The Unique Orlando Owner Rental Market + Orlando travel plan

A guest post for you to enjoy: I’ve been running several villa rental sites for resort communities in and around the Orlando area for a number of years now. At Windsor Hills Private Rentals we provide a platform for owners in Windsor Hills Resort (2 miles from Disney) to short term rent their properties. We’ve been in the unique position of seeing the rise, fall and rise again of the Orlando rental market. And we’ve had to develop our sites accordingly. In such capricious economic conditions it’s been an interesting experience trying to develop sites that keep pace with the general mood of the market place and ensure we meet the needs of both property owners (sellers) and holidaymakers (buyers).

For many avid fans the annual trip to Disney means scouring holiday rental sites for that most value for money off-site rental property. What ensues after initial contact is usually a lengthy game of email ping pong with several hundred owners, a trade in half-truths followed by the kind of fight to the death Charles Darwin might use as evidence of evolution theory permeating all segments of daily life. The Orlando vacation property rental market bears all the hallmarks of a securities trading floor. At the turn of the millennium property development went into overdrive in and around the Disney area with a subsequent flooding of the market with cheap rental property. With the property crash and ensuing worldwide economic downturn a series of events conspired to reset the rules of the Disney off-site rental market. Many resorts suffered swathes of foreclosures which in several circumstances breached that critical tipping point where resort association fees from non-delinquent owners are able to keep shared facilities operational. In most cases it left owners with properties they couldn’t sell in a market where supply could not satiate demand. From this malaise interesting behaviours developed in holidaymakers who rightly wanted only to get the best rental deal for their family.

Resorts such as Emerald Island and Windsor Hills have held up well given their proximity to Disney and the other major theme parks. Behind the scenes however owners have had to, and still have to, withstand a barrage of what they term “low ballers”. These are holidaymakers who loop round every owner in a resort sometimes with a sob story but always with an offer to rent a property at a rate so low the owner would almost certainly lose money from the transaction. It’s a shared frustration amongst owners in these resorts but it’s something that is very hard to eradicate.

Commonly accepted amongst the owners is the fact that low-ballers are so widespread and outwardly confident in achieving their target rate that someone in the owner community must be renting their property out at these rates. During the boom years many wealthy people such as sports stars had wealth managers buy up chunks of resorts on their behalf. In such circumstances it is likely that property managers have little interest in eating up time negotiating high rates. With no mortgages on the properties managers probably set pretty rudimentary rental rate targets. In this environment owners with big mortgages and electricity rates to cover are overlooked or screwed down to rates so low they struggle to stay afloat. It’s usually these owners however that have adapted their offering to stay solvent. To do this they’ve learned to offer a service; a personal phone call to discuss the initial enquiry, tips and advice for the trip, on call service during your stay where nothing is too much trouble and after care which ensures you’ve enjoyed your stay and any issues are action upon and resolved. Return business is king. And it’s for these reasons why holidaymakers should be careful about making budget their sole focus in planning a Disney vacation trip.

A real challenge when running rental sites in Orlando is to find the balance between allowing holidaymakers the flexibility to quickly enquire across various properties and property ranges while also protecting owners from blanket enquiries which frankly waste everyone’s time. As operators of rental sites for several of the most popular resort communities around Walt Disney World we’ve had to continually tweak our offering. We’ve restricted the ease with which a holidaymaker can submit enquiries to more than one property (instead of all villas, the choices are more granular such as number of bedrooms.) We’ve also encouraged owners to browse the site and really spend time reviewing each property by making the individual enquiry process as slick and simple as possible for holidaymakers; an example would be by pre-populating our enquiry form with the owners details so each individual enquiry becomes a simple one press transaction similar to Amazon’s one-click purchase functionality. Devising and developing functionality which pleases both holidaymakers and owners alike is tough and challenging especially in the Orlando area but it’s an enjoyable experience and always keeps us guessing.

Travel Itinerary – My Last Trip to Orlando

On my last trip to Orlando I rented a villa in Windsor Hills. Having spent several days at Disney and the theme parks in general in the past this trip was focused around the general Orlando area and a road trip north:

Day 1 – Windsor Hills

We spent our early stay in Windsor Hills, relaxing at the clubhouse. In the morning I made sure I arrived early to make full use of the large lagoon style pool, swimming 40 lengths before the holiday throngs arrived. Windsor Hills is a peaceful resort with one of the best community pool areas in Orlando. Most of the day was spent soaking up the sun and making our way back and forth between the clubhouse and our villa (on Teascone Boulevard in the resort), a walk of roughly 2-3 minutes from the main pool. We stayed in a large 6 bed villa with several bathrooms and private pool and Jacuzzi.

