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Monday, March 31, 2008

Downtown Orlando Hotels Offer Glimpse of the City’s Future

Orlando is in expansion mode: visitors traveling through downtown Orlando on I-4 or the 408 East-West Expressway can’t help but notice the abundance of construction cranes that dot the skyline of “The City Beautiful.” Downtown Orlando hotels enable travelers to witness firsthand the cultural renaissance taking place in downtown Orlando.

Downtown Orlando hotels such as the Orlando Marriott Downtown, Courtyard Orlando Downtown, and the Lexington at Orlando CityPlace are all minutes away from the Amway Arena (Orlando’s primary concert venue and home of the Orlando Magic) as well as the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.

Whether they are in the mood to watch a basketball game or the touring company of a Broadway show, downtown Orlando hotels keep travelers close to the city’s athletic and cultural events—and close enough to the theme park attractions that have made Orlando an international travel destination.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Encantada Resort

One of the best country music singers in the business will be performing LIVE pool-side at Encantada Resort near Disney World. This is a FREE event, so bring your family and friends for a magical evening!

DATE: Tuesday April 1, 2008
TIME: 7:30 pm
PLACE: Encantada Resort
ADDRESS: 3070 Secret Lake Drive, Kissimmee, Florida 34747

Mention the name “John Berry” to just about any country music lover and the response will likely be, “What an awesome vocalist!” For he is noted for the intense passion hs has brought to such hits as “Your Love Amazes Me” and “Standing on the Edge of Goodbye.” John Berry’s wide-ranging tenor voice remains an instrument of stupendous power.

Please join Encantada Resort and WYTZ radio for a night to remember!

Friday, March 28, 2008

Orlando Disney Hotels Offer a Break from Theme Park Crowds

Sometimes travelers need a break from their own vacation, and Orlando Disney hotels offer the proximity to Walt Disney World that Orlando visitors want, with an opportunity to take in some of the other attractions that the Sunshine State has to offer.

Not only do the larger Kissimmee and Orlando Disney hotels provide transportation to Walt Disney World, but these luxurious resorts have become destinations in and of themselves. The Clarion Resort and Waterpark is a full service hotel with its own waterpark right on the premises, and the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center is a virtual oasis in the middle of Central Florida, with its own spa, unique dining experiences, and extensive conference and exhibition space.

The theme parks might be the ultimate destination for most Orlando visitors, but Orlando Disney hotels give guests a peaceful alternative to soak up some of the Florida sun.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Galleria Palms

The Galleria Palms Orlando, formerly the Meridian Palms, is an affordable luxury hotel that specializes in individual family vacations and small groups. Free deluxe continental breakfast that features hot and cold items is served from 6-10 AM daily. Free scheduled shuttle services are available for our guests to Disney, Universal and SeaWorld. We will soon offer transportation to the new water park Aquatica daily.
Rooms have all the amenities you need such as 32” flat panel wall mounted TV, microwave, refrigerator, pillow top mattresses, wet bar with coffee maker, hairdryer and more
Relax by the outdoor pool or adventure out shopping or a hot air balloon ride that picks up right at our front door.
Visit our website: Galleria Palms to make your reservation..

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Disney Hotels Keep Guests Close to the Magic

There are thousands of hotel rooms on Walt Disney World property, enabling guests to save driving time, avoid car rental expenses, and have a chance to catch Disney’s nightly firework displays from the comfort of their own Disney hotel.

Vacationers staying at Disney hotels can take Disney’s Magical Express Service directly from Orlando International Airport to the front door of their Disney hotel. The resorts also provide free shuttle service to the four theme parks and other attractions on Disney property. Disney resort guests receive complimentary parking at the Disney theme parks for the length of their resort stay, for even more savings.

Several Disney hotels, such as the Grand Floridian Resort, Walt Disney World Swan, and Polynesian Resort offer character dining or dinner shows that keep dinner guests of all ages well-fed and entertained. From check in to check out, Disney hotels keep Orlando tourists close to the magic of Disney.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Orlando Hotels Available for Spring Break

With Spring Break in full swing, there are still a number of options available for travelers who are considering an Orlando vacation. Orlando hotels come in every different price range, and with more than 112,000 hotel rooms to choose from in the Central Florida area, even the biggest procrastinators can book a room at an Orlando hotel in time for a spur-of-the-moment spring break vacation.

When booking an Orlando hotel, keep in mind where the hotel is located before deciding if a car rental is necessary. The resorts and hotels on Walt Disney World property (Lake Buena Vista) provide free shuttle service to the Disney theme parks, and there are a number of Disney “Good Neighbor” hotels in Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida that also shuttle guests to the “House of Mouse.” Hotels along International Drive—another major tourist area—often provide transportation to Disney, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival


The 15th Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is back beginning March 19 - June 1, 2008.

During this seasonal celebration, families and garden enthusiasts blooms with Disney magic! Visit our new Garden Odyssey Festival Center, meet well known horticulturists and enjoy an enchanting evening "under the stars" at the Flower Power Concert Series. On May 11th, mom's around the world can enjoy Epcot's "Mother's Day Brunch" so make your reservations early!

Monday, March 24, 2008

Car Hire Guide to Driving in Australia

Hiring a car and making your own way around Australia is by far the best way to fully experience and immerse yourself into the Oz environment. With your own car you can free yourself from the constraints of any schedules or set routes, leaving your holiday open to a whole host of surprises. Anyone over 18 can drive in Australia, providing they have their local licence, which if not in English, may need to be translated. To hire a car though, you need to be over 21 also; most companies may charge a little extra for those under 25. The majority of Australia's main roads are well maintained, with the average car taking you virtually anywhere in Oz. If however, you wish to explore the outback, drive on the beach or Fraser Island for instance then you're going to need a 4x4.

It's important to note that Australia occupies around 5% of the world's surface, making it the 6th largest country on the planet. Combined with the fact that it's also one of the least populated countries, with 2.5 persons per square km, compared to the UKs 244 persons per sq km - Australia is a place you really don't want to break down or get lost in. All of Australia's major towns and cities are located on the coast, with the majority of the population living along the east coast and in the south west of country. For the most part, everything in between is vast, flat, open area known as the outback.

Driving in the outback is an excellent way to fully enjoy the freedom you get from hiring your own vehicle and can turn into a real adventure. At the same time, it's important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety if anything does go wrong. To begin with it's important to seek local advice from someone who knows the area, along with leaving a copy of your intended itinerary or route and expected arrival time. On the off chance anything does happen to your or your vehicle in a remote area, do not attempt to walk for help, stay with your car, as this generally greatly increases your chances of being found. It's also worth noting that checking with your car hire agency before driving off road in important, as this is something that may not be covered. Searching online is the best way to find a cheap car hire quote for Australia, enabling you to find the exact car hire company to suit your requirements.
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Car Rental For Less Money Vacation

When visiting the United Kingdom, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and also Southern Ireland, you must consider the most appropriate form of transportation. If you choose to travel by rail you are limited to just where you can travel and when. When on board you just speed past the wonderful countryside which is Great Britain. The only reasonable way to travel is by hiring a self drive car, this enables you to travel at your own speed, visit the places you wish to see and if you notice something which catches your eye, you can stop and at leisure fully appreciate the scene before you. It must always be remembered when you are deciding which car to hire, just how many passengers and how much baggage you will have. British cars do not have the large boots (trunks) which are available overseas. Another point to bear in mind is automatic transmission cars are always more expensive than cars with manual transmission. It is now becoming the norm in the UK for cars to be powered by turbo diesel engines rather than petrol (gas), which whilst it is a little more expensive per gallon to buy you do receive in the region of 30% more mileage to the gallon.

Car hire prices can vary tremendously, also the services which are included in the cost of hire, so it is always advisable to fully investigate exactly the deal you are getting before committing to making a reservation. One company, fully aware of the high prices which may be charged have produced a special price for visitors to the UK and they believe they are now one of, if not the cheapest, best value for money Car Hire Company available All vehicles are six months or less in age and have air conditioning, CD etc, whilst another feature being the company will insure drivers from the age of 21, (a small extra premium will be charged) up to over 80 years. The hire cost of the car always includes insurance, including CDW and Theft Protection, Unlimited Mileage, Location/Airport charges and one great advantage, all one way hires over three days have no extra charge. This can only be good for the visitor and for the travel trade in general, the reason Away to Britain go all out to assist the inbound traveler whether on business or vacation.
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Car Rental Gas Service Option - Is it Wise?

