Still wondering why Florida is one of the best holiday destinations for the entire family? Just go through all that America’s ‘Sunshine State’ has to offer and you’ll understand.
Starting with its climate so warm and continuing with its clear blue water and tropical coral islands, going through the nature reserves, world-famous beaches to theme parks and the Kennedy Space Centre, Florida offers entertain to the whole family.
Orlando became one of the top vacation destinations in all of the United States since 1971 when Disney Land opened its gates. This entertainment mecca is world-famous as the home of Disney Worldฎ, but even without Disney, Orlando would be a magical kingdom. SeaWorld, Cypress Gardens, and Universal Studios are just a few of the attractions. Orlando, naturally blessed with a climate that is rivalled only by the temperate conditions of southern California is proud of the Walt Disney Resort that spans more than 47 miles and is home not just to one, but to several Disney Resorts.
The family of Disney Resorts that collectively make up Orlando’s Walt Disney World include the Magic Kingdom, the Epcot Center, the Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. At the Magic Kingdom Resort, it’s the famous members of the Disney movie family that are center stage. This park’s famous attractions are “It’s a Small World”, “Peter Pan’s Flight”, the “Cinderella Castle”, the most recognizable of Disney's icons, the Jungle Cruise” and “the Magic Carpets of Aladdin”. Universal Studios is a place where you can live out your dreams of being a film star, is a combination of working movie studio and theme park. Sea World's Wild Artic will lead you through the world of polar bears and beluga whales. Disney-MGM Studios' Twilight Zone includes a 13-storey plunge in the Tower of Terror.
Science and the spirit of exploration are the name of the game at Disney’s Epcot Center. Popular attractions here include: “Mission Space”, “Test Track”, and “Turtle Talk with Crush”. This is a great place to take the kids in order to fuel their interest and childlike curiosity for the mysteries of science.
A holiday in Orlando is something special for a variety of reasons not only the surrounding theme parks. Orlando is dominated by Lake Eola and is an excellent centre for shopping and eating. The trendy boutiques of Thorton Park, antique shops on Orange Avenue, 150 challenging golf courses within a 45-minute drive, and plenty of nightlife prove Orlando caters to grownups, too. The most famous downtown icon is Church Street Station, a collection of restaurants, bars and shops which really comes alive at night as the air cools and the music bars get going. The Orlando Science Center and the Orlando Museum of Art will provide you findings about Mayan civilisation.
If you want to discover the ‘Real Florida’ go to Ocala National Forest, a delightful nature reserve with several natural springs and lakes, and fantastic hiking, canoeing, fishing and swimming or visit the Blue Spring State Park which, for hundreds of years, was home to the Timucuan Indians. You shouldn’t miss the manatee’s home at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge where migrating birds stop on their way to and from South America.
Palm Beach and Miami Beach are probably the most famous beaches on the Atlantic ‘Gold’ Coast. The golden beaches, warm and clear sea, the fine sand sea is are making this area of coastline ideal for children. The atmosphere on the streets, the food, the music and the spirit in Miami are vivid due to the Hispanic population. The Art Deco Historic District, a collection of bright pink, lavender and turquoise buildings dating from the 1920s, is one of the most spectacular parts of town.
Dubai Can Be Real Hot And Cool Both
There is more about Dubai you should know apart from its breathtaking skyline and the trade and commerce. Specially, if you were about to finalise a travel plan to one of its famous sea beaches. Things like the law, political system, weather and traffic congestion are some of the key areas that require attention. This article gives you an account of the same important issues before you embark on with your much awaited sojourns.
Historical Background
Dubai was one of the first emirates to join the UAE, a unified group of seven Muslim majority states, when the British forces finally left the Middle East in 1971. The area is surrounded by Saudi Arabia and Oman and the shorelines unite with the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. A Supreme Council of Rulers is the governing body of the United Arab Emirates. This council consists the seven ruling Emirs as its members, who in turn appoint the Prime Minister and the various Cabinet berths for the federal government. Note that while the Supreme Council of Rulers has overall control of the complete UAE, Dubai is famous for the high level of autonomy that it maintains as far as its local development issues are concerned.
