Tag: road trips

Fantastic Florida – Not Just For Summer Anymore!

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Have you been looking for the perfect place to vacation this winter with the family? Are you stuck on where to go and what to do and you’re trying to make sure everyone stays happy? For the best in winter sun as well as a whole host of things to do, consider hitting up the southern state of Florida. Known as the Sunshine State, and for good reason, Florida is one of the best places to head for those who want to soak up the sun while having fun as well. Check out some of the top things to do in this vast and enjoyable state.

Amusement Parks

If Florida has one thing in spades, it’s amusement parks. Whether you want to while the day away alongside your favourite characters at Disney World or you want to hop on some impressive TV and film themed rides at Universal Studios, the world is your oyster. You can grab tickets and head to Universal Studios easily online and don’t forget to check out other options such as SeaWorld as well as the whole host of waterparks on offer too.

Miami

There is a reason Miami, FL is one of the country’s top spring break destinations. And it’s not just spring, or summer that make Miami a great Florida travel destination, but winter and fall too. Starting with the obvious beautiful beaches, amazing nightlife, and renowned international food scene, Miami has become a virtual mecca for celebrities and any American who wants to enjoy perfect weather year-round. While Miami is not known for being a thrifty town, there are all sorts of family-friendly activities that don’t have to break the bank, including walkable architectural tours,  people-watching on Ocean Drive, or cozying up to a good book at one of Miami’s bookstores.

Daytona

Daytona isn’t just a beach city in Florida. It’s also home to the international Daytona Speedway which is home to the internationally acclaimed Daytona 500 which takes place each February, typically on President’s Day (18th). Be sure to book tickets in advance if heading down around this time as tickets and hotels sell out fast. A great day out for the family, especially the kids, so pack the sunscreen and hats and head to Daytona for a day to remember forever.

Florida Keys

For families and couples alike there is no place quite like the Keys. Located in Florida’s deep south, this string of pearlised islands in the deep blue Caribbean sea are perfectly located to have beach weather nearly all year round. Book in at one of the luxury resorts and hit the sand for some sun and relaxation with great views and calm seas.

Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Centre

A great day out for anyone in the family, the Kennedy Space Centre is ideal for learning about America’s race to the moon. Featured are some of the most unique and awe-inspiring artefacts from these days including space suits that have been on the moon itself, still covered in moondust. Come see the remnants of the rockets that took man past the earth’s atmosphere and if you’re lucky, book in to see a rocket launch in person at Cape Canaveral.

The Everglades

Deep in the south of the state you will find this vast area of marshy wetland known as the Everglades. Considered to be one of the most unique areas of wildlife habitation in the state, you can get tours around the area on hovercraft to see some of the residents of the area such as crocodiles and the mass numbers of birds that call this region home. A perfect way to spend a few days, especially with kids who have a penchant and love of animals and wildlife.

So if you’re looking for the perfect way to spend your holidays this year, look no further than Florida. The Sunshine State is always open for business and ready with open arms to welcome you and yours to her sandy shores.

Cape Town To Cairo – Planning It

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So you’ve travelled extensively and you’re looking for your next great adventure, but aren’t sure where or what to do. If Africa is calling, and surely it will at some point, you should consider maximising the opportunity and taking a road trip throughout the continent, perhaps from Cape Town to Cairo, which would be the most obvious choice. That being said, despite the fact that it’s been done before, it isn’t for the faint hearted. This route is around 12,000 kilometres long and includes driving on some rather… interesting roads. Depending on the route you take as well, it could take you through some very unusual and perhaps even not-so-safe countries, so it’s important to plan well in advance.

Which Route?

Depending on your adventurous nature, the route you take is up to you. There are three main possibilities, although one of these is not advisable in the present day due to serious security issues experienced in some of the countries. The routes are as follows:

Route One: Cape Town – Namibia – Angola – Republic of Congo – Gabon – Equatorial Guinea – Cameroon – Nigeria – Niger – Algeria – Libya – Egypt.

Route Two: Cape Town – Botswana – Zimbabwe – Zambia – Tanzania – Uganda – South Sudan – Sudan – Egypt.

Route Three: Same as Route Two, but substitute South Sudan for Kenya and Ethiopia.

Some of the countries mentioned above have issues these days – Libya, South Sudan and to an extent Nigeria all suffer from issues surrounding terrorism and general aggression towards westerners, so it could be advisable to swap these for other countries that are more friendly.

How To Pull This Off

Firstly you’re going to need a really reliable vehicle, preferably a four wheel drive that is good for off-roading as well as in possession of four good tires. It’s advisable to also have some basic car repair skills under your belt too as well as an extra tire to change in case you get a flat (and that’s a very real possibility on some of the roads you could encounter). The second thing to think of is whether you will camp on the roadsides or if you will stay in hotels/hostels along the way. In some places it’s possible to camp, but it can be dangerous so be prepared to drive off-road a length to find a spot that will be unlikely to be seen from the road.

Also make sure that you stock food and water as well as extra blankets, clothes and the like in your car or van in case you get stuck roadside with more than one flat. It could be awhile waiting for someone to come by that can help out – even if you phone roadside assistance!

How Long Does This Take?

It depends entirely on how long you want it to take. Driving straight through it can take between a week and ten days, which allows for quick restful naps, but if you want to stop off wherever and whenever you want with time allowed to explore and just sit and appreciate where you are, a more reasonable kind of time frame would be 2.5-3 weeks, if not longer.

What Is There To See And Do On The Way?

In a word, tons. Between stopping off at beautiful, picturesque points such as along the Nile in Uganda to see some stunning waterfalls and rapids as well as stopping off at view points, museums, small dusty roadside villages where people are welcoming and life seems to go by at a snails pace, you won’t be disappointed. You can even stop off to go on a professionally led game drive safari, so as you can see, there is almost an endless number of things to see and do, it just depends what your interests are and what you’re looking to experience.

So there you have a couple of great ways, including routes to use to plan your trip from the very southern tip of Africa all the way up to the north. With such a diverse and beautiful continent it will be easy to find things to see and do along the way for both you and anyone you’re travelling with. Stay safe and have fun on this almost once in a lifetime trip!