That statement in one form or another has been part of car rentals since the beginning. In the early days, it was a straight out principle issue. You used it, you replace it. At some point between then, and now, someone realized that "there's a lot of money to be made with the gas tank on rentals. For those who don't know, lets explain your refuelling options in car rentals. When you rent a car, the car usually comes with a full tank of gas. In some circumstances, it comes with a partially full tank. In either case, the rental company will give you three options. Bring it back at the same level you got it at, (full) prepay for a full tank of gas (GSO) and bring it back empty, or bring it back empty and pay a refuelling charge (FSO) of a more expensive per gallon rate. Fuel Service Option (FSO) is almost always the costliest option. Up and down the California Coast, most cities have FSO charges around $5.99 a gallon (and with recent prices, even higher). Around the country, its not much better. While your mileage may vary on the actual price per gallon, the FSO charges are almost always a good Dollar per gallon more expensive than the prevailing GSO (prepaid) rate or the rate of the local gas stations. It may seem that there is no really good reason to use the FSO, but there is. While most FSO users are people with more money than time or people who forgot to fill up the gas tank, there is one segment where it is cheaper to use this service than any other.

If you have a discount code, it may be because of your employer. Some employers, such as Microsoft and Government Contracts like Lockheed Martin have negotiated rates where the same dollar amount for fuel refueling is charged nationwide. Depending on the market, it may not be that bad. In one circumstance, a friend of mine who worked for one of the above mentioned companies went on a trip to Kona, Hawaii. On that trip, the fuel service option refueling price was less than the per gallon prices of all the local gas stations within 5 miles of the airport. In that case, its always best to just bring the car back as it is.

On the other end of the spectrum, the GSO option is a prepaid full tank of gas at a specific rate. In most car rental agencies, the GSO price is the average of the three closest gas stations. With this average, the multiply the tank capacity by that number and offer it as a flat rate to fill up the tank. But let the buyer beware. If the tank is not totally empty when you return it, you do not get a refund on the gas you use. You have effectively paid for a full tank of gas and if your not "empty" on return, you've just given the car rental agency free gas to use.
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Ellen DeGeneres Show

The Ellen DeGeneres show is coming back to Universal Orlando Resort- March 28 and 29 guests can be a part of the excitement at the Riff Raff Street Party in CityWalk – see live musical performances and watch the shows on the Astrovision screen.For more details call 407-363-8000 . For hotels in Orlando

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Bellavida Resort

Enjoy the Beautiful Life in a Bellavida Resort Vacation Rental Home

Imagine your next Orlando vacation without the hassle of hotel reservations, overpriced dining options and parking fees. Picture yourself in a tropical hideaway where your room is always ready, dinner is on the house, and your car is one step away from your front door. Once you rent a vacation home at the Bellavida Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, the perfect Orlando vacation becomes a reality—time and time again.

The Bellavida Resort is located just minutes away from Walt Disney World and other Orlando attractions, and 24 hour online reservations are just a mouse-click away through Orlandoescape.com. Book your reservation today, and imagine a lifetime of beautiful tomorrows when you tour the meticulously maintained grounds of the Bellavida Resort.

The vacation rental homes at the Bellavida Resort have been designed to appeal to residents of all ages. Whether you are staying in a spacious 4 bedroom/3 bathroom Tall Palms model or the cozy 3 bedroom/2 ½ bathroom Sunrise plan, you can be rest assured that each residence has been built with distinctive quality, character, and attention to detail, and the superior construction meets or exceeds all local and state building codes.

Bellavida is a place where you can be as private or as social as you want to be, and the other resort guests are actually your neighbors. The Clubhouse covers more than 6,700 square feet, and has one community pool, 15 acres of lakes, a cyber café, arcade, basketball courts and volleyball nets, television room, walking trails, picnic area, tot lot playground, and Italian gardens.

Bellavida is approximately five miles from Walt Disney World, and is only minutes away from other local attractions such as Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, and Discovery Cove. There are a number of local restaurants on US 192, and the Medieval Times dinner theatre is located directly in front of Bellavida.

What’s even more exciting about Bellavida’s location is its proximity to Florida’s Gulf Coast. A one hour drive west on I-4 will bring you to the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolitan area, which is only minutes away from the white powdery sands of Clearwater Beach and other seaside resorts.

Best of all, your vacation rental home at Bellavida has all the comforts of home, because it is a real home. To book your reservation online through Orlandoescape.com, go to URL http://www.orlandoescape.com/bellavida/resort.htm and click on “Reservations.” Imagine an Orlando vacation that never has to end. The beautiful life begins here at the Bellavida Resort.

Cheap Car Hire At Alicante Airport

Most travellers to Spain are interested in car hire when they're on holiday in Alicante. But what many people may not realize is that you can save quit some money on your car rental on the Costa Blanca if you plan ahead and do your research. Here are some simple tips to save money on your next holiday in Alicante or whenever you need a rent a car. Shop around. Research for car hire in Alicante, or any other popular tourist destination in Spain can be best done online and it is important to compare the rates from various car rental companies, travel comparison website or specialized car hire brokers which compare companies against each other. Book you car hire at Alicante airport ahead of time. Booking early is essential to saving money. You can obviously get off the plane and book your car hire at one of the car rental counters at Alicante airport, but you must be prepared to pay more, much more. Instead, get online and simply look for the best car hire deal available.

If you are planning your holidays several months in advance, check the car hire prices as soon as possible, because many times, car rental companies will give discounts to early bookers (sometimes called early bird deals). Consider how much time will you spend in the car in all reality? Whilst on holiday you will be out of the car most of the time. It just makes sense to get a more affordable vehicle and pocket the extra money instead of renting a bigger model. After signing the car rental agreement make sure that the vehicle is in good shape. Examine the car for scratches, dents, tears in the upholstery or balding tires and if you find any, report them to the car rental representative before leaving. If you don't, at some companies you may be considered responsible for the costs of those repairs when you return the vehicle.

It is not always necessary to buy extra car insurance from the car rental agency. Most companies will propose and additional insurance cover when you collect the vehicle, but sometimes it's really not necessary. Make sure that you understand the conditions when you accept the offer of car rental insurance from the agency. Some car rental companies apply an out of hour service charge if you collect the car after midnight. Do the numbers before you book that cheaper flight with late night arrival, in the end you may have to pay the money saved to the car hire company in Alicante instead of the airline. Make sure that you fully understand the petrol policy when you collect the car at Alicante airport. Some car hire companies in Alicante may request you to fill up the car and return with a full tank of petrol, others will ask you to return the car as empty as possible and do not refund unused fuel. Car rental is usually an easy and straightforward process and you can drive around in a great looking car at a great price. Regardless of what area you're in, try to book your car early and save that money for the holiday itself!
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Belize Auto Rental Good Way To Explore Paradise

If you wish to explore the tropical paradise of Belize on your own, then it is best to know the ins and outs of driving and renting your own car in Belize. There are several Belize auto rental companies scattered throughout the country. In Belize City, there is Budget Rent-A-Car, Buy Belize Auto Rental, Crystal Auto Rental, Euphrates Auto Rental and Sales, Jabiru Auto Rental, Nexgen Auto Rental, Pancho's, Smith and Sons, Thrifty Car Rental, Hertz/Safari Car Rental, and Vista Auto Rental.

In other locations are Avis Rent-A-Car in Ladyville, Barefoot Rentals in Placencia, Cayo Auto Rental in San Ignacio, Matus Car Rental in Cayo District, and Ready Rentals in Dandriga. First off, you need of course a valid driver's license in order to rent a car in Belize. Credit cards details are usually held as deposits but sometimes, Belize auto rental companies also accept travelers' checks or cash. If you feel uncomfortable giving out your credit card information, then you can inquire if they accept the two latter options. Purchase the maximum amount of auto insurance available from the rental company. You also may be able to get additional coverage from your credit card company. The people of Belize are a gentle people until they get behind the wheel of a car. You really need to protect yourself in case of a mishap.