Normal Weather
Since the Emirate of Dubai is in the Middle East, the climate is naturally sub-tropical and what you might expect from a desert in the neighborhood. This is good news in terms of clear skies all the year. There is very little rainfall and most of it takes place during the winter season. Temperatures follow an extreme trend with the daytime temperatures of summer touching the 48 degrees Celsius, and the winters the 10 degrees Celsius marks. January is the coldest with an average temperature of around 24 degrees Celsius, while the hottest month of July may report back an average of 41 degrees Celsius mark.
Population Estimates
The United Arab Emirates constitutes a population comprising that of the ethnic Arab community and a huge number of expatriates from India, Pakistan, East Asian countries, United States and the members of European Union. The region has been witnessing an insessent inflow of the expatriates due to the ongoing trade and commerce activities, and this can be visualized through its sharp rise in population since 1995. It shot up to 3.1 million in the year 2000 from the 2.4 million mark in 1995.
The population registered in the case of Dubai was 689,000 and 862,000 in the years 1995 and 2000 respectively. Most of these counted people reside within the urban areas of Dubai, while a tiny fraction prefers living on in the neighbouring countryside farms.
Language, Holidays, Local Time and Religion
Arabic is the official language of UAE, but also spoken are some other languages. English enjoys being the medium of communication in the majority of trade and commerce activities, while Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam and some other dialects are spoken by the expatriates from India and Pakistan.
Dubai's standard time runs four hours ahead of GMT and keeps unchanged through out the twelve month period. It runs one and one and half hours behind the Pakistan and Indian standard times respectively.
Islam is the official religion of all Arabian countries including the UAE. Dubai is no exception either in this context. As a result, the Muslim holidays and festivities assume a very significant role in its normal life. These holidays may keep varying from one year to another as per the Islamic calender.
Visa Issues and Transportation
Visa rules can vary for the travellers from different nations. Citizens of the western block of nations may walk out of the airport with a visa on their arrival. Visitors from the rest of world are not allowed the same kind of luxury though. Those who may be looking forward to carrying on with their business activities will have to get somebody local sponsorship first.
Buses and taxis are available for the transportation within Dubai, but it may not prove sufficient to those who may have plans of going outside of the city area. Hiring private vehicles is a much preferred option for this reason these days. Roads in and outside of Dubai are advanced in nature, but the general traffic sense may not prove out to be that much appealing. Be wary of driving on Dubai's roads, if you were not fully aware if its existing traffic hazards, like the disorderly driving on the roads within and the wandering camels off the city limits.
Dubai's government has initiated some steps recently to improve upon its general traffic scenario. There are several projects planned to carry out this task, including a floating bridge over Dubai Creek, upgrading of the First Interchange with a three-tier interchange, the Dubai Outer Bypass Road and the Sufouh Roads Network etc.
Historical Background
Dubai was one of the first emirates to join the UAE, a unified group of seven Muslim majority states, when the British forces finally left the Middle East in 1971. The area is surrounded by Saudi Arabia and Oman and the shorelines unite with the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. A Supreme Council of Rulers is the governing body of the United Arab Emirates. This council consists the seven ruling Emirs as its members, who in turn appoint the Prime Minister and the various Cabinet berths for the federal government. Note that while the Supreme Council of Rulers has overall control of the complete UAE, Dubai is famous for the high level of autonomy that it maintains as far as its local development issues are concerned.
Normal Weather
Since the Emirate of Dubai is in the Middle East, the climate is naturally sub-tropical and what you might expect from a desert in the neighborhood. This is good news in terms of clear skies all the year. There is very little rainfall and most of it takes place during the winter season. Temperatures follow an extreme trend with the daytime temperatures of summer touching the 48 degrees Celsius, and the winters the 10 degrees Celsius marks. January is the coldest with an average temperature of around 24 degrees Celsius, while the hottest month of July may report back an average of 41 degrees Celsius mark.
Population Estimates
The United Arab Emirates constitutes a population comprising that of the ethnic Arab community and a huge number of expatriates from India, Pakistan, East Asian countries, United States and the members of European Union. The region has been witnessing an insessent inflow of the expatriates due to the ongoing trade and commerce activities, and this can be visualized through its sharp rise in population since 1995. It shot up to 3.1 million in the year 2000 from the 2.4 million mark in 1995.
