http://www.southflorida.com/travel/vacation-starter/?track=rss Headlines from southflorida.com en ©2013, southflorida.com Wed, 22 May 2013 13:10:00 -0400 By Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel http://www.vacationstarter.com/os-seaworld-orlando-antarctica-tips-20130521,0,4495609.post?track=rss The grand opening of SeaWorld Orlando's Antarctica - Empire of the Penguin isn't until Friday morning, but here are five tips to help guide through the theme park's largest expansion. The Antarctica area includes a dark ride, an eatery, a gift shop and other points of icy interest. Tue, 21 May 2013 16:23:00 EDT http://www.vacationstarter.com/sc-trav-0514-trips-20130519,0,5543683.story?track=rss Chicago transforms into a warm-weather temptress once the city bids winter farewell. A sparkling lakefront framed by skyscraper views is just the beginning. Free events are abundant at city parks and along Chicago's 18-mile Lakefront Trail. Favorites include the Taste of Chicago (July 10-14) and the Chicago Air and Water Show (Aug. 17-18). Travelzoo reports an abundance of hotel, entertainment and local deals that save as much as 50 percent for spring and summer travel. Ditch your car and take the "L" out to the neighborhoods. Then turn around and look back at a skyline so beautiful that even suburban commuters have to marvel at it as they head to work each day. For more information about Chicago and deals to the city, visit travelzoo.com/destinations/chicago . Sun, 19 May 2013 19:36:00 EDT By Irene S. Levine, Special to Tribune Newspapers http://www.vacationstarter.com/sc-trav-0521-cooking-vacations-20130521,0,4590898.story?track=rss When my mother took a vacation a generation ago, she wanted to get as far from her steamy stove as possible. Things have changed. Now, women and men are flocking to destinations that promise even a peek inside someone else's kitchen. Tue, 21 May 2013 19:37:00 EDT By Mary Forgione http://www.vacationstarter.com/la-trb-virgin-galactic-ticket-sales-20130429,0,5299332.story?track=rss Virgin Galactic has trained more than 140 "space agents" worldwide to sell tickets for the first commercial space flights that may begin as soon as early next year. Thu, 2 May 2013 11:30:00 EDT By Brady MacDonald http://www.vacationstarter.com/la-trb-top-20-water-parks-04201330,0,4736767.story?track=rss By now, everybody knows what to expect from your standard-issue ho-hum water park: body and tube slide complexes with funnels and bowls, deluge-inducing water play towers for the little ones, undulating wave pools and relaxing lazy rivers. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:15:00 EDT By Mary Forgione, Los Angeles Times Daily Travel & Deal blogger http://www.vacationstarter.com/la-trb-viking-cruises-20130517,0,7139743.story?track=rss Viking Cruises announced Friday that it's getting into the ocean cruise market -- in a small way. Fri, 17 May 2013 13:51:00 EDT Special to VacationStarter.com http://www.vacationstarter.com/vs-reunion-resort-advertorial-20130517,0,2383.story?track=rss Located in Orlando is the 2,300-acre, AAA Four Diamond-rated Reunion Resort. And this summer, you can enjoy a weeklong family vacation or a quick weekend getaway with rates beginning at just $119 per night. Fri, 17 May 2013 15:30:00 EDT Special to VacationStarter.com http://www.vacationstarter.com/vs-bluegreen-fountains-2-night-advertorial-051713,0,3375872.story?track=rss Conveniently located on Orlando¿s International Drive and set within 54 acres surrounding the serene natural setting of Lake Eve, The Fountains is your outlet to the theme parks and attractions of America's favorite vacation destination. This family-friendly resort provides comfortable accommodations, on-site amenities including a spectacular water park-like tropical oasis and water-themed bar plus four onsite restaurants. Bluegreen Getaways shines with great prices on two- to five-night getaways starting at $249*, up to 60% off the retail value. Plus, you¿ll receive a $75 Visa® Reward Card compliments of Bluegreen Getaways. Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 EDT By Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel http://www.vacationstarter.com/os-harry-potter-expansion-universal-20130509,0,1959309.story?track=rss Universal Orlando has revealed some details about its Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion: It is under construction at Universal Studios and will be made to look like London scenes, including Diagon Alley -- from the popular Potter films, keeping true to the series of Harry Potter book by J.K. Rowling. It will open sometime next year, Universal says. Thu, 9 May 2013 10:21:00 EDT By Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel http://www.vacationstarter.com/os-theme-park-tips-disney-universal-20130522,0,2069633.post?track=rss The heat is on for Central Floridians. Daytime temps are on the rise, and Memorial Day weekend signals the arrival of house guests who want to spend days (and nights) at our theme parks. Here is a park-by-park strategy -- broken down by morning, afternoon and night -- for hitting the high points and new attractions to make the day at the park less stressful and most productive. Wed, 22 May 2013 13:10:00 EDT