Air Lines

Pre-Check Brings Faster Security Screening to Airports

2012-02-10T09:30:00.000-06:00

Do you remember when you weren’t required to take off your shoes and jacket to go through airport security? Your laptop could stay in its sleeve and you could keep your toiletries with you in your carry on. Gone are those days. Or are they?

The Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) has been testing a program they’re calling Pre-Check at seven major airports. During the testing phase, 310,000 passengers participated in the program and the response has been positive.

"Immediately after the attacks of 9/11, we simply did not have the information and analytic capability to identify travelers who posed the greatest potential risk and so we had to take a one-size-fits-all approach." said Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, during a press conference at DC’s Reagan National Airport. By the way, we have direct routes to DC daily. "Our experience over the past several years has made us smarter about the evolving threats we face and how best to deal with them." She referred to the Pre-Check program as "part of a fundamental shift in how we approach aviation security".

In a test, ABC News sent one passenger through security the normal way and one through the Pre-Check line. The current security model moved the passenger through in 6:10. The Pre-Check passenger made it through security in 54 seconds.

To qualify for the new program, participants must submit to a pre-travel background screening. Once completed, a notation will be made in the passenger’s boarding pass barcode. After scanning the boarding pass, Pre-Check passengers will be directed to the appropriate line for expeditedsecurity checking.

The Pre-Check program is already being used by American Airlines’ frequent flyers at the Dallas, Miami, Las Vegas, Minneapolis and Los Angeles airports, and by Delta passengers in Atlanta, Detroit, Las Vegas and Minneapolis.

The 28 additional airports expected to be part of the Pre-Check program by 2012 include all three D.C. area airports, all three New York City airports, O'Hare, Boston Logan, Seattle-Tacoma, Phoenix, San Francisco, New Orleans, San Juan, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Portland (PDX), Tampa, Salt Lake City, Honolulu, San Juan, Anchorage, Orlando, St. Louis, Houston (IAH), Indianapolis, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Denver, Ft. Lauderdale and St. Louis (city listing: abcnews.go.com).

So, do you think this is an invasion of privacy under the guise of security, or are you saying “TS-Amen!” to the new measures? Let us know what you think on Facebook or Twitter.

Visit Washington, DC: A capitol idea

2012-01-10T15:06:00.001-06:00

Last year, we wrote a blog about every city within a direct flight of the Northwest Florida Regional Airport. Until now, that list was complete. Not anymore. On March 25^th, US Airways will begin service to Washington, DC’s Reagan National Airport (DCA) from VPS. Washington, DC is our nation’s capital, but don’t be fooled, there is far more to do than listen to political pundits all day. The city is filled with history and life.

In July of 1790, Washington, DC was founded. Unlike any other city in the nation, DC was established by the United States Constitution specifically for the purpose of serving as the capitol. The location was chosen as a compromise between the northern states, led by Alexander Hamilton, and the southern states, led by Thomas Jefferson. President George Washington, for whom the city is named, chose the site along the Potomac and Anacostia rivers for its commercial and cosmopolitan potential. Ten years later, in 1800, Washington, DC began serving as the capitol of the United States of America.

With a population approaching ¾ million, DC is a bustling city. Some interesting statistics, the greater Washington area is home to America’s largest population of adults with advanced degrees at 19%. That is more than twice the national average. Of people who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, the national average is 27%. In DC, the percentage is far greater, holding steady at 46%.

The District has a fairly temperate climate with mild winters and summers and pleasant springs and falls. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 24, and July is the warmest with an average high of 89.

So, what should you do while you’re in town?

There are several historical attractions including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Naval History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of American History. There are also a number of memorials visited by millions every year. The Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and the FDR Memorial all receive more than 3 million visitors annually.

Washington, DC is also where eight professional teams including the Redskins, Wizards, Mystics, and Nationals play. There are four major sporting venues with seating for more than 165,000 spectators. There are also numerous performing arts venues and more than 50 private tour companies offering regular tours to show you the city.

Washington, DC is but a short, daily, non-stop flight aboard USAirways to to the ultra convenient Reagan National Airport (DCA). We would like to hear from you. For more information, contact us on Facebook or Twitter, or go to our website.

LISTen Up

2011-12-29T10:00:00.002-06:00

Every year, beginning in November or so, year in review articles and top 10 lists start popping up all over the Internet. Things like the Top 10 Inventions, Top 10 Cars, Top 10 Franchises, and the Top 10 Odd Environmental Ideas will entertain and inform or bore the reader into creating a 10 Worst Top 10 Lists list. Either way, it’s a positive in the end. Speaking of positives, we’ve had a good year here at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport, so we are going to give you a top list; a top 7 list, that is. Here are, in no particular order, the…

Top 7 VPS Victories in 2011

· Added Vision Airlines to carriers – Initially serving the markets of Niagara Falls, NY, Miami, and Destin, FL, the airline has helped make air travel more affordable and provided several destination options for visitors flying in and out of VPS.

· Had a record breaking year – During the fiscal year that recently ended, VPS set a record with more than 900,000 passengers flying into or out of the airport. The previous record, which had stood since 2000, was shattered by nearly 23%.

· Standard and Poors likes us – S&P review calls VPS “a small-hub airport that has demonstrated continued strong financial metrics” upgrading VPS’ rating to BBB+ from BBB.

· Went Hollywood, but stayed humble – Released in summer of 2011, Transformers: Dark of the Moon was filmed in part in the Ft. Walton Beach/Destin area and featured nearly 50 Airmen from Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command and the 1st Special Operations Wing.

· Our director is “Aviation Professional of the Year” – In August, Greg Donovan, director of the three airports of Okaloosa County, was named “Aviation Professional of the Year” by the Northwest Florida Coast chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association.

· Helped set the local economy flying – There were 128 jobs added at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport and the airport itself had an economic impact of more than $370. Additionally, the changes at the Okaloosa County Airports System created 4,500 direct and indirect jobs in the region.

· Showed, and continue to show, our soldiers we are proud – New USO lounge for service members, veterans, and their families was opened at the airport. Snacks, a relaxing seating area, and an open venue to swap stories give soldiers and veterans a comfortable place to recharge with their families.

There you have it, our top 7 VPS Victories in 2011. Do any of your 2011 victories involve VPS or the Destin/Ft. Walton Beach area? Tell us about them on Twitter or Facebook.

Thank you all for being with us. Have a safe and happy new year.

Wing Tips: 7 things to get you there smiling

2011-12-12T14:27:00.000-06:00

Of course, you know we encourage travel every chance we get. We wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t. Besides, what’s better than getting away from everything for a few days? Well, maybe getting back home. The holidays in November and December make up the busiest travel time of the year. If you want to stay in front of the crowd, you might consider some of the tips below to help keep you on track…and on your scheduled flights. We know you love it here at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport, but we don’t want you to be here any longer than you’d like. So, in the spirit of giving, here are a few tips to help you get to your destination.

Don’t Book Busy: Busy airports are crowded. Crowded airports have more overbooked flights. These are both things we’d all like to avoid. Book your flights to and from smaller airports. They’re easier to navigate, the staff are often more personable, and there is less chance your flight will be overbooked and you’ll be bumped.
Gift Wrap at your Destination: Many, many people don’t think about this when traveling for the Holidays. If your luggage is inspected, the inspector will need you to unwrap Joey’s toy train so he can verify the contents of your bag. In the interest of saving time, and risking damage to gift packaging, wait until you've arrived at your destination to break out the giftwrap and transparent tape. You’ll be glad you did.
Verify your Time to Fly: Many of you booked your travel plans well in advance. This is a great idea, provided you know exactly when you’ll be out of town. Before you leave your house on travel day, be sure to check your itinerary. It’s possible for flight schedules to change, even though they've already been booked.
Print your Pass: You’ll also do well to print your boarding pass from home. Many airlines allow passengers to avoid some of the airport hassle by printing boarding passes from home, up to 24 hours in advance.
The Early Bird Rests his Wings: While you’re doing these other things to stay ahead of the curve, you may as well arrive early too. This will not necessarily save you time, per se, but you’ll spend less time in line behind Mr. Cologne Shower and in front of Ms. Rambunctious Kids. Remember, Holiday travel is frantic for most, so if you’re already sitting in the terminal when the panicky passengers enter the airport, you’ll be all the more comfortable.
Pay Attention to the PA: It’s easy to get lost in a book or listening to music while waiting to board, but this can cause serious stress. It’s not the norm, but it’s also not unheard of, for flights to board and depart ahead of schedule or to have a gate change, so listening will help keep you and your party in the know.
Patience is Power: Sometimes we forget we’re not the only ones traveling. As a result, we get cranky and it shows. The TSA workers, flight attendants, pilots, and other airline/airport staff are doing their best to get you in and out on your way as quickly and smoothly as possible. There are bottlenecks and sometimes even confusion, but a deep breath and a smile can go a long way towards ensuring a better trip for you and your family. Smiles are the most contagious during the Holidays. Be a carrier.

