Those living in the Midwest and Northern United States experienced a pretty harsh winter this year. To remind those hit with snow storm after snow storm, Florida Governor Rick Scott and VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation, hit the road earlier this month to invite potential travelers in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Chicago to vacation in Florida.

March 1 and 2, the governor and tourism ambassadors kicked off the mission with a rally in Florida’s tourism capital, Orlando. Gov. Scott and his entourage then traveled north on a whirlwind trip spreading sunshine in the form of personal invitations to vacation in Florida, tchotchkes and Florida vacation giveaways.

Those in Chicago were the biggest winners. While the Florida vacations given away throughout the journey were valid for a year, up to 120 Windy City winners boarded a Southwest Airlines charted jet bound for Orlando for a four-day vacation. Almost sounds like an Oprah move, doesn’t it?

If you’re tired of the cold Mother Nature bestowed on you this year, an affordable Florida vacation is in reach and the Sunshine State offers many vacation options. Escape the cold by visiting the Southern Most Point during a Key West vacation or play on the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean during a Daytona Beach trip. Get your thrill on during an Orlando family vacation or chill out and enjoy Florida’s Gulf coast during a getaway to Naples.

Remember, Florida’s called the Sunshine State for good reason so head south and defrost.

Image Source: VISIT FLORIDA

Punxsutawney Phil, probably the second most famous rodent next to Mickey, did not see his shadow this Groundhog Day meaning winter is ending and spring is on its way. But after all the snow this winter, can you wait until spring to defrost?

We have some ideas to escape the winter cold and soak up the sunshine and heat in the near-future. Here are our top warm-weather picks in the United States for this winter:

Las Vegas, Nev. – Seriously, you don’t need an excuse for a Las Vegas vacation but if you need one, four or five wallops of winter snow is good reason. Las Vegas is always evolving with grand resorts, superb entertainment and non-stop action. We can’t guarantee you’ll win big in the casinos but are pretty sure you’ll be filled with unforgettable memories.

New Orleans, La. - Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll during a New Orleans vacation.  Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare Cajun cuisine, get spooked during an evening city ghost tour, and let loose (but in control) on Bourbon Street when the music is pulsing. It’s not too early to find your New Orleans accommodations for Mardi Gras, which is Tuesday, March 8, 2011.

Palm Springs, Calif. – If winter has given you the blahs, travel to Palm Springs where average high temperatures range between the upper-70s to low-90s. Just reading that fills me with warm fuzzies. Explore canyons, tee it up on a golf course and soak up the snazzy sophistication while soaking up the sun.

Florida – There were reported sightings of Groundhog Phil basking in the Sunshine State’s warm rays the end of January. Apparently, the groundhog had enough of snow and boogied on down south for an early spring. Make like Phil and travel to Florida to enjoy eclectic Key West, flare of Naples, vroom of Daytona Beach and thrill of Orlando. Whether seeking beaches, nature, or exhilarating theme park rides, Florida offers something for everyone.

There’s only so much a cozy fireplace and grandma’s quilt can do to keep you warm. Escape on a warm-weather vacation to warm the spirit and soul.

Image Source: Naples, Marco Island & Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau

If planning a driving vacation to Key West after mid-February, you’ll want to pay attention. Florida’s Turnpike between Exit 1 and Exit 47, known as the Homestead Extension and primary route to the Florida Keys, plans to collect tolls electronically from travelers beginning Feb. 19, 2011. The good news is no more fishing for quarters or waiting in the sometimes long change given line.

Instead, tolls will be collected with the SunPass, Florida’s prepaid toll program, or by a system that photographs each vehicle’s license plate and mails a monthly bill to the vehicle’s registration owner for tolls in addition to a $2.50 administrative fee. This is called TOLL-BY-PLATE.

Beginning at the Miami-Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale line at mile marker 47 and heading south to marker 0 in Florida City, the new system impacts four toll plazas. Drivers no longer need to stop at these specific plazas but drive through each at a safe speed to either have their SunPass scanned or license plate photographed.

If driving down to the Keys along this route, order a mini-SunPass sticker prior to your Florida Keys vacation for $4.99 and receive the cost back in toll credits. Many Florida retailers and Turnpike service plazas also sell the pass which can be used on all Florida toll roads and many bridges. According to Florida Turnpike officials, SunPass users usually get a 25 cent discount at most plazas which can really add up in savings. Visit www.sunpass.com or call 1-888-865-5352 on how to purchase a SunPass sticker.

For those renting a car during your Florida vacation, most major rental car companies have it figured out by allowing renters to utilize the TOLL-BY-PLATE system. Tolls plus service fees are charged to the renter’s credit card. If planning on renting a car during a Florida Keys vacation and driving the Florida Turnpike, check out www.sunpass.com/rentalcar for specifics on how it works.

Happy travels!