My First Trip to Florida

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My First Trip to Florida

Hey everyone! I just wrapped up a short weekend getaway to Florida, shaking off the dust from my long-neglected travel writing. Although I grew up on the East Coast, I had never set foot in Florida—something I was quite proud of. Luckily for my wife (and maybe a little regrettably for me), we received an invitation to a wedding in Sarasota, so off we went to Florida!

Travel Challenges

Flight prices from the DC area were pretty steep, but I managed to snag a DCA-TPA and SRQ-STL-DCA itinerary on Southwest. This was my first time flying Southwest since the pandemic, and I was excited to experience their seating arrangements. I booked a ticket that included a seat and just had to choose a standard option.

The First Flight

We woke up at 5 AM and arrived at DCA by 5:45 AM for our 6:55 AM flight. Terminal 1 was packed with early Southwest flights, but we found a spot to relax while waiting to board. We were in Group 4, and the staff at the gate were very considerate, allowing for a smooth boarding process without long lines on the plane.

A Refreshing Flight Experience

The Boeing 737-8 MAX we flew on was spotless, with plenty of power outlets at our seats and a decent amount of legroom. The slim seats made for a surprisingly comfortable flying experience! As we took off on our two-hour flight, beverage service was prompt, with orders taken and drinks pre-poured. We enjoyed stunning views of Tampa on a beautiful day.

Renting a Car for Exploration

Thanks to my Venture X card, I had access to the Hertz Presidents Club. I rented a car for 24 hours for $77, and while the selection was a bit limited, we ended up with a KIA. I also used a free night at Hyatt, saving us $250 that we would have spent on a hotel. Our accommodation was conveniently located just two miles from the airport.

A Relaxing Stay at Hyatt

The Hyatt Place brand has never let me down; the rooms were spacious and clean. The wedding venue was beachfront with breathtaking views. We enjoyed delicious meals there and captured joyful moments at the evening party.

Heading Home After the Wedding

The next morning, I woke up at 7 AM to return the car at SRQ and started our journey home with a stopover. Although we faced a maintenance delay that grounded our flight for an hour, we made up a lot of time and only arrived an hour late. While waiting, we popped into the Priority Pass lounge but found no hot food, so we ended up spending $36 on a meal at Shake Shack.

Back to DCA

Finally, we boarded our flight to DCA on an older 737-700, but the weather was perfect for flying, even though the crew had to remain seated throughout the flight due to turbulence. An hour and a half later, I was treated to an incredibly impressive view as we approached landing. Thanks for reading! I'll be back next week with an adventure in Paris with my wife's family.

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