Spend On Your Holiday

More than three quarters of people plan to spend at least as much as last year on their holiday in 2009 despite the recession, a new study shows.

The YouGov poll of more than 2,100 people, found that even during the credit crunch 78% of 45-54 year olds aim to spend as much if not more on their holiday this year. Nearly a third plan to spend more, while less than one in four (22%) expect to spend less, the research found.

But the poll also identified that cutting back on second holidays and short breaks was one way people are making sure they can afford a main break away. Asked what they would be prepared to spend less on to pay for a holiday, 29% picked second breaks. But almost half (49%) would go without designer clothes, latest gadgets (43%) or evenings out (43%).

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Spend a Penny Will Cost 1 GBP

Budget airline Ryanair could soon be charging customers £1 to spend a penny if plans to install pay-for-use toilets go ahead. The Irish carrier, which consistently looks for ways it can charge customers for extras on top of the basic ticket price, has insisted the charge won't risk passengers being caught short as nobody "has got on board a Ryanair aircraft with less than a pound".

Chief executive Michael O'Leary said: "One thing we have looked at in the past and are looking at again is the possibility of maybe putting a coin slot on the toilet door so that people might actually have to spend a pound to spend a penny in future." "I don't think there is anybody in history that has got on board a Ryanair aircraft with less than a pound." "We're all about finding ways of raising discretionary revenue so we can keepl owering the cost of air travel," he said.

Rochelle Turner, head of research at Which? Holiday, said: "It seems Ryanair is prepared to plumb any depth to make a fast buck and, once again, is putting profit before the comfort of its customers. Last week, Ryanair announced it was to shut all check-in desks at airports and have passengers check in online instead. Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara said: "Michael makes a lot of this stuff up as he goes along and, while this has been discussed internally, there are no immediate plans to introduce it. "However, this highlights Ryanair's continuing obsession with lowering costs and passing these savings on in the form of lower fares. "Ancillary revenues, all of which are avoidable, help to reduce the cost of flying Ryanair and passengers using train and bus stations are already accustomed to paying to use the toilet so why not on airplanes? "Not everyone uses the toilet on board one of our flights but those that do could help to reduce airfares for all passengers." What do you think?

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Virgin Atlantic is a Superbrand

Virgin Atlantic has been named the strongest brand in the Travel & Leisure sector of Business Superbrands 2009, while British Airways fell 28 places in the survey. Virgin moved up from 28th place in 2008 to 25th place overall, while BA plummeted from 8th to 36th.

The nine highest rating airline brands are as follows. Their ranking in the overall survey is in brackets.

1. VIRGIN ATLANTIC (25)
2. BRITISH AIRWAYS (36)
3. EMIRATES (68)
4. SINGAPORE AIRLINES (78)
5. EASYJET (308)
6. QATAR AIRWAYS (318)
7. BMI (413)
8. SWISS (430)
9. FLYBE (454)

Internet giant Google secured top ranking overall for the second year in a row. The survey of the UK's strongest business brands, compiled by The Centre for Brand Analysis, is based on votes on by an independent and voluntary Expert Council and more than 1,500 individual business professionals.

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How About Miami

Have you ever thought about a holiday break in Miami? How about one week staying in the Days Hotel Thunderbird Beach Resort for a knock down price of £579 per person based on 2 adults sharing.........and what's more you can fly direct from UK to Miami...now that is what we call a bargain. Click here to book.

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Complete Family Disney Package

The perfect family holiday for 2 Adults and 2 Children is surely in Orlando visiting Disney attractions. Imagine the fun the kids will have and the memories you will bring away from this dream holiday in florida. It is even more of a must-do event if you know that you can buy this holiday at a knock-down price.

We are offering you a 14 night holiday in Orlando, staying at any All Star Disney Resort and including airport transfers and a 14 Day Ultimate Ticket. What a bargain! Simply click here to book. Prices are from just £799 per adult, £699 per child and are valid for dates between 19th April 2009 and 1st October 2009.

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New York Special Offers

We have some very special offers for New York City Breaks to tempt you with.

Direct scheduled flights to New York. 3 nights at the 3* Ameritania Hotel from £449 per person.

Direct scheduled flights to New York. 3 nights at the 4* Doubletree Metropolitan by Hilton from £499 per person.

Direct scheduled flights to New York. 3 nights at the 5* Intercontinental Barclay from £569 per person.

Go on...treat yourself to a city break courtesy of FloridaDiscountHolidays

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Sarasota Beach Secrets

The beaches of Sarasota are one of Florida's best kept secrets. Head west across Ringling Causeway (State Route 780) then cross Bird Key, Coon Key and the glittering St. Armands Circle, home to an upscale shopping district known locally as "our Rodeo Drive." Finally, when you can go west no further, you've reached the three-mile Lido Key situated just north of Siesta Key on the Gulf of Mexico. The gulf-facing coast of Lido Key is one long, uninterrupted beach.

