The first thing any good vacation needs is some great accommodation, and that can be tricky with the sheer number of hotels, resorts, all-in-one packages and various deals that get bandied around the internet whenever you do a search. The hunt gets even trickier for European travelers if they don’t quite understand the lingo used for accommodation in the United States. So, how do you know where your budget fits into the scale?

It basically breaks down like this:

On the budget end of the spectrum are motels; these are often chain motels though as you go south of Florida they are often sprawling privately owned buildings. Motels often are have doors facing a parking lot, are small (just one or two stories) and have very basic amenities. They are very affordable as far as US accommodation goes, but can be a bit dingier and are not always close to the attractions (great for road trips if you simply have to stop between  destinations.

Next comes hotels, they often fall under the same mid-range budget, but huge brands are also “hotels” such as Hilton, Raddision, Marriot (and these can be a bit more). As with the motels, the hotels come in the form of chains and if you find a brand you love you can usually stick with that hotel chain across the US, earning hotel loyalty points for things like free stays, and discounts. For the mid-range budget, Hotels like Best Western, Holiday Inn, and Days’ Inn are good options (and if you use TripAdvisor for reviews you can see which ones are particularly good value based on past users’ recommendations.

On these two levels, you’ll be paying either cash, or through top hotel credit card processors for your stay.

On the mid to upper end of the scale are villas and inns — often these are boutique hotels that have some sort of extra bit of charm or location (like on a riverside, with a certain niche quirk, etc).

And for the high end, look for the words resort and perhapst the words all-inclusive, and know that some elite brands also use the term hotel, but discerning travelers will recognize these brand names and know to flag them on the high end of the budget (think chains like The Four Seasons, Six Senses, Ritz Carlton, etc).

That’s the skinny on accommodation in the United States. In states like Florida, accommodation truly runs the whole range because the tourism infrastructure is so well developed. Resorts abound neat the theme parks in Orlando, while you’re looking at hotels and motel chains as you move further south (though note that Key West island does have the wide range as well!).

Florida is one of the top travel destinations within the United States for a wide range of people: families travel from all over the world to visit our theme parks, snow birds enjoy the mild winters, vacationers looking forward some sun and beach time, and even cultural tourism down in Old Town, Key West. The diversity of tourism in Florida is one of the state’s main draws, but with that comes some concerns about how to fit it all into your trip.

That’s where couponing comes into play, many resorts and travel companies are keen to bring in tourists with special discounts and deals for those keen to do the research. Discounts range from airline travel with things like special Expedia discounts, to groupons, off-season incentives, group bookings, dual bookings of a rental car and theme park tickets.

The range of discounts are as varied as your imagination, and because Florida is so big on the tourist radar, there are plenty of perks for nearly every attraction in the state.

Consider these ideas for finding discounts before you travel to Florida for your next vacation.

• Use membership programs like AAA, Rotary Clubs, and your company to buy discount theme park tickets.
• Check out coupon code sites for the latest travel coupons.
• Call your hotel and rental car company and ask if they have any special promotions.
• Check the company’s website for online-only discounts.
• Travel with a group, you can often negotiate lower rates if you have many people in your party, this is great for family reunions.
• Check magazines, often companies run special advertisements to entice travelers.
• Use rewards points from your credit cards. Companies like American Express, Capital One, and other often have great travel deals.
• Consider loyalty programs. In addition to your credit card companies and membership programs, being a consistent member of a hotel chain, restaurant chain, rental car company, etc, often puts you into their loyalty programs, and perks often include discounts and special promotions in popular travel destinations.

As a Florida resident, I have perfected the art of finding these deals over the years because all of these theme parks, beaches, forts, and experiences are right in my backyard. It’s always a shame when I hear that travelers came to the state and were stuck in their hotel rooms because they feared their money would run out before the trip was over. Though vacationing can really add up, prepping for the trip ahead of time unearths all sorts of deals and discount companies you never knew existed. These companies then help you find the value you need to enjoy your trip.

The bottom lineFinding Great Discounts to Travel is research. There are so many opportunities out there, both online and offline, that if you put in the time to check out a couponing site, call the hotels in the area, and really put in the effort you can find great discounts–after all, wouldn’t you rather spend that vacation money on making great memories with affordable experiences.