Day 2 – Manny’s Steak House

The highlight of day 2 was Manny’s steakhouse. Undoubtedly the best steak I’ve ever had. Think classic American food in classic American surroundings. Huge slabs of marbled meat, which cut like a hot knife through butter they were so tender. The steaks came served with portions of coleslaw that would probably constitute a main meal in themselves back in Europe. The walls were adorned with American memorabilia such as traffic signs and beer logos. Watch out for the desserts. I don’t recall exactly the dish’s official title but I’m sure it involved the word explosion or overload. What arrived was an ice cream sundae served in a glass big enough to bath a small baby. We’d been pre-warned so ordered one between three but even that was too much.

Day 3 – Celebration Golf

Day 3 we golfed at Celebration. Celebration is one of Orlando’s glorious boom time residential follies. The resort was slated to be huge but, begun at the start of the property collapse, Celebration’s large property values collapsed and the resort caved in on itself. When we arrived we found the resort still surviving, just. It is home however to a stunning 18-hole golf course and fantastic clubhouse. These were still running and 18 holes cost a mere $6 per person as the resort attempted to stay solvent. The course was great and we saw a few alligators lounging near the water traps. Not sure what standard Florida protocol is if they begin to take an interest in you but we assumed that run would be the best course of action. Thankfully it didn’t come to that. I actually also made use of the length pool next to the clubhouse to do some swimming.

Day 4 – Kennedy Space Centre

Day 4 we visited Kennedy Space Centre. I’ve always wanted to visit. Kennedy is roughly 65 miles east of Windsor Hills around 1hrs 10mins travel time by car. Seeing the large NASA assembly building loom large on approach made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Having always been a space buff I found the history of the place inspiring and would highly recommend. It is not a visit often considered by holidaymakers to Orlando but it’s a pretty accessible attraction if you use Florida State Highway 528.

Days 5-7 Road Trip to Charlestown and back

For the rest of the holiday we decided to take a road trip north to Charlestown (South Carolina) having always wanted to go. On the way we passed Jacksonville (a larger city than I would have thought with several tall buildings) and Savannah, Georgia (home to some fascinating southern architecture). Florida roads are great and the journey felt a lot shorter than it was. Charlestown is a beautiful place and its small central hub felt not dissimilar to New York’s Greenwich Village possessing an arty student feel. We’re from Scotland so one striking difference between Charlestown and Orlando was the interest in, and identification of, our accents. Charlestown is one of America’s truly historical cities having been home to the British and who fought off various attacks from the French and Spanish. It was later heavily settled by “Scots Irish”, better known as Ulster Scots in the UK. Most locals seemed to have some Scottish or Northern Irish ancestry, most had been to the UK and they all seemed to be able to distinguish not only our accents but also where exactly in Scotland we were from; a refreshing change from Orlando where the locals had us down as everything from Argentinian to Australian. We had a fantastic meal at the Crab Shack on Market Street and several glasses of wine in the roof terrace restaurant. Highly recommended. On the return trip we stopped at St Augustine, the oldest town in the US. In its traditional centre we found some fascinating old buildings from colonial times but outwith that it felt like any other part of small town America, the kind of place you pass through on the way to somewhere else.

We regularly holiday in Florida but a key tip for anyone travelling to Orlando and Florida in general is it’s a very large state, steeped in history and cultural depth which can act as a perfect balance to the theme parks for those who are willing to explore a little.

May 20, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

Book Review – Notes of a Tourist on Planet Earth by J.D. Smith

J.D. Smith, world traveler and award-winning writer, entertains readers with an outsider’s view of people, places, and life on Planet Earth. He reminds us that there is a funny side to the most obvious things we take for granted, but have never found humor in them before. We learn new and different acceptable names for food, marketing slogans, movies, and bands, as well as names that were rejected for ice cream and cigar brands. He writes about politics and elections where words count and suggests changing the Count your Vote slogan to Count your Goat. Based on his theory, goats as a group actually resemble America since they are white, black, brown, and other combinations. In fact, he says, goats and people all want the same things, food, water, and freedom. J.D. Smith provides answers to many questions you never asked; admittedly some are absurd and quirky but always amusing.

Who would ever think of ethanol as a person, consider the possibility of other origins for greenhouse gases, or recognize the real significance of the hoodie phenomenon. Did you know, for example, that a new method of measurement based on Joe Mantegna from “Criminal Minds” could replace the conventional metric system? Who would consider meeting a dominatrix at any time, or even want to experience the complete humiliation that follows? Yet, have you ever wondered or laughed at the mysterious, usually foreign names given to these unsavory people such as Brunhilde, Dominique, and Natasha. Why, you may ask, are none of them named Amy, Betsy, Ruth, or Gail? Then, you will find information on how to be a male flower girl, what to expect from a management counseling session, and how to write fan mail to a Michelin tire.

