FLORIDA UNPACKED: ALISON HAMMOND AND SON TO FRONT NEW BBC TRAVEL SERIES

Alison Hammond takes on the sunshine state in her new series: Florida Unpacked, commissioned for BBC Two and iPlayer, which will land on screens from the 27 January 2025, bringing viewers escapism, a blast of sunshine, and savvy travel tips to brighten up the winter months.

For years Alison worked as a tour rep following in the footsteps of her mother, who was a hard-working, no-nonsense travel agent. Her passion for travel will take audiences of this new series on a journey with her son Aidan. The pair will embark on an adventure-packed exploration of Florida, unveiling the state’s hidden gems and providing viewers with practical and budget-friendly travel advice.

The price of a holiday to Florida has skyrocketed in recent years. So Alison and her son Aidan are heading off the beaten track. To find out if it’s possible to go full-on Florida without breaking the bank. At the heart of the series is a focus on affordable travel.

With the cost-of-living crisis making holidays more precious than ever, Alison and Aidan will share essential money-saving hacks that can be applied to any trip – whether it’s a lavish getaway or a budget-friendly escape, home or away. The series looks at 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 on dining by avoiding tourist traps and discovering local, affordable restaurants. Accommodation will also feature, with comparisons from luxury stays, to camping in Florida’s stunning natural settings, the series will provide inspiration for travellers of all budgets.

Going beyond the theme-park tourist trail, the mother and son duo will reveal the state’s diverse and vibrant people, nature, and history. Across 10 uplifting episodes, viewers will experience everything from beautiful national parks and local cuisine, to learning about local conservation efforts.

Alison says, “Travel is in my blood. For years I worked as a tour rep following in the footsteps of my dear mum. This meant I was lucky and got to visit Florida from a young age. I was so captivated by America’s culture, food, TV shows, and films and some of my happiest memories are tied to those first formative trips to the U.S. We managed to budget our way to a place that totally captured our hearts… and now I can’t wait to share Florida’s best kept secrets with you all.”

Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning says, “Alison is fast becoming a national treasure, so we’re thrilled to welcome her to our schedule - and to bring viewers a side to her they haven’t seen before. Travelling with her son means we’ll get two very different perspectives on their experiences, as she and Aidan uncover unexpected treats and low-cost bargains in one of the UK’s favourite destinations.”

Alison Hammond’s Florida Unpacked, is a 10x30 commission for BBC One and iPlayer.