Alison Hammond takes on the Sunshine State in her new series: Florida Unpacked, commissioned for BBC Two and iPlayer, which hits screens from January 27, 2025, bringing viewers escapism, a burst of sunshine and clever travel tips to brighten up the winter month.
For years, Alison worked as a tourism representative, following in the footsteps of her mother, who was a hardworking and no-nonsense travel agent. His passion for travel will take audiences in this new series on a journey with his son Aidan. The duo will embark on an adventure-filled exploration of Florida, unveiling the state's hidden gems and providing viewers with practical, budget-friendly travel tips.
The price of a Florida vacation has skyrocketed in recent years. Alison and her son Aidan therefore think outside the box. To find out if it is possible to go all out in Florida without breaking the bank. At the heart of the series is a focus on affordable travel. As the cost of living crisis makes vacations more valuable than ever, Alison and Aidan will share essential money-saving tips that can be applied to any trip, whether it's a lavish getaway or economical getaway, at home or away. The series examines four key areas: food and drink, accommodation, travel and experiences, offering practical advice on how to take advantage of the best deals.
Audiences will learn how to save money on dining by avoiding tourist traps and discovering affordable local restaurants. Accommodation will also be featured, with comparisons ranging from luxury stays to camping in Florida's beautiful natural landscapes, the series will be a source of inspiration for travelers of all budgets.
Beyond the theme park tourist trail, the mother-son duo will reveal the state's diverse and vibrant people, nature and history. Across 10 uplifting episodes, viewers will learn about everything from beautiful national parks to local cuisine to local conservation efforts.
Alison says: “Travel is in my blood. For years I worked as a tour rep, following in my dear mother's footsteps. This means I was lucky and able to visit Florida at a young age. I was so captivated by American culture, food, TV shows and movies and some of my happiest memories are tied to those early formative trips to the United States. We managed to budget our trip to a place that has totally captured our hearts…and now I can't wait to share all of Florida's best kept secrets with you.
Rob Unsworth, head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, said: “Alison is fast becoming a national treasure, so we're delighted to welcome her to our program – and introduce viewers to a side of her that they've never seen before. Traveling with her son means we'll get two very different perspectives on their experiences, as she and Aidan discover unexpected treats and low-cost bargains in one of the UK's favorite destinations.
Florida Unpacked by Alison Hammond is a 10×30 commission for BBC Two and iPlayer. It was commissioned by Rob Unsworth, head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak, and Lindsay Bradbury, editor of BBC Daytime. The series is made by Plymouth-based production company Rock Oyster Media. The executive producers are Matt Young and Charlotte Davis, and the director is Matthew Wheeler.
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