Florida, United States

Holiday trends and habits have changed enormously in recent years, and with the travel market widening all the time, there are more options than ever before when it comes to family breaks.

One destination that has managed to remain popular with families in a fierce market is Florida, loved for its wonderful weather, family-friendly attractions and wealth of things to do across the state.

Lovingly known as the ‘Sunshine State’, Florida’s warm climate makes a welcome break from the traditional Great British Washout, but there are also plenty of things to do that will keep even the pickiest members of the family entertained. As one of Florida’s best known cities, Miami offers great opportunities for a chic city break. Hit the beach, check out galleries and museums, or time your family holidays in Florida to fit in with one of the many festivals and carnivals that the city puts on for a special twist to the trip.

Of course, Orlando is synonymous with theme parks, whether you’re adrenaline-seeking roller coaster lovers or more of a carousel kind of family. Hosting both Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, which includes the Animal Kingdom, the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a family holiday in Florida wouldn’t be complete without a trip to at least one theme park. Harry Potter fans should head straight to Universal Studios where you’ll find The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, while little ones will discover that wishes really do come true in the magic of Disney’s enchanting Fantasyland.

Florida is far from a one-trick pony, however, and nature lovers will enjoy a tour of the Everglades National Park, a natural region of tropical wetlands – just keep your eyes peeled for alligators! If you like your wildlife kept a safe distance away, SeaWorld Orlando’s rides, shows and tours appeal to the whole family.

Shopaholics can rejoice knowing Florida’s malls are among the best in the United States, so check out the Dolphin Mall in Miami for a touch of retail therapy or try Orlando Premium Outlets for designer goods at a fraction of the usual price. If all that shopping has left you feeling frazzled, relax in one of Florida’s many family-friendly restaurants and enjoy some seafood – a state delicacy – washed down with some key lime pie, another thing the Sunshine State is famous for.

One of the reasons families continue to choose Florida is its flexibility, and the range of accommodation on offer showcases this perfectly. From luxury resorts down in Key West to campsites right on the beach or resorts within the Orlando theme parks themselves, there’s something to suit every taste and every budget. Whatever the age and interests of your family, you can find a hotel with the facilities to keep everybody happy.

Getting to Florida couldn’t be easier either – with airlines including BA, KLM and Delta operating out of airports up and down the UK, you can fly direct to your holiday destination, maximising the time you have to spend creating those precious family memories.

Photo credit: Laura Leavell

Find more at the official tourism website, VisitFlorida.com.