History and shopping in Ybor City

Ybor City is a historic area and once the hub of the pre-Depression cigar trade. It is known as the entertainment heart of Tampa , with plenty of nightclubs and restaurants. You can also shop here and , of course, stroll around to see the historic buildings.

While in the are you can also visit the Ybor City Cigar Museum , which highlights the history of cigar making in the area.

See the fish and penguins at Florida Aquarium

The interactive exhibits are definitely the charm of this place and why kids love it. They can swim with the fish or meet the penguins.

General admission is $21.95 for adults and $16.95 for children under 12. The Aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

A day having fun at the Busch Gardens Africa

If you are not a major Disney fan or travel with older kids, this is the park to visit. It has activities and stuff to do for kids of all ages. Try the roller coaster rides, take a scenic train ride, see the animals or try the treetop trails.

The single day entrance ticket is $80 for an adult and $72 for a child.

Visit the animals at the Lowry Park Zoo

It is the most family-friendly zoo in America, so if you travel with kids (of any age) , spending a day seeing the animals (and learning about them) is a good idea. From tropical sanctuary to an aquatic center and interacting animals, this zoo is meant to keep the kids entertained.

The adult ticket is $23.59 and the child ticket is $18.95. The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Go Bowling

Bowling is a good choice for a night out socializing. You get to burn some calories and spend time with friends. The bowling alley in the Channelside entertainment district is where you should try this. When you get hungry, chose from one of the many restaurants in the area.

Eat Cuban or Spanish food

The Cuban and Spanish foods are excellent in Tampa. La Teresita Restaurant is a good choice if you look for huge portions, good prices and laid-back atmosphere.

Hit the market

The Saturday Market in Ybor City features local produce, crafts, arts and of course, food. It’s a nice chance to get in touch with the city’s diverse culture.

Photo credits: Ybor City , Florida Aquarium , Busch Gardens Africa , Lowry Park Zoo , Bowling , Food

Jacksonville is located on the Atlantic Coast of Florida. You can stroll in the historic neighborhoods , visit the museums or attend the festivals.

While both cities are served by airports, due to the short distance between the two cities, there isn’t the need to take a plane to cover it. And yes, connecting flights through Miami are available but they are not worth it (in terms of money or time).

Quick summary

It is cheaper to travel by bus than by train between Orlando and Jacksonville. Bus fares start at $27* one way and the travel time is from 2 ½ h.

Orlando to Jacksonville by train

Amtrack offers two trains between Orlando and Jacksonville. The Silver Meteor departs from Orlando daily at 1:35 p.m. and takes 3h 13 min to reach its destination. The single adult fare is $51. The Silver Star departs Orlando at 7:24 p.m. and takes the same amount of time to get to Jacksonville. The single adult fare is $39.

On the way back, catch the Silver Star from Jacksonville at 7:15 a.m. It will be in Orlando after 3 h 2 min. The adult single fare is $39. The Silver Meteor departs Jacksonville at 9:48 a.m. and arrives in Orlando at 3h 7 min. The adult single fare is $51.

Orlando to Jacksonville to bus

Greyhound offers 5 connections every day between Orlando and Jacksonville. The first bus leaves Orlando at 03:05 a.m. and the last at 10:15 p.m. The travel time is between 2h 30 min and 3 h 20 min. The advanced purchase fare is $21.00 one way and the web only fare is $27.00 one way.

On the way back catch one of the five buses from Jacksonville. The first bus leaves at 4:45 a.m. and the last at 10:30 p.m. The same travel times and fares apply.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Florida

Orlando to Jacksonville by car

You can rent a car and drive the 140 miles between Orlando and Jacksonville on I-4 E and I-95 N. It should take about 1 1/2h.

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Note: * at the time the article was written

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Given the short distance between the two cities, it makes sense not to fly between Tampa and Sarasota. In fact, travelers can either fly into Tampa International Airport (TPA) or Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) regardless of which city they plan to visit.

Quick summary

If you do not fancy renting a car and driving the 50 miles between Tampa and Sarasota, your only option is the shuttle bus from Tampa Airport to Sarasota. Unfortunately, there isn’t a public bus connection between the two cities.

