Archive for the 'Travel' Category

How to Pick a Motorcycle Trailer

Sunday, December 20th, 2009
Jonathan Heusman asked:


If you are an avid motorcyclist it is likely that you’ll want take your motorcycle with you whenever you travel. The easiest way to do this is to purchase a motorcycle trailer. There are so many different kinds available that it can be hard to make the right choice.

The best way to make a decision is to think about where you’ll go with your motorcycle trailer. Traveling to rougher locations in harsher elements will require a top of the line, tough model. Many bikers need a motorcycle trailer that is durable and safe to protect their most important investment.

Before you can even begin to decide what kind of motorcycle trailer to buy, you have to check and see how much weight your vehicle can hold. Safety always comes first! You don’t want to end up getting a motorcycle trailer that is too large or too small. The information you need in order to choose can be found in your owner’s manual.

Once you’ve determined how much weight your vehicle can tow, you can match that capacity with the motorcycle trailer you are interested in. If you have smaller motorcycle, you can make do with a smaller trailer. Keep in mind that you may want to carry more cargo at some point. Find a happy medium so that you won’t be dissatisfied later on.

Even though you’ve considered the weight and size of the motorcycle trailer, you need to factor in what the weight will be when you put your motorcycle in. You body weight counts as well! You definitely don’t want to overload your vehicle with your motorcycle trailer or you will have a safety issue on your hands.

After you’ve fully considered the size and weight of the motorcycle trailer you’ll want to decide if you need an open or closed model. If the motorcycle you’ll be transporting in your motorcycle trailer cannot get wet, you’ll need a closed version. Another consideration is that you can lock the doors on a closed motorcycle for security reasons.

The doors on a motorcycle trailer will add some weight, but the added security and flexibility is a must for some bikers.

You’ll also need to consider how the motorcycle trailer will ride behind your vehicle. This is one of the reasons it’s necessary to get a high quality motorcycle trailer.

It is important to always make sure you load your bike onto the motorcycle trailer evenly. It can throw you off balance if not. If your vehicle dips and weaves it is possible that the motorcycle trailer is not evenly packed. If this is the case it may mean that you cannot stop quickly in case of an emergency.

If you’re driving down the road with your fully packed motorcycle trailer and you notice that you’re being thrown off balance you’ll want to stop and pull over to redistribute the weight.

There are many things to consider before you buy your motorcycle trailer and put it to good use. Always put safety first and double-check how much weight your vehicle can handle. If you do enough research you’ll find a motorcycle trailer that fits your needs perfectly.



ERROL

How to Pick a Enclosed Trailer

Monday, November 2nd, 2009
Jonathan Heusman asked:


Cargo trailers are essential purchases for many people. Buying a trailer can make it very easy for you to safely transport cargo. Enclosed trailers are what the majority of people choose for a variety of reasons.

There are many options available to you when you want to buy a cargo trailer. It can be very confusing to make a decision! One of the first options you have is whether to buy open or enclosed trailers. If you value your cargo and your investment, you should choose enclosed trailers for a variety of reasons.

Enclosed trailers offer many features over open trailers. One feature they offer is protection against bad weather. Imagine carrying precious cargo only to have it ruined in a rainstorm! Enclosed trailers can completely eliminate this problem, as your cargo will not be exposed to the elements.

Enclosed trailers have either double or single doors that open and shut. These allow you to have easy access to your cargo inside while protecting your investment. Some enclosed trailers even have a ramp. This makes it possible to put things like large vehicles inside enclosed trailers. Once the vehicle is up the ramp, they fold up and the doors shut.

Another reason to choose enclosed trailers is because they can be locked. If you are staying overnight somewhere or will be away for an extended period of time it is essential to lock your cargo up. Nothing is worse than coming back to your truck to find your things have been stolen! An enclosed trailer can do a lot to prevent theft.

Despite all of these wonderful things, some people prefer open trailers to enclosed trailers. One reason they give for this is that they consider enclosed trailers to be too heavy. This may be true if you only have a light load in your open trailer. However, an open trailer simply does not have the structure and that enclosed trailers have.

