Things to Do in Orlando Beyond the Theme Parks

 When people think of Orlando, their minds usually go straight to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. While the theme parks are undoubtedly a huge part of the destination's appeal, there is another side to Orlando that is well worth exploring. From wildlife encounters and airboat adventures to shopping, restaurants and beautiful natural surroundings, there are plenty of things to do in Orlando beyond the theme parks.

Whether you are planning a day away from the rides or want to discover more of Florida during your holiday, here are some of the best experiences to add to your itinerary.

Get Up Close to Florida's Wildlife

Florida is famous for its wildlife, and Orlando offers several opportunities to see some of the state's most fascinating animals.

One of the best-known attractions is Gatorland, often nicknamed the Alligator Capital of the World. This wildlife park is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, alongside birds, snakes and other animals. You can watch feeding demonstrations, learn more about Florida's native wildlife and even take a zip-line adventure above the alligator breeding marsh.

For something a little different, Wild Florida combines an airboat experience with a drive-through safari park. The airboat tours take you across the wetlands, where you may spot alligators, turtles and native birdlife. It is a fantastic way to experience a more natural side of Florida without travelling too far from the Orlando area.

Enjoy an Airboat Ride Through the Everglades Headwaters

An airboat ride is one of those classic Florida experiences that is well worth trying. These flat-bottomed boats glide across shallow waterways and wetlands, giving you a chance to explore landscapes that you would otherwise struggle to reach.

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, near Kissimmee, offers guided trips through the surrounding wetlands. Your captain will help you look out for alligators, birds and other wildlife while explaining more about the local ecosystem.

It is an exciting experience for families, couples and anyone who wants to do something a little different during their Orlando holiday.

Discover ICON Park on International Drive

International Drive is one of Orlando's busiest tourist areas, and ICON Park is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.

The main attraction is The Orlando Eye, a huge observation wheel that takes you high above the surrounding area for panoramic views across Orlando. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars and smaller attractions to enjoy.

Inside ICON Park, you will find SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, where underwater tunnels and interactive exhibits allow you to get close to sharks, rays, turtles and other marine creatures. Madame Tussauds Orlando is another popular option, with lifelike wax figures of celebrities and famous personalities.

With several attractions in one location, ICON Park is particularly convenient if you want to combine sightseeing, dinner and entertainment without travelling between different areas.

Spend an Evening at Disney Springs

You do not need a theme park ticket to enjoy Disney magic. Disney Springs is a lively shopping, dining and entertainment district that is free to enter and makes a lovely evening out.

Browse the shops, enjoy a meal overlooking the waterfront or simply soak up the atmosphere as the area comes alive after dark. There are restaurants to suit different tastes and budgets, along with entertainment and plenty of opportunities for a little holiday shopping.

It is also a great place to visit on an evening when you have spent the day relaxing at your hotel.

Make Time for Orlando's Shopping Outlets

Orlando is a fantastic destination for shopping, particularly if you enjoy finding well-known American brands at discounted prices.

Orlando International Premium Outlets on International Drive and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets near Walt Disney World are two of the most popular shopping destinations. Both feature a wide range of designer and high-street brands, with regular offers and outlet discounts.

For a more traditional shopping centre experience, The Mall at Millenia offers a mix of luxury labels, popular retailers and restaurants. It is an excellent option for a rainy afternoon or a break from the Florida sunshine.

Explore Orlando's Natural Side

If you fancy escaping the busy tourist areas, Orlando has some beautiful green spaces and natural attractions.

Harry P. Leu Gardens is a peaceful botanical garden covering around 50 acres, with tropical plants, rose gardens, shaded pathways and seasonal flowers. It is a lovely place for a relaxed morning away from the crowds.

Lake Eola Park, in downtown Orlando, is another popular spot. You can take a walk around the lake, hire one of the distinctive swan-shaped pedal boats or enjoy a coffee while watching the local wildlife.

For something more adventurous, head towards Wekiwa Springs State Park, where clear spring water, walking trails and kayaking opportunities provide a completely different experience of Central Florida.

Add Something Different to Your Orlando Holiday

One of the best things about Orlando is the variety of experiences available beyond its famous theme parks. You could spend the morning spotting alligators, enjoy an afternoon shopping on International Drive and finish the day with dinner at Disney Springs.

