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Gallivanting Laura

World Travels & Gluten-Free Eats

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United States of America Travel Destination Guides: Tips for planning travel throughout the USA including itineraries, day trips, restaurants & tours for a perfect trip.

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  • Best Gluten Free Anna Maria Island Options 

    Florida, Gluten Free Guides, Gluten Free Travel, USA · 27 January 2026

    Best Gluten Free Anna Maria Island Options 

    Camp in the Everglades: Lodges vs. Eco-Tents (Ultimate Comparison Guide)

    Florida, North America, Travel, USA, Where to Stay · 24 June 2025

    Camp in the Everglades: Lodges vs. Eco-Tents (Ultimate Comparison Guide)

    Trailborn Rocky Mountains Hotel Review, Estes Park

    Colorado, North America, Travel, USA, Where to Stay · 17 June 2025

    Trailborn Rocky Mountains Hotel Review, Estes Park

    NASA Kennedy Space Center Tickets, Tours & Launches

    Florida, North America, Travel, USA · 5 May 2025

    NASA Kennedy Space Center Tickets, Tours & Launches

    Kayaking Juniper Springs Run in Ocala National Forest, Florida 

    Florida, North America, Travel, USA · 26 February 2025

    Kayaking Juniper Springs Run in Ocala National Forest, Florida 

    Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady Cruise Review 

    Caribbean, Cruises, Florida, Travel · 27 June 2024

    Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady Cruise Review 

    Where to Eat Gluten Free in Miami, Florida

    Florida, Gluten Free Guides, Gluten Free Travel, USA · 29 November 2023

    Where to Eat Gluten Free in Miami, Florida

    Guide to the Best Breakfast Spots in Cocoa Beach

    Florida, North America, Travel, USA · 17 May 2023

    Guide to the Best Breakfast Spots in Cocoa Beach

    The Best Port Canaveral Restaurants: A Local Guide

    Cruises, Florida, North America, Travel, USA · 18 April 2023

    The Best Port Canaveral Restaurants: A Local Guide

    11 Unique Weekend Getaways in Florida

    Florida, North America, Travel, USA · 17 March 2023

    11 Unique Weekend Getaways in Florida

    Unique Stay: Eco-Tent Glamping in the Florida Everglades

    Florida, North America, Travel, Travel Tips, USA, Where to Stay · 1 March 2023

    Unique Stay: Eco-Tent Glamping in the Florida Everglades

    Visit Blue Springs Florida: A Beautiful State Park

    Florida, North America, Travel, USA · 16 February 2023

    Visit Blue Springs Florida: A Beautiful State Park

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    I’m Laura, a freckle-faced Scot with an insatiable love for travel, meaningful experiences, and gluten-free food that’s actually good. If you’re looking for destination guides, unique stays, and gluten-free finds from someone who’s always chasing the next unforgettable moment - you’re in the right place. I’m so glad you’re here.

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    Follow @gallivantinglaura for more Florida nature Follow @gallivantinglaura for more Florida nature spots 

Myakka River State Park is one of those Florida spots that really surprises you! It's one of the largest and wildest state parks in Florida, and it’s best known for its canopy walkway and observation tower. The suspended walkway takes you through the treetops before climbing up to the tower, where you’ll get sweeping views over wetlands, prairies and the Myakka River itself.

Beyond the canopy walk, the park has miles of hiking trails through open grasslands, shaded hammocks, and along the river. It’s also a great place for wildlife spotting. We saw lots of birds, deer and gators.

💵 Entrance fee: $6 per vehicle
⏱️ Allow: 2–4 hours if you’re doing the canopy walk and a couple of trails
🥾 Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, there’s very little shade on some sections

If you’re looking for a fun Florida experience this one’s well worth adding to your list.

📍 Myakka River State Park, Sarasota County
📎 Save this for your next Florida outdoor adventure

#myakkariverstatepark #flstateparks #exploreflorida #hiddengemsflorida #exploringflorida
    📌 Save this for your next Florida adventure - King 📌 Save this for your next Florida adventure - King's Landing is one of those Florida spots that doesn’t make sense until you see it.

King's Landing is a crystal-clear spring run where you can kayak, paddleboard, or float through some of the most unreal water in Central Florida. It feels completely remote, yet somehow sits just 40 minutes from Orlando and under an hour from Disney.

From here, you can drift through the iconic Emerald Cut and connect to Rock Springs Run, one of the most beautiful stretches of spring water in Florida. You can rent kayaks, or bring your own. But book in advance! 

The Florida springs are my happy place. These hidden gems are why I love exploring the state, and this is easily one of the most peaceful half-day escapes in Central Florida.

