Amy's Travel Advice

Florida Fun: My Destination Getaway

apatterson — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 05:15:00 GMT

Florida has always been one of my favorite destination getaways. From theme parks, adventure tours, and shopping I’ve always been able to do just about anything in the great state of Florida. For someone who enjoys traveling, I find that Florida is one of the most attractive states in the US. For this reason, I decided to share a few of my favorite things from my most recent trip to get out of the house a bit this winter.

Miami

Miami is famous for its tourism. From beaches, fine dining, and shopping; it was a must on my recent Florid adventure. Beautiful white beach sands and crystal blue waters definitely made this spot on of the major highlights of my trip. Not only is it one of the most popular vacation spots in Florida, but the nightlife of South Beach makes the area even more attractive.

Although the beaches and shopping never disappoint in Miami, we did take a detour to a major attraction in the area. A wildlife park with airboat tours in Sawgrass, Florida exhibited exciting alligators and other wildlife. For anyone looking for adventure in the area, I highly recommend checking out Sawgrass Rec Park. It may seem like a high from the heart of Miami, but the adventure is worth the car ride.

As appealing as the area is, I did find the traffic to be a major issue; however, there were helpful tools, such as the Florida Nav-Map, that I was able to use to check my route for traffic updates before getting on the road.

Orlando

Another stop on my destination adventure was Orlando. This is a city that has something for everybody. Orlando is home to major theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure. This time I decided to check out the new Avatar Ride in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. The line was long, but certainly worth the wait. The virtual simulator puts you on Pandora’s infamous flying banshee and gives you the full experience of all that Pandora has to offer.

While in Orlando, I was able to able to visit one of my favorite magical worlds. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios was an amazing experience. The rides, food, and butter beer was enough for me to conclude that I will most definitely be revisiting this park. I highly encourage any Harry Potter fans to check this theme park attraction off of your bucket list.

Key West

There is so much to be said about the southern-most point of the continental US. Key West, Florida is a memorable destination. Breathtaking sunsets and watersport adventures to last memories of a lifetime make this spot a highly anticipated destination. From jet skis, dinner cruises, snorkeling, and fishing; I think Key West is a must for any thrill-seeker.

Be sure at the end of the day to make your way to Mallory Square and experience a sunset you’ll never forget. Each day we were there, it seemed like the entire population of Key West would flock to Mallory Square for food, street performers, and the breathtaking sunset.

There is only so much that can be relayed by words, but Florida is a destination for everyone. I will confess that the attractions and beautiful scenery has made it one of my favorite destination in the United States. Traveling is such a healthy way to indulge in new experiences. Consider looking into a few destinations that you'd be interested in and check out helpful travel hacks to make it work and make the best of your roadtrip.

Fall Staycation Ideas

apatterson — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 06:38:00 GMT

Summer always seems to be jam packed full of activities from Little League games and swimming lessons to camping and road trips. Once fall arrives, life often returns to the regular hum drum schedule and families often forget to indulge in a little quality time. Want to get out and enjoy the new season with your family? Here are some family friendly activities to consider:

The Great Outdoors

Autumn is a great time to get outdoors. Not only are the temperatures more comfortable, but the pesky mosquitos and other bugs are less likely to be a fun killer, so turn off the air conditioning and crack the windows open. Even if you can’t take a week off to go camping, check out your local campground or the state park nearby and set up tent for a night or two. Nothing is more enjoyable than the warmth of a campfire on a crisp fall evening. If setting up a tent sounds like too much work, consider renting out a cabin and get in touch with nature. Go on a hike, check out the fall colors, or even have some family fun and get the yard ready for winter. Don’t forget, when raking leaves into big piles, to stop and enjoy jumping into the mountain of leaves.

