Things to Do in Daytona Beach

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Daytona Beach is known as “The World’s Most Famous Beach”, making it undoubtedly a must-visit destination for your Best Vacation Ever. There’s a lot more than the beach, however, that makes this city so popular for spring breakers, couples and families alike. Best Vacations Ever has compiled a list of our 10 favorite things to do in Daytona Beach, and we think you’ll enjoy them as well!

  • Go for a spin on the sand– One thing about Daytona Beach that makes it so famous is that you can take a cruise down the coast in your vehicle on the beach. For $10 per day, Best Vacations Ever seekers can get driving access to almost 16 miles of the beach. There are 16 access points to get onto and off the beach by vehicle, and a one day pass allows you one exit and reentry for the day.

 

  • Fuel your inner speed-demon – If driving a NASCAR around a world-famous racetrack sounds like one of your Best Vacations Ever, you’ll want to take part in the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Daytona International Speedway. There are three different driving packages to choose from, ranging in price from $549 for the Rookie Experience of eight laps around the 2.5-mile track, all the way up to $2199 for the Experience of a Lifetime for 24 laps. A more budget-friendly option is the Ride Along for $135 which will get you three laps around the track as a passenger.

 

 

  • Head to the park – Not just any park, but Daytona Lagoon – a fun park and water park combined! If you want to enjoy a bit of nostalgia on your Best Vacation Ever, hit up the 70+ game arcade. Those seeking some action can play a round of laser tag, take a few laps in a go kart, or try your skill at the rock climbing wall. After the indoor fun head to the water park where you can zip down 12 water slides or cool off in one of the pools. Admission is $29.99, or you can save 50% by going after 4pm (except Wednesday).

 

  • Go treasure hunting – Daytona Flea & Farmers Market is the mecca of awesome finds, and you’ll be hard-pressed to leave without buying something that you never knew you needed after spending any amount of time here. From rummaging through diamond-in-the-rough antiques, to visiting endless booths with brand new items and fresh produce, you’ll be amazed at what you will find. Best of all, it’s free – you’ll pay nothing for parking nor admission.

 

 

  • Catch a concert – The Daytona Bandshell hosts a ton of free concerts all year long. What could be better than taking in one of the popular cover bands while the Atlantic crashes against the shore behind you? Some of the acts heading to the Bandshell this summer are bands covering Kid Rock, U2, Garth Brooks, The Grateful Dead, Jimmy Buffett to name a few.

 

  • Splish splash in the sun – Free activities always make for one of your Best Vacations Ever, and another great free Daytona Beach attraction is Sun Splash Park. Sun Splash Park is a four-acre area with an interactive water fountain, ornate walkways, and a playground shaded from the sun. The park has picnic areas, outdoor showers, restrooms, and designated parking areas for the convenience of its visitors. When you’ve had your fill of the park, walk a few yards and relax on the beach or take a dip in the Atlantic.

 

  • Place some wagers – The Daytona Beach Racing & Card Club is the area’s premier facility to watch both live and televised Greyhound races, as well as to try your hand at various poker games. Whether you are a poker pro or a first-timer, the facilities 55-table poker room is not to be missed – it has been featured in countless nationally broadcast celebrity and professional poker games. After you’ve played a few hands, enjoy lunch or dinner at the Clubhouse where you’ll have a front row seat to the greyhound races.

 

  • Walk the planks – A Best Vacations Ever in Daytona Beach wouldn’t be complete without a walk onto the famous Daytona Beach Pier. The pier is a Daytona Beach landmark that protrudes from Main Street 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. The best part about the pier – free fishing and no license is required! After you put your fresh catches on ice, head over to Joe’s Crab Shack (right on the pier!) to cool off with a cocktail and grub out on some food.

 

 

  • Hang Ten – Continuing education is always important, so why not continue it by learning something fun?! Vast Ocean’s Surf & SUP School is the leading surf and stand-up paddle boarding school in Daytona. Each lesson is 1.5 hours in length, with an additional hour after the lesson for free practice. Board, leash and wetsuit are all included in the lesson price of $65-$90. Surf’s up!

 

  • Retail Therapy – After a long, relaxing Best Vacation Ever in Daytona Beach, unwind a bit more by checking out the brand new Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach, where there’s always a sale and everything’s in style. Featuring stores like Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Coach and Harley-Davidson, you’ll find something to take home for everyone on your shopping list.

 

So, what are you waiting for? Get to planning one of your Best Vacations Ever in Daytona Beach, where there’s always something for everyone to do. Start by checking out Daytona Beach lodging accommodations at BestVacationsEver.com. We’ll see you at the beach!

