Yes there is. This is a popular route with visitors, so you’ll find several options among car services that travel from Orlando to Cocoa Beach. Others run from Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral, the cruise terminal just a stone’s throw from Cocoa.

Click here for a list of transportation companies serving Port Canaveral and surrounding areas.

For direct routes to Cocoa Beach, I found AAA Access Transportation to be very reasonably priced. Call to confirm rates and schedules using the phone number on their website.

If you want to get fancy and order a private car, those are listed in the link above as well. Just keep in mind that not only will these be more expensive, but chauffeur gratuities are also customary and usually are not included in your stated rate. Tipping about 20 percent is the current standard.

Enjoy the ride!

Sounds great!  I was just visiting the Florida Keys and had a lovely time.

For your trip, I recommend a stop-over in Marathon ... or if you enjoy outdoors adventures, consider Bahia Honda State Park.

Marathon is situated smack in the middle of the Keys island chain, offering easy access to beaches and parks. It's favored among fishers, so you'll find some great seafood at hand. Click here for some hotel recommendations from VisitFlorida.com, and check out TripAdvisor for traveler reviews.

Bahia Honda State Park is one of my favorite places in the U.S.  I camped out there with my boyfriend several years ago, and we still reminisce about the "sky on fire" -- jaw-dropping lighting storms that rolled through the clouds. They drifted across the ocean without a single drop of rain hitting us.

If you're not one for tent camping, the park does rent a small number of cabins. They disappear quickly so make you reservation soon.

Enjoy your honeymoon!

Hi Denna. Sounds like a lovely trip! Tucked between Naples and Fort Myers, just north of Marco Island, Bonita Springs is lauded as a relaxing retreat perfect for beach lovers and fishers.

I had to do some careful research on this one, as I’ve only passed through the area, but I came up with several suggestions based on web reviews (and my own practiced intuition).

First off, when I think romantic I usually veer toward Italian dining – picture a quaint trattoria with candles and soft music. 

Vincenzo’s on the Bay (5370 Bonita Beach Rd., 239-992-1159) comes well-recommended as a romantic Italian restaurant. It scores high points for atmosphere, but recently received a few mixed reviews from diners. I chalk that up to being under new ownership, as there are bound to be some bumps along the way. Still seems like a good bet for recapturing that “first date” feeling.

Next on my list would be the Turtle Club Restaurant on the grounds of the Vanderbilt Beach Resort, just a short drive away in Naples (9225 Gulfshore Drive N., 239-592-6557). The food is gourmet, the ambiance is relaxing and comfortable, and the prices are a bit on the high side. But as the saying goes, you get what you pay for … and this is a special occasion! 

Bella Vita Restaurant (24940 S Tamiami Trail, 239-949-6665) is another Italian venue praised for its authentic cuisine and comfortable atmosphere. It’s worth looking into, though I haven’t dined there personally.

You’ll be dazzled by panoramic views at the Big Hickory Seafood Grille & Marina (26107 Hickory Blvd., 239-992-0991), but the prices may leave you feeling a bit dizzy, as well. I hear Big Hickory has amazing seafood, so it could be well worth the price of admission. 

Again, it’s up to you how much you want to spend for this very special occasion. Do some research on the above restaurants, and visit the links above for more information about dining in nearby Naples, Fort Myers and Marco Island.

No matter what you decide, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time with your hubby!

Disney’s Halloween and Christmas parties – special events held at the Magic Kingdom that require a separate ticket from your general admission ticket – take place on select dates September 5 through December 19. Specific event dates are listed below. 

One benefit of attending these parties is that they tend to have smaller crowds than on your average day at the parks. And smaller crowds mean shorter lines and more rides.

There are also special shows, parades and characters that only come out for these parties. So while it requires extra funds, you get a lot for your money and kids are sure to love it. 

Orlando temperatures this time of year range from the low 50s to mid-70s on average. Rainfall hovers around two inches per month during fall and winter, but showers are infrequent and blow over quickly.

At Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, guests can trick or treat in costume throughout the park, enjoy the Happy HalloWishes fireworks spectacular, and more. 

