Holidays to Florida

The holiday centre of the universe!

Florida USA is notable for many different things; oranges, space travel, hurricanes and ... every theme park under the sun.

Central to Florida holidays is Miami. A haven for northerners sick of the snow, Florida became a mecca for retired folks from the north looking for a little sunshine. Living fulltime in the southern state became viable for most only with the advent of air-conditioning. Summer temps soar into the 40s and relief from the heat was crucial.

Happily Florida these days is the air-conditioning centre of the world (as well as the holiday centre). The malls and indoor entertainments are all cool in every way. The beauty of the sunshine, though, is that Florida is so easy to travel to and enjoy - strolling the sights, enjoying the beaches and the theme parks, dining outdoors and lounging by the hotel pool.

Get out while you're in Florida - see the theme parks, swim the surf beaches but do something different like visit the Everglades. The natural flora and fauna down here is quite exciting (think alligators!). Travel to Key West and the rest of the Florida Keys. These tropical islands are off the beaten track for most tourists but Key West takes full advantage of the Florida weather and welcomes everyone who loves deep sea fishing, white sand beaches and scuba diving.

Because of its reputation for great Florida holidays, flights to Florida leave several times a day, many of the cheap flights to Florida will leave from main hubs, but you will easily find a flight that suits. Holiday Supermarket has all your options in an easy format.

Hints and tips for your Florida holiday

Eating

Eating out in Florida - cheap, expensive and everything in between

Dining out in Florida is geared towards tourism. Florida holidays spoil you in every sense with those wonderful all-you-can-eat American buffets in many hotels. Lots of the food options in the theme park areas don't go much beyond fast food but things are changing. If you're in Miami, your food choices multiply 100-fold!

The budget options - Miami boasts some of the best food in the continental USA! A fusion of Caribbean, Cuban and 'US' flavours will keep you coming back for more. News Cafe on Ocean Drive is a little corner of Europe, with European newspapers and European food - and it's well-priced! For good old fashioned American diner dining, try The Rascal House at 17190 Collins Avenue.

Mid price options - Big Fish at Miami Avenue is in Downtown Miami and the waterfront location and excellent seafood is worth the trip. Joe's Stone Crab at 227 Biscayne Street is a special treat but not badly priced. It's a local institution so go early.

Splurge - right in the heart of downtown Miami is one of the best steak restaurants in the US. The Capital Grille has an excellent steak menu plus a wonderful wine list. It's near the Brickell Bridge.

Things not to miss

Florida makes tourism easy

A Florida holiday is something the locals have been working on for many years! The shuttles to and from your hotel and to the various sites and sights you want to enjoy are regular and efficient. You can choose a theme park theme or an exciting nature discovery theme or a space adventure theme and someone; somewhere will have an itinerary for you! Orlando is the main theme park area, whilst Miami Beach is more a beach and nightlife experience.

Disney World - takes in the whole theme park experience and coats it with sugar! The rides are amazing and the day is geared around getting you from one attraction to another. The kids will love all their favourite characters.

Epcot Centre - go around the world at Epcot, located in the Disney World precinct and enjoy a fascinating glimpse at everything the world has to offer.

Discovery Cove - in Orlando is a tropical oasis where you can float down a lazy river, snorkel with rays, and spend time with dolphins. It's more of a nature tour rather than a fast ride attraction.

Skydiving - in as safe a form as you'll ever find. iFly Orlando is the closest you'll ever get top the real things without leaving the ground. You jump into a wind tunnel with an instructor and go flying.

Key West & Key Largo - if you make the trip down to the Florida Keys you will be well rewarded! This is the home of deep sea fishing and excellent scuba. These tropical islands are reached by one of the most amazing roads you'll ever see - the Overseas Highway. Food is definitely a seafood experience here and the generally chill atmosphere will relax you entirely!

Ocean Drive - Miami's answer to Blackpool! (With sun.) You can rent a bike or just stroll the Drive and take in the exhibitionists, the kiosks, shops, restaurants and quirky boutiques

The must see - the Art Deco Historic District is a unique area of Miami where more than 800 art deco buildings are concentrated in one square mile. You can take a walking tour which gives the history and highlights or choose to make your own way. Many of the white and pastel buildings have been preserved and maintained and it's a glimpse of 'old' Miami that is well worth the trip.

Weather in Florida

Florida is dry and hot most of the year. Hurricane season goes from June through November and you can expect a summer lightening storm from time to time. Oh, and when it rains, it rains!

Winter is comfortable with highs around the 20C mark. There's not really a change of seasons; winter is just less hot. Florida weather is a delight for tourists who have nothing to do except enjoy it all day long!

FLORIDA WEATHER

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