When planning your holiday, it is worth building in a few days away from the theme parks. Not only does this give you a chance to relax, but it also allows you to experience more of what makes Florida such a wonderful destination.

At Charter Travel, our Florida specialists can help you put together a tailor-made Orlando holiday, combining your favourite theme parks with hotels, shopping, wildlife experiences and days exploring beyond the rides.

Everglades Holidays – Discover Florida’s Wild Side on a Day Trip from Miami

 

When you think of Florida, you might picture Miami’s sandy beaches, Orlando’s famous theme parks or the sunshine of the Florida Keys. However, just a short journey from Miami lies one of America’s most remarkable natural landscapes: Everglades National Park. With vast wetlands, winding waterways and incredible wildlife, the Everglades offers a completely different side to Florida and makes a fantastic addition to a Miami holiday.

Whether you are interested in spotting alligators, exploring the wetlands by airboat or discovering Florida’s natural beauty, an Everglades day trip is an experience worth adding to your itinerary.

What Makes the Everglades So Special?

The Everglades is a huge subtropical wetland ecosystem stretching across southern Florida. Often described as a river of grass, it is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including American alligators, crocodiles, manatees, turtles and hundreds of bird species.

Unlike a traditional national park filled with mountains and forests, the Everglades features sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests and shallow waterways. Its unique environment supports wildlife that is difficult to find anywhere else in the United States.

The area is particularly famous for its alligators, which can often be spotted resting beside waterways or swimming through the wetlands. Birdwatchers may also see herons, egrets and roseate spoonbills, while patient visitors might catch sight of turtles or other native animals.

An Everglades Day Trip from Miami

One of the easiest ways to experience the Everglades is on a day trip from Miami. Depending on which entrance or visitor area you choose, the journey can take around an hour or more, making it possible to explore the wetlands without changing hotels or interrupting your Miami beach stay.

Airboat tours are among the most popular experiences. These flat-bottomed boats travel across shallow water and grasslands, offering an exciting way to explore parts of the ecosystem that are otherwise difficult to reach. Guided tours often include information about the wildlife, local environment and conservation work taking place in the region.

For a more relaxed experience, consider walking trails, wildlife viewing areas and boardwalks. The Anhinga Trail, near the Royal Palm area, is particularly popular for spotting birds and alligators at close range. Shark Valley is another excellent option, with a tram tour and cycling routes offering opportunities to observe the landscape and wildlife.

It is worth remembering that wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, and airboat attractions outside the national park are not the same as visiting the national park itself. Choosing the right experience depends on whether you prefer an exciting boat ride, a guided wildlife tour or time exploring nature on foot.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

The dry season, generally from November to April, is often a popular time to explore the Everglades. Lower water levels can make wildlife easier to spot, while cooler temperatures are usually more comfortable for walking and outdoor activities.

The summer months bring higher temperatures, humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. However, this is also a greener time of year, and birdlife can be particularly interesting. Whenever you visit, take drinking water, sun protection and insect repellent, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Combine the Everglades with a Miami Holiday

An Everglades excursion fits naturally into a wider Miami holiday. Spend a few days enjoying South Beach, exploring the Art Deco architecture, shopping in the city or relaxing beside the Atlantic before heading inland for a day surrounded by nature.

You could also extend your trip with a journey through the Florida Keys, stopping at Key Largo and Islamorada before reaching Key West. Alternatively, continue along Florida’s Gulf Coast for beautiful beaches and relaxed coastal towns.

At Charter Travel, we can help you create a tailor-made Florida holiday with flights, accommodation, car hire and excursions arranged around your plans. Whether you want a Miami city break with an Everglades day trip or a longer adventure through southern Florida, speak to our travel specialists about putting together your ideal itinerary.

Miami and Key West Holidays: The Perfect Florida Twin-Centre Escape

A holiday combining Miami and Key West offers two very different sides of Florida in one unforgettable trip. From Miami’s golden beaches, stylish hotels and lively nightlife to Key West’s laid-back island atmosphere, colourful streets and spectacular sunsets, this twin-centre holiday is ideal for couples, friends and anyone looking to experience more of Florida beyond the theme parks.

Best of all, you don’t need to spend hours driving along the Overseas Highway to enjoy both destinations. With flights between Miami and Key West, you can make the most of your time in Florida without the hassle of a long road journey.

