*This is a collaborative post. Please see my disclosure policy for details
I will be honest with you when I say that Florida is a destination that has never been at the top of my bucket list. I like to base my holidays around good food and the great outdoors and I just didn't have that perception of Florida at all.
But then my friends, work colleagues, acquaintances, readers....everyone would continue to recommend Florida to me so I decided to do a little research and do you know what, I changed my mind! I can now see why others love it and Florida is not only the best place in the world to head to for family fun and theme parks but it also has so much more to offer.
Did you know for example that Florida is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles co-exist in the wild and is the only American state to have extensive shallow coral reef near it's coast?
Florida seems to have everything you could possibly need from a family holiday. Not only are you surrounded by entertainment, theme parks and water parks but there is a gorgeous coast to explore, an abundance of nature on your doorstep, the sun normally shines, there are daily flights from the UK and when it comes to dining out, families are actually spoilt for choice. Who wouldn't want to holiday somewhere as beautiful as this?
But then my friends, work colleagues, acquaintances, readers....everyone would continue to recommend Florida to me so I decided to do a little research and do you know what, I changed my mind! I can now see why others love it and Florida is not only the best place in the world to head to for family fun and theme parks but it also has so much more to offer.
Did you know for example that Florida is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles co-exist in the wild and is the only American state to have extensive shallow coral reef near it's coast?
Florida seems to have everything you could possibly need from a family holiday. Not only are you surrounded by entertainment, theme parks and water parks but there is a gorgeous coast to explore, an abundance of nature on your doorstep, the sun normally shines, there are daily flights from the UK and when it comes to dining out, families are actually spoilt for choice. Who wouldn't want to holiday somewhere as beautiful as this?
So I've changed my mind but the more I looked into it, the more I realised that taking a trip to Florida needs a serious amount of planning. We hope to visit within the next couple of years but I've already started researching our trip. Here are some ways you can start getting organised:
Do lots of research to find the best deal
Florida is a popular destination and there's no denying that it can be expensive. I've heard of quotes of over 20k for some families. Yikes! My advice is to compare lots of sites and obtain as many quotes as possible. Check out both the large tour operators and specialist websites such at TravelPlanners.co.uk. Always make sure the agent is ATOL and ABTA protected so if something does go wrong, you know you're protected. Travel Planners are currently offering some cracking deals to Orlando and I have found that booking a villa will usually work out cheaper than staying in a hotel.
Use Facebook groups
Whenever I am planning a holiday I always scour the internet for relevant groups. They are the perfect place to ask real people for advice. It's Orlando Time has been a fantastic resource to me and with over 100,000 members, it's full of hints and tips from those in the know. I've learned all sorts such as how using Uber can save more money than car hire, where to look for dining discounts, how to access free water in theme parks and more. Members post lots of budgeting tips and daily mini blogs and photos of what they've been up to as well so it's a fab group for inspiration and to look for itinerary ideas.
Read specialist blogs
Obviously, as a blogger myself, I am a little bit biased but reading blogs is a fantastic way to gain inspiration and keep up to date with the latest activities available in Florida. TouringPlans.com is a specialist site for those heading to Disney World. You'll find crowd calendars, restaurant reviews, customised park plans and more. Another site I like is Orlandoinformer.com which is packed with the latest ride previews, announcements and rumours - perfect for bed time reading and getting into that holiday spirit and best to start reading well in advance of your trip. Finallly, if you prefer something a little more visual, BigFatPanda.com is a fab YT channel featuring weekly videos from various parks and resorts in Florida alongside monthly round-ups. Definitely worth checking out.
Get organised with a holiday planner
There is so much to think about when planning a holiday to Florida and I think it's always best to try and get it down on paper - it will help you to feel less overwhelmed and hopefully not forget anything! Renew passports, apply for ESTAs, packing lists, itinerary, budget....there is so much to think about. I am a little addicted to buying stationery and absolutely love these Holiday Planner inserts from The Ultimate Success Planner on Etsy (Natalie is a local North East business). The FiloFax inserts include a holiday countdown, flight info, things to buy and pack lists, spending trackers and more. Perfect for keeping your holiday planning all in one place.
So there you have my top tips for planning a holiday to Florida. Let me know if you have any top planning tips or recommendations too.
£20K! That's a lot - but you're right, there are so many different ways you can save money on this kind of trip. Of course, I'm completely with you on reading blogs as a way to gen up on the subject!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info. I've been dying to go back to Florida since going there as a child. My child is 4. Do you think that's too young to be able to enjoy all that's on offer? Obviously it's a costly holiday so I want to make full use of everything. P.s I've pinned this hope that's ok. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI would say from 6yo onwards is a perfect age. That's when we are planning on taking our little boy and I cant wait!!
DeleteIt's the happiest place on earth and I hope you and your family have a fab time.
Great tips Sam! I really want to go to Florida, but my kids are getting to the age where they don't really think Disney is 'cool' anymore. I'm devastated! But you've reminded me that there's more to Florida than just Disney. Now I need to start saving big time!!
ReplyDeleteWe've been to Florida but didn't do any planning as it was lastminute.com for us. I have so many regrets about not finding time to do certain trips that we'll just have to return for a more leisurely break next time :)
ReplyDeleteThere is some fab tips here! We have been talking about Florida .. do we..don't we...!? But it does look beautiful and you are so right, there is so much to see and do and there's more than just Disney x fab post x
ReplyDeleteGreat tips here Sam, it takes FOREVER to plan a family holiday to Orlando! Any tips are useful trips!
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine goes to Florida every other year, and you're right - she rates the food there very highly. Some great tips here, Sam x
ReplyDeleteFlorida is somewhere I really want to visit, and it's something I have been looking into as well. When you start exploring the area, there's actually a lot of variety I think
ReplyDeleteSome fab tips here Sam! I lived in Orlando for a year and then near by in Savannah for three years, still picked up some good tips here though;)
ReplyDeleteWe went last year with no planning whatsoever, the level of planning you can do scares me, but it is amazing what is out there and such a good idea to get the lowdown from other families. Great post.
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