It can be noted though that the extra weight adds durability to enclosed trailers. You can rest assured that your cargo is safe and secure in enclosed trailers. There is little risk of your items being too heavy for enclosed trailers, and you don’t need to worry about things falling out.

Other people are turned off by the higher cost of enclosed trailers. They are attracted to open trailers because they think they will be saving money. However, many people end up buying enclosed trailers later on anyway because they’ve discovered that open trailers just doesn’t meet their needs.

You can end up spending a good deal more than if you had just purchased enclosed trailers to begin with! It would be a real shame to make the wrong choice when buying cargo trailers because they are a large investment.

If the cargo you transport is important to you, you’ll want to buy enclosed trailers. Enclosed trailers offer the durability and protection you need. Even though they are more expensive enclosed trailers are still an economical choice because of the quality they will provide to you.



RYAN

Be Aware of Pick Pocketing

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009
maxine greco asked:


Everyone has heard stories of friends and relatives who have had their money or their passport pick-pocketed when they are traveling. You do not need to go far from home, those that pickpocket seem to congregate anywhere there are a lot of people or tourists. They hang around airports, bus and train terminals, museums and any or all tourist attractions. A lot of companies have devised products to keep your valuable safe. Smart travelers use them. They can be the most important of your travel accessories and should always accompany you. There is a type and style that you can be comfortable with and that will remain hidden under your clothing. They are available in many fabrics ranging from cotton to nylon to silk. Many have non-sweat material underneath for comfort. With the large selection available, you really have no excuse to be taken advantage of by a pickpocket.

The most popular models are the money belts. These are worn around the waist and have one or two zippered pockets and some compartments inside. They are adjustable with elastic belts and are meant to go underneath your clothing. These are available in cotton, nylon or silk. Eagle Creek and Easy-go are two of the most popular brands making this important product. They are always available in a natural color so they will not be visible under light colored or thin fabrics. Around the neck women often choose money belts. These have zippered pockets or Velcro pockets and some inner compartments. They are also designed to be worn only underneath clothing. Many of these around the neck styles have an adjustable strap that can be worn short or long. Because the strap locks at any length, you can also wear it around the shoulder or around the waist depending on the type of clothing you are wearing that day. These money belts are small enough to fit in the pocket of your discount luggage and be available when you arrive on your trip.

Now travel socks are available with a hidden zippered pocket for money and passports. The socks are made of machine washable holofiber. These socks can also be packed inside your lightweight luggage and used instead of a traditional money belt when clothing dictates. Other innovative types of travel money belts can clip onto the waistband of your slacks or skirt. The clip will show but the belt itself is under your clothing. There’s also a loop type of money pouch that you slide your belt through. This also flips around underneath your clothing. The traditional belt style with the hidden zipper for money is still around and still very popular. The only drawback on this style is that it will not hold a passport. Passports are a favorite item of pickpockets, so the traditional belt style is usually worn for domestic travel where a passport is not a necessity. This style belt is available in luxurious leathers and also in fabric. From the outside, they look like ordinary belts and cannot be detected.

None of these types of travel money belts can be detected going through security checkpoints, although the one that resembles a regular belt and is worn on the outside will most probably have to be removed because of the buckle. There are no metal parts on the belts designed to be worn under your clothing. As long as you do not put anything with metal into the belt, there is nothing to set off security alarms. These under-the-clothing types of travel belts are not to be confused with the traditional ***** bags worn by men and women. These can be unfortunately pick-pocked. There is a new model ***** bag on the market by Pacsafe that is slash proof, snatch proof and tamper proof. All of these products are popular as corporate gifts and can be imprinted or silk-screened with company names or logos. They are so practical and necessary that they make wonderful gifts for all occasions.



MARCOS

Vacationing in Key West

Saturday, March 14th, 2009
Jen W. asked:


When searching for the perfect warm and sandy location to head to for your next vacation, consider Key West, Florida for your vacation needs. Key West is located at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys and offers quite a bang for its small size with its numerous beaches and abundant water activities. Whether you want to feel as if you have left the world behind or participate in all the adventure this diverse island has to offer, Key West can become your haven for a relaxing and exciting vacation.

