The state’s highways are fantastic to drive along; petrol is cheap in the U.S and if you compare car hire online, you can arrange a fly drive holiday and have your accommodation needs booked along with having your hire car ready and waiting for you at the airport. All you have to do is explore, so here’s a collection of some of the places that are definitely worth a visit while road tripping in Florida, just remember that the driver has to be over 21 and has to have their license with them.

Magic Kingdom Park:

Of course a trip to Florida wouldn’t be complete without a quick stop at Disney World. Enjoy the company of Mickey Mouse and all his friends. Explore the parks many different lands such as Tommorowland, Frontierland, Liberty Square and Adventureland, where you can enjoy attractions such as Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion. If you’re looking for the mouse himself, then head to Toontown where Mickey and his friends like to spend most of their time. The Magic Kingdom Park is also the perfect place to see a spectacular fireworks, lights and music displays.

The park is also home to Disney’s Epcot and Animal Kingdom. The Epcot gives you the chance to explore two entertaining worlds of man’s imagination and innovation from the beginning of time through to where we might be taken to in the future.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom allows you to enjoy an African style safari, which includes giraffes, elephants and even lions. Being Disney, you can also enjoy the company of the Lion King characters during the celebration of the Circle of Life.

Universal Studios:

Next stop, Universal Studios, here you can embark on rides from your favourite movies. Immerse in the 4-D experience with Shrek, blast aliens with fellow Men in Black agents and even fly with E.T on a bike. Universal Studios make you feel like you’re part of the movie, and if that wasn’t enough, the park is also home to Universal’s Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld Orlando.
Universal has five islands of adventure, which are home to your favourite cartoon and comic book heroes. Each island has its own theme and collection of thrilling rides, such as the world’s first inverted duel rollercoaster that can be found on Seuss Island, an island based on the famous The Cat in the Hat children’s book.

SeaWorld Orlando is more an adventure park than an aquarium. Here you can see amazing shows with killer whales, dolphins, sea lions and otters. The park also features the only floorless rollercoaster in Orlando and the ultimate journey to Atlantis, travelling over high speed rails and drops of over 60 feet. Just be sure to stop in at the dolphin nursery, where you can see the day to day life of a mother with its calf.

Kennedy Space Center:

Situated just east of the theme parks, you’ll find the John F. Kennedy Space Center, NASA’s headquarters, which plans every action of the American Space Program. The Kennedy Space Center is the only place on earth where you can experience spaceflight simulators, roam launch areas and meet veteran astronauts.

Key West via Florida Keys:

Next stop, the paradise island of Key West, and the only driving route to this beautiful island is via the Florida Keys and its collection of 42 bridges. Key West is America’s most southerly city and is always welcoming. Here you can enjoy the islands many restaurants, bars and shops. Explore the Hemmingway Home and Museum and even take part in the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, the celebration that no trip to Key West should do without.

Miami Beach:

Welcome to Miami Beach. This glorious stretch of sand can be found between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay on a small barrier island, it has been America’s most supreme beach resort for over 100 years. It’s the perfect stop for beach bums and sun worshipers alike.

Everglades City:

For the more natural side of Florida, head to the Everglades. Also known as the “River of Grass” , the Everglades is the proud home to the largest collection of Florida’s flora and fauna. You can indulge in activities such as fishing, nature watching, boating and walking, just keep an eye open for the famous alligators. You’ll also find Shark Valley here, which can be explored via an airboat.

Sarasota:

If you’re looking for the perfect sandy location to enjoy the most breathtaking sunsets, then Sarasota is the place to be. This charming sleepy beach town offers warm waters of the Mexican Gulf and is the best place to just relax and unwind.

Crystal River:

Crystal River is a two hour drive from Tampa and St. Petersburg and is known as one of the best places in the world to see manatee’s in their natural environment. This exceptional waterway has a variety of eco and manatee tours available, as well as the opportunity to enjoy river activities such as boating, fishing and diving. There are some tours available that allow you to dive and swim with the manatees.

Wakulla Springs:

Wakulla Springs is 185 feet deep, making it one of the world’s deepest and largest fresh water springs. It has over 180 species of birds available, as well as possibilities to swim and take glass bottom boat tours. Wakulla Springs is in the same area as the Apalachicola National Forest, which includes over 500,000 acres of Bald Cypress, ideal for hikes and nature watching.

Amelia Island:

The island of Amelia gives you a glimpse of the real Florida; this 200 acre state park has a pristine collection of forests, saltwater swamps, stately Victorian homes and superb beaches. Fishing and horse riding are some of the islands most sought for activities, making Amelia island a beautiful and tranquil destination to visit.

St. Augustine:

St. Augustine is the oldest European settlement in the U.S, which offers its visitors the chance to see the cultural and historical blend of England, American and Spain. The city has many points of interest for its visitors, including the National Monument of Castillo de San Marcos and the city’s fortress, the oldest standing European stronghold in America.

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Broadway

Are you looking to have an unforgettable time in one of America’s most exciting cities? Make your dreams a reality and start researching the many hotels New York Midtown style. Yes, this means you can actually put yourself directly in the action of this thriving city and learn for yourself that it truly does not sleep!