Currently scheduled dates are:

• September 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28, 30
• October 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 31 

Advance tickets cost $42.95 plus tax for guests age 3 to 9, $48.95 plus tax for guests 10 and older.

Day of event tickets cost $49.95 plus tax for guests age 3 to 9, $55.95 plus tax for guests 10 and older.

Again, remember that this is in addition to your normal park admission costs.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party lists the following 2008 scheduled dates:

• November 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30
• December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 19

Ticket prices range from $39.95 to $55.94 depending on the date of your visit, age of guests, and whether or not you’re a seasonal passholder. 

Call (407) W-Disney for tickets and information, and visit Mouse Savers for great tips on Disney discounts.

I’m sorry I can’t be of assistance when planning your Bahamas trip – I’ve never been and don’t know much about the islands. But hopefully these other details will be useful as you plan your Disney visit.

Have a great time!

• Presentations usually require individuals be between the ages of 23-70, often with a combined gross annual household income of $50,000.

• You must have a valid photo ID or passport  to qualify, and may also have to present a major credit card at registration.

• Failure to attend the entire sales presentation, or failure to meet requirements, will result in no free gift.

For starters, you'll find that many I-Drive hotels provide shuttle transportation to and from Orlando InternationalAirport. Visit this link for a short list of hotels offering free rides. Usually, if a hotel offers airport shuttle service, it offers park shuttles as well.

Embassy Suites (8250 Jamaican Ct., 407-345-8250) is a favorite of mine for its median prices, spacious suites and free breakfast buffet. The hotel offers free daily transportation to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World and other parks. Check with your concierge for full details.

Try this index of hotel listings to jump start your search, and visit our Orlando information page for more ideas.

On Key West, the Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club spans more than 1,100 feet of private beach along the island’s southern edge. This luxurious Mediterranean-style resort is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and features everything from a full-size health club and spa, to outdoor pools and tennis courts, as well as excellent restaurants and much more.

Casa Marina is easy walking distance to happening areas like Duval Street and historic Old Town. Their current promotion allows you to stay three nights and get the fourth free when visiting through September 30, 2008.

For your trip, I think St. Petersburg would be a great place to start. This beautiful, temperate city by the Bay offers up all the features you’d expect of a modern city, while still being just a stone’s throw from the beach.

You can stay in a bayfront hotel, or consider a vacation rental for long-term savings. From there, your choice of activities is endless.

Start with a visit to The Pier for quick access to restaurants and attractions on the water. From there, the Yacht Club and Bayfront promenade are great places to watch the sunset. Keep an eye out for dolphins! 

If it’s culture you seek, try the Salvador Dali Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, or the Florida International Museum (an affiliate of the Smithsonian). Be sure to ask for your senior discount when you get to the admission counter. 

From your home base in St. Pete, you’ll be just a short drive or bus ride away from Tampa (to the east) and Tarpon Springs (to the north).

In Tampa, you can explore Cuban culture in the Ybor City Historic District or indulge your passion for shopping at International Plaza. Tarpon Springs is rich with Greek history, savory food and colorful sponge docks. Click here to see a video and learn more!

For basic travel tips, check out Connecting: Solo Travel Network, a non-profit organization that offers resources for single senior travelers. And click here for links to senior discounts and coupons.

Have a great trip!

For a great vacation rental, I recommend you try the Siesta Key and Sarasota area. White sand beaches on the Key are absolutely gorgeous, and Sarasota County’s excellent bus system offers easy access to nearby attractions such as the Ringling Museum or Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Whatever your pleasure – be it fishing, boating, biking or snorkeling – you’ll find it on Siesta Key. Private homes, condos, townhouses and villas are all available for rent, with a range of prices to suit any budget.

Route 11 of the Sarasota County bus line runs along Siesta Key’s Beach Road, providing transportation to the city of Sarasota and surrounding areas.

Click here for Visit Florida’s links to vacation rental sites. I also recommend skimming through listings at Gulf Coast Rentals or Vacation Rentals, two of my favorite sites for finding by-owner rental properties.

Consider booking an efficiency room in one of Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront inns or motels. These come with kitchenettes (stove, fridge, microwave) that can help the gang save money on meals.

