First, Orlando surpassed Las Vegas as the top tourist destination and now Orlando has dethroned Vegas in another category, Most Popular Spring Break Travel Destination for 2011.  These results are according to an Orbitz survey.

Last year, Orlando ranked #5 so it looks like it wasn’t just Las Vegas that was surpassed.  Perhaps Orlando came out tops in this survey because it is a family-friendly location.  Not all Spring break travelers are college kids looking for the next beach keg party. In fact, the survey indicates 88% of the respondents try to avoid popular Spring break locations for the college-age group.

The fact is, four Florida locations ended up in the top ten of this list.  Of course, Miami/Fort Lauderdale made it, but Fort Myers and Tampa also are hot destinations this Spring break.

If Orlando Doesn’t Have It, It’s Close By

Orlando pretty much has it all.  You can find the world’s greatest theme parks, sporting venues, recreational opportunities, and oh yeah, you are within easy driving distance to beaches not just the Atlantic Ocean, but the Gulf of Mexico too.  Pick your beautiful poison on this one.

Many cruise lines call Port Canaveral home and you can fly into Orlando International Airport and catch a shuttle over to set sail for an exotic location.  Check out the newest ship in Disney’s fleet, the Disney Dream.  I hear it really is a dream of a ship.

For sports enthusiasts, the Orlando area is home for spring training to many Major League Baseball teams.  The Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, and New York Yankees are just a few of the teams you can see play while you are in town.

It’s no wonder that Orlando came out on top in this survey.  There are just so many different things to do and enjoy. Regardless of age, you can have a great time in Orlando -  not just in the Spring, but any time of the year.  

Save on Spring Break Travel

Visit OrlandoTravelHotels.com to find savings on all your Spring break travel needs.  Great pricing on hotels, flights, cruises, rental cars, and more are right at your fingertips.  Let OrlandoTravelHotels.com do the work so you can enjoy a relaxing time in Orlando or anywhere else in Florida.
 

Virtuoso, a leading luxury travel network, has released their Virtuoso Luxe Report for 2011.  To those of us who love all things Orlando, it is no surprise that Orlando landed at number 5 on the Top 10 U.S. Travel Destinations for 2011.

Perhaps more telling into this ranking is another ranking.  Virtuoso rates the number one biggest travel trend emerging in 2011 as family and multi-generational travel.  Orlando is the perfect destination for both of these groups.

Big Happenings in Orlando

It’s no secret the theme parks located in and around Orlando are big draws for the area.  Travelers will find new additions to parks such as Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal and plans for revamping existing attractions such as Fantasyland will keep travelers coming back.

More to Orlando Than Just Theme Parks

Orlando has so much to offer in addition to theme parks and attractions.  You will find fantastic options for restaurants and shopping.  Orlando is conveniently located to some of the most beautiful beaches anywhere and near Port Canaveral, home port to many of popular cruise lines.

Make your travel plans to Orlando to see why it is ranked in the Top 10 of US travel destinations.  OrlandoTravelHotels.com offers savings on flights, hotels, and more.  Book your reservations now from anywhere in the world to travel to Orlando and experience all this area has to offer you and your family.
 

The travel industry has been hit pretty hard by the economic downturn.  Hotels, airlines, and cruise lines have seen significant drops in their revenue.  During this time, those who rely on travel dollars have dramatically tried to increase their satisfaction ratings.

One of the hardest hit during this time has been the hotel segment.  There has been a dramatic drop in occupancy ratings and hotel chains have been creative in their offerings to gain customer loyalty.

Top 5 Hotel Amenities

According to J.D. Power and Associates 2010 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study, the top five amenities are free internet access, complimentary breakfast, bedding and pillow choices, pillow top mattress, and free parking.
The study divided hotels into six segments and here’s who came out on top:

•    Luxury – The Ritz-Carlton
•    Upscale – Omni Hotels & Resorts
•    Mid-Scale Full Service – Hilton Garden Inn
•    Mid-Scale Limited Service – Drury Inn & Suites
•    Economy/Budget – Microtel Inns & Suites
•    Extended Stay – Homewood Suites

Making Reservations Online

The percentage of people making their hotel reservations online has steadily increased each year.  OrlandoTravelHotels.com makes it easy to book your hotel room, flight, or rental car.  You can also find great deals on cruises.

