May 23, 2025 • 9 mins
School is out, and summer is heating up, but it’s not too late to book that perfect Florida summer vacation. Whether you’re craving pristine beaches, plentiful nature & outdoor adventures, or flavorful food, there are destinations in the Sunshine State that deliver it all without breaking the bank! Travel journalist and Florida native Carmen Ordonez is sharing her top travel tips for crafting the ultimate summer vacation. From family favorites to hidden gems, Carmen is the perfect guide to help.
Carmen Ordonez is a leading on-air lifestyle and travel expert, TV Host, Spokesperson and founder behind Viva Fashion. She has appeared in several media outlets including The New York Times, The TODAY Show, Univision, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, CNN, Telemundo and InStyle Magazine to name a few. She is currently the host of "ION Style" on the ION Television Network and shares her practical lifestyle advice on various TV shows including Telemundo's Un Nuevo Dia and Univision's Desiderata America. Prior to launching Viva Fashion, Carmen worked as an entertainment and fashion reporter in Miami.
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
There's a special edition of Late Night Health on Mark Allen.
You know, it's summertime, and as summer comes just once
a year, we want to get away. We want to
have a good time, and we don't want to spend
a whole bunch of money.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Our guest is Carmen.
Speaker 1 (00:27):
Ordina's and we're gonna be talking about Florida.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Welcome to the program, Carmen.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Hi, Mark, thank you so much for having me our pleasure.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Is Florida really a great place to go?
Speaker 3 (00:42):
And it's bensive, It really is. I mean, I'm born
and raised in Florida, and I feel like some of
my favorite summer vacation memories have happened right here in
my own state. And that's the beauty about you know,
living in Florida, you don't have to go too far.
It really feels like every time your experience experiencing somewhere new.
For example, two of my top favorite destinations if you're
(01:06):
looking for a summer getaway Greater Fort Lauderdale as well
as Saint Lucy. They both offer stunning beaches and just
so much to do. For example, Greater Fort Lauderdale has
over four thousand eateries, including Michelin recognized restaurants. You also
have stunning rooftops, craft breweries. There's also a thriving arts
and culture scene and just so much to do. Another
(01:26):
favorite of mine Saint Lucy. I mean, Saint Lucy has
more of a hidden beach gem. It has twenty one
miles of pristine, uncrowded beaches, perfect for a family getaway,
even if you want to travel with your pets. They
have the pet friendly Walton Rocks Beach. You also have
to check out South Beach, and this is Saint Lucy's
very own South Beach, which is family friendly. I mean,
(01:47):
there's never a dull moment. So if you're thinking about
visiting Florida, I'm gonna tell you you're gonna have the
best summer vacation.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
I've been to Florida many times and i've South Beach
is one of my favorites because of food.
Speaker 2 (02:01):
It is. Well.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
You have to check out St. Lucy's South Beach, which
is really beautiful as well. You have the Miami South
Beach and then the Saint Lucy South Beach, which is
absolutely sunny. This one's more uncrowded, you know, very relaxing.
If you're looking for more of a very tranquil summer.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
And there's all kinds of things to do as well.
I mean, being on the beach is great, and that's
something I would like just.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
Like six weeks of right now. But there are other
things to do. You mentioned arts for.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
Example, yes, yes, and you know with Outdoors Month coming up,
you also want to you know, if you want to
spend out time out doors, there's so much to do
in that aspect as well. For example, in Greater Fort
Lauderdale you can go on an airboat tour. But I
also want to mention Saint Lucy. I don't know if
you know this mark, but it has one of the
(02:56):
very few places where you can go horseback riding right
on the shorelan and you can do this in Frederick
Douglas Memorial Park Beach. The perfect activity if you're playing
in a romantic getaway or if you just want to
wow the kids with something special. And then we spoke
a little bit about Greater for Lauderdale, but it also
has three hundred miles of inlet waterways perfect for boating.
You can go kayaking, you can go paddle boarding. You
(03:18):
can also do an airboat tour, which is so much fun.
And in Saint Lucie again you can also do some fishing.
They're really big in fishing at some of the best
fishing in the state. And then in Greater Fort Lauderdale
you also have Butterfly World, a really fun activity, especially
for little ones. My five year old absolutely loves this place.
