The weather is getting nice, the spring break insanity is over, and you deserve a warm, sun-soaked getaway!  One of our favorite family vacation destinations is offering great deals on amazing family vacations, so why not pack up the whole group and head down to a great Orlando vacation rental for some fun in the sun?

Orlando offers a wide variety of fun things to do in the spring and summer months, at a variety of price points.  Here are a few of our favorite activities:

• Disney World – We can’t bring up Orlando without thoughts of the magic of Disney coming to mind.  One of the most popular Orlando family vacation experiences, but it can be expensive.  Be sure to save up for this one!
• Universal Studios – For those who have already experienced Disney World, or have some teens in your group, Universal Studios should be on your list of things to experience while visiting Orlando.  Visitors of all ages will enjoy the thrill rides, attractions, and dining options offered by Universal Studios!
• Sea World Orlando – A must-visit attraction for groups bringing a marine lover along on vacation.  Guests can visit scheduled shows in addition to a variety of attractions and fun experiences.
• Water Parks – Looking for a cool alternative to the summer heat?  Check out some of the popular area water parks, and choose your favorite!
• Beaches – There are several great Florida beaches within reasonable driving distance from the Orlando area, so why not take advantage of Orlando’s centralized location and check out a few of them?  Some of the most popular include Cocoa, Daytona, and St. Petersburg beaches.  Be sure to pack your sunscreen!
• Free Attractions – Many people worry about what a trip to Orlando will do to their budgets.  Have no fear, we’ve got a great list of free things to do in Orlando!  Choose from outdoor activities, museums, beaches, and Downtown Disney for some fun in the sun that won’t break the bank!

Images Courtesy @ LaRsNoW @ and Discount Vacation Rentals Online

Welcome back!

One of the most exciting fishing stories you can bring home from your Florida vacation, is about the one that didn’t get away. If you have discovered the beauty and adventure of Marco Island, a fisherman’s delight surrounded by mangrove islands and sparkling coastal waters, then you probably have your fair share of big catches to boast about.

Marco Island is a mere six miles in length and just four miles wide, but this little slice of heaven is not easily forgotten. In fact, if fishing, boating, and kayaking are three of your favorite words, it is likely that your first visit to the Island will become the first of many. While you visit – check out the wide variety of Marco Island Vacation Rentals on the island, you’re sure to find one within walking-distance of your charter office or marina.

The convenience factor itself is amazing. Imagine never being more than a mile or two from your condo or hotel, yet just moments away from some of the best fly fishing in the world. The lukewarm gulf temperatures of the backwater bay provide the perfect home for tarpon, snook, spanish mackerel, sea trout, and mangrove snapper. Secluded fishing holes are not hard to find, even during tourist season, since most of the visitors take their fishing offshore. Guided backwater fishing excursions are easy to find, or simply rent a canoe or kayak and set off exploring.

Charter boats can take you offshore, for either full or half day fishing trips. Grouper, barracuda, amberjack, cobia, and king mackerel are a few of the trophies you may have the good fortune to hook. Your boat captain will take you to the best fishing holes.

Once you’ve had your fill of fishing – is that even possible? – you can experience a completely different type of boating adventure. How about taking a three hour ride on a 155 foot catamaran that will deliver you to Key West for the day? Getting there is truly half the fun when you are riding on one of these luxurious watercrafts. Fully air conditioned and equipped with big screen TVs, satellite television and a full bar, this is traveling in style. After swimming with the dolphins or enjoying the historical sights of Key West, you’ll be safely returned to Marco Island. That’s a lot of paradise to handle, all in one vacation. Now you are beginning to see why Marco Island has the ability to become an annual family getaway.

Did I mention the dinner sunset boat trips, the superb shelling, or the fact that there are over 50 top rated restaurants and over 100 retail shops on the island? Marco Island – all the comforts of home and the ability to catch a 200 lb fish right in your back yard. That’s what I call a vacation. How about you?

With Fall just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning your winter beach vacation!  What better way to shake the cold weather blues than by spending some time with your toes in the sand?  With miles of beautiful white sand beaches, the gorgeous waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and a variety of great activities, Panama City Beach is perfect for your winter vacation!

Book a great Panama City Beach vacation rental, toss your sandals and a great book in a bag, and head for the beach!  Beautiful year-round, the only white stuff you’ll see on the ground is the beautiful white sand covering the shoreline!  A longtime popular Snowbird destination, Panama City Beach is a great destination for a beautiful and relaxing beach vacation.

