FLORIDA DISCOUNT HOLIDAYS

Visit the Morse Museum of American Art

2010-02-23T22:17:00.002Z

For the discerning art lover, Florida has some superb museums to go and see.

The world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933) is housed at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. The Museum’s Tiffany collection includes jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass windows and lamps, and the chapel interior the artist designed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

The Museum also holds a major collection of American art pottery and representative collections of late 19th- and early 20th-century American painting, graphics, and decorative art.

Well worth an afternoon of your time.

More Flights to New York

2010-02-01T11:09:00.001Z

Signaling an upturn in the Aviation business, increased frequency between Heathrow and New York is being scheduled by Continental Airlines.

The carrier is also introducing flat bed seats in its business class cabin.

An early-evening departure from London to New York/Newark will be introduced from March 28th for the first time.

This fourth daily flight will be supplemented by a fifth daily service in October from Heathrow Terminal 4.

This will bring the total number of daily departures from Heathrow to seven, all aircraft from Heathrow will feature new flat bed seats in BusinessFirst from June 2.

NEW WEBSITE Launched

2010-01-12T23:03:00.002Z

At long last we are able to announce that our new look website is live and launched.

We have been working hard to overhaul the navigation and flow of information on the site so that you are more easily able to locate the hotel or villa resort that most appropriately suits your requirements.

Please check it out by going to http://www.floridadiscountholidays.com

Summer 2010 Florida Deals

2010-01-06T19:37:00.002Z

Whether its a villa holiday, package deal involving a hotel or a fly drive, we have plenty of options to choose from.

With access to unpublished fares ex-UK to Florida, we are confident that we can beat our competitors for price.

So give us a call on 0870 990 8318 or visit our website to let us know about your specific holiday reuirements in Florida this coming summer.

Hot Air Balloon Ride in Florida

2010-01-05T12:24:00.002Z

Why not try a magical experience in Orlando?

Get involved in inflating the balloon and when it is ready, hop on board and spend an hour on board a thrill seekinf ride that rivals anything you might do on the ground.

During your flight the pilot will point out views including : Florida's natural preserves, beautiful resorts, and eye catching attractions.

Flights take place in the Disney area.

At the end of your flight enjoy complimentary champagne or a soft drink to celebrate your wonderful experience and a free breakfast provided in the banquet area at which you will receive a personalised flight certificate.

A truly magical and unforgettable experience.

Airboat Rides at Boggy Creek

2010-01-04T09:59:00.003Z

Top up your florida vacation with a world famous Airboat Ride at Boggy Creek West.

Discover territory that remains unaltered by man in the wilderness of the Central Florida Everglades. Experienced Master Captains take you into the breathtaking beauty of natural wonders, including wetlands, cypress trees, and wildlife. Ride with a U.S. Coast Gurad Captain searching for alligators, turtles and birds in their natural environment. The airboats whisk across the waters at speeds of up to 45 mph whilst shooting between walls of tall grass. These rides are safe for adults and children.

GLOBESPAN Collapse - Re-BOOK Your Flight

2009-12-17T17:51:00.003Z

Following the unfortunate collapse of Globespan overnight, we are pleased to be able to offer assistance. We can re-book your flights with other operators at discounted prices so that you dont miss out on your holiday arranagements. We have flights from all UK departure airports to Florida, other US states and Canada. Please call us on 0870 990 8318.

Virtual Portholes from Disney

2009-11-02T15:16:00.000Z

Virtual portholes that give video feed of the ocean to passengers staying in inside cabins are going to be a feature on Disney Cruise Line's new ship. The interior cabins on Disney Dream, which is to enter service in 2011, provide a real-time view outside the ship. High-definition cameras placed on the exterior of the ship feed live video to each virtual porthole. A "water coaster" that sends passengers racing above the upper decks of the ship will be among the other elements being introduced. An entire deck will cater for children with two main spaces for children ages 3 to 10. Disney Dream will sail alternating three-and four-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay from Florida. During the summer, the ship will alternate four- and five-night itineraries with two stops at Castaway Cay.

BA Transatlantic from London City

2009-07-02T11:21:00.002Z

AV8Tours understands that British Airways is to go ahead with the launch of the first New York flights from London City Airport despite the economic downturn.

Flights are already on sale with the first flights due to take off on September 29.

The new all-business class service launches with a daily return to New York JFK except Saturdays when London City airport is closed, increasing to two flights a day from mid-October.

The aircraft on the route will be a specially configured Airbus A318s, the largest aircraft that can be flown from the Docklands airport.

