Florida Vacation
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According to Visit Florida, the official tourism marketing corporation for the Sunshine state, last year 105 million visitors enjoyed the sunny climate and all the advantages associated with warm weather. Compared to arrival figures released in 2014, Visit Florida reported a 6.6 percent increase in 2015.
Visit Florida estimates 4 million Canadians visited the Sunshine State last year, ranking Canada as number one in international visitor arrivals.
We thought we would give readers, from not just Canada, a few hints at what to see.
The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel
There has been a surge in visits here by Canadian tourists. Canadians are looking for something a bit more 'off the beaten track' than the usual haunts. Here you get a natural, quiet setting.
Fort Myers is popular for its beaches, fishing, shopping – and the opportunity to learn about two of the nation’s most famed inventors and business leaders. You and your family can experience one-on-one natural encounters, play on top-notch beaches and treat yourselves to endless family-friendly attractions, restaurants, and resorts in Fort Myers and surrounding areas along Southwest Florida’s sunny Gulf Coast. And don’t miss the Thomas Edison and Henry Ford winter estates. Back in 1916, Ford bought land in downtown Fort Myers, next door to Edison, his mentor. Now, both estates serve as museums that honor their founders and remind all of their achievements..
Getting There: For non-stop seasonal service, watch for WestJet and the upcoming Air Canada service. Clients arrive at the Southwest Florida International Airport and can drive a short 30 minutes to either Sanibel Island or Fort Myers Beach.
For more details https://www.leevcb.com
For more details https://www.leevcb.com
Florida’s Paradise Coast
(Including Naples, Marco Island, and the Everglades).
(Including Naples, Marco Island, and the Everglades).
For Naples, think luxury; with shopping, white sandy beaches, and amazing sunsets. For Marco Island, this islet as more family-friendly, with its vibes of the Caribbean.
Locals, and visitors alike, are looking forward to the opening of the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, after a US$300-million renovation, becoming the first JW Marriott beach resort in the continental United States.
Locals, and visitors alike, are looking forward to the opening of the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, after a US$300-million renovation, becoming the first JW Marriott beach resort in the continental United States.
The Everglades stands out on its own. An easy 45-minute drive from Naples, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy kayaking, birding and the swamp walks, among many other activities.
Fun Fact: Everglades City with a tiny population of around 500 residents is considered the stone crab capital of the world.
Everglades City is a gateway to the 10,000 Islands. It is one end of the Wilderness Waterway, the famous Everglades backcountry route linking Everglades City to Flamingo. Probably the best place in the 10,000 Islands to rent canoes or kayaks, join a guided paddling excursion, or find a comfortable room, from which to base your explorations of Big Cypress National Preserve, Everglades National Park, and Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. It even has a tiny airport, so you can fly in or book a float plane tour to get a bird's-eye view of the islands, before putting your paddle in the water.
Getting There: About three hours from Tampa, or two hours from Miami. http://www.paradisecoast.com/
Kissimmee
A popular tourist destination, Kissimmee, which is called the “Gateway to Fun,” now has so many vacation options.
Its proximity to world-class theme parks, such as Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando® Resort and SeaWorld® Orlando, make Kissimmee the perfect place to plan your Central Florida vacation.
Fly across the water on a thrilling airboat ride, and discover a world alive with tropical birds, turtles, and alligators. Travel to the Old Town, or take a stroll down the brick-lined streets of Celebration, where you'll find an exciting mixture of restaurants, dinner shows, and myriad shopping possibilities.
For the golfer, Kissimmee is a vacation dream. Sunshine, warm weather and a variety of golf courses are ideal for everyone from beginners to touring pros.
Fly across the water on a thrilling airboat ride, and discover a world alive with tropical birds, turtles, and alligators. Travel to the Old Town, or take a stroll down the brick-lined streets of Celebration, where you'll find an exciting mixture of restaurants, dinner shows, and myriad shopping possibilities.
For the golfer, Kissimmee is a vacation dream. Sunshine, warm weather and a variety of golf courses are ideal for everyone from beginners to touring pros.
Fun Fact: While Experience Kissimmee reports 2.1 million international arrivals, Toronto ranks as the top market.
Getting There.There are affordable flights, starting from as little as $250 return to Orlando from New York, $320 from Toronto. Plenty of airlines to choose from like Air Canada, WestJet,Delta,United, JetBlue and Sunwing.
http://www.experiencekissimmee.com
http://www.experiencekissimmee.com
Best Fares for all destinations can be obtained from www.paylessflights.com.