Update on Volcano Bay Water Park!

On May 25th, 2017 history was made at Universal Orlando Resort with the opening of Volcano Bay – a 50+ acre water park centered around a massive volcano, the Krakatau. The opening ceremony was a sight to behold in person, or while watching the live broadcast on NBC’S TODAY show and Universal’s Facebook livestream. The ceremony was performed by the park’s fictional Waturi Tribe, played by members ofPounamu Performing Arts of Auckland, New Zealand, and consisted of drumming, singing, tribal dancing, and the passing of the Lotus Stone. At the completion of the ceremony, it was officially time for the water rides to open and one of the Best Vacations Ever to begin for attendees!

In addition to the 18 attractions within Universal’s Volcano Bay, there are several seating and line upgrades available to ensure that this will be one of your Best Vacations Ever. Best Vacations Ever guests looking to get in a little relaxation and get out of the sun while the family enjoys the water rides may want to consider Universal’s Volcano Bay Premium Seating. The Premium Seating includes a pair of cushioned beach loungers, a canopy and a lock box for safekeeping of your valuable items. All Premium Seating includes attendant service to see to guest’s food and drink needs.

The ultimate upgrade to your Best Vacations Ever Universal’s Volcano Bayvacation is the rental of one of the 51 cabanas. Cabanas are one or two-stories and feature cushioned lounge chairs, towels, a snack and fruit basket, a mini fridge stocked full of bottled water, concierge service with an exclusive menu, and a Guest Experience Transformation (GET) tablet. The GET tablet allows Universal’s Volcano Bay guests to book their place in line without ever leaving the cabana, as well as order food from any of the dining options within the park. Cabana rental for up to six guests starts at $159.99 per day and goes up to $549.99. Family cabanas (accommodates up to 16 guests) go for $299.99-$599.99 per day. Of the 51 cabanas, only two are family cabanas – so guests will need to reserve them well in advance.

No one wants to visit a theme park and wait hours in line for a turn at the rides, and Universal’s Volcano Bay is no exception. With the Universal’s Volcano Bay Universal Express Unlimited Pass, Best Vacations Ever adventurers can pay $39.99 and skip past the virtual line without checking in an unlimited amount of times. Another option is the Volcano Bay Universal Express Pass – use it the same way as the Unlimited pass, but only one time at each participating attraction for $19.99.

If you aren’t yet familiar with what Volcano Bay has to offer, check out this Best Vacations Ever blog that includes details about the water park! For those of you who already know what Volcano Bay is about, what are you waiting for? Did we mention that currently admission to Universal’s Volcano Bay is only $67? Book your Orlando vacation today with Best Vacations Ever, and get to making a SPLASH at Universal’s Volcano Bay!

Craft Beers of Central Florida

Craft beer has seen an insane spike in popularity over the past decade, and the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Over 150 breweries are proud to call Florida home, and Orlando has no shortage of delicious craft beers and quirky breweries to take in. If you want to turn your upcoming Orlando vacation into one of your Best Vacations Ever, consider making it a beer-cation and sample some delicious brews at the following Orlando craft breweries.

Cask & Larder Brewery –One of your Best Vacations Ever can kick off the moment you step off the plane at Cash & Larder Brewery at the Orlando International Airport. Named one of The Best New Restaurants of 2014 by Esquire Magazine, here you can enjoy fresh shucked oysters and southern-inspired dishes that change seasonally. Make sure to try the 5 Points IPA, the breweries most popular concoction.

Orlando Brewing Company – This highly renowned brewery celebrated its 11th year of certified organic beer brewing this Spring. At Orlando Brewing Company, they take brewing seriously and strictly follow the German Purity Law of 1516, or, the Reinheitsgebot. In a nutshell, this means their beer is brewed with just four ingredients – water, hops, yeast, malted barley – except for four recipes that are seasonally produced each year. Free tours are offered at 6pm, Monday-Saturday, except beer:30 (30th of each month) and beer holidays like Oktoberfest. If trying new things is a priority when you are on one of your Best Vacations Ever, you won’t want to miss out on the Graeme Cracker S’more, an Oatmeal Stout that has 6.8% ABV.

