Marathon of the Palm Beaches

The 5th Annual Marathon of the Palm Beaches takes place between December 5th - 7th 2008. The Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Team Relay will all start at 6:00 a.m. on December 7th.

One of the highlights of Marathon Weekend will be the marathon breakfast on Dec. 5th, featuring marathon great Uta Pippig, an advocate of women's running, as guest speaker. More than 60 percent of the participants are women. Pippig, 43, a two-time Olympian for Germany and the first woman to win the Boston and Berlin marathons three times, will run the 5K and give out medals and sign autographs during the kids' races.

Returning men's champion Paul Rugut, a Kenyan now living in America, will defend his title against several top local runners, including two-time Olympian Ronnie Holassie of Miramar.Defending women's marathon champion Sonja Friend-Uhl is six months pregnant and will run the 5K.

Marlene Persson of Deerfield Beach is among women's marathon favorites.

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Top 10 Travel Annoyances

A recent survey was conducted in which air travellers were asked to vote for their most annoying experiences on board a flights. Do you recognise any of these annoyances?

1. Children kicking your seat back 31%
2. Rude seat recliners 21%
3. Loud mobile phone conversations 16%
4. Passengers taking too long to stow overhead baggage 12%
5. People getting up before the seatbelt sign is off 5%
6. Armrest hogs 4%
7. Passengers consuming smelly food 4%
8. Travellers blocking moving walkways 3%
9. "Shoulder surfers" reading over your shoulder 1%
10. People wandering in front of airport service carts 1%

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Free Things To Do in Miami

Miami is a vibrant and exciting place to visit but did you know there are plenty of things to do for FREE during your holiday in Miami:

1. Tour the Art Deco District: The most striking examples lie between Sixth and 23rd streets, on Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue. Self-guided tour maps are available from the Art Deco Welcome Center at 1001 Ocean Drive.

2. Little Havana: Home to exiles escaping Castro's Cuba, Miami embodies the spirit of Cuba through its sights, sounds and smells. Stop by at night to hear the sounds of Cuban music on every street corner.

3. Holocaust Memorial: In 1990 this memorial opened on Miami Beach to honor the 6million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The solemn and moving tributes to the lives lost makes for a powerful visit, and sculptures on site, especially the "Sculpture of Love & Anguish," are not to be missed.

4. Spanish Monastery Cloisters: William Randolph Hearst brought this monastery backf rom Spain in numbered pieces, and it was finally put together at its current location in 1954. The stones of the original building date to the 1100s.

5. Miami Art Museum: This collection of post-World War II American artwork is free to the public the second Saturday of every month.

6. Miami Beach Botanical Garden: The garden covers more than 4 acres and is open between Tuesday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Free Things To Do In Orlando

Orlando is the place to be on holiday. With so much to do, it is sometimes refreshing to find that there are some free activities for you to enjoy. Here is our list of the top 5 free activities to try in Orlando.

1. Disney Downtown Area: Located between Typhoon Lagoon and Epcot Center. There are shops and restaurants dedicated to the legendary characters, and for the serious shopper, head for the largest Disney character store in the world.

2. Cape Canaveral: Space Coast is a 45-minute drive east of Orlando, and the crown jewel of the coast is Kennedy Space Center. The visitor center is excellent - but has an entrance fee. If you're jus tinterested in seeing the shuttle launch, you can check the schedule at http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/ ; on a clear day it can be seen from almost anywhere in the area.

3. Cocoa Beach: You simply have to visit the ocean, and especially Cocoa Beach. Just 1 hour's drive from Orlando, it makes a great day out if you also take in Cape Canaveral.

4. Winter Park Classic Movies: Classic movies are shown on the second Thursday of each month . Sit back and enjoy.

5. Eola Park: Orlando hosts a 43-acre green space around Lake Eola. There is a one-mile walking trail around the lake, concerts in the amphitheatre and boats to rent.

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Inaugural Travel to America

Inaugural Travel Set to Reach Record High .

Whilst the recent presidential election marked the end of a long and twisted campaign trail, it may not be the last record-breaking activity in the Presidential campaign.

Experts predict that the 56th Presidential Inauguration ceremony and related activities on and around Jan. 20th 2009 could attract an unprecedented number of visitors to the Washington, D.C. area.

The nation's capital is one of the most historically rich destinations in America, and there are dozens of museums, monuments and historical sites ..

