By Rick Watkins
A holiday in Florida doesn't have to cost the earth - or involve theme parks! Virgin Holidays gives you the inside track on how to enjoy the simple, homely side of the Sunshine State.
With world-famous theme parks, fabulous beaches and warm, sunny weather, Florida is a great place to take a family summer holiday. There are countless resorts and hotels offering all the comforts and facilities you could wish for, but what if you fancy something a little different, or you're on a bit of a budget? No problem - there are some smart money-saving alternatives that will still let you get the best out of a trip to Florida.
Home from home
If you want to make your cash stretch a bit further, or if you fancy time with the family away from the crowds of a hotel, the best solution is to rent a private home in Florida. There are plenty of smart modern homes available in and around Orlando and the Gulf Coast, and choosing one for your holiday home is great value - especially if you're travelling in a large family group. You can find houses with between three and seven bedrooms and spacious lounges and dining rooms, so there's ample space for even the largest of families.
You'll find that everything is provided, including bed linen and towels, and the facilities are superb. The houses typically have all the homely mod-cons you could wish for, with a large, fully-equipped kitchen that lets you save money and cook whatever you want for yourself, rather than being tied to the set meal times at hotels. Most also have sun terraces and gardens for you to relax in, as well as private swimming pools - not something you'll get at the average hotel!
Most houses come with a garage so you'll have somewhere to keep your hire car. If you fancy a little more luxury, you can hire a maid to keep everything spick-and-span. Meanwhile, if you want to keep in touch with what's going on at home, you can even have British newspapers delivered to your door!
The homes are mostly located in quiet residential neighbourhoods but are still within easy reach of the major attractions. If you're here for the theme-parks around Orlando, then the homes in Polk County and Lake County - around 25 minutes' drive from the city - make ideal bases for visiting WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT, Universal Orlando® Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, and many other family-friendly attractions.
Beyond the theme parks
Of course, Florida's not all theme parks: Lake County takes its name from the 500-plus lakes that can be found there, so it's great for fishing, boating and kayaking. Lake and Polk counties both have plenty of parks, playgrounds and communal recreation areas where you can feel part of the local community.
If you are looking for something less hectic, and stunning beaches and wild nature appeal more than roller coasters, Florida's Gulf Coast region (facing west to the Gulf of Mexico) could be perfect. Popular with US tourists but less familiar to Brits, it makes an interesting alternative to the more mainstream resorts, but there's still plenty going on to keep the kids occupied. The beaches of Fort Myers, Naples and exclusive Marco Island are among the best in the state, and the subtropical Florida Everglades are a must-see. Why not take a boat trip to see the state's wildlife, or go kayaking or canoeing on an organised eco-tour and discover the resident alligators, spoonbills and egrets?
Whether you fancy a family holiday away from the crowds, or you just want to make the most of your budget, a rented holiday home can provide the perfect base. And, whatever you and your family are into, Florida has it in spades.
If the home comforts of Florida sound like the perfect holiday for
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Rik Watkins is a freelance travel journalist who regularly writes for Lonely Planet and Rough Guides.