Warm ocean breezes, swaying palm trees, spectacular sunsets, sparkling aqua blue waters, and fantastic fishing are just a few of the reasons why The Florida Keys are such a popular destination. It’s America’s Caribbean. It’s a place where your only worry is how to relax. Is it sitting on a beach reading a novel, snorkeling near a man-made or natural coral reef, reeling in a blue marlin, or gazing out at the Gulf of Mexico?
We here at Great American Vacation Ideas are extremely excited to introduce our newest travel guide – The Florida Keys. Yes, there are plenty of Keys travel guides out on the market. So, what makes our guide so special? One – our travel writer has actually lived and spent time in the Florida Keys. Twenty years to be exact. She knows the local haunts, the touristy areas, and all in between. Two – companies do not pay to be listed in our travel guides. We do not accept “comps” to review hotels, restaurants, museums, parks, etc. The recommendations you receive are unbiased.
What can you expect in our Florida Keys travel guide? Our Keys guide doesn’t just focus on the major Keys like Key Largo, Islamorada, and Key West. The smaller Keys deserve a little respect too. Learn about:
•When to Visit the Florida Keys - It’s not during the summer and it isn’t during the high season! Plus, we give you a few hints on how to get the best deals on lodging and even airfare.
•What to Expect During Your Visit – Miles of endless sandy beaches and dozens of 5 star accommodations is not what you will find down here
•What to See, Where to Stay and Eat, and the Best Places to Shop - Our Florida Keys guide starts out in Key Largo and takes you all the way deep into the heart of the Dry Tortugas. It’s all you need to plan out your perfect Keys vacation. Discover state parks, touristy attractions, off the beaten path adventures, and beaches. Learn about the best places to stay (beware of internet photos!), and find out where the freshest seafood can be found. Discover where the locals head for the best breakfasts and Cuban cuisine.
•Dive or Snorkel? - The country’s best diving and snorkeling can be found inside Florida’s coral reefs. Swim with sea creatures around a sunken 1700’s Spanish galleon or take an underwater picture of yourself next to the famed Christ of the Abyss Statue. Want more? Well, you are going to have to buy the guide!
•Pet Friendly Places – More and more people are taking their furry best friend with them on vacation. The Florida Keys is very pet friendly. Dogs even have their own special beach in Key West! Learn about pet friendly beaches, hotels, and even a restaurant with its very own doggie menu!
For a limited time, you can purchase The Florida Keys guide for just $5.99! What a small price to pay for the ultimate Keys travel guide. You won’t have to click from website to website to learn about attractions or where to stay. We’ve done all the hard work for you!
To purchase The Florida Keys guide at this special introductory price, visit www.greatamericanvacationideas.com/Florida.html and click on the Buy Now button.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
One Last Chance to See Space Shuttle Atlantis on the Launch Pad
If all goes according to plan, July will mark the end of the country’s space shuttle program. Space shuttle Atlantis is set to blast off into space on July 8th. This means there are only a few short weeks left to see the shuttle perched on her seaside launch pad. Then, the era of manned space flight will temporarily come to a close. Future U.S. manned launches will be years, if not decades, down the road.
There are two options to see the space shuttle sitting on the launch pad. Canaveral National Seashore provides a cheap and fun (who doesn’t want to spend a day at the beach?) way to see Atlantis. Kennedy Space Center is your other alternative – but it will cost you!
Canaveral National Seashore
The southern edge of Canaveral National Seashore butts right up against the Kennedy Space Center. Only in Florida can you spread out your beach blanket in the shadow of towering rockets. Canaveral National Seashore is rustic – there are no towering high rises or condominiums on this beach. The seashore reflects the natural beauty of Florida’s Atlantic Coast and space ships!
As you enter the southern part of the Seashore, you will get great glimpses of the famous Vehicle Assembly Building. There are ample pullouts, heading out to the beach, where you can see Atlantis perched on her launch pad. You will be about 5 miles away, but on a clear day you will get great views. Bring your binoculars and long range camera lens for some terrific pictures.
Once you hit the beach, toss off your sandals and begin walking towards the south. You will be able to see Atlantis once again perched on the pad. NASA does restrict beach access at a particular point. Don’t try to break through the barrier. The area is monitored by armed security personnel. The Seashore will close a few days before the launch. For more information and entrance fees, visit www.nps.gov/cana
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
This isn’t your typical visitor center. It’s filled with guided tours of the space center, IMAX movies, rockets, encounters with former astronauts, space themed memorabilia, and even a space shuttle themed ride. The guided bus tour will take you as close as civilians can get to space shuttle Atlantis. One of the tour’s stops will be at the LC 39 Observation Gantry. It’s up to you how many stairs you want to climb to see the Space Shuttle perched on the pad. You will still be a few miles away, but the views are impressive. Plus, you get to see that famous countdown clock and drive right past the Vehicle Assembly Building.
Admission prices for a day at the complex are around $43. Discounts are given for military personnel. Certain tour areas may be closed a few days before the launch. For more information, visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com
There are two options to see the space shuttle sitting on the launch pad. Canaveral National Seashore provides a cheap and fun (who doesn’t want to spend a day at the beach?) way to see Atlantis. Kennedy Space Center is your other alternative – but it will cost you!
Canaveral National Seashore
The southern edge of Canaveral National Seashore butts right up against the Kennedy Space Center. Only in Florida can you spread out your beach blanket in the shadow of towering rockets. Canaveral National Seashore is rustic – there are no towering high rises or condominiums on this beach. The seashore reflects the natural beauty of Florida’s Atlantic Coast and space ships!