Although the island of Key West only encompasses 4.2 square miles, visitors will certainly find plenty of space to throw down a towel for some fun in the sun. When searching for the beach that best meets your watersport needs, head over to the south side of the island to check out a few of the more popular beaches. Smathers Beach, the largest of the public beaches, is usually very busy since it provides access to the water for those who want to go jet skiing, kayaking, or wind surfing while also allowing for excitement on land with its volleyball courts.

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is a quieter option than Smathers Beach and allows for an off the beaten path sand experience. This state park contains 67 acres of beautiful white sand and lush forests that are ripe for exploration. A favorite among the locals, Fort Zachary Taylor is a prime destination for swimming and snorkeling in the warm turquoise waters and venturing near the brim of the forests. If you decide to make your way to this beach for a glimpse of the breathtaking sunset, don’t forget your aqua shoes since there is crushed coral everywhere.

For those who head to Key West without stopping at the other islands of the Florida Keys, a journey out to the reef from Key West Harbor is an absolute must. Catch sight of the vibrant marine life and the only living coral reef in North America by journeying underneath these warm waters on a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion. If you prefer to stay dry but don’t want to miss out on this noteworthy sight, hitch a ride out to sea on one of the glass bottom boat tours.

Possibly the most popular activity with visitors to Key West, a deep sea fishing adventure is the best way to experience a surge of adrenaline and the thrill of reeling in a big one. With over 225 species of gamefish patrolling the clear waters off the Florida Keys, you are bound to come back with a lively story about the one you snagged, and hopefully not about the one that got away. There are numerous experienced guides available out of Key West to take you into the nearby Gulfstream, where you can try for marlin and sailfish, but make your reservation early to preserve your chance at a memorable angling adventure.

When you are ready to step back from the water and enjoy a low-key attraction, hop aboard the always popular Conch Tour Train for captivating tales about the history of the island. From the reign of the Indians to the golden age of settlement to the end of WWII, you will be taken back in time to learn about not only the island itself, but also the characters who played a key role in its growth, development, and place in history.

With so many activities in such a small, gorgeous area, the opportunities for entertainment may seem overwhelming at first. However, by staying on the island in one of the numerous Key West vacation rentals that are conveniently located near the shore, you can take advantage of the amazingly warm, crystal clear waters this island provides access to. Whether you want to catch some sun in the fine white sand or head further out for a snorkeling adventure, your vacation rental makes it easy to enjoy the best of Key West since everything you need for excitement is just a short walk away.



ABE

The Florida Keys Vacation

Friday, February 27th, 2009
Anada.Bara asked:


Planning the perfect vacation getaway can be quite tedious. It entails careful and meticulous planning so as to make it a vacation to remember for lifetime. There are many exciting sights to behold and adventures to try in and out the country. And with the unending list, you definitely be mind-boggled on where you are gonna spend your holiday vacation with the important persons in your life. Definitely, an out of the country getaway is quite expensive. And you can’t afford to bring your entire family to a foreign land. Also, going out of the country needs more time but you don’t want to compromise your work or your studies. With this, you just need to trim down your list to the many destinations in the country. There are many scenic spots that United States has to offer. But if you are into great adventure and is dying to feel the heat of the sun and fine and white sand, then Florida Keys should be your next stop.

Florida Keys is the home of many exciting scenic spots hence this is the dream destination of travel enthusiasts and those longing for an exciting getaway. The place has so many to offer and this is the reason why many fly to this place just to have a taste of an unforgettable holiday. Staying at Florida Keys allows you to greet the sun and have enjoy the cool and sparkling waters of its white sand beaches. No other state in America could top the beaches and picturesque scenery found in Florida Keys. Aside from nature and the beaches, Florida Keys is also famous for its State Park, National Park and the Nature Center. These parks are famous for children as they not only get to enjoy the different sights of the place but they also learn something new and valuable. These places feature the unique architecture, museums and other historic sites of Florida Keys. By visiting these places, you now experience what its like to be living in Florida Keys.

