Florida is renowned for being a holiday haven for groups, families and couples alike; the ultimate holiday destination with just about everything from some of the world's greatest theme parks, to malls capable of keeping the Carrie Bradshaw's of the world happy for days on end.
I had my first experience with Florida at the age of 8 and after almost 13 years since a fix of a Sizzler buffet, a Shamu show and the acceptance of wearing a bum-bag in public - I felt I had waited more than long enough to revisit the sunshine state of Florida and began my preperations for my travels across the Atlantic. With under two months to plan my indulgent break with award-winning sands of Clearwater and all things Disney to cover, my preperations were carried out with military precision which left me care-free for the holiday with my Minnie Mouse ears poised and ready before even touching down at Sanford Airport.
With minimal time for preperation, finding a hotel was as simple as finalising your needs - I specifically looked to find one of the International Drive as this is a prime area for resturants and access to the highway. If you prefer more relaxed surroundings, I would recommend looking for accommodation around Kissimmee, Florida. The International Drive is perfectly situated however for those like me who like to stumble across an IHOP or an all-you-can-eat steak dinner for $7.00 every ten yards.
We eventually chose and booked accommodation at Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at Seaworld. It's good reviews along with competitive prices and in a location perfect for exploring the Parks, it had everything we needed including comfortable rooms and a breakfast buffet to keep us bright eyed for the day ahead.
A nine-hour Thomson plane journey, two Cosmopolitans and a demolished Toblerone later, we found ourselves in Florida. We had hired a car with Alamo a week prior to our holiday; with the amount of ground we planned to cover, having our own wheels and air conditioning we didn't have to share was a blessing. However if you don't have the option of car rental, Kanoo offers a range of airport transfers to your accommodation, hotels in the International Drive area often have complimentary transport to the parks.
As my brother got to grips with driving on the other side of the road, I also found myself gripping the dashboard as we made our way down the I-4 highway. Our first port of call after inspecting the delightfully satisfactory hotel (any accommodation which welcomes you with warm cookies is always high on my list), was Wal-mart to stock up on the necessities for our stay.
After wandering round open-mouthed at the novelty food available -("Matthew look! Look! Oreo ice-cream! There's Oreo's IN the ice-cream!") Were only some of the comments made by myself to my brother who acted as though he didn't know this obvious tourist - we filled the trolley with gronola bars, water, fruit, nuts and potato chips which we would take with us to the theme parks to provide us with the energy that ice-cream and lemonade slushies just wouldn't.
From the supermarket you can also pick up a booklet of coupons which provide vouchers for participating restaurants guaranteeing you 10-20% off meals. The majority of restaurants in Florida are purse friendly with great quality food, from the Sizzler's to Ponderosa - also head to; The Outback restaurant, an Australian style bar and grill with (in my opinion) the best steaks around, great service and prices which won't leave you sharing a main meal.
If you feel like treating yourself after a hard day of feeding dolphins or exploring Hogwarts - I recommend a trip to The Hard Rock Cafe located at Universal's City Walk, an amazing restaurant with a wide selection of food and enough music and dancing to keep you entertained throughout your entire meal.
With so much to do whilst you're in Florida, it's hard to imagine having the time to see and do it all. Focus on the main attractions you want to visit; Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios is a perfect ccombination of rides, shows and simulation coasters to keep both thrill seekers and movie lovers happy each visit. Walt Disney World has so much to see and is magical for all ages with rides to suit all - but make sure you take a few days out of the holiday in between exploring to visit the Gulf Coast where you can relax and unwind on soft powdered beaches all set for the next full day of rollercoaster's and exciting shows.
I've noticed people planning on going to Floridahave had issues with knowing how to manage their money whilst there. From experience my advice would be to set a certain limit of money to spend per day, whether it be on meals, drinks or novelty souvenirs - if you keep within your daily budget, you'll find you're able to manage the entire holiday without finding yourself having to use your credit card which is best left saved in case of emergencies...or to use during the Abercrombie and Fitch spree before you head home.
I've learnt from my holiday that's it's beneficial to plan ahead of your trip - for all of your holiday requirements from airport transfers to hotels and park tickets; Kanoo travel can ensure you a tailor made package at great value to fit all of your needs to guarantee you a perfect holiday. If you have any queries or would just like some more information, don't hesitate to call on 0800 458 3412 which will lead you straight to a skilled team of travel consultants dedicated to helping you get the holiday you've dreamed of. With mouse-ears optional and a state based around extraordinary visions, Florida is a holiday of a lifetime for everyone.
