AMERICAN dream

ALISON HAMMOND and her son AIDAN on how to have an epic holiday on a budget

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ALISON HAMMOND'S FLORIDA UNPACKEDNEW MONDAY-FRIDAY, 6.30PM, BBC2 TRAVELOGUE (BOX SET, BBC iPLAYER)

Can you get the full Florida experience without breaking the bank? Well, Alison Hammond and her son Aidan are on a quest to find out as they embark on an adventure across America's Sunshine State for a new BBC2 travelogue.

Over 10 episodes, Florida Unpacked will see the pair head off the beaten track to discover must-visit gems as well as sharing practical tips on how to get the best deals for food and drink, accommodation, travel and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Here, This Morning presenter and former holiday rep Alison, 49, and Aidan, 19, reveal what's on their itinerary...

With the price of a holiday to Florida skyrocketing in recent years, is it really possible to explore the theme-park paradise on a shoestring?

ALISON Yes, if you're organised and do a bit of research, there are so many free or low-cost activities, such as getting a tour of a fire station or visiting parks that are a fraction of the price of the big ones. Aidan and I have done the research, so you don't have to!

Florida has long been a place close to your heart, hasn't it?

ALISON My mum, who worked as a travel agent, originally inspired me to go to Florida and she was always a big part of those trips. Mum wasn't there this time [Alison's mum, Maria, passed away in 2020 following a liver and lung cancer diagnosis], so that was sad. But it was still lovely as Aidan and I have so many memories of visiting Florida with her and we reminisced about the things we used to do together.