So we're thinking about planning our next trip to Florida. My eldest will be 16 next year and I accept that it won't be long before the thought of going on holiday with your parents just 'isn't cool' so we thought about doing something a little special next year - funds permitting.

We thought about doing 3 weeks in late August and doing a weeks road trip and then back to Orlando for couple of weeks chill out and parks. Now we've done Orlando a few times previously so I'm quite clued up on where to go and what to do but I was after some advice on the 1st week road trip part.

My initial thoughts were something like:-

Day 1 - Arrive @ Sanford and drive up to Daytona and check into a hotel on the beach front
Day 2 - Spend the day on Daytona beach
Day 3 - Drive down the coast to Miami - check in to a hotel
Day 4 - Spend the day in Miami
Day 5 - Drive across to the gulf coast (Maybe Naples or Sarasota) - book into a hotel
Day 6 - Spend the day in Naples or Sarasota
Day 7 - Not sure, maybe spend the day in Clearwater or Tampa
Day 8 - Drive to Orlando to a lovely booked villa from this website!
Day 9 - 21 - Chill out and go to parks etc


What do you think? We've never been anywhere outside of Orlando?

Anyone spent time in Daytona? Is it worth going?

My wife really wants to go to Miami but I'm a bit less sure as I've heard some horror stories about crime and that its not safe to be out after dark?

Best place to stop on the Gulf coast?

Best hotels in any of the areas?

I would also love to take in either an NCAA or NFL football game - probably in either Miami or Tampa. Anyone done this before?

Really appreciate any advice or pointers that anyone has! Sorry for all the questions...

Dave