Ocean Sun Brewing – This brewery is still young, having celebrated its first anniversary this past March. Don’t let its age fool you – Ocean Sun holds the top spot for Orlando breweries on Yelp.com. Order food from any of the close by restaurants or bring your own! You can also plan to bring your pooch as dogs are allowed INSIDE at your table! Take a free tour of the brewery and then head over to the 12 taps for a fresh pint to indulge in while you enjoy a game of Cornhole with your crew. Ocean Sun’s Bumby Blonde Ale is the breweries most popular beverage, and AKA Blue Bags IPA is a close second.

Sea Dog Brewery – Sea Dog’s flagship brewery is in Bangor,Maine; however, they operate several satellite breweries throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Florida. Unfortunately, Sea Dog’s Orlando location doesn’t provide any tours, but that shouldn’t stop you from coming and tasting their award-winning ales. The most popular choice at Sea Dog is the Blueberry Wheat Ale – made with fresh Maine blueberries – that took first place at the 2007 California Brewer’s Festival. Stay and enjoy dinner as the brewery has a full menu offering appetizers, sandwiches, entrees, and a raw bar. If anyone in your group would prefer a glass of wine, Sea Dog offers a decent variety of both reds and whites.

Duff’s Brewery – If experiencing what it’s like to drink like Homer Simpson sounds like one of your Best Vacation’s Ever, then head to Universal Studios to experience the Simpson patriarch’s favorite elixir. Duff’s Brewery is located within Springfield: Home of the Simpsons in Universal Studios, and it’s a must visit for any Simpsons fan. Duff’s offers three choices for you: Duff Beer (lager), Duff Lite (pilsner), and Duff Dry (stout). You won’t find Duff’s anywhere other than Universal, as it’s exclusively brewed by the Florida Brewing Company for this location only.

Redlight Redlight Beer Parlour and Brewery – For over 12 years Redlight Redlight Beer Parlour has been a world-renowned tap house for patrons to enjoy great craft beers from all over. In 2014, they decided to try their hand at brewing their own sour and wild beers, and “Brewery” was added to their name. Step inside and enjoy almost 25 fresh craft beers on tap, craft sodas, and hundreds of bottled beers. Try their Black Morning, a Belgian Sour Stout – it took home Bronze at the Best Florida Beer Competition!

Big River Grille & Brewing Works – If you’re planning on hitting up Disney for one of your Best Vacations Ever, you will want to stop at Big River Grille & Brewing Works. Located on the Disney BoardWalk within the Walt Disney World Resort, this is a place where the whole family can enjoy themselves. The extensive menu has something for children and adults alike, and for those 21 and older there is a full bar. The real centerpiece, however, is the award-winning craft brews at the only working brewpub within the resort. Big River was started in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where its flagship is still in operation. Be sure to try the Iron Horse Stout – a three-time World Beer Cup winner.

Crooked Can Brewing Company – Right outside of Orlando in Winter Park is Crooked Can Brewing Company. This self-proclaimed free-spirited, laid-back brewery has been craft brewing for two years and has had quite a positive impact on the local craft brew movement. The brewmaster at Crooked Can was formerly the head brewer at Big River Grilled & Brewing Works, where he won the awards mentioned above. Be sure to take the brewery tour where you’ll learn about the history, their brewing process, and sample each of their beers, including their most popular American IPA, High Stepper.

Sanford Brewing Company –This is the newest microbrewery on our list, having just opened in October of 2016. Sanford Brewing Company brews eight of its own beers, but it also serves up other brewery’s beer and cider, and its in-house produced craft soda. This is another brewery where you can enjoy a bite to eat with your dog, as pups are welcome in the beer garden. If sipping on a cold American IPA in a stylishly wood-paneled brewery would make your trip to Orlando one of your Best Vacations Ever, get to Sanford Brewing Company and enjoy a pour of their popular Flipa IPA, made with local honey.

Hourglass Brewing – Hourglass Brewing started as a 12-seat capacity brewery five years ago, and today you can enjoy their libations in their taproom that can host up to 240 people. The taproom has a plethora of board games as well as video games available for patrons to entertain themselves while they refuel with one of Hourglass’s popular brews. If you can’t make it to Longwood, later this year at the Orlando Crossings Mall a post-apocalyptic-themed bar is opening that will exclusively serve Hourglass Brewery beers.

These 10 breweries are just a handful of the Central Florida craft brewery scene. Best Vacations Ever seekers could easily make a week-long vacation of traveling from brewery to brewery in Orlando, and if you love craft brew, it’s a great idea, if you have a sober driver to get you around on your beer-hopping adventures. No matter what time of year you visit Orlando, it’s always the perfect time for a great Central Florida craft beer – cheers!

Make Way for Universal Studio’s Newest Theme Park, Volcano Bay!

