Florida flowers by Kathern Welsh.
Florida holidays
It seems that travellers to Florida can’t help but give the State a nickname; La Florida, as it was christened by the earliest package tour operator (the Spanish Empire) means the flowery land – and Florida likes to live up to its reputation. Better known today as the Sunshine State – again the area likes to live up to its promises – it could also be called the ‘best of all worlds’ land’. If Disney World holidays conjure up images of hyperactive children fuelled on a diet of sticky, messy junk food and oversized Mickey Mouse wannabes sweltering in the tropical sun, think again. OK, Florida is well known for its theme parks – but there is far more to the State than meets the eye. Disney holidays in 2012 are a great option for families – offering plenty of fun and activity for the kids. But Florida holidays can also offer so much more.
Historic sites
Florida has, like many strategically important locations, a very varied history indeed. Its tropical climate made it popular with native tribes as did its abundant natural resources. In modern times the State has been variously administered by the French, Spanish, British and ultimately the US, although not necessarily in that order. The state boasts the oldest continually-inhabited European city, St Augustine, on mainland US soil with its own historical attractions. These include the Castillo de San Marcos, once the refuge from invading British troops. Highly prized for both its location and climate, Florida continues to attract invasions of visitors from all over the world. The different historical influences give the region its own peculiar feel and its own character. The constant warm temperatures add a laid-back attitude amongst Floridians that makes the State a perfect place to take a holiday!
Theme park fixes
The best thing a cheap Florida holidays is that you really can have it all! The climate means that the State is ideal for holidaying at any time of the year and the attractions on offer mean that there is something for everyone. Theme parks are plentiful – Orlando is the area to visit. In addition to the well-known Walt Disney World® Resort theme park there are plenty more in the area and a visit to the city itself is not without its rewards. Keeping the kids entertained is crucial if it’s a family holiday and with the quality of attractions and theme parks high this is doesn’t make your Florida holiday seem like hard work! Many of the theme parks are also decidedly geared to adults and can help you to discover that child within – often not as far below the surface as you would imagine!
Leaving it all behind – but not that far behind
When it comes to theme park saturation point – although your kids may not reach that, even in Florida – then the State has plenty to offer for those long extremely lazy days on the beach. The Space Coast, only 35 miles from Orlando, is renowned for its peaceful stretches of coastline, which have remained undeveloped, thanks ironically to the presence of the Kennedy Space Center. The beauty with holidays to Florida is simply that you are never far from civilisation and yet you can feel as if you have truly left it all behind.