For example, AV8Tours travel experts recommend that for your holiday in USA:
Watching the inauguration parade along Pennsylvania Ave. where no tickets are required.
Booking a hotel close to a Metro stop to reduce travel time and avoid crowded streets .
Looking for hotels outside the D.C. city limits where there may be lower prices and more vacancy.
Booking tickets for attractions online in advance to ensure your space and avoid standing in line.

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United Airlines to USA

United Airlines brings back Denver flights.

United Airlines is reinstating its daily non-stop London Heathrow to Denver flights for next summer.

These flights will also connect to Orlando, giving extra availability next summer.

The service, introduced for the first time this summer, was suspended for the winter season.

It will be re-launched, using a Boeing 777, on March 29 and will operate until October 24th 2009.

Great news for those of you planning your holiday to USA.

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Your ATOL Protected Holiday

Florida Discount holidays is a member of the Travel Trust Association. This means that you can book your holiday secure in the knowledge that Travel Trust Association will protect you in the unlikely event of a member becoming insolvent.

Should we for any reason financially fail or cease trading, the Travel Trust Association will liaise with suppliers and Tour Operators to ensure that your holiday goes ahead unaffected. If for any reason this is not possible, the TTA will administer a claim for a refund of money that you have paid to a member for your holiday.

How does Travel Trust Association provide 100% financial protection for me?

Every Travel Trust Association member deposits your money into the Trust Account. A Trust Account is a bank account designated to hold customers' money. Your money remains in the Trust Account and is supervised by an appointed Trustee who is either a banker, chartered or certified accountant or a solicitor.

Both the Travel Trust Association members AND the Trustee are required to authorise payments from the Trust Account. In addition to being held in trust, you also have a financial guarantee from the Travel Trust Association. TTA will guarantee the financial obligation of its Members up to a maximum of any one passenger of £11,000. So if you paid £2000 we guarantee we will reimburse the loss of the £2000, where it is not available for you from the Trust Account. Therefore, the Trust Account plus the guarantee will ensure that all the money which you have paid is safely protected and available to reimburse monies paid.

When you make a booking, you will be supplied with a guarantee certificate - you can see the terms of our guarantee on the Travel Trust website www.traveltrust.co.uk/guarantee.

Should the TTA member become insolvent, in most instances your money will still be held within the TTA member's Trust Account by the designated Trustee, and available to pay for your holiday. If because of fraud or dishonesty the money is not there, then the guarantee is available to reimburse your loss. In some cases your holiday may continue as the providers or suppliers have already been paid. Where you have only paid a deposit and still have an outstanding balance, your holiday may be unaffected and by paying the balance your holiday will continue as planned. Where possible, attempts will be made to ensure that you can carry on with your original holiday arrangements.

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WinterNational Thanksgiving Parade

Miami's annual WinterNational Thanksgiving celebration takes place on Thursday November 27th and features a parade with more than 70 colourful floats and marching bands. The festival runs through the Thanksgiving weekend and includes a carnival, live music, dancing, food stalls and fairground rides. The parade proceeds along NE 125th Street between 6th and 12th Avenues.

Bands, clowns, floats, marchers, motorcyclists and much more will fuse together for an incredible display of Thanksgiving cheer. Amongst palm trees and crystalline sands, who would expect to ever see Frosty the Snowman marching with polar bears and decorated policemen?

Well. Needless to say, anything is possible in Miami. This winter, book your holiday in Miami with us and catch a little bit of summer sun and winter cheer with the WinterNational Thanksgiving Day Parade.

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Electronic System for Travel Authorisation

With effect from January 12th, 2009, any Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers will be required to obtain a travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S.A. under the VWP.

ESTA is now accessible online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ for citizens and eligible nationals of VWP countries.This modern system enhances the security of the VWP and will allow the U.S.A. government to continue and expand the VWP, which allows visitors from participating countries to travel to the U.S. for business or pleasure for 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa.

What is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization? The Electronic System for Travel Authorization is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. It requires the same information as the paper I-94W form that VWP travelers currently fill out en route to the U.S.A.

Why is a travel authorization via ESTA soon required for VWP travelers? Recently enacted U.S. legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security to implement an electronic travel authorization system and other measures to enhance the security of the VWP. ESTA adds another layer of security that allows DHS to determine, in advance of travel, whether an individual is eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP and whether such travel poses a law enforcement or security risk.

Who will need to submit an electronic travel authorization? All nationals or citizens of visa waiver countries who plan to travel to the U.S. for temporary business or pleasure without a visa will need this authorization to travel prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship.