The aquariums found in Florida Keys allow you to observe the rich and numerous types of fishes. Mostly, many children enjoy this kind of adventure along with swimming with the dolphin and having the opportunity to feed them. The Key West is not only famous for its beautiful destinations but also to their rich history. Aside from the beautiful beaches which are suitable for swimming and other water sports, the place also takes pride of their preservation of the Civil War-era fort.

These activities can be enjoyed during the day. But if you still have the energy to party all night long, then you can grab your friends to the different bars and clubs of Florida Keys. You can have great fun as you listen to the bands that play live music while you sip some drinks with your friends and have little chitchats. On the evening, these places are popular in Florida Keys because of the fun and entertainment they offer.



DALTON

Perdido Key Rentals

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009
Terry Wedding asked:


There are many options to choose from when choosing among Perdido Key rentals in Florida. In fact, the options are so many and so varied, it helps to have a very clear view of what you want to do and accomplish in the Perdido Key area before doing any research on gulf shore condos and certainly before making a reservation. Here are some things to consider:

Your Perdido Key rental decision should be influenced by who is vacationing with you. Family vacations are very different from romantic getaways, and many families prefer to stay in Perdido Key rentals near kid-friendly attractions like zoos, water parks and nature reserves. On the other hand, if you’re taking a romantic interlude with your significant other, you may wish to reserve a Perdido Key rental that is farther away from such attractions and where fewer children are likely to be staying. Perdido Key also has an active art and cultural community, and the two of you may want to factor in proximity to museums, wine-tastings and other romantic activities when choosing a Perdido Key rental.

If you like to spend every waking minute of your trip actively pursuing recreation, then you will need to be sure that your Perdido Key rental offers or at least is in close proximity to convenient transportation, entertainment and possibly jetski rentals or deep-sea fishing operations. On the other hand, if you prefer a laid-back, day-long siesta in the sun with a cool beverage at hand and the gentle sound of the waves in the distance, you probably should book a gulf shore condo that is a little more off the beaten track. With Perdido Key’s many nature reserves and white-sand beaches, you should have many options to choose from.

Don’t forget to factor in the length of your Florida stay in a Perdido Key rental! Many property owners are willing to give you major discounts on gulf shores condo rentals if you are staying a month or longer in the area. If you plan to spend the winter in Gulf Shores, for example, make sure to ask about special rates on extended stays.

If you’re an early riser, then you won’t mind your Perdido Key rental being located on the ground level, where the noise from morning activities can be a little invasive. On the other hand, if you like to sleep late, be sure to request an upper level condo.

Choosing the right Perdido Key rental for you can have a major influence on how much you enjoy your stay, and also the types of experiences you encounter while you are in Perdido Key. Make sure that you check out all potential Perdido Key rentals online before reserving one, and that the local property manager can assure you that requests for location will be respected as long as you make them in advance. Then, enjoy your Perdido Key vacation!



DELBERT

Siesta Key Offers Relaxation Around Every Corner

Friday, January 30th, 2009
Jen W. asked:


Siesta Key may be small, but it certainly packs a lot of vacation punch just offshore from Florida’s cultural center of Sarasota. Popular with individuals who prefer a slow pace and a laid-back atmosphere, it is the perfect place to escape from the stress of daily life and integrate yourself into a fun-loving, tropical paradise where endless adventures await.

Although you could easily fill your itinerary with activities and amusements, a vacation in Siesta Key also means taking the time to relax and soak in the simple pleasures of the warm water, soft sands, and gentle breeze. While you are appreciating your stunning surroundings on this 8-mile long barrier island, you can catch a glimpse of dolphins and manatees frolicking in the Gulf and bay waters or exotic parrots, storks, spoonbills, and plovers thriving in this tropical atmosphere. The natural, untamed environment of Siesta Key is quite a sight to behold, and can easily be missed if you are always rushing from one activity to another, so be sure to set aside some time to seek out its wondrous features.

As you are taking in the sights and sounds of the key, the aspect most likely to catch your eye is sure to be the fine white sands, which are a true treasure since they are composed almost entirely of quartz. Surrounded by lush palm trees and always cool between the toes, it can be difficult to pull yourself away from the picture-perfect setting for even a moment. In addition to the remarkable sand, the warm azure water is just as inviting and definitely family-friendly since it remains shallow for a long way out.

