Guest Post: South Florida Vacations

By Alexandra Jacobs

If you will be visiting the Florida Keys this spring, you have chosen one of the most beautiful and diverse locations on earth to vacation! From white, warm beaches to historical landmarks, there is plenty to see and do here. Check out these amazing attractions for visitors looking for some fun!

 

Photo by Flickr user heather0714

Places to Visit

• Tropic Cinema. Check out this tropical theater if you’re looking for a place to view the latest new releases. The edifice was founded in 1998 and today hosts independent screenings and film festivals dedicated to the moviemaking industry. They have shown Algerian, Italian, Indian and French films in the theater, as well.

• Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. This is perhaps the most unique attraction in Key West, Florida. Guests are treated to a spectacular view of hundreds of butterflies and their subsequent habitats. It’s a great place to take children or simply browse through the displays of gorgeous insects. There are also a few species of birds that guests can view, as well. The entire conservatory can be viewed in about 30 minutes.

Photo by Flickr user Milan.boers

• Seven Mile Bridge. Keep your eyes open for turtles, fish and sharks! This bridge extends over 7 miles of beautiful blue water. You can spot lots of boaters in the evening and it’s a great place to take a drive if you’re looking for a spot to watch the sun set. The road extends from Marathon to Key West.

• Dolphins Plus. Located in Key Largo, this watery attraction is the perfect spot to bring the children for the day. It features an entire host of aquatic creatures, and of course the star of these water animals is the adorable dolphin. Children 7 and up can swim with the dolphins. It is an amazing experience that is not to be missed.

• Captain Hook’s Marina and Dive Center. This is the best place in Marathon, Florida to go diving and enjoy the beauty of the ocean. You can get everything you need for a day on the water: boats, charters for fishing, scuba gear, and so much more. They also offer diving classes with experienced instructors. 

• Harry S. Truman Little White House. The Little White House is the only Presidential museum in Florida, and it exhibits the winter home of America’s 33rd President. You can also find many lovely homes that resemble Hamptons rentals along the beach to overlook!

Photo by tranquilitybay.com Butterfly Cafe

Places to Eat

•  Garbo’s Grill Possibly one of the most popular eateries in Key West, this dining venue is both a tourist and local favorite. Don’t let the fact that the restaurant is encased in a transportable cart dissuade you from eating there. Their fish tacos are one of their most popular dishes. They also serve great Korean barbeque plates and as traditional Mexican fare.

• Cole’s Peace Artisan Bakery and Sandwich Shop. For traditional Cuban food in addition to old-fashioned pastries and coffee, hit up Cole’s. Their sticky buns and blueberry muffins are especially good. It’s a good place to stop on the way to the beach.

• Butterfly Café. From the presentation of the food to the fantastic name, Butterfly Café is easily the best place in Marathon to eat. The scallops and grouper entrees are simply amazing.

• Old Town Bakery. Easily the most enjoyable place to have breakfast in Key West, check out their cheese Danishes and sticky buns with their signature honey and caramel glaze.

• Paseo Restaurant. This Caribbean-inspired cuisine offers pork, steak and fantastic Cuban sandwiches. The prawns, grilled chicken and roasted corn is to die for. Visit this superb restaurant before you leave!

This article was written by Alexandra Jacobs, a passionate writer that shares her experiences, you can read more about them here: http://alexsjourneys.wordpress.com/

Onboard the Carnival Magic in Galveston, TX

I had the honor to be at Carnival's Magic Inaugural Event celebrated in Galveston, TX last November. My husband and I get the chance to enjoyed Maroon's 5 Live Concert, from Carnival's Magic pool area. This beauty (the ship) is a total "Magic" and I can not be more excited to know this vessel homeport is Galveston, Texas.

Needless to say, I got in love with the Kids and Youth Areas (you know mommies looking for children amenities). As a mother of 3, it is extremely important to me that my children enjoy their cruise Vacation as much or even more than me.  This is complimentary service starting at age 2. Carnival's counselors, each with education or childcare experience, are on the clock making sure everyone in the small groups of kids are having fun. When it’s mealtime, kids get their own menus, with faves like mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, and more.  They also  offer Camp Carnival Night Owls, so kids get to spend more time having fun, while their parents also enjoy themselves well into the night (Extra fee).

 

 

Some of new venues Carnival Magic has is Red Frog Pub, Cucina del Capitano (Italian Restaurant), Cherry on Top (Candy shop), and the Aqua Park that you and your kids will love it!

If you are planning to cruise from Galveston, Texas to the Western Caribbean I encourage you to stay 1 or 2 days in port. This way you'll get the most of your vacation. Galveston has so much more to offer. If you don't know where to start, give me a call so we can together plan your next Family Cruise Vacation from Galveston, Texas.

Leila Reyes

Travel Specialist
Family Vacations
817-554-3346
lrtravel@live.com

Royal Caribbean - Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas Deck Plan

What can I say? Humongous, was the word that just came to my mind. Oasis of the Seas is not only one of the biggest ship on the seas, it is also an impressive art of work. It has seven distinctive neighborhoods, twenty five dining options and 2,394 crew members to serve you!





Do you see this tiny person? It could be you...Zip Lining!

Oasis means a fertile or green spot in the dessert or wasteland, made so by the presence of water.  It also means a situation or place preserved from surrounding unpleasantness, a refuge.  This is the best description as I approach to the lovely Central Park that is open to the fresh sea air and home to many lovely specialty restaurants.

But honestly what I loved the most was the Boardwalk with a carousel, kid’s games, Sea Food Shack, Johnny Rockets, Salt Water Taffy and more. I literally pictured my kids having tons fun out there. There staterooms that are positioned in the central park, giving you a different view option than the sea. Same in the Boardwalk giving you a terrific VIP view to the Aqua Theater. And for those that love the risk there are two huge FlowRiders for surfing and boogie boarding, the zip line across the top of the Boardwalk.

Touch Screen Stations



Sure the ship is large and can hold more than 5000 fully occupied with the maximum number of kids, but this ship has tons of activities and places to have fun, spend quality time with your family and friends and grow your memories for life. Don’t let the size scare you away from trying Oasis of the Seas, I truly believe it MEAN its meaning; do you understand what I’m saying?

Families and active adults are to love her. So are adults that are attracted to all the more upscale features and so are most people that are brave enough to try something this innovative. You will enjoy also a great Bahamas/Caribbean itinerary, which not all ships do. So, Why Not?

Whether you are looking to explore a New Ship or The biggest one, to have a family reunion, a honeymoon, friends or business gathering the Oasis of the Seas will meet and exceed your expectations. Let me help you customize your Next Cruise Vacation.

Leila Reyes

Travel Specialist

Family Vacations

817-554-3346

lrtravel@live.com