Most of the winners listed above have a hotel located in Orlando.  It’s no small wonder since Orlando is one of the most visited cities in the world.  Rate your own level of satisfaction against the results of the survey when you stay at any of these hotels in Orlando.  We’d love to hear your results.
 

Departing the Orlando International Airport (OIA) definitely requires a good deal of patience. I’ve noticed with each departure trip lately, the wait in security is getting longer and longer.  I’ve tried flying out at different times of day and even flying different airlines.  The result is the same, a long stand in security.

To be fair, OIA is the 22nd largest airport in the world and the 3rd largest for domestic travel in the United States.  There were over 33 million travelers to pass through OIA in 2009.  Just further proof everyone wants to come to Orlando.

Get to Orlando Airport in Plenty of Time

My last two wait times in OIA security were 46 and 57 minutes respectively.  I’m not sure why they have it set up like they do, but the process really does resemble the herding of cattle.  The important thing is to get to the airport in plenty of time in case you have to spend an inordinate amount of time getting through security.

Even if you have to spend a little extra time getting processed through security, Orlando is a great place to visit and the airport is one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen.  Make all your travel reservations for your next trip to Orlando through OrlandoTravelHotels.com.  You’ll find hotels on sale and when making your flight and hotel reservations at the same time, you can save an average of $525.

Don’t let a little airport wait deter you from heading to Orlando.  Just pack a little patience and get to the airport in plenty of time when ready to head back home.
 

I remember the oil spill of the Exxon Valdez in 1989.  Its devastation was well chronicled in print and pictures as approximately 257,000 barrels of oil spilled into Alaska’s Prince William Sound.  It remained the largest oil spill in US history until recently, when it was surpassed by the oil spilled from Deepwater Horizon.  BP Oil’s Deepwater Horizon platform exploded on April 20, 2010.  There are ranging estimates of 450,000 to 750,000 barrels of oil spilled to date.

The Game of Blame

While the Exxon Valdez spill was in a remote location, it had profound effects on the environment.  The location of the spill made clean-up efforts difficult, but the ability to stop the oil from spilling was successful.  The devastation of Deepwater Horizon is just now being seen and the biggest problem so far is the spill hasn’t been stopped.  There have been various attempts at capping the spill, but none have been completely successful.   There is plenty of blame to go around and there has been plenty of finger-pointing.  Sadly though, none of this has stopped the spill.  BP has blamed the rig manufacturer, the rig manufacturer has blamed BP, and it seems as if everyone has weighed in on the US government’s response.

Economic and Environmental Disaster

The effected states so far have been Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.  We all see the heart-wrenching images of animals in distress and some of the pristine beaches being covered in tar balls and oil.  An oil spill affects all of us, no matter where we live.  The economic factors can include lost livelihoods for seafood providers and lost tourism dollars from beach closures and vacation cancellations.  The environmental factors are disastrous and oftentimes deadly for our wildlife and ecosystem.  The impact of an environmental disaster of this scale is far-reaching.

Reality versus Rumor

This is the height of vacation season.  Many travel to the coastal areas of the effected states each year.  It is important to separate fact from fiction and reality from rumor when it comes to what is actually occurring at your destination location.  Each state has a dedicated hotline and web site to give the latest information about different areas affected by the oil spill.  Here are the web sites for the various states affected by the spill:

Alabama:  http://ema.alabama.gov/

Florida:  http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/

Louisiana:  http://www.emergency.louisiana.gov/

Mississippi:  http://www.msema.org/gulfrecovery/

Visit any of these web sites to find the most up-to-date information concerning the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  Where you can, volunteer your time to help with clean up efforts.  This oil spill impacts us all and will for years to come.  Be concerned, stay knowledgeable with the latest information, and do what you can to help.

We at OrlandoTravelHotels.com  are concerned not only for our great state of Florida, but for all states that have been impacted by this natural disaster.  We welcome you to Orlando and all other areas of the Sunshine State and will assist you in finding the greatest savings  on hotels , flights , and other travel needs for your trip here.