There you have it. A handy dandy list of seven things to make your Holiday travels a bit smoother. Wherever you’re going you’ll be a lot happier if you smile along the way. We hope these tips can help you do that.

Happy Holidays from everyone here in Destin and Ft. Walton Beach at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport. Leave a comment and tell us how we can better serve you. Thanks for reading.

Travelin’ Light, it’s the Only Way to Fly – J.J. Cale

2011-11-15T13:27:00.001-06:00

Traveling. Whether you love it or hate it, no doubt one of your least favorite things about it is packing. We fold, stuff, and shove our belongings into as small a space as possible; hoping to arrive at our destination with everything we need, clean and wrinkle free. The holiday season is upon us, so now is a good time to share a few packing tips. Some of these, we’re sure you’ve heard, but some may be new to you.

Clothes, clothes, and more clothes – Over packing is one of the biggest no-nos committed by travelers. Be sure to pack only what you will need and know you will wear on your trip. If you’re planning an extended trip, you may consider packing less, not more, and doing laundry while you’re away. Also, packing too much clothing will crush everything and potentially ruin your more delicate items.

Shoes – Again, don’t take more than you’ll need. It’s also a good idea to wear your bulkiest shoes while traveling, allowing more space in your luggage. If you’re packing dress shoes, you might consider putting the shoes inside an airtight zip-top bag – after putting each shoe into an old sock to avoid scuffing. Another tip, pack socks inside shoes to save space.

Wrap it up – If you’re traveling with fine clothing such as suits, dresses, or other dry clean only delicates, consider leaving the items in the dry cleaner’s plastic bag. The plastic will reduce the risk of friction and wrinkling.

Photo: martinaschoice.com

Roll with it – We’ve been taught to fold our clothes neatly and stack them inside our suitcase. You probably got the same memo. Trouble is, when the suitcase opens at the other end of the trip, the clothes are almost invariably crushed, wrinkled, and intertwined. To save space, and reduce wrinkles, try rolling your clothes next time you pack. Fold sleeves of shirts in, then fold the shirt in half lengthwise, and roll from the bottom, leaving the collar on the outside of the roll. For pants, follow the same protocol; fold in half – leg over leg – and roll from the cuff. You’ll find you can fit more clothing, there is less shifting, and far fewer wrinkles.

Play Tetris – How we pack is probably more important than what we pack. A common mistake is grouping items by type rather than size. Another error is putting the toiletry bag in first, beneath the clothing. The best place to put your toiletries, which will likely be the single heaviest item in the suitcase, is as far away from the suitcase’s handle as possible; thus putting the heavy items at the bottom of the bag, not necessarily behind other items. Arrange rolled and folded items to fill as much space as possible inside the suitcase. Fill the nooks and crannies with socks and underwear.

Prefer powder – Some travel necessities, like toothpaste and shampoo, can be purchased in powder form. Most of the weight associated with these items is related to the liquid content. Bringing powdered shampoo and toothpaste will also eliminate the need to carry the small, travel-sized, versions.

Keep it with you if you can’t be without it – Be sure to carry medications and anything else you may need soon after arrival in your carry-on. Also, as much as we don’t like to admit it, sometimes luggage does get temporarily misplaced. If this happens, you’ll be glad you packed a change of clothes in your carry-on. Toiletry items are replaceable and most hotels keep a stock for guests, so putting these things in your carry-on is your choice.

We hope we’ve been able to share some packing tips you have not considered. If not, maybe we reminded you of some. If you have any additional tips or questions, don’t be afraid to ask. We’re on Facebook and Twitter. You can also get in touch with us on our website. Thanks for reading.

Transparent to Opaque: the travel booking trend

2011-10-24T09:23:00.000-05:00

There was a time when travelers needed only to speak with a travel agent to schedule a trip. The agent would find the best airfare, hotel rate, and rental car price; then, they’d add their fee and sell the package to a customer. To the detriment of the travel agency industry, the Internet has provided several services which search for deals on travel.

Often, these deals are extraordinary, as they are last-minute bookings of unsold travel inventory. Some of these providers’ services are “opaque”. These are called opaque because the person booking the deal doesn’t know with whom they’re booking until after payment has been made.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however. Travelers who use these services are likely very price sensitive. As such, they’re willing to be more flexible with exact locations and providers. This flexibility grants travelers discounts of up to 60% - or more. The downside, especially for those who are already price conscious, is the purchases are generally non-refundable and unalterable.

Some of the more popular sources for online travel booking are Hotwire.com, Priceline.com, Expedia.com, Travelocity.com, and Kayak.com, with nearly all providing opaque options. The most well-known among opaque booking options is Priceline, who’s “Name your own price” campaign has earned them the trust of the public.

A new type of travel website has started to appear in response to opaque pricing. These “decoder” sites use feedback from travelers to create a profile of the providers. The hope is that the profile will give travelers some insight and indication as to what provider they may be booking with based on previous experiences.

What’s your take on these services? They offer great savings and they’re on the rise. Let us know in the comment section here, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Saddle Up Yer Floatin’ Horse for the Destin Fishing Rodeo

2011-10-11T14:38:00.000-05:00

The entire month of October is rodeo time, ye-ha! Not the kind of rodeo with cowboys, clowns, and horses though. It’s the 63rd annual Destin Fishing Rodeo. Begun in 1948, the Destin Fishing Rodeo has become the premiere saltwater fishing tournament for anglers of any age.

Anglers from all over the country come to Destin by car, boat, and via the Northwest Florida Regional Airport in October. For 31 days, the docks at A.J.’s Seafood and Oyster Bar in Destin become the hub of rodeo revelry. Weigh-ins are from 10am until 7pm daily. Throughout the month of October, more than 30,000 angler will compete and weigh-in, hoping to take home their own portion of the $100,000 plus in prize money.

The tournament is divided into four classes: junior, teen, ladies, and senior divisions with daily, weekly, and overall monthly prizes being awarded. The rodeo is free to anglers fishing from registered boats which include both private and charter vessels. Anglers who are 14 or younger can fish for free from pier bridge jetty, however a $25 fee is required for anyone 15 or over.
There are awards for nearly every kind of game fish, including king mackerel, marlin, sailfish, red snapper, or grouper. A listing of all prizes up for grabs can be found here, on the Destin Fishing Rodeo’s website.

Saturday the 15th is the Rootin’ Tootin’ Rodeo Roundup. This event, just for kids 12 and younger, sports a $10 entry fee, but bait, a rod and reel combo, t-shirt, pier access for the angler and a parent, and lunch as well as a certificate suitable for framing will be awarded to every child who brings in a fish weighing 1 pound or more. The event takes place on Okaloosa Island Pier from 9am until noon. There are several other special events taking place during the rodeo. Additional information can be found here.

If you love to fish, there is still plenty of time to make it to Destin to compete in this event. For travel information, visit our website or connect with us via social media including Facebook and Twitter. We’d love to have you enjoy this Gulf Coast tradition with us.

Grand Bahama Island: The X on Your Treasure Map

2011-09-26T15:18:00.000-05:00

Just off of Florida’s east coast lies a string of approximately 700 small, but beautiful islands. Among these, an island shaped somewhat like a crown, is Grand Bahama. This island, divided into the three administrative sections of the Freeport Bonded Area, East Grand Bahama, and West Grand Bahama, has a rich and colored history and is home to nearly 52,000 people.

Today, Grand Bahama’s most notable attractions are its beauty and pleasant climate. Temperatures average between 70 and 80 degrees year round. The only seasonal travel concerns for island visitors are hurricane and rainy season. The months of May through November cover these possible pitfalls to paradise, but the islands shouldn’t be avoided during these times. Rather, guests should be mindful of the possibility of inclement weather…just as they would at home.

The official language of the Bahamas is English, and the islands are on Eastern Standard Time (the same as New York and Atlanta). There are medical facilities available on the islands as well as doctors at most resorts for guest convenience.

