Ticket Sales Begin for Orlando to Miami Brightline Train

This morning a new chapter begins for those who travel within Florida. Short flights within the state are a pain in the butt. You have to get to the airport early. Then the wait to board. Then the wait to take off. Then the wait to get off the plane. Then the taxi to the middle of the city. Fortunately we can see the light at the end of the train tunnel.

Tampa doesn't have a Brightline station ... yet. But we're next. This morning tickets went on sale for the first rides aboard that Brightline train to Miami from Orlando. Service will begin September 1st. They estimate the ride will take about 2-1/2 to 3 hours.

A round trip ticket for two after taxes and fees comes out to about $316. Kids are about half that price. If you go in a group of four or more, you can save money that way too... about 25% off.

Here's something Tampa travelers can take advantage of NOW. Frontier Airlines is offering a $500 summer pass that lets you fly whenever you like all summer. Here's where they fly to direct from Tampa.

Frontier this week announced they cut the price of their summer pass that lets you fly anywhere you like. Head to a beach in the Caribbean or fly to Buffalo to get some wings. The GoWild! all-You-Can-Fly Summer Pass will cost you $499. Fly anywhere you like until the end of September. Where can you go from Tampa? Here's their list of cities you can fly to direct from Tampa International Airport.

Go visit the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame or hop on a bike and check out 60 miles of trails at the Cleveland Metroparks.

Walk around Old San Juan and check out the oldest governor's mansion still in use or just explore the incredible coastline.

Go directly to Jim's on South Street for the best cheesesteak anywhere.  You'd think given my name Geno's would be my pick.  It's definitely the most famous cheesesteak spot, but honestly Jim's is way better.

Explore the Rocky Mountains or visit Red Rocks Park.

If Long Island doesn't excite you, you're not far from New York City.

Go check out that new Sphere.  U2 is doing a residency there this year.  Tickets aren't cheap though!

I can't think of many reasons to visit Trenton, but hey you'd be smack dab in the middle of 2 great cities to visit - NYC and Philadelphia.

Let's go get some wings!

Staying on the food vibe, do not miss devouring some deep dish at Lou Malnati's.

A short one hour jump.  Try to see if anything is going on at their enormous stadium.  I got to visit for the Super Bowl a couple years ago and just being at the stadium itself is an experience.

Go get some the best BBQ anywhere after a visit to Pioneer Plaza.

It'll be just as hot as Florida, but without the humidity! Check out Castles 'n Coasters.

Don't miss the Ohio River Trail.

We have beautiful beaches in Tampa Bay, but go check out some new ones.

Another Puerto Rico choice. Go hop on the jet skis.

Go check out the new Freedom Park.

Jamaica mon! Go see some of the best spots to snorkel anywhere.

Another great place to go for BBQ and butter cake.  Check out Sugar Fire!  Jump ahead about 12 mins in this video.

Definitely hit up the John Ball Zoo.

Make your vacation cheesy.  Visit The Curd Nerd.

Go for the beer or the great art museums. Or both.

Head to North Market. Lots of great mom and pop restaurants and independent shops.

Go see a Packers game. And get some cheese curds there too.