JB in the Wild E. 17

Welcome to episode 17

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I.???????????????? Introduction

The year is speeding toward the halfway point.? Above the earth’s belly summer weather is settling in.? The beaches here in Central Florida are “sold out”.? The crowds swell in the summer.? Despite the heat, many choose to vacation in the high season.? For some it is easiest to travel when tradition dictates.

A little invention called the internet has fundamentally changed when and where we choose to work.? For those working in a traditional environment, it may be a challenge to use vacation when you choose. ?Use your vacation, when you can. ?

Be like Mike, “Just do it!”

For those who have the flexibility to travel when it suits the mood, consider “shoulder season”, spring and autumn.? Tropical regions may differ depending on the rainy season.? A quick search online, for example, “Caribbean shoulder season” solves the question.

What does traveling in shoulder season do for you?

Glad you asked.?

In this episode:

We dive into the pros and cons of traveling during “shoulder season”

And highlight summer travels to national parks.? How to plan last minute

Of course, travel trivia and travel ideas, Florida edition.

?II.?????????????? Pros & Cons – Shoulder Season Travel

Pros:

On average, lower airline fares & hotel rates

More capacity at resorts means more competitive rates

Less strain on natural resources:

Water usage

Degradation of walking paths

Less pollution, air, water and noise

Smaller crowds at museums, shorter queues

Reservations at popular restaurants

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Cons:

More severe degradation to natural resources

Life commitments make it difficult to travel certain times of the year

Slower season may result in fewer flights, ships, or trains to your desired destination

Capacity, some hotels and tour operators either reduce their availability or shutter operations during shoulder/slow season

The more travelers catch on to traveling during shoulder season, the more difficult it may be to avoid large crowds completely.

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In summary, there isn’t an iron clad best practice.?

Before booking, consider your pros and cons versus choosing to travel during high season.? Traditions are meant to change over time.? Consider visiting your favorite destination when there are fewer people, it might change your perspective.? Summer in New England or Scandinavia is beautiful.? So is autumn, for different reasons.

When researching travel options, speaking with a travel professional may enhance your planning process.? It’s what we do every day, all year round.

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III.????????????? National Parks in Summer, Last Minute Travel Tips

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North America is blessed with vast wilderness.? High alpine greens, coastal marshes team with wildlife and desolate desertscapes inspire.? Vacationers in massive waves motor their RVs, campers’ tents pack campgrounds and day hikers tramp trails.

Park entrances look like airport security queues, cars instead of people lined up like dominos.

Getting a reservation last minute is no picnic.

A few tips to consider when nature calls, last minute:

1.???? Visit a remote park.? The further away from the modern world, the more likely a cabin or campsite will be available.

2.???? Subscribe to email or text alerts.? Last minute openings might pop up and make your day.

3.???? Don’t go.? Choosing to resist the urge to explore awesome natural environments is tough to pass up.? Consider waiting until Spring, be an early bird next year.?

4.???? Visiting off season may not be as spectacular, however there won’t be crowds.

Bonus tip:? Invest in an annual pass where available by country, for example:

United States, America the Beautiful annual pass:

nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm#america-the-beautiful-passes

In Canada, Parks Canada Pass:

parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/admission

In Chile, Park Passes (new in 2024):

pasesparques.cl

Your friend, the internet can help sort out questions about park rules by country.

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IV.???????????? Travel Ideas – All Florida edition

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Water world Pt. 1

6 days

Arrive Tampa

Fan boat eco-tour

Bay sunset cruise & dinner

Beach day, time to lounge!

Day trip to lake, wakeboarding

Kayak expedition on a local river delta

Private charter day cruise along the Nature Coast

Optional fishing expedition or manatee observation (seasonal)

Return from Tampa

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Water world Pt. 2

6 days

Florida Keys adventure

Arrive Miami

Boutique hotel in Coral Gables

Epicurean experience

Transportation to Key Largo

2 nights in Key Largo

Optional diving artificial reef Pennekamp Aquatic Park

Transportation to Key West

3 days in Key West

Optional day trip to Dry Tortugas or fishing charter

Flight from Key West

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North Florida natural spring tour

4 days

Arrive Jacksonville

Boutique hotel on the beach

3-day private guided tour

Visit 3 blue hole natural springs

Optional cabin accommodations or glamping

Traditional Southern cookin’ – visit roadhouses and country cafes

Return to Jacksonville

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Bring your swimsuit and zinc-based sunblock!

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V.?????????????? Trivia

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Trivia question, episode 16:

What is the most populous city in the world?

Guangzhou, China

Source:? Britanica

New trivia question:

Where is the oldest restaurant in the world?

Answer in episode 18

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VI.???????????? Quote

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness”

-??????? Mark Twain

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Thank you for reading!

Ready to travel?? Talk about travel?? Dream up an epic trip?

Find us online @ https://www.holidayroadadventures.com/team/josh-black

Already planning a trip, we can help.

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Dream.? Plan. Go!