Like most islands in the western Atlantic, Grand Bahama has been under both Spanish and British control at various points in its history. The coral reefs found in the shallows around the island proved a daunting obstacle, and the Spanish explorers largely avoided the island during Spain’s ownership (1492 – 1670) of the Bahamas, with the exception of provision replenishment stops.

The islands of the Bahamas were popular among pirates who would attract ships into the shallows where they could be easily run aground and plundered.

In the late 1600s, Great Britain took control of the islands, but not piracy. The islands would remain a popular place for pirates and bootleggers until the crown gained control of the pirates in 1720. Grand Bahama was a popular stop on smuggling routes during the American Civil War and during the years of prohibition in the U.S.

Still, slowly growing its population, Grand Bahama remained small and sparsely populated until 1955 when Wallace Groves, an American financier from Virginia, approached the Bahamian government with a plan. American tourists were flooding Cuba and Groves thought Grand Bahama could be a popular, albeit quiet and unmolested, alternative for tourists…and their dollars. In short time, the Hawskbill Creek Agreement was drafted and signed, bringing to life Freeport. The tourist center of Lucaya, name for native Bahamian inhabitants, is a largely planned paradise offering island splendor and vacationing fun for all ages.

Travel to Grand Bahama is easier and more affordable now than at any time in the past:

“Vision Airlines has signed an agreement with the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board to begin service to the tropical paradise beginning this November. The flights will originate from Ft Lauderdale, FL, Louisville, KY, Richmond, VA, Raleigh/Durham, NC and Baltimore/Washington airports. … Flights will begin the week of November 14, 2011. These new non-stop flights will make flying to the Bahamas affordable again. The new fares will start as low as $99* round trip from Ft Lauderdale and as low as $149* each way from the other cities. Great package rates are also going to be offered with 4 day/3 night packages starting as low as $299* per person (double occupancy).” – Vision Airlines’ Press Release, June 29^th, 2011

For more information on this, or any other destination served from the Northwest Florida Regional Airport, visit us at www.flyvps.com or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

The Peace of Autumn in Florida

2011-09-13T14:07:00.000-05:00

September is upon us, and summer’s heat will soon give way to the cooler temperatures and colorful foliage of autumn. Many people take advantage of this time of year to travel to the northeast where landscapes are painted with the oranges, reds, yellows, and browns of deciduous trees. This is the time when bed and breakfasts in Maine and New Hampshire are booming, and so are their nightly rates. Here, on Florida’s Emerald Coast, the peak vacation time has passed, and with it the crowds of beachgoers, making our little paradise quieter…and less expensive.

Soon, there will be an influx of “snowbirds”, people who live in colder, northern, climates seeking warmth and refuge from impending snow and bone chilling temperatures. Many of these people will spend the entire winter in Florida – or some other warm locale.

Granted, we don’t have the same fall colors as the northeast, but we’ve got something just as good, or perhaps even better. Our white sand and blue-green water are constant, and so are shorts and flip flops. We’ve written a lot of blogs about different cities, citing the temperature as a reason for travel during different times of the year. Well, even in December, January, and February – our coldest months – temperatures still make it into the 60s most afternoons around here.

The weather is great this time of year for camping too. The Florida panhandle is chock full of parks and campgrounds with facilities capable of accommodating campers from primitive to posh. Some even have rental cabins with all of the amenities of home. These are where you’ll find our other fall colors. For those among us who love the outdoors, not much can top time spent fireside, sipping coffee, and looking at the colors of nature.

Any time is a good time to visit us here in northwest Florida, but if you’re into quiet time with nature, whether at the beach or in the woods, it’s time to make your reservations and pack your bags. No matter where you are, you can get here from there…and we’ll be glad to have you.

If you have any questions about the area or places to stay, don’t hesitate to let us know. We’ll help you out as much as we can. Get in touch here in the comments section, on Facebook, Twitter, or on our website. Thanks for reading, and enjoy the view.

It’s Your Journey, Take It

2011-08-15T14:21:00.000-05:00

“It’s all about you. It’s all about the journey.”

You may have seen this, or some variation of it, in our advertisements recently. Often, people are so concerned with getting to their destination they forget to enjoy the journey. The destination is certainly the reason for travel, but until you get there, you should be with someone who understands what is like to be away from home; someone who knows how important it is to arrive without fatigue.

At the Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS), we do understand. We’ve built – and are expanding – an airport with the traveler as the first priority. Everything from the location of the restrooms to the kiss and fly drop off areas and the terminals themselves has been designed to maximize traffic flow, comfort, and convenience. In April we opened our new 780 space parking lot with credit card accessible payment options. We’re adding 5,500 square feet of shared-use space and two additional gates on the concourse as well. These additions should be completed in the fall of this year.

VPS has many of the amenities found in much larger airports, and we’ve got southern hospitality. There are food and drink shops, free curbside assistance, a parking lot shuttle service, spacious bathrooms with baby changing stations, and a courtesy phone center accessible to all passengers and airport visitors. All of this is in addition to free WiFi throughout the terminal areas.

For members of our military and their families, we’ve opened the USO Freedom Lounge. Located across from the ticketing area, the Freedom Lounge serves the military and their family members (with military ID), providing snacks, drinks, comfortable seating, books, High Definition TVs, laptops, secure WiFi, video games, and a children’s play area. This is one of the ways we are saying thank you to all of our military heroes and heroines.

To further express our desire to provide the kind of convenience you expect, earlier this year we released a streamlined, mobile version of our website, flyvps.com. This site, viewable from your web-enabled smartphone, allows you to check flight statuses, find airline information, and even get a taxi – right from the palm of your hand, anywhere.

We do everything we can to make travel as stress free as possible. If there is anything you’d like to change about the services we provide (additions or deletions), let us know either as a comment here, on Facebook, on Twitter, or via email on our website.

Tampa Bay Today

2011-08-08T14:47:00.000-05:00

The second most populous metropolitan area in the state of Florida is the Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area). Just over 4 million people call the area home, and with good reason. The Tampa Bay area is a beautiful place; in 2008 it was ranked the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes Magazine.

The lowest temperature ever recorded in Tampa was 18 degrees, in 1962. Average temperatures range from the low 50s in January to around 90 in August with high summertime humidity. High temps in the summer, coupled with sea breezes from both the Gulf and the Atlantic Ocean, provide afternoon thunderstorms throughout the season. The Tampa Bay area has been dubbed the “Lightning Capital of North America”. Don’t let that bother you, though. If you feel uneasy about inclement weather, visit in the fall, winter, or spring. The area has a definite and pronounced “rainy season”. From June to September, rain accumulation averages 26 inches annually, while the remaining eight months average a mere 18.6 inches.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, there is always something to do in the Tampa Bay area. If art and culture are what interest you, visit the Tampa Theatre, the Tampa Museum of Art, or the Straz Center. You may also enjoy walking or driving around the city taking in the beautiful architecture.

There are many museums dotting the landscape. Among them is the Museum of Science and Industry. Housed within are several floors of science related exhibits, a planetarium, and the only domed IMAX Theater in Florida.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention some of the more tourist geared locations in the area. Situated on 335 acres, the Africa-themed Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay, is a fun-filled theme park featuring roller coasters and interactive wildlife exhibits.

The Lowry Park Zoo’s 56 acres are home to more than 1,700 animals. The zoo was voted the #1 Family Friendly in America by Child Magazine and is recognized by the state as the center for Florida wildlife conservation and biodiversity.

The Florida Aquarium hosts over 20,000 species of aquatic life including plants and animals. The 250,000 square foot facility is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Exhibits are arranged in order to display life as experienced by a drop of water falling into a freshwater spring, and migrating out into the open sea.

Speaking of water, Adventure Island is 30 acres of water rides, attractions, and dining experiences. It is part of the SeaWorld family of parks and features ten exciting water rides to help cool off those hot, summer days.

In addition to all of this, and much more, the Tampa Bay area is home to numerous festivals and special events. Sprinkle in a smattering of professional sports including the Tampa Bay Rays, Buccaneers, and Lightning and you’ve found a sports fanatic’s paradise.

No matter what you’re into, Tampa has something for you. All on a direct flight from Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, FL from the Northwest Florida Regional Airport aboard Vision Airlines with 3 non-stop flights per week to the St Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)

If you enjoyed reading this, or if you found the information useful, let us know in the comments section below. Also, don’t forget, you can stay in touch with us on facebook and twitter. We’re /flyvps on each.