Saying Goodbye to a Classic, Making Way for a Legend

A visit to a water park can make a trip to Orlando (or any destination!) one of your Best Vacations Ever. Last year we said goodbye to Wet’n Wild Orlando – a 30-acre Disney landmark that had a near 40-year run at the Universal Orlando Resort.  While many were sad to see Wet’n Wild close, we all knew that the happiest place on earth wasn’t going to leave us longing for a water park within Universal Studios. Best Vacation Ever seeker, get ready for Universal Studio’s Volcano Bay!

 

Universal Studio’s Volcano Bay, opening May 25, 2017, will occupy an astonishing 53 acres of the park with an impressive 18 overall attractions for guests of all ages. The theme throughout the park is that of Polynesian culture and geography and the centerpiece of the park is the Krakatau. The Krakatau is a 200-foot volcano that displays mesmerizing waterfalls by day, and enigmatic lava flows at night. Volcano Bay has four themed areas throughout its sprawling landscape to suit everyone in your group; Krakatau, Wave Village, River Village, and Rainforest Village.

 

Krakatau

The Krakatau is the heart of Volcano Bay, and within it are attractions almost as impressiveas the volcano itself. Grab three friends and embark on a journey through the Krakatau in you canoe on the Aqua Coaster, or hop onto a manta ray-shaped mat and descend down four lanes through the caves under the lagoon on the Punga Racers. The Krakatau houses three body slides including theKo’okiri Body Plunge, a water slides that takes the rider through the center of the volcano viaa125-foot drop at a 70-degree angle!

 

Wave Village

At the base of the mighty Krakatau is where adults will enjoy basking in the sun and cooling off in the two wave pools of Waturi Beach. The larger of the two wave pools features bigger swells, while the smaller of the two provides gentle crests for those looking to relax in the waves. Rent a one or two-story cabana to get out of the sun and enjoy an afternoon (or full-day!) of repose!

 

River Village

River Village has something for visitors of any age and excitement level. A water park is nothing without an easy-going inner tube ride, and the Kopiko Wai WindingRiverwill not disappoint. Riders on this lazy river will float through a series of caves and the Krakatau, and take in the beauty of a starry night sky in the middle of the afternoon. The Tot Tiki Reefisspecifically designed for toddlers, while the Runamukka Reefis geared towardsmiddle-aged kids who will enjoy blasting their playmates with water guns.

 

Rainforest Village

If exhilarating thrill rides are what makes your Best Vacation Ever, The Rainforest Village is designed for you! This section of Volcano Bay houses three multi-passenger raft slides – with Maku Puihi Round RaftRides as the highlight. Six passengers will hop aboard the rafts and choose one of two paths. Regardless of the path chosen, you will float through the darkness and experience drops and turns that will make you feel weightless. Crossover a rope bridge to embark on the Ohno Drop Slidewith a six-foot plunge into the water below, or hop aboard a raft and onto TeAwa The Fearless River – a ride that simulates white water rafting!

 

No Time Wasted Waiting

The TapuTapu wristband is going to help make your trip to Universal Studio’s Volcano Bay one of your Best Vacations Ever! The TapuTapu notifies you when it’s your turn to ride,eliminating the number one thing people dread about visiting theme parks – waiting in line! The TapuTapu wristbands also unlockspecial hidden features and displays throughout the park. Upon entering the park each visitor is outfitted with a TapuTapu that they wear for the duration of their stay.

 

Let’s Go!

Multi-daytickets for Volcano Bay, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios are on sale now and start at $235 per person for admission to one park per day over three days, and the famous Park Hopper Option starts at $285 for three days. Currently there are no tickets available for admission to Volcano Bay only. An additional $20 can be saved by purchasing tickets online and printing them ahead of your visit. Purchasing multi-day passes online will also score you a coupon book with over $150 in offers to use within Universal Studios. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here!

 

Universal Studio’s has outdone itself yet again and is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to unveil its newest theme park, Volcano Bay. At a size of nearly double that of Wet’n Wild Orlando, Volcano Bay is sure to be at the top of the list for Disney theme parks to visit this year and for years to come. Universal Studio’s Volcano Bay will be the hottest way to keep cool for those seeking to plunge into their Best Vacation Ever in Orlando this summer!

10 Things Besides Theme Parks to Do In Orlando

Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, but what is a Florida vacationer to do when standing in long lines and paying big theme park prices does not sound like what would make their trip to Orlando their Best Vacation Ever? Orlando has a lot of options for the whole family to enjoy that won’t break your budget. Check out Best Vacations Ever’s top 10 picks for the best things to do while vacationing in Orlando other than theme parks below!

