As Orlando is known by many as the theme park capital of the world, taking a road trip through the city offers plenty of thrills and spills for all the family. With so many theme parks to visit, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to adrenalin-pumping rides to go on and exciting attractions to see.

So, which parks should you visit once your car hire in Orlando has been sorted out? Here’s a guide to the ones we think you ought to go to.

Walt Disney World
Possibly the most famous theme park on the planet, Walt Disney World (not to be confused with Disneyland, that’s in California) consists of four individual adventure areas, each of which have their own array of exciting sections.

There’s certainly a lot to be explored here, but make sure you go to Magic Kingdom. It’s here you’ll find the iconic Cinderella Castle and the thrilling Splash Mountain log boat ride.

Other parks to visit in the complex include Animal Kingdom – where you can see lions and other exotic creatures before going on wildlife-themed rides – and Hollywood Studios, where you’ll watch live stage shows and learn more about how films are made. The Blizzard Beach Water Park, meanwhile, has an array of exciting waterslides and pools to splash about in.

Wherever you go at Walt Disney World, you can hang out with iconic cartoon characters such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck and get your picture taken with them.

Universal Studios
Like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios has more than one theme park within its grounds, but whether you to go to Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure first, you’ll still have an amazing time.
Head to the former to go on rides based on blockbuster films and TV programmes like Men in Black, ET and The Simpsons, as well as see captivating theatrical shows.

If you and the kids love comic books, stop by Islands of Adventure. This theme park contains several rides based on Marvel characters like Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk, as well as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This part of the complex is dedicated to JK Rowling’s famous boy wizard and includes rides and other attractions based on the series of books and film adaptations.

SeaWorld
The perfect place for animal lovers, this theme park allows you to see a vast array of marine wildlife. Visit the Manta Aquarium to catch glimpse of giant Pacific octopuses, seahorses and stingrays, before heading to Dolphin Cove. If you time your visit right, you can have a go at feeding the animals yourself!

In addition, there’s the chance to watch acrobatic stage shows – many of which feature performances by animals – and go on white-knuckle rollercoasters like Kraken and Manta.

Busch Gardens
Situated an hour’s drive from Orlando, just outside the dynamic city of Tampa, is the astounding Busch Gardens. Dedicated to exotic wildlife, this theme park enables you to go on an African-style safari and come up close to the likes of ostriches, giraffes and zebras.

Don’t worry though as there are still plenty of rollercoasters and rides, including the Congo River Rapids – where you navigate your way through geysers, waterfalls and other obstacles in a 12-person raft – and the thrilling Scorpion, which has a blood-pumping 360-degree loop.
If you’re taking a road trip to Florida, let us know where you plan to go first and share your comments below!

While many people look forward to their family holidays with glee, those of us who experience periods of depression may find such events more worrisome – it can be difficult to pull yourself out of those dark thoughts, even when you really want to, both because you’d rather (obviously) be having fun, and for the sake of those around you.

There are two crucial things to focus on, here – clear communication with your family, & what type of holiday you’re going to choose. For example, renting a holiday home means you’ll have somewhere to escape to & spend some quiet time – something that can feel claustrophobic when you’re stuck in a single hotel room.

Have a think about what makes you comfortable. You’ll know which situations set off any anxiety or depressive symptoms, but here are some ideas to get you started:

- sunny places are good, as sunshine boosts the natural chemicals that heal depression
- crowds can feel hectic, so it’s often better to avoid them
- healthy eating & exercise is much better for depression than drinking cocktails & eating chips
- a rental property will let you be yourself, instead of faking cheery hellos for hotel staff
- plenty of private space makes it easier for families to relax, especially with kids in tow
- it’s okay to do separate things, like playing golf while someone brave takes the kids to Disney
- getting out into nature can have a surprising, positive effect on your health
- it’s ok to politely opt out if you really can’t face going away – but please, seek professional depression help

Once you know what you need, try to speak with your family before anyone sets their hearts on some specific plan or location. Clearly & without beating around the bush, say to your parents, or spouse & children, that you need to sit down and talk about your holiday.

