Exotic Faraway Places

Florida

Introduction
Florida's incomparable array of attractions and natural wonders offer a world of entertainment and adventure for all its guests. Florida is the world's number one tourist centre, and Orlando is its capital city. Whatever your age is, no holiday would be complete without a visit to Orlando, the entertainment capital of America. However if dozing on a sun-drenched beach, listening to the sound of seabirds and the wash of waves is more appealing to you, Florida, once again obliges, with many gorgeous resorts on the Gulf Coast, Gold Coast and the Keys.

Resorts
Orlando - is another world, or rather a dozen different worlds, because this is the fantasy centre of America! The most glittering highlight has to be Disney World, the single most popular tourist attraction on earth comprising 48 square miles of out-of-this-world fun! Enter the Magic Kingdom and pose with Mickey Mouse, take a ride down river on the Jungle Cruise, venture 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea by submarine, and board the monorail to the huge Epcot Centre for a multi- media view of the earth from deep sea to deep space. But the fun doesn't stop there, the "Downtown Disney" area is a 120 acre waterfront entertainment complex encompassing Pleasure Island, Disney Village Marketplace and a speciality dining and shopping district known as the West Side.
Fort Lauderdale - is known as the 'Venice of America', there are over 300 miles of waterways and canals, with unique water taxis to ferry visitors from one place to the next. There are 23 miles of sandy beaches, and the average year round temperature is 75 degrees. Fort Lauderdale is also the home of Port Everglades, America's 5-star port and the world's third largest cruise port.
Florida Keys - The Keys are a beautiful necklace of tropical isles connected to the Florida mainland by 42 scenic bridges. Just south of Miami, the Keys stretch between the tropical inlets and have some of the most incredible coral reefs just offshore. Key West was shaped by the diversity of its past: Spanish conquistadors, pirates, salvages, New England seafarers, treasure hunters, European royalty, American presidents and world-renowned artists and writers.
Sarasota & Longboat Key - Both resorts have class, style and the dazzling white sandy beaches and the Barrier islands are surprisingly uncrowded, even in peak season. Lido beach is a two-mile stretch of sand accessed across the causeway. Just offshore is Longboat Key - an island escape - it's a 15 miles long tropical garden with white beaches and wonderfully stylish hotels.

Accommodation
There are two types of accommodation in Florida, the first are hotels where most rooms consist of two double beds. The standard varies from a basic motel room to a superior deluxe type, which contains far more amenities and all the facilities of a top class resort. The second type of accommodation, which is proving to be very popular, is suite type properties, these have the basic facilities of a hotel, but they also offer you the independence to self-cater if you prefer as they contain a fridge, kitchen and living room. Most accommodation is based on room only, however some hotels and suites do offer complimentary breakfast.

Excursions
Walt Disney World Resort….Purchase a Disney Park Hopper Pass and choose from the Magic Kingdom Park, Disney-MGM Studios, Epcot, Disney Animal Kingdom, River Country, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Cirque du Soleil and much, much more.
Universal Orlando 2-day ticket - this gives you unlimited admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Here you will experience the action and excitement of the movies at Universal Studios, the incredible universe of myths, legends and Super Heroes at the all-new Islands of Adventure, and non-stop nightlife at CityWalk, Orlando's hottest spot for entertainment; its two amazing theme parks in one great ticket.
Busch Gardens - An adventurous encounter featuring naturalistic animal habitats, hair raising thrill rides and dazzling live entertainment, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, offers guests the most unique experience found anywhere outside the wild. It also includes "Montu" and "Kumba", two of the world's top-ranked roller coasters; Akbars Adventure Tours, a hilarious journey through Egypt starring Zany tour guide Martin Short; and The Hollywood Live on Ice, skating spectacular. Showcasing its world-class zoo, the parks Edge of Africa, offers the most intense safari experience outside Africa and features naturalistic animal habitats, remote encampments and African villages.
Sea World Adventure Park - Ride "Kraken" the highest, fastest, longest, tallest and wildest roller coaster in Orlando. Plunge through unexpected thrills on the incredible journey to Atlantis water-coasting ride and take off on a daring rip- roaring jet copter ride to the Wild Artic. Experience the awesome power of killer whales, feed a dolphin, touch a stingray, meet and greet sea lions and seals.

Car Hire
Driving in America is a way of life and because there are so many things to do in Florida we highly recommend car hire. The majority of tour operators now include free car hire in their price, this is extra value and allows you the flexibility and freedom to experience as much of Florida as possible, with a 2/3 centre holiday.

Options
We will be happy to price a 2/3-centre holiday for you taking in Orlando and the Florida Keys. Another popular possibility is to spend a week in Florida and then joining a Caribbean Cruise for a second week of pure luxury and relaxation. Or perhaps spend a week in Florida, skip the cruise and spend a week taking in the sun, sipping tropical cocktails on a beautiful white sandy beach on one of the Caribbean islands. The examples mentioned, are just two possibilities available to you, if you choose Florida as a base, the list is endless. . . .Just ask us!

Cost of living
There is a vast choice of restaurants in Florida catering for every taste and pocket, from simple burgers or pizzas to excellent gourmet cuisine. Prices naturally vary, but in the fast food outlets you can expect breakfast prices from as little as $4, lunch from $6 and dinner from $10. Be aware of sales tax, unlike Ireland where our shops include tax, in Florida you will find that the local state tax, currently 6%, is added to the published prices, this applies in shops, restaurants, etc. It is customary to tip in Florida, 15-20% is the usual for service well done, with $1 for porters /guides/taxis etc.

Best time to visit
Florida is not called the sunshine state for nothing! It has a warm sub-tropical climate year round, the hottest time pf the year is June and September where you will be pleased to discover the joys of air-conditioning! Occasional afternoon tropical rain showers disappear as quickly as they come and clear the air nicely. The best times to go are in the spring or autumn as they are quieter and although still warm not unbearably hot.