There are three main highways in Belize: the Northern Highway which stretches from Belize City up to the border of Mexico in Quintanaroo, Chetumal, the Western Highway which extends from Belize City through Cayo district, ending at the Guatemalan border, and the Hummingbird Highway which reaches out from Belmopan to Dandriga Town. A comprehensive country map is particularly helpful if you plan to avail the services of a Belize auto rental. You just have to take note of significant landmarks and tourist attractions in order to maximize your personal use of a car to tour the country. For example, just in Western Highway alone, you will already find a lot of impressive tourist spots. There is the capital city of Belmopan, Hattieville Village, the Twin Towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, The Belize Zoo, the Xunantunich and Cahal Pech Maya Ruins, the Pine Ridge Area where the 1000 feet falls and Rio Frio caves are, and the famous Inland Blue Hole.

Other roads you have to watch out for are the Southern Highway which has a considerable amount of beautiful paved road and stretches to 10 miles up to Punta Gorda town and the Old Northern Highway which carries a whole lot of history. There is also the Coastal Road or Manattee Highway which many Belize auto rental companies might advise you to steer clear of it since they are very dusty and the condition of the roads get even worse during rainy days. Night driving is generally fine for major roads since most of them are lighted with street lamps. The only hitch is that during tire or automobile emergencies, you might have a hard time chancing upon other motorists who will help you on the road. If you can help it, it is best to drive during day time. Like any other country, there are speed limits in Belize. In major roads, it is always safe to stay under 60 MPH and in dirt roads, lest you want to be covered in dust and trapped in large potholes, it is best to drive within limits. As for gas stations, there are approximately 40 gas stations throughout the country. There is Esso, Shell, and Texaco Service Stations. Both Belizean and US dollars and credit cards are accepted, so you need not worry about bills you have not yet exchanged.
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Choosing Car Rental Company

That's the greeting i got from a website when i was surprisingly on the opposite of the car rental industry. From renting out cars to becoming a renter myself i soon realized that there is a huge gap in what suppliers know to what clients actually know. It surprises me that many clients try to find the lowest rate possible, but in most cases its not the "real deal" that the clients bargin for, what you see in car rental is most certainly not what you get!!!! Most websites say no hidden costs but when you start adding up the costs that they have presented you , you actually paying more for your rental that you thought. Lets take an example, before i rented my vehicle, i did some searches on the web. I got some really really cheap deal, but knowing the industry i started to inspect these a bit more. This is what i found:

Group B (Toyota Corolla) 1.4
5 DAYS AT R295 PER DAY
UNLIMITED MILEAGE - ZERO EXCESS
1. R35 CONTRACT FEE
2. R500 ONE WAY FEE
3. R1000 FUEL DEPOSIT
Total R2010
I thought great, i can settle for this , but then i got a better quote :
Group B (Toyota Corolla) 1.6

5 DAYS AT R309 PER DAY - UNLIMITED MILEAGE - ZERO EXCESS
1. R30 CONTRACT FEE
2. R330 ONE WAY FEE
3. R1000 FUEL DEPOSIT
4. CLAIM HANDLING FEE R330
5. INCLUDES VAT
Total Fee = R1905

So i got to task about this and looked a bit deeper, I asked the first company if their rate included VAT and if they have a claim handling fee, well they came back and they said that their rate does include vat but the extra's do not? Hmmmm effectively the extras would have been (which they failed to quote) :
1. R39.9 CONTRACT FEE
2. R570 ONE WAY FEE
3. R1000 FUEL DEPOSIT
4. R450 (WITH VAT R513) CLAIM HANDLING FEE
Total = R2084.90
So that make me think even more, over a five day period i would have lost approx R180, now imagine if the car group was bigger or my rental 25 days. As clients we see a daily rate and think wow thats low, but all rental companies have a set amount that they can sell out at in order to be productive. If you looked close enough you would have noticed that i was paying more for the same group of car but the engine sizes differed, i was going to pay more for a car that cost less to buy.
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Saturday, March 22, 2008

Park Square Homes

Park Square Homes Fly and Buy Program, Millions of people visit Orlando each year for fun and sun or business meetings. More and more of them are choosing to stay in a comfortable vacation home instead of a cramped hotel room. Park Square Homes offers some of the finest resort homes in magnificent communities that are convenient to all the reasons people love to visit Orlando. If you are considering the purchase of your own vacation home, why not try one out first?


If you are relocating to Orlando, do you need a comfortable place to stay while you are in town house hunting? Park Square Homes is pleased to announce our new Fly and Buy program which will provide prospective homebuyers a discounted stay at one of our resorts. PLUS we will reimburse lodging and airfare expenses* if you purchase a new Park Square home in any of our remarkable new home communities. Here is how it works:
1. Make reservations for a 3- or 4-bedroom townhome through eManagement.
2. Visit Orlando and tour our beautiful new home communities
3. Stay for 3 to 5 nights in a beautiful Sunrise or Tall Palms townhome at either Encantada Resort or BellaVida Resort.
4. Present this Coupon when you purchase a new Park Square Home.
5. Submit your airfare and lodging receipts when you close on your new Park Square Home.
6. Receive reimbursement of up to $2,000!

No high pressure sales pitch – no long meeting to sit through. Just the opportunity to discover the difference a Park Square Home can make!

We hope you enjoy your visit to Orlando and we’re sure you’ll enjoy your Park Square Home!
*Some restrictions apply.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress


This event is a must see, you will have a great time. Interactive chef demonstrations and cooking classes have begun at – Hyatt Regency Grand. The complimentary Chef Demonstrations are held from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on April 5 and May 3. Resort and community guests are invited behind the scenes and into the Chef’s Kitchen of La Coquina restaurant for an interactive and lively culinary experience for all skill levels including:
• Complimentary Admission
• Complimentary Valet Parking
• Recipes, Tips and Tastings
• Each guest will also receive a $25 gift card to enjoy a future dining experience.
Space is limited and reservations are recommended by calling 407-239-3853. The interactive classes are hosted by Executive Chef Kenneth Juran and his talented culinary team at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. Recipes and techniques showcase signature entrees and pastries featured at the resorts popular restaurants as well as the seven-course gourmet wine dinner menu.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Affordable Vacation Packages

Just in time for spring break, Orlandoescape.com—the #1 Internet site for Orlando—is offering a variety of affordable vacation packages for the top three theme park destinations in Orlando: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando.

Travelers can make their reservations by calling Orlandoescape.com at 1-800-901-1760. Details about the vacation packages can be accessed directly at Affordable Orlando Vacation Packages

“This year, everybody is doing what they can to keep costs down.Fortunately, these vacation packages will enable people to have the kind of vacation they’ve always dreamed of at a price they can afford.”
Disney vacation packages range from a three day Monthly Special starting at $109.00 plus tax to a six day Deluxe Disney Magical Getaway for $999.00 plus tax. Each deal includes a choice of accommodations based on the package selected, plus two tickets to the Walt Disney World® theme park of one’s choice, which includes Disney's Magic Kingdom®, Epcot®, Disney's Hollywood Studios™ and Disney's Animal Kingdom®.
Universal Orlando packages range from a three day Universal Package starting at $109.00 plus tax to a five day Universal Vacation Package for $149.00 plus tax. This includes a choice of accommodations for selected nights near Universal Orlando, plus two tickets to Universal Orlando or a Walt Disney World theme park. For a limited time only, customers can receive a free five star resort upgrade or add one additional night for free.
SeaWorld Orlando packages range from a three day Monthly Special Package starting at $109.00 plus tax to a five day Family Getaway Vacation Package for $149.00 plus tax. Each package includes a choice of accommodations for selected nights near Sea World Orlando, two tickets to Sea World Orlando, and a free five star resort upgrade is available for a limited time.

