Whatever your requirements, Bora Bora has a luxury hotel for you. You can choose a studio or one bedroom suite at the Hilton or opt to stay in a resort alongside a lagoon. You’ll find many waterside resorts with individual thatched bungalows near the beach. They look charming and provincial but provide all the modern conveniences right down to plasma televisions and Wi-Fi internet access. Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa, ten minutes from the airport, is one of these luxurious resorts where you’ll find private outdoor soaking pools, a full service spa, valet service and much more.

One of the luxuries of a vacation is that you don’t have to be in a hurry and Bora Bora is the embodiment of relaxation. Nobody is driven by schedules here and you can enjoy a laid back vacation. You may want to relax on the beach for a day or so before you look at all the fun the island has to offer.

There’s plenty to do on the island, particularly if you’re the adventurous type! You can go on a shark and ray feeding expedition, snorkel near the pristine beaches, scuba dive and explore the fantastic underwater marine life. There is parasailing, water and jet skiing, marlin fishing and many beautiful bike paths.

For those who want to explore nature there are glass bottomed boat tours of the lagoons where you can see colorful coral and marine life without getting wet. You can hike the interior with or without a guide and see some of the most beautiful birds and flowers in the world.

You can take a bus or mini van tour of the island to see ancient maraes (sacred places) and pearl and vanilla farms. You may enjoy the Lagoonarium, a guided underwater tour where you’ll swim alongside turtles, sharks, dolphins and tropical fish. Snorkel through the Coral Garden and enjoy the curious, friendly and colorful fish that live among the coral rocks and see astounding clams and other sea life. Everyone enjoys the deep reef experience of the Bora Bora submarine where you’ll dive down to 100 feet and see sharks and other fish as well as marine plants and coral. Private dives are available with champagne to make it a truly memorable experience of a lifetime!

Most hotels have their own shopping areas but you’ll find many shops scattered all over the island. There are art galleries and studios, wonderful collections of local crafts and of course there are shops that sell black pearls gleaned from the ocean floor. Two of the newest stores are in the main village of Vaitape. La Galerie specializes in wood carvings, pottery and original art while Fashion Bora Bora sells resort wear, swimwear, sandals, bags and more.

A luxury vacation in Bora Bora will be one that you’ll always remember!

But what else is missing? Who could forget that Mexico gave birth to a type of cuisine that you can’t find anywhere else. Mexican cuisine is a worldwide favorite, with various versions produced in almost every part of the world. Who doesn’t enjoy spicy tacos, bean burritos, tamales, carnitas, and the like? Mexican food is absolutely addictive, and here is a quick guide to some places to go to for foods you love.

Tacos and tortillas are ultimate Mexican favorites. These corn shells stuffed with vegetables, meat, and spices, are a satisfying meal that you can eat almost anywhere. Sources claim that the use of corn meal and flour shells for tortilla or taco dishes dated as far back as 3000 BC. Today, you can find these favorites in American restaurants like Taco Bell and Del Taco.

In Pachuca, Hidalgo, you can find special methods of preparing quesadillas, or corn and flour shells stuffed with cheese. Sometimes, ham, chicken, and other meats are added for taste. For extra spice, Mexican salsa is added.

If you love Mexican food, you probably know that one of their most popular side dishes or condiments is guacamole, which is mixture of avocadoes and spices. Guacamole is added to almost any Mexican dish. This condiment is said to have originated from the Aztecs, and is loved for its aphrodisiac effect. Mexican cuisine is said to have influences from both Spanish cuisine and Filipino cuisine, from the Philippines.

Here is a quick guide on some of the popular destinations in Mexico for beach lovers who are after fun in the sun and more activities for the whole family.

Cancun, which is located on the Yucatan peninsula, is said to be one of the hottest beach destinations in Mexico. The region attracts more than 2 million tourists per year. Cancun is filled to the brim with college students especially during spring break. However, you can still enjoy the beaches during other times of the year, as you can go sailing, snorkeling, and even dancing at the dozens of discos in the area.

The Isle of Yelapa in Mexico is said to be a reclusive place for people who simply want to get away from the stresses of a busy lifestyle. This place is only accessible via boats or water taxis. The island has no electricity, which actually adds to the charm of the place as a relaxing vacation spot. The Isle of Yelapa is a popular site for honeymooners.

