ABOUT
Deanna is English and she moved to Orlando, Florida to work as an au pair.
Tell us about yourself
We had just entered our second or third lockdown over in the UK and I was going crazy. I knew I loved to travel, but because I didn’t have the financial funds or the confidence to just go and travel I didn’t know how I would be able to. I had an online friend whom I had been constantly checking on, as she had just moved to Louisiana, USA. I decided to drop her a message to ask her what and how she had done that. She explained she was an au pair, and she gave the information and that same day I signed up and knew that it was my next step in life. I spoke with three different families. One from Massachusetts, one from Florida, and the other from New York. I could have ended up anywhere in America but because of the situation at the time, it meant I would be heading over to Orlando, Florida.
The agency I went with was called Agent Au Pair and honestly, they were wonderful.
Moving to Orlando
How did you get set up?
The reason why I preferred the idea of becoming an au pair instead of going head first and traveling to the place, was honestly because of the security. The agency gives you medical insurance. The host family has to supply you with a phone [optional] and a sim card [and pays for it], your room, food, and supports you with the process of getting your social security, driver’s license, bank card, and all that fun stuff. For me, it was a great way to ease into traveling and a GREAT way to save, so you can fund your future travels as you get paid weekly and have no bills.
What did you bring with you?
Considering the initial plan was for me to stay there for a year, I really did not bring much with me: One suitcase and a bag. [coming home was a different story, 5 bags later…]
I brought clothes, my laptop and more.
I mainly brought with me home comforts though, letters and cards that my family and friends got me, so on the days when I felt low or down I always had something to read or look at.
What surprised you about life there?
What surprised me was how you truly could never get bored. This wouldn’t be the same for everywhere but Orlando. You have so much to do, from theme parks, natural springs, and beaches to so many different shopping places to explore! Every day for me was something new and I truly loved it. The biggest shock though was probably the work culture. People never seem to stop working and many have 2+ jobs to afford the lifestyle or to just live in the area. It changed my perspective and mindset regarding work-life balance.
What should people consider before deciding to move to Orlando?
In 2022 Orlando had a whooping 74 million tourists visit in ONE YEAR!! So although it is such an incredible place, remember that having that many people and that much to do comes with its drawbacks. The traffic is CRAZY. I4 was one of the busiest and most dangerous roads I have ever driven on. The drivers are WILD and it’s mainly because the people on the roads come from all over, so they do not know the rules or laws of the roads they are driving on.
Living in Orlando
What specifically is Orlando famous for?
Orlando is one of the most touristic spots in America. It’s known for all of the different theme parks [Disney, Universal Studios etc]. Because Orlando gains visitors from all over the world, it is extremely culturally diverse. If you are looking for a certain food or place, there are 9/10 chances that they will have it. It is also known for its natural springs. Around the Orlando area, you will see some of the prettiest sites.
What apps / websites / stores do you find useful in your daily life in Orlando?
-America is HUGE and without a car, you will feel pretty trapped [especially as many places don’t even have sidewalks] so Uber or Lyft will become your best friend.
-Walgreens / Publix / Walmart / Target. If you are looking for anything, these stores will have whatever it is you are after. Be careful though, you will go in wanting one thing and leave with 10 other things you didn’t even need.
-Walgreens / Publix / Walmart / Target. If you are looking for anything, these stores will have whatever it is you are after. Be careful though, you will go in wanting one thing and leave with 10 other things you didn’t even need.
Do you need to speak English to live in Orlando?
Yes. English is the number 1 language used here. But Spanish is a close second so if you speak Spanish you will also do great.
What is the most recent thing you've read in the news about life in Orlando?
They are creating another park for Universal.
What are your favorite places in Orlando?
SO MANY!! Orlando has so many beautiful places. For me, I love nature, water, and gardens, so if you like these too you need to check these spots out:
-The Winter Park: It is unreal and by far one of my favorite cities to go to. They have one of the prettiest colleges which you can walk around.
-Many different parks [ Kraft Azalea Gardens NEEDS to be on your list] , loads of coffee shops and an abundance of incredible restaurants which you would need a year just to try them all!