Large efficiencies at the Avalon Waterfront Inn feature two double beds (or one queen) and fully equipped kitchens. Each can accommodate two to four people, and summer rates are only $100 per night. 

The Avalon’s standard rooms feature two queen beds (or one king) and a more modest compact refrigerator and microwave. If you’re just heating up pizza or making coffee it’s enough to get you by, and the price is right at $90 per night. When split between friends, it doesn’t get much cheaper. 

However, the Birch Patio Motel does undercut the Avalon a bit, offering efficiency/kitchenette rooms with rates as low as $75 per night during summer season. Both hotels are right on the beach, so take a look and see what appeals to you more.

Our Visit Florida Fort Lauderdale page has dozens of suggestions for all budgets, so you can shop around. Just be sure to inquire about weekly rates and student discounts before settling on a reservation.

The guys are sure to have a great time!

Our Sunshine State has excellent roads, and a generally bike-friendly transportation department. Plus, we have the most miles of beach-accessible roadways next to California.

The weather in May is milder than our scorching summers. Temperatures in south Florida generally range from the mid-70s to high 80s around that time. In north Florida it’s cooler, with temps from the low 60s to mid-80s. Be sure to stock up on water and sunscreen, as the trail can dry you out fast.

You’ll also want a good map, of course. The Florida Atlas and Gazetteer is a handy reference with large full-color maps detailing the state. Back roads, beaches, parks, campgrounds, bicycle routes – this atlas has everything. Check your local bookstore or shop Amazon to get a copy. 

You can also try AAA for maps, or order Florida county maps for less than a dollar apiece from the Department of Transportation. Our Visit Florida biking information page also has many helpful resources.

With map in hand, you can start planning out the best course. Florida’s population density increases south of Interstate 4 – our major highway running from Daytona Beach to Tampa – so the first leg of your journey requires the most careful route.

All interstate highways, controlled-access highways and expressways are closed to bicycle travel, and some coastal bridges do not allow bikes.

You should instead experience our well-maintained back roads, and avoid routes between big cities or those connecting with major tourist attractions. For that, you’ll want to stick to interior Florida at first, maybe heading on a general Everglades-directed course until you get to the Sarasota/Bradenton area.

Once there, a visit to Sanibel and Captiva Islands (on Florida’s west central coast near Fort Myers) is a must for bikers. Extensive paths run throughout these islands, including a beautiful route at the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

Once you get past the hub of Tampa, consider following a coastal route toward north Florida. The Pensacola area in Florida’s panhandle features pristine beach and woodlands very popular with bikers. Try the Pensacola Beach Trail for a six-mile cruise along the shoreline, and click here for a listing of other paved bicycle trails in Florida 

When off-road biking, there are some cool “Rail Trails” you’ll want to explore. These are abandoned railroad routes that have been acquired and redeveloped by environmental agencies or parks departments. Click here for a short list to get you started.

Last but not least, the Florida Bicycle Association is an excellent resource for riders. 

And to address your final question: Tent camping outside designated parks or camping areas is not allowed … and also probably not very safe. I would avoid it. But there are many beautiful parks along the way, and most ask only nominal fees for overnight tent campers. You won’t be short of places to stay.

Click here for a great story about cycling Florida’s state parks, and visit the official Florida State Parks website for more ideas.

Happy travels!

Hi Maria. I'm glad to help with some suggestions.

First off, consider renting a 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom condo at 1800 Atlantic Condominiums on Key West. These properties feature kitchens, living rooms, full baths and private balconies for the price of a regular hotel room.

The building also features an Olympic size swimming pool and ocean frontage. You can rent garden-view units by the week and save even more. It’s a great deal in a lovely location, especially when traveling with a big crew like yours.

If you prefer resort accommodations, the Key Largo Grande Resort offers summer specials with spacious rooms starting at about $140/night in August. With its beautiful views and private beach access, this property may entice you to extend your vacation.

Hike through nature trails to the shore, and then take advantage of a full range of water activities from jet skiing to sport fishing. Two outdoor heated pools, tennis courts, a fitness center and sauna will keep you active. And the Treetops Bar and Grill serves fine cuisine with a Caribbean twist.

