Orlando Accommodation - Vacation RentalsWritten by Andrew P Moore
As a family, we have been visiting Orlando since 1998, where we have stayed in numerous hotels on US192 in Kissimmee. Anyone who has visited Orlando will know that there is never a shortage of affordable and clean accommodation in this area. We decided to spread our wings a little and make most of our holidays in Florida. So our third trip involved renting a private villa. Now to some, this may not appeal, but let me tell you something, this is a resource that is not given justice that it deserves. Most are located in small communities along main areas of Orlando close to Disney World. The first villas we ever heard of were in an area called Lake Buena Vista, but since then have spread rapidly to other popular areas along US27 and US192. All are within an easy drive to all major attractions that Orlando has to offer. New villas offer more than ever before. Take a look http://www.orlandovillas4u.co.ukSome of communities are gated and so you need to be granted access to enter by vehicle, others are surrounded by a privacy wall but you can drive on and take a look around. You will be amazed at just how beautiful most of these homes are. Ranging from 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms which can usually sleep upto 8 guests, upto 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms which have been known to sleep upto 16 guests. Most of theses villas have private heated swimming pools and quite a few now have a Spa or Hot Tub too. Some also have games rooms which are usually garage that has been converted, although this does seem a little over top, I mean, how much time do you intend spending playing games when you have your own pool and whole of Florida to explore? Most of them have some sort of conservation area within community, which just adds to the
| | Samoa, Heart of PolynesiaWritten by David Stanley
The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new South Pacific travel destination between Hawaii and New Zealand. This "Heart of Polynesia" is politically split into two distinct entities 80 miles apart. The country Samoa is a former German colony, captured by New Zealand in 1914 and granted independence in 1962. In 1997 name was changed from Western Samoa to Samoa.American Samoa is only U.S. territory south of equator. Annexed by United States for use as a naval base in 1900, territory no longer has any military significance. Instead, Pago Pago currently hosts StarKist and "Chicken of Sea" tuna canneries, making it most important commercial fishing port under American flag. The Samoan environment is tropically lush, with green volcanic peaks plunging to brilliant coral reefs, an ecotourism paradise still unspoiled by mass tourism. Visitors often stay in open Samoan beach houses called fale (pronounced FAH-lay) and adopt laidback local lifestyle. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, deep sea fishing, and hiking opportunities are all close at hand. Samoan culture is alive and strong, and local traditions can add another fascinating layer to your travel experience. Most Samoans are subsistence farmers who reside in small villages governed by chiefs (matai). The egalitarian ideals of this communal society place loyalty to family and religion above all. Visitors can sample this culture at weekly "fiafia" island night dance shows staged at most of larger hotels and beach resorts. Buffets of authentic Samoan dishes are an essential part of these events. Samoa's climate is sultry, alternately sunny and rainy, but always hot and humid. Cooling sea breezes make shoreline best place to be yearround. The nicest months weatherwise are May to September, "winter" south of equator. The rainy season runs from November to April, with increasingly intense hurricanes sweeping in due to global warming. Yet you can get long spells of bright sunny weather even during "rainy" season, and Samoa's excellent Vailima beer (created by German brewmasters) tastes best at this time of year.
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