And then of course you also have the beautiful Atlantic beaches,
(03:41):
perfect for a game of volleyball or just sunbathing or
even having a seaside picnic. There's so much to do.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
We should have started by saying that you're a travel
TV host and.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
A spokesperson A right, your.
Speaker 3 (03:59):
Bat, I am, Well, I've been traveling ever since I
was a little girl. I think I went on my
first flight when I was nine years old, and I
actually traveled by myself. Well back in those days, why
I think they still do it now. They'll have like
a flight attendant go with you. My mom would send me,
you know, to visit my family in Columbia. So I
think ever since I was a little girl, you know,
(04:20):
I have that travel bug and I just think it's
a really great way to make memories, right, and I
love you know, being that I'm from Florida, I just
think There's just so much to do in this beautiful state,
and it's really a time. I think one of the
great things that I love about traveling is that you're
not thinking about anything else. You're really just focusing on
making memories with your loved ones. And I think at
(04:41):
the end of the day, that's what it's all about,
you know, just like making memories that will last you
a lifetime.
Speaker 1 (04:47):
I was thinking about Daytona Beach because Daytona Beach they
used to I don't know if they still do.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Can you still drive on the beach?
Speaker 3 (04:55):
Yes, you sure can. I love Daytona Beach. My son
has soccer pracked soccer tournaments. They actually have one that
already passed. It was in Daytona. There's just so many
beautiful places. You also have, you know, Captiva Island, you
have Senebell. You know, we talked about Greater for Lauderdale
and Saint Lucy. You also have the thirty A area,
which is absolutely gorgeous. That's on my bucket list to
(05:18):
go to this summer. And then I mean there's just
so much and of course Miami, I'm from Miami. There's
just so much to do there as well.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
And the space Coast is Oh.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Yes, I was actually there two weeks ago for my
son's school field trip. Absolutely amazing. I you know, I
highly recommended. And they also have fun experiences where they
have like an astronaut training experience where you get to
train just like an astronaut. I mean I went through
as I have so many beautiful memories. I went there
(05:51):
when I was in high school. We went for a
school field trip as well, and it's just so much fun.
You know, you have the you know, Kennedy Space Center,
you also have the parks. So yeah, I mean there's
just so much to do and not enough time, I feel.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
And what about.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
Speaking of time, how much time should a family plan
a week?
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Two weeks?
Speaker 3 (06:16):
Yes, well it really depends, you know, what is your goal.
But I always say a week is like a great
It is a good amount of time, especially if you
want to plan more of a relaxing you know, get
away and just spend like I like the idea.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
You know.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Last year we did Anna Maria Island and it was
absolutely beautiful. We just spent one week there just relaxing.
This summer, we're actually going to Saint Lucy because they
have so many fun activities For example, for families that
are visiting Saint Lucy, I highly recommend they have a
new Treasure Coast Kids Quest. It's kind of like a
scavenger hunt, which is amazing, so you can go to
(06:52):
top attractions, the kids complete in activity, and then you
get a prize at the end. So that's something that
I'm definitely looking forward to checking out this summer. And
then in greater for Lauderdale, they also have some new
additions as well with new restaurants, so they have Timber
on Lasla's Boulevard. They also have Earls Kitchen and Bar.
And then another must mark that you have to check out.
(07:13):
You have to mark your calendar for August and September
because that is when Dine Out Lauderdale is going to
take place. So you're going to get these amazing deals
on top restaurants as well as Michelin recognize restaurants, so
you want to make sure to take advantage of that.
But most importantly, if you're also looking for some great deals,
I highly recommend that you check out price Line because
(07:35):
right now visit Florida, they're partnering with them to help
you get an extra fifteen percent off their Florida Express
Deals and that's already on top of the already up
to forty percent discounted rate. So that's taking place from
now until May twenty sixth. All you have to do
is use the code Book Summer fifteen, so definitely be
sure to check that out as well.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Do that code again, it's.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
Book Summer fifteen, so you're gonna put that on the
price line checkout page. So yeah, again you're getting an
extra fifteen percent off the already forty percent discounted rate
up to forty percent.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
And there's also all the Universal Studios.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
And yes, don't get me started. I mean they have
a new theme park that just opened up. It's gonna
be opening up this month in May, so you know,
Epic Universes. My son is going crazy about this place,
so again, definitely check that out as well, and then
for more information you can simply head on over to
visit Florida dot com.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
Visit Florida dot com is the website, and then of
course remember that that code for price line because that
will save you.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
Some more money.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
Absolutely, absolutely, thank you so much Mark for having me
my pleasure.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
I'm Mark Allen and this is late night hell
There's a special edition of Late Night Health on Mark Allen.