Pie de la Cuesta, which is located in the Acapulco region, is also a favorite spot for romantic getaways, weddings, and honeymoons. The name translates to Foot of the Sunset, and the beach region is nestled near the Sierra Madre Mountains. You can simply relax on the shores, or even enjoy water sports as you wish.

What are the activities that will help you get in touch with nature while you’re vacationing in Hawaii? Since the state is comprised of various islands, you can be sure that the area is rich in ocean wildlife. While in Maui, you can take the Atlantis Submarine Tour and view the undersea world. For a little more adventure, you can opt to take snorkeling tours or scuba diving sessions in many beaches in Hawaii. The Stonewall is a famous dive site in Maui, which is made of black coral and may also be an excellent spot to view humpback whales during whale season in December to May.

Hawaii is more than just a haven for species of fish and other aquatic creatures. The tropical rainforests in this state are well-preserved, housing some species of both plants and animals unique only to Hawaii. You should check out the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden in Onomea Bay. This tourist attraction allows you to enter a place of rich greenery, with more than 2,000 species of flowers and plants.

The Aloha State is also known to be home to many active volcanoes. What better way to marvel at the sheer power of nature than to check out some of the most famous volcanoes in the world? At the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you can have the chance to spot Mount Kilauea and Mauna Loa, whether by hiking or by cycling.

What’s there to do in Hawaii? Of course, when you hear the “aloha” greeting, you imagine palm trees swaying in the wind, crystal clear waters, and white sandy shores. This is just what Hawaii is, but there is more than meets the eye in this tropical haven. There are tons of activities in store, so if you need any ideas, here are a few suggestions.

For those who like water sports, Maui is the place to be. Here, you can surf, snorkel, parasail, or even scuba dive. The beaches serve as a home to thousands of species of marine life. Aside from that, you can also go hiking or take bike tours across the scenic route of Maui. There is also the Maui flea market, and you can check out the humpback whales when you take a boat ride on the island’s warm waters.

If you’re on Kauai, there’s even more stuff for you and the family to do. You can take a Zodiak raft tour, or explore the Na Pali coast via a rented boat. You may even be lucky to check out the famous movie spots on the island, where hit flicks like Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark were filmed. When you need to play a great round of golf, then you should head to the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course, which has hosted many events for PGA. You can also hike at the world famous Koke’e State Park.

Walt Disney World Resort is located in Orlando, and this 25,000 acre theme park is divided in to four attractions: Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As of the year 2007, the Magic Kingdom alone was visited by nearly 20 million people. The Epcot Center features educational tours that delve into the past, present, and future of human society. Hollywood Studios is the place to be for experiencing movie magic and more. The Animal Kingdom serves as a worthwhile wildlife adventure, great for the whole family.

In Tampa Bay, Florida lies Busch Gardens, said to be the rollercoaster paradise of the planet. If you want a thrill ride of a lifetime, then this is the Florida theme park to be. Here, you will meet SheiKra, the tallest rollercoaster in the state, standing 200 feet. It is also floorless, giving the riders a sense of weightlessness and excitement. While you’re at it, check out Montu, one of the tallest and fastest inverted rollercoasters in the world.

For the die-hard movie fanatics, take a tour in Universal Studios Florida, and find out where your favorite TV shows and flicks are being filmed. Experience rides from some of the most unforgettable movies, like Jaws, Men in Black, Spider-Man, King Kong, Back to the Future, and more. Plus, you can watch tons of stunt shows including Fear Factor Live, Animal Actors, and Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue.

If you need a little help checking out the beaches spread across Florida’s 1,350 mile coastline, then here is a quick guide for you.

For families that have kids from toddlers, to tweens, to the teenage years, some of the best beaches to go to are Fort Lauderdale Beach, Pensacola Beach, and Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach is world-renowned as the home of NASCAR, probably the world’s hottest professional racing circuit. Fort Lauderdale is a great venue for shopping, plus the Museum of Science and Discovery, the Butterfly World, and Flamingo Gardens. Pensacola Beach has the type of fine sand and water depth that toddlers will love playing in.

