By Kelsey Stetson, Funjet Insider
There's something so wonderfully American about a Florida family vacation. My family always drove. Mom at the wheel of our trusty Ford Escort wagon, Dad chilling in the passenger seat, flicking through the radio for the right rock song, and me and my sister nestled in the back seat with these little road-trip-desk-trays my mom would pack for us, filled with games, pencils, markers, books, and trivial pursuit cards that she would make us read her to show off how smart she is.
The whole trip would take about 24 hours from Vermont to West Palm Beach near Orlando, where my aunt and cousins lived. We would spend a couple days at Walt Disney World® riding a bunch of roller coasters (my dad and I love to chase thrills) and after some time on the beach, we would pack up and make another long journey home.
Take a trip to Florida together.
As fond as I am of these happy memories, traveling to spectacular Orlando today is so much faster, and there is A LOT more to see than when I was a kid.
10-year-old me would be stoked on Universal Orlando Resort™, especially at a chance to have a wand choose me at Ollivanders™ Wand Shop located in Diagon Alley™ at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Insider tip: You can order an Interactive Wand online before your trip to use in Diagon Alley™ and Hogsmeade™ village. Adult-me wouldn’t mind a Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon®, either.
Natural wonder & rich history.
70 miles west of Key West you’ll find one of most remote parks managed by the National Park Service, which also happens to be a prime destination for snorkeling and scuba diving in crystal-clear water with a castle-like fort in the background. Introduce yourself to Dry Tortugas National Park. 100 square miles of open water and seven small islands. Why “dry”? Because you can’t find any natural fresh water on the islands. Be sure to also take a tour of Fort Jefferson, one of America’s largest 19th century forts (you won’t believe that it’s been out there for over 150 years).
Blast off!
When your little ones look up at the night skies, they have big questions. They see the moon and the stars and want to know why. And you might not have the answer. Yet. But pay a visit to The Kennedy Space Center and you’ll find all the stellar info you need. And is it really a trip to Florida if you don’t make a pit stop at Cape Canaveral?
Really surreal.
The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg is dedicated to the work of surrealist artist Salvador Dali and houses the world’s second largest collection of his work. Visitors are free to explore the museum on their own or sign up for a tour to find out exactly how he made it look like that clock is melting.
Coming attraction.
You know that dream of living under the sea you’ve been keeping secret for so long? Time to let it out. The Planet Ocean Underwater Hotel has been given the go-ahead off the Florida Keys. Submerged 28 feet beneath the ocean’s surface and designed to attract coral reef growth, the hotel will offer guests first-class views of the wide-open ocean and all its natural beauty.
As much as we love a good road trip, we love making the most of our precious few vacay days. Get there quick. Let Funjet Vacations fly you there, and let our expert agents help you plan a trip you’ll never forget.