Tampa to Sarasota by bus

While there is no public bus between Tampa and Sarasota , there are private bus companies (such as this one ) offering shuttles between Tampa International Airport and Sarasota. They offer three departures per day from Tampa’s airport and four departures per day from Sarasota. The adult fare is $40 one way.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Florida

Tampa to Sarasota by car

You can rent a car and drive the 50 miles (or 60 miles, depending on the route) between Tampa and Sarasota in about an hour. If you choose the shortest route (52.5 miles) , you’ll be driving by the coast, so the views are an added delight.

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Regardless of why you travel from Orlando to Key West (or the other way around), you should know ahead of time the means of transportation available, the time you’ll spend traveling and the ticket prices.

Quick summary

Whether you choose the train and bus or just the bus, the ticket price is about the same (about $96.50* one way ). However, the train only goes to Miami and from there you need to catch a bus. Please note that buses don’t leave on every day of the week so you need to check the schedule in advance (at least during the winter season). Still, flying is more expensive but takes significantly less.

Orlando (airport code: MCO) to Key West by plane

Orlando is served by two airports:

Orlando International Airport (MCO) , located 6 miles from the central business district of Orlando, and it’s where most of the travelers arrive. It is the second busiest airport in Florida, after Miami and is a hub for AirTran Airways. It is also focus city for Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways.

Orlando-Sanford International Airport (SFB) offers more international flights from the UK than MCO, but doesn’t offer many domestic flights. It is focus city for Allegiant Air and Direct Air.

Key West is served by Key West International Airport (EYW) , which is located 2 miles from the central business district of the city.

Flights between Orlando and Key West are operated by AirTran Airways. The flight time is 1h 10 min. Regardless of when you travel in 2012, expect to pay from $157 one way on AirTran Airways.

>>read more about Flights to Florida

Orlando to Key West by bus

Greyhound offers buses between Orlando and Key West , with a connection in Miami. The total travel time is between 12 and 13 hours, including the transfer. There are two buses leaving Orlando every day, at 5:30 a.m. and at 9:20 a.m. The advanced purchase fare is $98.00 one way and the web only fare is $96.30 one way. Buses do not depart every day of the week (during the winter season).

On the way back, catch the buses from Key West, at 8:15 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. The travel time is between 11h and 11h 35 min. The same fares apply and buses don’t depart every day of the week (during the winter season).

You can also choose a shuttle bus between the two cities. There are plenty of companies offering such services and the fares depend on the company and the facilities offered.

>>read more about Bus travel in Florida

Orlando to Key West by train and bus

There isn’t a direct train connection from Orlando to Key West, but you can take the train all the way to Miami and from there catch a bus for the remaining part of the journey.

Amtrack runs the Silver Star and Silver Meteor between Orlando and Miami. The Silver Star departs Orlando at 10:31 a.m. daily and arrives in Miami 7 h 34 min later. The single ticket is $53. The Silver Meteor departs Orlando at 1:10 p.m. and arrives in Miami 5 h 45 min later. The single ticket is $41.

On the way back, catch the Silver Meteor from Miami at 8:20 a.m. and the Silver Star at 11:40 a.m. The same fares apply.

Once in Miami, you can choose one of the two buses operated by Greyhound and get to Key West. They depart at 12:05 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. but not every day (during the winter season). The advanced purchase fare is $49.50 one way and the web only fare is $48.15 one way. The travel time is 4h 15 min one way. On the way back, catch the bus from Key West at 8:15 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. The same fares and travel times apply.

Orland to Key West by car

You can rent a car and drive the 400 miles between Orlando and Key West. There are two possible routes and both have tolls. The shortest route takes about 7 hours and much of it runs along the coast. But once you get to Key West it’s best to leave the car in the parking lot and get around by renting a bicycle or scooter. Or use the public transport.

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Note: *at the time the article was written

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Right on the Atlantic Coast , you’ll find the Venice of America, or Fort Lauderdale . Famous for the beaches and yachts, the small city also offers good restaurants, shopping and entertainment options.

