Despite the promise of holidays being blissful, choosing when to travel can be a challenge. But what better way to make the most of our annual leave than planning around bank holidays? And if you're looking to stretch your time off in style, Florida is the perfect long-haul escape. In just the first quarter of 2024 alone,
a record-breaking 40.6 million people packed their suitcases for the Sunshine State. With world-famous theme parks, stunning beaches, lively cities, and endless sunshine, it's no wonder Florida is always in high demand.
Read on to discover how to bank the best 2025 Florida holidays possible at each season of the year...
January - Florida Keys Road Trip
Welcome in the new year at the
tropical island paradise of the Florida Keys. 1st January lies on a Wednesday, so you can enjoy a week of Florida sunshine while only taking four days off work.
Florida Keys' Christmas crowds have long gone, so this quiet enclave makes a perfect wind in-your-hair road-tripping holiday. The beaches are all yours, the island towns have restored their slow-paced vibes, and all is well down south in the land of turquoise shores.
Begin your sunny Florida Keys road trip in Key Largo. The first of the Florida Keys islands, there's as much to do in Key Largo's sea as on land in this unofficial Dive Capital of the World. Discover an underwater coral reef world, snorkel past rainbow shoals of fish and graceful sea turtles, or stay dry and enjoy the view on a glass-bottomed boat.
On your way down south, cruise past sport-fishing Islamorada and Marathon's dolphin-spotting bays. Bahia Honda State Park's white-sand beaches and Big Pine Keys wild deer sanctuary await your arrival on your road-tripping itinerary.
The last stop on your road trip is Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States of America. The most remote island town is also the liveliest with a buzzing nightlife. Get swept up in its energy as you frolic in the clear, crystal waters, party until dawn, and admire the island's pastel, conch-style architecture. And remember, we can offer
comprehensive car hire for you to hit the road in style.
Warmer weather of 26°C and the eagerly awaited Easter weekend, from 18th to 21st April 2025, are two benefits of this spring month. With only 8 days of yearly leave, you can take a two-week holiday to Florida. Why wait for the Easter Bunny at home when you can celebrate with Mickey Mouse and friends in Walt Disney World?
With shorter queues at Disney, thanks to school children in the classroom, you won't have to wait as long as summertime's peak. Also, Orlando's notorious humidity has not yet descended. So you can experience a whirlwind of fun and adventure in a more pleasant and less sticky environment.
After reliving your childhood dreams at Walt Disney World, visit Universal Orlando Resort's cinematic amusement park and SeaWorld's aquatic kingdom. Don't forget about Fun Spot America's theme park jungle, autism-friendly Legoland Florida, and the entertaining ICON Park. Plus, you’ll enjoy a free 7-day I-RIDE Trolley Pass (available in every
Ocean Explorer package for Ocean Florida customers) to zip up and down International Drive, where top attractions, restaurants, and shopping await.
And don't stop at amusement parks. For a stellar finish, visit the nearby Kennedy Space Center. While the 2025 rocket launch schedule is still in the works, you might just catch a rocket blasting off from Kennedy Space Center’s launch complex.
May - Miami and the Gold Coast
Summer is already in full swing by May, with temperatures well above 30°C along southeastern Florida. Why not frequent Florida's hotspots like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and its bustling Gold Coast before the summer crowds gather? Another bonus of visiting before peak season is that prices are affordable before their summertime hike.
There are two bank holidays in May, falling at opposite ends of the month, on the 5th and 26th of May 2025. You can take a week, two weeks, or an entire month's holiday in Florida's trendiest and liveliest cities. A week's stay sets you back just four working days' leave, with two weeks at nine days. A whole month will have you down 22 days of annual leave - a worthwhile trade for beach bliss with a cocktail in hand.
Start south in vibrant
Miami, where the fun never stops. Miami is cosmopolitan and amazingly diversified, a melting pot of Latin and Caribbean cultures. Visit the eclectic Art Deco Historic District, a timestamp of the past with pronounced 1930s architecture and vintage cars. South Beach has all the vibes on its golden sandy shores for an endless party.
Head north to Hollywood's 5-star beach resorts and amble along the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a 2.5-mile oceanside promenade. Discover why Travel + Leisure named it one of America's top esplanades as you stroll to the sound of breaking surf.
Next, venture towards Fort Lauderdale's super chic canals. Known as the Venice of America, here you can ride a gondola to admire the grandeur of this upmarket marina. You'll love the more relaxed ambience of Fort Lauderdale's glowing beaches that stretch for miles. To continue your
Gold Coast dreamy getaway, head north towards the oceanside escapes of Boca Raton and luxurious Palm Beach.
August - Gulf Coast beaches
As the August bank holiday falls on Monday, 25th August 2025, take four days off work for a weeklong
Gulf Coast summer holiday on white sandy shores. Florida's Gulf Coast is more cost-effective than the tourist-laden Gold Coast. So, while the holidaymakers flock to Miami and Orlando, you get to enjoy your slice of paradise.
Begin your journey in Tampa, a glorious city of waterways, design, and fun. Soar to new heights at Busch Gardens' roller coaster playground or take a leisurely walk along the Tampa Riverwalk for sublime bay views. And for a truly unforgettable experience, swim with manatees in Crystal River, just north of Tampa.
The beaches of Clearwater, St. Pete, and Anna Maria Island, each with its distinct character, are pure paradise. Heighten your relaxation to lower crowds on these sandy retreats. Award-winning Clearwater Beach stuns with its deep turquoise shores and fine white sand. St. Pete Beach's pink palace, The Don CeSar Hotel, overlooks the clear, blue sea, while Anna Maria Island's snail-paced lifestyle is charmingly infectious.
Continue south to Naples, a sophisticated city with world-class art galleries, stylish shopping malls, and sublime nature. Also, the gateway to stunning Captiva and Sanibel Islands, you can linger on the secluded shores of these cornflour-sandy isles.
December - Florida Panhandle
The
Florida Panhandle is a beautiful place to spend Christmas. While it's in Florida's north, the temperatures aren't much different to the warmer south. With daily temperatures averaging around 20°C, winter's grey and gloom don't reach sunny Florida. As Christmas and Boxing Day fall on a Thursday and Friday, enjoy a week-long Christmas break with only 3 days off work.
For a wholesome Christmas atmosphere, you can't beat Florida's oldest city, St. Augustine. Revel in Christmas cheer at the city's illuminating festival, Nights of Lights. The twinkling lights draped over the striking Plaza de la Constitution trail over to the Bridge of Lions. The sparkling reflection on the Matanzas River is magical.
Further north in Jacksonville, the Christmas spirit is flickering away at the 300 ft long light show at Morocco Shrine Center. Join Jacksonville's Deck the Chair's jolly crowd, where boating light creations parade on the St. Johns River.
On the western board of the Florida Panhandle is Pensacola's coastal city. The much-anticipated Pensacola Winterfest enlivens this beach town with festive fun. One highlight is the Surfin' Santa Beach Parade, a local favourite. With its eye-popping floats, lively performances, and Santa cruising in style on his festive 'sleigh', it’s a crowd-pleaser like no other.
Mark your 2025 calendars in preparation for your Florida holiday. View our Florida deals in your destination of choice.
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