Panama City Beach is known for its long stretch of shoreline, with beautiful white sand beaches and shimmering emerald waters.  The amazing climate makes the area a popular vacation destination year-round.  While visiting, enjoy activities such as sport fishing, boating, golf, shopping, nightlife, and more!  Whatever you are looking for in a fun and affordable beach destination, Panama City has it!

Images Courtesy Dreamcious

Growing up in the Southeast part of the U.S. my parents would take us to the Northwest part of Florida mainly the Destin and Pensacola area where the beaches are pure white and the water an emerald green.  I believe things have progressed since the 70′s and 80′s when we visited there in terms of population growth and hotel construction but the beaches have remained the same; pristine and white.  Perdido Key Florida is located just a stone’s throw from the Alabama state line and sits just west of Pensacola.

Water Recreation

As with most beach destinations, Perdido Key sits on the Gulf of Mexico therefore boogie boarding, surfing, surf-fishing and snorkeling are all apart of the daily beach activities.  What stood out to me was the idea of going on a dolphin cruise which are available in the area.  A pontoon boat with large viewing windows and a low deck surround the boat for close viewing of dolphins and other marine life that reside in and out of the Orange Beach/Perdido Bay area.  Charter fishing is abundant in this part of the Gulf and you can catch snapper, grouper, cobia, mackeral, tuna, wahoo and marlin season to season all about 15-20 miles out in the deep sea.

Dining

When at the beach (any beach that is in my opinion) one must temp the tastebuds with local seafood and coastal delights.  Blue crab claws, calamari, oysters on the half shell, boiled shrimp and smoked tuna dip just to name a few can be found at the local Perdido Key seafood restaurant.  I don’t know about you but hanging out on the beach and in the ocean all day makes me very hungry!  With Pensacola just down the street more options in dining, night-life and attractions are available just in case you exhaust all of Perdido Key’s resources.

Lodging

The Northwest Florida coast is full of oceanfront hotels all ranging from 3 to 5 stars in a quality rating.  Other options exist of course.  Why not check out renting a Perdido Key vacation condo or townhouse where you have the place all to yourself and pretty much for the same rates if not cheaper than renting a hotel room. 

Thinking about a trip to the Gulf of Mexico this summer?  Keep Perdido Key in mind when you are planning a Florida beach vacation.

Perdido Key, Fla. By rexhammock

Gentleman Rook Fishing by Paul L. Nettles

Crabs n Beer by SkipSteuart

My son is still too young (under a year) to go to Disney World in Orlando but I’m sure it will be on the list of places to go once he is old enough.  I have only been once and that was in high school on a spring break trip to the Orlando – Daytona area.  Walt Disney has always seemed to shine very bright through generations past and onward into the future.

One must check out the Blue Man Group and attend a show to experience the vivid colors and wild imagination of the three blue guys that put together an awesome performance.  These guys have a GRAMMY nomination they are so talented.  They go all over the world to perform their wild and lavish acts.  The show is recommended for kids age 3 and up so the whole family can enjoy a night out seeing the Blue Man Group.

The Magic Kingdom at Disney World was my favorite amusement park to visit some 20 years ago.  The Mad Tea Party and Space Mountain are some of the older rides at Magic Kingdom whereas now, kids have Pirates of the Caribbean and Monsters Inc. rides and attractions.  One can find lodging inside and outside the park so there are plenty of options.  If one prefers renting a vacation home over staying in a hotel room that can easily be arranged.  Orlando vacation home specials are available all throughout the year since Orlando is year-round destination.  

Seaworld is a must see also while in Orlando.  I have personally been to the one out in San Diego and had a great time so I can imagine the venue in Orlando is pretty awesome just because of all of the surrounding attractions.  Nearby Orlando is Daytona Beach which is home to the famous Daytona 500 NASCAR race and is a very popular vacation destination.  Where else can one drive their car on the beach and enjoy 23 miles of sandy beach to play on.

One attraction that seems to be worth checking out is called “Medieval Times” which is a dinner attraction and tournament.  There are nine castles that have been made to show 11th Century performances with knights jousting on horseback while the audience sits down to a 4 course dinner.  The castles are spread throughout the entire U.S. and Canada.  The castle near Orlando is the Kissimmee Castle that even has a medieval village with 8 cottages.  So, if you want to see some knights jousting on horses and not have to go back in time then this is the place!

Orlando is much more than Disney World as one can see and all of the attractions are specifically designed to attract all ages so nobody is left out.  So, after your kids are done with Disney there is much more to do and experience in Orlando.  Plan a trip anytime!

Blue Man Group Tour – Splashing Drums by Anirudh Koul

Magic Kingdom Fireworks by d4rr3ll

SeaWorld – Shamu Show by hyku

Medieval Times by cliff1066