They may already know about your depression, or it could be a new thing that you’ve been trying to hide. They may be used to you usually keeping your opinions to yourself on these matters, & feel surprised, pleased, relieved or annoyed that you’re finally speaking up.

Whatever their reaction, stick to your guns. This is important for your mental health & your family’s overall relationship. The core issue to remember is that you’ve been experiencing some depression, so you’d like to make the best holiday choice in order to let everyone relax. Keep to that policy & they should listen, even if it takes a few goes to get your mum focused on the holiday, instead of getting you the number for her best friend’s shrink/acupuncturist/priest.

If you don’t get on with your family, and if their behaviour contributes to your depression or anxiety, it’s absolutely fine to (politely) tell them that you’ll be staying at home this year. While they’re out of the way, seek out professional advice – your doctor, for example, or one of the many free counselling services available.

Emily Sauder is a freelance travel writer who like to cover everything about travel including the mental, spiritual and physical aspects, not just the journey or destination itself.

While trips to places such as Disneyworld in Florida might be synonymous with families, there’s also enough adrenaline packed activities on offer for twenty-something travellers looking for a change from the generic beach break.

Embarking on a busy theme park holiday doesn’t have to cost the earth, either. Due to the sheet amount of Orlando hotels on offer, a lot of accommodation is very reasonably priced. Not only that, but there are also passes and deals which give discounted access to the main theme parks, and shuttle buses that will drop you off and pick you up from the gates. Entrance passes to most attractions are valid over the course of a few days, so there’s no pressure to rush and see everything in one go. There’s also the freedom to make up your mind when you arrive, as nearly all Florida hotels have a desk where tickets and passes can be booked with a welcoming smile when you arrive.

SeaWorld is one attraction where even big kids can easily spend a day or two. Aside from watching Shamu the famous killer whale leaping, splashing and dancing in shows throughout the day, there’s a plethora of marine habitats to explore, from penguins to manatees. Then there’s the new, world renowned rollercoasters, where visitors can add a high octane splash to their day.

One such ride is Manta: Ride the Flying Ray, which opened in 2009 to great acclaim. Even the queue of this new ride has been carefully thought out to keep waiting riders entertained, with a series of artwork and aquariums containing different species of fish, sting rays and even seahorses lining the walls of the tunnels.
The ride itself has been constructed to simulate the movement of a real manta ray, as once seated, riders are tipped face down before being propelled onto a track that glides over lagoons, narrowly avoiding the spray of a waterfall and tipping into no less than four inversions.

Once your heart has returned to its normal rate, why not experience the zero gravity roll of Kraken. This floorless rollercoaster builds anticipation of what’s to come by subjecting it’s riders to a slow climb up to the summit, before dropping into a series of loops and hurtling through a pitch black tunnel.

After the adrenaline has worn off, a tame hour watching Shamu and friends might be the order of the day. Just don’t sit in the front row, unless you really need to cool off.

Whether you’re looking for adventure and exciting water sports, or sandy beaches to relax on, or even fine dining, Fort Lauderdale has something for you. This was once a haven for spring breakers but today has been made over and accommodates a quite different clientele. Sometimes compared to Miami in terms of style and fun, Fort Lauderdale is definitely more affordable than its southern neighbour.

Twenty miles of excellent beaches and the warm waters here are the biggest draw. Water sports are plentiful and if you’re into snorkelling or diving then look no further for exotic fish and colourful corals amongst the old wrecks here. Cultural, historical and social activities can also be found here aplenty. The Broward Centre for the Performing arts, Museum of Discovery and Science, Museum of Art and the historic Stranahan House can all be found in the downtown area and are within walking distance of each other.
If you find yourself fed up with the beach, you could try heading to Las Olas Boulevard the most charming thoroughfare in Fort Lauderdale. From chic boutiques to galleries, fancy restaurants to sidewalk cafes, this is a fabulous place to be. It is considered by many to be the most exciting and beautiful street in the area by locals and visitors alike.

Pompano Beach
An ideal beach holiday destination Pompano Beach is sometimes referred to as ‘the jewel of the south Atlantic coast’. It may be smaller than neighbouring Fort Lauderdale, but its three miles of sandy beachfront offers a wide array of things to do and see.