Are you aware that dogs suffer from insomnia? According to the author, they do, but you can’t let dogs that don’t sleep just lie there. He suggests some solutions for this ailment such as after midnight snacks, better television programming, or a ruff love session with a romp outdoors. Watching the dog for hours on end may be the only answer, however.

At one time or another, we have all experienced the frustrations of airline travel, which Smith explores in depth and offers a new name, Cramped Cabin and Crying Babies Airline. He explains that because it is actually a mutual money making agreement among CEOs, high-ranking government officials, and celebrities, you should have no high expectations. If you are assigned seats with the ordinary people in the economy section, you are unofficially designated an “untouchable.” Remember that service and comfort are reserved for first class, which you probably can’t afford unless of course you’re a celebrity. According to Smith, “being a celebrity means never having to say you’re sorry. Being anyone else means apologizing for the fact that you’re not a celebrity.”

His off-the-wall approach to termination of life, which most of us don’t want to or ever think about, can make the inevitable a little less troublesome than before. You have the option for nice accommodations at the Bath and Blade Suicide Suites Hotel where you will receive personal attention. The hotel has 24-hour concierge service to assist you with their extensive knowledge of places to go such as clubs, bars, and restaurants. Perhaps you are a guest who has never called an escort service – well that too can be arranged. If you like to gamble, the hotel shuttles will take you to the Native American casinos on reservations nearby where you can spend a little of your savings or throw it all away like high rollers do. Of course, you certainly can’t predict the length of your stay, but the hotel will accept an early departure with no refunds.

This is a very unusual book, written in a refreshing, unconventional style with common, familiar language, a lot of metaphors, and considerable satirical wit. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and read it in one sitting. Every page of clever, creative writing by J.D. Smith is guaranteed to make you laugh. The book will be appreciated by anyone who may have forgotten what it is to laugh at the ordinary, unavoidable events in life. It may have been a while since you found anything funny in everyday happenings, but you will discover that some people are indeed comical as they go about their daily routine. The variety in the author’s collection of prose, poetry, and personal observations gives readers an opportunity to escape the mundane and at times boring experiences that frequently occur in their lives. It is quite possible that you will gain a whole new perspective after reading this entertaining book and discover that Planet Earth can be an amusing place after all.

Cassowary Press (publishing arm of Cassowary Creative)
First Edition Paperback: 2013
Amazon $9.93
U.S. $10.29
$9.30 NOOK Book – e-book

Sharon L Slayton
May 2013

May 17, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

Book Review – Gold Rush in the Jungle: The Race to Discover and Defend the Rarest Animals of Vietnam’s “Lost World” by Dan Drollette Jr.

Dan Drollette Jr, award-winning Science and Environmental journalist, writes of a different Vietnam, where conservation, preservation, and protection of wildlife and their environment take precedence over the ugliness of war. This is the “Lost World” of Vietnam, the area bordering on Laos and Cambodia where rare animals such as the muntjac (deer that barks), the langur (leaf-eating monkey), the kouprey (forest ox), and the unique saola (antelope/unicorn) can be found. The valleys, karsts, and caves of the Annamese Cordillera offer safe refuge for these animals away from people and outside influences. They escaped the devastation of the Vietnam War and the effects of Agent Orange and Agent Blue to survive in their natural habitats free of toxic dioxins and herbicides.

Drollette has written a fascinating book detailing the past, the present, and the future of wildlife rescue with emphasis on the importance of saving their environment. He provides excellent descriptions of the rare animals in the “Lost World,” and relates his personal experiences while traveling through Vietnam on the back of a motorcycle, the familiar “bike’s hug” local transportation. We learn about biodiversity and conservation of ecosystems in Vietnam, as well as the projects for captive breeding of rare and endangered species in his visits to Tilo Nadler’s EPRC (Endangered Primate Rescue Center) and Cuc Phuong National Park. The author tells us the history of the turtle reserve at Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi and the future of the turtle as the venerable protector and one of four sacred animals of Vietnam.

The rush for gold, a race for money, is a worldwide phenomenon and one that seems to have no end. It is an ongoing contest between the lucrative, but illegal black market trade and the diligence of the conservationists. Vietnam constantly works to improve their economy, but economic development must be regulated to maintain a balance between the rush for money and the preservation of the natural beauty of the land. Rare animals, whether in cages, parks, or on nature reserves, are big tourist attractions which boost the economy, but often leave negative effects on the environment. People rush to see and purchase all types of things taken from these rare animals who live in distant, mysterious worlds. Some buy in huge quantities to sell or trade and before long the supply is depleted. Unless these rare animals are saved, the various species will soon become extinct (rhino horns are a good example). Others buy these animals for trophies or status symbols to bring home from their journey, much like those captured on an African safari. Many visit Vietnam to purchase rare items such as bear bile for medicinal uses, claiming they perform miracles.

