Florida has been part of our travel story for a long time — even if I didn’t realize it at first.
When I was a kid, we traveled to Florida a few times, but I was young and honestly don’t remember much. For years after that, our family vacations were spent in Alabama (more on that later), and Florida wasn’t really on our radar in a big way.
That all changed around 2008 — and it changed everything.
A Last-Minute Change That Turned Into a Tradition
In 2008, a hurricane damaged our usual vacation spot in Alabama. With plans suddenly up in the air, my husband jumped into action and found a last-minute place in Destin, Florida.
That unexpected change turned into the beginning of something special.
From the moment we arrived, we were hooked.
The crystal-clear blue water, the soft white sand, the laid-back beach vibe — we loved everything about it. That first trip to Destin started what would become years of Florida beach vacations that we still treasure today.
Destin & Fort Walton: Our Happy Place
Over the years, we’ve spent many summers and falls in the Destin / Fort Walton Beach area — and if you can’t tell already, we absolutely love it.
Some of our favorite things to do include:
- Renting a pontoon boat and exploring the bay
- Spending time at Crab Island (always a hit!)
- Parasailing and soaking in those incredible views
- Enjoying the relaxed pace that makes it easy to truly unwind
There’s something about this area that just feels right — and I’ll be sharing more details about our favorite activities in a future blog.
Naples: A Different Side of Florida
Florida surprised me again when a work trip took me to Naples. I was incredibly grateful that my husband was able to join me on that trip, making it even more special.
We traveled in May, which is considered the off-season due to warmer temperatures — but honestly, it was a wonderful time to visit. Fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, and a slower pace made it such a pleasant experience.
Naples showed me a different side of Florida — elegant, peaceful, and just as memorable.
Orlando: So Much More Than Theme Parks
Of course, you can’t talk about Florida without mentioning Orlando.
While I’ll share more about our Walt Disney World experience in a separate blog, it’s worth noting that Orlando offers far more than just theme parks. Between attractions, dining, resorts, and entertainment, it’s a destination that truly has something for everyone.
Even More Reasons to Love Florida
Florida’s variety is part of what makes it so special. Beyond the places we know and love, there’s so much more to explore:
- St. Augustine, rich in history and charm
- The Florida Keys, perfect for laid-back island vibes
- Countless lakes ideal for fishing and boating
- Natural springs, wildlife, and scenic drives
Whether you’re a beach lover, a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a theme-park fan, Florida really does offer it all.
Why Florida Will Always Be Special to Us
What started as a last-minute plan turned into a family tradition — one filled with beach days, sunsets, laughter, and memories we’ll always cherish.
Florida isn’t just a destination for us. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best trips come from unexpected changes.
If Florida is on your travel list — whether it’s the Panhandle, Naples, Orlando, or somewhere new — I’d love to help you plan it.
Using a travel agent costs you absolutely nothing.
— Gretchen Leneaye
