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Original poster

Florida for the weekend - stupid idea?

165 replies

clpsmum · 13/09/2023 17:12

There is an event in Florida two of my children really want to go to. The only way we could do it would be to fly out on Friday and back on Monday. I've not been long haul for many many years. Is it a stupid idea or is it doable? I'm in the UK

OP posts:
TheBarbieEffect · 13/09/2023 18:55

JustforAlice · 13/09/2023 17:32

Yes you can but no you shouldn't. Have you not noticed the world is burning? And flights like that contribute to the cause.

Oh bugger off 😂

BarelyLiterate · 13/09/2023 18:59

Having done weekends in New York, Boston & Chicago, I would definitely do it, although the flights are obviously longer. Jet lag wouldn’t be an issue with a short stay & a 5 hour time difference.
Not checking bags in would reduce time & hassle at the airports. It would be a morning departure from the U.K. & an evening departure from the US, so if you’re staying 3 nights you will have plenty of time there.

Needmoresunshine · 13/09/2023 19:03

I've done Los Angeles for a weekend. Shattered when I got back, but it can be done. I'd say you only live once, go for it!

FrazzledFirefly · 13/09/2023 19:06

Aw, have a great time OP

FrazzledFirefly · 13/09/2023 19:08

I know someone who once flew Sydney to London for a concert. Literally flew in, went to the concert and flew home.

Notonthestairs · 13/09/2023 19:10

clpsmum · 13/09/2023 17:43

Thanks everyone you've made my mind up, it's bonkers but you only live once and they will live it. I'm going to do it! Thank you all so much xx

We did it for a wedding. It was exhausting but manageable. Have a great time!

ZoeyBartlett · 13/09/2023 19:12

Glad you are going. My H and I try and do one mad weekend trip a year and have done Hong Kong, Buenos Aeries and Hawaii for long weekends.

Top tips are sleep as much as you can on plane, hand luggage only and run/speed walk to immigration. Enjoy!

MavisBeacon1234 · 13/09/2023 19:13

Cazaletto · 13/09/2023 17:28

Libya floods.
Spanish floods.

Please don’t.

Because the op not taking that flight will make a world of difference 🙄

newmama311 · 13/09/2023 19:14

You only live once, time difference means Early bedtime and early starts but tbh that's not so bad. I would do it x

Tacocatgoatcheesepizza · 13/09/2023 19:14

A few years ago DH and I flew to LA, arrived early evening California time, watched a concert that evening then flew back home the next day.

One of the most epic experiences of our lives!

We were tired but not jet lagged becuase our bodies were still on UK time anyway. We would absolutely do it again if the opportunity arose.

MumUndone · 13/09/2023 19:16

BirdiePlantaganet · 13/09/2023 17:31

I think it is entirely doable. I refuse to acknowledge jet lag if the flight is under 12 hours.

On the way out, you’ll get back 5 hours so won’t be tired. We fly to Miami frequently and just go to bed as usual ‘their’ time and get a normal night’s sleep and don’t really notice being tired.

The flight back is a bit tiring as you usually lose a night, but it’s only about 7.5 hours on the return and one night’s not hard to recover from.

Huh? You know jet lag is to do with time differences, right? Not tiredness just from being on a long flight?

BasicPumpkinSpice · 13/09/2023 19:19

It's very likely that WWE will do a large event in the UK after the AEW event in Wembley this year. You could go but honestly I'd just save up for whatever they decide to do to out compete AEW.

TokyoSushi · 13/09/2023 19:20

Oh just go, sounds fab!!

38yoPeterPan · 13/09/2023 19:36

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

NJMAd · 13/09/2023 19:39

HHN?

Why not.

Plenty of people go to New York for a weekend. Same time difference and flights aren't hugely different in length.

If they're teens then they'll cope.

Can sleep on the flight home.

LibbyL92 · 13/09/2023 19:46

Just do it.

you only live once as it’s doable. Jet lag yes but who cares? You’ll get over it.

go for it!

museumum · 13/09/2023 19:51

we went to the east coast USA Friday to Monday for a wedding. It was bad but fun. Jet lag wasn’t a big issue as we never actually acclimatised to the new time zone. We were knackered but no more than a “big” weekend in the U.K.

Justrolledmyeyesoutloud · 13/09/2023 19:56

Wouldn't give it a second thought -
If you can afford it just do it. What an adventure!

imnotminted · 13/09/2023 20:03

I reckon you can do it! Depending where you're going, Florida is -5hrs GMT so if you can power through the tiredness, go for it!

I did NYC in a weekend to go and see Aida on Broadway with a friend (utter madness and back in the days when we had decent disposable income) but all these years later, we still talk about it.

twilightcafe · 13/09/2023 20:06

Do it! It's a one-off. Deal with the jetlag when you get back.

Strawpollplease · 13/09/2023 20:07

My experience of this kind of thing is that it’s fine when you’re there - you’re on a high, on holiday, having fun. It’s when you get back that it’s tough. I went to Australia for four days last year and it was brilliant while I was there but it took me about 3 weeks to feel normal when I got back. I’d do it again though.

Comedycook · 13/09/2023 20:09

I think it sounds really exciting! Just popping over to Florida for a weekend... awesome!

MariaLuna · 13/09/2023 20:19

Kids, 13 and 17, I would not do it...

Weekend, time change in US, school in UK..(?).

They are at crucial ages now, so maybe go next holiday?

Honeyroar · 13/09/2023 20:23

Allywill · 13/09/2023 17:21

When my sister was crew they used to work the flight out, have an evening and the next day at a hotel, then work the flight home. I once went with her for a break whilst my kids were little. I read a book and had a meal on the flight out, stayed in her hotel room for a full nights sleep, sunbathed by the pool after breakfast and flew back in the evening. It was great. You will have much longer so I think you would be fine.

Yes I agree. I was crew too. Many family members have come with me on a four day trip (two nights at the destination), to much further flung places than Florida. You won’t even have time to get much jet lag when you get home. You just might be tired for a couple of days.

PoshPineapple · 13/09/2023 20:41

The memories you make doing this will last you and your kids forever, the jet lag is merely transient.

Go for it, why not!

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