Although a little difficult to begin because of the rather lengthy prologue, I read further and found the book contains a wealth of information based on extensive research, facts, and historical background. Drollette has presented this information in an interesting narrative fashion, with a few pictures adding to the content (more would be beneficial, but photography may have been limited.) I had a tendency to skim through the chapters on Linnaeus and the Hawaii conservation efforts used for comparison, which seemed to digress from the focus on Vietnam. In contrast, however, the innovative plan of Costa Rica’s government to pay landowners to maintain the forest rather than cut it down definitely caught my attention.

I thoroughly enjoyed Drollette’s story of personal experiences on his journey of adventure and discovery in which he emphasizes the importance of educating the people and requiring stricter enforcement of regulations by the government to promote wildlife rescue and environmental protection. Drollette believes that Vietnam has been given a “second chance” to survive and preserve its natural resources. He reminds us that new species often disappear before they are even discovered. Readers who were probably unfamiliar with the “Lost World,” as I was, will be intrigued by its history, its future, and its significance for Vietnam and the rest of the world.

It will definitely appeal to every scientist, environmentalist, educator, and journalist, as well as to people who are always curious about new discoveries of rare and unusual animals. The reader may be encouraged enough by the book to follow and perhaps participate in conservation efforts and wildlife rescues in their own part of the world. I think most of us will agree with Drollette’s quote from the renowned biologist George Schaller who said “Everything we want, need, and use is dependent on nature.”

Crown Publishers – Division of Random House
April 16, 2013
U.S. $25.00
Amazon – $17.23 Hard Cover, $12.99 Kindle

Sharon L Slayton

May 10, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

Travel plan for Bournemouth, Torquay, and Dartmoor National Park

Torquay is in the English Riviera, which, thankfully, does not share the climate for which England is famous. On England’s southwestern coast, Torquay is in Torbay, which is in Devon County. This means its an excellent companion to a travel plan that would also cover Dartmoor Prison in Devon. Let’s see if we can start working on a travel plan.

Day 1: Bournemouth

This spa town is famous for having attracted the elite of of Victorian society and Bournemouth Hotels are largely designed to help you stay in and relax.

The Cumberland Hotel, for example, has an indoor heated pool, spa tub, sauna, gym facilities and a tournament-sized squash court open to guests. Recognised as one of the most fashionable properties in the UK, this hotel comes with stunning sea views and a Miami Art Deco theme. Relax in the decadent glamour of the 1930s whilst still enjoying the urban chic style that makes the hotel so popular. Many guests choose to enjoy breakfast and dinner in the hotel as well.

Day 2: Bournemouth

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, the private home of extensive travelers Sir Merton Russell-Cotes and his wife Lady Annie, was one of the last Victorian manor houses ever built. Some of the rooms are furnished like they were back in the day, with amazing decor, furniture and extravagant china. There are galleries of fantastic paintings, many by female artists, and good sculptures. There are very good descriptive cards explaining the meaning of the paintings.

After the museum, take a long walk to Hengistbury Head, a fascinating headland with terrific views all year round. I believe there are ferries if you’re not up for a long walk along the beach.

Day 3: Torquay

Head west to one more the historically known vacation spots in England. Hotels in Torquay tend to be resorts, but there’s still plenty to do besides relax. So we spend some time at the hotel, but we make sure to explore as well. Hotel Gleneagles is a peaceful fifteen minutes from the town centre and features a private pathway that leads you through 8 acres of woodland to the South Devon Coastal Path and onwards towards the popular Ansteys Cove, our first tourist attaraction.

Ansteys Cove, a shingle beach favoured by Agatha Christie for picnics during her time in Torquay. There’s a small beach, some dramatic cliffs, and a cafe. By the way, for Agtaha Christie fans, Torquay has an Agatha Christie festival in September. There’s always the Agatha Christie Mile. In addition to Agatha Christie lovers, for those who enjoy a bit of British history, especially WWII era, her house is a great place. This is also a great place if you enjoy nature and gardens as well. Be prepared for a bit of walking; it is hilly and can be muddy. There’s a bus from Torquay to Greenway for £11 per person. The old 1940s bus is neat to ride in. You can get to the house via train and boat as well. At Greenway you pay the National Trust fee to get in. The house has all the contents from the time when Agatha Christie used it as her holiday home. The history behind the grounds, from WWII and Roman era, is very interesting and there are volunteers all around to give you further information about certain things, especially around the house.