How do you apply for authorization to travel to the U.S.? To apply for travel authorization, please visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. Answer all required questions and submit your application for travel authorization.

When will travelers be required to obtain pre-travel authorization? All travelers will be required to obtain a travel authorization via ESTA to travel under the VWP as of January 12, 2009.

When should you start using this Web tool? The ESTA Web site is already operational, and the U.S. government recommends all those eligible to travel to the U.S. under the VWP to begin using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization this autumn. An approved travel authorization via ESTA will be mandatory as of January 12th, 2009 for travel to the U.S.A. under the VWP. All responses must be provided in English.

Can someone else apply for me if I don’t have access to the Internet? Yes, a friend, relative, or your travel agent or operator, or other third parties may file an application on your behalf.

What information does a traveler need in order to complete the travel authorization form? The traveler must provide biographical data including name,birth date, and passport and travel information, as well as answers to questions regarding eligibility to travel under the VWP. Again, all answers must be submitted in English.

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Seminole Battle Reenactment Florida

The Seminole Tribe of Florida will present a reenactment of the Second Seminole War at the Big Cypress Shootout at Billie Swamp Safari located between Fort Lauderdale and Naples, on the Big Cypress Reservation just north of I-75 (Alligator Alley) Exit 49.

The battle reenactments honor the Seminole’s struggle and sacrifice to remain in their homeland and will feature authentic weapons, soldier and warrior attire and tactics typical of the Second Seminole War. Your holiday in Florida would not be complete without a trip to this magnificent three day event. It includes music, Seminole food, Seminole and pioneer artisans, tomahawk throws, primitive archery competition, authentic Seminole and soldier camps, venomous snake shows and alligator wrestling.

“Period settlers” from around the country will hew wood, iron and silver crafts and depict trading techniques from the Seminole war era. Musical guests include: Okefenokee Joe, Benjamin Dehart (The Cracker Tenor) and Cowbone.

The reenactment takes place on Friday, February 27 through Sunday, March 1, 2009 at Billie Swamp Safari, located between Fort Lauderdale and Naples, on the Big Cypress Reservation just north of I-75 (Alligator Alley) Exit 49. The battle reenactments will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

In the 1800s, a total of three wars were fought by the U.S. military against the Seminoles. These campaigns were the longest, costliest, and bloodiest of all the Indian wars. Although many Seminoles were killed or removed to present-day Oklahoma, they were never defeated, and to this day, more than 3,000 Seminoles are known as “The Unconquered” Seminole Tribe of Florida.

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Hiking in Florida

Why not enjoy some backwoods day hikes along any of a number of Florida hiking trails during your holiday in Florida.

Florida's most famous trail would have to be the Florida Trail. This 1,400 mile path spans almost the entire state. When you consider the entire Appalachian Trail is 2,175 miles long, the 1,400-mile Florida Trail is quite a trail, especially for just one state. Three of the most popular hiking trails are listed in our blog.

Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. Do you want to see a Florida panther in the wilds? Go to the Fakahatchee and you just might. Even if you don't spy one of the big cats, you'll see plenty to make your day worthwhile. Then, you and your friends can share swamp stories over dinner that night.

Gold Head Branch State Park. Check out the deep ravine here--Florida's answer to the Grand Canyon. Not as big, but the same forces are at work. Enjoy any or all of 4 hiking trails. Camp out. Rent a cabin by a lake.

Paynes Prairie State Preserve. Spend the day traversing wild and historical Paynes Prairie. You're likely to see alligators, deer, and other wildlife. Bring your camera.

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Day Out at the Central Florida Zoo

A day out at the enchanting, tropical world of the Central Florida Zoo is a relaxing, entertaining and educational experience for the entire family. Discover a world of animals from around the world within this intimate park nestled in the heart of Florida.

Stroll along shaded, winding boardwalks and paths as you see towering elephants, appreciate the beauty of the hyacinth macaw and listen to the song of the kookaburra. Or dare to meet some of the world’s most venomous reptiles and non-venomous snakes, lizards and frogs in the Herpetarium.

See animals like the Puerto Rican Coqui, endangered Amur leopards, venomous king cobra and playful spider monkeys. The recently transformed Butterfly Sensory Garden incorporates touch, look, listen and smell stations, contrasting human and insect senses.

The Central Florida Zoological Park is dedicated to preserving the beauty and wonder of animals and their habitats. It is committed to sharing knowledge, engaging visitors, and celebrating our natural world.

