Florida

Your Florida Keys experience starts on an 18-mile drive south on “The Stretch”, a section of highway with a uniquely-coloured blue median that will take you to Key Largo from Florida City. But the real magic starts at the 113 mile marker, at which the Florida Keys Scenic Highway starts. Florida’s only All-American Road, the Highway is a destination in itself, crossing 42 bridges over water with stunning vistas. Visitors can spot alligators, crocodiles and bald eagles along the way. Characterised by a Mardi Gras mood combined with Fantasy Festival, Key West is a place with eclectic residents who mingle well with visitors on this scenic island paradise. Life in the rest of the Florida Keys island chain is just as diverse. Framed by mangroves and shimmering waters, these islands overflow with bursts of bougainvillea on display for your admiration. Enjoy your ride while cruising along the islands, gazing over the silvery blue-green of the Atlantic and its living coral reef. But to really appreciate the Florida Keys, you will need to get off the highway and into the developed regions. Rent a boat, swim or visit a sandbar for some drinks and freshly delicious seafood as you float the magical day away during your Florida holidays.  

Tampa is one of those unsung cities, as dynamic as it is appealing, with word only now spreading about its many charms. Tampa, the commercial and business hub of the west coast is peppered with high-rises and heavy traffic. A concentration of stores, nightlife, restaurants and cultural events thrives within this bustle. Having really come into its own in recent years, the city’s downtown waterfront boasts excellent museums and stunning views. Animal lovers taking holidays in Florida flock Tampa for attractions such as the Busch gardens and Big Cat Rescue. Night-time revellers will appreciate the strips of clubs and bars that make up Ybor City, a historical area with a strong Cuban influence. Tampa also has a plethora of shops, art museums and a broad assortment of restaurants to tickle the fancy of travelling foodies. Ybor City and Downtown are both ideal spots to search for and find some great live music. Not too far outside the town are several amazing nature trails and golf courses. Tampa is also nestled just a short drive away from a long stretch of stunning Gulf Coast beaches. With this long list of attractions, it’s easy to see why many come to Tampa and are hard-pressed to leave.

The theme park, amusement and attraction capital of the world, Orlando attracts millions of people every year with its unique mix of attractions, entertainment, shopping and dining opportunities, not to mention the beautiful year-round weather. Cirque du Soleil is a creative and unique blend of acrobatics, theatre and art; a spectacle featuring a cast of talented performers who showcase incredible feats of agility, beauty and strength, as they soar several stories above ground with exact precision, within a dream-like entertainment atmosphere. Visitors on holiday in Florida can experience Orlando from a different perspective on a hot air balloon ride that will have you soaring high over the city and its surroundings. Soak up the warm sunshine and amazing bird’s eye views of the city below. Walt Disney World is one of the reasons why many people decide to visit Central Florida in the first place. The resort is home to theme parks, themed hotels, dining, recreation, shopping and amusement venues, as well as a host of exciting events. Orlando’s attractions have plenty of thrills and one-of-a-kind experiences to offer. Its destinations are packed with theme-park action, shows, rides, parades and museums that you can only expect to find in magical Orlando.

  September through to December is the best period for a visit to Florida on a United States tour.

Between the months of May through to August, the area’s attractions are at their busiest, while the weather can get muggy and uncomfortable. January through to April make for the cooler months in Florida. Between March and May, the winter crowds tend to taper off with the weather being remarkably similar to the blissful temperatures of winter. Summer is the busiest time to plan a visit, while early autumn makes for a pleasant option as long as you visit the state before the holiday season.

Winter Fests

A popular wintertime getaway, Florida experiences a nice tourism lull during the winter months. At this time, the weather is very cooperative, with pleasant average temperatures. However, visitors on holidays to Florida should also bring a light jacket to combat the low temperatures. Some of the key festivals and events to attend in Florida at this time include the Florida Citrus Bowl and the Winter Bach Festival. Tampa Pride and the Gasparilla Pirate Fest are other exciting events held in Tampa.  

Springtime Amusements

If taking a holiday to Florida during the springtime, you should expect to encounter some families at the amusement parks and other attractions, who may be out on a spring break trip. A number of key events take place in Florida at this time including the Sunset Music Festival and the Big Guava Music Festival. The Orlando Bike Week is held here in March, while April sees the Florida Film Festival and the Florida Music Festival and Conference.  

Summer Parks

This pocket of time contains the hottest month in Florida, July, as well as its wettest month, which is August. Temperatures in Florida are sticky high for most of this season. Because the schools are out on holiday, visitors on a United States holiday can expect to encounter lots of families out and about and at the amusement parks in Orlando. Various festivals and events are held in Florida at this time including the WaZoo Craft Beer Fest.

Autumn Festival

Autumn is a great time of the year for taking a Florida vacation, just as long as you plan your tour in the United States before families flock the area for winter vacation trips. During autumn, the weather is just right for enjoying the outdoor attractions of Florida, making this a popular time to visit the Walt Disney World. Various major festivals and events are held in Florida during this season including Oktoberfest Tampa and the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.