Day 4: Torquay

Agatha Christie (along with King George V and some other famous people) also enjoyed Kents Cavern, Britain’s most important Stone Age site, which was home to early man for some 700,000 years. The floor is composed of several strata, with remains indicating the prehistoric coexistence there of humans and now-extinct animals.

These caves may not be the most visually spectacular but are nevertheless very interesting and well worth the visit. Be ready for a lot of steps as you go on your guided tour of about an hour. Most guides know their stuff and are entertaining as they explain many thousands of years history of the system. Learn about the earliest cave dwellers and the legacy left by them and the many animals that sought sanctuary within. You can also expect to learn how the interesting rock/mineral formations came into being.

After visiting the caves in the morning, head to the harbour. The best view may be from the 60 meter high wheel. Conveniently, the wheel is located within the famous Pavilion Gardens, so you can spend some time strolling through the gardens as well. This might not actually take long, but so spend a few minutes to admire the exterior of the pavilion.

Day 5: Dartmoor Prison Museum / Princetown

Located on 28 acres of the moors high above the village of Princetown, the prison is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall and managed by HM prison system. The Museum on the main road through town to the prison opened in 1996 and is now a main attraction for over 30,000 visitors a year. Brian Dingle, the Curator, worked as the prison shepherd for over 20 years, so he is very familiar with Dartmoor and eager to share its history. Cement gnomes, toadstools, and dogs on display outside are sold for garden/yard ornaments. Two guard mannequins greet visitors, a sign advertises cell doors for sale at $80, and another designates Dartmoor as a Category C prison, with about 600 residents in 2009. Visitors can have a mug shot taken for $6.00, explore the exhibits of weaponry, crafts, and memorabilia, and listen to a 1/2-hour video of the typical daily routine of prisoners and staff.

Day 6: Dartmoor National Park

One of England’s 15 National Parks, Dartmoor covers an area of 368 square miles and is the largest and wildest area of open country in Southern England. On this day, you will pick your activity. Your choices include walking and cycle routes, hard and not so hard, both on and off road. Also horse-riding, climbing, letterboxing, geo-caching or kayaking though kayaking and the like will take some serious preparation on your part.

How about some movie tourism while in Dartmoor National Park? They have tours that discuss the area and the filming of Steven Spielberg’s War Horse. Or you can grab one of the park’s publications and venture out on your own to find the landscapes that you saw in the film.

Apr 29, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

Americans can visit Cuba legally and fre if they win this sweepstakes

Insight Cuba is running a sweepstakes for Americans to get a chance to visit Cuba. They provide legal, small group tours for U.S. citizens, Travel to Cuba is legal for only the third time in 50 years. The licensed tour operator is offering consumers the chance to explore the once-forbidden island with its “Win a Trip to Cuba for Two” Facebook sweepstakes, running now through June 17th.

To participate, like the Insight Cuba Facebook page and enter via the “Win a Trip to Cuba for Two” tab at the top. It’s a quick one, the entry form takes less than a minute to fill out.

The winner will be selected at random on June 18th to receive a free trip for two on the tour of choice: Undiscovered Cuba, Cuban Music & Art or Classic Cuba. Full sweepstakes terms and conditions are listed on the Facebook page.

The grand prize includes roundtrip airfare from Miami to Havana; first-class accommodations, meals and activities as outlined in the itinerary; U.S. Department of the Treasury License and Letter of Authorization; Insight Cuba tour leader and Cuban guide; entrance fees to scheduled activities; in-country ground transportation and transfers; in-country airfare (where applicable); travel health insurance; emergency medical evacuation; trip cancellation coverage (up to $1,000); Insight Cuba travel guidebook; and 24-hour emergency service.

Apr 29, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

Travel plan for Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, and San Francisco

I start school in September. As a poor student, I’ll have less money for traveling but I don’t want that to stop me entirely. I’ll be based in Tallahassee, Florida, and I’ll try to get to a few places in America and maybe South America or Central America. So time to start dreaming up American holidays and – as many of you know – I like to check out different tours to get some well-planned itineraries to start from. For a British perspective, I found a site promising luxury holidays in America and started to search for their itineraries.

So if you were to check out this page for USA tours, you would find the following itinerary: New York -> Washington DC -> Chicago -> Scottsdale -> Grand Canyon -> Las Vegas -> Los Angeles -> San Diego -> San Francisco. That’s a beautiful itinerary for someone with 22 days to spare. I’m thinking I can just take a part of that travel plan. For example three places I’ve never been: Las Vegas -> Grand Canyon -> San Francisco.

My travel plan:

Day 1: Las Vegas

I start here first because it should be a very easy airport to fly into. For lunch, try Mon Ami Gabi in front of Paris – Get a table on the patio. Excellent food and great place to people watch. If you time it right you’ll see the fountains at Bellagio during your meal.

