I posted this in US National, it maybe better in here, maybe not i'm not really sure :confused: :D :D

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?p=635531#post635531

..... so myself, my good lady wife and two children think we'd like to pay a visit, we want a "special" holiday this year rather than the usual couple of weeks somewhere in Europe. We've been scanning all the brochures for ideas and information about resorts but I figured you folks would know best

We're thinking of Florida and have been looking at the likes of Clearwater, Fort Myer, Naples, Tampa etc etc It doesn't have to be Florida, but it does need to be hot and sunny. What we want is a resort where we can just walk to nice restruants and bars if we feel like it and not be tied to driving everywhere all the time - that way I can have a beer or two in the evening But we also want to have options to drive and see sights when we want to be away from the pool and beach. The kids are only 3 and 5 so too young to really enjoy Disney etc. , they are happy building sandcastles all day. But they do love wildlife so visiting the aligator farms etc would be great.

Ideally we'd like a non-stop flight to say Tampa or Orlando and then go on from there, we hate travelling with two young kids so the quickest route is most appealing.

So can you folks offer any advice as to the best resorts to visit, best hotels - both from value for money and location - to stay, ideas on things to do other than hit the beach and pool ?

Oh, and yes - car rental - i'd love a MINI but 2 adults, 2 children and a fortnights luggage do not equate, so which companies offer the best deals over there

Thanks in advance for your input

Bob

Well, I can give you tons of info about travelling in Florida. My personal favorite is Daytona Beach, my homewtown. It is historically quite the hotspot for partying, and only an hour away from Orlando.

It is best to stay on the east coast IMHO because the beach on the west coast of Florida has no waves. Also, the beaches on the east coast are completely public. In Daytona, you can drive on the beach also.

My suggestions for attractions is to go to Islands of Adventure, and Disney World (the Magic Kingdom and Epcot) which is the best place for kids to have fun. Busch Gardens in Tampa has some fun roller coasters, but the parks in Orlando are top notch.

As for the nature aspect of your trip, there is a spectacular Alligator Farm in St. Augustine (which is only about an hour north of Daytona Beach). The Canaveral National Seashore is beautiful. The Ocala National Forest has several freshwater springs which I highly recommend. My personal favorite is Juniper Springs. There is a 2-4 hour canoe trip down the Juniper River, which I find to be absolutely the best canoe trip in Florida.

Check out www.sunshineminis.org for most of the Florida freaks. =)

If there is anything you would like to ask a veteran traveller, please PM me, I'd love to provide you with some insider knowledge. ;)

Sending you a pm, thanks ;)

I can give you a few spots on both coasts and you can then look at them and make your choice. First the west coast.

Clearwater is probably the best place to do all you mentioned. the shops and resturants are simply the best. White powdered sand and calm ocean make for a kid friendly and worry free beach. Get up early and you can see the dolphins jumping and playing a few yards of the shore. A+ rating. Clearwater Hilton is a nice resort to stay at. Naples Florida is just south and also a nice place but can cost a few bucks more. Sanibel Island is simply paradise if money is no objuect that is the place to go. The shells on the beach are endless and the kids can pick up thousands all day long and show you everyone. A++

East coast. Disney has a resort on Vero Beach that is awesome. Say Disney and that should tell you enough. Just remember the beaches on the east coast are a bit rougher then the west coast in the winter. Hutchison Island is a wonderful place to go. Like Clearwater with wonderful shops and resturants. Beautiful beaches and you may even see a Sea Turtle laying eggs at night.

There are so many places to go here and I have been to just about all of them over the years. These are just a few and my favorites. I live in Ft. Lauderdale and it is also a wonderful place but it is very crowded. Don't forget the Keys. Long drive and very historic. More of an adult vacation area.

Good Luck and if you have any questions on a spot feel free to pm me. :cool: Florida Beaches (http://www.surf-sun.com/florida.html)

many thanks nobull60 :)

Your holiday will be fun.. Just remember we drive on the wrong side of the road here !!! :rolleyes: :dark:

No, we drive on the right side of the road here!!! :)

How's the vacation plans coming along, Soggy?

I think he posted elsewhere that he isn't coming over to Florida anymore...?

Yea, I was right...over here: http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?p=744293#post744293

Yes, I changed my mind after all :o

When the kids are older and appreciate it more then we probably will ( if you'vestopped taking finger prints by then :rolleyes: ) but for this year we decided in the end on a nice resort in Menorca, the treat is for Jackie and Ireally to celebrate our 40ths so we willpamper ourselves.

I will probably have to come over on business again this year - to Panama City. So I will let you know if I am and any folks from there can maybe show me the sights - I failed to find them the last coupel of visits :D :D