Fitted with just 32 seats, which convert to fully flat beds, the aircraft will fly across the Atlantic after a refuelling stop at Shannon in Ireland, where passengers will be able to clear US Customs and Immigration.

Return flights from New York will be non-stop, as the aircraft can use JFK's full-length runways and take off with sufficient fuel for the whole transatlantic crossing.

BA chief executive Willie Walsh said: "In the harshest trading environment airlines have experienced, we believe it is more important than ever to embrace the future and innovate. That is what this historic new route is all about. There is real enthusiasm from our customers for this project. This is BA at it's best - stylish, British and ahead of the game. Reviving the BA001 flight number for the first long haul route out of London City could not be more appropriate. Every aspect of this service has been designed to maximise convenience for customers to fly between the world's two biggest business centres - Wall Street and London's extended financial district in the City and Docklands.The UK's first web access on transatlantic flights means that customers can work and keep in touch with the office between London and New York via email and texts. Above all the exclusive service style will bring the feel of a private jet to a business class cabin."

Florida Bounces Back

2009-06-18T13:12:00.002Z

Florida has emerged as one of the late booking summer holiday favourites, according to new research.

Bookings to Florida saw a 49% increase on last year at the beginning of June compared to an 8% drop at the start of May.

The US bookings surge has been prompted by the strengthening value of the pound against the dollar, according to the UK's largest independent travel retailer.

The analysis shows that in the same period the pound rose in value against the dollar, from $1.48 to $1.65 (a rise of over 11%).

Av8Tours believes a significant boom in bookings is still to come.

The same effect can also be seen in the eurozone, but with the pound rising only 4% in the same period.

"If the pound continues to rally against foreign currencies, we believe this upward trend will continue."

Heathrow Express Maintains Service

2009-06-12T11:12:00.000Z

Heathrow Express maintains service during tube strike. Heathrow Express is to operate as normal during the current 48-hour London Underground strike. The company said trains would continue to run from Paddington station to the airport every 15 minutes between 05.10 and 23.42. Trains call after 15 minutes at Heathrow Central for Terminals 1, 2 and 3 before arriving at Terminal 5 in 21 minutes.

Airlines Get Wired Up

2009-05-20T11:09:00.004Z

According to The LA Times, airlines are bringing back wireless Internet service on planes, allowing business tech savvy travelers to check their e-mails, browse the Web and log into their corporate and social networks while in flight.

Now several smaller Internet companies have come up with cheap systems that are working well. AirTran Airways, which has six departures a day at Los Angeles International Airport, said it will equip all of its 136 planes with WiFi by the end of July.

Larger carriers, Delta Air Lines, which operates more than 1,000 planes, and American Airlines, with more than 600 jets, are rolling the service out over the next year.

Under American's system, passengers can begin accessing the Internet with their laptops, smart phones and hand-held PDAs once the plane reaches 10,000 feet.

The fee will be $12.95 for flights longer than three hours and $9.95 for those that are less. Hand-held device users will be charged $7.95 regardless of the flight's length.

Virgin America has also begun offering wireless Internet service on flights between Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. as well as on all flights to Boston. The airline expects to have Internet on all flights by summer.

The fee is similar to American, but it also has a red-eye special of $5.95 for those flying across the country late at night.

Non-Essential Mexico Travel Back On

2009-05-20T10:46:00.000Z

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has lifted a ban on all but essential travel to Mexico following the swine flu outbreak.

The revised advice comes three weeks after the flu outbreak reached its peak in the country. The latest FCO advice says: "Following a decline in the number of reported new swine influenza cases in Mexico since its peak on 26 April 2009, we no longer advise against all but essential travel."

The revised advice is likely to lead to a resumption of holiday flights to Mexico.

Industry Reaction to Budget Inaction

2009-04-28T08:39:00.003Z

The travel industry has reacted with anger and dismay after the Government failed to scrap plans for a rise in Air Passenger Duty. In his Budget announcement last week, the Chancellor Alistair Darling made no reference to the travel tax, which is due to increase in November and again in 2010. Airlines, agents, ABTA and other industry associations had urged the Chancellor to scrap the tax altogether, or at least cancel the second phase of increases. But despite their pleas, and evidence to show the negative impact on the tourism industry, the Government has refused to back down.

"The rise in APD to destinations such as the Caribbean, dependent on tourism, will be as much as 87%, equating to a tax bill of £600 for a family of fourt ravelling to the Caribbean in premium economy in 2010 compared with today's£160.

