WITH the Gulf’s awesome beaches, amazing wildlife and golf courses galore, it’s no surprise Florida is always a favourite for sun-and-fun holidays.
But the Sunshine State is also incredibly diverse – and nowhere more so than Orlando, the city whose appeal stems from world-renowned theme parks, amazing outdoor adventures and Michelin-starred dining.
As a result, Orlando holidays tick boxes for every kind of traveller. So take advantage of the unbeatable deals available now with Travel Republic, one of the UK’s best established online travel agencies.
It’s Orlando but not as we know it
Orlando and its theme parks cover a surprisingly large area, so it helps to have some local knowledge to make sense of it all.
Rachel Houston, a travel enthusiast and Orlando native, recommends starting a holiday at Disney World Resort: the attraction that put Central Florida on the map.
“My family and I love Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios,” she says. “From the rides to the drinks at Oga’s Cantina, there’s something for everyone.”
Water worlds
To get truly immersed in all things Orlando, you need to step off the tourist trail now and then to combine the obvious attractions with something extraordinary.
“One of my favourite away-from-it-all spots is Wekiva Island,” says Rachel. “It’s north of Orlando, in Longwood, and there are kayaks and canoes to rent.
“Wekiva Island itself has a bar, live music, food trucks and a firepit for when winter temperatures dip down to 15C and us Floridians feel cold!”
Further north is Blue Spring State Park, another of Rachel’s recommendations, where it’s possible to swim, fish, hike, kayak and even encounter manatees.
These gentle giants can also be seen underwater at Crystal River, where The Real Florida Manatee Adventure* tour makes for a memorable snorkelling experience.
Stick with the wildlife theme on the Great Florida Birding Trail – which has 17 locations in the Orlando area – where you’ll be in for brushes with bald eagles, burrowing owls, sandhill cranes and roseate spoonbills.
Alternatively, add some adrenaline to the great outdoors on a Boggy Creek Airboat Adventure, south of Orlando. It mixes whizzing across the wetlands with a safari element – seeking freshwater turtles and gators in their natural habitat.
More leisurely boat rides are available closer to town. “There’s a fantastic scenic boat tour on the chain of lakes around Winter Park,” reveals Rachel.
“You can hire a boat for a private group or join others to sail past waterside mansions before being dropped off near Park Avenue to discover its shops and restaurants.
“For food and drink, I recommend Ava, ABO (Atlantic Beer & Oyster) and The Wine Room.”
Global grub
Other restaurants worth seeking out across Orlando include Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria for fine dining.
Or try any of the 40 eateries in the current Michelin Guide that cover a wide range of cuisines – from Ethiopian at Selam and American at Maxine’s on Shine to Filipino at Kaya and Japanese with a Floridian twist at Soseki.
Beyond Orlando
To pack even more fun into your Florida holiday, add day trips and attractions to your wish list, such as a visit to the Kennedy Space Center on the east coast – plus an airboat ride* on nearby St Johns River and Lake Poinsett – or dolphin-spotting by speedboat on the west coast with Clearwater’s Sea Screamer.*
Need further inspiration to put together a dream holiday in Orlando? You’ll find amazing deals on flights, accommodation and attractions with Travel Republic.
So join the more than a million holidaymakers every year who trust Travel Republic to create their ideal, one-of-a-kind sunshine escape.
Rooms for manoeuvre
Orlando has great places to stay that will suit all tastes and budgets
Those looking to splash some cash could choose one of the most luxurious hotels in Orlando: the Waldorf Astoria. Sophisticated and elegant, it comes with benefits such as complimentary shuttles and early entry to the Disney parks.
Shuttle service to all the main parks is also a perk for guests at Wyndham Orlando Resort near Celebration, a purpose-built small town with stacks of charm. Resort fees are waived when booking with Travel Republic, for stays of eight nights or more. You could stay for seven nights room only (with direct flights on British Airways from London Gatwick), departing September 6, 2023 from £770pp, based on two adults sharing.
Let the theme parks come to you at the Caribe Royale, another Disney-area option, whose freeform pool has its own water slide. Here, a seven-night stay, including direct flights with Aer Lingus from Manchester departing September 4, 2023 costs from £937pp, based on two adults sharing.
Stay even closer to the action at Rosen Plaza Hotel, which sits on attraction-rich International Drive.
You could opt for a self-catering stay in Kissimmee at Margaritaville Resort Orlando Cottages, whose one to eight-bedroom properties are a rarity in Orlando. A seven-night break with direct flights with Aer Lingus from Manchester, departing October 9, 2023 costs from £1,312pp, based on two adults sharing.
Alternatively, try Championsgate Resort Platinum Homes, a gated community close to quirky Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park. For seven nights’ accommodation and direct flights with Aer Lingus from Manchester departing September 25, 2023 it costs from £1,214pp, based on two adults sharing.
Bit of sweet sim-phony
Pick an eSIM and save
Make your Florida holiday an even bigger bargain by picking up one of Travel Republic’s great-value eSIMs.
Convenient, fast and economical, these digital cards come with personalised data plans to suit your requirements, making them a fantastic way to stay connected without the need for a physical SIM.
Book your holiday to Orlando with Travel Republic – Atol bonded. Rated as excellent on Trustpilot.
*Receive an exclusive 10 per cent discount on selected experiences (automatically applied at checkout). Read more about what Orlando has to offer here
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