Author: thetravelman

I know what you are thinking, the usual Florida destinations; like Disney World, or the Beach, right? Well… not exactly. I want to share with you some of the most amazing and off the regular beaten path destinations in Florida.

I have compiled a list of 7 of my all-time favorite destinations, while some include the beach and beauty of Florida, you will be surprised at how affordable and fun these destinations are!

1. So, let us start with one of my favorites of all-time beaches. Caladesi Island. This beach although gorgeous in and of itself, it is also the most amazing place to search for and find sharks teeth. This beach is so calming and off the grid you will be amazed. Three miles of beaches not compromised by too many people, and fun weather you just dig your toes in the sand or want to walk the beach.
2. Yet another beach destination we do have several you know… is Destin FL. This is a sleepy little fishing village so quaint and fun to explore. Get there and visit some of the shops and local businesses, try your hand at some fishing, or slide down one of the slides at Crab Island Water Park.
3. Located in the middle of the state is Mt. Dora. This is such fun to strap on those walking shoes and go visit 19^th century homes, and don’t forget to look up some of the famous antique shops. Several fares go on at different times of the year here, look into attending one of those.
4. Yes, another fun beach you must visit is both family friendly, and beautiful, it is Hollywood Beach. It too is quaint lots of local fun places to visit, and a two and a-half mile boardwalk. There is much to explore at the Anne Kolb nature center.
5. Tarpon Springs will have you loving the Greek flare for life. The Sponge Docks being the centerpiece of this destination. Great food, great shops, great atmosphere. Certainly, something to do or see for everyone in the family.
6. Love seafood? The destination for you would be Apalachicola. While this cities name is a mouthful, you will not be disappointed with a mouthful of wonderful seafood. Known for seafood, they provide 90% of Florida’s oysters. There are also over 900 historic sites to visit here. Strap on the old walking shoes, visit the historic sites, and then get your grub on with some amazing and fresh seafood.
7. Discover the old City of Cortez. This destination will transport you to a time long ago. No traffic or hustle and bustle. If it is rest relaxation and enjoying great food. This stop is sure to hit all the hot buttons for you.

In conclusion, get out there and enjoy Florida! Soon hopefully the weather will be just cool enough to enjoy, and travel will be better off the regular beaten path. Just take the back roads!…

Why traveling within the U.S. during Covid-19 may be your best option.

National parks across the country are in the process of reopening, with incredible destinations like the Grand Canyon and Old Faithful that are already accessible to visitors. National parks are such a great place to head to, and get outdoors!

In 2019, the National Park Service system received more than 327.5 million visitors.  More recent travel data shows that these parks could be even more ideal for a visit this summer, as people want to get away after dealing with weeks and or months of stay-at-home orders. 

Heading to destinations near national parks have recently trended on many of the online travel booking sites. Like Flagstaff, Arizona, which is close to the Grand Canyon, and Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, which are located by Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

The trips that require van passage, or you to be motored to another destination in the park, should not cause any worry, as all parks have taken great care to keep up with cleaning, and making sure to have proper signage, and social distancing, to keep their guests who visit safe and free from Covid-19.

The national park system is actually working on getting testing available for Covid-19, not just temperature checks, as they move to being committed to keeping everyone safe during their travels.

Even though the pandemic has currently put a damper on travel, many people looking for something fun to do with their family, they can stay in the US, and get outdoors.

Check online resources for towns and areas that are just outside of the park you are looking to visit. As stated earlier, it is great to get bargains, and looking online for help with booking for places just outside the park you would like to visit. It makes it easy to enjoy both the national park, and enjoy some small towns, and small businesses, as you enjoy your vacation.

“People are drawn to being outside,” It has been such a long time for everyone to be home, or inside. “Now, more than ever, people need nature.” Get out and enjoy! See all the great National parks!…

Why travel Abroad?

Would you love to travel, now even though Covid- 19 has taken its toll on us lately? When considering where you would like to go, and what you would like to see, why not dial it back a bit and stay in the good old USA?

I have had many travel destinations; many outside the US and inside the US. Although it is fun to dream and plan an overseas adventure, it would be fantastic to see the sites in the US. There are so many exciting things to do, and you do not have to spend a fortune, or go far, (unless you want to.)

 You can travel now as many bans have been lifted. Many health experts agree that as long as you are diligent to take the needed precautions, and visit relatively uncrowded areas, it is a fairly low risk. Do keep in mind that city or state travel restrictions will vary widely and change frequently. Keeping up with the latest rules can be a challenge.   For instance, Airport travelers arriving to New York from other U.S. states that are on New York’s quarantine list are required to fill out detailed contact forms upon landing, with fines for noncompliance. New Mexico requires visitors to quarantine for two weeks, as does Hawaii, where violators of the order incur a $5,000 fine. The state’s “Pre-Travel Testing Program,” which lets travelers skip the quarantine if they show proof of a recent negative Covid-19 test, has been delayed to October 1, at the earliest.

So, first things first, check all of the parameters for where you want to travel to. Then make a plan and execute it. Look for your best least crowded options in hotels, staying in a small B&B or a smaller setting for instance, somewhere that does not give you a lot of exposure. Drive yourself or rent a car, rather that looking to public modes of transportation. Instead of looking at places where there will be large crowds, for instance like Theme Parks, or where lots of people may congregate. Perhaps head to a mountain resort, or a hiking trail, or a National Park.

To be sure there are so many amazing places to see in the US! So, go and enjoy the amazing wonders here, and plan that overseas trip at a later date!…