Orlandoescape.com’s vacation packages for Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando are available for a limited time only and offer a best price guarantee. Extra tickets, multi-day passes and additional hotel nights are also available through Orlandoescape.com.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Easter Brunch at Gaylord Palms Resort

Easter is this Sunday, and if you have not made your plans yet for this occasion, Old Hickory Steakhouse at Gaylord Palms Orlando Resort offers the perfect setting for an upscale, holiday dining experience. Sip mimosas and enjoy an exquisite menu of specialty items such as Pan Seared Beef Medallion & Foie Gras with a Parmentier Potato and Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp with Crabmeat.

Easter Sunday Brunch Old Hickory Steakhouse March 23, 2008 11:30 am to 2 pm $65 per person Click here to view the menu. Seating is limited. Reservations are required. To secure your reservation or for more information, please call 407-586-1600.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Top 10 Things to do in Orlando Florida

Whether you are taking your first trip to Orlando, or an annual visit to the central part of the Sunshine State, there are many things to do in Orlando that don’t require a theme park admission.

Our top best things to do in Orlando are...Golf Outings. Florida is a golfer’s paradise; especially during the winter, when cold weather shuts down northern golf courses. Daytime temperatures in Orlando are in the 60s and 70s in February, and by the end of March the daytime highs get closer to 80 degrees.There are several golf courses located just minutes away from the attractions and major resort areas, so a day on the green won’t require a day trip from your hotel. Shingle Creek Golf Club was rated by Golfweek magazine as one of America’s Top 40 Best New Courses for 2005. This par 72 championship golf course lies along Shingle Creek—headwaters of the Florida Everglades. More things to do in Orlando

Crazy River toned down

I should have known it, and even predicted it. Deep down, I suspected it. Well, it's happened: they have toned down the 'crazy river' (the fast lazy river) at Aquatica since preview weekend.

In retrospect, I'm not surprised. The rapids sections of the circuit were so good, they sent your head underwater almost every time. And that's with the life vest on. It's what made it so much fun!

This happens to all rides. At Disneyland, I saw it happen to Roger Rabbit (fix: tighten up the wheel so you can't spin it so much), Splash Mountain (fix: cut the wave after the drop by 90%), Indiana Jones (fix: tone is down dramatically so it doesn't shake you like a rag doll).

To those of us healthy in body, the tone down process is always just a touch disappointing. We could have handled the more rough version!

Though I can see operationally why Aquatica would do this. They must have had lots of rescues at first. The crazy river was insane and intense at first. It's still fun now, but nowhere near as good as it was. Man, that sentence makes me sound old and crotchety.

The Volan family returns to the Magic Kingdom!

After many years The Volans, Greg, Ingrid, Erin & Lance spent the day Friday March 14th at the Magic Kingdom. A special return from long time season pass holders from years ago because Erin now 19 was home from college on Spring Break. She is a freshman at USF in Tampa, and our younger son Lance now 7 is involved in so many sports the family has not gone together as a whole family in approximately 4 or 5 years.
It was a real treat to go back and see the park after a fairly long hiatus. We spent the day catching all of the classic favorites like Small World, and Buzz Lightyear, and Lance got to ride on Space Mountain for the first time, and come to find out he had never seen the Country Bear Jamboree, we all enjoyed it very much—it just goes to show how timeless these rides, and shows are. I could not help but think as my son was cracking up at these Bears, I was doing the same thing at his age when my parents used to bring us down from Ohio many years ago to Disney World. We also liked allot of the newer changes they have made to some of the rides for example the new Johnny Depp version of Pirates of the Caribbean is incredible likeness to the movies that the whole family loves---and the new updated Tiki Room has newer birds that the kids really related to. Some great updates were also made to the Haunted Mansion since last time we were on it, which really made it a better ride from the past.
All in all it was a great day, the lines were on the average about a 25 minute wait, but we got to see everything we wanted to without having to rush around, also had plenty of time to grab a bite to eat, and on the way out Ingrid had her favorite desert place, the bakery on Main Street to wrap it all up.
Greg Volan is an on-site sales agent for Park Square Homes, at Encantada Resort a town home resort community on the south side of Disney
Ingrid Volan is a Realtor with Southern Realty Group
Erin a freshmen at USF, studying to become an Engineer
Lance sports extraordinaire, Baseball, Basketball, and Football, when he is not on his skateboard, and oh yeah studying for 2nd.grade!

Monday, March 17, 2008

Jungala- new at Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa, Florida

Grand Opening April 2008,explore a jungle that plays with you…Jungala. Connect, up close, with exotic jungle animals. Meet orangutans face-to-face. Play tug of war with a tiger. Climb in our 3-story treetop play land or soar on a zip-line adventure. Discover a vibrant village. Shoot out of a 35-foot waterfall. Get ready. It’s a jungle in here.Go behind the scenes at Jungala.Animal lovers won’t want to miss this tour to see many endangered species up close.Call 1-888-800-5447 for more information.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Sora - A new Top of the line Sushi Bar


Great Sushi Bar, your Gaylord Palms Orlando Resort outpost for the simply stylish and sushi starved, in the tradition of Florida's fashionable South Beach hotspots. Sora serves a "funky fresh" menu for lunch, dinner and pre-meal noshing. A full bar features eclectic and hand-crafted concoctions. It's the art of sushi fused with the style of South Beach.(Located adjacent to the main lobby)Sora MenuHours of Operation:Lunch: 11:30 am – 4:00 pmDinner: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pmBar: 11:30 am – 12:00 am*Menus are subject to change For more information call 407-586-1190

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Friday, March 14, 2008

Central Florida Vacation Guide

This guide is tops and will help you decide what to do during your stay, where you are going with their easy to use maps and how to save with their coupons. You could not ask for a better vacation companion. The Central Florida Vacation Guide is divided into four categories-Attractions,Golf,Shopping and Dining and it is published by VS Publishing Company. The guide is available at most of Central Florida Hotels.So get going and have a great time.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

PLANET SMOOTHIE makes a splash with the opening of Aquatica

Planet Smoothie announced today a partnership with Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark. Opening March 1, located across the street from SeaWorld Orlando is Aquatica, a one-of-a-kind waterpark that blends up-close animal experiences, waters from serene to extreme, high-speed thrills and wide sandy beaches.
To commemorate the opening of Aquatica, Planet Smoothie’s culinary team created three customized flavored smoothies to celebrate the park’s South Seas inspiration. “Papa” the spoonbill, “Roa” the Kiwi bird, and “Ihu” the gecko symbolize the playful, carefree nature of Aquatica. These animal characters - derivative patterns from New Zealand’s Maori culture – adorn carved totem poles and interactive fountains throughout Aquatica.

Smoothie Creations
o Papa’s Peach Beach Delight is a mouth-watering combination of peach, strawberry, yogurt and sherbet. Distinctive for its smooth blend of sherbet and yogurt, Papa’s Peach Beach Delight embodies a leisurely beach-combing attitude, represented by Aquatica’s Spoonbill icon “Papa.”
o Roa’s Refreshing Pineapple Breeze is a tangy pineapple, orange juice and strawberry mixture. This smoothie exudes a go-with-the-flow appeal, symbolized by Aquatica’s Kiwi bird character “Roa.”
o Ihu’s Invigorating Strawberry Splash combines the sweet flavor of strawberries with the tart taste of lemons. The Invigorating Strawberry Splash is a tribute to “Ihu,” Aquatica’s gecko icon and an adventure-filled spirit.

All three new creations are available for a limited time only from March 15 – May 15, 2008 at Planet Smoothie’s participating Florida stores only. They include the same fresh, healthy ingredients that have made Planet Smoothie a success for more than 10 years.
“Upon learning of SeaWorld’s intention to build a waterpark, we knew it would be an ideal partner for Planet Smoothie,” notes Jason Mann, Planet Smoothie Orlando master franchisee. “Aquatica’s focus on playful, carefree fun aligns perfectly with Planet Smoothie’s emphasis on high-energy, natural and healthy meal alternatives.”
“What better way to kick-off spring 2008 than with the opening of Aquatica and Planet Smoothie’s commemorative-flavored drinks to honor the event,” says Toni Caracciolo, senior director of waterpark marketing. “Whether guests are relaxing at Aquatica on Loggerhead Lane or enjoying the new south sea inspired flavors of a Planet Smoothie drink, both offer a fun and relaxing retreat.”
For a limited time, guests to Aquatica will be able to enjoy in-park samples of the three tribute smoothie flavors.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Top 10 Summer Camps in the Orlando Area

1.Camp KSC—Located at the Astronaut Hall of Fame in Titusville, FL, Camp Kennedy Space Center (www.kennedyspacecenter.com) offers a full week of space travel adventures for young people ages 8 to 14. Kids get to meet astronauts, experience the sensation of space flight through a motion-based simulator, design space vehicles and much more.