 

  • Madame Tussauds Orlando – Madame Tussauds is known around the world as the premier wax museum, and Orlando is home to the quirky tourist attraction’s 22nd location. Be sure to bring your selfie stick and snap shots of yourself with wax replicas of Jennifer Aniston, Ryan Gosling, Oprah, Jimmy Fallon and even E.T. Tickets are discounted online and will run you $20 for the wax museum, and $34 if you combine your visit with atrip around the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye.

 

  • Wonderworks – If you’re looking to get out of the heat and in on some indoor fun, Wonderworks has something for everyone. For those in your group wanting some adventure, go for the glow in the dark ropes course. Your group will harness up and climb on obstacles at heights of up to 36 feet. If keeping your feet on the ground is more your style, upgrade your ticket and play a round of laser tag. Wonderworks has over 100 interactive exhibits for all ages, and features their nightly “Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show” that encourages crowd participation. Tickets range from $29.99-$52.99 depending on which attractions you decide to try.

 

  • La Nouba Cirque Du Soliel – Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort – Disney Springs has an awesome array of street performers, dining, shopping and nightlife options, but the highlight of this bustling area is taking in a performance of La Nouba. The white tent-like building that houses this fascinating show was constructed specifically for this presentation that has been going strong for nearly 20 years. There isn’t a bad seat in the house to take in the various cyclists, break-dancers, trapeze artists, gymnasts, live vocalists and orchestra. Tickets start at $59 and the show will be the topic of your conversation as you stroll through Disney Springs afterwards.

 

  • Kennedy Space Center – Port Canaveral – Plan on reserving a full day to experience Kennedy Space Center, located just 45 minutes outside of Orlando. You will love seeing Space Shuttle Atlantis where you can participate in the Shuttle Launch Experience – an incredibly realistic simulation of launching into space! If you are flexible with your visitation date, plan your visit during a scheduled rocket launch and prepare to be awed! Adult admission starts at $50 for a single day.

 

  • Titanic: The Experience – Step back in time when you enter this museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the tragic ship that was thought to be unsinkable. Titanic: The Experience is home to over 400 artifacts, including a three-ton portion of the doomed freightliner – the second largest portion of the boat to ever be recovered. Regular admission is $21.95 and includes a period-character leading you throughout the museum. A highlight of the tour is an exact replication of the grand staircase of the ship. For $69 you’ll get the guided tour and the Gala Dinner & Cocktail Party (cash bar is additional).

 

  • Coca-Cola Orlando Eye – If you want to get a 360-degree view of Orlando, grab your friends and hop aboard one of the air-conditioned capsules of the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, the largest observation wheel on the east coast. At a cost of over $250 million and a height of 400 feet (that’s taller than some skyscrapers), this is Orlando’s newest pride and joy. A 20-minute single rotation starts at $20 per person, or you can get fancy and add a glass of champagne and priority boarding for $34 per person. High rollers can rent a private capsule for one rotation starting at $275.

 

  • Orlando Kart Center – Fulfill your need for speed speed at Orlando’s most popular go-kart racing track. Participation is open to any age, as long as the minimum height requirement of five-feet is met. Races are an average of 10 minutes in length and speeds of up to 45 miles per hour can be reached! One race will run you $26 per person, and Greater Orlando residents can compete in a best out of three competition for only $44 Monday through Thursday with identification.

 

  • Gatorland – At this self-proclaimed “Alligator Capital of the World and Orlando’s Best Half-Day Attraction”, visitors can participate in Rookie Wrestling, fly through the air above the prehistoric reptiles on a zip line, and even become a “Trainer For a Day”. Stroll through the 110-acre privately-owned park and observe thousands of alligators in their natural habitat, including rare white alligators, and take in one of the various live shows. Bonus: Plan ahead and reserve your spot for the Gator Night Shine – where you will be armed with hot dogs for feeding the beasts and a flash light to take in the spectacle of hundreds of glowing red hungry gator eyes in the dark! Adult tickets are $26.99, and add-on experiences range from $10-$125 each.

 

  • Airboat & Gator Charters – Deland – Just a 45 minute drive from Orlando is where you will find the best airboat tour in the Orlando area. Captain Josh will welcome you and up to five friends aboard his airboat and off you will go! Highlights of the airboat ride include encounters with baby and adult alligators, various species of birds, manatees and other wildlife. Captain Josh will provide his knowledge of the area and the wildlife throughout the entire ride, and you will leave with awesome stories to tell your friends and family. A 60-minute ride for up to six people is $225 total, and the 2-hour option is $375.