Saturday, 11 June 2011
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Kanoo Guildford's Laura Slater's report on her visit to Beaches Turks & Caicos
In September 2010 Laura Slater, Travel Consultant in our Guildford Branch visited the Beaches property on the Caribbean Islands of Turks & Caicos. Here is her educational report
The Journey
Time to Check in Procedures and Attitude of staff
We used the Virgin Atlantic self service check-in kiosks at Heathrow’s Terminal 3, which were very easy to use.
Once we had checked in and got our boarding passes, we proceeded to the bag drop then continued through to the departure lounge.
Departure Facilities- Restaurants/Shops/Lounges/information etc
Terminal 3 was very busy and we had to queue in every shop and in the pub where we went for breakfast.
Providenciales airport was very small with 3 souvenir shops, a duty free shop and 1 refreshment stall. The departure lounge at Miami was spacious and airy with more food outlets than shops!
General Facilities for disabled/children
I didn’t notice any facilities for children or disabled people at any of the 3 airports we travelled through. However, I know there was nothing at Providenciales due to it being so small.
Type of Aircraft and configuration
Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow to Miami return on an A340-600
Economy configuration was 2-4-2
American Airlines from Miami to Providenciales return on an B757
Economy configuration was 3-3
Information Given And Length Of Journey
Outbound flight from London Heathrow to Miami was 8 hours 59 minutes
Inbound flight from Miami to London Heathrow was 7 hours 55 minutes (but we landed 30 minutes early)
Internal flight between Miami and Providenciales was 1 hour 15 minutes
The captain on the flight between Miami and Providenciales pointed out the Bahamas for us which looked stunning from the sky!
The Arrival
Immigration
We waited approximately 30 minutes upon our arrival into Miami.
When we landed into Providenciales, we were the last and only flight in, so the wait was literally a few minutes to pass through immigration.
Luggage Retrieval
Very quick when collecting our luggage off all 4 flights!
By the time we had gotten through immigration at Miami on our outbound flight, our bags had been taken off the carrousel and where waiting on the floor for us!
Signage/Transfers
In Miami, the signposts to find our connecting flights where very clear and simple.
Transfers/Accommodation
Names of Hotel
Beaches Turks and Caicos
Getting from Airport to HotelThe transfer between Providenciales airport and the Beaches resort was approx 20 minutes, and our minibus was ready and waiting for us upon our arrival!
Accommodation/Check in service
It was approximately 10pm by the time we got the resort. However the reception staff were still very efficient.
As soon as we got out of the minibus, we were each handed an ice cold towel to freshen up with.
The check-in process took about 15 minutes where we had to fill out a form, and we were given a nice cold fruit cocktail.
One of the reception staff escorted me to my room, and gave me some hotel information en-route.
She came into my room and showed me how to use the door key, the air conditioning and how to activate the power.
My bag was bought up to my room by a porter.
Room Size And Facilities
I stayed in a Medici Ocean View 2 Bedroom Imperial Family Suite with is located in the new Italian Village and sleeps up to 7 people. The facilities of the room included a king size 4 poster bed, 42” flat screen TV with satellite TV, minibar, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, safe, iron and ironing board, umbrellas, i-Pod docking station, telephone, desk, trundle which converts into a bed and a chair which also converts into a bed. Large bathroom which has 2 sinks, a Jacuzzi bath and a shower. Along with ample amounts of soft white towels, amenity kit and a hairdryer.
The children’s room had bunk beds with a pull out bed for a 3rd child, a 22” flat screen TV with an X-BOX computer console, books, a wardrobe and their own bathroom sink.
My balcony was very spacious with amazing views of the beach and the pool area. It had a table with 4 chairs and a double sun lounger
Accommodation Facilities (taking grade into Consideration)- Restaurant/Bar/Pool/Gym Facilities for Disabled and Children
The resort has a total of 16 restaurants with a variety of cuisines. There are also 2 restaurants for children to get snacks and where they can pull their own ice creams!
There are a total of 5 pools, 2 children pools, 3 swim-up bars and the Pirate Island water park complete with a lazy river!! There is also an adult’s only Jacuzzi deck which is located overlooking the beach.
For children there are fully supervised kids clubs and nursery, Sesame Street characters who do a weekly parade through the resort, X-box game garage, the Scratch DJ Academy where kids can learn to be DJ’s and the kids nightclub! In all restaurants there are special kid’s menus.
All non-motorised water sports and land sports are included. There is a Red Lane Spa on resort (treatments bookable and payable locally) and a fitness centre which is free for guests to use and is open 24 hours a day.
There is also an Island Routes excursion desk, located in the Caribbean Village area of the resort, where guests can book and pay for any local excursions.
There are a few shops onsite, including a souvenir shop and a sweetie shop!!!