First established as the Sanford Zoo in 1923 with a collection of donated animals held by the Sanford Fire Department. the zoo was relocated in 1941 to new facilities in downtown Sanford, on the site of the present City Hall. The Zoo of today, opened its doors at its present site on July 4, 1975 and it continues to grow as Seminole County's premier recreational and educational attraction. It is a must-do activity for any holiday in florida.

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Lie Flat on Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines has announced that it will start rolling out its new business class lie-flatseat on flights from the UK in summer 2009.

The airline, which now operates three daily flights from London Heathrow to New York and two to Houston, said the installation will start in its Boeing777 aircraft, which fly on the transatlantic routes.

The roll out will then move to its 757 aircraft, used from regional airports,then to its 767-400s, and will be fitted on its 787s, due to be delivered in 2010. All of its fleet will have the new seat by the end of 2012 or early 2013, said senior director UK and Ireland Bob Schumacher at World Travel Market.

Meanwhile, the airline awaits approval from competition authorities in the USand Europe over its planned joint venture with United Airlines, Lufthansa andAir Canada.

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Sand Sculpture on Fort Myers Beach

The American Sandsculpting Championship Festival is held annually on Fort Myers Beach. Professional and amateur sand sculptors compete in this contest, which is typically held in early November on the soft sands of Fort Myers Beach. Spectators are the real winners, however, as they can peruse the magnificent creations of sand for four to five days.

The American Sandsculpting Championship Festival is one of Fort Myers Beach’s most popular events every year. Masters of the craft and amateur sand sculptors join to create amazing works of art.

The sculptors’ creations are formed from combining the water and sugar fine white sand of Fort Myers Beach. Many of the world renown Masters return each year to participate because they believe the natural resources of the area are the best in the world for sand sculpting events.

Every year around 20 Masters and amateurs unite on Fort Myers Beach to participate.

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Pier Aquarium at St Petersburg

The Pier Aquarium is a private, non-profit aquarium and marine education science center located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida at The Pier on the waterfront. It is a really fun way to enjoy a day-out during your Holiday in St Petersburg.

Discover the fun, interactive “Fresh Fish Theatre” featuring live creatures from Tampa Bay and around the world. The action- and drama – never stops with a daily 1-4pm Touch Tank Experience and 3pm fish feeding. Students, teachers and visitors can experience the marine environment up close and personal through the innovative award-winning education programs on land and at sea.

Learn first hand from marine scientists about the fish and their habitats. See a video about Florida Red Tide. Hear the sounds in the sea through the mobile hydrophone installed underneath The Pier.

A hands-on discovery program will help you to understand the oceans, research and technology around the globe …and in Florida's own backyard – Tampa Bay!

Live "performances" in the Fresh Fish Theatre start at 1-4pm every day with Aquarium touch tank activities including "official" fish feeding at 3pm! On the second floor Aquarium, you can watch - and participate - in the action.

Help feed the fish and sharks and play a part as "An Official Fish Feeder!". Fish Feeders receive a certificate for their animal care assistance. Not only do they feed the fish, they learn up-close and personal some of the responsibilities and duties shared by Scientific Staff.

A recent addition to the daily program is the Wednesday "Celebrity Critter of the Week" scheduled from 1-3:30pm Get an up-close look at a featured critter, create a make-and-take craft project and the 3pm story time. Featured critters have included: hermit crabs, sea stars, horseshoe crab, sea snails and sea squirts. Adults are invited to participate.

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Swim with Manatees

Do you fancy meeting a Manatee up close during your holiday in Florida? Nose to nose or at a distance, the chance to meet these fascinating and gentle marine mammals is a must-do excursion.

Manatees favour the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and cluster in and around Crystal River and Homosassa, especially during the cooler winter months. These relatively warmer waters, with an average temperature of 72°F from the springs, attract these gentle animals. During the coldest times, up to 400 can be found herding in the waters of Citrus County. An aerial survey conducted by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on April 30, 2008 showed that there are 139 manatees enjoying the waters of Citrus County.

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge was established to provide critical habitat for the endangered manatees and is now home to more than 25% of the nation’s population.
Snorkeling is an excellent way to observe manatees at close range. These excursions should be made with the assistance of a guide or a tour company which can supply everything you’ll need, including mask, snorkel and wet suit.