After that, how about a Vegas-style nature walk? The MGM Grand’s lion habitat is open from 11am to 10pm. The Mirage has its white tiger habitat (by the Las Vegas Boulevard entrance). The volcano erupts at the top of each hour from 6pm to midnight so you may want to come back later in the evening.

What you have to do at some point before leaving Vegas is see an Elvis show. I’m told that there’s a good free one in the Riviera Hotel but I can’t find confirmation on their website. This part of the travel plan could use some more research.

Day 2: Las Vegas

For brunch, try Bouchon in the Venetian hotel. It’s a Thomas Keller restaurant and it’s excellent. While there at the Venetian, you could do a gondola ride, but I’d feel weird doing it in Vegas when I skipped it in Venice (a regret I must admit, but it was pretty pricey as I recall – Vegas is probably less expensive).

After you’ve eaten, walk off those calories at the Fremont Street Expereince. Fremont street has stuffy casinos and vendors if you’re a shopper. The huge LED canopy covering 5 blocks of Fremont Street does something special every hour on the hour.

Back to the strip to check out Circus Circus. Different acts perform each half hour from 11 a.m. to midnight. They only have about 60 seats and you can’t reserve one. But the news isn’t all bad – it’s free and 15 minutes before a show starts usually gets you a seat.

Days 3 and 4: Grand Canyon

I really want to raft the Colorado River here and camp overnight. My wife isn’t so sure but I have some time to talk her into it. It’s hard to really itemize this part of the itinerary, but the tour I linked to above has some good ideas like a sunset tour of the South Rim for some stunning views.

Day 5: San Francisco

Head down to the Fisherman’s Wharf where there’s sure to be something for everyone. Pier 39 is a festive marketplace with more than 110 stores, 12 Bay view restaurants and loads of outdoor stuff like the Aquarium of the Bay, bike rentals, street performers and a Carousel with famous miniature San Fran landmarks. If fun and laughter don’t suite your fancy you can always hop on an Alcatraz Cruise from Pier 33 that will take you to Alcatraz Island. In case you don’t already know, Alcatraz used to be the home of some of America’s most notorious criminals like Al “Scarface” Capone and the “Birdman” Robert Stroud.

San Francisco has a great Asian influence and being right on the water, sushi in this city is to die for. Take yourself out for dinner in Japantown or J-Town as the locals like to call it, to Kiss Sea Food Japanese Restaurant (1700 Laguna St.) The restaurant is a little small so be prepared to wait in line or make sure to head there early.

Day 6: San Francisco

The site I linked to above has some more cool ideas. One is a guided bicycle tour of the Waterfront, Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito, including a ferry trip to return to the city. This sounds like a lot of fun. They also have a scenic seaplane flight (weather dependent) over the beautiful San Francisco bay for views of the cityscape, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge. It also occurs to me I don’t have a single museum in my itinerary. The Walt Disney Family Museum is one option, but I think I would prefer the Asian Art Museum.

Apr 26, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

6 day Orlando and Tallahassee travel plan

I’ve just returned to Orlando after spending a few days in Tallahasse. Mostly I was in Tallahasse working. I went to an Instructional Systems conference where I met some people from the program I start in the fall. And most of my time was spent house-hunting. I need a cheap place to live in a nice area near Florida State when I return to school as a poor student.

So it wasn’t exactly a holiday, but we managed to do a few fun things, beyond just driving from house to house with our real estate agent. And it gave me an idea for a Florida vacation itinerary.

Day 1 – Orlando

Holidays to Orlando revolve around Disney so that’s where you go first. If you arrive early enough, Disney’s Animal Kingdom can be done in a half day. 6 hours is reasonable to hit the main attractions. The best rides are Kali River Rapids, Dinosaur, & Expedition Everest. There’s The Boneyard Playground for kids to wander through an archaeological dig. The film It’s Tough to Be a Bug is worth seeing for kids around middle school age. Then there’s the musical, Festival of the Lion King. You want to see some nature so check out the Kilimanjaro Safari, the Tree of Life and the Maharajah Jungle Trek

If you arrive too late for that, you might spend a few hours in Downtown Disney (the shopping district). Entry is free but I think most everything is overpriced. Remember that Disney vacations aren’t about bargain hunting.