The resort is flat therefore will be fine for any disabled guests. In the Italian Village there are lifts, as there are 6 floors. In the other resorts they are 2 storey buildings so do not have lifts.
Summary
What have you learned on the trip?
I’ve learnt that Beaches is exactly the same standard as Sandals, with the only difference being that children are permitted at Beaches!
The beach area of Providenciales is quite built up with a lot of hotels.
I would recommend that customers use the direct BA service departing on a Sunday, especially if travelling with children. We used the in-direct service via Miami, and even though the flight connection where smooth, the total journey time was 19 hours door to door.
I would recommend guests to do the Kitty Cat Catamaran cruise which takes you to an uninhabited island with the most beautiful beaches, so you get to see the natural and unspoiled Turks and Caicos! The cruise also stops off at a reef where you can go snorkeling.
Overall impression of the Journey and Destination
Overall the Beaches resort was absolutely stunning and I couldn’t fault the staff or the resort atall!
I was slightly disappointed with the Virgin flight. The seat pitch in economy felt small complared to other airlines, and on the return flight the cabin crew weren’t’ particularly helpful and came across as rather rude.
The cabin crew and aircraft was better with American Airlines on the 1 hour internal flight between Miami and Providenciales!
For more information about Beaches properties in the Caribbean, including some great deals, please give us a call on 0800 458 342
The Journey
Time to Check in Procedures and Attitude of staff
We used the Virgin Atlantic self service check-in kiosks at Heathrow’s Terminal 3, which were very easy to use.
Once we had checked in and got our boarding passes, we proceeded to the bag drop then continued through to the departure lounge.
Departure Facilities- Restaurants/Shops/Lounges/information etc
Terminal 3 was very busy and we had to queue in every shop and in the pub where we went for breakfast.
Providenciales airport was very small with 3 souvenir shops, a duty free shop and 1 refreshment stall. The departure lounge at Miami was spacious and airy with more food outlets than shops!
General Facilities for disabled/children
I didn’t notice any facilities for children or disabled people at any of the 3 airports we travelled through. However, I know there was nothing at Providenciales due to it being so small.
Type of Aircraft and configuration
Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow to Miami return on an A340-600
Economy configuration was 2-4-2
American Airlines from Miami to Providenciales return on an B757
Economy configuration was 3-3
Information Given And Length Of Journey
Outbound flight from London Heathrow to Miami was 8 hours 59 minutes
Inbound flight from Miami to London Heathrow was 7 hours 55 minutes (but we landed 30 minutes early)
Internal flight between Miami and Providenciales was 1 hour 15 minutes
The captain on the flight between Miami and Providenciales pointed out the Bahamas for us which looked stunning from the sky!
The Arrival
Immigration
We waited approximately 30 minutes upon our arrival into Miami.
When we landed into Providenciales, we were the last and only flight in, so the wait was literally a few minutes to pass through immigration.
Luggage Retrieval
Very quick when collecting our luggage off all 4 flights!
By the time we had gotten through immigration at Miami on our outbound flight, our bags had been taken off the carrousel and where waiting on the floor for us!
Signage/Transfers
In Miami, the signposts to find our connecting flights where very clear and simple.
Transfers/Accommodation
Names of Hotel
Beaches Turks and Caicos
Getting from Airport to HotelThe transfer between Providenciales airport and the Beaches resort was approx 20 minutes, and our minibus was ready and waiting for us upon our arrival!
Accommodation/Check in service
It was approximately 10pm by the time we got the resort. However the reception staff were still very efficient.
As soon as we got out of the minibus, we were each handed an ice cold towel to freshen up with.
The check-in process took about 15 minutes where we had to fill out a form, and we were given a nice cold fruit cocktail.
One of the reception staff escorted me to my room, and gave me some hotel information en-route.
She came into my room and showed me how to use the door key, the air conditioning and how to activate the power.
My bag was bought up to my room by a porter.
Room Size And Facilities
I stayed in a Medici Ocean View 2 Bedroom Imperial Family Suite with is located in the new Italian Village and sleeps up to 7 people. The facilities of the room included a king size 4 poster bed, 42” flat screen TV with satellite TV, minibar, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, safe, iron and ironing board, umbrellas, i-Pod docking station, telephone, desk, trundle which converts into a bed and a chair which also converts into a bed. Large bathroom which has 2 sinks, a Jacuzzi bath and a shower. Along with ample amounts of soft white towels, amenity kit and a hairdryer.
The children’s room had bunk beds with a pull out bed for a 3rd child, a 22” flat screen TV with an X-BOX computer console, books, a wardrobe and their own bathroom sink.