Everything’s Bigger, Except Your Worries in Texas

2011-07-26T15:34:00.000-05:00

Dallas Skyline

It’s been mentioned in songs, books, and stories. There was a television show of the same name, it’s been the setting for movies, and it’s the city where former President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Outside of pop culture references, what do non-natives know about Dallas? Chances are, not enough. Dallas is a beautiful city. It’s the third largest in the state of Texas and the ninth largest in America. The Dallas-Ft. Worth metro area is the largest in the south and the fourth largest nationwide. That’s a lot of city. Approximately 1.2 million people call the city of Dallas home. Interesting fact, Dallas is the largest inland metropolitan area in the United States. Most metro areas have a navigable link to the sea. The city’s 385 square miles cover land in five of Texas’ landlocked counties.

It gets hot in the summertime, with highs averaging nearly 96 degrees in July and August. Temps have been known to soar into the 100s, so bring plenty of sunscreen and make afternoon indoor plans. Winters are mild and average temps remain above freezing. But, don’t let that fool you. Dallas receives snowfall nearly every winter, for a few days anyway.

Of course, we all know about some of Dallas’ biggest attractions including the five-time Super Bowl champions, the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Dallas Stars. What if sports aren’t your thing? There’s still plenty to do.

Dallas maintains and operates 406 parks, covering 21,000 acres. These parks provide plenty of room for swimming, biking, jogging, fishing, and most any other outdoor activity you may enjoy. The Great Trinity Forest is also in Dallas. This 6,000 acre forest is the largest urban hardwood forest in the United States.

If you travel through in late September or early October, be sure to check out the State Fair of Texas, held at Fair Park. In 2011, the fair will be held from Sept. 30th through Oct. 23rd. The State Fair of Texas is the largest state fair in the country, attracting more than 2.5 million thrill seekers and deep fried foodies in 2010, and equally impressive numbers in previous years.

Dallas is also home to Texas’ first and largest zoo. The Dallas Zoo has been in operation since 1888. It currently rests on 106 acres and is home to 6,800 creatures from 781 species. The zoo’s three major regions (Zoo North, Wilds of Africa, and Giants of the Savanna) will please every visitor.

Dallas Museum of Art

The city is also home to an impressive arts and dining scene. Barbecue, Tex-Mex, and Americana are on the menu. The Downtown Arts District is where you’ll find the Dallas Museum, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Dallas Children’s Theater. All of this, in addition to Deep Ellum’s rich music scene, will have you wishing for more time in the “Big D”.

No matter what you’re into, Dallas has something for you. Dallas is a direct flight from Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, FL from the Northwest Florida Regional Airport aboard American Eagle Airlines with 6 non-stop flights daily to Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport.

If you enjoyed reading this, or if you found the information useful, let us know in the comments section below. Also, don’t forget, you can stay in touch with us on facebook and twitter. We’re /flyvps on each.

Orland-Oh-My-Gosh, There’s Lots to Do

2011-07-11T13:08:00.000-05:00

Orlando Skyline

Everybody knows the best place in the Eastern United States to see Mickey Mouse is in Orlando, Florida. People come from every country to spend time at Walt Disney World. It is a magical place where kids can dream, and adults can be kids. It’s the world’s largest and most visited recreational resort. True, Disney World is popular reason to visit Orlando, but it’s not the only reason. In fact, most of the touristy reasons to visit Orlando aren’t even in Orlando. They’re actually in the Orlando Metro area, which includes Lake Buena Vista, Winter Park, Kissimmee, Davenport, and Altamonte Springs.

The Orlando metropolitan area has just fewer than 2.1 Million residents, making it the 27^th largest metro area in the United States. A quick rewind lets us know Orland hasn’t always been the World City that it is now. Incorporated in 1875, Orlando was originally the center of the state’s most fruitful (pun) citrus-growing region. Then, in 1965, Walt Disney announced plans to build Walt Disney World. He’d originally considered Miami and Tampa for his theme park, but Orlando’s inland location and decreased risk of hurricane damage won out. Add to the equation, an average high of 83 and an average low of 62, and you’ve got year-round comfort for outdoor activities.

There are other things to do in Orlando, but we all know the most popular reason to visit is the area’s theme parks. If you are looking for non-theme park based attractions consider these:

Harry P. Leu Gardens

The Harry P. Leu Gardens are beautifully landscaped gardens set in 50 acres. The gardens are home to the largest rose garden in Florida and, outside of California, America’s largest camellia collection.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany, the creator of Tiffany art glass, leaded glass windows and other glass art.

At Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium, visitors can explore the bizarre, the strange and, the macabre. The building itself is constructed to appear as though it’s collapsing. Several interactive exhibits make this a great stop for the whole family.

Walt Disney World

Among the major attractions in the area are: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Adventure Park, Orlando, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, and Gatorland. There is far too much to see at any one of these parks, so check out the links and make plans to visit.

So, pack up the family and head out to the airport as soon as possible. All of this fun is a short flight from Destin/Ft. Walton Beach via the Northwest Florida Regional Airport to the convenient Orlando Sandford International Airport (SFB) aboard Vision Airlines with low fare, non-stop service four times per week.

If you enjoyed reading this, or if you found the information useful, let us know in the comments section below. Also, don’t forget, you can stay in touch with us on Facebook and Twitter. We’re /flyvps on each.

“Hotlanta?” More like, Comfortablanta

2011-06-29T12:32:00.000-05:00

The Atlanta Skyline

Here’s a little bit of trivia for you: What is the world’s busiest airport? If you answered anything other than Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, we’re sorry, but you’re incorrect. Since 1998 this airport has held the title of busiest in the world. Pretty much anywhere you start, you can get a direct flight into Atlanta.

The Atlanta Metropolitan area is the ninth largest in the country and the largest in the south. Over 5 ¼ million people call the greater Atlanta area home and, like many southern cities, it has been growing steadily since the 1970s. The city is a major business hub in the United States as well as a booming transportation hub in the south. The metro area is where corporations such as Coca Cola, AT&T Mobility, UPS, Turner Broadcasting, and Delta Airlines’ world headquarters are located. Atlanta’s gross metropolitan product accounts for more than 2/3 of Georgia’s economy.

Atlanta’s climate is similar to that of much of the southeast; however winters can be quite cold in the city, averaging 2.4 inches of snow annually. This may not seem like much, but in the south, it’s a blizzard’s worth. The average high temp is a comfortable 72, with the thermometer topping out around 89 degrees in July. January’s lows average 33 degrees and the yearly average low is 52; pretty comfy.

A beautiful city, Atlanta is known by many names, among them is the “City of Trees”. The city earned this title due to the lush greenery and interesting juxtaposition of trees, parks, and skyscrapers. The natural, green beauty of Atlanta, mixed with the comfortable climate makes it an excellent destination for outdoor activities. In fact, Atlanta is the 7^th most visited city in the U.S., with more than 35 million guests each year.

In previous articles, we have suggested destinations such as zoos and museums for people to visit. Atlanta is different. There are so many options in this city it would be naïve of us to assume we could possibly cover them adequately. Considering that, let’s talk a bit about some of the reasons to visit.

The Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest indoor aquarium. Over eight million gallons of water, more animals than any other aquarium, and more than 60 exhibits – including a dolphin exhibit – make the aquarium a major draw for aquatic enthusiasts of all ages.

The city hosts festivals, parades, road races, and is home to several museums. Among them is the High Museum of Art, the south’s premier art museum and among the most visited art museums worldwide. There are museums displaying artifacts from and commemorating many of the country’s most significant events. There are even several museums geared toward children.

Atlanta is a great place for the foodie in you too! The city’s cuisine is a mixture of southern dining, Americana, ethnic, and street corner urban. Added to the southern mixture, in true melting-pot style, are the more than one million immigrants in the city providing Asian, Indian, Cuban, Mexican, and Russian influences to the menu. Atlanta has many restaurants whose fare has earned national recognition.

Throw in a Falcons, Braves, or Hawks game and the ease of transportation throughout the city provided by ample taxis and the city’s public transportation system, the Marta, and you’ve got more reasons to visit Atlanta and fewer to call it a “layover stop”.

Of course, being the busiest airport in the world, you can expect several daily direct flights to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International from the Northwest Florida Regional Airport aboard Delta Air Lines and Vision Airlines.

If you enjoyed reading this, or if you found the information useful, let us know in the comments section below. Also, don’t forget, you can stay in touch with us on facebook and twitter. We’re /flyvps on each.

Savannah, Geowjah: Slow down ‘n enjoy yahself here.

