Florida is a popular choice for families and groups looking for sunshine, attractions and a holiday with plenty to do.

For visitors travelling from Ireland, planning ahead can help make the journey and holiday itself much easier.

Getting to Florida from Ireland

Direct flights to Orlando have been available from Dublin, and there are connecting options from other Irish airports, but routes and schedules change from season to season. It is worth checking current options with the airlines before you book, and allowing for a long travel day, as a direct flight is typically around nine hours in the air.

If you fly from Dublin or Shannon, you can complete US border checks before you leave Ireland thanks to US preclearance. That can make arriving in Florida quicker and simpler, especially after a long flight with children.

Irish passport holders normally travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program, which means an approved ESTA is needed before you fly. Every member of your party needs one, including children. Entry requirements can change, so always check the latest guidance on the official US government website well before you travel.

Choose the right accommodation

If you're travelling as a family or group, think beyond simply having somewhere to sleep.

A villa gives you space to spread out, separate bedrooms and shared areas where everyone can spend time together.

Build a realistic itinerary

Orlando offers an enormous amount to see and do.

Trying to fit everything into a single holiday can quickly become exhausting.

Choose your priorities first.

Then build the rest of your itinerary around them.

Add some slower days

A villa holiday gives you the opportunity to enjoy days without a strict schedule.

Spend time by the pool, prepare lunch at home and relax before heading out for dinner.

These slower days can become some of the most enjoyable parts of the trip.

Explore beyond the main attractions

While the major Orlando attractions are an obvious highlight, don't overlook the restaurants, shopping, golf and outdoor experiences around the wider area.

Make the most of a longer stay

If you're travelling a long way for your Florida holiday, staying longer can give you the opportunity to enjoy more without rushing.

Two or three weeks can feel very different from a one-week trip.

Practical tips for Irish visitors

A few small details can make settling in much easier:

• Time difference: Florida is usually five hours behind Ireland, so allow a day or two to adjust.
• Currency: prices in Florida are in US dollars. Our live exchange rate tool shows what your euros are worth, so you can budget for meals, shopping and days out.
• Driving: in the US you drive on the right, so it helps to be prepared if you are hiring a car. Our car hire page includes a company we recommend.
• Plugs: US sockets are different from Irish ones, so pack a travel adapter.

We are a UK based, family run company and we are always happy to help guests from Ireland plan their villa holiday, so please get in touch if you have any questions.

Your Florida holiday starts before you arrive

Good planning means choosing accommodation that works for your group, creating an itinerary that leaves room to breathe and deciding which experiences really matter to you.

Then, once you arrive, you can stop planning and start enjoying Florida.

The post Florida Holidays from Ireland: A Guide to Planning Your Orlando Trip appeared first on Sungrove Villas.