Day 2 – Orlando

You’ll need a full day at Magic Kingdom. It’s a huge park with rides/events for everyone in the family. Without listing all the attractions, here are some big ones:

It’s a small world – a world-brotherhood-themed indoor boat ride (I still remember this one from when I was kid)
Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade – a feel-good afternoon Parade
Country Bear Jamboree – an audioanimatronic country-hoedown theater show
Jungle Cruise – an outdoor safari-themed boat-ride
Liberty Square Riverboat – an outdoor scenic boat ride
Main Street Electrical Parade » Old-School Nighttime Parade with a bazillion lights
Mickey’s PhilharMagic – a 3-D movie starring Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and some other favorites
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor – interactive animated comedy routines
Stitch’s Great Escape! – a sci-fi adventure show
The Hall of Presidents – an audioanimatronic historical theater presentation
The Haunted Mansion – a haunted-house dark ride – some people say the elevator is the best thing in Disney
Tomorrowland Speedway – mini cars you get to drive
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – another audioanimatronic theater production
Aloha Isle – go here for dessert

Day 3 – Orlando

There’s plenty left to see in Disney, but most kids would probably like to see Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If it’s a crowded day, some visitors report being rushed through the castle even after waiting on line for hours to get in. And some complain that the ride through the castle is too rough (and not worth a long wait). Other visitors report the line for butter beer being too long. The wand show is great, especially if you’re lucky enough to get brought up on stage.

When the park closes, you might as well head next door to Universal Citywalk for restaurants and bars like Hard Rock Cafe and Margaritaville.

Day 4 – Tallahassee

Holidays to Florida tend to focus on Orland and Miami, but the state capital has its share of attractions too. After a 4-5 hour drive from Orlando, you’ll want to relax a bit in the evening. Join the locals for a stroll around Lake Ella in central Tallahassee. At Cancun’s on Tennessee Street, $20 should feed a family of 4.

Day 5 – Tallahassee

Your only full day in Tallahassee so pick something fun. Top attractions include Florida State University (the campus is pretty and you might be able to catch a game depending on when you arrive). If you’re more into nature, try the trails at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge where you can be a little active (short trails through different ecosystems) or more active (a 6 mile and a 12 mile trail). A third option is the excellent Tallahassee Antique car Museum, where you can see the Batmobile and more than a few other cool cars.

If possible, get this night to fall on the first Friday of the month. Then at night, head to Railroad Square for art that ranges from traditional coastal landscapes to weird stuff to jewelry. You’ll hear some local music and see some local people. Vegans must check out the Krishnas serving incredible vegan/vegetarian food ($5 or $6 for a meal).

Day 6 – Orlando

Seaworld is cool to visit on the 4th day. You can spend a lot of time here. Try to get a mixture of rides (Journey to Atlantis will get you happy and wet), shows (Shamu Stadium for the killer whale performance), and animal exhibits (we like the Shark Encounter underwater tunnel but if you like touching animals first head to Dolphin Cove and Stingray Lagoon).

Apr 25, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

Cairngorms National Park travel plan: 5 day itinerary

Take a trip to the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands to discover why 2013 is the Year of Natural Scotland. The 1.4 million visitors to the park each year are treated to stunning panoramic landscapes, majestic wildlife and a range of outdoor activities to suit everyone. The scenic park covers 4528 square kilometres and is home to five of the UK’s highest mountains. Travellers looking to get away from it all can find compete peace in the vast, ancient woodlands; whereas youre looking for something a bit more lively, head to one of the small towns dotted amongst the mountains such as Aviemore.

This itinerary will show you the highlights of the Cairngorms to give you the quintessential Highland experience in only 5 days.

Day One – Arrive at the Cairngorms National Park

You won’t be stuck for accommodation in the Cairngorms. Whether you’re looking for a cosy woodland lodge or a modern hotel in town, you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for.

Use this day to unwind after your flight. If you’re a keen fisher, there are great opportunities to fish for salmon, sea trout and brown trout along 12 miles of both banks of the River Dulnain. Permits are only granted to visitors who are staying in the local area, so you’re guaranteed to find a quiet, relaxing spot along the river banks.
Fishing permits can be purchased from the Mortimers of Speyside website.

Day 2 – Go on a Nature Hike

The Cairngorms is home to over 25 % of the UK’s species of endangered plans and wildlife. Today, it’s time to discover why the Cairngorms National Park is famous for its nature hikes. There are enough food paths and hiking trails to keep walking enthusiasts entertained for months. Head to the Rothiemurchus Estate for a great selection of paths that wind across 50km of ancient forest land. The area is abundant in Red Deer and home to rare birds such as Crossbills, Crested Tits and Capercaillie. Don’t forget your camera, glimpses of these rare species will be fleeting.
A map of the self-guided walks can be purchased from the Rothiemurchus Centre. Choose from a walk around the tranquil lochs, a hike through the forest or the 3 hour long Views of the Mountains walk.