📍 King's Landing, Apopka, Florida

#floridasprings #kingslanding #floridatravel #orlandofl #thespringstate
    Follow @gallivantinglaura for more Florida wildlif Follow @gallivantinglaura for more Florida wildlife adventures 

One of the best ways to explore Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is by car, with plenty of stops to get out and explore along the way. Here’s how to plan your visit 👇🏼

📍 Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center - Start here to get your bearings, learn about the refuge’s habitats and wildlife, check out the boardwalk, and pick up a map.

📍 Black Point Wildlife Drive - A scenic 7-mile drive where you can spot birds, alligators, and other wildlife from the comfort of your car. There are several pull-offs and nearby trails if you want to explore on foot.

🥾 Hiking from Black Point Wildlife Drive:
• Cruickshank Trail (5-mile loop) – a hike through pine flatwoods, wetlands, and scrub, with an observation tower.
• Wild Bird Trail (0.5 miles, out-and-back) – short, flat, and ideal for birdwatching.

📍 Manatee Observation Deck - A dedicated accessible viewing area overlooking the Haulover Canal where manatees often gather. Sightings are more common when the weather is cooler.

📍 Scrub Ridge Trail (1-mile loop) - A leisurely loop through scrub habitat. The Florida Scrub-Jays are incredibly curious and often come surprisingly close as you walk the trail.

📍 Bio Lab Road - A quieter stretch of road that’s great for birding, boating, kayaking and wildlife spotting. It's a peaceful way to round out your drive.

This is one of those Florida experiences that feels both wild and calm, yet completely removed, and it’s right on the Space Coast.

Tip: Early morning or late afternoon offers the best wildlife activity and light.

📌 Save this for your next Florida nature adventure

#MerrittIslandNWR #floridawildlife #spacecoast #wildlifedriveflorida #floridaadventure
    Looking for things to do in Cocoa Beach, Florida? Looking for things to do in Cocoa Beach, Florida?

Cocoa Beach is laid-back, walkable, and one of the easiest coastal stops in Florida. It’s the closest beach to Orlando and a great choice if it’s your first time visiting.

What to do in Cocoa Beach:
🏄 Learn to surf or watch the locals catching waves
🚀 Keep an eye on the schedule and watch a rocket launch light up the sky
🌅 Catch a sunrise on the beach
🛶 Go kayaking or paddleboarding on the calm waterways
🛍️ Pop into Ron Jon Surf Shop (a Cocoa Beach classic)
🎣 Stroll the Cocoa Beach Pier for ocean views and casual eats
🚢 Watch cruise ships sail in and out of Port Canaveral
🍹 Spend your evenings hopping between beach bars and relaxed waterfront restaurants
🐢 Visit during sea turtle nesting season and spot hatchlings making their way to the ocean
✈️ Check local schedules for airshows and powerboat races throughout the year

Cocoa Beach is one of those places where beach days, good food, and unforgettable moments all come together, without feeling rushed or over planned.

💡 Save this for your Cocoa Beach trip

Follow @gallivantinglaura for more Florida travel guides

#cocoabeach #floridaspacecoast #floridatravel #cocoabeachfl #spacecoast
    POV: you move to Florida and now December looks li POV: you move to Florida and now December looks like this 

I still can’t quite believe this is what December looks like for me now. Sunshine, beach walks, Christmas trees by the ocean, and a cold drink in my hand instead of frosty mornings and snow. 

I’ve been in Florida for almost six years now, and while I’ll always have a soft spot for winter back home in Scotland, there’s something special about celebrating the season a little differently these days. Less layers, more sunshine, and honestly, I’m not mad about it. 

If you’re here for Florida travel, stays, hidden gems, foodie finds, and adventures beyond - you’re in the right place 💙 I’m excited to keep sharing more as we head into 2026. 

#floridaindecember #floridatravel #vacationflorida #exploreflorida #floridafinds
    2025, you were a mix of everything! This year too 2025, you were a mix of everything!

This year took me to some incredible places, reminded me why travel continues to light me up, and gave me moments I’ll always be grateful for. But it wasn’t all highlights and sunsets. I experienced life-changing losses along the way that reshaped parts of this year.  But travel continues to be my grounding place, a reminder to keep moving forward, even when things feel heavy.

It was also a great year for my business, and I don’t say that lightly. To everyone who follows, supports, saves, shares, reads the blog, sends messages, or simply sticks around, THANK YOU. It means more than you know. 💙

Here’s to more adventures, meaningful moments, and an even better 2026 ✨✈️

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