You know, it's summertime, and as summer comes just once
a year, we want to get away. We want to
have a good time, and we don't want to spend
a whole bunch of money.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Our guest is Carmen.
Speaker 1 (00:27):
Ordina's and we're gonna be talking about Florida.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Welcome to the program, Carmen.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Hi, Mark, thank you so much for having me our pleasure.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Is Florida really a great place to go?
Speaker 3 (00:42):
And it's bensive, It really is. I mean, I'm born
and raised in Florida, and I feel like some of
my favorite summer vacation memories have happened right here in
my own state. And that's the beauty about you know,
living in Florida, you don't have to go too far.
It really feels like every time your experience experiencing somewhere new.
For example, two of my top favorite destinations if you're
(01:06):
looking for a summer getaway Greater Fort Lauderdale as well
as Saint Lucy. They both offer stunning beaches and just
so much to do. For example, Greater Fort Lauderdale has
over four thousand eateries, including Michelin recognized restaurants. You also
have stunning rooftops, craft breweries. There's also a thriving arts
and culture scene and just so much to do. Another
(01:26):
favorite of mine Saint Lucy. I mean, Saint Lucy has
more of a hidden beach gem. It has twenty one
miles of pristine, uncrowded beaches, perfect for a family getaway,
even if you want to travel with your pets. They
have the pet friendly Walton Rocks Beach. You also have
to check out South Beach, and this is Saint Lucy's
very own South Beach, which is family friendly. I mean,
(01:47):
there's never a dull moment. So if you're thinking about
visiting Florida, I'm gonna tell you you're gonna have the
best summer vacation.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
I've been to Florida many times and i've South Beach
is one of my favorites because of food.
Speaker 2 (02:01):
It is. Well.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
You have to check out St. Lucy's South Beach, which
is really beautiful as well. You have the Miami South
Beach and then the Saint Lucy South Beach, which is
absolutely sunny. This one's more uncrowded, you know, very relaxing.
If you're looking for more of a very tranquil summer.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
And there's all kinds of things to do as well.
I mean, being on the beach is great, and that's
something I would like just.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
Like six weeks of right now. But there are other
things to do. You mentioned arts for.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
Example, yes, yes, and you know with Outdoors Month coming up,
you also want to you know, if you want to
spend out time out doors, there's so much to do
in that aspect as well. For example, in Greater Fort
Lauderdale you can go on an airboat tour. But I
also want to mention Saint Lucy. I don't know if
you know this mark, but it has one of the
(02:56):
very few places where you can go horseback riding right
on the shorelan and you can do this in Frederick
Douglas Memorial Park Beach. The perfect activity if you're playing
in a romantic getaway or if you just want to
wow the kids with something special. And then we spoke
a little bit about Greater for Lauderdale, but it also
has three hundred miles of inlet waterways perfect for boating.
You can go kayaking, you can go paddle boarding. You
(03:18):
can also do an airboat tour, which is so much fun.
And in Saint Lucie again you can also do some fishing.
They're really big in fishing at some of the best
fishing in the state. And then in Greater Fort Lauderdale
you also have Butterfly World, a really fun activity, especially
for little ones. My five year old absolutely loves this place.
And then of course you also have the beautiful Atlantic beaches,
(03:41):
perfect for a game of volleyball or just sunbathing or
even having a seaside picnic. There's so much to do.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
We should have started by saying that you're a travel
TV host and.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
A spokesperson A right, your.