While there are a few excellent options to choose from, Siesta Key Public Beach is always the more popular since it offers a fairly large parking lot, the cleanest, softest, and whitest sand, and a wide, flat beach that is ideal for running, strolling, and even biking. Visitors can seek out a hidden cove for snorkeling or kick back in the sand for an afternoon of sunbathing, swimming, and bodyboarding. Crescent Beach also offers excellent sands and water sports, while Turtle Beach, on the south end, is known as being a secluded, hidden jewel where shelling and relaxing are always the order of the day.

Although the beaches are always the most appealing aspect of the island, Siesta Village is a welcome surprise as a laid-back and exciting beach hangout. Boasting an amazing atmosphere, excellent restaurants, and a plethora of pubs, you can enjoy the center of Siesta Key without any of the uninteresting chain restaurants that dominate other popular resort areas. The energy and noise of the village can be quite overwhelming, especially if you have been resting on a quiet strip of sand, but be sure to take advantage of the outdoor seating for a refreshing meal or beverage in unbeatable surroundings.

With the cultural attractions of Sarasota just a stone’s throw away, a journey to the mainland is the perfect way to compliment your island retreat. The top attraction in the city, the FSU Ringling Center for the Cultural Arts features the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Ca’ d’Zan (the former Ringling Residence), the Ringling Museum of the Circus, and the Asolo Theater. The Mote Aquarium and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are two other must-sees, while the upscale boutiques and first-rate restaurants make a day trip to Sarasota an all-around fulfilling and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.

Since the activities and amusements of this stunning barrier island are clearly centered around its shimmering, white sand beaches, staying directly on the water is an ideal option for getting the most out of your getaway. Siesta Key vacation rentals offer the most convenient access to your favorite stretches of sand and are the perfect way to soak up the natural wonders of this pristine jewel in the Gulf. Your private patio offers a panoramic view over the expansive blue waters and just steps away the white sands invite you out for an early evening stroll along the shore. If perfection and utter relaxation sound appealing for your vacation, you simply cannot go wrong with a luxurious Siesta Key rental.



DARREL

Ten Things You Must Do If You Want To Vacation In Key West

Thursday, January 29th, 2009
Robert Cohen asked:


Ten Things You Must Do If You Want To Vacation In Key West

By Robert (Bob) Cohen

Planning a vacation in Key West can sometimes be a daunting task as there are so many things to do in Key West. The Key West Welcome Center can be your focal point for planning your vacation because they are in the service of assisting visitors with their vacation planning.

The Welcome Center can make all of your reservations for you so you do not have to stress over what to do, who to call or what to plan.

HOTELS, MOTELS, BED & BREAKFAST, VACATION RENTALS

Key West is a small island that is 1.5 by 4 miles in size with only 4,000 total hotel, motel, bed & breakfast and condominium rooms on the entire island. During special events and holiday weekends, there is usually a 3-nite minimum stay at the bed & breakfasts as well as some of the 4-star hotel resorts on the island and condominium resorts.

If you are coming in for just one night during the week, then you probably will not need advanced reservations for a hotel or motel room. Sometimes, we can get you into a nice bed & breakfast for just one night due to last minute cancellations. But, if you plan on staying for a few nights or longer, advanced reservations are definitely in order.

Working as a Concierge for a number of years, you see just when and where rooms are available for nightly rental. If you are looking for private homes for your vacation rental, then expect places that are only available for a minimum of one week. Some places are only available on a monthly basis.

On another note, if you are like me and have animal companions, they are a part of your family and do not like the idea of leaving them home when you are out having fun. Most accommodations, including the vacation rentals, are not pet friendly. The ones that have more pet friendly rooms are the bed & breakfasts. Contact the Key West Welcome Center to find out what is available that is pet friendly and they will make the reservations for you.

In the off-season (June 1 to December 15), accommodation rates start at about $89 for a basic room up to a 4-star resort starting at $200 a night. During high season (December 16 to May 31), rates can start at $169 per night.

