4 Ways to Extend Your Stay in Orlando

By Patricia Harrison

Blessed with plentiful sunshine, an impressive roster of attractions that appeal to the young and young at heart, and a wide range of places to stay, Orlando is a popular destination for leisure travelers. But if you’re in town for business, it’s a cinch to extend your trip for an extra day or weekend to take in the best of the central Florida city—whether you are traveling solo, with co-workers or have family in tow. Read on for some examples of how to fill your itinerary, with ideas on where to stay from the TRAVELSAVERS Preferred Hotel Program.

Hit the Rides.

Since Orlando is home to more than a dozen theme parks, there are a multitude of things to do for lovers of rides and whimsical sights—ideal experiences to take in during an extra day or weekend in the city. Walt Disney World Resort offers single and multi-day park hopper passes, giving visitors flexible access to four distinctive parks. There, you can walk through a replica of a galaxy far, far away at the new Star Wars’ land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; take selfies in front of Cinderella’s castle at the Magic Kingdom Theme Park and go nose-to-nose with a Yeti on a tour of Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Other fun-for-all options include: Universal Studios Florida, where you can sip Butterbeer at Hogsmeade or fight aliens like the pros in Men in Black; SeaWorld Orlando, where you can dine with the orcas, and enjoy oodles of dazzling marine-animal-themed rides; and Legoland Florida Resort, which has over 50 rides designed for kiddos age 2 to 12. 

Experience Florida’s Wild Side.

Central Florida’s lush, verdant landscapes are a haven for reptiles, birds, mammals and other fascinating creatures; and you don’t have to step foot in an amusement park to see them. Gatorland is a 110-acre preserve for scaly creatures of all stripes—think: crocodiles, snakes, and turtles—along with birds and Florida bobcats. In one afternoon, you can meet some of the largest white alligators in the world and a more than 100-year-old giant tortoise named Dean. Or venture to the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland (about 8 miles from Orlando), a sanctuary for winged beauties of Florida’s Everglades. Visit the center for the chance to spot majestic raptors in their natural habitat, which is a peaceful place for a quiet stroll.

Connect with Your Inner Beach Bum.

While Orlando may be landlocked, ocean vistas are just a short drive away. In fact, the white sands and turquoise waters of Cocoa Beach on the Sunshine State’s east coast are only roughly 60 miles from Orlando (about an hour drive). The seaside enclave—also the gateway to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex—is the perfect day trip. Its 6 miles of beaches are popular hangouts for surfers, sunbathers, and swimmers.

Indulge in Some Serious Retail Therapy.

Orlando brims with outdoor shopping areas, including several sprawling outlet malls, and neighborhoods lined with cute boutiques, making it an ideal place to shop for souvenirs, clothing, vintage finds, and other goodies. Take advantage of discounted prices at stores like Levi’s, Marc Jacobs and Ted Baker at Orlando International Premium Outlets; or browse for finds at the two outlet malls within the International Drive (I-Drive) Resort Area. If you’re seeking more unique finds, head to areas outside the tourism district. Park Avenue in Winter Park (about 8 miles from Orlando) is lined with locally owned shops, while historic Ivanhoe Village (north of the downtown district) is known for its antique shops.

Where to Stay

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
This beautiful, newly renovated property has a championship-level golf course, shuttles to major theme parks, and tons of on-site outdoor activities, including mountain biking and kayaking.


Best Western Plus Universal Inn
Convenience is the draw at Best Western Plus Universal Inn, a property with comfortable, family-friendly accommodations situated within walking distance of Universal Studios’ attractions.

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
A 62-acre hideaway near Walt Disney World, the Wyndham Grand pampers guests with five pools, two lazy rivers, a miniature golf course and luxe spa.

Photo Credit: Seaworld - bennymarty - stock.adobe.com

In Mexico, There’s Something For Everyone

By Jessica Montevago

Steeped in history, surrounded by aquamarine waters, and brimming with culture, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in Mexico. Across the country, travel advisors can find something to meet any client’s interest or budget. Of course, there’s long-time favorites like the sunny shores of the Riviera Maya, Cancun, and Cozumel. But, there’s more to discover—whether it be Mayan pyramids and colonial cities to wild nature.

For lovers of natural wonders

Mexico’s Pacific coastline is home to stunning natural beauty, with mountainous desert and turquoise seas in northern Baja California to lush jungle in Nayarit and laid-back beach towns in Oaxaca. Located off the coast of La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, the island of Espiritu Santo is protected by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve and is one of the best protected natural environments in the world. Travelers can immerse themselves in this uninhabited land that is instead populated by reptiles, amphibians, and birds. In the water, sea lions, turtles and dolphins live here, along with whales and sharks during the migration. Easily reachable via a short boat ride, visitors can discover this unique environment by kayaking, camping, snorkeling, or hiking.

For the history buff

With thousands of years of history, Mexico has spectacular ancient ruins once home to indigenous tribes. Many of the remains of great Mayan cities can be uncovered in the Yucatan Peninsula. The most popular of Mexico's ancient sights, Chichén Itzá, is home to a massive step pyramid, known as El Castillo or Temple of Kukulcan, where stone carvings can still be seen. There are 365 steps, one for each day of the year, a testament to Mayan's understanding of astronomy.  At the coastal ruins of Tulum, the largest structure is perched on a cliff overlooking the magnetic turquoise Caribbean Sea. There are dozens of Mayan ruins scattered across Mexico's southern states, from Quintana Roo and the Yucatan, to Campeche, Chiapas, and Tabasco.

For the scuba diver

Mexico has one of the most accessible and exciting scuba dive spots in the world, offering unique marine life encounters in the Sea of Cortez to huge cathedral-like caves in the Mexican Cenotes. In Akumal, a municipality of Tulum located 105 kilometers (65 miles) from Cancún, the warm waters are perfect for diving and swimming with marine fauna, especially turtles, which come to rest and lay their eggs in this spa also known as “The Land of the Turtles.” Divers may also like to visit Puerto Morelos for a chance to dive along the sunken ship of Puerto Morelos, a vessel located in the reef park.

For the family

Mexico continues to be a popular travel destination for families due to its direct economical air options offered from most U.S. cities and the abundance of resort offerings. In the Riviera Maya, well-run kids’ clubs to family-friendly dining venues, these resorts really draw families in. Fairmont Mayakoba is a luxury resort sitting in a private gated resort community, within 240 hectares of tropical forest and surrounded by a pristine Caribbean shoreline. At the Fairmont Mayakoba’s Discovery Club & Adventure Camp, kids 5 to 11 can enjoy adventures in the sacred Mayan jungle and create arts and crafts such as “Penachos,” or Mayan-inspired head dresses.

For the artist

Mexico City is known for its renowned arts scene and rich cultural heritage, with plenty of museums and art galleries to visit. Offering accommodations to match, the five-star boutique retreat Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel is in the heart of Polanco in the high-end street of Masaryk. The property has 35 rooms and is full of original artwork by contemporary Mexican artists and architectural touches such as a spiral staircase as a lobby centerpiece.

For the couple

The Marquis Los Cabos is an adults-only all-inclusive enclave that overlooks the Sea of Cortez, perfect for honeymooners or parents in need of a getaway. All suites offer ocean views, a furnished balcony, jetted tubs, and a sofa bed. All Casitas and Master Suites have plunge pools. With two beachfront infinity pools, a match on the onsite tennis court, and à la carte restaurants, there’s plenty of amenities to indulge in.