Kissimmee/Southwest of Orlando: Orlando

Kissimmee is generally known as the heart of more economical places to stay when visiting Orlando, and particularly when visiting Walt Disney World. No doubt – Kissimmee is bright, brash and full of tourists – especially the main souvenir strip of Highway 192. But looking a bit further will show that there's a quieter, more authentic side to the town with the cowboy history - that's right, cowboys who were here long before the theme parks.

First, if you want to get Western in the heart of tourism, Kissimmee is home to not one but two rodeos. One is held monthly at the Kissimmee Sports Arena, and the Silver Spurs Rodeo, held annually, is the self-described biggest rodeo east of the Mississippi River.

Next, Kissimmee is full of natural Florida surprises, including Disney's Wilderness Preserve system whose 12,000 acres straddles the Everglades. Speaking of Everglades, get the real-deal unobstructed view of Florida birds, turtles, and of course alligators via an airboat ride.

Finally, one of the best aspects of Kissimmee is its location: It's a terrific travel hub for those who plan to split their time between Orlando, Disney, Tampa Bay and the Atlantic coast beaches. © NileGuide