 

  • iFly Orlando – Always had the itch to skydive but never had the guts to throw yourself from a plane? Soar on over to iFly Orlando, an indoor skydiving experience for experienced skydivers and first-timers alike. For $59.95 newbies will receive a lesson and then hop into the indoor wind tunnel with an instructor for two 60-second turns at simulated freefalling. Experienced wind tunnel surfers can take four 60-second flights for $99.95.

 

The number of theme parks in Orlando alone makes it an impressive city, and now you know about a handful of the other attractions that add to the wonder of Orlando. Whether you make your Orlando vacation educational via Kennedy Space Center, or action-packed at iFly, vacationing in Orlando is a fun experience for all, and will definitely be one of your Best Vacations Ever!

Planning Your Spring Break Vacation

Winter semester just started a few weeks ago, and all across the country thousands of college students are gearing up for one of the most important events of the semester – Spring Break! If you and your crew are undecided on where to live it up during this most important getaway, check out some of the most popular destinations below. Wherever you choose, you can be sure that Spring Break 2017 will go down in history as one of you Best Vacations Ever!

  • Las Vegas, Nevada – What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, which is what makes Sin City one of the top choices for Spring Break. Bare it all at the clothing optional Bare Pool at the Mirage, or enjoy a more tame getaway and relax at the Rumour Las Vegas Boutique Resort and receive exclusive discounts by booking your resort rental through Best Vacations Ever.
  • Freeport, Bahamas – The Island Seas Resort in Freeport was voted one of the top 10 Bahamas Spring Break resort rentals by TripAdvisor reviewers. Booking this resort rental with Best Vacations Ever assures that you will get the best discounts and accommodations. Explore Lucayan National Park’s endless underwater cave system by day, and get down on the town at night in Lucaya Beach, which offers extensive nightlife options.
  • Daytona Beach, Florida – Best Vacations Ever has two great options for oceanfront resort rentals. Load up your friends for a cruise up the Atlantic Coast on The World’s Most Famous Beach. Bring your A-Game toRazzle’s in the evening, where every night is a party.
  • Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – If you are looking for some adventure this Spring Break, look no further than a resort rental in Puerto Vallarta. Zip line head-first through a tropical forest on Mexico’s longest and fastest zip line. What’s a trip to Mexico without indulging in a (few) margaritas? The Margarita Grill has got you covered with their “Vacation-Sized” version of the country’s classic.
  • South Padre Island, Texas – While it’s not a state you would expect to see on a top Spring Break 2017 destination list, Texas’s South Padre Island is host to a quarter of a million Spring Breakers! This year the Island hosts the 7th Annual Ultimate Music Experience, a three-day music festival featuring Zedd and Tiesto at Clayton’s Outdoors, which boasts itself as the largest Spring Break venue in the USA.
  • Cancun, Mexico – For more than 20 years college students have eagerly closed their textbooks and jetted to Cancun to get their Spring Break fix. Best Vacations Ever will hook you up with the best Cancun resort rental packages for your trip to this Spring Break mecca. Save your pesos for admission to Coco Bongo, the most famous night club in the city, where cover charges can be pretty steep, but the fun and memories you’ll bring back to campus are well worth it!

Whichever destination you choose to soak in the sun for Spring Break 2017, be sure to check out Best Vacations Ever for the best travel deals. Our experiences customer service professionals are looking forward to helping you plan your Best Spring Break 2017 Vacation Ever!

Why You Should Take At least One Vacation Every Year

Don’t be among the lot that tires easily while looking at your friend’s summer vacation pictures. Be the lot that posts the pictures themselves. Here are some of the reason why taking that much deserved vacation once a year matters.

Get Your Head in the Game

Chronic stress is a real thing and can do a lot of damage which results in underperformance at work. Without a break you can easily feel blocked and not be in top shape to tackle important projects. Therefore, it is a part of preparing yourself for opportunities at work to give yourself a break, so that you are focused when you need it most.

All Work no Play

Sure, hard work is important for your success but so is hard play. We bet nobody told you that! That does put to sleep the mystery of why the CEO of Netflix, Reed Hastings, is one of the first people running a major business to offer unlimited vacation time.

Strengthening Relationships

Spending some quality time with your family at a resort rental can make a lot of difference in your relationship. Shared experiences always forge stronger bonds, and memories of the times when you are there for them, even if you are busy with your hectic job most of the year.