2.SeaWorld Adventure Camps—What could be more fun than summer camp with Shamu? SeaWorld has more than a dozen adventure camps (www.swbg-adventurecamps.com) ranging from week-long, half day summer camps for kindergarten and first graders to residential camps (offered year round) for kids in grades 4 through college who are interested in zoological careers.

3.Orlando Science Center—Proving that scientific study can educational and fun, OSC (www.osc.org) offers nearly three dozen camps covering a wide variety of scientific fields, including oceanography, robotics, physics, and chemistry (not to mention Lego building and dinosaurs).

4.Central Florida YMCA—Day camps and overnight resident camps are available through the Central Florida YMCA (www.centralfloridaymca.org) with a different theme every week. Activities include arts and crafts, swimming, sporting events, and field trips that are directly related to the theme of the week.

5.Orlando Repertory Theatre—The REP (www.orlandorep.com) is a professional theatre especially geared towards young audiences, and there are over three dozen summer camps available for kids who want to explore different aspects of performance art, including improv, stand up comedy, musical theatre, puppetry and set design.

6.Livewire at Disney—Available for teens ages 14 – 18, Livewire (www.livewiresummer.com) introduces young people to cutting edge technology at the happiest place on earth—Walt Disney World. Participants have all-access passes to all of the Disney theme parks as they learn new skills in graphic design, movie special effects, Web site development and roller coaster design.

7.Act III Acting Studio—If your child has been bitten by the acting bug, there are nearly two dozen camps available through the Act III Acting Studio (www.act3actingstudio.com) located in the back lot of Universal Orlando. Kids can perform in summer stock theatre, study music and dance, learn audition techniques, and discover the finer points of TV and film acting in a variety of full and half day camps.

8.Junior Lifeguard Summer Camp—Wet ‘n Wild (www.wetnwildorlando.com) introduced water parks to Orlando, so it is an appropriate location for budding lifeguards ages 10 – 15 who are also interested in honing their leadership skills. Participants will receive instruction in water safety and fitness, teamwork, public relations, first aid and basic lifesaving skills.

9.Orlando Museum of Art—Little hands need not clutch a TV remote all summer long. Young artists will enjoy the hands on experience at the Orlando Museum of Art (www.omart.org) summer camps, where they can explore painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, drawing and modern art forms such as graffiti art and graphic novels.

10.Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens—Whether they are on safari or stomping through a swamp, kids will enjoy getting up close and personal with nature at the Central Florida Zoo (www.centralfloridazoo.org) in Sanford, FL. There are more than a dozen half day summer camps to choose from for kids in grades 1 – 7.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Easter Brunch favorites in Orlando

Looking for Easter Brunches look on further , you are going to love these Easter Brunches,great restaurants at great locations...

Name: Easter Brunch at The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Date: March 23, 2008
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Address: Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando FL 32819
Description: Enjoy a gourmet Easter Sunday brunch at The Oceanaire Seafood Room featuring Jumbo Lump Crab Cake "Benedict" and Crab and Brie Omelette. Complimentary valet parking available.
For more information: Reservations recommended by calling 407-363-4801

Name: Cascades Easter Buffet at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Date: March 23, 2008
Time: 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Address: One Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, FL 32836
Description: Enjoy a tantalizing Easter buffet featuring chilled herb poached shrimp with key lime cocktail sauce and carved black pepper crusted leg of lamb with roasted garlic au jus.
Cost:$55.00 per person. Price does not include beverage, gratuity or sales tax.
For more information: For reservations call 407-239-3853.

Name: Hemingway’s Easter Champagne Brunch at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Date: March 23, 2008
Time: 10:30a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Address: One Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, FL 32836
Description: Easter Sunday brunch will feature a shrimp, snow crab claws and oyster bar, and slow roasted pork osso buco with oven roasted root vegetables.
Cost:$62.50 per person. Price does not include beverage, gratuity or sales tax.
For more information: For reservations call 407-239-3853.

Name: La Coquina Easter Champagne Brunch at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Date: March 23, 2008
Time: 10a.m. to 6p.m.
Location: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Address: One Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, FL 32836
Description: Enjoy an exquisite Easter Sunday brunch featuring peppered buffalo tenderloin, honey glazed lamb rack and pumpkin seed crusted sea bass at the award-winning La Coquina restaurant.
Cost:$72.50 per person. Price does not include beverage, gratuity or sales tax.
For more information: For reservations call 407-239-3853.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Vacation homes near Disney World


Visit the brand new vacation homes near Disney, Champions Gate and Reunion.All homes feature upgrade funishing and each home has a pool.This new resort is putting you near all the magic and at the same time you have the great serene surroundings of this new resort. For more details click on this link Orlando Vacation Homes

Cape Town Car Rental

In my personal opinion the best way to travel is by car. So when my friend, Greg, and I decided to go on a trip down to Cape Town we decided that car rental would be the first on our ”must-do” list. We opted for a small hatchback to zip around on our trip from Cape Town to Hermanus and back to the Cape winelands.
On the road We wanted to go to Hermanus for two reasons. First and foremost to go visit my old and dear friend Michelle, and secondly for the Whale festival. The drive from Cape Town to Hermanus is beautiful. Scenic views as you drive Sir Lowry’s mountain pass filled with flowers, then small farmhouses and the occasional shop where you can buy some of the fresh farm produce that you would never be able to get in the city. So we stopped at Aunt Millie’s Farm Stall. Known for her fresh home cooked pies we of course couldn’t resist stopping for a bite first. While sitting in the car savouring one of Aunt Millie’s notorious pies, we were surrounded by the most breath-taking view around us. Back on the road the excitement of seeing an old friend and the fact that I was on the open road again was exactly why I loved driving through the countryside. Being on the open road always gives me a sense of freedom which you don’t experience much when living in the city. There’s nothing rushing you to simply get from A to B, but taking your time to appreciate what most people just take for granted in their rush. Road tripping is not about the destination, but the journey.
A whale of a time When we eventually reached Hermanus we were greeted with what I despise most, traffic. Tourists like us coming to town for the Whale festival. Luckily it wasn’t too hectic, unlike rushour traffic in the big cities. After we had found parking we waited at the local pub for Michelle to come and join us. She soon joined us and we toasted to the good life. After catching up a bit we moved down to the beach front for some whale watching. Every year the whales migrate down to the Cape waters for their breeding season, giving us much entertainment as they do their bit of showing off.
Tags: Cape Town Airport Car Rental Turkey Car Rental Car Hire in Gran Canaria Vehicle Rental Holiday Car Hire Car Rental in South Africa Johannesburg Car Positano Motorcycle Rentals Used Cars Car Leasing New Car Prices Honda Car Automobile Rentals Car Detailing

Self Drive Holidays in South Africa

Of all the great places in the world, people often choose South Africa to escape, and hiring a car will enable tourists to explore all South African has to offer. Most holiday packages often include a transfer option and tourists are often restricted to certain parts of the country, whilst hiring a car gives one the option of visiting personal and unique places of interest. A self drive holiday is often an awarding and exhilarating experience particularly in South Africa, which is one of the top sight seeing destinations in the world. With views of the infinite Mountain ranges, the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, plenty game viewing opportunities and the natural vegetation including fynbos, visitors will be impressed at the plentiful attractions presented to them. South Africa is a vast country with many thousand's of kilometers between cities, and therefore is fast becoming a popular destination for self drive holidays. Self drives are the easiest ways of experiencing a world within a country, Holiday makers can venture down to the Wild Coast, Garden Route, Sunshine Coast, Mpumalanga Highlands and the Kruger National Park. The easy driving distances between your destinations will make your self drive holiday more interesting by giving the self driver the opportunity to stop in the middle of nowhere or by venturing off the slightly beaten track In South Africa the self driver is well catered for with 50 000 Km of easy to drive road networks with safe driving conditions ,and an extensive mobile phone network, so help is only a call away. Plot your route before hand and make sure you have all the necessary maps and driving instructions, a useful map will help you find where all the small towns are in relation to all the major well known cities.