Ten Safety Tips for Dealing with the Oil Spill on Your Trip to the Beach

We are all troubled by the impact the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill is having on our environment. Naturally, many vacation plans to beaches are all set to go since beaches  are top destinations for many people during the summer months.

If you continue with your plans for the beach, it is important to know what to look for and how to handle various situations if you’re visiting beaches affected by the spill.

Safety Tips for Beachgoers

Check with the local authorities for the area in which you will be traveling.  Many beaches are closed, and it is anticipated more will be closing to public use.  The oil spill has spanned over coastal waters from Louisiana to Florida.  If your family plans an outing to the beach in the affected areas, you should take the necessary safety measures to protect yourself and your family.

1. Obey any signs or directives posted at your location.  If it says “beach closed,” oil has been found in the area.  Do not go into the water.
2. Should oil make contact with your skin, immediately wash it off with soap and water.
3. Don’t pick up tar balls, tar pits, or any other oil-bearing particle.
4. Pregnant women, young children, or those with compromised immune systems should stay away from any affected areas.
5. Do not boat, fish, or swim in affected waters.
6. Odors from the oil spill can make you nauseated.  If this occurs, remain indoors and in an air conditioned area.
7. Keep pets away from water that has been affected.
8. Do not eat seafood gathered from oil infested waters.
9. Alert authorities to any animals in distress from being covered in oil.  Do not attempt to rescue them yourself.
10. Take the appropriate contact numbers with you in case you need to alert authorities.  Click here for a list of state by state Emergency Response numbers  from BP.

Vacation at an Inland Hotel Instead

Everyone wants to vacation in sunny Florida.  If you feel uncomfortable going through with your plans for the beach, consider changing your reservations to stay at an inland hotel .  Orlando and Central Florida have numerous hotels from which to choose, and you can easily access area beaches  that haven’t been affected by the oil spill.  You can relax by the pool and choose from a myriad of things to do  in the area. 

Make your travel plans through OrlandoTravelHotels.com  and save an average of $535 when booking your flight  and hotel  accommodations at the same time.  You can still have a whale of a time on your vacation with all the attractions , theme parks , and recreation  available in the Orlando area.

It’s funny, everyone in America wants to travel to Europe and Europeans want to travel  to Orlando, FL.  Orlando is among the top 5 American destination cities for international travelers.  Many of these international travelers come from Europe.  International travel can be a tricky thing.  You have to worry about money exchange rates, cultural differences, and language barriers. 

Being Prepared Will Make Your Stay More Enjoyable

Having traveled abroad, I have always been appreciative of the kindness shown to me by strangers.  I barely know a peso from a plug nickel, so I am always thankful for travel tips to another country.  Here are a few tips for the European traveler coming to Orlando:

1. When booking travel, use a reputable company which offers all inclusive booking for flights , hotels , rental cars , etc.  You can find unbeatable savings on your travel needs at sites such as OrlandoTravelHotels.com .
2. Restaurants – Orlando has so many wonderful restaurants  and plenty with an international  flair.  Try some of our traditional American dishes or find a restaurant that serves your favorite dishes from home.  Please don’t forget to tip your server.  Many servers and bartenders make minimum wage and rely on their tips to make ends meets.  The customary tip is usually 18% of your total bill.
3. Language – English is the primary language spoken in the area; however, you will find many bilingual people as Orlando is a melting pot for all nationalities.  Translators are available at many of the hotels, restaurants, and theme parks .
4. Money Exchange – The US Dollar is the form or currency in Orlando.  You can find conveniently located currency exchange sites located at Orlando International Airport, many recreational  spots, and throughout town.
5. Transportation  – All of the rental car companies have a hub at or near the airport.  You can rent a car or take one of many shuttles to any hotel or location. Orlando offers many means of transportation to get you to your destination.
6. Locals – Americans are sometimes viewed as being insensitive to other cultures.  If you have run across any of them, please accept my apology on their behalf.  I think sometimes people just have a fear or uneasiness about the unfamiliar and that can be in any country.  The Orlando community is an open and giving community full of diversity, cultures, customs, and manners. Lean on a local if you have any questions.