The population registered in the case of Dubai was 689,000 and 862,000 in the years 1995 and 2000 respectively. Most of these counted people reside within the urban areas of Dubai, while a tiny fraction prefers living on in the neighbouring countryside farms.
Language, Holidays, Local Time and Religion
Arabic is the official language of UAE, but also spoken are some other languages. English enjoys being the medium of communication in the majority of trade and commerce activities, while Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam and some other dialects are spoken by the expatriates from India and Pakistan.
Dubai's standard time runs four hours ahead of GMT and keeps unchanged through out the twelve month period. It runs one and one and half hours behind the Pakistan and Indian standard times respectively.
Islam is the official religion of all Arabian countries including the UAE. Dubai is no exception either in this context. As a result, the Muslim holidays and festivities assume a very significant role in its normal life. These holidays may keep varying from one year to another as per the Islamic calender.
Visa Issues and Transportation
Visa rules can vary for the travellers from different nations. Citizens of the western block of nations may walk out of the airport with a visa on their arrival. Visitors from the rest of world are not allowed the same kind of luxury though. Those who may be looking forward to carrying on with their business activities will have to get somebody local sponsorship first.
Buses and taxis are available for the transportation within Dubai, but it may not prove sufficient to those who may have plans of going outside of the city area. Hiring private vehicles is a much preferred option for this reason these days. Roads in and outside of Dubai are advanced in nature, but the general traffic sense may not prove out to be that much appealing. Be wary of driving on Dubai's roads, if you were not fully aware if its existing traffic hazards, like the disorderly driving on the roads within and the wandering camels off the city limits.
Dubai's government has initiated some steps recently to improve upon its general traffic scenario. There are several projects planned to carry out this task, including a floating bridge over Dubai Creek, upgrading of the First Interchange with a three-tier interchange, the Dubai Outer Bypass Road and the Sufouh Roads Network etc.
Getting Away To Charity Island
Getting away to Charity Island offers you the chance to get in touch with nature while relaxing. Unlike other destinations, Charity Island is also a environmentally protected area.
Getting Away To Charity Island
Charity Island is actually two islands, Big and Little Charity Island, both of which are in the state of Michigan. It is located in the Saginaw Bay, which is part of Lake Huron contained inside the state. More than 80 percent of Charity Island is owned by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as part of its Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Also on the island is an old and beloved lighthouse, built in 1857 and used until a replacement was built in 1939. Choosing Charity Island as a destination can make your trip to Michigan special and unique, especially if you choose to stay on the islands.
While on Charity Island, you must be aware that you are in a protected environment. As such, there are some rules that need to be followed. There is no camping on the island, so you will need to make other arrangements for accommodations There are also no campfires, hunting, firearms, fireworks, pets or alcoholic beverages allowed on the island. All of these rules are for the safety of the wildlife refuge housed here, and you will need to be mindful of the law as you enjoy your time on the islands.
For accommodations on Big Charity Island, there is just one choice: Charity Island Lodge. This seasonal getaway lodging spot was built in 2003, and it is the only private lodging on the island besides the lighthouse keeper’s home. The lodge offers accommodations for six with a loft area and master bedroom for sleeping. A kitchen is provided stocked with utensils and other necessities, but you will need to bring many items with you; including food, water, linens and toiletries. Getting to Charity Island Lodge requires a boat; either your own or via ferry service that is available from June to September. Nightly rentals of the Charity Island Lodge are available.
Even if you don’t wish to stay on the island, you can still experience Charity Island on a day trip. Ferries to the island including a dinner cruise leave from Au Gres, Michigan all summer. The "Northstar" runs this trip, which includes a tour of the historic lighthouse and a buffet dinner at the Lighthouse keeper's Home. The trip to Big Charity Island takes about 75 minutes, and is full of breathtaking views and a spectacular sunset on the ride back.
Whether you choose to stay on Charity Island, or in nearby Au Gres or East Tawas, you can be sure that you will have a memorable and exciting family trip. While enjoying the historic lighthouse and beautiful wildlife refuge, be sure to keep in mind the laws of the land, and your entire party will have a great time.