Cyprus Car Rental And Finding The Best Cyprus Car Hire Deals

A Cyprus car rental makes perfect sense if you want to see more of this beautiful Mediterranean Island at your own pace. Organized Cyprus trips are all very well but if you want the freedom to please yourself Cyprus car rental is definitely the way to go. If you plan ahead and collect your car from the airport you will make an immediate saving on the cost of your transfer from there to your holiday accommodation too. Then once your holiday is over you will be able to drop the keys at the car rental desk and leave the vehicle at the airport thus making a double saving on your transfer costs. If that alone doesn't make good financial sense think of the money you will be able to save on taxi fares and coach excursions too. It's not just about money though because a Cyprus car rental is also the easiest way to get about on the Island. The buses only run along the main resort routes and taxis are not always that reliable at turning up when you order them either. With the use of your own vehicle for the duration of your Cyprus holiday you can go where ever you want whenever you like. There will be no need to run your holiday to someone else's schedule and you won't have to stick to the well beaten track either. With a Cyprus car rental you can visit all the places that the coaches can't reach and if you spot somewhere of interest whilst your out there's no need to go sailing on past wondering what you may have missed. If you are looking for a great car rental deal the internet should be your first port of call even if it's just to do some price comparisons. There are dozens of companies and agents competing for your car rental business so it should be easy to pick up a bargain. You may want to avoid companies that don't have a desk at the airport because these guys will collect you from the airport and take you to the hire office. This may seem like a great idea but when the time comes to return to the airport you will be relying on them to take you there. Not a problem unless you want to check in at your own leisure and hopefully before the coach loads of holiday makers turn up.

You may be better off picking the car up yourself and returning it to the airport at your convenience rather than placing your return transport needs into the hands of someone you don't even know. Even if you make the mistake of not booking your Cyprus car rental in advance you can still drive a bargain at the airport hire desks. At least you will have a great selection of hire agents all in one place to choose from. Failing all of the above the resorts are literally bristling with small car hire agencies affiliated to the larger Cyprus car rental companies. These people work on a commission only basis so they will be keen to do you a good deal too. With so many agents in one place you get the obvious benefit of being able to compare like for like prices before you do the deal. However you decide to organize your rental there can be little doubt that it's the best way to get around even if it's your first visit to the Island. The Cypriots drive on the left the roads are modern and the signs are in English too so you shouldn't get lost unless you try really hard at it! After all Cyprus is an Island so you are bound to end up coming back to where you started eventually unless of course you stray into the Turkish sector. (only kidding) In fact most Cyprus car rental companies strictly forbid the use of their cars in the north due to a lack of insurance on that side of the Island. Enjoy your visit and make the most of your Cyprus car rental.
Tags: Auto Hire Cyprus Cyprus Car Paphos Car Hire Atlanta Car Rental Car Positano Holiday Cyprus Auto Rental Nicosia Holiday Nicosia Van Rental Cyprus Car Rental in San Juan Holiday Larnaca Car Naples Sorento Car Hire Faro Airport Portugal Car Hire in the Algarve

Grand Canyon Car Rental Guide to Getting a Car at the Grand Canyon

There are many reasons why you would want to get a car rental while at the Grand Canyon. Although there is a taxi service and a free shuttle bus that runs throughout the park, having your own vehicle is a wonderful convenience that will make your visit to the Grand Canyon all the better. There have been car rental agencies at the Grand Canyon in the past, but they've shut down for some reason. I spent over a year and a half living and working at the Grand Canyon. One of my jobs was working at the Grand Canyon Airport as a refueler and meeting the many private pilots that would fly in looking for a Grand Canyon car rental. You can imagine their ire when they found out that nothing was available. While I was working there the company that I was employed by made a deal with Enterprise and secured one car for us to have on hand on a first come first serve basis. This was a big step in the right direction, but if the one car was rented out and the pilots hadn't made previous arrangements they would have to rely on the taxi service.

Since this car is primarily available for private pilots that fly in, it is recommended that you reserve a car ahead of time to be delivered to the Grand Canyon area by one of the car rental agencies in Flagstaff, Arizona. They charge a hefty fee to have this delivered, but the added convenience may be worth it to some. The phone number for the Enterprise office at Flagstaff is (928) 774-9407. Make sure to call well in advance to ensure that they have someone available to deliver the car that day, as it's a long drive. Many people who come to the Grand Canyon by plane, bus tour, or shuttle service are surprised to find out that there aren't any car rental agencies close by. So if you intend on having one, be sure to book it ahead of time! The taxi services and free shuttle buses don't encompass the entire area, so it will be nice having the freedom to go where you wish. It'll give you more potential in your Grand Canyon exploring. Drive safe.

Travel Insurance Car Rental

It seems like you got a great deal on your rental car at $19.99 a day but before long you find the price skyrocketing as your bill is rung up at the rental counter. There are the sales taxes, airport surcharges, licensing fees, and the car rental travel insurance – suddenly you are having melt down over the exact price and do you really need to buy car rental travel insurance? So how can you avoid being nickel and dimed to death? What charges can you eliminate from your bill? Are there things such as the car rental travel insurance that you can avoid paying without risk? Read on for tips on how cut costs Sales tax and airport charges vary considerably between countries, states, and cites. Unfortunately, you probably can't avoid these taxes which can be as high as 25%. However, you may be able to avoid the airport charges by picking up and dropping off your car at location other than the airport. You will need to consider the possible inconvenience and the price of any additional transportation against the fees charged by the airport. The bottom line is if you don't want to pay the airport concession fee and check out other options. One of the most common extra charges is for car rental travel insurance, usually referred to by rental companies as collision damage or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). If you pay the extra fee which can range anywhere from $10 - $35 a day, you ensure you are not liable for any damage to the vehicle. That is providing you are not charged with gross negligence. Car rental travel insurance is optional in most countries although it is compulsory in some regions which then it is built into the car rental cost.

Before you purchase the extra car rental travel insurance, check to see if your regular car insurance covers you in a rental car because many policies do. Also some credit cards also offer the additional coverage. Either of these options can save you a bundle of money on car rental travel insurance. Other optional insurance coverage includes Personal Accident Insurance, Personal Effects Coverage, and Additional Liability Insurance which you can purchase from the rental company. Same applies here – check existing policies and credit cards to see if you already have this coverage. Again, your best bet is to check your existing policy to see whether you are comfortable with the coverage you already have. With many of the rental companies you return your rental with an empty tank and allow them to fill it and bill you there will be a premium so it’s better if you fill it before returning it. Many car rental companies, including Avis and Hertz now offer the option of purchasing a full tank of gas at the time you pick up your rental which lets you return the car with as much or as little fuel as you want. The problem with this is there is no refund for fuel you don’t need. So for example if you return it with half a tank you aren’t going to get a refund for the other half of tank. These are just a few ways to save money but the car rental travel insurance will save you the most money so make sure you do your checks and balances.
Tags: Enterprise Car Rental Car Hire in Gran Canaria Car Hire Germany Car Leasing Classic Car Positano Honda Car Used Car Dealerships Computer Car LCD Car Shop Auto Insurance Quote Truck Rental Enterprise Auto Rentals

Spain Car Rental What To Expect

Looking for a car rental Spain has to offer? With the help of a car rental, you can travel throughout the countryside. You don’t have to wait for the bus or the train to provide you with the ability to do and see what you came to see when you have your own vehicle to drive. You will find that it is not all that bad in pricing, either. A week’s worth of a car rental is just a bit more than a rail pass for a single person. For those where there are two or more people in the group, this is a savings of a significant amount. What’s more, this is still the case when fuel is included in the price. For those that want to save money on their holidays, try selecting a smaller car as the more luxurious and roomier the car is, the most the fee for renting it. To save on fuel, use a diesel car. The price of gas in Spain is higher than it is overseas especially in North America. Even more so, you can find a variety of fuel efficient vehicles available to you here as well. You can also save when you pick up and then later return the vehicle on weekend days. A longer term contract will give you a better price in the long run over the daily rate. You should also return the car with a full tank of gas in it as this too will save you on fees when you return it. You should take the time to determine the different prices in renting a car in the town that you’ll be staying at and renting one near the airport as there is likely to be a savings here.

