My family hasn't gone on a big vacation in a couple of years. With everything that's happened, it's been particularly hard for all of us to get together in one place to be en familia. But 2022 is the year our extended clan is venturing out again—and we've decided there's no better place to go than Florida. We're still fine-tuning the details, but here are five reasons why we've chosen the Sunshine State as our family vacation destination this year.
Florida's family-friendly beaches are on everyone's vacation bucket list.
You know how it is when extended family travels together—we can never agree on which places to go and things to do. Florida has a solution for that. With the vast selection of family-friendly beaches, everyone can be satisfied. My mom and mother-in-law, the kids' abuelas, can relax by a palm tree or in a cabana and enjoy the ocean breeze, the warmth, and their grandkids. My teen nephews will be thrilled with all of Florida’s daredevil beach activities, like parasailing and jet skiing. Of course, my husband and I will be running after our kids—a super-active 10-year-old boy, our precocious 7-year-old girl, and the baby who isn't a baby anymore, our 2-year-old. With sparkling soft sand and crystal-clear water, just being at the beach for them is a treat (sandcastles and beach soccer, here we come). We're looking at Siesta Key and Daytona Beach, great family-friendly vacation spots, as possibilities for our first extended family get-together in a while.
Florida offers a variety of destinations just a quick drive from major cities.
We know that wherever we choose to stay, there's a day trip we can take to experience something brand new. There are parks to explore and trails to be conquered. Everglades National Park is one that we've always wanted to visit; the cypress swamps, mangrove forests, and possible alligator sightings are all huge draws for our adventurous kids. There are also history-filled museums and towns to experience—perfect pursuits to keep kids not only active but also engaged. We're looking into exploring St. Augustine, a historical city about an hour's drive from Jacksonville that is one of the first settlements in the US, settled by Spaniards long before the Pilgrims landed in New England.
The value for the money is unbeatable.
Our family alone is made up of five members. Add to that the costs for our parents, some of the kids' tías, and primos, and the price can really add up. While we're all taking care of our own tabs for flights and hotel, the burden of a vacation for a family of five still could be overwhelming, which is exactly why we're choosing Florida. If we book ahead of time, the prices of domestic flights shouldn't break our bank, and family-friendly hotels are also affordable. Plus, you can usually find great package deals that can save any family tons. Start by checking out VISIT FLORIDA's Deals page for great savings on vacation packages, tours, and attractions.
Florida offers a myriad of activities to keep everyone busy (and happy).
Florida offers a smorgasbord for all ages and all tastes. The kids will enjoy all the magical theme parks, the adults will enjoy relaxing on the beaches, and we’ll all embrace the one-of-a-kind experiences. Depending on which city we choose, we'll have parks to hike, natural springs to wash our stress away, and cool safaris and wildlife preserves that will be a hit with, well, everyone.
Of course, food is high on our list.
And we're not just talking Latin food—Cuban, Puerto Rican, Colombian—to make your mouth water. Florida is home to a hugely diverse culinary scene in any city you choose to visit. Our favorite in Miami is Peruvian eatery CVI.CHE 105, but there's also Ghee Indian Kitchen and Momosan Wynwood, which are amazing. Orlando also has incredible cuisine, and, if we end up in that central Florida city, we are totally hitting up Jaleo by José Andrés for Spanish food or some Southern comfort at Cask & Larder right in the airport. But beyond these, each city boasts a variety of upscale eateries and mom-and-pop places, so we know we'll have plenty to choose from—and plenty of choices we can all agree on. And if the whole family can agree on where to dine, you've basically struck the vacation lottery.
For more information on planning your own family vacation, check out VISITFLORIDA.com.