Work Martyrs Aren’t Real Martyrs

Work martyrdom stems from the belief that no one can do the work you are capable of. You want to show complete dedication to your work, and you don’t want others to think you are replaceable. There are so many things that can be learned from the negative results of work martyrdom. The truth is that a work martyr does not have means to deal with the guilt that comes with taking time off.

So plan a vacation today, in fact we will help you out, the best way to narrow down your choices is by asking for referrals, for example you could read Preferred Guest Resorts reviews and book a resort through Best Vacations Ever.

MAKING THE MOST MEMORABLE FAMILY VACATION PHOTOS

All vacations are meant to be well captured and covered in beautiful photos. Having lots of photos reminds us of our wonderful vacation. To many, though, taking great vacation photos is always a challenge. But, you don’t want to return from your vacations with sub-par photos that you’ll regret.

Your best vacations ever are incomplete without taking the best vacation photos. Here are a few tips and tricks to take the most memorable family vacation photos.

Shoot like a Pro

Before taking any photo, ensure the tilt of the camera is right. Except you want to capture something that will quickly disappear from view, take your time before you shoot. However, if you feel the environment is not being captured to desired effect, try different angles. Take several photos of the same scene or people at a time, with some better than others.

Shoot to tell a story

Your vacation is a story. Instead of capturing random moments, shoot in a manner that all photos when brought together tell the story of your holidays.

Capture incredible environments or sceneries

Your vacation will bring you in contact with some unbelievably beautiful sceneries. These sights are great photo opportunities that should be captured, if possible with a family member in the background. Some that come to mind include the sunset, changing weather, and just any beautiful environment you find yourself.

Take photos when others are unaware

Some of the best photos are captured when those in it are unaware they are being captured. Some treasured moments are too important to pass up, and these are best captured while everyone just goes about their normal business.

Pass the camera around

If you brought along only one camera, be sure to pass along the camera from person to person. When going through the family photos from a vacation, you want to re-live the moments and feel the emotions from the moment over again. While it is great to capture beautiful sceneries, it is even more beautiful to have persons in it. Take great face shots in exciting locations.

Include the details

In vacation photography, bigger is not always better. Macro photography displays mundane beauty, tinier details will make for great photo additions. Beautiful flowers, lush landscape, captivating birds and butterflies. There are just too many tiny details you don’t want to leave behind.

Night time does not always need flash

Your time out on vacation will always bring you out in the night. When it does, you do not want to always make use of camera flash. Flash captures only up to about 5 ft in the night, and can disturb rather than improve your photo. Instead, use the night light to great effect and acquaint yourself with long exposure photography.

It is always important to capture as many photos as possible in your family vacation. You do not want to lose important memories due to poor photography. But, you do not need to have great photography skills to capture your best moments. Your best vacations ever become even better with great photographs.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN ON VACATION

Vacationing outside of your comfort zone always comes along with certain challenges. The joys that come along with an entire vacation – right from the careful selection of the vacation destination all the way to the choice of a lodge and subsequent trip, can all be ruined by a moment of negligence, carelessness, or both.

We’ve all heard gruesome tales that accompany tourists who travel abroad. Personally, I’ve encountered a few near-miss situations myself. However, keeping a few helpful tips in mind could be invaluable.

