Dancing on the Beach

By Denise Sanger

When your little girl turns 16, you’ll want to make it a celebration to remember. After all, she is growing up, and a sweet 16 celebration is a wonderful tradition to mark her transition as she moves toward adulthood. A luau should be a grand event, with feasting, entertainment, and music. Whether you have a lavish budget, or must keep costs at a minimum, planning an event of this magnitude can sometimes be a challenge. Whatever your budget, you can plan a sweet 16 beach luau party that your daughter and her guests are sure to remember.

You’ve set the date, sent the invitations, and you’re ready to start planning. How do you go about making this a party to remember? Here are some party planning ideas to get you started.

1. Create the right ambiance.

Create a fun and festive atmosphere from the moment the guests arrive by using tropical adornments at the party entrance. Luau lights, island music, and balloons with an island motif all make excellent mood setters. You’ll want to choose décor and entertainment that matches your daughter’s personality. For an evening beach luau, adorn each table with a thematic candle or tea light holder. Tropical floral arrangements also provide a beautiful touch, or use synthetic flowers if fresh flowers aren’t in your budget

2. Consider the entertainment options.

Consider a hula dance performance. Many areas offer performances by young hula dance troops and clubs at a relatively low cost. Hula dancers earn money to support their dance programs, and partygoers are treated to an island dance extravaganza. Depending on your budget, you will also want to choose options for music. A Hawaiian band may be a fun idea, or you may want a DJ to play the latest popular music for your daughter and her pals to dance to.

3. Plan the menu.

A true luau usually includes Hawaiian festival dishes, most notably a whole roast pig and poi. Go all out if your budget allows, or create your own variations on traditional Hawaiian dishes. Serve roast pork and veggie kabobs, rice and salad side dishes, and a tropical fruit salad that includes favorites like pineapple, mango, and coconut. Consider setting up a non-alcoholic smoothie bar to create tropical fruit daiquiris, virgin margaritas, and other fun tropical fruit based drinks. The mix master – this can be dad, an uncle, or someone for hire – can man the bar and be ready with blender in hand to create these tasty mocktail treats. Serve these in glassware, or even colorful plastic tumblers, with neon colored straws and cocktail umbrellas.

4. Make it a party to remember.

Provide party favors for your guests to thank them for attending, and to provide mementos that will memorialize the event. Fun and festive party favors include flip-flop key chains or picture frames, which are great way for friends to display sweet 16 birthday luau photos. For a more elegant party favor, choose a beach gel candle or sand pail tea light holder instead. There are many affordable; quality party favors to choose from, ranging from the whimsical to the elegant.

Whatever your budget, with a little planning and creativity, you can throw a beach luau extravaganza sweet 16 party that she is sure to remember for a lifetime.

Denise Sanger is the owner of HerSweetSixteenFavors.com which has a diverse catalog of Sweet 16 Party Favors and Birthday Party Favors for all birthday themes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denise_Sanger
http://EzineArticles.com/?Sweet-16-Beach-Party-Luau-Ideas&id=1851248

By Penelop Jones

The recent researches reveal that a major chunk of worldwide population travels with their pets. As a result the airlines are witnessing a great deal of pet passengers each year. If we consider the statistics of the few years we will find that there is a tremendous growth in the percentage of people travelling with their pets. This has become a great success just because of the plenty of pet friendly hotels which are ubiquities and available in the most affordable place.

Pet friendly hotels are not only those hotels which welcome pets or allow them to come in their place while these are the hotels which have special services to cater the pets. Now while you are planning to move out you can also take your pet along as these hotels will offer them a comfortable stay.

As this is a recent phenomenon thus we are discussing here some bottom line facts that can help you understanding them in a more detailed manner;

1. Pet friendly hotels primarily mean the hotels with all the advance amenities to pamper your pet and make them feel at home in.

2. Search internet, online pet travel agencies, newspaper and talk to the people who can give you ample information about the pet friendly hotels.

3. The pet travel agencies can help you a lot by providing you city wise list of hotels, ski resorts, bread and breakfasts, beaches and pet friendly campgrounds.

4. There are certain hotels that do not permit pets for night stay and have their breed, size specific limitations.

5. In the holiday season these hotels are in great demand so take your reservation as soon as possible.

6. Mostly such hotels will ask you to produce the health certificates and the proof of vaccination at the time of admitting your pet.

7. Ideally a pet friendly hotel may include local dog walker or sitter services, pet grooming, pet taxi, training, cookies and doggie treat for some special occasions, salons, etc.

8. Always keep a road map, contact number and milestone of the hotel in which you are planning to reside in.

9. Pet friendly dining services include food and water bowls, bags and kitty litter pans and pet food, etc.

10. These hotels offer you pet sitting facilities which are the especially dedicated people who take care of your pet in your absence.

Following the above listed points you can enjoy a safe and healthy stay along with your beloved pet. So enjoy this fun filled experience.

If you are interested in traveling with your pets and looking for Pet Friendly Hotels then kindly visit us at http://www.officialpethotels.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penelop_Jones
http://EzineArticles.com/?Essential-Things-to-Look-For-in-an-Ideal-Pet-Friendly-Hotel&id=3806009

By: Peter Kenny

There is a great deal of variety in the beaches located along the Gulf Coast of the State, but the choice of what to visit is even more interesting than on the Atlantic Coast. The Gulf Coast is in many ways less developed along long stretches, but it provides much more to explore, both in terms of topography and of activity. Beginning with the southern tip of Florida and working one’s way north would provide dozens of interesting and exciting places to visit, with even more activities to occupy people of every age and interest.