The beaches: The three beaches start at Big Pass with South Lido Beach which is a 100-acre nature preserve with a small beach — just under 650 feet. The main beach is simply called Lido beach. Just a half mile west of St. Armands Circle, there is over 3,100 feet of beachfront (a heated swimming pool) and lots of parking. North Lido Beach features 3,000 feet of secluded shore, with little parking and no lifeguards or facilities.

Back to nature: Nature trails run through each park. The southern trail runs along a sandy-soiled coastal ridge with a thick growth of Australian pines. Along the northern trail, you'll discover a mangrove swamp (with a canoe trail) and tidal swamp forest. The north beach has been kept in a wild state for the birds and other wildlife. Nude sunbathing was allowed as late as the 1980s and it is said that although it is illegal, it still goes on.

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Marathon in Florida Keys

Marathon is positioned in the heart of the Florida Keys in fact just about in the middle of the Florida Keys island chain. The area of Marathon consists of many Keys or islands starting with Long Key, the Conch Keys, Duck Key, Grassy Key, Boot Key, Crawl Key and Pigeon Key. Marathon is separated from the Lower Florida Keys on the south end by the Seven Mile Bridge. This bridge is famous and has been seen in many movies and is host to the Seven Mile Bridge Run each year.
Long Key is the place to visit for a beautiful park like setting with many opportunities to fish, kayak, camp or simply just relax on the beach. There are plenty of quaint guest accommodations between Long Key and Marathon Key. Duck Key is home of the Hawk's Cay Resort & Marina and is a great place to hold corporate meetings. Grassy Key is the closest to Marathon Key and the Dolphin Research Center is there. This is a great attraction in Marathon offering a day long learning experience for adults and children. Learn all about the bottle nose dolphin and even swim with them in a limited session at the Research Center.
Marathon is a quaint place to take a very relaxing vacation. There are many great amentities including some great restaurants that serve fresh seafood and some good shopping with many gifts and crafts from local artists. Marathon has some very nice communities including Key Colony Beach and Sombrero Beach.

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Things to do in Naples

The southwestern Florida city of Naples is known for its views of the ocean and its outstanding culture. Here are some of the most popular things to do and see during your holiday in naples.
Old Naples historic downtown area. This is a favorite spot for locals and visitors to the city. This downtown area offers lots of places to shop and eat, as well as a great place just to hang out and enjoy the city. You definitely want to stop here and walk in a few of the galleries portraying local artists and have a bite to eat in this part of town.
Naples Pier. This is another favorite among visitors to Naples. The pier offers a breathtaking view of the water from the shore. This is also a great place to take a stroll and simply enjoy the scenery. The pier is along 12th Avenue South.
Naples Nature Center. This is a great place to learn about the wildlife and floral heritage of southwestern Florida. The center is run by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and offers an exciting peak at the wildlife and plants that call this part of the state home. Part of the center is home to the Museum of Natural History, a place where you can learn why different parts of nature must work together in Southwest Florida in order for all to thrive.
Caribbean Gardens. This is a great place for you to see the finest in animal and nature in the region. The park showcases animals and how they live naturally in the wild. You can take a guided tour of the park through the islands and waterways that make up the facility. This is truly something you need to see if you're in the area. The Caribbean Gardens is at 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road.
Briggs Nature Center. This is a great place for watching birds. Here you can learn all about just about any bird that lives in southwestern Florida. There is a bird platform that allows you to look through telescopes and spy on birds while they're in their natural environments. This center is in Rookery Bay just south of Naples.

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Things to do in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale has an extensive Art and Entertainment district that runs east to west along Las Olas Blvd, from the beach to the heart of the city. This is where you'll find the Broward Center for the Performing Arts as well as the "Elbow Room", which was featured in 'Where the Boys Are". In March, the city also hosts the annual Langerado music festival, where everything from Rap to Reggae is welcomed. As for dinning, dancing and shopping, be sure to check out the trendy Riverfront.

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Gay Travel in Fort Lauderdale

The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) is set to hold its 2011 convention in Fort Lauderdale, bringing 1,200 attendees into the area for four nights. The city beat Philadelphia and Chicago as part of a competitive bidding process. The IGLTA is based in FortLauderdale, which hosted the group's first convention in 2002.