Back on Key West, the Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club spans more than 1,100 feet of private beach along the island’s southern edge. This luxurious Mediterranean-style resort is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. As befitting such fine accommodations, this resort has it all – health club and spa, outdoor pools and tennis courts, excellent restaurants and more.

To top it off, the Casa Marina is easy walking distance to the Key West Aquarium, the nightlife of nearby Duval Street and historic Old Town. Rent scooters or bicycles, and start zipping around Key West.

You’ll pay for all that luxury, but there are deals to be had. Their current promotion allows you to stay three nights and get the fourth free when visiting through September 30, 2008.

Good luck on your search, and have a great trip!

Let’s begin with the lodging question. Vacation rentals (houses, apartments or condos) are usually leased on a weekly basis by private owners, and rates can be pretty competitive. Plus, most units come with a kitchen (or at least a functional kitchenette), allowing you to buy groceries and cook some of your own meals – a definite budget booster.

For your stated interests, Orlando and Miami seem like ideal destinations. I also recommend a visit to the Tampa and St. Petersburg areas.

The length of time you stay in each city is up to you of course – research vacation rentals and consider staying a week (or a month!) in each destination. Think of it like buying in bulk: More days renting usually equals less money per day.

Websites like Vacation Rentals, Gulf Coast Rentals and Perfect Places allow you to search listings in all sizes and price ranges. Additional outlets are listed on our Visit Florida information pages. Click the links for each city above to see more options.

As far as theme parks go, I’m guessing you’ll want to explore Disney and Epcot, and perhaps Universal and SeaWorld while in Orlando.

Orange Avenue downtown
Hit The Social for good concerts and BBQ Bar next door for a laid-back dive.

Enzian Theatre
This art house theatre is a must for film lovers. You can even order dinner and drinks during the show.

As you can see, there’s so much to choose from! Start with these suggestions, and browse through videos and articles from our other Visit Florida Experts to discover a wealth of information.

The Sunshine State is ready to be conquered. Have a great trip!

There are indeed several hoops to jump through in order to purchase a car in Florida, especially if you’re coming from another country and don’t plan on moving here permanently.

Vehicle registration requires an original car title, proof of car insurance, and roughly $30 to $50 in fees. Getting car insurance requires additional fees and paperwork. Without a permanent address in the United States, this will be difficult to obtain – but you can’t drive without insurance.

If you already have insurance coverage in your home country, you may be able to extend this to the United States. But honestly, the whole process gets complicated and time consuming, with fees adding up at every turn.

(Don’t even get me started on the dozens of forms visiting foreigners must produce in order to obtain a Florida driver’s license: Employment authorization card, proof of nonimmigrant classification, F-1 and M-1 classification must be accompanied by an I-20, blah blah blah.)

You’re going to fare much better, spend less money and have fewer headaches if you simply rent a car. Currently licensed drivers from other countries who are visiting Florida may legally drive in the Sunshine State. You just have to carry your license and passport with you.

It’s tough to buy a reliable car with air conditioning for less than $4,000 these days – and you’ll want reliability if you plan on road tripping for several weeks. So the rental option definitely saves you money. Car rental rates can be very competitive in Florida, changing hourly based on supply, demand and location availability. Use this to your advantage by shopping around and asking for weekly rates.

My research at National Car Rental and Alamo Rent-A-Car uncovered rates of roughly $240 to $260 per week for a midsize or economy car.

I fared even better with Priceline, a website that comparison shops several vendors to find the lowest rates. Using Orlando as a standard pick-up location, Priceline offered rates starting at well under $1,000 (again for five weeks). These quotes may be even lower depending on where and when you pick up the vehicle.

Also, you’ll avoid more potential stress by not having to worry about selling the vehicle before your trip ends. It’s a buyer’s market right now. What if the car doesn’t sell? Even worse, what if you take a loss on it? I’m sure you won’t want to spend the last week of your trip worrying about how to unload a vehicle.

Get online and shop around, even make some phone calls to secure a good weekly rental quote. Just be sure to ask for a bottom-line price (including all applicable taxes and fees) before you seal the deal.