-Sanford was the first place I ever visited when I first moved to Orlando, so it could be why I love it so much or due to the fact they have the most incredible river which you can do the Sanford River Walk and walk alongside Alligators and MANATEES!!!
-Mt Dora: It has the cutest vibe here and reminds you of a small American town. The sunset here is nothing like I have ever seen before you have to witness it!! [Again the lake is full of alligators which is so cool].
I-Drive – if you love to wander around tourist attractions I-Drive is the place for you, with amazing restaurants, bars and so much to do you could easily spend a couple of days here alone. [The Titanic Museum was by far my favorite part].
-The Winter Park: It is unreal and by far one of my favorite cities to go to. They have one of the prettiest colleges which you can walk around.
-Many different parks [ Kraft Azalea Gardens NEEDS to be on your list] , loads of coffee shops and an abundance of incredible restaurants which you would need a year just to try them all!
-Sanford was the first place I ever visited when I first moved to Orlando, so it could be why I love it so much or due to the fact they have the most incredible river which you can do the Sanford River Walk and walk alongside Alligators and MANATEES!!!
-Mt Dora: It has the cutest vibe here and reminds you of a small American town. The sunset here is nothing like I have ever seen before you have to witness it!! [Again the lake is full of alligators which is so cool].
I-Drive – if you love to wander around tourist attractions I-Drive is the place for you, with amazing restaurants, bars and so much to do you could easily spend a couple of days here alone. [The Titanic Museum was by far my favorite part].
What's on your list of favorite restaurants and cafés in Orlando?
Orlando has some of the best cafes and food spots I have ever been to.
Here are my top 5 of each:
Cafes:
-Sanford Riverwalk [ Sanford]
-240Rose Cafe [Winter Park]
-New City Coffee Shop [Lake Mary]
-Blends @ Lake Mary
-Another Broken Egg Cafe [Lake Mary]
-Frosty Fox [Baldwin Park]
Restaurants:
-Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine [ Winter Park]
-The Wellborn
-Crown Alley [ Lake Mary]
-CRACKER BARREL [it is a chain but I have to include it]
-Best Of British Pub [Davenport]
Cafes:
-Sanford Riverwalk [ Sanford]
-240Rose Cafe [Winter Park]
-New City Coffee Shop [Lake Mary]
-Blends @ Lake Mary
-Another Broken Egg Cafe [Lake Mary]
-Frosty Fox [Baldwin Park]
Restaurants:
-Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine [ Winter Park]
-The Wellborn
-Crown Alley [ Lake Mary]
-CRACKER BARREL [it is a chain but I have to include it]
-Best Of British Pub [Davenport]
Final Thoughts
What do you think about young Americans?
They are very forward. Unlike my generation when I was growing up, we had respect for the older generation but the younger generation now doesn’t seem to have as much respect. I worked around children and heard stories about other Au Pairs and they are very spoilt: it is their way or the highway. This isn’t every child but a lot of them.
What is the difference between Americans and English people?
The mindset and work culture. In England I have noticed we work to live whereas I found over In America they live to work. In the States, a lot of people have a go-getter mindset. They have their goals and they will not stop until they are achieved, they will not listen to those who tell them they can’t. I respected that when I was over there.
Do you feel safe as a woman living in Orlando?
The surrounding areas and cities YES. But in downtown Orlando, absolutely not. It was one of the main places in America where I did not feel safe and would always try to avoid as much as possible.
What are some disadvantages to living in Orlando?
The traffic!! You sometimes would have to add 30 minutes onto your journey.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people?
The majority of the friends I met, I met through my agency or friends of friends and they all happened to be other expats. If you want to make friends it definitely is easy if you use websites or apps. But for me, I wanted to prioritize other things.
What are your plans for the future?
I have recently just got back from two months of volunteering in Tanzania. I hope to go back near the end of the year and travel around more of Africa. Living abroad taught me how much I love slow travel, so for me I would like to truly immerse myself in the culture and see what the country has to offer. I am working towards a digital nomad lifestyle or to at least find opportunities where it allows me to live and work abroad.
Thank you for sharing your experience Deanna, I love that you follow your heart and have a flexible mind to go wherever life takes you. That takes courage and an adventurous spirit! I loved reading your story. All the best in the future! Her IG here 🙂