Another great way to meet a manatee is to visit the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. The park serves as a rehabilitation center and refuge for injured and orphaned endangered West Indian manatees. A unique feature of the park is the famous "fishbowl" where visitors can view the manatees in the spring from an underwater observatory - staying dry the entire time!

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Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios

The Simpsons are visiting Krustyland, the low-budget theme park created by famed TVpersonality and shameless product huckster Krusty the Clown! You are there right alongside Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie as you enter through the carnival-like midway.

Your holiday in Orlando wont be complete without a visit....once you board your vehicle you're in for one surprise after another as you embark on a wild, over-the-top ride through the park. flying, floating, and more or less crashing your way through Krustyland's kiddie attractions, stunt shows, and thrill rides.

The Simpsons Ride is a simulator ride featured at the Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood theme parks. The ride is based on the long running TV cartoon series.....The Simpsons. It was first announced in 2007 and replaced the Back to the Future: The Ride at both locations.

The ride at Universal Studios Florida soft opened on April 23, 2008, and the official ceremonies took place on May 15. The ride at Universal Studios Hollywood opened on May 19, 2008. The Simpsons Ride was collaborated on by the producers of The Simpsons, and uses computer generated 3D animation, which was provided by Blur Studio and Reel FX. 2D animation was provided by Film Roman.

The ride uses state of the art technology, including a new projection system and new hydraulics.The ride itself is six minutes long, but original footage for the ride can be seen in the queue, and there is also a pre-show video. In the ride, patrons are introduced to a cartoon theme park called Krustyland built by Krusty the Clown. Sideshow Bob, however, is loose from prison to get revenge on Krusty and the Simpson family. At least 24 regular characters from the series make an appearance, allv oiced by their original actors. Along with the attraction is a gift shop modeled after the Kwik-E-Mart, which opened in late 2007.

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Naples on the Gulf Coast

Pearly beaches, a wealth of top-notch golf courses, elegant resorts, cutting-edge restaurants and gorgeous shopping centers define the appealing nature of Naples on Florida's Gulf Coast. Like its namesake, Florida's Naples is dressed in Italian style. There is a plethora of waterways that bring an element of adventure to its air of privilege and affluence. In fact, one doesn't have to wander far from Naples' storied streets to plunge into the wildest and rawest of Florida nature in the Everglades.

Naples' Fifth Avenue South is the main street and it has made a name for itself with one-of-a-kind shops, hip sidewalk cafés and clubs, artsy festivals, and a verve that doesn't stop. Third Street and the Avenues continues with more of the same wonderful street life and café society atmosphere.

Gallery Row sells everything from glassworks by emerging artists to Old Masters. Pockets of shopping and dining glory collect throughout the town on different waterfronts, such as around the City Dock and the Waterside Shops at Pelican Bay. Just steps away from the shopping beckon beaches made for basking leisurely or trolling for seashells. At the municipal beach, the Naples Pier juts into placid gulf waters, a perfect place for sunset strolling or daytime casting.

Lowdermilk Beach is family friendly with volleyball and facilities. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park remains in its most natural state, where loggerhead sea turtles nest in the summer and an observation tower surveys indigenous vegetation. Across the pass, Lely Barefoot Beach also combines the purposes of preserving nature and providing beach leisure.Naples takes its role as nature warden seriously, and you can learn more about the environment at several attractions, including the Naples Nature Center, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center.

All three introduce you to the area's rare and fragile Everglades-fringe ecology with aquariums, trails, habitat models and hands-on displays.At its west coast access, the Everglades encompasses a world of wetlands, salt and freshwater marshes, and tangled mangrove islands. Several government refuges and parks protect the unique ecosystem, the largest being Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, and Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

Marco Island heads the labyrinthine land known as Ten Thousand Islands and is the largest island of all. It is made of three communities; the main one, Marco, is most well-known for its wide-coved beach and the fine resorts that line it. It's also famous for its fishing charters, which earned it its reputation back in the rough-and-tumble days of pioneer settlement. At its eastern end, Goodland seems frozen in the commercial fishing era, and visitors love to come here for its funky, casual and sometimes crazy fish house restaurants. Its fishing charters take you into the fertile Everglades back waters.

Another place to hire a fishing guide is Everglades City, access point for Everglades National Park. Stop in one of the riverfront fish markets for stone crab at its freshest. Hop aboard an airboat or swamp buggy to see the Everglades as the locals do. The national park also offers narrated tours. Visit the historical museum, which chronicles the problem-fraught building of the Tamiami Trail across the 'Glades. Chokoloskee Island, a causeway drive away, spills more local history at its Smallwood Store, an old Indian trading post.

