Florida Travel Journal

Now is the time to Cruise

Last-minute deals may be available on a range of cruises that depart Port Canaveral. Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line all offer local service and there may be a chance to grab a holiday cruise.

For more information go to www.disneycruiseline.com, www.carnival.com and www.royalcaribbean.com .

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Carnival Dream comes to Port Canaveral

The Carnival Dream is home-ported at Port Canaveral. Book a cruise now!

Cruise Ship

Book a cruise NOW !

New Spa opens at Mission Inn

     As many start on their New Year's resolutions, going to the spa ranks high on the list. European-style Spa Marbella has opened at Mission Inn Resort & Spa.
     The 6,200-square-foot facility is the latest addition to the resort, which is known for its golf and tennis facilities and is a new amenity for guests, area visitors and the local community.
     Spa Marbella is run by Kathy Neiman, who most recently operated the spa at the historic Langford Resort in Winter Park, Fla. A 12-year veteran, Neiman was ranked in the top three percent of the nation’s massage therapists by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodyworks.
     In addition to Marbella Signature Stone Massage and Marbella Signature Facial, guests can choose from treatments such as Aroma de la Tierra and Tejido massages, Joven and Pearls of the Sea facials, and Leche Tropical and Water Lilly body wraps.
    For more information, visit www.missioninnresort.com or call toll-free 800-874-9053.

Welcome to Florida!
Enjoy your stay!

We are excited that you are visiting our web site. Our company is here to provide unique adventures for any occasion.

On this site you'll find information about our activities and facilities, along with descriptions of our special getaway packages. We hope you will find all of the information you are looking for about our recreation company.

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Simpsons Ride voted world's best

Universal Orlando's The Simpsons Ride has been named the world's best by Theme Park Insider, a Web site that covers amusement park rides.

The motion simulator style ride is the latest to hit Universal, and replaces Back To The Future.

Opinion: Open Cuba to Tourists

While we know that it has not been a positive relationship over the years between the two countries, the United States could benefit a great deal from opening Cuba to American Tourists.

Florida would be a major layover for those who would be looking to get away to the Caribbean Island, and perhaps in a few years the state could see some benefits.

A recent editorial in the Los Angeles Times said it would be a good step for President-elect Barack Obama to step up the relationship, to encourage, trade, travel and reform.

We at Florida Travel Journal think there would be tremendous benefits to enabling U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba.

What do you think? Email the editor, Dottie Paris at editor@flatraveljournal.com

Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon

MELBOURNE, Fla. -- A marathon runner can only dream of such a fun place to run a race as thousands descend on Melbourne, Fla., for the State Farm Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon Feb. 6-7.

With Olympians Bill Rodgers, Zola Budd and Colleen DeReuck all running alongside, the runners will travel up and over two causeways and along the Indian River Lagoon on the scenic East Coast of Florida.

"This will be the second year I'm running this race and I'm stoked," said Bob Olientes of Palm Bay, Fl., "I love the course and the people get all dressed up. It's really a lot of fun."

For more information go to www.themelbournemarathon.com

Review:

Palm Coast Villas

PALM COAST -- We were originally booked in to a more expensive hotel on a visit to the St. Augustine area, but we opted instead for the Palm Coast Villas, which a friend suggested.

What a beautiful property that is an independently owned hotel-motel, set on a strip of land located between the river and the ocean.

The staff is supportive and attentive, the breakfast is out and ready to be eaten in the morning, the property is clean and the surroundings are quiet, dignified and lush.

The room rates vary, check with the front desk, but "for a few dollars less" you can get more value than any upscale hotel in that area. Florida Travel Journal loved our stay!

Do you have a favorite Burger?

Submit your Best Burger in Florida to editor@flatraveljournal.com

TIA strengthens with merger

Washington, DC – The Board of Directors of the Travel Association of America has approved a merger with the Travel Business Roundtable. The newly formed U.S. Travel Association, effective January 1, 2009, will further intensify the voice of America’s $740 billion travel industry.

“Travel supports nearly 18 million U.S. jobs that cannot be outsourced and contributes more than $100 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue,” said Roger Dow, TIA’s President and CEO, who will serve in the same capacity for the U.S. Travel Association. “America’s travel community has created an organization that matches the power and scope of America’s travel economy.”

For more information see www.tia.org

Hotel perks

Kessler Properties' Casa Monica in St. Augustine will offer guests extended hours after checkout, a trend that hotels are using to cater more to visitors.

"We feel that if we can compromise and offer the guest a few more hours after checkout," said Casa Monica general manager Anthony Lazzara.

Crowne Plaza's new Beach Club membership

By Peggy Raron

Crowne Plaza Oceanfront Resort in Indialantic offers a new program Crowne Beach Club, in order to bring in more local or Orlando-based visitors and weekenders.
For $599 a year, members are entitled to four free hotel nights, unlimited access to the pool and oceanfront deck and, of course, great Crowne Plaza service. For more information call (321) 777-4100.

Amelia Island: Golfer's Deals

With its 117 holes of stunning, world-class golf, Amelia Island has long been a favorite destination for golfers of all skill levels. Located in the northeastern corner of Florida, the island is adding to its natural golf appeal by offering special package rates at six of her award-winning hotels, resorts and inns. Available at a beachfront resort, romantic bed and breakfast, value hotel or even an oceanfront condominium, the packages offer great savings and can be tailored to create the perfect golf getaway.