In a press release, Broward County Vice Mayor Ken Keechl, who the bureau described as the highest-ranking elected, openly gay official in Florida, said: "Our county, with vibrant 'gayborhoods' including Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors, has been a top-rated destination within the gay and lesbianc ommunity for more than a decade, and I know that it will be a place that IGLTA attendees will want to return to time and time again."

The bureau said its presentation to IGLTA leaders was themed "Lauderdale Unleashed," signifying the city's emergence as a global gay and lesbian destination.

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Man Calls 911 For Lemonade

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Authorities said a man, 66, was arrested after calling 911 on Saturday to complain that a fast food restaurant ran out of lemonade. After a drive-through employee failed to respond to the man's threat of contacting the police, the irate diner called 911, a police report alleges.

He spent about 5 minutes talking to the 911 operator about his complaint. Boynton Beach said the man was charged with abuse of 911 communication.

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Orlando Fly-Drive Deal

Bag yourself a late bargain..........why not try an Orlando Fly-Drive?

Departing 29th February for 14 nights you can book return flights to Sanford, Orlando and get a fully insured car thrown in for good measure. How is that for a deal?

Book now.....places are limited from just £359 p.p. based upon 4 sharing. Click here to enquire.

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Disney Hotel and Park Ticket Offer

We have some great special offers for you to consider this month!

From just £329 p.p. for dates between 19th April - 01st October 2009 FOR 14 nights, you can book a 14 night stay at a Disney property and only pay for 10 with Disney's fabulous FREE nights offer.

You will also get a Disney 14 Day Ultimate Ticket for the Price of a 7 Day Premium Ticket.

Places are limited , so book it now!

***Offer valid when a 14 night stay and Disney Park Ticket is booked as one package***

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Explore the Vizcaya Museum

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was formerly a vacation estate built in 1916 by the wealthy agricultural industrialist, John Deering. The main house was designed to mimic an Italian villa that had been lived in for generations. Its interior rivals that of the finest European castles and housed inside its walls are an extraordinary assembly of fine art and luxurious furnishings. The estate’s ten acres of gardens are equally as impressive and the historic Vizcaya Village will enjoy significant renovations. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is located at 3521 S. Miami Avenue and is open daily from 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. You won’t regret adding this stunning estate to your list of things to do in Miami, Florida.

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Hollywood Beach Boardwalk

One of the most popular things to do in Miami, Florida for visitors is to hang out at the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, where miles of beaches and walking trails allow for relaxing strolls, bike rides and hours of people watching. Find a mix of cafes and bars, and dine at one of the boardwalk’s restaurants. There is a thriving beach theatre at the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, featuring the “Theatre Under the Stars” concert series on Monday nights. Hollywood is located between North Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale along Highway 1.

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Visit the Cape Florida Lighthouse

Part of beautiful Key Biscayne’s Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, the picturesque lighthouse is a welcome visit for maritime enthusiasts looking for things to do in Miami Florida. It was built in 1825, making it the oldest building found in southern Florida. You can explore the lighthouse on your own or join one of the guided tours. Enjoy a relaxing moment in the Lighthouse Café and take advantage of the nearby Cape Florida beach. Cape Florida is open from dawn to dusk, with lighthouse tours offered at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily.

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Silver Spurs Rodeo in Orlando

Grab your cowboy boots and go for some great family fun at the Silver Spurs Rodeo. Events such as bull riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, and barrel racing, along with crowd-pleasing cowboy clowns, will all take place at every show.
Rodeo fans can enjoy some exciting rides for themselves after the rodeo, at the annual Osceola County Fair, located right next door to the Silver Spurs Rodeo. The fair features exciting amusement rides and games for all ages. Adults and kids will receive a FREE admission to the Osceola County Fair with the purchase of a Silver Spurs Rodeo ticket.

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Airboat Rides in Boggy Creek

Boggy Creek airboat rides are held at Boggy Creek and are for the thrillseeker amonst you.

Once on board its a great thrill ride as you go skidding and sliding forwards, and side ways lifting you out of the water and through the tall swampy grass with the loud noise of the air behind you. You will be given goggles to wear as the boat goes so fast that with the wind in your eyes it would be hard to see anything with out the goggles.

You may see all kinds of fish, birds; snakes even alligators if you are lucky. Mornings are the best time to go to see the local wild life as it is most active at that time of day. The airboat ride takes about 30 mins to 1 hour depending on the guide you get and how busy they are but it is well worth a visit.

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Balloon Rides Over Orlando

A spectacular hot air balloon ride over Orlando is a unique experience, particularly if it is taken at sunrise.

Flights operate 7 days a week, 365 days a year at sunrise, weather permitting. The inflation of the balloon takes around 20 minutes, after which you will be airborne!

The balloon flight time is approx 1 hour and can become your most memorable event during your holiday in Orlando.

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