I make use of the RV’s kitchen and fridge on several occasions. The cost of living may be high in the US, but there are ways to reduce daily spending. I find Florida offers as many surprises as its wildlife, not least the possibility of relaxing on a budget. Manatees are returning to Crystal River (Photo: Visit Florida) I see plenty in the daytime, on a tour of the Everglades. But, after nightfall, alligators are the thing to keep watch for. While staying at Crystal River, I look out for turtles on the rocks. In the same spirit, evenings at Florida’s RV campsites are peaceful and slow. I’m thrilled as they touch my arms and face as I snorkel. The animals’ poor eyesight and gentle nature mean they are inquisitive. They’re easy to spot, their bodies, typically around 9ft to 10ft in length, float above the water. It costs $50 (£40) to swim alongside them. In the winter months, manatees crowd the warm waters of this small town, their numbers rising after recent conservation efforts have turned the tide on decline. Tampa’s historic Ybor City district (Photo: Pgiam/Getty Images) From Tampa, I drive north to Crystal River, where I stay at Crystal Isles Thousand Trails Park. A Cuban sandwich at Columbia Restaurant in Ybor – which claims to be Florida’s oldest – is a highlight: perfectly roasted pork, layered with melted Swiss cheese. I also visit Tampa, a city known for its Cuban community and nightlife. Afterwards, I stop at nearby Cocoa Beach on Florida’s “Space Coast”, by Cape Canaveral.Īround 20 miles north of Siesta beach, I spend several days in Palmetto, parking up at Fisherman’s Cove, an RV campground with sea views. I look up at the world’s tallest single-story building, constructed to house rockets before takeoff. I attend a talk by former astronaut Guy Gardner, who delves into his experience of living in orbit. Instead, I head to the Kennedy Space Centre, where I spend the entire afternoon touring NASA’s historical space shuttles and rockets. But I am not here for the rides and character meet-and-greets. The crackles travel for miles.īut I am not here for the rides and character meet-and-greets. At Orlando’s Thousand Trails RV campground, it is hard to miss the nightly Walt Disney World Resort fireworks show. My journey starts in Orlando, a city better known for its theme parks (it has 10, including Disney’s) than its camping scene. The mangroves of Banana River (Photo: Visit Florida) In Crystal River’s afternoon heat, retirees and digital nomads gather around the pool. Halloween decorations are strung from hi-tech trailer trucks others are lit up with neon palm trees. Compare this with the average cost of a one-week holiday in Florida, which is £2,751pp, based on figures from travel website Budget Your Trip.Īt the various RV parks I visit, from Orlando to Crystal River, I meet US tourists who have lived at these venues for months, even years. Saga’s month-long touring package of Florida’s Gulf coast and Panhandle costs £2,642pp, including flights and van rental. Its specialist RV camping sites are a reasonably priced alternative to hotels in winter, when room rates are at their peak, averaging £200 a night. The state takes motor homes and recreational vehicles (RVs) seriously.
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