Discover the Best of Miami

Start your holiday in Miami, a vibrant city where beach days, art, shopping and excellent restaurants are all part of the experience. Miami Beach is an obvious choice for your stay, particularly if you want to be close to the famous Art Deco architecture of South Beach, Ocean Drive and the Atlantic coastline.

Spend your mornings relaxing on the sand, take a stroll along the beachfront promenade or enjoy lunch at one of the many cafés and restaurants. South Beach is particularly lively, with fashionable bars and a buzzing atmosphere, while Mid-Beach offers a more relaxed setting for those who prefer a quieter stretch of coastline.

Beyond the beach, there is plenty to explore. Head to Wynwood to discover colourful street art and independent galleries, or visit Little Havana for Cuban coffee, traditional food and a taste of Miami’s Latin American influences. If shopping is on your list, you’ll find everything from designer boutiques to large shopping centres.

Miami also has an excellent choice of hotels, whether you’re looking for a luxurious beachfront resort, a stylish city hotel or something more affordable within easy reach of the main attractions.

Fly to Key West for Island Life

After exploring Miami, take a short flight to Key West, the southernmost city in the continental United States. The journey is quick compared with travelling by road, leaving you more time to enjoy this colourful island destination.

Key West feels a world away from the energy of Miami. The atmosphere is relaxed, the streets are lined with pastel-coloured houses and tropical gardens, and many of the main attractions are within easy reach of one another.

Duval Street is the heart of the island’s dining and entertainment scene, with independent shops, lively bars and restaurants serving fresh seafood and the famous Key lime pie. Explore the historic Old Town on foot, admire the island’s distinctive architecture or visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

For a memorable evening, head to Mallory Square for the nightly sunset celebration. Street performers, local artists and musicians gather as visitors watch the sun sink towards the Gulf of Mexico.

Make Time for the Water

Key West is also a fantastic destination for getting out on the water. Boat trips, snorkelling excursions and sunset cruises offer different ways to appreciate the clear waters surrounding the Florida Keys.

You could spend a morning exploring colourful coral reefs, book a dolphin-watching trip or simply relax beside your hotel pool. If you want to discover more of the surrounding islands, organised boat excursions make it easy to experience the area without needing to hire a car.

How to Plan a Miami and Key West Holiday

We recommend allowing around seven to ten nights for a Miami and Key West twin-centre holiday, splitting your stay between the two destinations according to your interests.

For example, you could spend four nights in Miami followed by three nights in Key West. If you prefer more beach time, shopping and sightseeing in the city, add a few extra nights in Miami. Alternatively, extend your stay in Key West if you want a slower pace and more time for boat trips and island experiences.

Flights between Miami and Key West can be incorporated into your tailor-made holiday, alongside your international flights and accommodation. Transfers and activities can also be discussed when planning your itinerary.

At Charter Travel, our Travel Advisors can help you choose the right hotels, flight arrangements and length of stay to suit your budget and travel style.

Ready to plan your Miami and Key West holiday? Get in touch with Charter Travel to create a tailor-made Florida escape combining city excitement, beautiful beaches and relaxed island living. 

Florida Keys Holidays: Discover the Beautiful Islands of the Florida Keys

 A holiday to the Florida Keys offers a completely different side of Florida. Think turquoise waters, palm-lined roads, colourful waterfront restaurants and spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. Stretching south from mainland Florida towards Key West, this chain of tropical islands is ideal for a relaxed American road trip, combining beautiful beaches, wildlife encounters and charming coastal towns.

The famous Overseas Highway connects the islands with a series of bridges, including the impressive Seven Mile Bridge. With a hire car, you can explore at your own pace, stopping at secluded beaches, waterfront cafés and scenic viewpoints along the way.

Start Your Florida Keys Holiday in Key Largo

Just over an hour's drive south of Miami, Key Largo is often the first stop on a Florida Keys fly-drive holiday. Known for its clear waters and fascinating marine life, it is a fantastic destination for snorkelling, scuba diving and boat trips.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a highlight, with colourful coral reefs, tropical fish and the famous Christ of the Abyss underwater statue. If you prefer to stay dry, glass-bottom boat tours offer a wonderful way to see the underwater world.

Key Largo also has a relaxed atmosphere, with waterfront restaurants and accommodation ranging from welcoming family-friendly hotels to luxurious resorts. Spend a few nights here to unwind after your flight before continuing south through the islands.

