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Margaritaville Orlando Resort Kissimmee Florida.

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This week we continue our Travelbiz USA Florida Road trip partner profile with our valued trade partners in Kissimmee.

 

I had the great pleasure of staying in the Margaritaville Orlando Resort (Cottages) which are very conveniently located off the main International Drive exits feeding to all the major resorts and theme parks, adjacent to the beautiful town of Celebration which is an absolute must visit.

 

The all new Margaritaville resort boasts an amazing hotel, water theme park, shopping, nightlife and restaurants on Sunset Walk where I had a great night in The Estefan Kitchen! (More to come).

 

I stayed in a four-bedroom cottage (more like a very large villa) with three double rooms and a twin on three floors, all ensuite, with flat screen TV’S air conditioning and acres of room! The cottages are fully equipped and are all detached in a real holiday village setting with easy access to Sunset Walk and local shops (Including Aldi) if you want to self-cater and use the amazing kitchen and dining facilities in the accommodation.

 

See more here and stay tuned for more.

 

Margaritaville Orlando Resort (Cottages);

Margaritaville Resort Orlando transports guests into a vacation state of mind immediately upon arrival. Two styles of accommodations are available to visitors – the Margaritaville Hotel or the Margaritaville Cottages, private residences that offer the comforts of home – both of which provide a premium experience and friendly, genuine, island-inspired service.

 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

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Resorts

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Launch 2023 Discovery Cove Buy Early and Save Offer

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SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has launched a Discovery Cove Buy Early and Save Offer for all 2023 Discovery Cove bookings made between now and February 28, 2022.

 

The Buy Early and Save Offer, which includes the Discovery Cove Ultimate Swim package, allows agents to provide a saving of up to 10% off previously published prices, for select dates during 2023, when booked through Attraction World.

 

Agents can book Discovery Cove with confidence for their customers. If customer holiday plans change, bookings can be amended for free, or cancelled up to 30 days prior to the date the ticket was due to be used.

 

The best way to experience the SeaWorld Parks is to book the Discovery Cove Ultimate Swim package. This includes a single-day reservation at Discovery Cove – a tropical oasis in the heart of Orlando where you can swim with a dolphin (30-minute dolphin swim experience, all meals, snacks and beverages included) plus 14-days unlimited entry to SeaWorld – the world’s most popular marine life park, Busch Gardens – full of wild animals and even wilder rides and waterpark – Aquatica Orlando. Free parking is also included at all parks.

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Resorts

Travelbiz USA Trade Partner Profile

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The Bellwether Beach Resort St Pete Beach.

I had the great pleasure of staying in the Bellwether Beach Resort during my recent Florida Huddle Road trip. Retro-Florida meets modern-chic at the Bellwether Beach Resort, capturing the vintage spirit of its coastal locale, Bellwether’s iconic architecture and nostalgic interiors set the tone for the resort experience: thoughtful, fun, and unexpected. The staff and laid-back atmosphere in the resort was so refreshing as you can just stroll from the pool and bar area straight onto the sugar like sand of St Pete Beach.

 

The Bellwether breaks away from a traditional beach resort vibe, uncovering a setting that brings to life a vintage spirit in a coastal location, just steps from the award-winning St. Pete Beach. Bellwether Beach Resort boasts panoramic views of the pristine coastline along the Gulf of Mexico.

 

There is a nearly endless number of things to see and do at Bellwether Beach Resort. From their award-winning white sand beaches to the popular nearby attractions like the exciting new St. Pete Pier, Clearwater Aquarium, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Not to mention, the visit only-in-St. Pete attractions like The Dali Museum, Chihuly Collection, and the St. Pete Mural Tour.

 

Stay tuned to Travelbiz for more trade partner profile features.

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Resorts

Australian Borders reopen in two weeks.

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Prime Minister flags 21 February as the date all international tourists can return.

 

Australia’s borders will soon be open to all international tourists, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealing 21 February as the opening date after close to two years of closure.

 

The PM stressed that inbound travellers must be double vaccinated if they want to enter, and that state-based caps and quarantine arrangements would still continue as state and territory leaders see fit. “If you’re double vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back to Australia”, Morrison said.

 

Mr Morrison said those entering Australia when the borders fully reopened would need to provide proof of vaccination. “That’s the rule. Everyone is expected to abide by it”. Unvaccinated travellers who have a medical reason for not being jabbed will still need to apply for a travel exemption and, if successful, will be required to quarantine at a hotel.

 

Since the start of the pandemic, Australia has implemented strict measures to help fight the spread of Covid infections – even banning its own people from leaving the country last year.

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Resorts

Portugal Removes Requirement for Negative Test for Arrivals

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Passengers who enter Portugal with an EU Digital Covid Certificate will now no longer be required to present a negative Covid-19 test on arrival. From today, they are only required to present the Passenger Locator Form and a valid EU Digital Covid Certificate, or other proof of vaccination recognised by Portugal, to gain entry.

 

Previously, it was mandatory for all arrivals to Portugal to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test, even for those who held an EU Digital Covid Certificate, regardless of the point of origin of the flight or the passenger’s nationality.

 

A valid EU Digital Covid Certificate will be required in Portugal for access to tourist or local accommodation establishments, restaurants or similar establishments, gambling establishments, casinos, bingo or similar, events, and for access to gyms and fitness centres.

 

As of Tuesday 1 February, the EU Digital Covid Certificate is only valid with a second vaccination within nine months of the 1 February 2022. Travellers may also provide proof of recovery within the past six months (180 days) or a booster vaccination to travel within the EU.

