Florida - A Holiday With Something for Everyone

There's no other word for it - holidays to Florida are awesome no matter whether you go as a couple, a family or with a group of friends. There is something for everyone regardless of age and interests - but when there's so much to do, how do you get the most of your trip and truly make it a holiday to remember?

Here's a little taster of what's available...

Couples

Holidays to Florida are not just about theme parks, although they are great. For those who don't want to spend their entire holiday in a theme park, there are plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds for an altogether more relaxing experience. Florida has over 600 miles of white, sandy beaches bordering the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. And if that's not enough, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary offers protected reefs and marine life for unrivalled snorkelling and diving.

Alternatively, cruising is a unique experience that takes relaxation to the extreme. Cruises depart from Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Miami to a wide range of destinations - all you have to do is just sit back, relax and experience spectacular scenery and views from the deck or simply enjoy the ship's facilities.

Families

Without a doubt, Florida is the number one theme park destination in the world with every kind of ride imaginable: from spinning teacups and magical characters for the little ones to extreme roller coasters for the bigger kids (parents included!). In fact, Disney World covers 47 square miles alone! And then there's all the other parks, such as Sea World, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens, and other attractions like Kennedy Space Center, Gatorland and Discovery Cove, where you can swim with dolphins, friendly rays and colourful tropical fish.

And when the Florida sun gets too much and you need to cool down, you can visit one of the many water parks. These also cater for all tastes: from meandering along a lazy river to dropping through a trap door and falling 76 feet down a near-vertical drop.

Groups

The variety of activities available will ensure that even the most diverse groups are kept well entertained so there's plenty to talk about over a cold drink in the evening. Florida is well known for its fantastic golf courses and abundant fishing opportunities, as well as all manner of water sports, thanks to the warm waters and brilliant year-round sunshine.

For a less energetic holiday, take time out to explore Florida's natural attractions like the Everglades, numerous sanctuaries and wildlife parks. If you'd prefer to take to the seas, you can book one of the day tours that depart from Key West. On these sailing trips, you will get to see shipwrecks and coral reefs - either from the boat or while snorkelling in the crystal clear water. For the more adventurous, you can charter a boat and plot your own course around the islands - you may even be fortunate enough to spot dolphins and other marine animals.

Getting Around

Hiring a car is a great way to explore Florida's hidden treasures as it means you can go anywhere you want without having to wait for a bus or order a taxi. Having a car becomes even more useful for families or those that want to experience Florida's shops - have you ever tried getting a family of four into a taxi with a mountain of bags?

Even if you've never driven abroad it's easy to navigate around Florida and the scenery is truly breathtaking - especially the 113-mile Overseas Highway in the south that links the islands from Key Largo to Key West and is frequently named as one of the best driving routes in the United States.

Accommodation

There is a huge range of accommodation options in Florida, including hotels in the Disney parks themselves. These offer fantastic convenience for the parks and even allow you entry before the crowds arrive on certain days. Alternatively, a villa gives you the freedom to do what you want at your own pace. Florida villas offer very spacious living and are generally furnished to an extremely high level with all modern conveniences provided, including your own private pool for cooling off or letting the kids splash around.

Dining

One of the great things about Florida is that it is very cheap to eat out. Finding your favourite food should be no problem either as there's something for every palate, from simple fast food and pizza to exotic restaurants serving the freshest seafood and dishes from around the world. There's even a restaurant that allows you to eat your meal surrounded by a huge aquarium (don't worry they don't cook the fish from it!) and in Disney's Epcot Center you can walk from one country to another and sample traditional foods from Mexico, America, Japan, China, Italy, Germany, Canada, the UK and others.

When To Go?

Florida is nicknamed the "Sunshine State" because of its typically warm weather throughout the year so don't think you have to visit in the summer months. The best time to go to Florida is actually October - February as the attractions will be relatively quiet. However, avoid the Christmas holidays as things can get really crazy over this time.