2011-06-13T15:28:00.002-05:00

In the United States, the southeast is known for a lot of things. Among them is southern hospitality. Nicknamed the “Hostess City of the South”, Savannah, Georgia is the embodiment of everything southern. Millions of visitors are drawn to the city each year in search of historic architecture, a thriving arts community, industry, and a heaping helping of southern flavor.

Downtown Savannah includes a historic district, a Victorian district, and 22 park squares. It is among the most expansive National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States. The city covers over 78 square miles, most of which is land. Savannah’s primary port is on the Savannah River and is the largest port in the state of Georgia. A wintertime average low of about 40 degrees and summertime high around 90 provides a wide, yet not overly uncomfortable climate. The average annual high and low temperatures are 77 and 55 respectively. Savannah receives an average of 110 days with rain and a whopping 2,758 hours of sunshine.

A diverse mix of ethnicities and religions, combined with a fairly even distribution of the population among age groups, provide a fertile setting for rich and diverse attractions and interests. The following is a short list of things you may consider seeing or doing while in town.

The Historic Savannah Theatre opened its doors on December 4th 1818. The two centuries since have seen several facelifts. Today, the theatre is an example of 1940s Art Deco style. A 2002 restoration brought the theatre back to the look of its glory days. The Savannah has a wide range of shows for adults and children alike.

Want to see Savannah from the water? River Street Riverboat Company, founded in 1991, is a great way to go. They offer narrated sightseeing tours, brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises, as well as entertainment cruises beneath the sun or moonlight. A tour onboard one of their riverboats is an opportunity to step back in time to share a romantic evening or entertain the family.

One of the most diverse and strongest collections in the south can be found at the SCAD Museum of Art. The Savannah College of Art and Design’s Kiah Hall is the home of this extensive museum. There are approximately 4,500 pieces on display. The museum is open six days a week and admission is free. Exhibits encourage interest in British, American, African American and modern specialty areas of design.

There’s the short, but interesting list of things to do. Check them out and let us know what you think.

All of this is a direct flight from Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, FL from the Northwest Florida Regional Airport aboard Vision Airlines. They provide non-stop flights to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) three times per week.

If you enjoyed reading this, or if you found the information useful, let us know in the comments section below. Also, don’t forget, you can stay in touch with us on facebook and twitter. We’re /flyvps on each.

Baton Rouge – A Capital Vacation Destination

2011-05-31T14:42:00.000-05:00

The second largest city in the state of Louisiana is Baton Rouge. It’s also the state capital. The city itself has a population of just over a quarter million; however, the metropolitan area – or Greater Baton Rouge – has a population of over 800,000 and is expected to be near a million by 2013. There is a rich mixture of cultures represented in Baton Rouge which has given rise to the city’s motto “Authentic Louisiana at every turn”.

The climate in the city is just what’s to be expected in the Deep South. Mild winters give way to hot and humid summers with moderate to heavy annual rainfall. Snow is rare; however, there has been a day of winter snowfall for three consecutive years; 2008 – 2010. The average high temperature is 77 and the low is nearly 57, providing a warm, yet comfortable, year-round climate. Baton Rouge averages 113 days of rain, totaling approximately 63 inches of precipitation per year.

Okay, we all know Baton Rouge is a beautiful, vibrant city; but what are some things to do while visiting town? Here are four stops to add to your itinerary.

The USS KIDD is a Fletcher-class destroyer. Also known as the “Pirate of the Pacific”, she is currently in the heart of downtown Baton Rouge. Aboard the KIDD, visitors can gain a sense of what it was like during her tours of duty. There are even overnight camping excursions available for the KIDDos.

Wanna see Baton Rouge’s wild offerings? Check out the Baton Rouge Zoo. The Realm of the Tiger exhibit features Malayan and Sumatran tigers, Siamang gibbons and an aviary. The Otter Pond showcases a replicated fishing cabin where visitors can look into an underwater viewing area with otters and a view of L’auarium de Louisiane which exhibs fish, reptiles, and amphibians native to Louisiana. There are even more exhibits to be seen, and fun for the entire family.

Louisiana’s Old State Capital is a Gothic architectural masterpiece. Standing high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, this 160 year old statehouse is both inspiring and bold. Within, guests can tour the building and learn about the history of the area in the Old State Capital Museum of Political History.

At the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center you can stroll through 103 acres of Louisiana swamp, right in downtown Baton Rouge. On the property, be sure to visit the 9,500 square foot building featuring award winning animal exhibits. Over a mile of gravel paths and boardwalks weave throughout the center. Visitors may see any of a number of native animals, reptiles, and insects.

There’s the short, but interesting list of things to do. Check them out and let us know what you think.

All of this is a direct flight from Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, FL from the Northwest Florida Regional Airport aboard Vision Airlines B-737 and Dornier 328 aircraft with non-stop service 3 times weekly.

Call it What You Will, There’s No Place Like Louisville

2011-05-17T11:30:00.000-05:00

Whether you call it the northernmost southern city, or the southernmost northern city is of little importance, Louisville, founded in 1778, is a staple of American culture and home to some of the most recognizable events and products in North America. Situated in north central Kentucky on the Ohio River, this city of nearly ¾ million is the state’s largest metro area and the county seat of Jefferson County. Whatever it is, if you can find it anywhere, you can probably find it in Louisville.

Louisville has a humid subtropical climate. There are four distinct seasons with seasonal extremes of all kinds. The city averages 87 days per year with temperatures below freezing and 31 days with temperatures above 90. The mean annual temperature is a mild 57 degrees. Annual snowfall is around 15 inches. Rain averages 44.5 inches, with the lion’s share falling in spring and summer.

Here is an abbreviated list of things to do or see while visiting Louisville (a full list would look something like a copy of “War and Peace”):

If you’re in the area during late April and early May, you may consider attending the Kentucky Derby. The Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. It is held annually on the first Saturday in May, capping the two week long Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is one and a quarter miles at Churchill Downs. It’s known as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" or "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports" for its approximate duration. It is also called "The Run for the Roses" for the blanket of roses draped over the winner. It is the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. The attendance at the Kentucky Derby ranks first in North America and usually surpasses the attendance of all other stakes races including the Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes (the other two races making up the Triple Crown) and the Breeders' Cup.

Kicking off the Kentucky Derby Festival is Thunder Over Louisville. This airshow and fireworks display held in mid-April in Louisville, Kentucky is the largest annual fireworks display in North America and has been held since 1990. The celebration lasts throughout the day, and the fireworks display goes on for around half an hour, along with a synchronized music. The estimated attendance is approximately five times that of the main attraction, the Kentucky Derby.

You might not realize it, but for Beatles fans, Louisville has been popular destination since 2002. Abbey Road on the River is a five-day, multi-stage music festival featuring the music and spirit of the Beatles. The festival takes place over Memorial Day weekend. Over the course of the festival, multiple tribute bands play the music of the Beatles.

There are so many museums in Louisville that the West Main District has come to be known as “Museum Row”. A portion of this district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, as it is home to some of the oldest structures in the city. The district also features the highest concentration of cast iron façade buildings outside of New York’s SoHo district. Museums in this district include:
• Frazier International History Museum
• Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft
• Louisville Science Center
• Louisville Slugger Museum
• Muhammad Ali Center
• Glassworks

Any of these will make an afternoon downtown memorable for the entire family.

Just 15 minutes from downtown Louisville is the Louisville Zoo. This 135 acre paradise exhibits more than 1,300 animals in natural, mixed species settings. Their mission “To better the bond between people and our planet” has been the driving force behind growth and exhibits. These attractions include a Gorilla Forest, Herpaquarium, Islands, Wallaroo Walkabout and the Lorikeet Landing. The Louisville Zoo is also home to the “World’s Largest Halloween Party”. This stop guarantees family-friendly fun.

No matter what you’re into, Louisville has something for you. Louisville is a non-stop flight from Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, FL from the Northwest Florida Regional Airport aboard Vision Airlines 148-seat 737 aircraft. They provide daily service from VPS to the Louisville International Airport (SDF).

If you enjoyed reading this, or if you found the information useful, let us know in the comments section below. Also, don’t forget, you can stay in touch with us on facebook and twitter. We’re /flyvps on each.

Rockin’ the Blues and Barbecues in Memphis

2011-05-04T09:52:00.000-05:00

Memphis is, to rock and roll and blues fans, the birthplace, cradle, and hometown of soul. The list of musical genius to come from this Mississippi Delta area includes Elvis Presley, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Robert Johnson. An estimated population of 650,000 makes it the biggest city in the state of Tennessee. Situated in the southwest corner of the state, the Memphis metropolitan area includes counties and towns in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. This tri-state metropolis has a population of 1.3 million.
Memphis is one of the few areas in the Deep South that actually has four distinct seasons. The average high and low temperatures are 72 and 52 respectively, not too shabby. Add to that a couple of days of snow, about 110 days of rain and nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine and you’ve got a year-round climate that’s not only tolerable, but pleasant.