Anna Maria Island is another great choice, and might be your best bet for avoiding crowds. Its quiet and laid back beaches are the perfect place to disappear for a few days. You’re looking at maybe a two-hour drive from Orlando, but it will be worth it.

Plenty of small hotels and cottages on the island offer reasonable rates, especially in May’s slower season. Visit our Anna Maria Island information page for suggestions.

Have a great trip!

Hi Faye! 

You’ve picked a great time to visit Florida – many hotels offer reduced rates to encourage travel during our hot summer months. I think the Florida Keys would be an excellent choice, especially if you’ve never visited before.

I stayed there one August several years ago and had a great time. The Keys boast an average annual temperature of 77 degrees, but should be significantly warmer during your stay, so bring lots of sunscreen! 

And just because this is a popular destination doesn’t mean everything will be expensive. You just have to know where to look. I can recommend a few reasonably priced hotels and restaurants to get you started, and then you can fine tune your trip by researching attractions of interest.

I would consider staying at one hotel for the duration of the trip, and renting a car for day trips to explore the other Keys islands. 

Since yours will be an extended stay, check out 1800 Atlantic Condominiums on Key West, which offers 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom condos complete with kitchens, living rooms, full baths and private balconies … all for the price of a regular hotel room.

The property features an Olympic size swimming pool and ocean frontage, and lists a summer special rate (May 1 through August 12) of $1525/week for a garden view unit. That comes out to about $217/day, and think of all the money you’ll save by using that in-suite kitchen! 

Another great budget option is the Angelina Guest House in Key West, which offers summer rates from $99 to $139.

Once a 1920s bordello and gambling spot, this beautifully restored guest house now welcomes visitors from around the world. Rooms do not have phones or TVs (except the queen-size suite), so you can truly unplug and enjoy your vacation here. The property is walking distance to many historic sites, and your rate includes a free daily breakfast with homemade cinnamon rolls.

The age of your children may play a factor, though – they have strict rules about allowing young children in the hotel. Call to get more information (888/303-4480), or visit their website at the link above.

For more lodging ideas, browse the listings on our Florida Keys page. You’ll find lots to choose from – like the tempting Key Largo Grande Resort at the opposite end of this island chain. This luxurious and comfortable resort features rooms starting around $140 in August and is currently offering a special stay-four-nights-get-fifth-free deal.

Once you’ve chosen a base of operations, it’s time to have some fun! There are endless things to see and do in the Keys. Ask your hotel desk clerk or manager, and scout for coupon books – these can really help you save a few pennies.

Snorkeling is a hugely popular Keys activity, and unlike scuba diving it requires only basic instruction. At the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (305/743-2437) you can experience more than 500 species of tropical fish, 47 varieties of living coral and other marine life that surround this archipelago. 

Make sure to add the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (305/294-1136) to your list. This National Historic Landmark museum explores the life of the infamous author, and offers a glimpse into his former home. Another must-see spot is Bahia Honda State Park, where you’ll find clear sparkling water and some of the most beautiful beaches on the Keys.

For authentic cheap eats, try the conch fritters and fish sammies at BO’s Fish Wagon (801 Caroline St., Key West; 305/294-9272). Any seafood restaurant along the harbor is bound to be good, and competition will keep prices low, so look around and be flexible.

Santiago's Bodega has great tapas that will fill your belly without emptying your wallet, and the Key Largo Conch House gets breakfast raves.

With these tips and some careful research, you're sure to have a terrific trip. Enjoy your stay!

For starters, there are five airports within an easy drive of Port Canaveral. I’m guessing you are heading into either Melbourne International or Orlando International.

Melbourne International Airport is the closest full-service airport, located just 26 miles south of the port. Orlando International is the primary hub for Central Florida travel, and it’s only about 46 miles from Port Canaveral.

Both offer taxi and shuttle service to nearby hotels via private companies. Without knowing your itinerary details, it’s difficult to make specific recommendations. However, you can inquire about ground transportation upon arrival, or do some advance research by visiting the airport websites above.

As for lodging -- you're in luck. There are dozens of hotels to choose from throughout the Space Coast area.