Orlando is a popular destination for a reason.  It is rife with natural beauty and exhilarating experiences.  It is our hope that you, our European neighbors, will have the best of times in our great city.

I travel a lot, so I feel I have a good sense of what makes a good air traveler.  It’s true that none of us are perfect but I think we could all try a bit harder when we are confined in a small space with a multitude of strangers at 40,000 feet.

I have a definite top three when it comes to who I pray is not on my flight.  I could compose a list of twenty traits I abhor on airplanes, but I figure if these three types of people never step on the plane I’m in, I can make it pretty calmly to my destination.

1. The Brat  – isn’t it funny how parents seem to turn into deaf mutes when they travel with their children?  I have some semblance of patience when it comes to infants as long as gags are involved.  It’s those testy toddlers that drive me insane.  Little Johnny or Susie continually whine and kick the seats in front of them and Mommy is all of a sudden oblivious to her surroundings.  I often wonder if these parents are on a heavy dose of Xanax or Valium.  They don’t seem to care until you rear your ugly head from the seat Johnny is kicking and attempt to get him to stop.  I actually had one mom say to me on a flight she would meet me on the tarmac.  I wasn’t worried though, I knew I could take her.
2. The Tee tee-er  – oh, you know him.  He demands the window seat and then has to get up to go to the bathroom about 5 times during the flight.  He’s usually the one that immediately upon boarding has to go to the bathroom.  Wonder why he didn’t use one of the 10 gazillion stall in the bathroom before he got on the plane. It’s funny to me that these window hugging bathroom lovers all seem to weigh in excess of 250 pounds which requires the whole row to get up when he leaves and when he returns.
3. The Hurler  – spell it with me now, D-R-A-M-A-M-I-N-E. This is a wonderful little pill that helps keep that nausea at bay.  I am one of those people that will want to hurl just at the mere sound of another person gagging.  One person hurls and then all of a sudden you see about 15 other people reaching for that dreaded little white bag.  If you get air sick, take an anti-nausea medication or walk to your final destination.  I have often thought though if the plane didn’t have about 10 tee tee-ers on board, the hurlers might actually be able to get into the bathroom.

Whether you are a frequent flier or just one of those occasional passengers, I bet you have a list too.  What are your most dreaded air travel passengers on flights?  I’d love to hear them.  With all of us contributing, I bet we could come up with a hefty list.

If you’re planning a trip to the Orlando Area and looking for a way to decide what to do with your time, where to stay and how to get from one place to another, OrlandoTravelHotels.com  is your answer. You can book flights , reserve hotel rooms  and find the best entertainment  options around – all in one place. Orlando locals can keep up with upcoming events and local happenings.

Orlando is simply glorious in the spring.  The flowers are blooming, the wind is blowing at just the right speed, and turtles are on the loose.  Orlando tends to be busy during the spring months with visitors taking advantage of the latest travel deals  to get here for a swing around the theme parks  or to participate in the tons of offerings for things to do  in the area.  As a result it seems, turtles face a little more difficulty in crossing the roads to go from one lake to the next.

Rodents, Bugs and Turtles – Oh My!

Let me start this story by saying I am scared of any animal that is not classified as a dog or cat.  I am scared of rodents, bugs, and now, turtles.  I am scared of anything I think can outrun me. 

Now I’m not talking about those cute little green turtles we used to grow in the terrariums before their import was outlawed.  I’m talking about those huge mama jammas that snap and as it turns out, can move rather quickly. 

So on a beautiful spring day in Orlando, we were headed down one of the main roads to check out a new restaurant  in town.  Right in the middle of the road, there was this huge snapping turtle.  Of course I didn’t realize it was a snapping turtle until the thing tried to take my hand off. 

The Good Samaritan Tries to Lend a Hand – Literally!

I consider myself a Good Samaritan when the need arises, and I figured I would try to get this poor turtle out of the middle of the road.  After prodding with sticks, shoes, and verbal instruction, it wasn’t budging. 