Whether you have had the chance to visit New York before, or this is your first time you’re taking a bite out of the Big Apple, you’ll find that the time you spend in this place is unlike anything else in the world. There is a reason why there are countless songs about this city, and furthermore, why it seems that almost everyone wants to be there. Here, you really do feel like you can do anything.

One of New York’s most iconic sights is none other than Times Square. This flashy block of restaurants, shops and tourist landmarks marks the epicentre of Manhattan. If you’re looking to fix your accommodation near this setting, you might want to consider looking at the Best Western President Hotel at Times Square. This means when you book here, you’ll be able to wake up in the morning and once you step out of your accommodation, you’ll be in the direct centre of one of the world’s greatest cities.

Times Square Road Sign

It must be said that while Times Square is an exciting place to be and there are many things in the general area surrounding it, it can get very hectic and rather busy. So, once you have managed to get your New York hot dogs for you and your travel mates, and have spent enough time starring at the ‘naked cowboy’, you’ll want to be sure to get traveling by foot, taxi or train to see the many other exciting areas that New York has to offer.

For starters, just around the corner from Times Square you can find yourself immersed in the Rockefeller Center. This landmark sight is home to many of America’s most famous public television networks, and you’ll discover that several of the country’s daily news and chat shows are filmed here. On top of this, you’ll also find the city’s famous ice-skating rink that is always filled during the wintertime.

As you continue your journey, let your inner fashionista out by visiting one of the world’s most famous shopping streets a la Fifth Avenue. Here, shopping is not just a hobby; it is an art, as you will find some of the world’s most decadent department stores and over-the-top flagship outlets of a variety of international merchandisers.

For those of you looking to get a certain sense of culture on your trip, you’ll find that New York is home to some of the world’s most influential and iconic art in its many museums. For starters, if you’re looking for a classic collection, you’ll want to be sure to check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art. After you have exhausted this extensive collection, you will still want to be sure to see the Museum of Modern Art, or as the locals affectionately deem it, ‘moma’. Next, why not head over towards the city’s Guggenheim collection and continue to dazzle yourself with all of the art on display?

On a related note, you can also take the ferry over from Battery Park to nearby Ellis Island to check out the Immigration Museum and see the Statue of Liberty up close and in person.

After you spend some time at these museums, you’ll want to be sure to check out Central Park. This is a great place to take a minute to sit down and relax and enjoy the grass before you hit the pavement and continue to explore more of the city.

While you’re still in town, don’t forget to visit the Empire State Building and make your way up to the top of this world famous skyscraper. Furthermore, you’ll also want to make the trek to see the nearby Flatiron building.

Another tip to consider is heading down to the lower east side and getting a feel for Greenwich Village. While you’re in this neighborhood, it would be criminal to ignore the famous Magnolia Bakery. So, do go in and let yourself indulge in one of its irresistible cupcakes.

This is just a limited picture of the many things you can do in New York. As you begin to explore the city for yourself, you’ll find that there are so many great places to see and visit, and because of this, the city never gets tired. So be sure to book yourself an adequate chunk of time for your stay. It’s safe to say that times goes by very fast here, so enjoy each moment and take full advantage during your stay in this magical place.

New York may be a very busy place, but you’ll find it’s relatively hassle-free to get around. The city has a deeply comprehensive underground network of trains through its subway service, and if you’re looking to get to a place in a more private mode of transport, you’ll find that there are countless yellow cabs filling the streets to help you get to where you need to be.

Ney York City Towers

Whether you’re staying at the Hilton Hotel New York or the Four Seasons, you’ll find that here, anything and everything is within reach.

Start to think of all the things you want to do when you visit New York. Whether it’s seeing landmark sights, visiting world-renowned museums, exploring the city’s famous Chinatown district or even just eating at a classic New York Deli, you’ll find that there are so many things to do in town.

So, consider which dates are best for you to visit the Big Apple and which season you hope to experience New York in. Once you know, your hotel can be booked, allowing you to look forward to your visit in earnest.

There is nothing like experiencing New York, so go out there and take every last bit of the city in for yourself. She’ll wait up for you!

Whatever it is that you want from your holiday, you are sure to get it in Florida.  Fabulous weather, beautiful beaches and truly magical family days out are all part and parcel of this amazing destination.  And, with so many different things to do, you are certain to want to return!

Attractions

Just about anyone on their Florida holidays will want to visit the big-name attractions; and there are certainly plenty choose from!  If you like your movies, then ‘Universal Studios’ are an absolute must.  Not only will you get to know plenty of behind-the scenes secrets to the films, but you can also go on to experience many of the movies for yourself.  The theme park area of ‘Universal Studios’ has plenty of special rides that are based all around your favourite films.

‘The Kennedy Space Centre’ and ‘SeaWorld’ are two other great places go and see.  Both of these will appeal to everyone in the family and they are rich with their own blends of magic and wonder.

