Ok, so I'll have 5 weeks of vacation from December 14th or so. My parents are in Tampa and I have my wife, my almost 2 year old daughter and me. We are going to spend almost all of the vacation in FLA.

There are a lot of options for this trip, so I'd like to "flesh-out" a few ideas. Does anyone know of a condo or apartment rental service that I might get to on the web? One option is to stay in Orlando as a base with enough room for all of us (including parents).

Also, I've looked myself at the web, but am always on the hunt for more info, where are good deals on rental cars? I'd like to rent a convertable (red Mustang, to be precise) for the best rate. Right now I've gotten as low as 1400$ with a AAA memebership for a month rental. (I'll take whatever I finally get as my best rate and try for 70% on Priceline.com when I'm getting close to the travel date).

Before you say it -- Just ordered the Underground Guide from Amazon.co.uk.

How about other parts of FLA for the family? Is the Keys a good road trip for a few days with a 2 yr old? my wife would like it.

I'll most likely do the data collection thing and come back with a few more questions.

Oh yea, I've looked at the Fodors data base on Orlando and Disney, but I couldn't find the condo/apartment issue readily available. I started off with a lot more questions, but the data base answered most of them for me -- these were the ones I had left.

Thanks,
Craig

Let me address the keys as a possible road trip. I've driven from Miami to Key West a number of times and it's a 4 hour trip in good (no) traffic. I checked Mapquest.com for mileage between Tampa and Miami and it's 279 miles, which they say takes about 5 hours. Unless you plan on driving all the way down to Key West there really isn't any compelling reason for you to go to the keys with a 2 year old, as from top to bottom (with the exception of Key West) they're pretty much all the same. I'm not sure 9 hours in the car with a toddler sounds too fun, either. If it's R & R and water views you want, you might try Clearwater Beach. It's very close to Tampa - just across a bridge, practically - and I know they have condos for rent short and long term. Sorry to say I don't have any furthre information on them, but I've seen them on the internet.

If you are going to the Treasure Island area, I know a small motel across the street from a great beach - Il Tucano at 12321 Guld Blvd. - owners are friends of mine: Guilia and Gian Nota, a young Italian couple. For the three of you, about $70 per day plus tax. Not fancy, just nice and friendly, and a great location. Telephone 727-363-7808. Give them my name - I live in D.C. - since my house in TI is rented, I stay with the Notas. Ask them about their website - you can look it over before you decide. Good luck, JC

PS. There is a frequent poster on Fodor's who really knows the area and helps people coming to that area: Cmcdaniel. If ideas are offered, consider them. Knowledgeable about where you're heading. Ciao.

Thanks Joe, for those kind words!

Unfortunately, living in Tampa and having 3 cars between the two of us, local car rentals are one of the things I'm not at all versed on. I can say though, that you'll have no trouble renting a convertible. They stock up on them at most all the rental agencies with the predominant color being red or white.

I don't know about making Orlando a base for your entire stay. Traffic there is terrible and you don't want to contend with it if and when you don't have to. It's an hour drive from Tampa, making it do-able as a day trip, or go over for a night or two.

If you are interested in the beaches, some of the best on the Gulf coast stretch from St. Pete to Clearwater. Sarasota is beautiful too, but January can be iffy for the beach in west central FL.

I would suggest heading a bit further south, to Sanibel or Captiva islands. Beaches are great and they have about the best shelling in the US...they've even coined a term for the posture one assumes when shelling...the "Sanibel Stoop". We've stayed at Casa Ybel on Sanibel--great location right on the beach and all condos well appointed. It's not ultra luxury, but you'll have no complaints. All have a screened porches overlooking the beach. Its a full service resort, but pretty reasonable. Two bedroom units are available. You might also look into a place called 'Tween Waters. Haven't stayed there personally but have heard nothing but positive comments about it both from people posting on Fodors, and friends from Tampa who've been. They fill up early so make reservations as soon as possible! For what it's worth, my husband runs a 4*/diamond hotel in Tampa and he's fairly picky about places to stay!

I guess you realize you don't go to the Keys for beaches. KW is a lot of fun and might be a nice get away for you and your wife if Grandma and Grandpa want to keep the baby for a couple of nights. It'd be sort of difficult to go with the baby in tow...well, not difficult, but she'll slow down your evening activities considerably!!