When renting a car in Spain, first consider the size of the car that you need. For those with a full family, a larger vehicle is a must but it is not for those with just one or two people. A deposit is a standard procedure required when reserving the car. Generally it is about 30 percent of the cost of the rental. Always get a receipt when you do leave your deposit and get all information in writing as well. Ask for the rental agreement to be in the language that you speak for easy understanding. In most areas, larger companies will have people that speak more languages. You should know what the cancellation policy is as well. You don’t want to pay a penalty for canceling at the wrong time. In most cases, this is at least 24 hours before you are to pick up the car. If you cancel after that, you are likely to pay the cost of one day’s rental of the car as a penalty. Being particularly interested in real estate and Spain, Clinton Maxwell was publishing plenty of detailed reports on the topic. From his detailed publications, the writer affirmed his expertise on subjects associated to car rental Spain.
Tags: Car Hire in Gran Canaria Budget Car Rental Car Rental in Almeria Spain Almeria Airport Car Hire at Almeria Cheap Car Malaga Airport Used Cars Valencia Airport Easter Holidays Car Leasing Car Hire Valencia Spain Honda Car Alicante Car Hire Rental Car Dealers Car Hire for Holidays

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Arrecife Airport in Lanzarote Car Rental

There are a large number of car hire companies who offer competitive car rental on Lanzarote and we have provided a guide to the seven main ones who have offices within the actual airport terminal, with contact details and links to obtain a free competitive quote for car hire online. Car hire in Spain is a very competitive business so it is worth shopping around to get the best deal to meet your particular needs. Our guide to car hire in Lanzarote provides a link to a database of local car hire firms which it can match your requirements against and come up with some quotes. To give you some idea of costs, if you hire a standard range car from Lanzarote Airport for seven days it will cost in the region of £120 (quotation includes collision damage waiver, theft protection, third party liability, VAT, unlimited mileage and airport fees).

Lanzarote Airport is only 5kms from Arrecife which is the island's capital, and it is relatively easy to drive to and from Lanzarote Airport via the Arrecife- Yaiza (LZ-2) road, taking the exit clearly marked at kilometre point number 4. It will take around 45 minutes to drive to Playa Blanca and 20 and 15 minutes to the popular resorts of Puerto del Carmen and the Costa Teguise respectively. There are bus links on the island, but if you want the freedom and flexibility of travelling to places off the beaten track when it suits you, then hiring a car is the best option. If you are visiting Lanzarote from a country outside the EU you will need an International Driving Licence issued by your home country which must have one page of information in Spanish.Your "tourist status" in Spain usually applies for three months as far as insurance is concerned, so if you are staying here for a longer period then make sure you check your cover with your broker.
Tags: Car Rentals by City Car Hire in Gran Canaria Low Cost Car Rental Holiday Car Hire Car Rental Las Vegas NV One Way Car Rental Payless Rental Truck Rental Car Rental Discount Codes Best Car Rental Rates Long Term Car Rental Car Rental for Cheap Car Rental in Australia Corpus Christi Car Rental

Discount Car Rental Tips Tricks

Car rental companies sometimes offer coupon savings or promotional discounts. These discounts have not only increased volume for the business, but created a unique Internet subculture, consisting of many travel websites. Here, discount codes are exchanged and promotional rates discussed, so the traveler can find the best deal on car rentals at that point in time. Most organizations of over 100 individuals can qualify for some sort of discount. These discount programs are available to all classes of businesses including government organizations and non-profit groups. The programs often offer additional benefits on top of the discounted prices. If your company does not yet take advantage of these offers, make a suggestion. You may be able to negotiate added perks if you use some of the bigger organizations. Hertz and Avis provide specials for business customers, and will sometimes campaign against one another in order to procure a companies business. Business promotions may consist of free fill-ups at the pump, no fees for added insurance, and the waiving of one-way fees. If they are able to secure a multi-year business deal, some car rental agencies may even offer corporate discount contracts. In that case, any person employed by that company could qualify for the discounted rate when they show their name tag. This discount is offered regardless of length of employment or if the rental isn't for business needs.

Make sure that you aren't using discount codes in a manner that violates rental agreements. Some company discount codes can only be used by certain employees or departments, but there are many group discounts that are free for any employee to use. And they're not just business organizations, either. There are group discounts for members of Costco, Citibank credit card clients, Sam's Club members, GEICO insurance policy-owners, and even people who buy Entertainment Books. The Entertainment Books are chock full of some very lucrative coupons and even contain some corporate discounts. With a little searching, you should be able to locate rental coupons for free refills on gas, a discounted price for rentals lasting at least a week, or complementary upgrades on your next rental. Check with your car rental company when planning your trip. When youve made a list of potentially useful discount codes, try and get a quote for each one. The discount for any given code will vary by type of car, day of the week, location and season. If you do your homework and plan accordingly you stand to save a significant amount of money. The amount of money you save also depends on the length of your trip and the number of persons and vehicles involved. Keep in mind that the more you look, the better your chances of finding a rate that's available to you not just for one trip, but for every time you travel.
Tags: Car Rental Discount Car Rental Coupon Car Rentals by City Low Cost Car Rental Car Hire in Gran Canaria Car Rental Las Vegas NV Holiday Car Hire Car Rental Airline Rate Long Term Car Rental Lax Enterprise Monthly Car Rental Los Angeles Auto Rentals Truck Rental One Way Car Rental Corpus Christi Car Rental

Cape Town Car Rental Tips To Get You Started

Why is a Cape Town car rental the most economical and convenient way to see the city, particularly if you are traveling together with a partner, family or group? For starters, public transportation around Cape Town and the surrounding area is at best time-consuming and at worst, downright dangerous. The costs of taking private taxis or arranging guided tours quickly mount up for larger parties. In addition, tour company timetables may not fit your schedule. For all these reasons, Cape Town car rentals make the most sense for a Cape Town vacation.
6 Tips to Get You Started
Drivers license Any person who will be driving the rental car will need an international driver's license if they do not have a South African one. In addition, the international license must be written in English. Requesting additional authorized drivers may incur extra charges.
Insurance Read the small print carefully. Third party insurance is compulsory. Comprehensive insurance will cost extra and you will still be liable for any 'excess' in terms of the policy. Accidents on gravel roads usually involve a larger excess amount. If you already have insurance you must provide written proof of it for the car rental company.
Restrictive conditions The cheapest car rentals often have restrictive conditions attached to them. For example, some companies will not allow you to travel more than 150km beyond the city limits without written consent. Others will not allow you to cross an international border, or at least not with their cheapest vehicles. In addition, border crossing may incur additional costs.
Collection and return Collecting your car in one city and handing it back in another is likely to cost you extra. With smaller car hire companies focused on the Cape Town market it may be impossible. Choose your rental company with care as it may be worth paying a higher rate to obtain greater flexibility.
Free mileage Most Cape Town car rental companies offer a deal which includes up to 200km of 'free' mileage per day. If you are a leisure traveler and plan to use the car for more than a few days, this will generally be your most cost effective option. If, like many visitors, your travel plans include touring the Garden Route, these deals are almost invariably the best option.
Air conditioning In the hot summer months, air conditioning is essential for comfort. An air-conditioned vehicle also makes sense from a safety point of view as it enables you to travel comfortably with your windows closed while driving around the city. Searching for the right car rental company is time consuming. The rates and small print vary from company to company and season to season. Take the time to choose wisely and reap the benefit throughout your stay in Cape Town.
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Discount Car Rental At Malaga Airport

Finding a discount car rental at Malaga airport or other popular tourist destinations in southern Spain doesn't have to be hard. All it takes is a little research. Here are some tips to get cheap car hire rates in Malaga. Begin your search for a bargain rental car as soon as you know the dates of your holiday or stay. Sometimes the reception at your hotel or resort can be of help for finding a discounted rent a car, but normally you will find the best deals on the internet. On the internet it takes only a little time to get prices and conditions for almost any destination in Spain. If you need a rent a car at Malaga airport start your research as early as possible because some online car rental services offer discounts for early bookings. The advantage of shopping early is that you'll have an accurate idea of what you're going to be spending on your car rental in Malaga which makes it easier to determine your holiday budget. That's much better than leaving it all to the last minute and finally paying a price that you really can't afford.