FISHING THE KEYS

If you are an avid fisherman, coming to Key West is something you will never forget. There is no better fishing in the State of Florida than there is in Key West. Try your hand at game fish such as Sailfish, Blue Marlin, Tarpon, Permit, Cobia, Wahoo or even Shark. More records have been broken here than anywhere else in the State of Florida.

There are three basic types of fishing:

1. Off-Shore

2. Back Country Light Tackle

3. Flats

OFF SHORE - Off-shore fishing is where you go for the big stuff such as Grouper, Sail Fish, Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, King Mackerel, etc. The boats are usually a six-pack (maximum six passenger) and you take turns in the hot seat. The method of hooking the fish is by trolling. You can reserve by the seat (1/2 day $135; full day $185), or private charters (1/2 day starting at $600; full day starting at $800).

BACK COUNTRY LIGHT TACKLE - This type of fishing is using a spinning rod on boats that are never bigger than 28-feet with a maximum capacity of 4 passengers. This is usually sight casting and can use either lures or live bait. You will catch things such as Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish, Tarpon, Cobia, Permit, Bone Fish, etc. These are strictly private charter with 1/2 days starting at $450; full days starting at $650

FLATS FISHING - This is the ultimate challenge to a fisherman because you are in waters that are rarely deeper than 2 to 3 feet and you are using either 15 lb. test line on a spinning rod, or fly fishing. These boats are specifically designed for high speeds in very shallow waters. Here you can hook into Tarpon, Permit, Bone Fish, African Pompano, and sometimes even sharks. Imaging the thrill of catching a 90 lb. Tarpon on 15 lb. test line. It will be an exercise to see who tires first; you or the Tarpon (in many cases it will be you). These boats can only take a maximum of 2 passengers. Charters for 1/2 day start at $350; full day start at $550.

3. SNORKEL, SNUBA AND SCUBA DIVING

Over 80% of the visitors to Key West and the Florida Keys want to go either snorkeling or scuba diving. This is due to the abundant and colorful sea life one would see while on either a snorkeling or scuba diving experience. To Scuba Dive, one must be a certified diver (PADI, NAUI, etc) as they have anywhere from Open Water Certification to Master Diver.

If you have never done scuba diving before, there is something called SNUBA which gives you an experience similar to Scuba, but instead of having a tank strapped to your back, the regulator in your mouth is attached to a 20-foot long air hose attached to a compressor on the surface. This way you get the experience of being underwater without having to get certified.

If you want to see what it is like to Scuba Dive, you can take a Resort Course which gives you enough training to go out with an instructor on what is called a 2-tank dive in up to 45 feet of water.

Snorkel trips start at $35 per person, Snuba starts at $95 per person, Scuba starts at $90 per person and resort courses start at $155 per person.

FT. JEFFERSON AT THE DRY TORTUGAS

Day trips to the Dry Tortugas has to be the most popular excursion in Key West as you get to the Dry Tortugas by either a high speed catamaran or by seaplane.

The Catamarans take a little over two hours to go about 70 miles west of Key West and they give you about 4.5 hours at the Dry Tortugas. The Seaplane takes about 35 minutes to get there and they give you about 2.5 hours on the island.

Ft. Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas is 16 acres in size and it is the largest coastal fort in the United States. It just draws you into its history when the historian tells you about the place. This is a trip you do not want to miss.

Boat prices to the Dry Tortugas start at $110 to $129 depending on the boat, and the seaplane costs start at $189 per adult.

GLASS BOTTOM BOAT EXCURSIONS

The Glass bottom boats give you the experience of seeing the sea life at the Living Coral Reef. We call it a “Dry Snorkel” trip as it is like snorkeling without getting wet.

Large tropical fish, colorful coral await you at the reef. Prices start at $35 per person.

6. FINE DINING IN KEY WEST

Key West is privileged to have so many fine restaurants that it would be difficult to chose which ones to eat at.

We have everything from the fast food chains, all the way to 4 diamond quality restaurants. Other than a few minor exceptions, you do not have to make a reservation and you never ever have to dress up for dinner.

Key West has what we call, “Key West Casual” which means shirt, shorts and sandals and this is the code of dress for every place in Key West.