Regardless of why you travel between Orland and Fort Lauderdale, to plan your budget and time, you need to know what means of transportation are available , the cost and how much time the traveling takes.

Quick overview

Whether you choose to travel by bus or train, the fares are similar (from US$36* one way) and the travel times don’t differ too much, either. Flying is faster, but it’s also more expensive.

Orlando (airport code: MCO) to Fort Lauderdale by plane

Orlando is served by two airports:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) , which is located 6 miles from the central business district, and it’s where most of the travelers arrive. It is the second busiest airport in Florida. It is a hub for AirTran Airways and a focus city for both Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways.
• Orlando-Sanford International Airport (SFB) offers more international flights from the UK than MCO. It is focus city for Allegiant Air and Direct Air. It doesn’t offer any flights to/from Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is located 3 miles from the central business district and is focus city for Allegiant Air, JetBlue Airways, and Caribbean Airlines. It is the largest base for Spirit Airlines and a hub for Continental Connection and Lynx Air International.

Flights between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale are operated by Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines. The flight time is an hour. Regardless of when you fly in 2012, expect to pay from US$62 per person, one way on Spirit Airlines.

>>read more about Flights to Florida

Orlando to Fort Lauderdale by train

Amtrack offers a direct connection between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. The Silver Star leaves Orlando at 10:31 a.m. and arrives in Fort Lauderdale 6 h 41 min later. The ticket costs $37 one way. The Silver Meteor leaves Orlando at 1:10 p.m. and arrives in Fort Lauderdale about 5 hours later. The ticket costs $49 one way.

On the way back, catch the Silver Meteor from Fort Lauderdale at 9 a.m. and the Silver Star at 12:30 p.m. The same fares mentioned above apply.

Orlando to Fort Lauderdale by bus

Greyhound offers 8 buses a day between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. The first bus leaves Orlando at 2:15 a.m. and the last one at 10 p.m. The travel time is between 4 h 15 min and 10h 40 min. The advanced purchase fare is $36.00 one way and the web only fare is $39.00 one way.

On the way back, catch the first bus from Fort Lauderdale at 12:45 a.m. and the last one at 9:45 p.m. The same fares apply.

You can also choose a shuttle bus between the two cities. There are plenty of companies offering such services and the fares range from $25 to $75 , depending on the type of bus and services offered.

>>read more about Bus travel in Florida

Orlando to Fort Lauderdale by car

You can rent a car and drive between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. No matter which route you choose, the travel time is about 3h 40 min. On I-95 S, most of the route is along the coast, so you’ll be rewarded with some lovely views.

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Note: *at the time the article was written

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Weather

The weather during February is very similar to the weather in December and January. The average water temperatures are 50-60F on the West Cost and 50F on the East Coast. It’s always warmer on the beaches in the south part of the State. The weather makes it possible to enjoy sunbathing. Still the Central and Northern part of the Florida can get colder days.

Some temperatures:
Daytona Beach avg high 70F / avg low 49F
Disney World avg high 71F / avg low 51F
Key West avg high 76F / avg low 66F
Miami avg high 77F / avg low 61F
Orlando avg high 73F / avg low 51F
Tampa avg high 72F / avg low 52F
West Palm Beach avg high 76F / avg low 58F

>>read more about Weather in Florida

Flights and accommodation in February in Florida

Walt Disney World is usually less crowded during the first week of February and gets really crowded by Presidents’ week, which is one of the busiest times at the park. Airfare is cheaper than during the peak travel times. But, since Florida is a popular destination year round, make sure to book the hotel ahead of time. You can consider staying in a hostel or even choosing a vacation rental , particularly if you travel with a group of friends.

What to do

Valentine’s Day is a good reason to head to the warm Florida. There are plenty of romantic activities available and you’ll be able to find romance packages from many hotels.

If you are still a kid at heart, you can visit Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, but try to avoid the crowded times of month. It can be interesting to celebrate Valentine’s Day at the theme parks.