Getting Away To Charity Island
Charity Island is actually two islands, Big and Little Charity Island, both of which are in the state of Michigan. It is located in the Saginaw Bay, which is part of Lake Huron contained inside the state. More than 80 percent of Charity Island is owned by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as part of its Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Also on the island is an old and beloved lighthouse, built in 1857 and used until a replacement was built in 1939. Choosing Charity Island as a destination can make your trip to Michigan special and unique, especially if you choose to stay on the islands.
While on Charity Island, you must be aware that you are in a protected environment. As such, there are some rules that need to be followed. There is no camping on the island, so you will need to make other arrangements for accommodations There are also no campfires, hunting, firearms, fireworks, pets or alcoholic beverages allowed on the island. All of these rules are for the safety of the wildlife refuge housed here, and you will need to be mindful of the law as you enjoy your time on the islands.
For accommodations on Big Charity Island, there is just one choice: Charity Island Lodge. This seasonal getaway lodging spot was built in 2003, and it is the only private lodging on the island besides the lighthouse keeper’s home. The lodge offers accommodations for six with a loft area and master bedroom for sleeping. A kitchen is provided stocked with utensils and other necessities, but you will need to bring many items with you; including food, water, linens and toiletries. Getting to Charity Island Lodge requires a boat; either your own or via ferry service that is available from June to September. Nightly rentals of the Charity Island Lodge are available.
Even if you don’t wish to stay on the island, you can still experience Charity Island on a day trip. Ferries to the island including a dinner cruise leave from Au Gres, Michigan all summer. The "Northstar" runs this trip, which includes a tour of the historic lighthouse and a buffet dinner at the Lighthouse keeper's Home. The trip to Big Charity Island takes about 75 minutes, and is full of breathtaking views and a spectacular sunset on the ride back.
Whether you choose to stay on Charity Island, or in nearby Au Gres or East Tawas, you can be sure that you will have a memorable and exciting family trip. While enjoying the historic lighthouse and beautiful wildlife refuge, be sure to keep in mind the laws of the land, and your entire party will have a great time.
Disneyland - Fun for All the Family
Although some time ago now, I can still remember my visit to Disneyland Florida when I was a child. This is because of the enjoyment that I felt when I was there. It was almost as though this place was a fantasy and it really is a child's dream to go there. However this isn't to say that adults can not enjoy the visit, and in fact there are a number of attractions that can be enjoyed for people of all ages.
There is always something to see or do at Disneyland during the daytime, and there is also nightly entertainment during the peak season, and weekend entertainment during the off-season.
On Tom Sawyer's Island, a show called Fantasmic is held twice each night during the peak season and on off-season weekends. It features many Disneyland characters, fireworks, and music, and although seating is free, it is recommended to purchase tickets for the show in advance for the best seating possible.
Twice each day, The Parade of Dreams takes place and again includes many of the Disneyland characters, with choreographed shows featuring at various times throughout the parade.
Musical shows are available at many times throughout the day, including the Snow White musical in the Fantasyland Theater.
There is so much to see at Disneyland and so much going on that is impossible to get bored, and then to end the day you should not miss out on the fireworks display. The fireworks show is held late each night, before the park closes for the day.
If you are staying in a Disneyland hotel you will probably even be able to see the display from there if you can not stay for the fireworks! The firework display is a perfect opportunity to take some photo snaps to remember your time there, especially if you get to view the show from in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle.
Most of the entertainment is included in the admission price. However, consider purchasing priority seating for some events that you are desperate to see, as being able to view shows from good seating makes them even more memorable.
There is always something to see or do at Disneyland during the daytime, and there is also nightly entertainment during the peak season, and weekend entertainment during the off-season.
On Tom Sawyer's Island, a show called Fantasmic is held twice each night during the peak season and on off-season weekends. It features many Disneyland characters, fireworks, and music, and although seating is free, it is recommended to purchase tickets for the show in advance for the best seating possible.
Twice each day, The Parade of Dreams takes place and again includes many of the Disneyland characters, with choreographed shows featuring at various times throughout the parade.
Musical shows are available at many times throughout the day, including the Snow White musical in the Fantasyland Theater.
There is so much to see at Disneyland and so much going on that is impossible to get bored, and then to end the day you should not miss out on the fireworks display. The fireworks show is held late each night, before the park closes for the day.
If you are staying in a Disneyland hotel you will probably even be able to see the display from there if you can not stay for the fireworks! The firework display is a perfect opportunity to take some photo snaps to remember your time there, especially if you get to view the show from in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle.
