Florida 2019 - Tell Me This Isn't The Last Time - Day 22 - Travel Home

[Mightyfraz]

The index is here.

Saturday 17th August 2019

So this is the day everyone dreads…….going home day. Yep it finally caught up with us, the time on this amazing holiday was coming to an end. We had to be out of the villa by 1100 and our flight was 1640; so we thought, we’d finish the last bit of packing, head out to Florida Mall and then on to the airport.

Despite going to bed late last night, DDs were up bright and early to have one final swim and then to sort out their treasure from MNSSHP.

Everything was packed into the minivan, villa triple checked and ready to go about 1030; with lots of time before our flight we stayed until 1100 and then left for Florida Mall on the way to the airport. In 2015 we ate in Outback at the airport and it was one of the best meals that holiday, so we decided to leave food until then.

It pains me to say but I think we were all shopped out although DD1 bought some gym gear from Pink and DW got some things in Claire’s Accessories. At this point we were all hungry and couldn’t wait for the airport; we looked at the food court but nothing was jumping out at us so we decided to go across the road to Olive Garden

DD1 had Crispy Chicken Fritta with Rigatoni in a marinara sauce and a Coke Zero, DW had Mushroom Ravioli and a glass of wine, DD2 had Angel Hair Marinara and a Coke Zero and I had Chicken Parmigiana with a glass of water

Needless to say, we filled up on salad and garlic bread The total was $83.00 (£68.60)

We headed off to the airport which was about a 15-minute drive; dropped the car off and headed for check in. As we were premium economy, we had 32kg per suitcase and I paid for an additional case too. Although we checked the cases before we left the villa, you always worry that your massively over weight. No need to worry, all cases were under the limit with the largest being 31.9kg.

Then off through security and for anyone there last summer will agree that it was a complete nightmare I think it took us about an hour to get through and by the time we made it to past security there was nowhere to sit. Fortunately, we managed to get a couple of seats; DDs went off to grab snacks for the plane but everywhere was busy with long queues. As we were sat outside Bahamas Breeze, myself and DW went and grabbed some drinks (Chardonnay, Blue Moon and Cokes for DDs).

We bought a couple of things in Duty Free and then headed to the plane. The flight was really good and the seats were good. I can’t really remember what we had to eat but took this picture (think it was shepherd’s pie)

We landed ahead of schedule and immigration was quick but the cases took an age to come through. We were met by our taxi driver and headed home.

About a week later or so when checking my credit card bill (did we spend that much ) I found a charge from Hertz for the minivan despite me paying for it through Holiday Autos; for some reason they had credited the amount I paid off their price and charged me the difference. They quickly acknowledged they were to blame and refunded the difference; however, with the currency rapidly going downwards I think I lost around £4 . The other thing was toll costs; some of the roads we travelled on were automatic licence plate recognition cameras. It took about two weeks to come through from the day of travel.

So that was it, it was an amazing trip and now DDs are older, they will remember so much more of it. I loved writing this trip and recalling everything we did as sometimes you are so caught up in the moment, you tend to forget things. Thanks to everyone who liked or commented on the trip; hoping it brought back some memories of your own especially in the current climate. We're still planning on going again... and again but think 2022 is slightly too close so when we think it's right to go, we will do and despite what DD1 will say, there will be another trip report sometime after thanks again for reading

I did do a "Highs and Lows", if you want to read that, it can be found here

[mick]

Thank you for taking the time to write your trippie I have really enjoyed reading along and as you say in the current climate it was good to read about your holiday


Joan

[Loobylou_82]

Many thanks. Really enjoyed reading along and loved the foodie photos.

[flo-tinka]

That candy my DD would have loved that
We planned to have attended MNSSHP for the first time this last week but not to be, sounds like you had a great time there (even in August!)
Thanks for sharing and some great memories. Probably a good idea to delay your future plans until after 2022, if you can resist!

[MickeyMoose]

Superb trip report, have loved reading it over the last few days.

[Mightyfraz]

Originally Posted by MickeyMoose

Superb trip report, have loved reading it over the last few days.

See more...

thanks very much for reading