You can have something as simple as a good hamburger or Conch Fritters, to something as extravagant as Lobster Mango Tango (lobster sautéed in Brandy and covered with a Mango Salsa). The choice is yours in Key West.

DINNER CRUISES

Many people come to the Keys for its fabulous sunsets. Why not have your sunset and a 3-course gourmet dinner along with it. A sunset dinner cruise is the way to go.

On one of the dinner cruise boats, the chef will prepare your food while the captain of the dinner cruise takes you on a wonderful journey around the Key West Harbor and once you sample this wonderful cuisine on this dinner cruise, you will wonder how he does it for such a low price.

Formerly a chef at a 4 diamond restaurant, he will present you with mouth-watering options for your meals and it includes domestic and imported beers, wines and champagne.

Dinner cruise prices are from $65 to $75 per person not including tax and gratuity. Private Charters for the dinner cruise are available for special functions and weddings. The one we prefer for your dinner cruise has a maximum seating of 20 so this is ideal for a nice sunset wedding and dinner cruise.

AERIAL TOURS

Want to see Key West from the air?

Take a aerial tour in either a biplane or a helicopter to see Key West from the air. Aerial tour trip times vary depending on what you want to see. Biplane rides start at $120 for two people and helicopter rides start at $99 for 3 people to see the coral reef from the air.

KAYAK TOURS AND RENTALS

If you want to really see the coastline of the lower Keys and Key West, there is no better way to see it than on one of our wonderful Kayak Tours.

Take a trip with an environmental scientist or someone that was born and raised here and knows the mangroves like the back of their hand.

Visit some of the Marine and Bird Sanctuaries and see some of the life forms that you would never see otherwise.

Prices start at $40 per person for a tour.

SUNSET SAIL

One of the more popular things to do in Key West is to see the sunset from the water.

Take a sunset sail on either a sailing catamaran or a schooner.

Many of the younger crowd like the sunset sail on the sailing Catamarans because they can have a great party while on the sunset sail. This is very popular with the Spring Breakers during that time of year as it includes as much beer and wine one can consume in a 2 hour time frame.

A sunset sail on a schooner, however, is a lot more romantic as you can see the sails glistening when the colors of the sky change and you know that you helped to raise the sails on this sunset sail excursion.

During the months of November thru April, you can have your sunset sail and a buffet dinner all in one on one of the clipper ships that come in from Boston for these months.

Sunset sail pricing starts at $30 and goes up to $75 if you want the dinner cruise on the clipper ship.

In conclusion, by using the expert services of the Key West Welcome Center, you will save money, save time and be absolutely sure that you getting exactly what you want and not what someone else wants.

The Key West Welcome Center has been in business under the current ownership for over 10 years. The current manager of the Welcome Center has lived in the Keys for almost 16 years and knows the place like he has lived here all his life. If there is something you need to know about Key West, he is the person to ask.

Robert R. Cohen

General Manager

Listed in Strathmore’s Who’s Who in America

I firmly believe that we have the best Reservations Service in the Key West area and we can make all your dreams come true. Use the Key West Welcome Center for all your reservations:

www.keywestwelcomecenter.com



SHELTON

Longboat Key Florida - A Private Island Paradise

Saturday, January 24th, 2009
John Allen asked:


Longboat Key Florida is an eleven mile long island that stretches between the Gulf of Mexico and the Sarasota mainland. There are approximately 8,000 permanent residents that occupy condominiums, townhouses, single-family homes and luxury estates. The island offers endless activities while also providing a relaxing, secluded environment. Longboat Key is known around the world for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking water views, fine dining, great weather and luxurious lifestyle.

Things to Do on Longboat Key

Longboat Key is a national and International tourist attraction. The gorgeous weather and outstanding water views create the perfect environment for visitors while they enjoy local activities, such as boating, fishing, jet skiing, golf, tennis, shopping, fine dining and more.