Most of the entertainment is included in the admission price. However, consider purchasing priority seating for some events that you are desperate to see, as being able to view shows from good seating makes them even more memorable.
Disney World Traveling
Disney World is probably the most popular theme park in the world, attractions, rides, characters, the works, there is no doubt that nobody goes to Disney World to get headaches. To prevent unnecessary muscle and head pain, it is best to be prepared.
Proper Season
It is best to go to Disney World during off season, which is roughly around early January to mid February, or after Labor Day through mid December. During off season, there are less people, less congestion and less headaches. What’s more, it rarely gets cold in Florida, even during winter season, and it gets swelteringly hot and humid during summer, so winter, really is the time to go.
The Proper Lodgings
Although it is cheaper to stay in hotels outside of Disney World, the extra cash you’ll have to cough up if you stay inside is more than made up for by the comfort and convenience of an inside stay.
Imagine getting traveling from your room, then going through the 47 square mile area that is Disney world, then traveling back to your Hotel… exhausting isn’t it?
The Proper Schedule
Where to actually go once you get there is determined by your choice of companions, kids, teenagers or adults.
Kids
Go through Cinderella’s Castle and Visit Fantasy Land or Mickey’s Toon Town, the little tots will surely love all the characters roaming around that area. The rides in these parts are built for 6 year olds and below, but mommy or daddy can still squeeze themselves in if they want.
Adults or Teens
A trip to Magic Kingdom may be in order if you’re with big kids. You can go to Splash Mountain to get wet or to Space Mountain to get some indoor rollercoaster, and fun for the bumpy person, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad should be enough to satisfy their taste for adventure.
Rides for Everyone
If you want something that everyone can enjoy, a ride in the Walt Disney World Railroad, can rest those tired feet and at the same time give you an enjoyable view of Magic Kingdom.
Haunted Mansion, although not really for very young kids, can be a thrill for toddlers, it’s a ride not a walk through so there’s no tripping or running involved.
For relaxing walks, try the Tiki Room Show or the Swiss family Tree House.
The Proper Dining Experience
For cute snacks, try the Aloha Isle inside Adventureland, they conjure up creative drinks and snacks, a good place to try something cute and different.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe provides a cool indoor dining area between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland where you can enjoy your food to your hearts content.
Proper Season
It is best to go to Disney World during off season, which is roughly around early January to mid February, or after Labor Day through mid December. During off season, there are less people, less congestion and less headaches. What’s more, it rarely gets cold in Florida, even during winter season, and it gets swelteringly hot and humid during summer, so winter, really is the time to go.
The Proper Lodgings
Although it is cheaper to stay in hotels outside of Disney World, the extra cash you’ll have to cough up if you stay inside is more than made up for by the comfort and convenience of an inside stay.
Imagine getting traveling from your room, then going through the 47 square mile area that is Disney world, then traveling back to your Hotel… exhausting isn’t it?
The Proper Schedule
Where to actually go once you get there is determined by your choice of companions, kids, teenagers or adults.
Kids
Go through Cinderella’s Castle and Visit Fantasy Land or Mickey’s Toon Town, the little tots will surely love all the characters roaming around that area. The rides in these parts are built for 6 year olds and below, but mommy or daddy can still squeeze themselves in if they want.
Adults or Teens
A trip to Magic Kingdom may be in order if you’re with big kids. You can go to Splash Mountain to get wet or to Space Mountain to get some indoor rollercoaster, and fun for the bumpy person, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad should be enough to satisfy their taste for adventure.
Rides for Everyone
If you want something that everyone can enjoy, a ride in the Walt Disney World Railroad, can rest those tired feet and at the same time give you an enjoyable view of Magic Kingdom.
Haunted Mansion, although not really for very young kids, can be a thrill for toddlers, it’s a ride not a walk through so there’s no tripping or running involved.
For relaxing walks, try the Tiki Room Show or the Swiss family Tree House.
The Proper Dining Experience
For cute snacks, try the Aloha Isle inside Adventureland, they conjure up creative drinks and snacks, a good place to try something cute and different.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe provides a cool indoor dining area between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland where you can enjoy your food to your hearts content.
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