My balcony was very spacious with amazing views of the beach and the pool area. It had a table with 4 chairs and a double sun lounger
Accommodation Facilities (taking grade into Consideration)- Restaurant/Bar/Pool/Gym Facilities for Disabled and Children
The resort has a total of 16 restaurants with a variety of cuisines. There are also 2 restaurants for children to get snacks and where they can pull their own ice creams!
There are a total of 5 pools, 2 children pools, 3 swim-up bars and the Pirate Island water park complete with a lazy river!! There is also an adult’s only Jacuzzi deck which is located overlooking the beach.
For children there are fully supervised kids clubs and nursery, Sesame Street characters who do a weekly parade through the resort, X-box game garage, the Scratch DJ Academy where kids can learn to be DJ’s and the kids nightclub! In all restaurants there are special kid’s menus.
All non-motorised water sports and land sports are included. There is a Red Lane Spa on resort (treatments bookable and payable locally) and a fitness centre which is free for guests to use and is open 24 hours a day.
There is also an Island Routes excursion desk, located in the Caribbean Village area of the resort, where guests can book and pay for any local excursions.
There are a few shops onsite, including a souvenir shop and a sweetie shop!!!
The resort is flat therefore will be fine for any disabled guests. In the Italian Village there are lifts, as there are 6 floors. In the other resorts they are 2 storey buildings so do not have lifts.
Summary
What have you learned on the trip?
I’ve learnt that Beaches is exactly the same standard as Sandals, with the only difference being that children are permitted at Beaches!
The beach area of Providenciales is quite built up with a lot of hotels.
I would recommend that customers use the direct BA service departing on a Sunday, especially if travelling with children. We used the in-direct service via Miami, and even though the flight connection where smooth, the total journey time was 19 hours door to door.
I would recommend guests to do the Kitty Cat Catamaran cruise which takes you to an uninhabited island with the most beautiful beaches, so you get to see the natural and unspoiled Turks and Caicos! The cruise also stops off at a reef where you can go snorkeling.
Overall impression of the Journey and Destination
Overall the Beaches resort was absolutely stunning and I couldn’t fault the staff or the resort atall!
I was slightly disappointed with the Virgin flight. The seat pitch in economy felt small complared to other airlines, and on the return flight the cabin crew weren’t’ particularly helpful and came across as rather rude.
The cabin crew and aircraft was better with American Airlines on the 1 hour internal flight between Miami and Providenciales!
For more information about Beaches properties in the Caribbean, including some great deals, please give us a call on 0800 458 342
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
New York from £329... Dubai from £299...
Check out these fantastic prices, and many more with our incredible flight board offers
Click here for more details
Click here for more details
Monday, 24 May 2010
2 for 1 Sandals and Beaches Holidays
Kanoo Travel has teamed up with Sandals and Beaches Resorts to bring you fantastic half-price all-inclusive holidays. These amazing holiday deals include all meals, unlimited premium brand drinks, nightly entertainment, and the luxury accommodation for which Beaches and Sandals have become famous.
Sandals Resorts have been created with romance in mind and cater for couples only. Beaches Resorts are crafted around the family, with adults and children alike catered for.
Click here for more details
Sandals Resorts have been created with romance in mind and cater for couples only. Beaches Resorts are crafted around the family, with adults and children alike catered for.
Click here for more details
Monday, 17 May 2010
Introducing our latest fantastic travel promotion
Receive up to £250 spending money when booking your next holiday with us
As a Kanoo Travel customer you will receive up to £250 in currency when booking your next holiday with us. We have specially selected a wide variety of holiday companies and tour operators to participate in this promotion, who cover the four corners of the globe, so if it's kicking back on a deserted beach, getting your culture head on in one of the great cities of the world, climbing mountains or cruising the seven seas you can be sure that Kanoo Travel can match you with the perfect break.
Call us now on 0800 458 3412 to speak to one of our experienced and professional travel team members to discuss your perfect holiday.
You can also visit us online at www.kanootravel.co.uk
Terms & Conditions apply to this promotion and are available on request
As a Kanoo Travel customer you will receive up to £250 in currency when booking your next holiday with us. We have specially selected a wide variety of holiday companies and tour operators to participate in this promotion, who cover the four corners of the globe, so if it's kicking back on a deserted beach, getting your culture head on in one of the great cities of the world, climbing mountains or cruising the seven seas you can be sure that Kanoo Travel can match you with the perfect break.
Call us now on 0800 458 3412 to speak to one of our experienced and professional travel team members to discuss your perfect holiday.
You can also visit us online at www.kanootravel.co.uk
Terms & Conditions apply to this promotion and are available on request
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