*Here's how the phased increases will impact travel costs:

For flights to Europe, APD will go up by 10% to £11 and to £12 in 2010. US travellers, the UK's key market for tourism, will see their taxes rise from £40 to £60 in 2010.

For long-haul visitors travelling over 6,000 miles (including Australia, NewZealand and Malaysia, three key inbound markets), taxes will rise from £40 to£85 in 2010.

Business visitors will also be severely affected with taxes for travellers ona ny flights above economy rising to anything up to £170 from 2010.

Gourmet Menus from Virgin

2009-04-17T08:43:00.001Z

Virgin America introduces new health-focused, gourmet menus.

Virgin America announced the introduction of new menus that offer guests a selection of healthy and wholesome meal and snack options for the spring travel season. The new menus include an on-demand selection for guests in the Main Cabin and a new seasonal First Class menu designed by world-renowned Chef, Luke Mangan. Both menus are crafted using an assortment of nutritious ingredients, including fresh fruits and vegetables, premium meats and artisan breads and are designed to give travelers more healthy and satisfying options to choose from for their in-flight meals and snacks.

Chef Mangan honed his skills at some of the world's most prestigious restaurants, including the world-famous, three Michelin star Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire. Today, Chef Mangan owns four restaurants around the globe, including South Food + Wine Bar in San Francisco, Salt and World Wine Bar in Tokyo, and Glass Brasserie in Sydney.

Disney DINING is FREE

2009-04-06T21:16:00.002Z

September October and November Disney Special Offer.

Book flights with Virgin Atlantic Airlines for 14 nights staying at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter Resorts and get 14 Day Ultimate Tickets and 14 days of Disney Dining FREE.

Prices include transfers on Disneys Magical Express

Family Price from £3499 based on 2 adults and 2 children (2-11). Click here to book.

Christmas 2009 in Florida

2009-04-06T21:06:00.002Z

Whether its fly drive, flight and hotel including transfers or flights with villa and minivan, we have the right deal for you.

Please try out SPECIAL OFFERS section of the website for more details.

Comfort Suites at Comfy Prices

2009-04-06T19:33:00.002Z

The Comfort Suites Universal South is an Orlando hotel near SeaWorld Orlando. The Comfort Suites® Universal South is conveniently located just minutes from Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld Orlando, Wet 'n Wild water park and Walt Disney World. Located just two miles from the Orange County Convention Center, this Orlando hotel is also conveniently located near Belz Factory Outlet World shopping center and the famous International Drive.

Special amenities and services include free deluxe continental breakfast, free shuttle service to Universal Studios Florida and SeaWorld Orlando, free weekday newspaper, free coffee and an on-site ATM machine.

The Comfort Suites Universal South provides business travelers with free high-speed Internet access in all rooms and access to copy and fax services. Enjoy the tropically landscaped courtyard complete with outdoor heated pool, hot tub, kiddie pool and poolside bar and grill, serving food and beverages daily. More......

Villas at Tarpon Springs

2009-04-06T18:41:00.000Z

Known as the 'Sponge Capital of the World' Tarpon Springs is often considered one of Florida's most interesting small towns. The 'Sponge Capital' tag came from the Greek immigrants that settled here in the last 19th century and harvested the sponges which grew in abundance off shore. Fascinatingly, today almost one third of the entire population still descend from the original Greek settlers.
The winding Spring Bayou Creek runs just south of Tarpon and is bordered by towering oak trees and grand Victorian homes, combined with the smaller initmate buildings alongside the docks help to make this one of the most picturesque towns in the state.
The lively dock area forms the central hub of Tarpon Springs, here you will find a very lively, carnival style atmosphere with quaint old buildings home to a host of souvernir shops and Greek family restaurants. Along the town's main street you find a long line of antiuque shops and art galleries. At the Cultural Center, you can pick up directions for a walking/bus tour of this historic district. More.....

Easter 2010 Special Offers

2009-04-06T18:32:00.003Z

Are you planning ahead? Are you thinking about Easter 2010 and that extra special trip to Florida?

We have some very special holidays and prices for you to consider. Whether you want a flight and car, a hotel and transfer included, or a luxury break in a private villa...we have just the price for you. Fly drive prices start from just £499 per person...so please click through for more.

Sirata Beach Resort on the Gulf

2009-03-27T13:25:00.001Z

With its pastel colors, wrought-iron details, and architectural features, the oceanfront Sirata Beach Resort has a Mediterranean feel. This family-owned and operated resort offers a cordial and efficient welcome to its guests, whether they're visiting for a family vacation, a conference, or a wedding on the waterfall terrace.