As you enter the southern part of the Seashore, you will get great glimpses of the famous Vehicle Assembly Building. There are ample pullouts, heading out to the beach, where you can see Atlantis perched on her launch pad. You will be about 5 miles away, but on a clear day you will get great views. Bring your binoculars and long range camera lens for some terrific pictures.
Once you hit the beach, toss off your sandals and begin walking towards the south. You will be able to see Atlantis once again perched on the pad. NASA does restrict beach access at a particular point. Don’t try to break through the barrier. The area is monitored by armed security personnel. The Seashore will close a few days before the launch. For more information and entrance fees, visit www.nps.gov/cana
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
This isn’t your typical visitor center. It’s filled with guided tours of the space center, IMAX movies, rockets, encounters with former astronauts, space themed memorabilia, and even a space shuttle themed ride. The guided bus tour will take you as close as civilians can get to space shuttle Atlantis. One of the tour’s stops will be at the LC 39 Observation Gantry. It’s up to you how many stairs you want to climb to see the Space Shuttle perched on the pad. You will still be a few miles away, but the views are impressive. Plus, you get to see that famous countdown clock and drive right past the Vehicle Assembly Building.
Admission prices for a day at the complex are around $43. Discounts are given for military personnel. Certain tour areas may be closed a few days before the launch. For more information, visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com
Friday, June 10, 2011
Yellowstone National Park Isn’t Just About Old Faithful
Millions of people make the trip out to Yellowstone National Park each year. They mostly come to see one thing – Old Faithful. Yes, Old Faithful is one of the park’s most “faithful” geysers. But, it is only a small part of what the park has to offer.
If you are looking to find the most geologically active part of Yellowstone, then a trip to Norris Geyser Basin is a must. Here, the earth shakes, rattles, and rolls more than any other area of the park. Shimmering pools can quickly turn into churning, muddy, boiling cauldrons. Lakes crackle. The world’s tallest geyser, Steamboat, occasionally erupts. The Earth’s surface can get so hot that park rangers need to close a few of the boardwalks.
You have two options to explore Norris Geyser Basin. We recommend you spend the time exploring both. You don’t have to be a hard core athlete to walk the trails. Just bring plenty of water – there isn’t much shade here. And don’t forget your camera! Buffalo and elk like to wander through this area.
The 0.5 mile loop around Porcelain Basin takes you past the Black Growler Steam Vent (yes, it sounds like a dragon and stinks like one too!), Constant Geyser (the name says it all), and to Crackling Lake. Crackling Lake may just be the ugliest body of water you ever see. It’s a toxic acidic brew that constantly pops and occasionally boils. But, it is one of the reasons why this section of the park is so very active.
The 1.5 mile Back Basin Loop takes you up close to Steamboat Geyer. When it erupts, it puts on one heck of a show. Steamboat has thrown water and steam as high as 300 feet into the air! You may or may not be lucky enough to witness one of these eruptions. Scientists are not sure what causes this massive geyser to blow her top. But, it is still worth the hike to stand in front of it. The loop also takes you past Echinus Geyser (so acidic that is like vinegar) and Porkchop Geyser (it’s shaped like a chop you enjoy for dinner!)
Norris Geyser Basin is just one of many areas you will want to explore in the park. Interested in learning more? We have created the ultimate Yellowstone National Park travel guide to help you plan your dream vacation. Our guide provides you in-depth details about the park’s trails, canyons, shimmering lakes, mud pots, geysers, hot springs, sparkling pools, petrified trees, and wildlife. Go to www.greatamericanvacationideas.com/National_Parks and order on today!
If you are looking to find the most geologically active part of Yellowstone, then a trip to Norris Geyser Basin is a must. Here, the earth shakes, rattles, and rolls more than any other area of the park. Shimmering pools can quickly turn into churning, muddy, boiling cauldrons. Lakes crackle. The world’s tallest geyser, Steamboat, occasionally erupts. The Earth’s surface can get so hot that park rangers need to close a few of the boardwalks.
You have two options to explore Norris Geyser Basin. We recommend you spend the time exploring both. You don’t have to be a hard core athlete to walk the trails. Just bring plenty of water – there isn’t much shade here. And don’t forget your camera! Buffalo and elk like to wander through this area.
The 0.5 mile loop around Porcelain Basin takes you past the Black Growler Steam Vent (yes, it sounds like a dragon and stinks like one too!), Constant Geyser (the name says it all), and to Crackling Lake. Crackling Lake may just be the ugliest body of water you ever see. It’s a toxic acidic brew that constantly pops and occasionally boils. But, it is one of the reasons why this section of the park is so very active.
The 1.5 mile Back Basin Loop takes you up close to Steamboat Geyer. When it erupts, it puts on one heck of a show. Steamboat has thrown water and steam as high as 300 feet into the air! You may or may not be lucky enough to witness one of these eruptions. Scientists are not sure what causes this massive geyser to blow her top. But, it is still worth the hike to stand in front of it. The loop also takes you past Echinus Geyser (so acidic that is like vinegar) and Porkchop Geyser (it’s shaped like a chop you enjoy for dinner!)
Norris Geyser Basin is just one of many areas you will want to explore in the park. Interested in learning more? We have created the ultimate Yellowstone National Park travel guide to help you plan your dream vacation. Our guide provides you in-depth details about the park’s trails, canyons, shimmering lakes, mud pots, geysers, hot springs, sparkling pools, petrified trees, and wildlife. Go to www.greatamericanvacationideas.com/National_Parks and order on today!
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