  1. Try blending into the environment: Many different things make tourist stand out from the locals as different. Once identified as a tourist, you could easily become a target for hoodlums and criminals. To avoid becoming an easy prey, dress as much as possible to fit into the environment and avoid the use of fanny packs everywhere you go. Certain countries have dress laws, while every environment has an unspoken dress code, find that out before leaving your hotel.
  2. Use minimal Jewelry: This pretty much explains itself. You do not need to wear expensive jewelry while on vacation. It’s all the better if you can do without wearing any. If, however, you feel a need to put on jewelry, use less flashy ones that do not scream for attention, or wear an imitation that wouldn’t be much of a loss if stolen. Vacation is an adventure; purchase and use a local accessory that makes you fit in better.
  3. Know your environment: This is always difficult considering you only just arrived and most likely need a map for everywhere you choose to go. Still, it is imperative that you are as aware as possible of where you came from, and where you are going. Study your map as much as possible and always have a copy handy. Do not forget to always carry a hotel card.
  4. Be observant of your surroundings: Negligence is the fastest route to danger in any unknown environment. You want to take note of those around you and their activities. While your actions should not border on paranoia, you want to be as observant as possible without giving yourself off as a very nervous tourist.
  5. Be careful of overly nice persons: Except you are in your hotel or resort rental and are being attended to by a customarily nice member of staff, you do not want to trust persons who unnecessarily try to familiarize themselves with you. True, you can find sincere friends among this bunch, but this is a well-used scam ploy you want to avoid.
  6. Guard your wallet: You do not want to lose your cash and/or credit card to a pick pocket or to a thief. A simple trick is to carry a “fake” wallet in your back pocket, while safeguarding your wallet with all of your money and credit cards in your front pocket. You might also consider separating your cash and into different pockets or money clips to reduce the risk of a total loss.
  7. Duplicate your passport: Make up to 2 duplicate copies of your passport. Leave a copy with a friend, carry a copy around if you need to, and keep the actual passport in your hotel safe.
  8. Inform a friend or family of your itinerary: Letting someone know your plans (destination, travel route, and expected return time) is always a great idea.
  9. Keep your senses sharp: Avoid excessive drinking that dulls your judgement and leaves you as an easy prey. Have a good time just enough to keep you fully aware of your actions.
  10. Use common sense: Any offer that seems too good to be true, most likely is. Be careful of those with whom you strike deals. Make use of reputable agencies, bring along as much of the local currency as is necessary, use credit cards in reliable places, use the ATM only in open places, be careful of who you ask questions, and take note of and avoid high risk environments.

Every possible tourist destination has its own peculiarities. However, we realize that the best vacations ever in unfamiliar shores is only a product of careful planning and environmental awareness. From your resort rental to your various sight-seeing destinations, always be friendly with the locals.

HOW TO SLEEP WELL ON VACATION

Rest, relax, and catch some fun. That is the primary purpose of any vacation. But, it’s not uncommon for normal sleep patterns to get disrupted while away on vacation. This can be due to a number of varying reasons, but the primary factor always remains a change in environment, and sleeping in an unfamiliar bed. Eventually, as you come to terms with the nature of the bed, you are better able to catch a good night’s sleep.

Interestingly, regardless of your destination and changes you’ll have to accommodate, proper preparation could eliminate any disturbance, ensuring you sleep as comfortably as possible from your flight till the very end of one of your best vacations ever. We’ve compiled a few helpful tips you’d have to keep in mind while preparing for any vacation.

  1. Carefully select your lodgings: You definitely do not want to find yourself in a hotel that’s close to an airport or just by the roadside (at least, if your house isn’t in such a locale). Beyond that, you’ll also have to consider the guest rooms of your desired hotel or preferred resort rental to ensure the setting is one suitable enough for your sleep setting.
  2. Set yourself up like you’re home: We all get accustomed to certain sleep ‘environments’. So, feel free to accommodate you pillow and/or beddings that make you feel at home, giving you the routine feel your body craves. Packing along your regular room spray or including easy-to-carry artworks or pictures is also a great way to keep you relaxed, with a feel of home.
  3. Be prepared with sleep inducing, noise blocking materials: No, this does not necessarily mean drugs. It’s not always easy getting a room free from all forms of noise and disturbance. While you might get away from construction or possible vehicle disturbances, noise from the room beside yours could easily inhibit your sleep as well. Taking along a sleep mask and earplugs could be just the required tonic to keep the noise and light away, while you enjoy a peaceful rest.
  4. Employ white noise: Some modern hotel rooms are fitted with a white noise machine that fills the room with noise-cancelling sound to help you sleep more easily. Similarly, android and iOS apps exist for this purpose. If you deem it too expensive to invest in, and if your hotel lacks one, a bedside radio or softly playing music could be the right tonic to drown out the noise from outside the room.
  5. Maintain your sleep/evening routine: You probably already have a regular sleep routine which you follow on a daily basis, such as reading or quiet meditation. Adopting similar routines while away from home gets you comfortable, letting you slip away into a sleep mood you are accustomed with.
  6. Eat right: Vacations always make room for exceptions. However, eating or drinking too much could further inhibit your sleep. Always eat light before bed. Too much alcohol or calories close to bedtime could keep you tossing and turning on the bed through the night.
  7. Forget about the time: You want to give yourself plenty of time to adjust to the environment and sleep. Going to bed earlier than normal would give you enough time to do just that. You’d also want to avoid staring at the clock, wondering when you’ll fall asleep as this can make you restless, and further affect your chances.

Your sleep pattern could just be the difference between a stressful or awful vacation and one of your best vacations ever. Applying these simple trusted tips is a sure way of getting you as rested as possible while enjoying a wonderful vacation.

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