Discover Islamorada, the Sport Fishing Capital of the World

Continue along the Overseas Highway to Islamorada, a collection of islands celebrated for its fishing, watersports and laid-back lifestyle. Often described as one of the most beautiful stops in the Florida Keys, Islamorada is ideal for couples and families looking to enjoy the outdoors.

Book a fishing charter, try paddleboarding in the calm waters or simply relax beside the sea. At Robbie's Marina, you can watch enormous tarpon gather beneath the jetty and, if you wish, feed them by hand.

Islamorada also has a great choice of waterfront restaurants, independent shops and small galleries. It is a lovely place to slow down and enjoy the tropical scenery before continuing towards Marathon Key.

Explore Marathon Key and the Middle Keys

Marathon Key makes an excellent base for discovering the Middle Keys. The atmosphere is relaxed, with family-friendly attractions, opportunities to get out on the water and easy access to some beautiful natural surroundings.

Visit the Turtle Hospital to learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of injured sea turtles, or head to the Dolphin Research Center to discover more about these intelligent marine mammals. Both offer memorable experiences for visitors of different ages.

One of the area's biggest highlights is the Seven Mile Bridge, which stretches across the turquoise sea towards the Lower Keys. Nearby Bahia Honda State Park is worth a visit for its sandy beaches, clear water and beautiful views of the old railway bridge.

Finish Your Journey in Key West

At the southern end of the Florida Keys, Key West offers a colourful blend of history, culture and Caribbean-inspired charm. Its pastel-coloured houses, tropical gardens and lively streets give it a personality all of its own.

Explore Old Town on foot, browse the independent shops along Duval Street and stop at a local café for a slice of key lime pie. History lovers can visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, famous for its six-toed cats, while Mallory Square is the place to gather for the island's celebrated sunset celebrations.

Boat trips, snorkelling excursions and day trips to Dry Tortugas National Park provide even more opportunities for adventure.

Plan Your Florida Keys Fly-Drive Holiday

The Florida Keys are easy to combine with a stay in Miami, where you can enjoy South Beach, shopping and the city's excellent restaurants before collecting your hire car. You could also add the Everglades for an airboat adventure or extend your holiday with time in Orlando.

Whether you prefer a relaxed beach escape, an adventurous family road trip or a romantic break, our travel specialists can tailor your Florida Keys holiday around you. We can help arrange your flights, car hire, hotels and additional destinations, creating a journey that suits your interests and budget.

Get in touch with Charter Travel to start planning your tailor-made Florida Keys holiday.

Ultimate Twin Centre Holiday in Japan and Hawaii

 

From Disney Magic to Waikiki Sunsets: The Ultimate Family Holiday in Japan and Hawaii

Ask most families to describe their dream holiday and you’ll hear the same wish list: theme parks for the kids, something a little more meaningful for the grown-ups, and a proper beach break so everyone comes home relaxed. Our Japan and Hawaii twin-centre ticks every box in one 13-night trip.

Start with two days of Disney magic

Your holiday begins with a direct British Airways flight to Tokyo and three nights at the Grand Nikko Tokyo Bay Maihama, an Official Hotel of Tokyo Disney Resort. A free shuttle connects you to the Disney Resort Line monorail, so you’re never more than a few minutes from the parks, and breakfast is included each morning to fuel those busy days.

Tokyo Disneyland will feel familiar in the best way, with classic rides, beloved characters and spectacular parades. Tokyo DisneySea is the real showstopper, though. Found nowhere else in the world, it’s built around beautifully themed ports, from a Mediterranean harbour to a mysterious volcano, and many visitors call it the most impressive Disney park on the planet. With a 1-day ticket for each park included for the whole family, you’ll experience both.

Bullet trains and bowing deer

Next comes a moment every child remembers: boarding the shinkansen, Japan’s famous bullet train. Watch the countryside rush past and, on a clear day, look out for Mount Fuji from your window.

In Kyoto, you’ll stay three nights at THE BLOSSOM KYOTO, a stylish hotel one subway stop from Kyoto Station, with a quad room so everyone stays together. Kids love racing through the endless red gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine and spotting the towering bamboo at Arashiyama, while parents will enjoy the hotel’s relaxing Japanese-style public bath after a day of sightseeing.