The Longboat Key Club & Resort offers several amenities and is open to tourists and their club members. Some of the amenities they offer include:

- 45 Holes of Golf and practice facilities

- Tennis Courts

- An On-Site Marina

- Indoor and Outdoor Restaurants

- A Spa and Fitness Center

- Family Portraits

- Wedding Planning and Facilities

- Beach-front Pool

Longboat Key Real Estate

Longboat Key offers a wide range of architectural styles. From contemporary to Mediterranean, there are options to suit almost any lifestyle preference. Both national and International home buyers are looking for homes and condos that meets the needs of their lifestyle. Some want a condo on the beach and some want a secluded estate with access to the water, while others just want to be close to the golf course. No matter what you are looking for, Longboat Key has it all.

The condos and homes on Longboat Key provide a retreat to those visiting their second or third home. The island is quiet, luxurious and magnificent. Longboat Key is a wonderful place to buy if you are looking for the perfect Florida waterfront home. The right Realtor can help Longboat Key real estate buyers find the home they have always dreamed of. A wonderful resource to search all longboat Key real estate listings is http://www.buysarasota.com/Longboat-Key-pg6.cfm. In addition to MLS listings, there is a wealth of information on many Longboat Key condominiums as well as detailed community information.

Location

Longboat Key is only minutes away from St. Armand’s Circle where tourists and residents enjoy shopping, world-class dining, cultural activities and more. The mainland of Sarasota is only a short drive way and Money Magazine named Sarasota the “Best Small City in America.

About Sarasota

Sarasota has become a popular place for celebrities to buy a home because it is private, charming and it is a great place to raise a family. Sarasota has world-renowned beaches that have been listed as one of the “Top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world” to visit. There are nationally-recognized arts and cultural activities, such as the Sarasota Film Festival which brings in famous actors from around the world. If you visit Longboat Key you need to visit Sarasota because it is a rare gem that is still hidden, it provides a refuge for those looking for privacy and the environment is so stunning you may never want to leave.



EFRAIN

Perido Key Attractions for Everyone

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009
Terry Wedding asked:


Perdido Key

Perdido Key is a beautiful area of protected beaches between Orange Beach and Pensacola, near gulf Shores, Alabama. Located near historic Pensacola, America’s first settlement, Perdido Key offers a unique blend of traditional beach pastimes like angling, deep sea fishing, and water sports along and shopping, golf, and historic and artistic flavor. Perdido Key is an ideal place for a family vacation because there is something for everyone of all ages. Below is just a sampling of the eclectic offerings available.

Perdido Key Watersports

Perido Key offers common *********** like surfing, deep sea and pier fishing, diving and SCUBA. For an interesting military twist, consider diving the USS Oriskany CV/CVA 34, the largest vessel ever sunk as an artificial reef. The ship is 911 feet long, 157 feet wide and over 150 feet tall. If this type of exertion doesn’t fall into your vacation style, try chartering a Perdido Key cruise that offers reduced rates for sunbathers, swimmers and wildlife aficionados. Your fishing family members will love the thrill of the chase, while the rest of you relax, walk the decks, and spot sea turtles, dolphins and other ocean fauna. Also, considering visiting the longest pier in the Gulf of Mexico for sightseeing and fishing action.

Perdido Key Art and History

Perido Key has a multitude of local museums, and your whole family will love the excitement of visiting the home of the Blue Angels and learning about naval aviation. If art is more your style, you can visit local studios, or stop by the Pensacola Museum of Art, which offers everything from wine tasting classes to Saturday Art “Ed-ventures” which include tours of the museum and hands-on creative activities for children. Perdido Key visitors in the fall can also enjoy the Great Gulf Arts Festival, where hundreds of local artists come together to celebrate their creative endeavors.

Perdido Key Kids

Perdido Key kids parks range in size and type from the Big Lagoon State Park and wildlife sanctuary, which offers everything from beaches and water activities to playgrounds, canoeing and camping, to local water parks and entertainment arenas. Many of these parks are located within or near shopping and dining, so that after a hard day of play the whole family can relax.

Perdido Key Shopping and Dining

Perdido Key seafood is so famous that they have an annual seafood festival, generally held each September. All year round, however, Perdido Key offers fine dining at both popular chains and local hangouts filled with local flavor and the finest seafood dishes.



EUGENE