The advantage of booking your car online and in advance is that you can look for the best deal available. This is a lot more convenient than waiting in line at the car rental counter at Malaga airport after you get off the plane. Online you can choose just what vehicle you want and usually get a lower price. The reason for the lower prices is that when you book a car online, there is obviously less staff involved and less overhead for the rental company. That enables the car hire companies at Malaga airport to keep prices low and the savings can be passed on to the customer. Occasionally you pay a price for the convenience of picking up your car from a counter at the airport, as the rental companies are usually levied heavy fees for the airport concessions by the airport authorities, but car hire on airport does not necessarily need to be more expensive. Sometimes it can be cheaper to use a car hire company with an off airport location. Off airport suppliers do offer free shuttles from the airport to the car rental location.

For American citizens it is important to know, that cars at Malaga airport are usually much smaller than American vehicles. Please bear this in mind when selecting a suitable model, as the amount of luggage you take along may not fit into the rental vehicle. Another important difference is that most models at Malaga airport are stick-shift. If you need a vehicle with automatic gearbox the final rental price may be twice as much as for a similar model with manual shift. The minimum age for car hire at Malaga airport is 21 - 25 years old, depending on the kind of vehicle you would like to rent. Multinational companies may charge a young driver surcharge for customers between twenty-one and twenty-five years. Holidays are meant to get us out of the rush of every day life and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. By following these tips, you can get a better rate on car rentals and you'll be well on your way to enjoying a great. There are discount car rentals to be had just about anywhere in the world, they just have to be found. Have a great holiday in Malaga!
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Hawaii Vacation Auto Rental When in Maui

You have the travel tickets and you have the accommodation. The problem is how you will get to the hotel from the airport and how you will get to the beach from the hotel. Well, you forgot something when planning a Maui Hawaii vacation, a auto rental.

Actually, you are not alone. Most people who plan their vacations, whether in Hawaii or anywhere else in the world, always forget this small detail. Some do not even bother at all, rationalizing that the hotel can provide car service for them or that there are hundreds of cabs that can accommodate them. The problem with these two is the fact that they are limited in some ways. Hiring a cab for example will never be as convenient as having a transportation that is all your own. If you rent an automobile, you can go whenever you want, wherever you want. You just need to start the engine. You don't have to wait for a cab in the middle of nowhere. Hotel car service, on the other hand, can be pretty expensive, not to mention very hard to get by. You see most people in the hotel will probably need a car service. And you have got to be at the first in line if you want to leave first. Otherwise, you have to wait for the other people to come back before you can leave or at the very least have the hotel tell you that there is no more cars available.

One down side though with having your own car while on vacation is the directions. This is especially true if this is the first time that you have visited Maui or Hawaii. And even if you have a map, nothing beats having a driver who already knows the way. You can solve this problem by getting a car rental service that comes with a driver. Most auto car rentals will offer this because they know that tourists don't have the patience to look at maps and follow road signs. After all, this vacation is all about relaxing and not stressing over which way to turn to get to the beach! Having a driver is however more expensive than hiring just the car. So make sure first that you have the budget for it. When you sum it up, renting a car from an auto rental service for the duration of your vacation is cheaper than hiring the hotel's service. But you have to take into account the number of times that you will actually use the car rental service. If you are just going to use it once or twice, then you are better off with the hotel's car service. If however, you plan to tour the whole state, then a car just for you is better. If you do not plan to go at all and you just plan to stay at the beach and do water sports all day long throughout your vacation time, then don't anymore rent a car. You can just book a hotel that is nearer and you all have to do is walk towards the beach. This will save you a lot of expenses for taxis. Auto rental when on a vacation in Maui Hawaii or in any other place is important but it all depends on how you plan to spend your vacation.
Tags: Inclusive Vacations Maui Fun Maui Island Big Island Hawaii Beach Kauai Hawaii Oahu Hawaii Bahamas Vacations Hawaii Web Cam Couples Vacation Plan Vacation Hawaii Kona Island Oahu Vacation Maui Attractions Hawaii Travel

Edgar escapes to Magic Kingdom


Orlandoescape. com guide takes Chicago business executive Mark Sotir and his family to Disney's magic kingdom. Careful use of fast passes and a lot of patience allowed them to do most of Tomorrowland before it got too crowded. It was the Illinois' crowd first visit to Disney.
Contributor:
Edgar

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Easter Brunch at The Oceanaire Seafood Room

Visit the Easter Brunch at The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Date: March 23, 2008
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Address: Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando FL 32819
Description: Enjoy a gourmet Easter Sunday brunch at The Oceanaire Seafood Room featuring Jumbo Lump Crab Cake "Benedict" and Crab and Brie Omelette. Complimentary valet parking available.
For more information: Reservations recommended by calling 407-363-4801

Friday, March 7, 2008

Cheyenne Saloon at Church Street Station

The tradition has returned. Nickel beer night is back at Cheyenne Saloon! Head over
on Wednesday’s between 5 and 7 pm and get your nickel beers! For more information please call (407) 839-3000.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Orlando Disney Hotels

Central Florida luxury hotels offer an unparalleled level of unique resort experiences from tranquil spa resorts, to world-class golf, to inviting private water-park fun. Each will transform your everyday hotel stay into an extraordinary experience. These luxury hotels cater to all and offer a variety of activities, entertainment and dining. The experience alone will keep you coming back again and again for Orlando Disney Hotels

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Actor/Comedian Frank Caliendo at Walt Disney World


THE BEST IS 'YETI' TO COME: Actor/Comedian Frank Caliendo (left), star of the sketch comedy show "Frank TV" on TBS, takes a ride aboard the runaway train adventure "Expedition Everest" with his best friend Rob Baxter (right) March 4, 2008 at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Caliendo, best known for his impressions of President George W. Bush and sportscaster John Madden on "Frank TV" and "MAD TV" on FOX, is vacationing with family and friends at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Garth Vaughan, photographer)

Monday, March 3, 2008

WrestleMania 24 Is Coming!

The City of Orlando will soon be the center of the sports-entertainment
world! A capacity crowd of 70,000 wrestling fans from around the globe
will come to town for WrestleMania 24 on Sunday, March 30 at the
Florida Citrus Bowl. This is the first time the World Wrestling
Entertainment's signature event will be held in Florida. Only a few
thousand tickets are still available, so purchase your tickets at any
Florida Ticketmaster Ticket Outlet (including FYE stores), by phone
charge at 407-839-3900 or by visiting the Amway Arena Box
Office. But WrestleMania is more than a one-night event. During the
week of WrestleMania 24, WWE will present the 2008 Hall of Fame
Induction Ceremony at Amway Arena, the National WrestleMania
Reading Challenge at the Downtown Library, Street Party at Wall Street
Plaza and Art Exhibition at the City Arts Factory. To get more information,
please contact the Central Florida Sports Commission at 407-648-4900.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Lake Tohopekaliga near Kissimmee

While you are on vacation check out Lake Toho famous for Bass fishing.The time is great now. Bass are spawning this time of year and the weather is cool or mild for the most part. Directions: From the intersection where US 17, 92, 192, and 441 converge in Kissimmee, ... Turn left and go south 4 miles to Lake Toho Road (CR 525A). ...