Winter is here! Repeat after me, Winter is here! Like most people around this time of the year, I am spending half of my day complaining about the freezing temperatures and the other half looking at pictures of beautiful beaches around the world. A little escape to the sun sounds like a great idea right? Today I am the bearer of good news, not any good news, a historic news and I was part of it.
For the first time in history, Sunwing will be to offering direct international flights from Toronto to Daytona Beach, Florida starting January 28, 2019. To celebrate this fantastic news I was invited by Sunwing to take part in their inaugural flight last November from Toronto to Daytona Beach.
Florida has always been on my bucket list but for some reason, I never made it there. When I was given this opportunity. It was hard to decline. If Daytona Beach is any indication of what this great state has to offer then count me in for more trips. Our day was jam-packed with fun activities including a visit to the Hard Rock Hotel, hanging out with the dolphins, climbing the Ponce Inlet lighthouse and a rooftop dinner
We landed at the Daytona airport around 12 pm. After a warm welcome from the local media, airport staff and a ribbon cutting ceremony, we were guided to our bus to start our day.
First stop, the Hard
Second stop was an Eco Boat Tour with Ponce Inlet Watersports. Though I am not so much of a boat person, I was eager to hop on this narrated eco boat tour hoping to catch some wildlife in their natural habitat. It was just a matter of minutes before we caught a few dolphins jumping in and out of the water. The boat’s breeze was so refreshing and just what we needed before with headed to our next destination just across the street.
The Ponce Inlet
Before we ended our day visit at the Daytona Beach entertainment district ( One Daytona), we made a pit stop to enjoy that Floridian sunset I have heard about all my life. This was my favorite time of the day. The gorgeous sunset made it all worth it.
Last, but not least it was time to enjoy some food, drinks and maybe squeeze in a little shopping at ONE Daytona. Located directly across from the Daytona International Speedway—the world’s first motorsports stadium. After our reception at the Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery I was able to walk around one last time to enjoy the breeze, the palm trees before we headed for cold Toronto.
This was just a day worth of activities, imagine what you can do in a week. Whether you are looking for a little beach vacation, some quiet time, or mingle with racing fans, Daytona Beach has something for you. My only regret during this trip was not having time to visit the famous Daytona International Speedway. The Sunwing vacation packages to Daytona start at $279 with flights leaving twice a week. I don’t know about you but I am already planning my next getaway. Have you been to Daytona Beach before? What was your favorite part?
*This was a FAM trip offered by Sunwing Vacations. All opinions are 100% my own.
