Just thought I’d do a shortish trip report for our holiday to Florida. There was just the two of us in our party just me and my husband we are both in our early 30’s and it was our 2nd trip to Fla, we’re from the U.K.

We used Trailfinders to book our flights, car hire and travel insurance we found them very helpful. Our flights were with Air Canada (Heathrow to Tampa, via Toronto) . We hired a car from Alamo – No complaints there.

The night before out flight we stayed at Forte Crest – Heathrow Airport, which cost £85 this included 2 weeks parking.

Our holiday was from November 2 to November 16. Only a few weeks ago, but it seems a lifetime away now!! The weather was lovely just what we needed after another crummy English summer ! The temperatures in the first week were 80-85, sunny everyday, it was a little cooler the second week, only rained once, plenty warm enough for sea swimming (Gulf Coast) shorts and T-shirt weather every day.

The hotel/motel chains we used were – Hampton Inn, Ramada, Comfort Inn, Days Inn and La Quinta. We also stayed in Naples Hotel and Suites (not sure if this one was a chain or not). The price range was between $35 - $50 (not including tax) per night, apart from the Hampton Inn which was close to Tampa Airport which cost $90 inc. tax. Almost all of the accommodation’s included breakfast in their room rate.

We used the accommodation coupons/vouchers from the Traveller Guide (green book?) which you can pick up in the entrance of Denny’s Restaurants. Or if you are from the U.K. and are a member of the AA you can apply for a AAA card which gives you 10% off some room rates. Although for us the Traveller Guide worked out the cheapest.

Well, here’s what we got up to on our holiday, lots of eating (so much choice, you just have to!), Clearwater Beach, Adventure Golf, Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, Juniper Springs (Ocala Forest), Orlando – Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Blizzard Beach (Excellent), Astronaut Hall of Fame, Naples, Kayaking – Marco Island, Sanibel Island – walking, swimming and shelling, Sarasota’s Classic Car Museum, Dolphin Encounter from Clearwater Beach, beach walking and shopping.

Thanks again for all your replies to the dozens of questions I asked before going.

Nic, I'm so glad you had a good time in Florida and that you had a couple of weeks of warm weather.
You folks have really had some bad weather lately.
Thanks for taking the time in writing up a good trip report.
Come see us again soon!

Happy your trip was such a success and fun for you. And that Alamo and Hampton Inn worked out just fine. It does sound like you were busy and saw a lot, and that the weather was nice. Hope you're able to return again in the future. Just one question: am I also eligible for those coupons from Denny's if I'm just coming in from out of state? Thanks, and ciao.

Hi Leone,
Yes, anybody can use those coupons you just have to present the coupon when you check in (I think they only work for walk-ins, and sometimes they are not accepted at weekends, its worth a try though).

The green book coupons are for walk-in's only (to the best of my knowledge). There's also usually a disclaimer in the book stating that only a certain number of rooms may be available at that rate. I always get the price at the desk BEFORE I present the coupon (just to be sure I'm really getting the lowest price). I've only had the coupon rejected for lack of available rooms on one occasion. If you're traveling in NY state the green booklets are also available in the rest stops on the NY state Thruway.

I was a single women and I decided I would try to take away the stress of being a lawyer by going to Florida on a vacation. I went to Florida and met this great guy!! We have been going out for about 1 year and have decided to get married. But get this, to ask me to marry him he took me back to Florida. I had NO idea he was going to ask me but then after we eat dinner we went to see this light parade. There were fireworks too. And all of a sudden we were looking up into the sky and up in that sky said "SHELLEY WILL YOU MARRY ME?" Then poped up "LOVE TALOR." I knew intently it was me and these people came and held a microphone up to me and I said "YES!" He gave me the ring and now we are going to get married in May 2001. That is why I love Florida, Good Memories!

shell I wish I could have some of your luck--finding a decent guy on vacation. Good Luck. Nic I'm glad you had such a nice time thanks for all your suggestions.