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Valencia named one of the healthiest Cities in the World

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Valencia has once again been named the healthiest city in the world according to Money.co.uk. Crowned consecutively for a second year, the study evaluates how cities prioritise the health of its locals and visitors through several key factors.

 

Analysing what contributes to a healthy lifestyle, seven distinct areas were taken into account during the study, including: obesity levels, life expectancy, pollution levels, health care, safety, crime rate and hours of sunlight. New for 2022, the study also looks at other aspects such as: number of toilets per 100,000 inhabitants, health spending, percentage of the population with access to health care and the prevalence of mental and substance use disorders.

 

The light of Valencia

Not just a popular local expression that names the sun and the Valencian climate, the city accumulates 2,696 hours of sunlight per year with an average temperature of 19 degrees. These characteristics, combined with access to acres of parkland and miles of beaches make the city a timeless destination to enjoy in any season.

 

Sustainable gastronomy and seasonal produce

Few cities in the world have access to such a variety of rich and natural resources from which locals, markets and restaurants all benefit from. On land, València is surrounded by miles of orchards growing native produce, such as rice from L’Albufera and tomatoes from El Perelló in addition to oranges, persimmons or carob beans. From the sea, the Mediterranean brings a great variety of fish to the city’s fish market daily. Furthermore, in 2022 Valencia will host the Michelin Guide Spain & Portugal meeting in recognition of the city’s cuisine and the excellence of its product.

 

Low contamination rates

Due to Valencia’s proximity to the coast, the Mediterranean sea breeze helps to naturally purify the city’s air, keeping pollution levels well below its European neighbours. In the city centre, five million sq m of green areas, including the Parque de Cabecera, Parque Central, Jardines del Real and Jardín del Turia are just some of the areas where nature is in abundance. In addition, recent projects such as measuring Valencia’s carbon and water footprint, and the announcement of Valencia as 2022 European Smart City, allow visitors to enjoy a more sustainable and healthy travel experience.

 

Excellent health care

Valencia holds a large proportion of industry health care specialists who work in centres equipped with some of the most advanced instruments and technology in the sector. Leaders in Oncology, the city is currently awaiting the opening of the Instituto Valenciano de Oncología (IVO), named for two years as one of the 50 best cancer centres in the world.

 

A long life expectancy

The study indicates that the average life expectancy of a Valencian is 83.5 years. The quiet lifestyle, combined with a healthy Mediterranean diet, low levels of pollution and crime rate, make the quality of life ideal for maintaining good health.

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Dutchess County in New York State with Travelbiz

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Resorts

TravelbizTV – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to open Iron Gwazi

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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will open Iron Gwazi, the world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster, on March 11. Being North America’s tallest hybrid coaster, this ride takes thrills to new heights, plunging riders from a 206-foot-tall peak down a 91-degree drop and reaching top speeds of 76 miles per hour. Iron Gwazi is Busch Gardens’ tenth coaster and an exhilarating addition to the park’s collection of thrill rides. Riders will experience a dozen airtime moments, including three inversions, while racing along more than 4,000 feet of steel track. With a 48” height requirement, this invigorating attraction is a ride the whole family can conquer together.

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Resorts

Ski Soll Austria for March Spring Skiing Weeks

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Austria is Ireland’s favourite ski destination, and Soll is one of our favourite destinations within Austria. Every year, Irish skiers return to Soll, in the Ski Weltwilder kaiser-Brixental ski region, with its unique combination of 288 kms of interconnected skiing, and a big gastronomic experience with over 70 family-run restaurants on the mountain alone!

 

The views of over 70 mountains of 3000 metres are tempting too as well as the ALPENIGLU® Igloo Village, 3 fun parks, exhilarating ski runs, 3 floodlit toboggan runs as well as Austria’s largest night time ski resort. 80family-run huts with sun terraces and table service are a great place to call in for refreshments. 

 

Soll is well served also from Munich, Salzburg and Innsbruck airports, with short transfers to resort – between 1 hour and 1.75 hours, depending on traffic. Said Gabriel Eder, Manager of the Soll Tourist Board. “Even if the year 2022 is still quite young, it remains challenging. Aren’t we really desperate for some good to great news? Especially when they relate to topics such as vacation, skiing and enjoying life! As a matter of fact, the additional bank holiday in Ireland on Friday, March 18th, which people deserve so much, is good news. So why not plan a spontaneous skiing holiday to Söll? Because one thing is certain: A few days of skiing, with lots of relaxation and culinary delights all around to switch off, will recharge your batteries. Therefore, Söll has two unbeatable options for the perfect holiday for all last-minute holiday-seekers, that’s the great news”.

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Back in the USA

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Travelbiz Road Trip to the Sunshine State! Let’s Huddle in Florida.

 

“There was a real feeling of retuning back to normality as you can sense this is coming to an end”.

 

Quick update for you all as I arrived on the direct Aer Lingus service from Dublin to Orlando this week. I also want to take the opportunity to dispel some myths, as it could not be easier right now to pick up a great sale fare with Aer Lingus, get your antigen test in Dublin Airport (V1 Medical on the Santry Road 5 mins from Airport), Use the Verifly App and Fly!

 

Make sure you are tested no more than 24 hours pre your departure time. The good news is that you don’t need to repeat the process now when flying back to Ireland from the USA, but you must complete your Passenger Locator forms in advance.

 

Ok, admittedly Dublin airport was quiet, but once again I found the entire process stress free and seamless from start to finish.