Now, on to some of the interesting things to do while visiting.

In 1906 the Memphis Zoo opened with a black bear named Natch, a retired baseball mascot, as its main attraction. Today, the zoo is 70 acres of exhibits and habitats and it’s home to more than 3,500 animals, representing 500 plus species. Since 1990 there have been more than $77 million in renovations and expansions. The Memphis Zoo, ranked as America’s #1 zoo by TripAdvisor.com in 2008 and rated the top zoo in the country in Morey Associates' 2009 National Survey, is one of only four zoos in the country exhibiting giant pandas. The three acre Panda habitat also features Chinese architecture, horticulture, and many other indigenous animals.

The Children’s Museum of Memphis is a place of exploration. Visitors can pilot a flight simulator, see an indoor thunderstorm, experience what it’s like to perform on stage, or become an artist in the painting and sculpture studio. There is a miniature city where youngsters can drive a fire engine or a sheriff’s car, they can climb a skyscraper, or even live their dream to be a dentist or reporter. The museum has a TV studio and even a place just for the little ones to enjoy. There are daily educational programs and traveling exhibits as well.

Every rock and roll fan should visit Graceland at least once. Elvis Presley’s mansion and the 14 acre grounds are an exhibit of the King’s life. Touring the property will allow visitors an inside look at his life, from modest beginnings to super stardom. The home is maintained just as it was when he lived there, and tours are self-guided and paced. While touring this tribute to the King, you’ll see his awards, movie props and costumes, some of his vehicles – including the famous pink Cadillac among others. The tour also includes the 1958 Convair 880 that Elvis purchased in 1975, named the Lisa Marie, and spent over $800,000 customizing and remodeling.

While we’re on the subject of music, no trip to Memphis could ever be complete without a stroll down Beale Street. The 1.8 miles that make up Beale Street run from the Mississippi river to East Street. The area is significant in the history of Memphis, as it’s where people would, and still do, gather to mingle and discover new music. The blues run this street like a river and flood out of nearly every door along the way. There are far too many interesting stops along the path to adequately mention here, but B.B. King’s Blues Club, The Beale Street Taproom, the Memphis Rock N Soul Museum, and the W.C. Handy historic home are definite musts. Although less than two miles long, this street is mentioned in several rock, blues, and soul songs. Visit and you’ll understand why.

Of course, music and family entertainment aren’t the only reasons to visit Memphis. Let’s not forget barbecue! A lot of places across the country claim to serve “Memphis Style” barbecue, but you can only get REAL Memphis barbecue in Memphis. Break out your smartphone or dust off the hotel phone book and pick one. If you’re really interested in finding the best of the best, ask a local. They’ll shoot you straight, and your belly will be happy.

Your ears and belly want you to know that this is a direct flight from Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, FL from the Northwest Florida Regional Airport.

If you enjoyed reading this, or if you found the information useful, let us know in the comments section below. Also, don’t forget, you can stay in touch with us on facebook and twitter. We’re /flyvps on each.

Charlotte, as Pretty as the Angels When They Sing

2011-04-15T14:11:00.000-05:00

The 17^th largest city in the U.S. and the largest in North Carolina is Charlotte. Just over ¾ million people call this 300 square mile city home, and with good reason. An average high temperature of 72 and low of 51 provide a very comfortable range of temps. The 43.5 inches of rain and 5.5 days with snow are insignificant when compared to the nearly 3,000 hours of beautiful Carolina sunshine. Charlotte is home to several respected universities, a wide variety of museums, and plenty of places to eat and sleep.

We’re here to discuss things to do while you’re awake though, so, let’s get to it.

Discovery Place is a place, well, a place of discovery. Visitors can trek through the rainforest, build monuments, experience an explosion, or watch a movie on the biggest screen in the Carolinas. No matter the age, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Discovery Place. Recent renovations, totaling over $31.6 million, have made Discovery Place one of the leading science hands-on centers in the country and the most visited attraction in either North or South Carolina.

The U.S. National Whitewater Center features, among other attractions, the Canopy Tour. This 4 hour guided treetop experience goes along, and 60 feet above, the Catawba River and includes portions of the historic Tuckaseegee Ford and Trail. Other adventures include kid’s camp, kayak instruction, survival school, climbing instruction, CPR classes, and team development exercises.

Our eleventh President, James K. Polk called North Carolina, specifically the Charlotte area, home. Located on land once owned by his parents, the James K. Polk State Historic Site commemorates the life and presidency of Polk. The Mexican-American War, the Oregon boundary dispute and the annexation of California are some of the growing points attributed to Polk’s tumultuous term as president. This reconstruction of Polk’s childhood home features a log house, separate kitchen, and a barn. It’s a history lesson that can be seen and heard in the visitor center which features a film on Polk’s life and presidency.

Maybe all of this educational stuff isn’t really your speed. If speed is more your speed, check out the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Opened on May 11, 2010, this 150,000 square foot facility features more than 40,000 square feet of exhibit space with hands-on displays, interactive videos, memorials, and authentic NASCAR artifacts telling the story of the sport. See and learn about cars, history, sport rules, and race technology.

Fast or slow, Charlotte has something to match your interests. This is a direct flight from Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, FL from the Northwest Florida Regional Airport aboard US Airways. They provide 3 daily non-stop flights to the Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT).

Fun in Houston

2011-04-06T15:11:00.000-05:00

Hello, readers! We’re going to do a multi-part series here featuring all of the cities with direct routes from VPS. The idea is to provide some points of interest and information for those of you who may be traveling to one of these great areas. We’ll tell you a bit about the area, and we’ll feature four or five popular attractions you might want to check out while in town. So, without further delay, let’s get started.

Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States and the largest in Texas, with a population of 2.1 million. It covers 579 square miles, and the metro area of Houston, Sugar Land, and Baytown has a collective population 6.1 million. Less than 100 days of rain, an average high temperature of 80 degrees, and an average low of 61 make Houston, TX a comfortable stop on any itinerary.

Culturally, Houston is a very diverse city, and it’s growing. Of its residents, 21.4 percent were born outside the United States. Nearly two thirds of that foreign-born population comes from south of the U.S. and one fifth comes from Asia. Houston has the nation’s third largest concentration of consular offices, with representation from 86 countries. It has a rich culture, so… where to go?

Space Center Houston has several permanent exhibits, attractions and theaters. It also features several traveling exhibits throughout the year. SCH is the official visitor’s center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. “Houston, we have a… good time!”

The Downtown Houston Aquarium is half a million gallons of undersea adventure. The facility includes a Ferris wheel, an aquatic carousel, Shark Voyage, a white tiger exhibit and a restaurant. There are over 200 species of marine life living at the aquarium. Exhibits featuring a shipwrecked Spanish galleon, a recreation of the rainforest, a sunken temple, and more guarantee fun for explorers of all ages.

A visit to the Houston Zoo is like traveling around the world. More than 4,500 exotic animals representing greater than 800 species call the 55 acre landscape home. The Houston Zoo was named among the top 10 zoos in the United States by Parents magazine in 2009. There are more exhibits and habitats than we have room to list. Suffice it to say that the Houston Zoo should be on your short list of things to do.

While we’re on the subject of family-friendly attractions, of which Houston has many, let’s not forget the Children’s Museum of Houston. This recently renovated museum was rated the #1 children’s museum in the U.S. by Parents magazine. It is 90,000 square feet of innovation and interaction for kids and parents alike. Thursdays are Free Family Nights from 5 until 8.

Well, there you have it. It’s a small, but fun, sampling of things to do while in Houston. Of course, a city of this size has all of the other amenities that you may desire, including premium hotels, four star dining, an active nightlife, and plenty of sports.

All of this is a direct flight from Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, FL from the Northwest Florida Regional Airport aboard Continental Airlines. They provide 3 daily non-stop flights to Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

Flying? Don’t forget your driver.

2011-03-29T12:12:00.002-05:00

There are a lot of reasons to come to Florida, but for a golfer, there is one reason that stands out above all others. Florida is America’s golf capital. There are over a dozen challenging courses within a short drive of the Northwest Florida Regional Airport. The number grows exponentially, depending on how far you’re willing to drive for a round. So, if you’re planning a golf getaway on Florida’s Emerald Coast, here’s a short rundown of some of the great courses that you can find near VPS.

