America trip | Family trip Florida tropical pearls

Mention Miami and most people conjure up mental images of sprawling sunny beaches teeming with models, celebrities and some absurdly attractive locals. While this big city certainly offers plenty of surf, sun and fun, it has so much more to offer than endless beach parties and glittering strips of chic hotels. Miami is a complex and fascinating melting pot of cultures from Latin America, the Caribbean and the Yankee. From the spirited Cuban community of Little Havana to the glass, steel and concrete jungle of downtown Miami, home to big houses, luxury hotels and glamorous locals of Miami Beach; this city offers an unparalleled multicultural experience. These cultural contrasts create a veritable mix of international culinary delights, a wide range of cultural attractions and remarkably diverse arts and nightlife, all combined with a glistening turquoise ocean and golden sandy beaches.

Florida, also known as 'The Sunshine State', offers year-round sunshine, some of America's best beaches and a wonderfully relaxing endless summer atmosphere. With the colonial charm of St Augustine, the thriving party scene and colourful Latino enclaves of Miami, the magic of Disney World, the glamorous hedonism of Palm Beach, and the tranquil expanse of the Everglades, you are sure to find something to love in Florida. Away from the crowded resorts lies an unexpected abundance of natural beauty, including forests and rivers, desolate regions teeming with wildlife, and vibrant cities within reach of primal swamps full of alligators. Add in some diverse culture and excellent food and it is not hard to imagine why millions of visitors flock to Florida to enjoy the many accessible and varied pleasures this sunny state has to offer.

Known for its cheerful over-the-top showmanship and for having more theme parks and entertainment attractions than anywhere else in the world, Orlando offers much more for the seasoned traveller. With its excellent shopping offers, charming boutique hotels and restaurants to suit every taste imaginable, Orlando is as much a playground for adults as it is for the little ones. Outdoors visitors can hike, swim or canoe in the Ocala National Forest, Wekiwa Springs State Park or any of the many other vibrant areas in the area. If that sounds a little too adventurous, there are plenty of museums in Winter Park, where you can enjoy some high-end shopping and dining on Park Avenue. With all this diversity, it's no wonder Orlando is the best family destination in the world.

This beautiful archipelago of about 1,700 islands stretches south and southwest of mainland Florida and is famous worldwide for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, glorious weather, unparalleled fishing and diving opportunities and exciting nightlife. While most visitors are drawn to the pristine sandy beaches, those who want a break from the sun can explore the area's intriguing cultural attractions. These include, among others, the Ernest Hemingway House and Museum, Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, and the Key West Art and History Museum at the Customs House. With each of these idyllic islets offering its own unique recreational and dining options, the Florida Keys seem to have been created exclusively for relaxation and leisure.

The serene seaside town of Naples may not have the degree of cultural heritage as its European namesake, but what it lacks in historical significance it more than makes up for in relaxed atmosphere and elegant luxury. Instead of archaeological treasures, you will find first-class hotels and beautiful golf courses, and instead of pasta, you will find an excellent cosmopolitan culinary scene with gastronomic delights from all over the world. With its highly luxurious waterfront estates and some of the most extravagant flats in the world, the seaside resort of Naples manages to strike the perfect balance between sophisticated resort living and warm and welcoming family fun.

Miami Beach, known as ‘America’s Riviera’, is a coastal resort town situated on a small barrier island and connected to the Miami mainland by bridges. The city is both a vibrant urban metropolis with all the amenities you would expect from a world-class city, and a natural wonderland complete with breathtaking beaches surrounded by turquoise waters and swaying palm trees.
Whether you’re looking for the child-friendly beaches and inviting oceanfront shops and restaurants of North Miami Beach; the galleries, museums and theatres of Greater Miami; or the high-end boutiques, ultra-modern fusion restaurants, exclusive nightclubs and Art Deco architectural masterpieces of star-studded South Beach, you’re sure to find everything you could possibly wish for in this beautifully sunny coastal city.

Key West is America's southernmost destination, located at the furthest end of the chain of holiday islands known as the Florida Keys. It is famous for its idyllic beaches, sparkling nightlife, charming Old Town and various water sports, such as diving, sailing, kiteboarding and jet skiing. The island was the former residence of famous author Ernest Hemingway, who indicated that Key West brought together his three greatest passions - 'catching big fish, eating good food and drinking hard'. Today, you can still do as Hemingway did, or you can spend your time more leisurely - enjoying the beauty of the island's tropical enclaves, palm-fringed white shores and beautiful sunsets. History buffs will enjoy the Hemingway House, which offers tours of the writer's former 19th-century home, as well as the Museum of Art and History at the Custom House. Key West's vibrant nightlife is mainly concentrated around Duval Street and the carnival-like Mallory Square.

Key Largo is the largest island in the Florida Keys and, as it is accessible by car, is a popular base for exploring this famous tourist region. As well as picturesque beaches and heavenly sunsets, Key Largo’s main attraction is its rich marine life and superb opportunities for fishing, diving and snorkelling. At the well-managed and incredibly popular John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, you can go diving, snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Glass-bottomed boat trips are also organised. Key Largo is also home to a number of fantastic bars and restaurants serving delicious fresh seafood.