Day 3- Go Skiing

Time to hit the piste! The 4083ft high Cairngorm Mountain near the village of Aviemore, is the highest in the National Park and is known locally for having some of the best ski and snowboarding runs in the area. The mountain is easily reached by a direct bus service which runs from Aviemore; however, the roads can get blocked by heavy snow so watch out for any weather warnings if you are planning a trip to the mountain. Don’t worry if you’re a novice skier, there are plenty of easy runs and baby slopes to practice on. Thrill seekers will love the fast paced black ski runs; the steep drops and fast bends means that these runs are for expert skiers only!

After a long day on the slopes, take some time to enjoy the après-ski opportunities in one of the many bars dotted about the mountain.

Ski hire and lift passes can be purchased at the resort, or book your passes in advance at the Cairngorm Mountain website.

Day 4- Visit Cultural Attractions.

Calm down the pace after a thrilling day of skiing by checking out the local cultural attractions. Take the 2-mile walk from the village of Laggan to discover the ancient hill fort, Dun-da-Lamh. The fort dates back to 500AD and its foundations remain at the summit of rocky, craggy hill. When you reach the top, you will be treated to stunning views across Glen Shira and the River Spey to the north as well as the River Mashie in the south.

Alternatively, if you want to put your feet up and have a well-deserved drink check out the Dalwhinnie Distillery, one of the highest distilleries in Scotland. The distillery offers guided tours and whiskey tasting experiences; don’t miss their 15 Year Old Single alt.

Distillery tours and whiskey tasting sessions range from £7.50 – £22. Visit their website for further details.

Day 5 – Catch a Steam Train

On your last day in the Cairngorms National Park take a trip on a vintage steam train around the park. The nostalgic train journey runs between the Aviemore, Boat of Garten and Broomhill areas of the National Park and offers spectacular views of the Cairngorm mountain and the River Spey. Nature enthusiasts will love the chance to see the National Park’s varying range of wildlife from the comfort of their carriage. There’s even a restaurant car so you can treat yourself to afternoon tea.

Prices range from £11 for an adult ticket to £33 for a child’s ticket. Visit the Strathspey Steam Railway’s website for more information.

Fiona writes for LHH Scotland, leading provider of luxury holiday homes across Scotland.

Apr 22, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

Head to the front of TSA’s security line

In US airports, fliers can pay to cut the security line. Why do some get preferential treatment from the TSA? Do they pay the airline for this or do they somehow pay TSA through more than just taxes?

At a growing number of airports, special agents will meet these celebrities, high-powered executives and wealthy vacationers at the curb and will privately escort them from check-in to security to boarding.

American Airlines built a private check-in lobby in Los Angeles for VIPs who are greeted by name, given preprinted boarding passes and then whisked by elevator to the front of the security line.

First, I wonder if it’s fair for richer folks to cut the line. Sure they pay more the first class ticket, but that’s for a big seat in the front of the plane. TSA is supposed to be there to provide security and you would think that their service should be applied equally to everyone. It’s not like a former Miss America should be immune to getting searched so why would someone special get to skip the wait?

Second, I wonder if the elite who get to skip the line are treated differently than the common fliers. If common sense tells you that they do receive special treatment, does that mean they are screened quicker / less thoroughly? Are they less likely to have their bags opened or to be strip searched or whatever is getting TSA in trouble at the moment?

Apr 17, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

Should Carnival pay for the money the US Coast Guard spent rescuing the Triumph cruise ship?

Carnival Corp. says it won’t help the US Coast Guard, even though American taxpayers spent about $780,000 rescuing the Triumph. Carnival’s excuse is that all maritime interests must assist without question those in trouble at sea.

U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a West Virginia Democrat who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee takes the easy political stance – the big evil corporation should pay or else, “These costs must ultimately be borne by federal taxpayers.” He adds that Carnival appears to pay little or no federal income taxes.

Carnival says its policy is to “honor maritime tradition that holds that the duty to render assistance at sea to those in need is a universal obligation of the entire maritime community.” Carnival claims it frequently aids in rescues at the Coast Guard’s request, including 11 times in the past year in Florida and Caribbean waters.

I suppose Carnival thinks it’s fair. The US Coast Guard doesn’t pay Carnival when the cruise line helps out, so why should the cruise line pay the Coast Guard for any help? On the other hand, Carnival’s ships are not US flagged – CNN said that the Carnival Triumph sails under a Bahamian flag. Is the US required to provide assistance? Sure. Is the US required to provide free assistance to non-US vessels? Maybe not.

The other point worth making is that public opinion is the only leverage the US can really hope for in this case. Clearly the Coast Guard had no choice but to come to the rescue of so many American citizens. Though perhaps next time, they should rescue the people and leave the ship to drift around the ocean. If my car breaks down, I don’t expect a free tow. Why should a huge money-making corporation expect a free tow when their ships break down?

By the way, does anyone know if carnival did anything nice for their employees from the Triumph?

Apr 15, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post
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