Speaker 3 (03:59):
Bat, I am, Well, I've been traveling ever since I
was a little girl. I think I went on my
first flight when I was nine years old, and I
actually traveled by myself. Well back in those days, why
I think they still do it now. They'll have like
a flight attendant go with you. My mom would send me,
you know, to visit my family in Columbia. So I
think ever since I was a little girl, you know,
(04:20):
I have that travel bug and I just think it's
a really great way to make memories, right, and I
love you know, being that I'm from Florida, I just
think There's just so much to do in this beautiful state,
and it's really a time. I think one of the
great things that I love about traveling is that you're
not thinking about anything else. You're really just focusing on
making memories with your loved ones. And I think at
(04:41):
the end of the day, that's what it's all about,
you know, just like making memories that will last you
a lifetime.
Speaker 1 (04:47):
I was thinking about Daytona Beach because Daytona Beach they
used to I don't know if they still do.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Can you still drive on the beach?
Speaker 3 (04:55):
Yes, you sure can. I love Daytona Beach. My son
has soccer pracked soccer tournaments. They actually have one that
already passed. It was in Daytona. There's just so many
beautiful places. You also have, you know, Captiva Island, you
have Senebell. You know, we talked about Greater for Lauderdale
and Saint Lucy. You also have the thirty A area,
which is absolutely gorgeous. That's on my bucket list to
(05:18):
go to this summer. And then I mean there's just
so much and of course Miami, I'm from Miami. There's
just so much to do there as well.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
And the space Coast is Oh.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Yes, I was actually there two weeks ago for my
son's school field trip. Absolutely amazing. I you know, I
highly recommended. And they also have fun experiences where they
have like an astronaut training experience where you get to
train just like an astronaut. I mean I went through
as I have so many beautiful memories. I went there
(05:51):
when I was in high school. We went for a
school field trip as well, and it's just so much fun.
You know, you have the you know, Kennedy Space Center,
you also have the parks. So yeah, I mean there's
just so much to do and not enough time, I feel.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
And what about.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
Speaking of time, how much time should a family plan
a week?
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Two weeks?
Speaker 3 (06:16):
Yes, well it really depends, you know, what is your goal.
But I always say a week is like a great
It is a good amount of time, especially if you
want to plan more of a relaxing you know, get
away and just spend like I like the idea.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
You know.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Last year we did Anna Maria Island and it was
absolutely beautiful. We just spent one week there just relaxing.
This summer, we're actually going to Saint Lucy because they
have so many fun activities For example, for families that
are visiting Saint Lucy, I highly recommend they have a
new Treasure Coast Kids Quest. It's kind of like a
scavenger hunt, which is amazing, so you can go to
(06:52):
top attractions, the kids complete in activity, and then you
get a prize at the end. So that's something that
I'm definitely looking forward to checking out this summer. And
then in greater for Lauderdale, they also have some new
additions as well with new restaurants, so they have Timber
on Lasla's Boulevard. They also have Earls Kitchen and Bar.
And then another must mark that you have to check out.
(07:13):
You have to mark your calendar for August and September
because that is when Dine Out Lauderdale is going to
take place. So you're going to get these amazing deals
on top restaurants as well as Michelin recognize restaurants, so
you want to make sure to take advantage of that.
But most importantly, if you're also looking for some great deals,
I highly recommend that you check out price Line because
(07:35):
right now visit Florida, they're partnering with them to help
you get an extra fifteen percent off their Florida Express
Deals and that's already on top of the already up
to forty percent discounted rate. So that's taking place from
now until May twenty sixth. All you have to do
is use the code Book Summer fifteen, so definitely be
sure to check that out as well.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Do that code again, it's.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
Book Summer fifteen, so you're gonna put that on the
price line checkout page. So yeah, again you're getting an
extra fifteen percent off the already forty percent discounted rate
up to forty percent.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
And there's also all the Universal Studios.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
And yes, don't get me started. I mean they have
a new theme park that just opened up. It's gonna
be opening up this month in May, so you know,
Epic Universes. My son is going crazy about this place,
so again, definitely check that out as well, and then
for more information you can simply head on over to
visit Florida dot com.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
Visit Florida dot com is the website, and then of
course remember that that code for price line because that
will save you.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
Some more money.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
Absolutely, absolutely, thank you so much Mark for having me
my pleasure.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
I'm Mark Allen and this is late night hell
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