Kelly Plantation – This 18 hole, par 72 course spans 7099 yards and was designed by Fred Couples. The 200 plus acre course boasts some of the most challenging golf to be found, anywhere. It was rated among the top 5% of golf courses in North America by Golf Digest.

Emerald Coast Golf Trail – This trail, including Scenic Hills Country Club in Pensacola, Tiger Point Golf Club in Ft. Walton Beach, Hidden Creek in Navarre, and Shalimar Pointe Golf Club in Ft. Walton Beach covers an area attainable by a range of 20 to 50 minute drives from the airport. You can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner and spend some time at the full bar while playing Scenic Hills, Tiger Point and Hidden Creek. If you’re playing Shalimar Pointe, breakfast, lunch and a full bar are available.

Regatta Bay Golf Course – Nestled among breathtaking nature preserves along the Choctawhatchee Bay, Regatta Bay Golf and Country Club is a true escape into golfer's paradise. Designed by acclaimed course designer and former lead architect for Arnold Palmer, Robert C. Walker, this 6,894-yard, par-72 course offers an extraordinary golf experience for players of all skill levels and was named one of Golf Digest's "Top Places to Play in North America." Regatta Bay offers a host of luxurious amenities.

Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club – This course, nestled along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, offers as much luxury as it does quality golf. Spend time on the course, in the pool or hot tub, beneath a beach cabana, or on the tennis court. Milligan’s Grill and The Beach Club offer a variety of coastal seafood. The course was called “The Purest Golf on the Panhandle” by Golf Magazine.

Seascape and Emerald Bay Golf Course – The Seascape Resort has been called Destin’s best golf value. Eighteen challenging fairways and immaculate greens make this a local favorite. The course winds through the property and along the banks of several serene lakes. The Emerald Bay, just two miles west of Seascape, is the course for you if you’re looking for a more sophisticated atmosphere. There is an eight bedroom guesthouse available for visitors to this natural course. Its design was created to emphasize the beauty of the Choctawahachee Bay and adjacent wooded areas.

The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
The Raven - This 6900 yard course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., was carved out of the marshes and wetlands of Florida. Jones called it “a true, modern traditional” course. Color, texture, and challenge combined with the Raven’s nationally recognized guest services make it a gem, or emerald, among courses.

Burnt Pine – Rees Jones designed this 7000 yard wonder. Long, rolling fairways and strategically placed bunkers make this course a challenge for the lowest handicapped player. Like the Raven, Burnt Pine offers views of the Choctawhachee Bay along the back nine. This is the only place in the world where golfers can play a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. course in the morning and a Rees Jones course in the afternoon.

Baytowne Golf Club – This course offers a blend of opportunities to rip loose with the driver and places to subtly craft approach shots. The front nine borders the Choctawhachee Bay and the back nine offers views of the Gulf of Mexico. Designer, Tom Jackson, called every hole at Baytowne a favorite “because each one has a personality all its own.”

The Links Golf Course – The ultimate in risk-reward golf with stunning and awe inspiring views of the Emerald Coast. Like Baytowne, this course was designed by Tom Jackson and remains among the most challenging and rewarding courses in Florida. The winding fairways line the Choctawhachee Bay and rest against the Baytowne Marina.

So, there you have it. We’d say that it’s just about time to have a little golf vacation. Click. Pack. Fly. Golf.

Is there anything that you’d like us to write about? Let us know in the comments, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/flyvps or on facebook at www.facebook.com/flyvps

On the Go and in the Know with VPS

2011-03-16T14:17:00.000-05:00

You’re on the move. As a result, you are using your smartphone more often than your laptop to get information. Whether it’s news, emails, weather updates, or travel itinerary; you’re looking to the device in your hand to find out what’s next. Full-featured websites offer a lot of content and take advantage of the real estate afforded to them by laptop and desktop computers’ display area. Unfortunately, mobile devices struggle to display the same content in an easy to navigate way. Our site was no different. You asked for a mobile friendly version of flyvps.com. We heard you, and we’ve responded.

Just launched, is our new mobile website. You can have all of your travel info in a clean, easy to navigate interface, right in the palm of your hand. The address is the same but the look is all new! Now, you can search flights, real-time arrivals and departures, travel information, and ground transportation with your thumbs. There are even links to our Facebook and Twitter spaces so that you can be even more connected with what’s going on at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport. Plus, if you want to search for something that you saw on the full version of the site, a link to it is available on the home page of the mobile site.

Five icons across the top of the screen will get you anywhere you need to go within the site. With just a few taps of your thumb you can have all of the information that you need.

From a recent press release:
"Mobile device users will notice a more streamlined, abbreviated version of our robust, main site to help find important information faster on the go,” said Airport’s Business Development Manager, Mike Stenson. “It’s another way we want to exceed our customers’ expectations and make flying from your hometown airport even easier!"

The site was designed using the concept of "thumb navigation" which allows for one-hand easy access to any mobile user browsing the website. Checking on the status of a flight, or looking for airline or local taxi information, is as simple as logging onto FlyVPS.com from your mobile device. As a bonus, you'll find quick links to the VPS Facebook and Twitter pages to keep you in the loop on the latest news when you are on the go. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/flyvps or @ Message us on Twitter (@FlyVPS) and let us know what you think.

We want to hear from you. If there is something you feel is missing from the mobile site or if something doesn’t load properly, let us know, and we’ll see what we can do.

Spring Break, it’s Your Destin-y

2011-03-10T12:22:00.000-06:00

Spring break is upon us. It happens every year. Thousands of teenagers and young adults migrate, for a week, to popular destinations on the beach or slopes. On Florida’s Emerald Coast, the story is the same. But, when did the Spring Breakers start flocking?

Schools and colleges in several countries observe a spring break of some kind. It goes by Spring Break, March break, Study Week, and even Reading Week in other countries. Generally, children and young adults seeking a reprieve from the cold have done so between February and April; in the northern hemisphere, that is. Initially, Spring Break began as students fled cold temperatures in order to practice warm-weather sports. These people then started coming to warmer climates for a short recreational break with friends. Fort Lauderdale, Florida – beginning after WWII – was a popular Spring Break destination. Hundreds of thousands of students visited the beach there every year. In 1985 Ft. Lauderdale revelers totaled over 350,000 but, due to damages caused by the uproarious partying and a new minimum drinking age law; by 1989 the number had fallen to around 20,000.

These changes and the dwindling number of party goers traveling to Ft. Lauderdale have had a positive impact on the Spring Break experience in several ways. Popular destinations are now more ready to handle the influx of tourists. Dollars from tourism are now more evenly spread; though a large percentage of Spring Breakers still travel to Florida, they’re going to more cities and spreading their impact. Florida’s Emerald Coast; including Panama City, Destin, Ft. Walton Beach, and Pensacola, is a huge draw for students looking for a fun and beautiful destination. Its close proximity to so many southeastern colleges has been a great contributing factor to its Spring Break success.

The Northwest Florida Regional Airport’s addition of Vision Airlines to their carriers has made an impact that, in the coming years, may be a huge game changer for Spring Break as a whole. There are now 24 major urban areas with direct flights to Destin/Ft. Walton Beach. The Florida panhandle has long been a popular destination among driving Spring Breakers but, now, an inexpensive flight can bring people from all over to where the fun and sugar-white beaches are. Being stuck in traffic for hours, flat tires, and $4 per gallon of gas are a bummer and definitely not what Spring Break is about.

So, now you know… where will you go?

What's Fair is Fare

2011-02-10T14:43:00.001-06:00

We have become an ever-increasingly price sensitive society. Americans can name their price for hotels, smartphones let us scan a barcode to find an item cheaper at a different store, and fifteen minutes can save us fifteen percent or more on car insurance. There are websites dedicated to scouring the internet to find the lowest price on just about anything, including airfare. The adage “you get what you pay for” is as true now, if not more so, than it’s ever been. What you pay for is what you get when it comes to airline ticket prices too.

For a long time an airline ticket, much like a ticket for a cruise, was an all-inclusive pass. Your fare bought you time in a comfortable airport, it paid for the fuel used to make the trip, snacks, a blanket and pillow, two checked bags, a carry-on, and your seat. Trouble was, many people didn’t take two checked bags, eat a snack, or use that comfy, cozy blanket and pillow. No one complained, but they still paid the same fare.

