Travel

On Oct. 1, 1971, Walt Disney World in Orlando officially opened to the public, with the park’s dedication ceremony held Oct. 25.

My needs are quite specific when it comes to a suitcase. It must be expandable, have a front zippered section large enough for my laptop, be lightweight and in any color other than black. Oh, and it has to have four wheels.

During the last week in May, my wife and I took the first-ever seven-day Alaskan sailing of Royal Carribean’s Ovation of the Seas, the largest cruise ship to ever visit Alaska. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip for us, and the cruise staff was phenomenal and service top-notch.

I’d always wanted to see Lake Okeechobee, but I hadn’t made the time to visit despite living only a few hours away for nearly 20 years.

Finding cheap domestic and international flights out of Tallahassee has never been easier, thanks to Fare Skies. Fare Skies is continuously on the hunt to find and share the sweetest airfare deals out of Tallahassee International Airport through its Facebook group, monthly get-togethers and a text and email notification system, saving people hundreds on their next adventure.

When you have limited vacation but still want maximum adventure, look no further than Orca Island Cabins. You’ll be treated to the trip of a lifetime.

During a recent Palm Beach getaway we took a fascinating island tour where we heard tales of the rich and dysfunctional while viewing their mega-mansions, dined on superb sushi and took the best food tour I’ve ever been on where I was introduced to the charming custom of fika in Sweden.

Keep Florida Fishing debuted its new “Fishing in the Keys” video series earlier this month.

Relax in your large leather reclining seat. Use the free Wi-Fi on a tray table, and charge your devices with multiple outlets. Now you can skip the traffic and travel in comfort from Fort Lauderdale to West Palm Beach in just 30 minutes on the new Brightline express trains.

As more Florida roads convert to all-electronic, no cash payment options, a SunPass transponder is a must-have when traveling the state. A properly mounted SunPass on your windshield means no hassle, no matter what toll road you drive. As a SunPass customer, you always pay the lowest rate.

While they may not be taking a seat next to you on Space Mountain, your canine companion (or two) can now stay with you at a few of Disney’s resort hotels in Orlando. These are Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and the cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

Good news, Tallahassee travelers! Tallahassee International Airport and American Airlines will soon offer a nonstop flight to Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport.

Perhaps because we live in a grand era of yoga pants, we are even more fascinated by the elegant, elaborate outfits worn by the characters in “Downton Abbey.”

Weekends in the summer tend to translate to short jaunts to the beach to escape the oppressive and stagnant heat in Tallahassee. When time is of the essence – vacay away just for the day style.

In 2004, the International Air Transport Association began pushing airlines to issue electronic tickets. Prior to that, most passengers received their tickets through the mail from a travel agent or from an airline ticket office.

Club Med is on sale, y’all! Get up to 50% off at eight Club Meds in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico and Florida. Some of these all-inclusive resorts have free upgrades, while others are offering an airfare credit of up to $400. Book these deals by June 21 for travel through December 22.

National Travel and Tourism Week is about celebrating the power of travel. During May 7-13, travel and tourism professionals will unite to showcase the importance of travel and highlight the dynamic, hardworking people who make our industry remarkable.

Years ago, travel agents were the ideal way to book vacations. Today, with online resources coupled with our ever-growing desire for personalized service, we need a new kind of partner to help with our holiday plans; we need a travel advisor.

Whether you’re a solo traveler or bringing your entourage, you can customize a room at NYAH in Key West to sleep all of you. Its BYOR™ (build your own room) system allows you to configure your room for up to six people, with a king, sofa or bunk beds. Each bed has its own charging station and locker.

Like many, I wanted to experience Cuba and unlock its mysteries. It was an opportunity to marvel at classic cars as I roamed the streets and enjoyed beautiful landscapes and colonial architecture. I traveled back in time and witnessed the slow evolution of modern amenities.

A popular place for families to catch parades is on St. Charles Avenue near Napoleon. Viewing ladders are lined up like wooden soldiers, providing the perfect vantage for catching coveted spears, plush and beads. From princesses to cowboys, kids in costumes capture the spirit of Mardi Gras — as well as the throws.

Have an encounter with a Na’vi shaman at the end of the Na’vi River Journey where guests will travel down a sacred river in a bioluminescent rainforest. That is one of the expeditions slated to open this summer as part of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, inspired by James Cameron’s movie “Avatar.”

I love hotels with a history. For my daughter’s wedding this past weekend, guests stayed at The Lancaster Hotel, Houston’s oldest continually operating hotel and a member of Historic Hotels of America.

“I just want to go somewhere and chill,” my husband said. So we did, alternating our bouts of relaxation between the beach, pool and our balcony at The Somerset on Grace Bay Beach in the Turks and Caicos.

Most Savannah visitors stick to the city’s popular downtown area, strolling River Street and hopping through historic squares. I’ve done that routine before, so on a recent trip, I sought a new experience in the artsy Starland District.

As business owner Chris Schroder travels the country on business, he forgoes hotels and books Airbnbs instead. He has stayed in a condo in Tallahassee, a horsefarm in Columbus, Ohio, and a highrise in Cleveland.

Currently reigning as our most popular Founding Father with his own hit Broadway show, Alexander Hamilton was born in Nevis in the Caribbean. Visit his homeplace with the “Take it to the Bank” special from Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, a historic inn with 36 cottages on 30 lush acres.

We sat on the front porch of Twin Oaks, her antebellum home in Natchez, Mississippi, while Chef Regina Charboneau served us her homemade jam and biscuits. We had just met her, but she treated us as long-time friends as I delighted in every layer of her biscuits, made from her recipe that has been featured in the New York Times.

The answer to our prayers and the solution to our summer sun cravings: nonstop flights to the beach. A three-hour layover has never been my idea of relaxation.

Take advantage of two short cruise specials with MSC Cruises. Depart from Miami on the 4,345-passenger MSC Divina on a three-night cruise July 2 and sail to Nassau and Cape Canaveral. Or depart July 5 on a four-night cruise and visit Cozumel. Prices start at just $279 for an interior stateroom.