The water along this stretch of coastline is some of the clearest and warmest you’ll find in Florida because of the Gulf Stream making swimming, snorkelling and diving very popular here. The unique three tiered natural reef system that begins about 100yrds from the shore at about 20ft deep and then continues out till it’s over 100ft deep offers some very special opportunities. More than 75 artificial reefs have been added over the last twenty years, and so there are plenty of opportunities to explore the marine life here.

Fishing is also a side benefit of the coral reefs, and there are lots of charter open sea fishing excursions available as well as boat fishing and pier fishing, and of course some of the finest calibre seafood restaurants too.
Butterfly world offers a tropical rain forest aviary that is the largest butterfly habitat in the world and there are many thousands of butterflies to be seen here – wearing bright colours attracts them more and you’re almost certain to be landed on if you do. Humming birds, lorikeets, an insectarium, waterfalls and more can also be found here.

Golfing and horse riding are also big sports locally, and so whether you’re looking for calm or lively, sporting, shopping, or just relaxation amongst nature Pompano beach could offer you the perfect holiday destination.

Have you ever dreamed about driving down the beach in a convertible with the roof down and your hair whipped by the wind? This is the place where you really could do this. It’s one of the few places where you are allowed to drive on the hard packed sands here during specific times and seasons. For safety’s sake you can only do about 10 miles an hour, but the stretch is 18 miles long and great fun.

There’s more to Daytona than just cars too, white sand, sparkling blue water and plenty of people to enjoy life with as you sunbathe, surf, play volleyball, swim, look for seashells and more. This is a great place to socialise and people watch.

The legacy of car racing at Daytona began in the early 1900s with the hard packed sand and the party-hearty atmosphere of the spring break tradition. For a time it stopped the area being a family tourist destination, however today this no longer holds true and Daytona beach is considered a premier family holiday location. This said, Bike Week is now the biggest event on the Daytona calendar along with the world famous Daytona International Speedway which is home to the Daytona 500 part of the NASCAR calendar.

It may be beach and cars that draw people here, but there’s much more once you’ve arrived. Theatre, concerts, museums and international music festivals all take place here. The museum of Arts and Sciences is located in 90 acres of natural land and features permanent and travelling exhibitions, 18th, 19th and 20th century furniture, paintings, sculpture and decorative arts and more. Other museums of interest include the Halifax Historical Museum, the Southeast Museum of Photography and the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum.

There’s plenty of recreational activities to be found here from swimming in the sparkling waters to scuba diving in the off shore reefs. There are a number of golf course that will appeal to pro’s and amateurs alike as well as deep sea fishing. Divers will be in their element as there are over a dozen well known wrecks here that are great for underwater exploration as well as many reefs and plenty of sea life.

Shopping may not be the main attraction here, but there’s plenty of retail therapy to be found with shopping malls and boutiques. The Riverfront Market place along Beach Street in the downtown historic district gives a great experience of strolling amid lush palm lined avenues, and the Volusia Mall is one of the most popular locally with all the big name brands represented.

Free concerts are held at the Oceanfront band shell every spring and summer. This historic landmark was built over 60 years ago and you can experience everything from jazz to Dixieland, blues, folk and more here. There are also other venues hosting big name acts through the year too.

So if someone says to you that Daytona is just where the spring break partiers go, and where racing enthusiasts meet, you can quickly correct them and tell them all the exciting things that can be found here on a fun family break.

Florida offers many different things and this is evident in particular along the shores of the Gulf coast. Quiet stretches of beach, fun filled shores, museums, galleries and the untamed wilderness can all be found here. In fact Florida’s Gulf coast can offer you everything you’re looking for in a sunny holiday.

Clearwater
A peninsular on the west coast bordered by the gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, Clearwater is home to warm sands and clear waters. Popular for active holidays it has plenty of beach activities, golf, shopping, great places to eat and a diverse cultural heritage. Moccasin Lake Nature park is a particularly great showcase of native plant and animal species, and the 35 miles of award winning beaches here are a great place to relax.