Right around 2000 or so, travel search websites started popping up on the Internet. This led to price wars among the airlines. People could search for and book the cheapest flight possible, and if they weren’t too picky about when they traveled, they could save even more money. In order to keep up, airlines began dropping their prices. Then, in 2001, the airlines began to experience even greater pressure to decrease fares in order to get people back in the air. Americans were afraid of the safest mode of transportation, statistically speaking.

One of the first things to go, in order to decrease ticket prices even further, was in-flight meal service. Soon, a passenger would be able to purchase a “snack box”. It wasn’t long before airlines began charging for drinks, pillows, blankets and, ultimately, luggage. All of these “extra” fees were added but, somehow, ticket prices seemed to come down. In fact, Vision Airlines recently had a special on all of their routes for $49 each way. Just today, JetBlue announced a $43 round-trip fare between Burbank, CA and Las Vegas for Valentine’s Day.

People didn’t seem to mind paying for these services before, even if they weren’t using them, but now that airline travel seems to be a la carte, it seems unfathomable to have to pay extra for the 100 pounds of luggage stowed in the cargo hold; which, by the way, increases the fuel consumption of the plane and therefore the cost of the trip for the airline. There are still some “included” extras on certain airlines but there is now also the option to upgrade to higher quality products for a fee.

Now, back to getting what you pay for… it’s easy to see that the phrase is truer, at least in the airline industry, than it’s ever been. There will always be grumbles from some people over the extra money paid to bring the golf clubs on that trip to Florida. And people will most likely be less than excited about paying for an in-flight meal; but they should all keep in mind the increased quality of the products that their money is buying and be thankful that they’re no longer paying for things that they don’t need or use. Of course you get what you pay for, but now you have to pay for what you get. Isn’t this the way that it should have been all along?

Relaxing air travel for the whole family… even mom and dad.

2011-01-26T10:36:00.000-06:00

Remember when you were a kid sitting in the backseat begging for your parents to adjust the radio or air conditioning and asking “are we there yet”? The folks up north might not be aware of it yet but spring is right around the corner. With it will come lots of family travel and, if you’re not careful, lots of family headaches. Even the most well behaved children can and will get bored during a long day shuffling between airports, time zones and climate ranges. Be thankful, though, that you’re traveling by air rather than in a car.

In the back of the family wagon you probably played cards, travel checkers or something that involved license plates all while almost poking your sister in the side and saying “I’m not touching you”. These activities just won’t do now a day. But, parents, don’t fret, here are three small things that you can do to help ensure that you have a nice travel day and arrive with all of your hair.

1: Get to the airport early. This may seem obvious to some and to others it may seem counterintuitive. Either way, it’s true. Arriving an hour and a half to two hours early will not only ensure that there is plenty of time to check your bags and find your departure gate but there are other benefits as well. This is a great opportunity to let the kids get accustomed to being in the airport. They will be able to see the planes outside the windows and get used to the idea of air travel if it’s their first time.

2: Split up. When it comes time to check those bags and get the boarding passes it’s may be best for Mom and Dad to split up. One parent can keep watch over the children while the other waits in line. Standing still in line is, as we all know, one of the most torturous things that a kid can be asked to do. By splitting up, the kids can keep playing and exploring while Dad (or Mom) waits in line and handles all of the boring tasks. Be sure to stay close though; just in case an airline representative has a question for both parents or the whole family.

3: Keep the kids occupied. Be sure to bring some snacks, water, gum and an iPod or other device that holds video and music. Of course, if you’ve got more than one child you’ll need more than one device. Also, to help with the kids at takeoff, be sure to give them some gum before the plane even begins taxiing. Chewing will help provide a distraction as the plane gains altitude and the children’s ears pop.

Do these things and be patient and we’re sure that you’ll have a great day in the sky. Don’t and you’ll be hearing a lot of “I’m not touching you” and “are we there yet?” It’s your choice but you’ve been warned.

The rooftop wasn’t high enough for the shouting so, how about 35,000 feet?

2011-01-18T15:15:00.010-06:00

Last month, Vision Airlines started providing service between the Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS), Niagara Falls, NY and Miami. Today they’ve announced direct service between VPS and a total of 19 cites; providing easy access to Florida’s Emerald Coast for many of the nation’s most populous markets. Not since 1999 when JetBlue announced service has there been an airline announcement as big as this.

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Suwanee, GA, Vision Airlines operates a small fleet of large jets with direct routes serving destinations in the Southeast United States, Texas, and Niagara Falls, NY. Now, VPS is Vision’s most active hub with direct routes to:

Asheville, NC • Atlanta, GA

Baton Rouge, LA • Birmingham, AL

Chattanooga, TN • Columbia, SC

Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda, FL • Greenville/Spartanburg, NC

Huntsville, AL • Knoxville, TN

Little Rock, AR • Louisville, KY

Macon, GA • Miami, FL

Niagara Falls, NY • Orlando/Sanford, FL

Savannah, GA • Shreveport, LA

St. Petersburg/Tampa, FL

So, if you’re headed to Walt Disney World to see Mickey Mouse, Huntsville to visit the Space and Rocket Center, Niagara Falls to see, well, the falls, or if you’re headed to Pensacola, Ft. Walton Beach, Destin, Panama City or anywhere else in the Florida Panhandle, Vision Airlines and VPS are your connection.

In an article posted by USA Today, Vision Airlines’ COO David Meers is quoted as saying "We'll be flying from cities that have been neglected by large carriers with large aircraft for a number of years… It opens up the ability for people from all these communities to not only go as they normally would (but) to go more frequently," He goes on to say that “[in the next three years] It’s realistic to expect we’d add cities out west… and we’ll look at the Caribbean and Mexico.”

Whatever the future holds, the present is a gift that Florida’s Emerald Coast is grateful to receive.

A Vision of Flight, A Time for Travel

2011-01-12T12:24:00.002-06:00

Welcome to Air Lines, the Northwest Florida Regional Airport’s (VPS’) blog space. This is where we will be providing content which will, hopefully, be both entertaining and informative. This blog will be chock full of travel stories, recommendations, tips, security information, and stories featuring cities across the nation.

There have been some big changes happening at VPS over the last couple of months. On December 17th, Vision Airlines began service to and from VPS. This brings the total to 6 airlines operating out of Northwest Florida Regional Airport. In order to penetrate the market, Vision’s first destinations from VPS were Miami and Niagara Falls, NY with fares as low as $79 each way.

On the morning of the 17th people filed into the airport dressed in one of two ways… ready for the beach or ready for the cold. They were going on the inaugural flights from VPS to Niagara Falls (IAG) and Miami (MIA) aboard shiny, red and white Boeing 737 jet aircraft. On hand were executives representing the Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS), airlines and the media as well as gulf coast area residents who were fortunate enough to have booked a seat on these historic flights. Upon arrival, these passengers were greeted by executives representing the destination airports. It was a truly eventful and exciting day for all.

Niagara Falls has been a tourist attraction since the 18th century. People have flocked to see the wondrous beauty of nature and the awe inspiring power of the falls. The direct flights now make this destination a mere 2 hours away from the beautiful beaches of the Florida Panhandle. Conversely, the route provides easy access to the warmth and sunshine of the Florida coast for visitors from the north who would like to escape the freezing cold. Often referred to as “snowbirds”, these people flock to warmer climates during the bone chilling winter months.

Miami, now only an eighty-five minute flight from VPS, is a haven for shopping, dining and culture in Florida. The year-round mild temperature can provide a reprieve for north Florida residents who find the 60 degree winter days to be too cold. A weekend getaway for 2 can now be made for just a few hundred dollars plus expenses. If done by car, it would cost far more just to keep gas in the tank to complete the trip.

“The addition of direct air service to Niagara Falls and Miami creates a tremendous opportunity for not just Destin and Fort Walton Beach, but for all of Northwest Florida,” said Michael Stenson, business development manager of Northwest Florida Regional Airport. “This new service eases travel expenses and time to our friends in Canada and New York with low fare, direct service to Northwest Florida which includes Pensacola, Panama City, Destin, Ft. Walton Beach and Seaside; and will provide previously non-existent service to South Florida aboard a much larger 737aircraft.”

Vision later lowered the fares to these destinations creating a $49 each way fare to Miami and adding a free companion for trips to and from Niagara Falls. If you’d like more information about Vision Airlines and upcoming destinations, visit their website at www.visionairlines.com or call them at 1-877-FLY-A-JET.

Terminal Maps of Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS)

2011-01-10T15:48:00.000-06:00