If you want to spend your Florida holiday nights partying in the town, then here are some of the most highly recommended beaches for their nightlife, restaurants, attractions, and more. Miami Beach is a popular spot, known for the shopping arcade on Ocean Drive, where you can find designer brands like Kenneth Cole, Versace, Hugo Boss, and more. Plus, this is the famous beach featured in the Emmy winning series, CSI: Miami. Another beach that’s a great place to party in is South Beach, where tons of celebrities go for their vacation.

For an deeper appreciation of ocean life, you can opt to go snorkeling or scuba diving in Looe Key, Bahia Honda, and Hutchison Beach, to name a few. Florida’s beaches have abundant coral reefs, and you may even dive to find ship wrecks and an assortment of colorful sea creatures.

]]> http://www.purevacation.com/what-are-the-best-beaches-in-florida/feed 0 http://www.purevacation.com/florida-vacations-ideas-there-is-something-for-every-traveller http://www.purevacation.com/florida-vacations-ideas-there-is-something-for-every-traveller#comments Sun, 10 Feb 2008 03:30:10 +0000 Pure Vacation http://www.purevacation.com/florida-vacations-ideas-there-is-something-for-every-traveller Find your Florida Vacation Rental here.

Do you sit and daydream about Florida vacation ideas? Where you want to go this year on your trip, where to stay, what types of things you want to do, how to get there, etc…I do the same thing all the time. I do it everytime I research and write up articles for this site.

It is a ton of fun and ideas come along all the time.

Florida is a large state that is catered to the snowbirds, travllers from all over the world, adventurers, beach bums, and all types of people.

Let’s have some fun together and come up with some ideas that will cater to your specific vacation. This will do one of two things: Get you away and on vacation now and also allow you to possibly come up with excellent ideas for your trip.

This site has quickly grown to hundreds of pages and we will go through each of the Florida vacation ideas providing links to areas of this site that will fit that particular need or want.

Beach Vacation:

When I think Florida, I think beautiful, sandy beaches. Miles and miles of them of all colors and textures. They line the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean welcoming both the sea life and land lovers into it’s grasp. We’ve spent weeks on the various beaches of Florida doing absolutely nothing but enjoying it. There is a tranquility to the breaking waves, breathtaking sunsets, and sounds of birds surrounding the shores. Plenty to do both on and off the water will leave you with no sense of boredom for your vacation.

The types of things you can do on and off the beach include, boating, parasailing, sunbathing, running, snorkeling, building castles, swimming, jumping waves, surfing, relaxing, shelling, people watching (this is fun with the spedos walking around), and so much more.

Family Vacations:

Florida is a wonderful place for family travel. There are a ton of places to choose from when deciding where to go and what to do. Any of these destinations can accomodate for large or small families, small or older children, elderly folks, and more. We have never gone wrong by picking Florida for our family trips.

Spring Break:

Yes, even though Florida is a great family spot, spring break in Florida is as good as anywhere else. I have been to many of the spring break destinations you hear about, and I rank Florida as one of the best. WhY? Because you have everything you need – beaches, drinks, a place to stay, beautiful people, and it’s inexpensive. What more could you ask for?

Romantic Travel & Weddings

If you are looking to rekindle the flames, spend your honeymoon, or become one as a couple, Florida is the perfect setting. I have friends who were married right on the beaches and my wife and I spent an amazing week there for our honeymoon. It was the best way to kick-start our lives together.

The Magic of Disney

Other than the beaches, the most popular destination is Orlando & Walt Disney World. Theme parks galore surround the Orlando area and fit everyone’s desires and budget. This is one of those Florida vacation ideas that will keep you busy for weeks.

Camping & State Parks:

If adventure and the hidden areas of Florida are your pleasure, you will enjoy the the vast and undiscovered lands of the state parks and campgrounds. Perhaps the beaches aren’t your fancy and you would rather camp, fish, cookout, hike, and more, then Florida has this to offer as well.

Other Florida Vacation Ideas:

There are an endless number of things to do in Florida on your vacations. This can include scuba vacations, concerts, events, re-location, golf vacations, fishing trips, tours, and other exciting vacation fun!

Let your imagination, hopes, desires, needs, and pleasures run free as you determine what to do, where to go, where to stay, and more as you plan your trip to Florida.