Although the Keys are very touristy, there will be always something romantic to do here. Key West’s Old Town has is charming and soaking up the sun on the beach is a good way to relax and enjoy each other’s company. But , really, any beach destination in Florida has something charming to show visitors. Why not rent a car and explore the State at your own pace?

Florida Renaissance Festival takes place only during the weekends and starts in mid-February and takes place at Deerfield Beach. You can buy crafts, enjoy the shows and learn about an interesting time in history.

Lake Worth Street Painting Festival takes place during the last weekend of February in Lake Worth and you can see the lovely chalk paintings on the streets.

If you are a fan of rodeos, head to Kissimmee for the Silver Spurs Rodeo during the February 17-19 weekend. It attracts the best cowboys.

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Weather

The mild weather also makes possible to walk around in t-shirts in January, but it’s always colder in Northern and Central Florida. The beaches to the south – i.e. West Palm Beach , Miami- are warmer than those in the north.

Some temperatures:
Daytona Beach avg high 69F / avg low 47F
Disney World avg high 69F / avg low 49F
Key West avg high 75F / avg low 65F
Miami avg high 76F / avg low 60F
Orlando avg high 72F / avg low 50F
Tampa avg high 70F / avg low 50F
West Palm Beach avg high 75F / avg low 57F

>>read more about Weather in Florida

Flights and accommodation in January in Florida

Walt Disney World is usually moderately crowded during the first week of January and there are fewer crowds during the last part of the month. So if you happen to have some free time and want to pay Mickey a visit, it’s a good idea to do it now. Airfare is cheaper than during December or other peak travel times. But, since Florida is a popular destination year round, make sure to book the hotel ahead of time. You can consider staying in a hostel or even choosing a vacation rental , particularly if you travel with a group of friends.

What to do

On January 28 make sure to be in Tampa for the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. If you love pirates then you’ll definitely enjoy this day. Watch the parade and catch the trinkets and doubloons that the pirates through into the crowd.

Although the Christmas lights are history by now in most cities, it’s not the case of St. Augustine. You can still see the superb lights until the end of January. Plus there are other activities available.

Since the rush of the holidays is over, you can now visit Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld at a slower pace, without bumping into crowds. Take your time to soak up the fairy-tale settings and enjoy the attractions.

Although the Keys are very touristy, there will be always something romantic to do. Key West’s Old Town has its own charm and walking hand in hand on the beach is always a relaxing thing to do.

You really don’t need a special reason to go shopping, do you? So, if you are in Miami, do some “cardio” when looking for bargains and in between checking out the excellent restaurants.

Any beach destination in Florida has something charming to show visitors. So rent a car and explore the State at your own pace. You might be lucky and the weather is warm enough to allow for sunbathing.

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Weather

The mild temperature of the State extends to the winter months and although it’s pleasant to walk around in t-shirt and sometimes it’s warm enough to sunbath expect colder spells in Northern and Central Florida. It is always warmer on the coast than inland.

Some temperatures:
Daytona Beach avg high 70F / avg low 50F
Disney World avg high 71F / avg low 51F
Key West avg high 76F / avg low 67F
Miami avg high 77F / avg low 61F
Orlando avg high 73F / avg low 61F
Tampa avg high 72F / avg low 52F
West Palm Beach avg high 76F / avg low 59F

>>read more about Weather in Florida

Flights and accommodation in December in Florida

The week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is always crowded at Disney World, but the weeks leading to Christmas are not as crowded. And this is true for almost all attractions in the area. While if you fly within Florida, the airfare is the same during the entire year, when you fly from another State or country, expect higher fares around Christmas.

Make sure to book the hotel in advance, as this is one of the busiest and most expensive time of the year. Consider staying in a hostel or even getting a vacation rental , particularly if you travel with a group of friends.

What to do

The Festival of Lights in Silver Spring lasts from mid December to the end of the year and is a heaven for those who enjoy lights displayed in interesting ways.

Of course, Walt Disney World is filled with Christmas decorations and there are plenty of activities and fun things happening. It’s a place to take the kids for a special Christmas. Or it can be a romantic escape for those still kids at heart.