Hogsmeade Village and distant roller coasters the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Best Roller Coasters at Florida Theme Parks!

Hardcore roller coaster enthusiasts might disagree with some of the coasters that have made my list, but it’s really up to personal taste and where you get your thrills. That being said, I’ve ridden a lot, with a lot of friends and these are the ones we come back to time and time again.

Dragon Challenge at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Formerly the Dueling Dragons, this roller coaster is located in Orlando in the Universal Studios complex.  Islands of Adventure is more of the water-park and adventure side to Universal and is now the home of the Wizarding World of Harry Pottery, which is exactly where you’ll find this ride!

The premise is simple, dual roller coasters are on separate steel tracks and start at precisely the same moment to hurl the riders rapidly through the air on suspended tracks. The coasters often speed toward each other for some thrilling moments when you know they aren’t going to crash but it feels as if they will! This coaster is ideal from both the front and the back of the seats– a rarity for coaster enthusiasts.

Montu at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens theme park, located in Tampa, is really the best overall theme park for roller coaster enthusiasts in particular because the park has been designed with a bit different focus than Disney and even the Universal parks — although very child friendly, the park also caters to an older audience with fast rides and rocking roller coasters. With that in mind, Montu lives up to your every hope and dream for a coaster — a suspended track mean your feet dangle and whip through the air. The track is older than some of the other top coasters on this list, but it’s a goodie for sure and you’ll want to ride this one several times before you leave the park for the day!

Gwazi at Busch Gardens

This ranks up there because I know it’s well loved by my friends and family; for me, wooden roller coasters don’t necessarily tickle my fancy too much, but even so I make a point to ride Gwazi each time I visit Busch Gardens. The coaster is your classic wooden double coaster and the dual set of cars race each other throughout the track. Expect all of the typical pros and cons of a wooden coaster, but take it up a notch for the fun humps and swoops throughout.

The Incredible Hulk at Universal Islands of Adventure

This coaster is still fairly new (much newer than the popular coasters at Busch Gardens) and the Incredible Hulk made international headlines when it was released because of the innovative track and propulsion system that is, quite literally, the only roller coaster like it in the world. Not to spoil the fun, but as you’re slowly accelerating up the hill you get a sudden boost and go from zero to 60 mph in mere seconds, then the coaster swoops into tunnels and toward the pond it sits in –thrilling and completely unique.

 Sheikra Roller Coaster at Busch Gardens

This is where I proudly wave my wimp flag and admit that as thrilling as this roller coaster is, it also scares the heck out of me each time! This is the tallest coaster in this region of the US and a 90 degree, straight down drop is terrifying and thrilling at the same time. Hard-core enthusiasts will love the drama of this coaster and the thrill of the ride.

This rounds out some of my favorite roller coasters in Florida, but they are far from the only coasters you can enjoy on a visit to our theme parks — there are dozens more that get raves and enjoyment. If you’re an enthusiast you’ll also be interested in Kumba, The Mummy, Space Mountain (and indoor coaster), and Journey to Atlantis at Sea World if you’re a fan of thrilling water coasters!

Six Toed Cat sign just near the Hemingway House

The Hemingway cats are a curious part of authors story because he had a particular affinity for unique cats, calico, black, striped, or tabby…it didn’t matter as long as the cat had six toes! This is  a normal abnormality in cats, one that occurs in nature as a genetic anomaly that only crops up every once in a while because it is so rare. But for Hemingway, he cultivated a huge collection of these cats that were free to roam the grounds of his estate and procreate.

And though Hemingway has not lived on the island for decades (and did in fact pass away), visitors to his house, which has now been turned into a museum of his life and his works, are still able to see descendants from Hemingway’s original six-toed cats that filled his property. Now, all cats are welcome, to be sure, but the fact is, once Hemingway collected enough of the cats with this specific genetic anomaly it is now quite common for the cats at the Hemingway House museum.

The Hemingway House and surrounding property

When you’re visiting the Hemingway House, I highly recommend a guided tour of the grounds because the guides are able to provide some fun insight and knowledge about the author’s life that you can’t understand just from wandering the property! And as an extra bonus, the guides will always point out the passing cats and it’s nearly assured that you’ll spot at least one with an extra toes— the six toed cats have the majority right now!

