How To Get The Most Out Of Florida Holidays

Florida holidays have been a popular choice for families since 1955, when Walt Disney built his famous theme park there. Sunshine and theme parks are often the first thing to spring to mind when Florida is mentioned, however, there is so much more to see and do in this state than movie sets, giant zoos and roller coasters.

It's worth doing a little research before you go to make sure you know exactly where about you want to be. Lake Buena Vista, International Drive and Kissimmee, are all well located for SeaWorld, Disney MGM Studios, the Epcot Space Centre, Universal Studios, and the wonderful Magic Kingdom.

Over on the west coast you could stay in St Petersburg or Clearwater for a fabulous beach holiday with the option to visit the Salvador Dali Museum, and fantastic Busch Gardens in nearby Tampa Bay.

The best beaches to the east of Florida would have to include Daytona, Cocoa and New Smyna beaches. All within easy reach of the J. F. Kennedy Space Centre where if you are lucky enough you might just meet a real astronaut.

Then there's the cosmopolitan resort of Naples, with its luxurious beach cottages, or the extensive water sports further south on Miami Beach. Swimming with dolphins is a popular pastime on Florida holidays; you can do this at Florida Keys along with scuba diving and deep sea fishing with the chance to catch a barracuda.

The Everglades National Park is one of the most beautiful places on earth and the only place you'll ever see alligators and crocodiles living together in their natural habitats. You may also be lucky enough to see the elusive Florida Panther in the park but you are guaranteed to see fascinating wildlife and beautiful birds and plants on your visit.

Once you choose what you want to see whilst you are there, you need to think about your accommodation. Self catering and bed and breakfast options will give the chance to try the many places to eat and drink in the area. All inclusive resorts offer the chance to relax and enjoy some pampering in luxurious surroundings, yet perhaps not the chance to explore Florida to the fullest.

If it's the theme parks you are here for then room only options are usually the best way to go, as all you will need is somewhere to sleep and recharge your energy for the next day. You need to think about how much time you will actually spend in your accommodation and exactly what you need while you are there. If you feel you may be spending quite a bit of time at your accommodation then think about its facilities, Disney's Pop Century Resort and the Movie, Sport and Music All Star Resorts all have exciting themes, novelty characters and fun shaped buildings and pools.

For larger families there's the Disney Luxury Homes, located just 20 minutes from the theme parks, they sleep up to 12 people and have private pools.

So it's worth doing a little bit of planning before you book your Florida holidays, choose your accommodation and location carefully to ensure you are close enough to the attractions you want to see, think about how much time you will spend at your accommodation and make sure your trip really is the holiday of a lifetime.