From oceanfront holes and oak-lined fairways, to Intracoastal marsh preserves teeming with wildlife, the greens of Amelia Island offer magnificent play for golfers. Amelia Island Plantation, one of the luxury resorts on the island, offers 72 holes of Championship golf, including Pete Dye’s Oak Marsh, Tom Fazio’s Long Point and the towering dunes of five holes which boarder the Atlantic coast line on the Bobby Weed designed Ocean Links. The resort’s newest course Amelia River, was designed by Tom Jackson and features incredibly smooth TifEagle greens.

Designed by PGA Tour professionals Mark McCumber and Gene Littler, The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach is Amelia Island’s only PGA Tournament Course. The 6,696-yards of challenging, beautifully landscaped golf weaves through marshes and lakes, putting water in play on 14 holes. And the 27-hole Fernandina Beach Golf Club is considered one of the finest public courses in the Southeast.

Current golf packages include:

Addison on Amelia

Guests at the beautiful Addison on Amelia Bed and Breakfast Inn, which was recently named a Top 10 Inn by bedandbreakfast.com, can enjoy a two-night stay and a round of golf for two at the Fernandina Beach Golf Course with the Golf Getaway Package. The package also includes an early full breakfast to match your tee time, 18 holes of golf, including cart and afternoon Happy Hour with bragging rights. Packages start at $435. Contact the inn at (904) 277-1604 or visit www.AddisononAmelia.com for details and reservations.

Amelia Island Plantation

The 1,350-acre Amelia Island Plantation “Rise & Shine” Golf Package offers a deluxe oceanview room at the Amelia Inn, daily breakfast at the Sunrise Café or Golf Shop restaurant, and 18 holes of championship golf at Ocean Links or Amelia River. The package starts at $139 per person, per night and includes a round of golf per person each day. Package includes cart, golf bag storage, course guide, practice balls and unlimited use of the Health and Fitness Center. To book the Rise & Shine Golf Package, visit www.aipfl.com or call (866) 213-8045.

Amelia Hotel at the Beach

The 86-room Amelia Hotel at the Beach is offering two golf packages. The “Par 3” package starts at $460 and includes overnight accommodations for two nights, daily hot continental breakfast, 36 holes of golf for one golfer (72 for two), complimentary range balls and cart fees from Golf Club of North Hampton, Amelia River Golf Course and Fernandina Beach Golf Club. The “Tee It Up” package offers a two-night stay, complimentary breakfast, 54 holes of golf for one golfer (108 for two), and complimentary range balls and cart fees from the three courses, all starting at $545. Visit www.ameliahotel.com or call (877) 263-5428 for more information.

Residence Inn – Amelia Island

Amelia Island’s newest treasure, Residence Inn by Marriott, offers great golf packages and so much more. Guests can create the experience that best fits their budget by choosing from three different local golf courses with varying degrees of difficulty. Golf packages for two start at $199/+tax and include a one-bedroom suite with a gourmet kitchen, complimentary full hot breakfast, evening reception, shuttle service to the beach and a memorable experience that guests won’t soon forget. Guests can book their adventure at www.residenceinnameliaisland.com.

Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Starting at $489 per night, the AAA Five-Diamond Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island’s “Fairways and Greens” package includes overnight accommodations in a coastal view room, breakfast for two in-room or at Café 4750, two rounds of golf at The Golf Club of Amelia Island, greens fees and shared cart. To book the package, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland or call (800) 241-3333.

Summer Beach Resort

The Summer Beach Resort offers a golf package with three-night accommodations, featuring fully-equipped kitchen, washer, dryer and patio; and two rounds of golf per person at The Golf Club of Amelia Island. The package is based on four guests in a two-bedroom resortview condo and starts at $101.10 per person, per night. Visit www.summerbeach.com or call (800) 862-9297 for more information.

Great Tennis Getaways:

Amelia Island

By DOTTIE PARIS

AMELIA ISLAND – A great tennis destination is Amelia Island, where kids, parents and even the teenagers can have a relaxing time.

Ritz-Carlton and Amelia Island Plantation have a cooperative venture where guests of the Ritz can play tennis and take lessons at the Plantation, a short drive away.

While the clay courts may need a little work, overall the setting at the Plantation is great for tennis with oak trees everywhere, making for abundant shade in a hot state.

There is a kids camp at Amelia Island Plantation as well, which can be a good experience for everyone involved.

John Watson is the head tennis pro at the Ritz and Kelly Gunterman is the new head pro at the Plantation. They are top-notch and having a solo lesson with either of the gentlemen is worthwhile.

The Space Coast: A 'drive-to' winner for the Florida winter

By Sherri Pagliotta

Senior Travel Writer

From Cocoa Beach to Melbourne Beach,The Space Coast offers a great getaway on only a tank or two of gas from anywhere in Florida.

We recently spent a weekend on the East Coast of Florida, known as The Space Coast because of its prominent attraction, the Kennedy Space Center, and the NASA history that is such an important part of this beach destination.

Other famous places here are Port

Canaveral, where you can grab a Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Disney cruise and the Cocoa Beach Pier, where you can stroll along, go fishing or grab a bite to eat.

We found a variety of beachside

hotels and a lot of them have activities for all ages to make it part of the fun! I would recommend this destination and particularly it is a family-friendly destination within a tank full of gas from most points in the state.

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Or e-mail:

DottieParis@hotmail.com

dottieparis@hotmail.com

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