A Trip to the Everglades National Park

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting one of the places that Florida is most famous for - the Everglades. I have lived in Florida over half my life and yet I had never been to the Everglades itself so I was very excited. First let me tell you a little about the Everglades.

The Everglades are subtropical wetlands that stretch down the southern half of Florida from the Kissimmee River near Orlando through Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay at the southern tip of the state.

In the wet season the water forms a slow-moving river that is 60 miles wide and over 100 miles long the giving the Glades their 'River of Grass' nickname. The Everglades has several different ecosystems this diversity makes it possible for many different species of plants, animals and birds to call the Everglades home.

One of the places I visited in the Everglades was Everglades National Park. The Park was established in 1947 and covers the southern 25 percent of the original Everglades. It's the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, and the third-largest national park in the lower 48 states. This year, I was one of the over a million people who visit the park annually.

The Wet Season, May through November, is very hot and humid, the animals take cover and the only things flying around are mosquitoes. Most people stay away during his time of the year, but not me this is when I was there. Don't get me wrong I had a great time when I went and can't wait to go again but I wasn't exactly the best prepared. First I wore a bright yellow shirt, not the best choice of colors, I might as well have put a bug target on my back, and then I didn't put bug spray on right away - big mistake. I know no one likes to bring this up but, folks, it is a swamp and swamps have bugs, please take and use bug spray.

Air boat tours are popular in the Everglades; we went on the Gator Park tour which was great. Again we saw many gators, birds and greenery and after the air boat ride we went to their animal show which included alligator wrestling, now before you think they are just being cruel you have to understand their purpose for demonstrating this. Back in the old days the native people would sometimes hunt for food days away from their villages but then they had no way of keeping the meat fresh until they got it back unless they kept it alive. They used the 'gator wrestling' technique to subdue the alligator, tied it up and take the fresh meat back to their village. This was important to their very survival which is why is it demonstrated.

Speaking of the 'native people' the Miccosukee Indian Tribe make their home in the Everglades and have for many years. They have a great village with a museum, and an area where they showcase members of their tribe weaving and making things, a gator show where you learn about the tribe and of course there is a gift shop where you can buy things like handmade necklaces, clothing and blankets.

I spent a great few days in the Everglades and can't wait to go back again during the Dry Season. Even though I saw many animals and birds I know when I go back I'll see even more, maybe different kinds, that's the great thing about the Glades, it's constantly changing so even if you've been, go back and by all means do not forget your camera.

About the Author

The wildlife and habitat of the Florida Everglades make it one of most popular National Parks in the US. Millions of tourist visit Florida every year and have found the everglades a great experience.

5 ways in which an Orlando Holiday Villa is better than a hotel

Orlando attracts millions of visitors every year from all over the world, mainly down to the climate and the small matter of a theme park resort owned by Disney.  When booking your holiday to Orlando it's easy to fall into the trap of making a package holiday booking and being told you have to stay in a hotel.  



There is no shortage of Luxury Holiday Villas in Orlando.  They are literally all over and you can chose to be as near to or as far from any of the attractions as you like. If you want a villa near disney, or a villa near Miami there will be something available.

There are many other advantages to holiday villas, which often have to be booked privately and not through a holiday company.

Here are 5 reasons that we believe an orlando holiday villa is better than a hotel:

1. You get the full house.  When you book into a hotel you get a room, usually with en-suite.  That is it,  that is your ‘home' for the next week or fortnight whilst you are in Orlando.  Granted, you might not want to spend much time in your accommodation but with a holiday villa you get so much more.  You everything from the front garden to the private games room.



2. Private pool anyone?  If a public pool isn't for you and you want to simply relax in a smaller, private heated pool then most holiday villas can fulfill your needs.  Some villas will have indoor pools, whilst others outdoors.  Of course, with the weather as it is in Orlando you will be able to use an outdoor pool most of the year.

3. Everything is under one roof.  With a hotel you might find that the kids have to have their own room which may not be accessible via an internal door.  With a holiday villa you are all under the same roof which makes them much safer than hotel rooms.

4. The added extras.   A holiday villa is effectively some ones home that they rent out to other people.  As it is someones home you get all the creature comforts that you would expect the owner to want if they stayed there.  Things such as air conditioning, flat screen T.V.s with cable T.V., Hi-fi Systems and wireless internet and all common place in todays holiday villas.  You may even get some added bonuses such as games rooms that contain pool tables or air hockey.

5. Cost Savings.  Yep, thats right.  Staying in a holiday villa could actually save you money especially if you are staying in a large group.  When you stay in a holiday villa you pay for the villa and not for the number of people staying in it, so if you have a large family or are travelling with a group of friends it makes financial sense to stay in a villa.



Of course there are many other reasons to stay in a holiday villa, but these are out top 5.  Orlando is a truly wonderful place to visit, with so many things to see and do.  If you haven't been already, now is a great time to visit.

About the Author

If you are travelling to Orlando, why not stay in our Villa near Disney. It is fully equipped with heated pool, modern and sleeps up to 10 people.

Best Restaurants in Miami

 

Best Restaurants in Miami

The fridge is empty and you have no desire to go grocery shopping. Luckily, Miami is brimming with world class restaurants. With dining options that vary from farm to the sea, the hunger pains surely won't last long. Miami is well known for its vast ethnic diversity, and the gastronomic selection reflects that multiculturalism. From fine steaks to authentic Cuban specialties, you'll find it somewhere in town. Below, you'll find a few of the best spots in town to grab a bite to eat.

International

Tropical Chinese is the real deal. This South Florida establishment offers authentic and traditional Chinese cuisine, including a popular Sunday afternoon dim sum. Tropical Chinese is located in an unassuming strip mall, just across from Tropical Park (the site of Santa's Enchanted Forest). The best way to an enjoyable Tropical Chinese experience is to dine family style. Order one (or a few) of everything for the table-you'll get to experience every flavor, while quickly finding your favorites.

Fine Dining

Get food anytime you desire at the 24-hour eatery that is News Café. What started as a sidewalk meeting place to pick up a coversation and maybe a book or newspaper as well, News Cafe has been a top spot in Miami for almost 25 years. In the beginning, News Cafe was a small establishment serving mostly simple salads, sandwiches, coffee and fruit juices, but over the years they've expanded to a full kitchen, bar, redesigned retail space and even more outdoor seating. If you're digging a laid back setting, News Café is the spot for you, no matter what time it is.

American

If you find yourself in South Florida during stone crab season (October 15th - May 15th), a stop at Joe's Stone Crabs on South Beach is absolutely-repeat, absolutely-mandatory! This former lunch counter opened in 1913. Joe's Stone Crab is more than a seafood restaurant; it's a Florida landmark and institution. Joe's started out as nothing more than a humble seafood stall on the beach, and has evolved into a prestigious restaurant, well-known around the world. The stone crab claws dish is to credit for Joe's fame. Although Joe's serves a very wide range of seafood, this is the dish you will want to try if you are looking for the ultimate Joe's experience. Cheap it is not, but if you are looking for a dining experience with a genuine history, and quality dishes, this is one restaurant you do not want to miss.

About the Author

Mint is a 52-story condominium tower located in downtown Miami's exclusive Riverfront urban development - the only gated community of its kind in the heart of the city. This is no mirage, this is Mint.