Future world: a rendering of the MIA Mover station at the Miami Intermodal Center
By Mark Chesnut
With new rail service, expanded facilities and a variety of new flights, South Florida’s two biggest airports are making it easier than ever to travel to the Sunshine State. (more…)
Special Edition: Marriott's sole Edition property is in Istanbul for now, but growth is in store.
By Mark Chesnut
It’s taken a while, but Marriott International’s Edition brand, the so-called lifestyle hotel chain developed in conjunction with hotelier Ian Schrager, is getting ready to grow. As a result, travelers will soon have new options when choosing New York hotels or planning a Miami vacation. (more…)
Go local: Brookwood Farms Carolina Pit BBQ serves southern favorites at the Charlotte airport.
By Mark Chesnut
Does the thought of airport food make your stomach churn? Sure, there are plenty of less-than-savory selections — dishes that could be described as “terminal” in more than one sense of the word. But look around during that next layover and you might find tasty options that feature lots of mouthwatering local flavor. Here are a few of the best. (more…)
Accent on color: the new Hampton Inn and Suites in Miami's Brickell district
By Mark Chesnut
Travelers headed to downtown Miami for a Florida vacation or business trip will find an attractive new option in the mid-priced range, since the opening this fall of the Hampton Inn and Suites Miami Downtown Brickell. (more…)
By Joanna Citarella
This July and August, spa enthusiasts will delight as many of Miami’s most sought after spas participate in the third annual Miami Spa Month. During this time, several Miami’s spa’s are offering up some of their most innovative treatments for just $99, making it hard to resist some much-needed spa time on your Miami Vacation. With over 35 spa’s taking part this year in Miami Spa Month, here are some of my top picks:
By Maria Mora
Drawing celebrities, artists and travelers to its tropical shoreline and white-hot nightlife, Miami beach is a premier South Florida vacation destination, but also one that boasts a rich history. Visit in style by booking a room at one of these 3 historic Miami hotels.
The Raleigh
Renowned for its award-winning swimming pool, The Raleigh attracts a variety of international travelers and local socialites. Built in 1940, the hotel has been meticulously preserved and features vintage-inspired décor in its guest rooms. And right now, the hotel is celebrating its 70th anniversary with drink specials and discounted valet parking.
The Beacon Hotel
Built in 1937, The Beacon Hotel South Beach draws young, hip guests to the vibrant atmosphere of Ocean Drive. Renovated from 2004 to 2006, the hotel combines art deco sensibilities with modern luxury comforts. Ask for an ocean front room for views of the Atlantic and Miami’s active beachgoers.
The Strand Hotel Ocean Drive
The Strand pairs four historic buildings with a new modern wing. Combining art deco and contemporary architecture, this boutique hotel specializes in pampering guests with spa treatments and ultra-swanky drinks. Escape the bustle of South Beach at the tranquil, exclusive roof-deck pool.
Craving more historic architecture on your South Florida vacation beyond these Miami hotels? Take an afternoon drive to Coral Gables Venetian Pool. Built in the early 1920’s, the enchanting and refreshing grotto remains one of Miami’s best-kept secrets. Just keep in mind that the pool is closed on most major holidays.
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Maria Mora is a memoir blogger and wannabe photographer. She travels extensively throughout Florida and the Caribbean with her two young sons.
By Joanna Citarella
Earlier this year I ran the ING Miami Marathon. If you like to run and you’re considering a Miami vacation, this is a really unique way to see the sights and sounds of the Magic City of Miami.
Joanna Citarella running the ING Miami Marathon
Every January, approximately 15,000 runners of all ages and abilities participate in the ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon. With a fast, flat, Boston-qualifying course, the Miami Marathon offers plenty of interesting scenery and Miami-style entertainment to keep you motivated along the way. This diverse 26.2 mile course will take you along the Miami beaches, across the downtown, and through locations frequently used in movies and TV shows.
Miles 1-9: Port of Miami and South Beach hotels
The first 3.5 miles of the course take you over the MacArthur Causeway to South Beach, offering dramatic views of the Port of Miami as you run past gigantic luxury cruise ships while watching the sunrise on the horizon. In fact, the first 10 miles pass by with relative ease as you continue along South Beach past Art Deco-style buildings and chic boutique South Beach hotels onto Ocean Drive. Here you’ll pass by famous Miami landmarks such as the Cardozo Hotel, Colony Hotel and then onto Washington Avenue past Miami’s infamous nightclubs.
Punta Cana beach (Photo: Dominican Republic Tourism)
Spring is right around the corner, and if you’re thinking about taking a Spring Break vacation, here’s some inspiration: Orbitz has tallied the most popular Spring Break vacation destinations this year. From beach vacations to family vacations, Cancun to New York, we’ve got the top 10 hottest spots for Spring Break. And for Spring Break vacations on a budget, check out where to save on hotels.
Top 10 Spring Break vacation destinations for 2010
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Get 15% off Super Bowl tickets on tickets.orbitz.com. Catch all the gridiron action in Miami, as the New Orleans Saints take on the Indianapolis Colts on February 7, 2010.
Use promotion code SUPERBOWL15 by February 7, 2010. That’s right, the day of the big game.
Plus, don’t forget to check out our deals on Miami vacation packages and hotels.
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ICE! at Gaylord Palms
By Mary Flynn
The weather outside may not be frightful, but a Florida vacation over the holidays can be so delightful …
Orlando
Orlando is a popular Florida vacation destination year ’round, and the holidays are no exception. You can visit ICE! at the Gaylord Palms Hotel (voted one of Orbitz’ top 10 best decked-out hotels). This holiday attraction, hand-carved from nearly two million pounds of ice, creates a winter experience like no other in Florida. The enormous structure used to house ICE! — dubbed “The Florida Fridge” — is cooled to a chilly nine degrees, so the resort provides winter coats for visitors to wear. The popular family experience gives guests a chance to visit a whimsical winter wonderland of interactive environments and larger-than-life, three-dimensional ice monuments and sculptures. There is even an ice skating rink on the premises! It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience for the whole family. (more…)
We love to travel, and we love to talk about it. The Orbitz Blog is another way we can share our expertise, advice and the occasional random thought.
Check back often for fresh insight from Orbitz staff and contributors about cool places to visit, fun things to do and smart ways to save.