St Petersburg
Sometimes called St Pete, this neighbour to Clearwater is famous for sun – in fact a few decades ago it took the world record for most consecutive sunny days, and averages a full 360 days of sunshine each year. Museums, performing arts centres and galleries make this the cultural hub of Florida. Specific museums not to miss include the Salvador Dali museum and the powerful Holocaust museum.

Tampa
Water, sun, sports, arts and lots of amusement parks – what more could you want! Take a visit to Busch Gardens or the Florida Aquarium, do a little shopping, catch a few rays on the beach and then head into the entertainment district for a spot of dinner and some music and dancing. Ybor city is one of the prime locations here and is designated a National Historic Landmark.

Bradenton
A less well known area than its neighbours, Bradenton is nevertheless a great place to explore art and history as well as the sunshine and beaches of course. There’s also the South Florida Museum, the Manatee Village historical park telling all about the early pioneers and how they lived, and the Pittsburg Pirates train here in the spring too.

Sarasota
Home of the Ringling Brothers circus, Sarasota has a rich and distinct cultural identity. There are educational museums, opera, ballets and plays to see here, and the Siesta village is rather a funky noisy beach where many writers and artisans hang out.

Englewood
If you want to avoid the spring break scene and experience a bit of ‘old Florida’ then come to Englewood. This intimate community has acres of parks and miles of unspoilt beaches as well as world famous fishing, and excellent boating opportunities.

Everglades National Park
A truly unique and amazing place, the Everglades is a subtropical landscape of over one million acres in size. There are some 600 plus species of birds and animals and literally thousands of plant varieties. It is also home to a number of endangered species including the American Crocodile. There are many things to do here including bird watching, camping, hiking, eco tours and boat tours.

This entertainment industry based theme park is a must for all TV and movie buffs. It’s part of the Universal Orlando Resort, and is a theme park but also a working film and TV production studio.
There are loads of really exciting rides here with high energy action and loads of entertainment. Visitors also get to learn about all the movie making behind the scenes secrets with some fabulous informative attractions. Here’s a glimpse of some of the rides and exhibits you could encounter while there:

Men in Black: Alien Attack
This is a high impact ride where you get your own laser gun to blast the aliens as you whizz through the city in an six person ultra cool passenger car. Collect points as you go and compete with other cars to see who can earn the most points.

Shrek 4D
Enjoy a 20 minute 3-D show with motion simulators, and loads of other special effects including tilting seats. Join Shrek and Princess Fiona on their honeymoon as you encounter various characters from the movies. (Includes voices from Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy).

Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast
Jimmy needs your help to save the world after an evil genius has stolen his rocket and is trying to destroy the earth. A great mixture of computer graphics, state of the art technology and motion simulation is used along with an assortment of Nickelodeon characters including Sponge Bob, the Rugrats and the Wild Thornberrys.

Revenge of the Mummy
An indoor roller coaster that hurtles riders through the tombs of ancient Egypt trying to escape the curse of the Mummy. This ride isn’t one for the faint hearted as it’s pretty intense. You meet fireballs, scary creatures and flames as the ride twists and turns, jumps and starts along its journey. It’s strictly no carry on luggage is allowed here not even bum bags, everything must go into a locker before you begin.

Twister
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience a whirlwind for real? This is an intense and noisy ride created with 2 million cubic feet of swirling air every minute. It’s loud and intense in there as you experience cars, trucks and a cow flying about while you stand just a few feet away.

ET Adventure
Climb onto your flying bike and take to the air with ET on a mission to save his planet. Travel into the star lit sky and meet some of Steven Spielberg’s creatures created just for this ride.

Terminator 2: 3-D Battle Across Time
It’s just you and the terminator now… prevent mankind from becoming extinct at the hands of the cyborgs in this attraction which combines live action and 3-D effects in a really intense thrilling event.

Disaster!: A Major Motion Picture Ride
A chance to star in your very own disaster movie as you board an underground train that is about to enter the final scene of a disaster movie. As an earthquake hits you’ll find yourself trapped sitting helpless as concrete collapses about you, a train hurtles towards you and you’re threatened with both flood and fire.