Miami isn't 5 hours from Tampa...we've been twice since moving here, don't recall the exact drive time but believe it was just shy of 4 1/2 hrs, and all interstate down the west coast then across. Let me know if I can help further...am sure your parents are thrilled about your upcoming visit and will have lots of suggestions as well.

I have used www.hotelkingdom.com and had very good service, also www.go2orlando.com posts special deals on various types of lodging. With a 2 yo I would recommend going to a Florida state park for a day, one that has manatees wintering like Blue Springs. Washington Oaks State Park is on the east coast, little over an hour? drive from Orlando, very nice for an outing, the gardens are decorated during the Christmas holidays and the admission fee of $3 or $4 also allows you access to the Atlantic beach across the road. Fla state parks have a website. Winter Garden is a nice commmunity north of Orlando with shops, museums, you can take a boat tour of Lake Maitland. Green Meadows Farm has petting zoo, things for little kids, it is not far from WDW on Poinciana Blvd off the Irlo Bronson Hgwy in Orlando. have fun!

Thank you all for your replies to my message.

I'll start from these items and begin the "honing" process.
Right now it looks like I'll try to get an apartment in the St. Petersburg / Treasure Island area for the full time and just make hops around as the mood and traffic suits us. I think I'll nix any drive over 3 hours as I know my daughter and I love my relationship with her.

State parks -- not thought of and a grand idea. If anyone knows any others that might be of interest please jump on in.

If I'm staying primarily in St/ Pete I'll only need a 1 bedroom flat, any Fodorites out there with a place for rent or a connection? I like to use local (Fodors) talent when possible.

Thanks again,
Craig

Craig, I live in St Pete and will probably be a bit biased. I agree with many of the statements above: Treasure Island is very nice; as a matter of fact, starting in Clearwater and going down to St Pete beaches anywhere in between is nice. From there jump to Sarasota-Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island all very nice and smaller than Clearwater area. Longboat will be the most expensive though-high end island but worth it; there is a Holiday Inn on the island that is in a good location on the beach. I would only recommend Orlando if you want to do the Disney thing for a couple of days; question is would you child appreciate it at almost 2, dont know the answer-no kids here. Orlando is located on I-4 which is by far the worst highway to travel on. Stay in St Pete and use it for your central location. St Pete driving to the following: Orlando-Kissimmee 1 1/2-2 hours, Sarasota-1 hour, Clearwater-30minutes, Tampa-30minutes. As someone else mentioned, try Captiva (South Seas Plantation resort) it is its own island and on the beach, has golf course, marinas for boaters, own rest, bars, etc. moneyless resort-sign for everything; they have villas right on the beach-not cheap though but worth it. Miami is 4 hours drive from St Pete-easy down 75S across Alligator Alley then another easily 4 hours to Key West. If you want to see the Keys but dont want to drive all the way, drive to Key Largo or better yet Islamorada Mile Marker 86 I think it is. I know I didnt answer the hotel or car questions but I dont know alot about them because I live here and dont rent either much. I can offer assistance in locations in this area and tell you what is better if you would like. Email me directly if you wish. Florida is very casual and fun. I have been here 5 years from New England and find things to be very relaxed, inexpensive if you want and friendly; you will enjoy.

Craig - By all means contact the Notas - see my earlier message to you for details. It's one bedroom, but with a kitchen as well. Parking 20 feet from you door. Laundry included. I'm sure you could negotiate a good price. If you need more details, send me an e-mail. This is a place I use four times a year, and these are great people who live on the premises, and who love to have poeple in for coffee and conversation. They have a kids and a pool. They can also help you with local information. So, do give them a call before you settle on a place.

State Parks: Ft. DeSoto, on the Southern tip of St. Petersburg, is a beautiful area with miles of canoe and bike trails. Nice shaded picnic area, too.
Also, Caldesi Island off north Clearwater Beach is spectaular. You have to take a short ferry ride to get there, but it is one of the most pristine beaches left in the Gulf Coast.

I am 7th generation native and have been everwhere in Florida - twice. Skip the Keys, you will be disappointed. To get away from the ears (WDW, tourists) and see old time FL go to either Sanibel Island or Boca Grande for a long weekend trip. They are absolutely safe and have more chararcter than any place deserves - the kids don't lock their bikes in the racks while in school! Boca Grande has some of the best fishing and vacant beaches on the planet. If your looking for neon go to the I-Drive area south of Orlando.