It just so happened I had a pet carrier in the back of my car.  I’m not one of those “think on your feet” types of people.  I tend to like to mull things over for a few days before I come up with the wrong decision.  I run get the pet taxi and with the help of a friend and a few worthless bystanders, we attempt to get the turtle I have named Susie into the pet taxi.  As I put it down in front of dear Susie, she retracted her head, and I took this as my opportunity to lift her – the whole time screaming in sheer terror – to get her into the pet carrier.  With her head toward the back and her body completely filling the compartment, we loaded Susie into the trunk and headed toward the nearest lake.

Sounds of Trepidation

You know how you can hear a sound and all of a sudden you are filled with fear?  I heard that sound and immediately knew trouble was ahead.  I pulled up to the lake and ran to open the trunk.  Sure enough, Susie apparently morphed into some svelte, lithesome turtle and had managed to turn herself around to the front of the carrier. She was snapping at me before I even started to pick her up.  Naturally, I begin screaming like the big old scardy cat I am. I pick up the carrier while the Olga Korbut of turtles is just snapping away. 

Of course, I have the mac daddy of pet carriers; one of those “doors guaranteed to stay closed” types. (Note to self, write pet carrier manufacturer testimonial letter.) Fortunately, it also “no tools required” for assembly or in my case, disassembly.  I undo all the screws and find the longest tree branch available to flip off the top cover.  I swear I see steam coming from Susie’s ears.  With her freedom immediately at hand, she decides she isn’t ready to budge.  I run to my car, all the while in my mind knowing she is chasing me.  I jump in the car and lock the doors (how stupid is that?) only to look back and see Susie apparently taking time to sun bathe while sitting in the bottom of the pet carrier.

About two hours later, she decides to mosey on out and take a dip in the cool waters of Lake Lucerne.  You know, I never drive by that lake that I don’t give a shout out to Susie.  If you are out and about in Orlando and have that fear of anything other than dogs and cats, go ahead and ride with a pet carrier.  You just never know when it might come in handy.

Have you got a crazy travel story to share? I would love to hear it. Leave us a comment!

If you’re planning a trip to the Orlando area and looking for a way to decide what to do with your time, where to stay and how to get from one place to another, OrlandoTravelHotels.com  is your answer.

You can book flights , reserve hotel rooms  and find the best entertainment  and fun things to do  – all in one place. Orlando locals can keep up with upcoming events and local happenings.

A friend of mine and I were flying out of Orlando for a business trip on one of those dreaded early morning flights.  The flight was full with all of those other business travelers decked out in their best presentation outfits.  If you’ve ever made those early morning flights, you realize everyone isn’t in the best of moods. Personally, I think the “morning person” is a fallacy. 

My co-worker Sarah and I had rushed to make the flight; we had one of those stayed-up-too-late on a school night snafus.  I think it is important for you to know Sarah is one of the vainest people I know when it comes to looks, aging, dressing, etc.  Me, I’m a pretty big girl, so I’m pleased if my pants zip all the way up and I fit into my one seat on the airplane. 

Sara has the aisle seat and is applying her makeup and has carefully inserted her teeth whitening strip.  As Sarah is applying her blush, she suddenly sneezes.  She turns her head from me, as if she really has any manners, but doesn’t cover her mouth.  All of a sudden, the white strip flies from her mouth and lands directly on the hand of the exquisitely dressed businessman seated across the aisle from her. 

Have you ever had one of those moments when you were drinking something and got tickled and whatever you were drinking suddenly comes out of your nose?  Well, that would have been me.  I don’t think I have ever witnessed such an event. 

The man immediately thinks it is (is there a nice alternative for snot?).  He jumps up screaming, Sarah is mortified beyond belief, and I have coffee coming out of my nose.  Things settled down once Sarah peeled the strip off the man’s hand and explained it was not what he originally thought.

I have to say I never get on an airplane without thinking of that story.  I still make those early morning flights out, but this memory certainly gives me a chuckle to put me in a better mood at that hour of the day. 

If you have ever had such a travel experience, I’d love for you to share it with me.  We can never get too many chuckles in a day.

If you’re traveling to the Orlando Area for business, discover OrlandoTravelHotels.com  where you can plan your entire trip and find the best rates around. You can book flights , reserve hotel rooms , rent a car   and find the best restaurants  in town – all in one convenient place.