Snorkeling is one of the Top Things to Do in Key West!

Top Things to Do in Key West

The island is small, just 7.4 square miles and yet the locals have packed in a whole lot of things to do into just one small spot way down there at the end of the chain of islands known as the Florida Keys. From sightseeing the local structures to snorkeling, museum hopping, sunbathing, and sunsets, we have ten of the “can’t miss” items when you travel down south on your Florida travels.

Snorkel, Boat, Dive — Find a Way to Get in the Water!

Island culture dictates the sightseeing in Key West, and that means you simply have to find a way to get yourself out on the water or else I daresay your visit to the Keys doesn’t really count! There are countless tour operators near the Harbor Walk and the information counters will be happy to give you a the lowdown on various options. I highly recommend the snorkeling for families visiting Key West because it’s an activity that nicely suites all ages and the reefs are right of the coast.

Experience Sunset at Mallory Square

I’ve taken in the Mallory Square boardwalk many times over the course of 25 years and the heart of the experience is pleasantly unchanged. As the pinks, purples and oranges riot across the sky with the setting sun the local artists and performers bring their act to the boardwalk and entertain the masses. Expect sword swallowers, fire jugglers, tightrope walkers and all sorts of performances. This is wonderful fun for the entire family and a great place to pick up souvenirs.

Take a Trolley Tour

The heat during the day can really soar high and it’s important to keep yourself hydrated and out of the mid-day sun when it’s at its hottest. But if you’re only in Key West for a couple of days you might lament at the prospect of hiding in your hotel room. That’s where the trolley and bus tours come in handy, all of the companies offer shaded tours around the island with guided, live commentary of the highlights and fun facts.

Visit the Hemingway House

Ernest Hemingway is one of the more famous and popular Key West residents and you’ll find an enthusiasm for his work, life, and legacy throughout Key West. Visiting Hemingway’s house can be a highlight for literary buffs in search of the man behind the wonderful prose; knowledgeable guides offer hourly tours and guided commentary through each room in the house if you so choose, or you can explore at your own pace!

Rent a Bike to See all of Key West

For the ambitious who are really looking for some fun things to do in Key West, wear a hat and bike around the island, taking in the houses, the sunshine, and the slow pace of life. The Conch culture (as the locals prefer it to be called) is pretty hard to describe and it’s something you can let seep into your bones as you slowly pedal through the shady tree-lined streets.

Eat Key Lime Pie!

This is a can’t miss. Please, take it from me, no matter how many pieces of key lime pie you have had in the past, none will come close to the scrumptious recipies secretly guarded and still used all over the island. You can try it frozen and on a stick in the heat of the day, in a take-out container for your boat rides, or sit down in the cool shade of a restaurant and delight your tastebuds with a tasty treat!

Explore and Photography the Wooden Structures

The local architecture and color palette throughout Key West is a photographer’s dream! I found myself happily lost walking the small residential streets and finding the colorful and historic clapboard houses taking right back in time. Many of the wooden houses throughout the island have been carefully and meticulously restored to retain the intricate and ornate wood carvings and details on the Key West houses.

Hit the Bars on Duval Street

I’d be seriously remiss if I failed to mention the party and drinking culture on the island. Like island life anywhere, you’ll find some great bars with a cool ocean breeze and creative local artists crooning on the stage. Many of the more popular bars are attached to past celebrities who lived on the island and they all seem to have a distinctly different vibe so you’ll have a good night out on the town!

Visit the Southernmost Point in the US

I was surprised to see the international tourists just as enthused as the Americans to take their picture next to the large structure marking the southernmost point in the continental US. The icy blue waters lie just beyond the painted structure and since there is normally a queue all day long the person in line behind you will customarily take your photo for you!

Visit the Museums

There are countless museums scattered throughout the town and you can fill your head with facts about Flagler’s railroad and how that changed the island –head to the Customs House for that. Or brush up on your shipwreck knowledge and lore at the Key West Shipwreck Museum (with panoramic views of the island as a bonus).