Visiting during the quiet months will almost guarantee that you will avoid the need to wait in long queues for attractions. You will have a better chance of getting a reservation at the best restaurants and may also be able to get big discounts at the most popular hotels that are usually fully booked during the rest of the year.

Get Organised!

No matter when you go, with so much to see and do, you need to plan carefully and organise your trip in order to get the most out of your holiday. Take time to plan where you want to go and when so that you're not disappointed.

Have a great trip!



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Finding the Ideal Beach Destination in Florida

Florida is an ever-popular destination for beach holidays, boasting a beautiful coastline and plenty of fun things to see and do. While the state is certainly famous for its sunshine and stretches of sand, you may be wondering what else there is do there - and where exactly would be best for your dream getaway.

The state is home to an array of wonderful beach destinations and you'll find that booking Florida holidays holds the promise of exciting activities and places to visit in addition to the renowned coastline.

A St Petersburg beach holiday is just one of the great breaks on offer in the state. This seductive suntrap holds the Guinness World Record for having the highest number of consecutive days of sunshine, which cannot fail to impress sun-seekers! Alongside that wonderful weather, St Petersburg plays host to 35 miles of white sand beaches, which provide the perfect place for relaxing and soaking up those rays.

While it may be hard to tear yourself away from the beach here, if you manage to do so you'll find the destination has plenty more to offer visitors. Golfing fans will discover they have some 50 top courses to choose from, while cyclists will be treated to a range of exciting trails to explore on two wheels.

Those keen to challenge themselves may want to give the Pinellas Trail a go. Spanning some 43 miles, this cycling trail is ideal for blazing through the Florida landscape.

Alternatively, why not make the most of the water and indulge in a spot of kayaking or canoeing? Swimming with manatees in Crystal River is another of the fantastic water-based experiences on offer - and certainly one of the most magical and memorable.

If you're eager to experience St Petersburg's cultural landscape, however, there are a number of fascinating places you can visit. Art lovers may be particularly interested in the Salvador Dali Museum, which houses more than 1,000 pieces by the Spanish surrealist. Simply browse the works in your own time or, to learn more about the artist, take a guided tour.

For an altogether different experience of St Petersburg, head to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This quiet-sounding destination is actually a combination of exhilarating attractions, ranging from incredible wildlife to thrilling rollercoasters!

Indeed, here you can see awe-inspiring creatures such as the Bengal tiger and orangutans, as well as go on some of the most impressive rides in the US. One of these - the SheiKra - holds the title of the being the country's first floorless rollercoaster.

Taking holidays to Sarasota is another great way to experience Florida and you'll find some absolutely fantastic beaches here. Indeed, many of these have won awards for their gorgeous clear water and soft white sand.

Sarasota's islands are also well worth a visit - especially if you are seeking some quirky experiences during your break. By heading to Anna Maria Island, you can try the latest adventure sport - horse surfing. Local experts will take you through the motions, which are sure to make for holiday memories you will never forgot!

However, if horse surfing doesn't take your fancy, why not spend some time getting to know some of Sarasota's most important history? The destination is known as the home of the American circus - something that stuck in the 1920s after top circuses moved their acts there.

Among these were Barnum & Bailey Circus and the Ringling Bros, who are known not just for their acts but for their impact on the local economy too. Today, you can browse the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art to learn more.

While you can find out something of the circus's history here, you can also see a staggering number of important artistic works. The collection was donated by John Ringling upon his death and comprises 21 galleries, featuring paintings, sculptures and sketches from across the globe.

You'll also have the chance to see the world's largest miniature circus, as well as stroll around the beautiful rose garden.

USA holidays are great for those seeking beach breaks - and for getaways in the sun, Florida cannot be beaten. No matter where you choose to spend your time in the state, you're certain to have a wonderful trip.

Bask in beautiful sunshine with [http://www.bon-voyage.co.uk/destinations/florida_holidays]Florida holidays. A St Petersburg beach holiday and holidays to Sarasota are just two of the wonderful trips you can take. For more great [http://www.bon-voyage.co.uk/]USA holidays, come to Bon Voyage.

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