Universal Studios Orlando is home to Macy’s holiday parade every single day during December. Other holiday events take place within the park, as well.

At SeaWorld Orlando, the kid can embark in the Polar Express Experience, which will definitely transport you into the spirit of the holidays.

Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee offers the Ice and Snow experience, which is a very interesting winter wonderland with interactive attractions. It’s cold inside but those who love snow will be very happy.

The oldest city in Florida, St Augustine becomes a magical city as the Christmas lights are turned on in mid December. Other related activities are available.

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Bahamas , located in the Caribbean, is mostly visited for its superb beaches and the activities you can practice on the beach and in the water.

Quick summary

The cheapest way to get between Miami and Bahamas is by plane. Fly into Nassau’s airport and the single ticket costs only $65*.

Miami (airport code: MIA) to Bahamas by plane

Miami International Airport (MIA) is the main airport serving the South Florida area and the main gateway into the Caribbean area. It is located 8 miles from Downtown Miami and is hub for American Airlines and American Eagle, as well as focus city for LAN Airlines.

There are several airports serving the islands of Bahamas, but the most important are Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), on New Providence Island and Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO), on Grand Bahamas.

Lynden Pindling International Airport, formerly known as Nassau International Airport receives most of the flights from Miami. It is the largest airport in Bahamas and is hub for BahamasAir. The airport has U.S. Border preclearance facilities so the flights from the USA operate as domestic flights. Flights to/from Miami are run by: American Eagle and BahamasAir. The flight time is 1 h.

Grand Bahama International Airport is located in Freeport and also has U.S. Border preclearance facilities. Flights to/from Miami are run by American Eagle. The flight time is 1h.

Regardless of when you fly in 2012, expect to pay $65 per person one way, on BahamasAir, if you choose to land in Nassau. Direct flights to Freeport start at $224 in 2012 on American Airlines.

Read more about:
>> Flights to Florida
>> Airports in Florida
>> Flights to Bahamas

Miami to Bahamas by ferry

Ferries to Bahamas depart from Fort Lauderdale and are run by Discovery Cruise Line . It’s possible to get a quote only if you contact the company.

>>read more about Getting from Miami to Fort Lauderdale

Miami to Bahamas by day cruise

Discovery Cruise Line also offers day cruises from Miami to Bahamas. They sail daily from Fort Lauderdale at 9:30 a.m. and return back to port at 10:30 p.m. The price is $129.99 for an adult.

Celebrity X Cruises and Carnival offer cruises to Bahamas including 2 day cruises from Miami, which can be a great way to explore the near-by Caribbean islands. Prices start at $189 per person in an inside cabin and the cruise departs from Miami Port.

Note:*at the time the article was written

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Tampa , the largest city in West Central Florida , is home to an aquarium, a lot of museums and an excellent entertainment district.

The most important airport in the Greater Orlando Area is Orlando International Airport (MCO). But the area is also served by four other airports , including Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Quick summary

Whether you choose to travel by train or bus between Orlando and Tampa, the travel times are similar. Price wise, it’s slightly cheaper to travel by train ($11* one way) than by bus ($15 one way, advance purchase).

Orlando to Tampa by train

Amtrack operates the Silver Star which connects Orlando to Tampa. The train leaves Tampa daily at 5:17 p.m. and arrives in Orlando after about 2 hours. The single fare is $11. From Orlando, catch the train at 10:31 a.m. The same fare applies.

Orlando to Tampa by bus

Greyhound operates 5 buses per day between Orlando and Tampa. They depart from Orlando at: 5:15 a.m., 8:40 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9:20 p.m. The travel time is 1h 40 min to 2h 5 min, depending on the time of departure. The advance purchase fare is $15.00 one way, while the web only fare is $19 one way.

On the way back, catch the bus from Tampa at 8:55 a.m., 3:10 p.m. , 5 p.m., 7:35 p.m. or 10:10 p.m. The same travel times and same fares apply.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Florida

Orlando to Tampa by car

You can rent a car and drive the 85 miles between Orlando and Tampa in about 1 ½ h.

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Note: * at the time the article was written

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