In addition to the adjacent white-sand beach, guests choose from three outdoor splash pools and two spa tubs. Water-sports rentals are available, as are oceanfront hammocks for less active pursuits. Dining options include a Caribbean-inspired grill, a steakhouse, and two beachfront bars. An on-site shop sells groceries, sundries, and souvenirs.

Seven miles away, the 250-acre Boyd Hill Nature Park offers three miles of nature trails and boardwalks. Park wildlife includes alligators, turtles, American coots, otters, ospreys, bald eagles, and frigate birds. There are four aquariums, an observation beehive, and guided nature walks.Located on St. Pete Beach, the 12-acre Sirata Beach Resort offers numerous on-site recreational opportunities, as well as water-sports rentals and offshore excursions (surcharges).

Mangrove Grille specializes in Caribbean-style cuisine, and two beach bars provide light fare and live weekend entertainment. MORE......

Villas at Regal Palms

2009-03-27T13:11:00.002Z

REGAL PALMS is an outstanding resort style community located on the US27 situated between Highway 192 and I4 giving easy access to all Orlando has to offer. The resort features superb onsite facilities which include an amazing Tropical Pool Area complete with ‘lazy river’ and water slide, a Club House, featuring a restaurant, bar and games room, a Gymnasium, Health Spa complex, Tennis Courts and Children’s Pay Area. The resort is also adjacent to the renowned Highlands Reserve 18 hole Golf Course.

Townhouses offering 4 bedroom/3.5 bathroom or 3 bedroom/3 bathroom are available. Both offer luxury accommodation, beautifully furnished and fully equipped. These executive homes provide you with the independence of a home with the advantage of a host of ‘on the door step’ facilities. Not far away from Walt Disney World Resort and within easy reach of bars, restaurants, shoppings malls and supermarkets - Regal Palms Townhomes are situated adjacent to the Highlands Reserve Golf Club.

Boasting a large tropical swimming pavilion with waterslide, waterfall and lazy river, health spa and regular shuttles to the attractions, the 3 and 4 bedroom town homes have fully-equipped kitchens, spacious living and dining areas with patio and a garden tub in the master bedroom. MORE.........

Scrap APD

2009-03-27T12:44:00.001Z

The UK is being urged to take a lead from the Dutch government and scrap Air Passenger Duty.

The call came from ABTA which claimed that as the UK enters a severe recession APD will "exacerbate the problems already being encountered by the aviation and tourist industries with significant falls in passenger numbers".

The announcement by the Dutch government that it plans to scrap its airport tax as part of its economic support measures will have the added effect of encouraging airlines to bypass the UK and re-route to Dutch airports with further damage to the UK's economy, ABTA claims.

The Industry has called for a planned rise in the tax this autumn to be abandoned at the very least.

La Costa Condos Gulf Coast

2009-03-25T20:12:00.001Z

Anna Maria Island offers a unique flavour of the real old Florida and yet, is close to all the style and attractions of Sarasota and St Armands Circle. The white sandy beaches run for over 7 miles and feature some great beachfront dining opportunities, ranging from family style restaurants to the more elegant, with their own specialist a la carte menus. Anna Maria has two main shopping centres with Publix and other main high street stores.

There are over 20 golf courses within 25 minutes drive. For the family there is a Cinema, Bowling Alley and a wider choice of supermarkets in Bradenton which is just 8 miles away. There is huge choice of watersports available. La Costa is a beachfront condo with a screened balcony offering fantastic views over the beach, and spectacular sunsets. It has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a sofa bed in the lounge area. The master bedroom has a vanity area with wash basin. Use of the safe can be arranged for a small fee. MORE.....

Jamaica Royale Apartments

2009-03-25T20:08:00.001Z

Nestled on the fine, white, powdersoft sands of Siesta Key, the Jamaica Royale apartments are a pleasant stroll away from the Siesta Key Village Shopping area with its range of intimate fine dining restaurants, designer shops and stores with downtown Sarasota a 10-minute drive away.

Siesta Key has been regularly voted one of America's top ten beach resorts during the last ten years and it's unique quartz ultra-fine soft sand remains cool even on the hottest of days.Three heated freshwater pools overlook the Gulf of Mexico and the 2-bedroom tower apartments each come with fully equipped kitchen and private patios, perfect for sipping cocktails and enjoying the fabulous sunsets. MORE......