Previously known as the Disney-MGM Studios, a visit here is like a step back in time to the glory days of Hollywood. Art Deco buildings, Neon signs and huge city backdrops with people dressed in vintage costumes all help enhance the feeling that you’ve stepped into the bustle of a 1930’s Hollywood movie studio.
There are thrilling rides, show biz themed shows and attractions, and exhibits about the process of making movies and all are bound together with that special Disney magic. Some of the rides and attractions include:

The Great Movie Ride
Housed in a replica of the legendary Graumann’s Chinese theatre, the use of film footage, and special effects celebrates the history of film.

The American Idol Experience
Always wished you could audition for the biggest talent show in the world? Here’s your chance – perform in front of a panel of judges and see if you can get enough votes to be in the grand finale performance at the end of the day. Alternatively you could just be part of the audience and vote for your favourite acts.

Studio Backlot Tour
This is a behind the scenes tour on a tram that takes you through prop warehouse, wardrobes department, and past scenes and vehicles that have been used in real movies and shows. There are plenty of photo opportunities here, and you’ll also get to see two different special effects demonstrations too.

Walt Disney – One Man’s Dream
A chance to learn all about Walt Disney the man behind the mouse. This is a self guided tour with artefacts, photos and interviews with the great man who started the Disney empire.

Rock n Roller Coaster
A wild ride indeed – this extreme indoor roller coaster has an intense sound track recorded especially for it by Aerosmith and takes you from 0-60mph in under 3 seconds!

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Arguably the scariest of all the Walt Disney World rides this once glamorous hotel, now old, neglected and full of cobwebs has freight elevators that rise and fall, rise and fall, plunging you down with darkness and fear.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid
This is a 15 minute show that’s brilliant for the whole family. Puppetry, special effects and songs recreate this popular Disney film.

Muppet Vision 3-D
An attraction that brings the Muppets to life with Kermit trying to keep everyone happy and lots of crazy things happening back stage and plenty of special effects to add to it all this is another one for kids and adults alike.

Lights, Motors, Action!
This is a fast paced extreme action stunt show to thrill visitors of every age. It reveals secrets behind some of the best car chases and stunts as well as pyrotechnics as you witness explosions, jumps, spins and more.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
A thirty minute long live show recreating scenes from the Raiders of the Lost Ark with stunts, fighting and explosions. A must see for Indiana Jones fans obviously, but also for anyone who’s a fan of action movies in general.

Star Tours
Based on the original Star Wars film this is a full motion simulator ride that takes you on an intergalactic adventure. It bumps and shakes you as the ship you’re aboard encounters mishaps and has to twist and turn to survive creating a great adventure with thrilling effects and motion.

Visitors to Miami can choose to stay in a hotel that’s part of a major chain and is within easy access of everything in the downtown area, or they can look at staying in one of the boutique hotels in Miami Beach which is part of the National Register of Historic Places. Whatever you choose, you’ll find that from cultural and sporting events in downtown Miami to sunshine, beaches and dancing the night away at South Beach, you’ll be where the action is.

Hotel Urbano
Located in downtown Miami, Florida close to South Beach this urban beach hotel offers stylish accommodation and great service. It has 65 guest rooms each with walk in shower and wireless high speed internet. This is a place which is stylish, vibrant, eclectic and casual. It is an urban boutique hotel with a resort flavour to it.

Daddy O Hotel
Small and stylish, this boutique hotel provides its guests with a sophisticated but personal experience. It has convenient access to all the hotspots in South Beach from dining and shopping to nightlife and beaches.

Miami Spring Hill Suites
The Spring Hill Suites Miami Airport hotel offers both business travellers and holidaymakers a great place to stay. This is a smoke-free hotel, which is spacious, rich with amenities and offers great friendly service. Its location means you’ve got plenty of restaurants, shops, attractions and golf clubs within easy reach, and it’s just a short drive from both the port of Miami and the Miami International Airport.