A guided half-day tour to Nara, with lunch included, is often the highlight for younger travellers. Hundreds of friendly deer roam freely through Nara Park, and some have even learned to bow politely in exchange for a deer cracker. Nearby, the enormous bronze Buddha inside Todai-ji Temple is guaranteed to impress.

Then, a week to unwind on Waikiki

After the excitement of Japan, a direct flight whisks you across the Pacific to Oahu for seven nights at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Spread across 22 acres on Waikiki Beach, it’s a resort designed for families, with five pools, water slides, a kids’ pool and a saltwater lagoon perfect for paddling and snorkelling.

Days can be as lazy or as active as you like. Join hula lessons and lei making at the resort, catch the Friday night fireworks over the beach, or venture out to hike Diamond Head, snorkel at Hanauma Bay or visit Pearl Harbor.

Why this order works so well

The beauty of this itinerary is its pacing. You tackle the busiest, most exciting part of the trip first, while everyone’s energy is high, and finish with a full week of sunshine and slow mornings. By the time you fly home, jet lag is a distant memory and the whole family is properly rested.

Start planning your family adventure

Every Charter Travel holiday is tailor-made, so we can add extra nights, upgrade hotels or include Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. Call our team on 01635 551011 or enquire online to start planning your Japan and Hawaii adventure.

Why Autumn is the Perfect Time for a Japan Holiday

 Japan is a fascinating destination at any time of year, but there is something particularly special about visiting during autumn. The summer heat begins to disappear, the countryside turns spectacular shades of red and gold, and Japan's temples, gardens and historic streets take on a completely different atmosphere.

An Autum Japan holiday takes you from Tokyo and Kyoto to travelling through the mountains and discovering traditional villages, this is a season that lends itself perfectly to a varied itinerary.

A country transformed by autumn

Autumn foliage, known as koyo in Japan, is an important part of Japanese culture. As the leaves change colour, people travel across the country to enjoy the seasonal scenery, a tradition known as momijigari, or autumn leaf viewing.

What makes Japan particularly special is the variety of landscapes you can experience. One day you could be walking beneath colourful maple trees beside an ancient temple, and the next you could be surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

Experience traditional Japan

Autumn is a wonderful season for exploring Japan's cultural side. In Kyoto, historic temples and gardens are framed by vibrant foliage, while smaller destinations offer a glimpse into a more traditional way of life.

Consider visiting Nara, where ancient temples sit among spacious parks and curious deer roam freely. Further north, the historic village of Shirakawa-go provides a completely different experience, with traditional gassho-style houses surrounded by mountains and seasonal colour.

For a memorable stay, add a night or two in a ryokan. These traditional Japanese inns are an experience in themselves, often combining tatami rooms, Japanese cuisine and access to relaxing hot spring baths.

Autumn in Tokyo and beyond

Tokyo may seem an unlikely place to enjoy autumn scenery, but the capital has plenty of beautiful parks and gardens. The contrast between colourful trees and the city's modern skyline makes for some fantastic photographs.

After experiencing Tokyo's bright lights, shopping and incredible restaurants, travel beyond the capital to discover a slower pace of life. The Japanese Alps are particularly impressive in autumn, with mountain towns, forests and traditional villages providing a completely different perspective on the country.

Kyoto at its most beautiful

Kyoto is arguably one of the highlights of an autumn Japan holiday. The city's temples and gardens become even more atmospheric when surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage.

Take a walk through Arashiyama, visit the temples around Higashiyama or simply explore the quieter streets away from the main tourist areas. Early mornings can be particularly rewarding, giving you the chance to enjoy some of Kyoto's most famous sights in a calmer atmosphere.

Make your Japan holiday your own

One of the best things about travelling around Japan is how easy it is to combine completely different experiences in one holiday. You can enjoy the energy of Tokyo, the culture of Kyoto, the natural beauty of the Japanese Alps and the history of Nara as part of one tailor-made itinerary.

You could also extend your trip with Osaka, Hiroshima, Mount Fuji or even a few days in the Japanese countryside. With Japan's excellent rail network, travelling between destinations can be part of the experience rather than simply a way of getting from A to B.

Whether you're looking for an autumn adventure filled with sightseeing or a slower journey combining culture, food, scenery and relaxation, Japan offers plenty of possibilities.

Speak to our Japan travel specialists and we'll help you create a tailor-made autumn holiday designed around the places and experiences you want to discover.