Radisson Resort at the Port (8701 Astronaut Blvd., Cape Canaveral) is one of the best rated. The closest hotel to Port Canaveral, this Radisson has received many positive reviews from travelers. The rooms are clean, prices range between $100 and $200 per night, and they offer free shuttle service to all the port cruise terminals. Sounds like a deal!

If you’re looking for something even less expensive, the Days Inn Cocoa Beach hovers between $99 and $129 per night during the time of your visit. This hotel is adjacent to the Cocoa Beach Pier, and just a few miles away from Port Canaveral.

No free shuttles here, but they do recommend several companies that provide transportation for as little as $4 each way. Inquire at the front desk, learn more at the Days Inn website, or call 1-800-245-5225.

For an extensive list of other hotels near Port Canaveral, complete with ratings from visitors, check out this page on TripAdvisor.

Sounds like Delray Beach would be a good choice for you. Its strip of beach along the Atlantic Ocean is blissfully uncluttered by high-rise condos (in contrast to many popular Florida beaches). It also features a rich history and active downtown area.

Our Authentic Florida Expert, Lucy Beebe Tobias, describes it eloquently in her latest blog. And stay tuned for a glimpse into my own Delray Beach adventures, when my Garlic Festival video posts to this page – it’s coming soon!

Click here for more tips on where to stay and what to do. I recommend the Parliament Inn, which features great rates and private accommodations, but there are plenty of options to choose from.

Also, be sure to check out this helpful visitor information page before you go.

The first step in planning is to decide when you want to travel. Disney resorts usually offer seasonal specials and reduced rates January 1 to February 14, August 5 to October 3 and November 25 to December 19. 

These on-site resorts (such as Disney’s Pop Century Resort, with rates starting at $82/night) offer extended theme park hours for guests, and often include meal packages that can save you money.

There are several to choose from, with a variety of amenities and rooms for all budgets. Plan your trip as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at less-expensive resorts.

Hotels located near (but not inside) the Disney parks also offer special packages. These often include free trolley service to and from Disney, so you won’t need to worry about parking fees. 

Check out the popular Sheraton Safari, or search Resort Quest for other options.

While getting price quotes, be sure to ask about any discounts – such as AAA, seniors, young children, etc. – that pertain to your group. Also, inquire about taxes and resort fees that may affect your final bill.

Mouse Savers is another excellent site that offers free information on all kinds of Disney discounts. Whether you’re looking for an inexpensive place to stay, tickets to a special show, or discounted park admission, you’ll find helpful suggestions here. 

First-time park visitors can benefit from this information page on the official Disney site. The Disney home page also features a vacation cost calculator and other useful links.

I think Sarasota would be ideal for you. There’s a skatepark for your son, and gorgeous public beaches everyone can enjoy.

St. Armand’s Circle near the beach is great for strolling and window shopping, with plenty of cafés where you can stop for a bite or cup of coffee when it’s time to rest your feet.

Downtown Sarasota is very compact and easy to navigate. Also, a visit to the Ringling Museum is a great activity for all ages.

This Visit Florida article has some more helpful suggestions on what to do.

There are countless hotel options for all budgets. Some of my top choices for value and location are Beau Lido Suites, Best Western Midtown Sarasota, and Coquina on the Beach. 

Check out our site’s Sarasota overview for more hotel ideas.

There are many cool skate parks throughout Florida -- like in my home of Tampa for example. And where there’s a skate park, there are usually lots of other interesting things to do. So if you would like an alternative to Sarasota, review this index of Florida skate parks as a starting point. Then you can research other appealing destination cities.

I hope you and your family have a fun and memorable vacation!

Hi Necole. Sounds like fun!

One of my top picks right now is the Cadet Hotel on James Avenue. Still convenient to beaches, this hotel offers some seclusion from the loud party atmosphere that often pervades South Beach. You may want to enjoy the dance clubs, but not when it's time to hit the sack.

Great rates (average $105 to $180), clean and attractive accommodations, and some tasty breakfasts await you here.

Indian Creek Hotel is another great option located in Miami’s Deco District, about a block from the beach and convenient to shopping. Retro furnishings and a relaxing atmosphere are the watchwords here. 

