Hi everyone,
Just looking for some general advice about Florida - we're planning a 7-10 day break at the end of April. We're travelling from the UK, and we had originally planned to head south in Europe for some sunshine, but there are good packages to Florida at present, so it may be worth travelling the extra distance.

Most of the fly/drive/accommodation packages are based around the theme parks/International Drive. For those who have spent time in this area, how does this type of holiday compare with a Florida beach trip (in terms of relaxation, shopping, eating out, athmosphere...)? I know being close to the parks is a big advantage, but we only want to spend 1-2 days there, and are afraid we might miss out on the best 'chill' factor if we are not at the beach. What do you think?

Our other consideration is which grade hotel to choose. Does 3* in the U.S. compare well with 3* in Europe - is it worth upgrading to a 4* hotel in Florida?

Anna

I would suggest you do the beach trip rather than stay around the theme parks. Orlando isn't that far from St Pete Beach. The resort where I go every year for a long weekend is always occupied by Aussies and Brits so it just may be one that is being offered in your package. It's called the Dolphin Beach Resort. I've stayed there for years. It's not fancy, but you can't beat the beach there. Nice and wide, lovely sand, plenty of room. That would be my choice.

I live in Tampa Florida. We have some of the pretttiest beaches here, it would be a shame to miss them. You are about 1 hour to the east cost and the ocean and about 2-3 to the Gulf of Mexico depending where you want to stay. St Petersburg/Clearwater area is very nice. On the east coast you could see St Augustine with its history, or Daytona has a lot of hot spots for the younger crowd. Amelia Island is pretty and is relaxing. It really just depends on what you want to do. As far as the hotels 3 stars are a good quality and is usually moderately priced. I've never been to Europe so I don't know how to compare them. My family stays in 3 star hotels, and are always comfortable.

A little time in the theme parks goes a long way (and will eat up your money rapidly), between the crowds and being herded around to get into and out of the places, not to mention a quick overdose of cutesy unreality (imho).

The beaches are a much better idea for chilling out, certainly, but you should know the difference between the Atlantic beaches and the Gulf beaches. In the opinion of many, the Gulf beaches are prettier, have softer and whiter sand and warmer water. (Cars drive on the Daytona sand, for an example of an Atlantic beach, although not all are like that). St. Pete is good, but you can/should check out anything from the pan-handle down to the keys for a good combination of lovely beach and interesting/congenial town. The end of April is an ideal time to go -- spring break is over, "season" is over but not yet into full-blown summer. What would appeal to you?

I have found that US 3* and 4* hotels are usually somehat more upscale then what you find in europe - or perhaps its just different expectations. For example, for us Holdiay Inn is 3*, Hilton, Marriott and Sheraton are basic 4* (if that's any help). If you're not r4eally intrested in the theme parks I wouldn't go to Orlando - it's really built aroud the parks and there's a big focus on kids vs adult activities. If you do decide to go for orlando I would choose a hotel that is not kid-oriented (the Hyatt Grand Cypress is a nice property - good pools, biking, golf etc - with relatively few kids - big and sometimes has small conventions - but you can usually get good rates there). There are other things to see/do - Sea World, city of Orlando etc that would interest adults more - do a search of orlando above for more info.

Thanks everyone!
The packages we're looking at seem to be mostly Orlando, but what about if we take a flydrive deal with no accommodation, and get our own accommodation on either coast? The difference is about $300 per person, could we get nice accommodation for a week for $600, just husband and I. Maybe we could even stay in 2 locations, though I wouldn't want to pack in more than 2 hotels into a one week stay.

We tend to like our luxuries, and are pretty easy to please as far as entertainment goes if we have a nice hotel and good weather.

Anna

$600 week is not going to give you the "luxuries" you like. The end of April is the mid-season because the Canadian snowbirds have left -- they have to be back in Canada by April 15 to claim their health benefits. Hopefully, the Easter break folks (April 11) will have also cleared out by then so I think this is a good time to come.

What hotels are listed in the packages?