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If you’re anywhere near Miami, Orlando or Tampa, then a must see is the Florida Keys. Why? Because the Florida Keys vacations are the ones that will stay with you for a lifetime!

This beautiful chain of coral keys just south of the Florida mainland fans out into the gulf with the Atlantic on one side and the warm gulf waters on the other.

It’s a diver’s paradise, a sun-lover’s nirvana and a vacation dreamland. Florida Keys Hotels are plentiful so there’s plenty to see and plenty of room to stay. A Florida Keys vacation is a standout for most people and the perfect antidote to a cold, northern winter.

And of course, there are plenty of cheap hotels in the Florida Keys at Cheap Rooms.
If you’re driving, the adventure begins with the overseas highway. It goes for miles and if you’ve managed to hire a car with the top down, the joy is unsurpassed! First stop might be Florida Key West and there’s plenty to occupy you in this little village – Duval Street is the main drag and this is where you’ll find the bars, restaurants and boutiques. The famous Sloppy Joe’s is here (bring your Hemingway-like great uncle), as is Rick’s Cafe and the equally hot Flying Monkey’s Bar. If you’re up for it, the ‘Duval Crawl’ takes in all the main pubs and you can regret at leisure on the beach the next day.

After you’re done bar-hopping, take in a little nature at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. You can see all the turtles, hear how they’re rescued and cared for and enjoy the tidal pool out the back. It’s educational and fun and everyone will enjoy the tour.

Did you know there was a Winter White House? Harry S Truman enjoyed winters at the cottage on Key West and today you can tour the place, see historical documents and artefacts. It’s a hop and a skip from Mallory Square so is very convenient if you’re in Key West.

If you’re dining out in Key West, some options include the Cuban Coffee Queen at 284 Margaret which serves up great coffee and perfect sandwiches from the simplest of venues – a little white shack ! If you want to go a little more upmarket, try the Columbian Grace Restaurant at 223 Petronia. It’s a fusion American/Columbian/South American style place with slow service and delightful sangria!

Strolling past the banks of the Liffey River and gazing back at the colors, sights and sounds of Dublin, it’s hard not to make plans to move permanently to this delightful city. Dublin city is full of coffee bars and glorious Georgian houses, Asian markets and Guinness on every street corner, Dublin enjoys life and makes you want to join in.

The drinking and carousing is done in Temple Bar with perhaps the finest Irish pub in Dublin city (and therefore in the world) at the Stag’s Head in Dame Ct. This 1770 institution goes strong into the wee small hours and there’s plenty of action surrounding it too, in the form of more bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

There’s a great selection of cheap hotels in Dublin on cheaprooms.com will make you enjoy your stay even more enjoyable. Dublin hotels are centered in the downtown area and flights to Dublin connect regularly with London and other European destinations. Dublin is a popular city so book your Dublin hotels well in advance.

If you’re after a little Irish culture, do the Trinity College tour and get an up-close and personal look at one of the first universities in the world. As part of your tour you’ll get to see the Book of Kells, the hand drawn, illuminated manuscript containing four of the Gospels done in 800 AD.

Ireland, and Dublin, is replete with history. If you want to explore the darker side, make the trip to Kilmainham Gaol Historical Museum. A notorious Dublin city gaol, known for harsh treatment, dank conditions and cruelty, the tour is a thoroughly informative hour an a half well spent.

Dublin Castle is a riveting look at the center of power in Dublin for many centuries. It’s big and grand of course, and the tour is exceptionally well done. The original parts of the building were constructed in 1204, and the building continued to evolve for centuries. It has seen torture and execution, presidential inaugurations and all manner of pomp and circumstance. It’s close to the city in Dame St, so easy to get to.

The main shopping area is north of the river in Henry St, just off the major landmark street of O’Connell. Wander the streets close to here and you’ll see the impressive Needle, as well as plenty of shops to while away a few hours. Across the river, the beautiful St Stephen’s Green is worth exploring (especially for any fans of James Joyce’s Ulysses.

Best food in town? Plenty to choose from, but try the Epicurean Food Hall on Lower Liffey St for a sampling of some 20 food stalls. Other good eating places include the Soup Dragon at 168 Capel St, where you’ll find hearty Irish soups and stews, plus other traditional fare for a reasonable price.

If the chill winds of winter are pounding on the doors and the ice is creating a steady trickle down the back of your neck, not only are you dressed incorrectly; but you need heat! New Orleans heat to be exact. And when it comes to accommodation New Orleans, rest assured Cheaprooms.com has plenty! (We’ll tell you where to stay in New Orleans) There are lots of cheap hotels in New Orleans on a Cheap Rooms.

So where is New Orleans exactly? Around about the middle of the Gulf, some half way between Houston and Florida. As such the temperatures are mild in winter (although steamy in summer). Now, what to do in New Orleans?

Your first stop in New Orleans has to be the French Quarter; party central in New Orleans and full of bars, clubs and seriously good restaurants. Yes, many are touristy and a little overpriced, but good ones do exist: try Acme Oyster and Seafood at 724 Iberville, it’s a 100 year old classic with all the good stuff like beans, creole jambalaya and seafood gumbo. Solidly placed amongst all the great jazz stops on Frenchmen is Cafe Rose Nicaud, built and run by a slave who became the first coffee vendor in New Orleans, this cafe is casual dining for those who like history with their sandwich.
If you’re here over Easter (just prior to be exact), then Mardi Gras is undoubtedly your destination. The events take place in the two weeks prior to Ash Wednesday and celebrations center on Bourbon and the French Quarter. The parades, however, take place in the Uptown and mid-city areas and follow a Canal Street route.

While we’re on matters alcohol, for something a little different, check out the Old New Orleans Rum Distillery in the Gentilly area. (Tastings!!) The distillery is the oldest in the States and you can tour the place, drink cocktails made form the product and generally spend a most entertaining couple of hours.

Shopping in New Orleans is different to many cities; the boutiques offer the Louyisana take on fashion and trinkets and you’ll love some of the quirkier shopping precincts like Royal Street. It’s a historic street in old New Orleans and you’ll find galleries, boutiques, old homes to gaze at, food, antiques, culture and history.