And of course, who could go to Florida without dropping by to see Mickey Mouse and his friends?  But the four ‘Disney World’ parks are not exclusively for the kids; with a huge selection of adrenaline-pumping rides and regular family shows everyone will be sure to have a great time.

Accommodation

Florida has a great choice of villas and hotels in many wonderful locations.  However, most people going on Florida holidays will opt to stay in a villa as there are so many plus’s involved; your own pool, much more space and freedom from noisy children.

It also means not being stuck with a large group of tourists wanting to visit the attractions at all of the busiest times!

With a villa you are your own boss and able to choose what to do, when you feel like doing it.  A few of us may enjoy the comfort of having our holidays organised for us, but the majority of people will want to have plenty of freedom with their time away.

Something Different

One of the best things of all about Florida holidays is that there is such a large variety of places to visit.  Not only do you have all of the well-advertised resorts, but there are numerous other attractions as well.

If you want to see some of the area’s alligators in their natural environment, then ‘Gatorland’ is well worth a visit.

With 110 acres of wildlife reserve and its very own theme park it is sure to be a fun-packed experience for everyone in the family. ‘The Florida Aquarium’ has one of the largest collections of fish and plants (around 20,000 varieties!) in the whole of America. So, if you have a love for the underwater world then this is the place to head for.

Or how about airboat rides at Boggy Creek?  There are regular passenger tours around the area or private hire airboats for the more adventurous visitors.  You can even go out for a trip at night… and who know what you may get to see!

There are some great surfing beaches on offer in California that I just have to mention. However I won’t waste much time telling you about these great surf spots because as I mentioned before many people know about these locations. They will be able to give you much more information than I ever could in this single article.

Huntington Beach or ‘Surf City, U.S.A’

With a ‘perfect break’ Huntington Beach or ‘Surf City, U.S.A’ is one of the top surf locations in America and is known all over the world. Malibu Beach is great for those people who want to perform some takeoff manoeuvres with its long waves. If a beautiful beach is what you’re after then you can’t go wrong at Oceanside. Of course there are loads more great spots to check out in California but there are plenty more if you don’t live on the West coast.

Surfing is like a religion in Hawaii and there are lots of high quality surfing beaches to visit. Sunset Beach on the North Coast of Oahu is a beach for the surfing pros out there. The waves break over the reef to form some epic tube waves. Only attempt surfing these waves if you know what you’re doing, November through to March produces the best waves and swells.

Massive waves, beautiful crystal clear waters and all year round sunshine make Waikiki Beach also in Hawaii a much visit destination for any serious surfer. The location has a long running tradition of surfing and is best visited between May and September.

If you find yourself on the East coast you better head down to Florida for some of the best breaks around. The East coasts version of surf city would have to be Sebastian Inlet, which has great waves and big crowds for most of the year.

You can find Sebastian Inlet, or The Inlet as it is commonly called, located South of Cocoa Beach which itself is another surfing location worth visiting. Cocoa beach contains the most famous surf shop in the world (Ron Jons) and is also home to Kelley Slater, six times World Champion surfer.

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Florida cruises are special, and none more so than one taken with Celebrity Cruises This two week long fantastic cruise starts out in Southampton in England, where you’ll board your cruise ship Celebrity Eclipse the newest of Celebrity’s solstice class ships.  On board, you will discover a refined level of elegance, style and design, and you will be made to feel welcome here.

Wave goodbye to anyone you’re leaving behind as the ship sails at 4:45pm on day one.  Eat, sleep, and wake refreshed as you arrive in your first foreign port at 7am on day two – Le Havre, Paris, France.  During the day while you are in port, you can take a stroll along the Champs Elysees, explore the Place de la Concorde, do a little shopping, and take in the sights of Paris.  At 9pm though, the ship sets sail again, and while you sleep, you’re on your way to Cherbourg.  A day spent here perhaps visiting La Cite de la Mer where you can learn all about the story of underwater exploration in history and fiction, and then a whole day at sea enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the water around you, and the vibrant entertainments on board ship.

Day five and you reach Vigo, Spain in the early morning, with its impressive Royal navy dockyard, and crafts market where you can invest in great pieces created by local artists.  The nearby Somerset village is home to the world’s smallest drawbridge which opens a mere 22 inches.
Day six is another day spent at sea enjoying the on board facilities, and then it’s on to Ponta Delgada, in the Azores.  From here, the longest leg of the journey begins, and you’ll spend six days at sea where you can really get a feel for the open water.  There’s plenty to do on board though, with entertainment, sunbathing, wonderful cuisine, and excellent service so that you’ll feel pampered and relaxed when you reach your destination.

On day fourteen, Miami, Florida, in all its glory is laid out before you as you sail into port at 7am.  This spectacular city is built right on the beaches, and it’s a vibrant place to be with flavours from Latin America slipping into the food, language, music and spirit of the place.  From here, you can explore many parts of Florida, from the beaches of Miami, to the Florida Keys, and the theme parks of Orlando, Florida is alive with people and entertainment, and makes the perfect destination for a cruise as you land refreshed, and ready to enjoy the sights and sounds that greet you.