you thought that culture in Florida was limited to faux-castles, throw your guide book out of the window. There is a massive and thriving artistic and cultural life in the State. The big cities like Tampa, Miami and Orlando all have flourishing arts, crafts, and theatre or music scenes. Artists, being artists, have founded numerous colonies in the small, warm and tourist-visited towns that litter the coast. The cultural heritage of Florida is mixed – native Indians, Spanish, French, British invaders and settlers have contributed over the centuries to create a unique culture, heritage and left their own marks on the cuisine. Many seaside towns offer excellent Latino cuisine – with a heavy emphasis on Tapas dining and seafood is an obvious theme.

While Disney holidays in 2012 may be the best way to keep the kids entertained there is a vast range of opportunities to explore the other sides that Florida holidays can offer.

How to find Cheap International Flights

When the Wright Brothers invented the airplane, they forever changed the course of history on planet earth. No longer were we limited to slow modes of transport like trains, ships and busses which took days if not months to take us to our destinations. It was now possible to go from one place to another within a matter of hours.

In the early days of flight, flying was an expensive affair. Airplanes need enormous amounts of fuel, and airfare was pretty expensive. Travel by air was reserved for the rich and famous. Celebrities, businessmen and women, and people in high society were the only ones that could fly.

But slowly, airlines understood the fact that unless they reach the masses, they will not be able to make high profits. They also knew that in the long run, they would have to make flights affordable in order to sustain their businesses.

Pretty soon, airfares began to become attractive. Domestic flights became cheaper and more people started to fly to and fro within the country. The advantages of air travel over ground travel became increasingly apparent to most people. Intercity Bus lines came under a lot of pressure as a result of this.

Airfare prices continued to drop, and new and innovative schemes were put in place to attract more travelers. Frequent flyer and loyalty programs were initiated which made air travel ever more attractive and economical. Business travelers could fly to their destination, do business and be back home the same day, thanks to low cost airlines.

Pretty soon, even prices of tickets for international flights began to come down. Cheap international flights now became a reality. Several international airlines offered attractive prices and benefits to international travelers, helping them make the switch from traveling by intercontinental ocean liners, to traveling by airplane across the seas.

You can also take advantage of cheap international flights today. Instead of spending weeks or months on an ocean liner, you can hop into an airplane and reach your destination across the seas within a matter of a few hours. Even flying to a destination half way across the globe takes only 24 hours.

There are different ways to spot cheap prices for international flights. There are websites on the Internet that list a wide range of low cost airlines that provide attractive prices for international flights. It is just a matter of locating these websites and using their services.

You can compare prices on these sites and choose an airline that offers you the best price on the day that you wish to fly. You can also book your air tickets directly through the site using your credit card. The next time you wish to fly abroad, use one of these sites to get the best possible price for your air ticket.

Taking River Cruises

If you choose to book a river cruise, you’ll have the chance to combine a relaxing voyage over water while enjoying beautiful scenery and taking part in some fantastic activities.

Destinations all over the world offer these kinds of cheap holidays, although one place you may be particularly inclined to visit is South America.

By heading to the continent, you’ll be able to go on a cruise of the Amazon. One of the longest rivers in the world, it takes in, among other countries, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.

You’ll also have the chance to spend time in Brazil, where you can meet local tribes to find out how they survive in the rainforest and go on nature hikes, with monkeys and freshwater dolphins just some of the creatures that you can see.

Alternatively, the Danube can make the perfect setting for a river cruise holiday and will take you through some of Europe’s most beautiful towns and cities. From your starting point in Germany, you’ll be able to explore Passau’s stunning gothic architecture before continuing to Austria.

Once here, you’ll have the chance to visit Salzburg. Make sure you explore the city’s old town district which contains an array of beautiful Baroque buildings and you can learn more about the life and work of composer Wolfgang Mozart who was born here.

Salzburg is also the setting for the award-winning musical The Sound of Music, so you’ll be able to re-live your favourite scenes from the film as you explore the cobbled streets and nearby Alpine countryside.

Continuing along the river through cities such as Vienna and Bratislava, you’ll eventually arrive at Budapest, your final destination. You will find a range of fantastic attractions here, including the world’s largest thermal water cave system and the stunning neo-gothic parliament building.

The flora and fauna surrounding the Danube that you see during the cruise will vary depending on what part of the river you are on and in which country; however, you may get the opportunity to see white pelicans and tawny owls, as well as a range of other beautiful birds.

Some 100 different species of fish can be found in the river, including the Balkan loach and the Black Sea salmon, so there’ll certainly be lots of wildlife for you to take in while voyaging through Europe.

To sample American culture during your river cruises, book a voyage along the Mississippi. Here you’ll be able to visit a number of iconic cities, including Nashville and St Louis, while travelling along on a traditional steamboat.

One of the more interesting stops on your cruise, however, may be New Orleans. The Louisiana city is regarded as the birthplace of jazz and is something of a melting pot of different cultures, so you can tuck into some authentic Cajun cuisine before exploring the historic French Quarter.

If you’re keen to see some natural scenery on a river cruise, be sure to consider visiting China. By taking a boat trip down the Yangtze river, you’ll be able to see a number of fascinating gorges.

Other places you’ll be able to take in include Fengdu Ghost City, as well as parts of the Great Wall of China which are relatively free of tourists.

You’ll also have the chance to visit Chongqing Zoo. Perhaps one of the most popular excursions along the waterway, the zoo is home to a wide range of animals including tigers, pandas and giraffes.

For a truly historic river cruise, there is possibly nowhere quite like the Nile. The world’s longest river takes in a number of countries throughout Africa, although it is perhaps most commonly associated with Egypt. Indeed, by travelling from Aswan up to Luxor you’ll be able to get a glimpse into the history of this fascinating ancient civilisation.

You should find that your cruise line moors up at Thebes. Here you’ll be able to explore the vast Karnak temple complex. With the development over 2,000 years old you certainly won’t be short of historic tombs and monuments to see, although you might find the precinct built in tribute to Amun-Re, the king of the Egyptian gods, is really interesting.

Once back onboard, you’ll cruise further along the river before arriving at Luxor. The temple here is home to an effigy of Ramesses II and the Abu el-Haggag mosque, while a little further north you’ll arrive at the Valley of the Kings.

This is one of Egypt’s most famous tourist destinations and while it contains dozens of royal tombs it is perhaps the one belonging to famous boy king Tutankhamen that will be of most interest.

You’ll also be able to see a wide range of wildlife, including several species of fish. However, it could be the thought of catching a glimpse of a Nile crocodile that will really appeal. These majestic creatures can grow up to 16 feet long!

Wherever you go, taking a river cruise allows you to relax in luxury and make use of fantastic amenities while enjoying fascinating sights and taking part in exciting activities.