You may also want to consider the hotels along Collins or Washington avenues, one or two blocks from the beach. It’s an easy walk, and you save a lot simply by not being oceanfront. But choose carefully. Some of these older motels are, um, less glamorous than others.

I cannot personally vouch for these places, but The Beachcomber on Collins Avenue has gotten some good reviews, with rates from $99 to $149 depending on the season. Likewise for the Greenview Hotel and Villa Paradiso. 

Be sure to visit our Miami page for more ideas, and read my South Beach story for a first-hand account.

Enjoy your trip!

No need to drive yourself – there are dozens of tours that can shuttle you from Miami to Key West by road or by sea.

My favorite is the Key West Express, a longstanding and reputable ferry service. Traveling by boat is so refreshing, and it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Key West Express recently added a new Miami/Key West route. The trip takes about four hours, and is being offered at the introductory rate of $53 one way or $106 round trip.

If you’d prefer to travel by highway, Miami Beach 411 offers a one-day driving tour for $57 (adults) and $45 (children 3 to 9).

This includes round-trip transportation from Miami, with one stop in Holiday Isle for breakfast and about 5 hours to explore Key West.

Personally, I’d rather take the open-ended round trip tour ($95), which allows you to stay as long as you like in Key West. Click here for more information.

These packages offer an easy alternative to the high cost of gasoline and hassle of highway navigation. Take your pick, and enjoy!

Hi Joe.

Panama City Beach sounds like the perfect choice for you – close by and affordable, with lovely beaches.

Consider staying at the Sunset Inn, 8109 Surf Drive. This family owned motel offers clean rooms and an on-site pool for the budget-friendly price of $60 to $110 per night (depending on whether you want to be directly on the beach or across the street from it). Either way, you can’t go wrong. 

While you’re visiting, take a break from the sun and sand to enjoy a free wine tasting at Panama City Beach Winery. They specialize in unusual fruit wines such as orange and tomato. Try something new!

And I’ve heard raves about the Thomas Donut and Snack Shop (19208 Front Beach Rd; 850/234-8039), where inexpensive, tasty donuts and sandwiches have been the mainstay for more than 20 years. Yuummm.

Now you’re traveling smart!

Well Michael, my research points to car rental or bus travel as the most affordable options.

An economy car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car (557 Beckrich Road, Panama City Beach; 850/234-5796) will set you back about $40 plus gas.

The trip is roughly 400 miles, so if the car gets 30 miles to the gallon, you’ll need about 13 gallons each way. So roughly three tanks of gas at $30 each? (Work with me here, I’m estimating.)

That’s for round-trip travel. If you’re heading one-way, you’ll need personal attention. Contact Enterprise at (866) 307-1773 to see what kind of deals they offer.

If you don’t want to drive, or are under the age minimum for car rental (25 years old), then a Greyhound bus is your best option.

The nearest Greyhound terminal is in Panama City, about 12 miles away from the beach town. Advance purchase on a one-way ticket costs about $50, or you can get a refundable fare ticket for $75.

Round trip travel between Panama City and Clearwater costs roughly $90 to $150 depending on certain variables. Greyhound also offers student, senior and military discounts, so visit their rate calculator and plug in any discounts that apply.

Keep in mind that your bus trip will take at least nine hours. But that’s nine hours of sitting back, relaxing with your iPod, chatting with a friend, reading a book … you get the idea.

As for air travel, forget it – if you’re on a budget, flying is not an option this time. Panama City Beach and Clearwater both have airports nearby, but travel between the two can cost $400-500 depending on dates and specifics. Ouch.

You have several options when traveling from Port Canaveral to Orlando International Airport. My research found AAA Access Transportation to be the cheapest, at $25 per person each way.

Next on my list was the Busy Traveler Transport Service, which listed the trip at $40 for one person.

There are so many companies offering shuttle service between these two points, I was unable to get quotes from them all. If you’d like to do a little more digging, here is a list of the transportation companies that serve Port Canaveral.

When getting price quotes, be sure to inquire if your rate includes airport commercial pick-up fees and tolls.

