The Sunshine State
Florida is not simply the place that Mickey Mouse likes to call
home - yes, Walt Disney World does attract 13 million visitors
every year, but the aptly-titled Sunshine State has a whole lot
more up its sleeve. The endless white beaches and sultry tropical
climate come with unmissable shopping opportunities and a
high-octane nightlife, and we think there's one or two golf courses
thrown into the mix too! Whether you choose Miami, Palm Beach or
Orlando you'll experience Florida at its very best ...
Miami is a glittering city that captivates millions of tourists
each year. Not to mention its fair share of international fashion
designers, models and movie stars. Its 'Miami Vice' lifestyle and
Latin American culture (half the city's population is Hispanic)
combine to give it a unique brand of cosmopolitan glamour, whilst
its white sand beaches, mega-malls and clubbing opportunities mean
there's plenty to do right round-the-clock. And although no one
really comes to Miami to sightsee, Little Havana, Coconut Grove and
the Art Deco historic area of South Beach are worth visiting, and
you could also schedule in the Everglades National Park and Key
West, if you don't mind longer drives. Make sure you have plenty of
energy left for the nightlife though - it doesn't get much hotter
than South Beach!
Located just 70 miles north of Miami a whole different Florida
is waiting for you. Palm Beach might still be delightfully
tropical, yet it's a far more sedate version of the Sunshine State
and here it's the ubiquitous oceanfront mansions that are
guaranteed to make your jaw drop. These palatial homes (epitomised
by Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago) are just one indication of the
affluent lifestyle Palm Beachers take for granted; the Worth Avenue
boutiques and 147 manicured golf courses other sure signs that the
American dream is still very much alive and kicking.
Orlando, towards the centre of the state, is of course the
theme-park capital of the world. Walt Disney World, SeaWorld,
Universal Orlando and Busch Gardens are just a handful of places
that will keep you entertained during the day; evening shows like
Arabian Nights, Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil ensuring you
never have a moment's downtime. Orlando is equally serious about
golf, shopping and food, few places in the world boasting such
diversity.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate flights to Miami and
Orlando - flying time approximately 9 hours 10 minutes.