Florida is known as the Sunshine State, and for good reason, as it often has 360 days of sunshine a year. Over 1.5 million British Holidaymakers visit Florida every year; initially most head for Orlando and the Disney Theme Parks. But Florida has a lot more to offer either as a two centre holiday with Orlando or as a stand- alone holiday.

The best beaches are on the Gulf Coast – with the warm shallow Mexican Gulf providing ideal swimming conditions. There are many large family friendly resorts here, such as Clearwater and St Petersburg, along with quieter, more upmarket resorts such as Naples and Marco Island, which are more suited to couples.

The Atlantic Coast has much rougher seas, but also wonderful beaches, which stretch for miles. Here you will find the vibrant city of Miami, with its cosmopolitan nightlife and huge choice of dining options. The shopping is also great – ranging from out of town malls to quirky boutiques. 

A few miles up the coast is Fort Lauderdale – a calmer sister to Miami, also known as the Venice of America. Water taxis cruise the canals and inlets, and a day ticket gives you the chance to visit shops, waterside restaurants and local attractions, along with viewing the millionaires’ homes along the waterfronts.

 No visit to Florida would be complete without a drive down the Keys – a string of islands stretching 126 miles from the tip of Florida. At its furthest point it is only 94 miles from Cuba and the drive rates as one of the best in the world. You should try it.