A Family That Crafts Together

You don’t need a lot of money or even be artistically inclined to enjoy the art of crafting. Become inspired by nature and the fall colors to decorate your home. Decorate the entryway of your home with gourds, pumpkins, dried corn stalks, or make an autumn inspired wreath. Learn how to knit just in time to bundle up for cooler weather or to make scarves for friends and family. Want to make sure everyone has a good time and gets involved? Have everyone in the family choose a craft that he or she would like to do and let him or her instruct the rest of the family through the project.

Apples and Pumpkins A Plenty

Other than piles of colorful leaves, what says “autumn” more than apples and pumpkins? Whether you spend the day picking apples at a local orchard or harvest from your own tree, enjoy the fruits of your labor by baking some classic apple dishes such as apple pie, apple crisp, or enjoy a warm glass of cider. While you and the family are filling up your bushel basket full of apples, don’t forget to select the perfect pumpkin to carve your jack o’ lantern. One plus of places where you can pick your own apples and pumpkins? There’s usually an opportunity to go on a hayride, work as a team through a corn maze, or even attend a fall festival.

Get Ready for Halloween

For many families, Halloween, is a much anticipated holiday. Rather than sending the kids out to trick or treat alone, consider dressing up as a group of superheroes or characters from your favorite sitcom. Like to indulge in a little fright? Why not volunteer at a haunted hayride or build your own haunted house for people in your neighborhood? If you decide to make your own haunted abode, make sure that you’ve created an attraction that is free from hazards that may cause a personal injury, but don’t skimp on the scares!

Driving in Australia

apatterson — Fri, 9 Sep 2016 05:17:00 GMT

When you’re a United States citizen traveling, working or living abroad, it’s important that you’re able to get around safely. Though countries like Australia and the United Kingdom far better utilize public transportation than most areas of the US, you still may feel more comfortable driving a car while you’re overseas. Perhaps you need it for work, or maybe you’re just on vacation and want to get around as quickly, easily and stress free as possible. While driving in another country isn’t the worst thing in the world, there are some things to consider. So if you’re headed to Australia and plan on driving while there, what can you do to prepare?

Have Your Documents Ready

Valid, Full Driving License: You’ll need your full – not provisional – driver’s license for the United States.

International Driving Permit: Because many countries do not recognize a US driver’s license, depending on where you’re headed, you may want to get aninternational driving permit. In Australia, driving regulations differ from state to state. In New South Wales, if you will be there for more than 3 months, you can be issued with aTemporary Overseas Visitor Licence. Less time than that means you are fine to use your current overseas license.

Original Vehicle’s Registration Document

Passport: Always have your passport on you when driving in another country. You may also be required to have a visa.

Motor Insurance Certificate: Check with your auto insurance company before you head off – they may cover you. If you’re only in Australia for a short time and renting a car, you can most likely get insurance through the rental car company.

Travel Insurance Documents

Remember to Stay Left!

This is the most obvious difference, and the most easily forgotten to driving in Australia versus the United States. The only way to break the habit of driving on the right-hand side of the road is to stay completely attentive the whole time you’re driving. Go slowly. Even when you’re walking, remember tolook to the right, then left, then right again when crossing the street.

Keep the Road Conditions in Mind

In Australia, there are a wide variety of road conditions you may see. Depending on where you’re traveling, you may see perfectly paved roads or unsealed and gravel roads. In addition to road conditions themselves, it’s also important to keep in mind weather conditions. Check weather conditions before you go so that you can avoid any flooded roads that may be in the area.

Watch out for Wildlife

Kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas aren’t completely out of the question here. You might see large groups of livestock grazing along the roads as well. Check your speed and drive carefully no matter where you are.

Learn the Rules of the Road

Always wear your seatbelt – it’s against the law not to. Know when you can overtake another vehicle. When the center marking is a double line, you’re not allowed to overtake another vehicle; if it’s a single line, you can cross the line to pass.

According to Henry Carus & Associates, commonly seen personal injury claims can be due to motor vehicle crashes. Stay aware of your surroundings at all time when driving in Australia – especially if it’s something you’re not familiar with. Remember these things to consider, drive with caution, and enjoy you’re time abroad!