I have never travelled so much and so far in my life. Now at 50 plus I was "on the move"
Last year I was able to take a holiday to Florida, a place I had read about for years and only dreamed of visiting.
For me it was not just the Theme Parks that were the pull it was the whole state, ranging from it's history to the wealth of it's wildlife.
In June 2005 I rented a villa for 2 weeks. This was a very good move. It was wonderful. Clean, bright and spaceous and everything was well looked after and the owners were so helpful in providing me with plenty of information before I left for my holiday.
During this first visit I explored a little of the Orlando area, learned how to drive on the right side of the road. Sea World and Busch Gardens were at the top of my list to visit.
One thing you learn to do very quickly in the Floridian climate is to pace yourself. These visits were planned a few days apart and the most comfortable pair of shoes I had were put ready for use. Comfort at all costs is important as you can be on your feet for hours as there is so much to see and do.
If I were offering advice on visiting these 2 parks it would be plan what you want to see, go early, find a shady, comfortable place to sit in the heat of the mid-day hours and drink plenty of cool water...... a sort of 50 plus survival plan!
I also did some serious shopping. The "experience" is so different to shopping in Britain. I really had to remind myself that I would have to take my purchaces back to the UK.
Eating out was a real eye opener. Phrases like "Oh Grandma, what BIG eyes you have" come to mind! I ordered a chicken salad, well it looked like Mount Everest covered in green. What I did learn is that most restaurants offer a "Senior Menu" so if you are 55 or over you can order a portion more suited to your appetite. Failing that, you can always ask for 2 plates and share. Even if you cannot finish all your meal you can ask for a box and take it home. Very economical I thought especially for seniors on a budget.
Most of my time was spent enjoying the excellent facilities at the villa. Relaxing by the pool and feeling really "pampered" by having such a lovely place to stay.
As soon as I was on the flight home, I knew that I wanted to return.
Two more visits were made one in early December 2005 and another in January 2006. I slipped in another in June 2006. Help ! I'm becoming a Florida addict (but that is another story)
I returned again, this time with my family to sample the delights of a Floridian Christmas. Now that's another adventure for Florida at 50 plus .
Last year I was able to take a holiday to Florida, a place I had read about for years and only dreamed of visiting.
For me it was not just the Theme Parks that were the pull it was the whole state, ranging from it's history to the wealth of it's wildlife.
In June 2005 I rented a villa for 2 weeks. This was a very good move. It was wonderful. Clean, bright and spaceous and everything was well looked after and the owners were so helpful in providing me with plenty of information before I left for my holiday.
During this first visit I explored a little of the Orlando area, learned how to drive on the right side of the road. Sea World and Busch Gardens were at the top of my list to visit.
One thing you learn to do very quickly in the Floridian climate is to pace yourself. These visits were planned a few days apart and the most comfortable pair of shoes I had were put ready for use. Comfort at all costs is important as you can be on your feet for hours as there is so much to see and do.
If I were offering advice on visiting these 2 parks it would be plan what you want to see, go early, find a shady, comfortable place to sit in the heat of the mid-day hours and drink plenty of cool water...... a sort of 50 plus survival plan!
I also did some serious shopping. The "experience" is so different to shopping in Britain. I really had to remind myself that I would have to take my purchaces back to the UK.
Eating out was a real eye opener. Phrases like "Oh Grandma, what BIG eyes you have" come to mind! I ordered a chicken salad, well it looked like Mount Everest covered in green. What I did learn is that most restaurants offer a "Senior Menu" so if you are 55 or over you can order a portion more suited to your appetite. Failing that, you can always ask for 2 plates and share. Even if you cannot finish all your meal you can ask for a box and take it home. Very economical I thought especially for seniors on a budget.
Most of my time was spent enjoying the excellent facilities at the villa. Relaxing by the pool and feeling really "pampered" by having such a lovely place to stay.
As soon as I was on the flight home, I knew that I wanted to return.
Two more visits were made one in early December 2005 and another in January 2006. I slipped in another in June 2006. Help ! I'm becoming a Florida addict (but that is another story)
I returned again, this time with my family to sample the delights of a Floridian Christmas. Now that's another adventure for Florida at 50 plus .