For private car services, chauffeur gratuities are customary, and usually are not included in your stated rate. Tipping about 20 percent is the current standard.

Best of luck!

Vast numbers of tourists filter through this area each year, and the market provides services to suit their every need. In such a competitive market, prices tend to fall around the same median, so it’s difficult to go wrong no matter what transportation service you choose.

For travel from Sanford Airport to Orlando International Airport, the Mears Transportation taxi fare estimator showed a rate of about $67.

You can research more options on this excellent resource page listing taxi and shuttle companies.

Now, the truly budget-conscious can save a lot by opting to ride the bus, which costs $3 or less depending on your route. But what you save in dollars you will lose in minutes.

By car, the trip between airports takes about 45 minutes. By bus, it can take two hours or longer, which includes walking time as you transfer from one route to another.

Personally, I’d rather pay more to get the car and avoid the hassle. But if your wallet tells you otherwise, visit the LYNX website and use their new trip planner to chart the best course.

Enjoy your visit!

It sounds like Kissimmee is the place for you. Centrally located and convenient to all the major theme parks, Kissimmee also has great activities of its own, such as fishing charters and airboat rides. (I recommend Tom and Jerry’s Fishing and Airboat Charters. Fun stuff!)

Check out Visit Florida’s Kissimmee information page for more ideas on lodging, activities, transportation and more. The City of Kissimmee Visitor's Guide here is also chock-full of helpful tidbits.

There are many companies in the area that specialize in vacation home rentals, and Kissimmee’s close proximity to Disney guarantees competitive rates. Click here to get started on your search for the perfect pool home. 

Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast are only about an hour away, making for an easy day trip to the Kennedy Space Center and Ron Jon Surf Shop.

My own stomping ground of Tampa is also roughly an hour’s drive from Kissimmee. I definitely recommend Busch Gardens for the kids (it was always my favorite theme park growing up) and Ybor City for interesting shops, dining and culture.

As for the best time of year to visit, I’d probably shoot for early April through mid-May. The weather is mild and pleasant, and rental rates tend to dip a bit during this shoulder season.

Spring Breakers aren’t much of a problem any more, especially in the cities you’re visiting. However, it is hard to completely avoid the rush at theme parks, which seem to see steady crowds year round. Be prepared to wait in a few lines, but nothing too grueling – summer is still the heaviest traffic time.

For starters, consider The Miami Beach Resort and Spa, which rests along white sand beaches and offers amenities like golfing, heated outdoor pool, beachfront fitness center and world-class spa services.

For other ideas, check out the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa (their Spectacular Spa Package includes a beachview suite and buffet of spa services) or the beautiful Don Cesar Resort in St. Pete Beach. The Boca Raton Resort and Club also features a bundled room-and-spa rate with their Spa Palazzo Experience Package.

No matter where you send her, add the finishing touch by contacting the resort concierge and arranging for a romantic flourish to greet your wife upon arrival. Small details such as in-room flowers or a favorite bottle of wine will make her feel truly pampered.

While these resorts and packages are definitely on the pricey side, you want to indulge her and you've got a solid budget for two nights of luxury. Go for it!

There sure is!

Try the Motel 6 Orlando-Kissimmee Main Gate West. It's got an outdoor pool, sits within 20 miles of the airport, and kids stay free.

Their address is 7455 W. Irlo Bronson Highway (I-4 at US 192, Exit #64), Kissimmee FL, 34747.

Phone: (407) 396-6422

Hi Paul.

In my opinion, Bahia Honda State Park has the best beaches in the Florida Keys, hands down. They feature beautiful soft sand, clear calm water and relief from the Key West crowds.

Unfortunately, the park only features tent camping and rustic cabins. I get the impression that’s not what you’re going for, so this is destined to be a day trip.

Consider staying on one of the nearby keys, like Big Pine Key or Marathon. You can visit their authentic Florida neighborhoods and less-crowded beaches, and then make day trips to the gorgeous public beach at Bahia Honda.

I’ve heard great things about the Deer Run Bed and Breakfast in Big Pine.

On the ritzier side, Casa Del Sol Beach Resort near Marathon features its own pristine private beach, and many other pampering accommodations.