NAPLES/MARCO ISLAND AREA

Naples area beaches are known as some of the most beautiful in the state. In fact the entire area is known as The Paradise Coast. Here you will find beaches such as Barefoot Beach Preserve with expectations for viewing sea turtles, ospreys, and bald eagles. Often sparkling which beaches are lines with mangroves and dunes. Many areas are rich in natural history. In spite of their beauty and accessibility, these beaches tend to be quieter than in some of the other parts of the State, but you can still find hot night action in spots where the locals gather.

FORT MYERS

Fort Myers Beach is perfect for those who enjoy shell collecting and island hopping. You can swim in the warm waters of the Gulf, enjoy snorkeling, scuba and swimming and wandering in beach towns that can only be described as rustic. Accommodations in this area can be gold star treatment, or you may choose to stay in one of the primitive cabins located on Cayo Costa Island. If you chose this option, make sure you plan your stay for overnight, since it’s accessible by ferry only.

Fort Myers Beach itself is noted for its safety. Gently sloping sands lead temptingly into the Gulf’s waters where you can enjoy para-sailing, swimming, water skiing and jet skiing. The village will entice anyone who loves to shop.

ST PETERSBURG

Miles of powdery sand here on the barrier islands protecting the harbor. Many are undeveloped, but there are also city managed stretches of developed facilities. These beaches have consistently captured awards for everything from the quality of the sand to the environmental efforts of the area.

Anclote Key has dozens of species of birds including the bald eagle to enjoy and observe. Four miles of beaches on the island. There are six different biological communities on the island so a variety of flora and fauna makes your stay in this area fascinating. In addition, there is a superb swimming beach located here. Historical interest is provided by the 1887 federal lighthouse located on the southern tip of the island

CRYSTAL RIVER

The character of the beaches begins to change in this area. There are shallow grassy flats coupled with a few stretches of sandy beaches. This area is known as Florida’s Nature Coast. In addition to the expected wildlife, you can enjoy snorkeling, swimming and even the search for scallops in the months during the summer season.

Surrounding marshland proves to be a place where many vacationers choose to make a trek inland to view the wildlife which calls this area home.

Smaller communities, more quiet locations to enjoy nature and good food and accommodations are all characteristics of the stretch of Florida coast north of St Petersburg.

CEDAR KEY/STEINHATCHEE BEACHES

A definite change in scenery characterizes the coastline of Florida. These are almost all smaller communities with a rich history and more emphasis on fishing–both fresh and saltwater, boating, birding and plenty of other nature activities to enjoy. There are many secluded island beaches where you can choose your activities with an eye to quiet, peaceful stretches along with places for swimming, snorkeling and other water activities. There are even villages noted for the fishing trade which can best be classified as quaint.

FORT WALTON

This area has been called the best beach in the South. It’s famous for miles of powdery white sand and warm Gulf waters that make you feel like you are swimming in an aquarium, thanks to the variety of underwater creatures you can view.

Favorite activities here include those which are beach and family oriented.
–
About the Author
Peter Kenny has been working in the Orlando area travel industry for the past 10 years. Please visit Vacation homes by owner and Orlando vacation homes

By Mike Head

Cabins are a superb alternative to the common vacation. You have many of the comforts of home and usually room to roam. Many people these days prefer to stay closer to home for their vacations. Mountain cabins are a great option. The following are some of the great reasons.

1. AFFORDABILITY- Because families like to bring lots of their personal stuff, it’s usually going to be a driving vacation, saving airfare.

2. SECLUSION- By nature, cabins are usually away from the cities and are out in natural areas, or “in the woods”.

3. ROMANTIC-Because of that seclusion, couples young and old love cabins and the next item

4. HOT TUBS- Many people don’t have them at home and really look forward to enjoying the relaxation of the hot tub, even when it’s snowing!

5. KID FRIENDLY- Kids love to get away from home and find a new playground. Cabins are often located near cool things like waterparks, rivers, lakes, mountains and parks.

6. PET FRIENDLY- Of course, you have to ask about this one. But, because of the nature of cabins pets are often welcome. At least you will have a place to walk them!

You should consider renting a cabin for your next getaway, whether it’s for 2 nights or 2 weeks. Even extended stays can be practical. Modern cabins have WiFi, HDTV, many have large windows and are well lighted, central heating and A/C and modern well stocked kitchens and washers and dryers. You can probably even get a pizza delivered.

There are different ways to plan and book a cabin vacation. Of course, there is the old “drive by” method. You just don’t know what you’re going to get.

Better is to book one through an agency that specializes in cabin rentals in a given area. These can sometimes be spread around or could be purpose built in a tighter “community”. These can also be of a “cookie cutter” design and lack character. On the other hand, they might have facilities like laundry or vending machines

on the property. Not to mention the possibility of the kids finding other kids to mingle with.

Perhaps an even better option is to rent from an individual cabin owner. This is not nearly as risky as some folks might think. Cabin owners usually have bought the property as an investment and to help offset the cost, they rent them out. It stands to reason that the nicer the cabin and the rental experience, the more success they will have. Owners often splurge on extras such as pool tables, hot tubs, game tables, flat screen HDTV’s, luxury linens, more comfortable furnishings and other things to get the renters attention and make them want to come back.

Cabin owners have the flexibility, if they wish, to discount published rates. It never hurts to ask. An owner would rather discount the rate and thereby make a friend than lose both the rental and the friend.

You have to trust the owner and he has to trust you to not trash his property. So, it balances out.

The author is a rental property owner and writes articles on wide ranging subjects from cabin or home decor, furnishings, remodeling, ideas, to online marketing solutions in various fields. He has spent many years in the home improvement business. See his website in progress at http://www.fortunateyou.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Head
http://EzineArticles.com/?Cabin-Rentals-Vacations—6-Great-Reasons&id=3786635