THE TOURISM OFFICE: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

I open with a question:

Do you know your state, county or regional tourism office?

If not, you are missing out. The tourism office can keep you in tune with what’s happening in your area and provide wonderful stay-cation ideas. Many have a weekly e-newsletter that can be delivered directly to your inbox with fresh ideas.

Travel words to live by: “Know Before You Go”

Whether it’s in your own backyard or beyond, the tourism office is a trusted resource. Offices were created to help visitors and residents navigate a destination and successfully plan a stress-free vacation from start to finish.

Tourism offices exist all over the country and world. These official organizations come in all sizes and operate under the umbrella of the government. Each has a presence online. In the United States, they have various names like Tourist Development Council, Convention and Visitors Bureau or Destination Marketing Organization. Many work hand in hand with the state or county Economic Development office. The driving goal is to increase visitation and tourism revenue. These official offices are not focused on selling a tour package or endorsing an advertiser. The visitor experience is their priority.

However, offices do support their partners by showcasing available accommodations, tour operators, attractions, restaurants and more. The offices provide information on discounts and often offer a tourist card for special savings. The Madrid Tourist Card, is an example of a card that includes public transportation, with one-to-five-day options. Many larger international cities have several official tourist kiosks around the city with recommendations and guidance after arrival.

Winning you over with helpful information that results in a visit and an enjoyable stay equals a job well done.

Don’t be fooled by more cluttered commercial travel websites, blogs and booking engines that may lure you in, by creatively mirroring the official site or boosting their ranking on search engines.

It can be overwhelming, when seeking vacation inspiration and planning assistance. Endless online searches can suck time and energy. A wonderful travel story or ad may fuel my interest for a trip, but I know I am going to need expert advice to manage logistics. My years of travel industry experience has taught me to go to the authentic destination source.

Checking out the official destination tourism website is a recommended first step in the process.  Visit Florida, the official Sunshine State’s tourism office, is my top pick for friends and family planning a trip to my home state.  Where to go and what to do is just a click away. Visit Florida is a robust online resource with everything you need to plan an amazing escape. The Visit Florida site, like many other destination tourism sites, is truly “vacation central”. You can dig down deep to discover information on cities, beach towns, events, activities and lodging that align with your passion and dream vacation bucket list. There is even a tab dedicated to “deals” with special savings. And, many tourism sites include links to independent travel articles, like those on Tango Diva, to provide a unique personal perspective.

Visit Florida’s special online video series “One Fun Day” showcases experiences in popular Florida destinations like – Orlando, Tampa Bay, Pensacola Beach, Fort Myers and more.  

Check out a few “One Fun Day” video clips on the Visit Florida YouTube Channel .

The engaging visuals provide insider highlights unique to each area in a minute of time. Short, sweet and informative. If you love the outdoors and water sports, Florida is the place for you. If the thrill of a roller coaster or an air boat everglades ride makes your day, the possibilities are endless. And, art and music aficionados and foodies will not be disappointed with the vast array of festivals and events year-round. Events are posted and updated on the site monthly. Art Basel Miami Beach, the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, SunFest West Palm Beach, the Florida Folk Festival and Word South are among top picks. Something for everyone and every age.

Destination music venues entice visitors to make a concert the key motivator to a memorable escape.

A Northeast Florida favorite is the Saint Augustine Amphitheater. A must for an amazing outdoor music experience. And, definitely incentive to make a visit to America’s Oldest City an “extended play”!  Beach by day, followed by an amazing show with sea breezes at night. It doesn’t get any better. The Amphitheater is just under a mile from the downtown historic district and adjacent to Anastasia State Park. The list of headliners keeps things busy every week, so advanced planning is advised. The popular park offers day beach access for a fee with camping and kayak rentals are available by reservation.

On West Florida’s Emerald Coast, Miramar Beach in South Walton County is fast becoming a special place for VIP beachfront concerts. The area is known for its white sand beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Great musical entertainment is the cherry on top.

The MOON CRUSH AVETT MOON, a three-day music event, is scheduled for early October 2025 featuring the Avett Brothers and Asleep at the Wheel. The LUKE COMBS BOOTLEGGER BONFIRE ,another multi-day weekend event, follows later the same month.  The event company lists the full schedule of upcoming concert events and festivals online including preferred lodging partners.

Finding all these fabulous events can be challenging. So, remember make it easy.

Know Before You Go.

Let the Official Tourism Office be a go-to trusted guide.

Below are few quick direct hyperlinks for Florida tourism sites:

And, a few links for select global destinations:

Happy Travels!