These old-time fishing villages are the last vestiges of civilization as you head across Tamiami Trail, a.k.a. Highway 41.Park lands surround the towns: Collier-Seminole State Park, which provides an easy introduction to this sometimes inhospitable environment; Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, where the award-winning book The Orchid Thief and its spin-off movie Adaptation were set; Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, which protects one of the state's most endangered creatures; and Big Cypress, a massive preserve with back-roading, hunting, canoeing and hiking opportunities.

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Delta and Northwest Airlines Merge

The Northwest Airlines name will go following completion of its merger with Delta Air Lines. The combined carrier will carry the Delta name and be based at its headquarters in Atlanta.

The merged airline will serve more than 375 cites worldwide - more than any other airline - with approximately 75,000 employees handling more than 170 million passengers a year.

The merger will occur through an integration process over the next 12-24 months after being cleared by the US Department of Justice. Passengers have been advised to continue to check-in and do business directly with the airline operating their flight just as they did before the merger.

As a combined company, Delta will maintain all its hubs at Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-JFK, Salt Lake City, and Tokyo-Narita - each of which will benefit from improved global connectivity.

The deal is expected to generate $2 billion or more in annual revenue and cost savings from more effective aircraft utilisation, a more comprehensive and diversified route system, and cost cuts from reduced overhead and improved operational efficiency.

The company expects to incur one-time cash costs not exceeding $600 million to integrate the two airlines.

"It has a best-in-class cost structure and strong liquidity balance that better positions the company to adapt to the weakening global economy," a statement said.

CEO Richard Anderson said: "Delta is combining the best of two industry leaders to create a premier global airline that will be unmatched in the scope and level of service we offer our customers.

"As we have been proving, this is a different type of merger for the industry thanks to the complementary nature of the two airlines and the calibre of the people who will make this the most successful merger in airline history.

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Best Family Beaches in Florida

With 1,200 miles of shoreline, Florida has some of the best beaches in the world. It's two distinct waterfronts -- the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico – offer sharp diversification and family filled fun. Any holiday in Florida isn't complete without a visit to the beach for you and your family...but which beach? Our Florida experts have compiled this list of the top ten best family beaches in Florida. The beaches are in no particular order....we are just sure you will have a great day out on any of them.

Panama City Beach: Despite its reputation for spring break parties and wild nightlife, Panama City also caters to families. Its 27 miles of shoreline provide plenty of room to swim, while nearby amusement parks entertain kids who've had enough sun.

Clearwater Beach: You can hike and bike the trails, or just enjoy the beach. The kids will get a kick out of meeting Panama the Dolphin at the Clearwater Aquarium, and will beg for treats at Pier 6 or the old-fashioned Farmer's Market.

Fort Walton Beach: It's hard to believe the white sand and emerald waters aren't the main draw, but they have to compete with dolphins leaping just offshore. And, with a science center, marine park and Indian temple to explore, everyone in the family is sure to find something of interest.

Fort Myers: If it rains, Fort Myers has plenty of attractions to keep the whole family amused - botanical gardens, a nature center, a planetarium and even a hands-on imagination museum.

Cocoa Beach: Science and nature live side-by-side here. While ancient cypress trees line an expansive beach, just down the road NASA's Kennedy Space Center has everything a budding astronaut could hope for.

Siesta Key: Kids and adults alike will love to watch the dolphins and collect shells along the beach. If you miss the amazing sand-sculpting contest in May, the Ringling Museum and Jungle Gardens are open year round and hold wonders of other kinds.

Fort Lauderdale Family Beach: Even though this eco-friendly beach earned a coveted Blue Wave Award for its clean shores, you might not have time to enjoy them - not with the Museum of Science and Discovery, Flamingo Gardens and Butterfly World nearby.

Daytona Beach: If your kids love racing, Daytona is a must-see destination for future Jeff Gordons. Not just NASCAR - IROC, AMA and other hotrods can been seen at Daytona International Speedway throughout the year.

Hutchinson Island: This peaceful island offers horseback riding on the beach and a shallow wading lagoon dubbed Bathtub Beach. Kids of all ages will want to feed and pat the stingrays at the nearby Florida Oceanographic Society.

Fernandina Beach: With its scenic white-sand beach untouched by commercialism, families can spend quality time together and gather their own natural souvenirs. Swim, explore the wildlife and camp out under the stars.

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