By Joe Collinsworth

Discount Florida Vacations is your complete travel guide when it comes to Florida! We are beach bums sharing our wisdoms, experiences, stories, videos, pictures, and hot travel deals. Come share in the fun and planning!

Let’s have a look at Panama City itself. You would not believe what it has to offer. It’s a gem, full of wonderful sights to see and places go. It’s a modern bustling city and contains the second largest duty free shopping area in the world. You can but just about anything there at fantastic prices. There are some musts for the new visitor and if this is your first time in Panama City you have to visit some of these, if not them all.

The Casco Viejo, which is the old Spanish colonial sector of Panama City. It presents a marvelous history of old Central America, with its churches, old plazas and paths. The palaces are amazing, and give just a slight view of what the old city used to be like. The Cathedral on Plaza de la Cathedral and the Presidential palace are well worth a visit. If you prefer something closer to nature, there is the Metropolitan National Park, just outside Panama City, with lots of walks, wildlife and species of plants that will be new to you.

The nightlife in Panama City really makes a Panama vacation, and is world famous. The best parts are the old Casca Viejo, the Amador Causeway and the business area of the city. There are loads of bars and casinos, and the discos are great. Like any big city, Panama can be a bit dangerous away from the main drag, so travel by taxi and stay where the bright lights and people are and you can’t go wrong.

If you stay at the Marriot, there is a British pub just round the corner called the El Pavo Real, that is very popular with Americans and Brits, but the most popular is the Hard Rock Café on Balboa Avenue. Due to its position in Central America, Panama has been composed of many races since the sixteenth century, and they have generally lived in peace and harmony. Most of them seem to congregate at the Hard Rock Café on a weekend evening. If you make the right decision and opt for a Panama vacation, don’t miss a visit. All age groups are welcome.

However, if you’ve opted for a Panama vacation, it’s probably the canal itself that you want to see. It was opened in 1914, is fifty-five miles long and raises or drops ships over eighty-five feet by a series of locks. The Miraflores Locks Visitor’s Center offers fantastic views of the ships making their way through the locks with a running commentary on the system provided by multilingual narrators. You can see the other set of locks at the Gatun end of the Gaillard Cut across the continental divide between them. Fantastic! You mustn’t visit Panama without having at look at either of these sets of locks started in 1903.

San Blas de Kuna is an archipelago that has as many islands as days in the year, and is worth a Panama vacation for them alone. It is the traditional home of the Kuna, who are a Native American society. Although part of Panama, the islands are administered by the Kuna, and the area is very beautiful with wonderful fauna and flora. If you are into scuba diving, the coral reefs here are a must. Crystal clear water with a myriad of underwater life.

Finally, I have left the best for the ladies till last. The shopping! Fantastic! You can get anything from inexpensive electronic goods to traditional crafts at the Balboa Artisans market, where the artisans themselves sell their own goods. This not far from downtown Panama and the artisans expect to be haggled so don’t accept the going price. It will be well inflated over the ultimate price expected. There’s also all the world class hopping you expect from a modern worlds class city.

So if you are thinking of going somewhere this year you’ve never been before, try a Panama vacation. There is something for everybody and you even have the option of a cruise vacation, taking in the Panama Canal. The best of both worlds!

By Andre Sanchez

Many Americans, Canadians and Europeans have chosen to retire and or take up residency in Belize due to its low cost of living, great environment and lifestyle. New retirement communities are being built each year to accommodate the new members of Belize society. The growth of all inclusive resorts also continues grow as more and more people are choosing Belize vacations each year. Getting to Belize is very easy and it only takes a relatively short flight from Miami to visit Belize.

When planning Belize vacations you should consider a visit to Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. These barrier islands are ideal getaway locations. It is an easy flight to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye with its unique marine island environment similar to what the Florida Keys were like 30 years ago. Its unhurried vacation lifestyle will allow anyone to relax and enjoy themselves.

Belize vacations provide the visitor with a great tropical experience in a friendly English speaking country. You will find that the cost of your vacation will be much less than you would have thought. Take the time to check out Belize when planning your next vacation.

By Jim Kesel

James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of the Moving to Belize website at http://www.moving-to-belize-info.com, providing great information on visiting and Belize Vacations.