When you’re setting out to choose a hotel, it’s worth bearing in mind that Miami and Miami Beach are two separate cities. Miami Beach is just across the causeway on a barrier island, and the hotels here were designed to blend in with the tropical beauty that abounds here. There are many Art Deco designs in the Miami Beach Architectural District which are unlike any others in the country.

One of the most photographed hotels here is the Colony Hotel. Designed in the height of the Art Deco era of the 1920s-1940s, it is today transformed into a boutique hotel. Other boutique hotels in the area include the historic Hotel Chelsea and the Hotel Shelley both built in 1936, and the Riviera South Beach which was built in the 1940s. More modern boutique hotels include the Catalina Hotel and Beach Club, the Chesterfield Hotel, the Clinton Hotel and the Hotel Whitelaw.

South Beach hotels offer a vintage atmosphere that is distinctly art deco, while downtown hotels highlight all that is modern and urban. The Hyatt Regency Miami is connected to the Miami Convention centre and has more than 100,000 square feet of meeting and event space, while the Four Seasons offers round the clock multi-lingual guest service.

Hotels here in both areas are used to accommodating international travellers so language is rarely a barrier here, and with Florida’s growing tourism industry these are some of the most luxurious modern downtown hotels and funky South Beach boutique hotels you’ll find.

Tampa, a well-liked city in the US state of Florida also serves as popular family destination. Located on the west coast of Florida, Tampa boasts of several characteristic features which make it one of the most favourite family destinations for travellers worldwide.

With sun kissed beaches, lush green parks and a bubbly city centre, Tampa easily fits into the list of varied and exciting holiday spots that are perfect for family getaways. Time has seen a large influx of Caribbean immigrants into the city and this speaks a lot about the Caribbean influence that is reflected in many of the city’s districts!

Cuddled up on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, the largest city of Florida gifts family’s romantic sunsets and a Caribbean-influenced nightlife that vibrates with salsa music and Cuban jazz. Cap it all with a family walk through Tampa’s famed avenues at night and it makes for a perfect family holiday!

For families who are interested in taking a peek look into the multicultural heritage the city oozes with – make your way to the hub of Ybor City. This place which houses the Tampa Latin Quarter was the centre of the Cuban cigar boom in the early 20th century and is the best way one can learn about the rich heritage and culture of Tampa.

Tampa offers numerous activities, all of which are entertaining enough to keep every single member of the family engaged. Kids will love the Florida Aquarium which strives to delight vacationers with unique exhibits every year. The beautiful Clearwater Beach with its great view is one of the best places where families can relax after the day’s activity. You can splash around in the warm waters of the beach, play volleyball with your kids in the soft sand or even ride on a pirate ship. Sailing and skiing are other activities that family can indulge themselves in, once at the beach. Do not miss out dining listening to the rhythmic live bands at St Pete Pier!

And it is not just the Clearwater beaches. The Tampa Bay has to its credit several beaches which make for a perfect beach holiday when you are out with your family. You and your kids can enjoy flying kites in the well-preserved stretch of the Honeymoon Island. A ferry from here will take you to the dunes of the Caladesi Islands. There are few things as great as the kayak trail through mangroves at this area. The Fort DeSoto Park which lies to the south of Tampa is another ideal family sightseeing attraction thanks to the animal sanctuary, the old fort and the soft sands this place boasts about. Treasure Island, Hubbard’s Marina and Maderia Beach are the other beaches in Tampa where you can enjoy nature trails and water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, sailing and deep-sea fishing.

There is more to Tampa than just its beaches. Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry offers kids the opportunity to relate to the numerous hand-on exhibits here. The Lowry Park Zoo promises to keep every member of the family entertained with its vast collection of animals. Tampa Museum of Art gifts visitors an insight into the classical and contemporary Roman and Greek arts. Fun-filled theme parks are the next best place in Tampa where you can head to gathering your entire family. The Busch Gardens is a name you can keep in mind.

With lots of fun sports attractions, numerous exciting events (Gasparilla Priate festival, Fiesta Day, the Tampa International Gay et cetera), lots of outdoor activities and several tailor-made family accommodation choices, Tampa is a perfect holiday destination for familes.