 Where is it and how do I get there
Florida is located south-east of North America. It is an 18 hour flight from Sydney and Melbourne and a 21 hour flight from Perth with a stopover at Brisbane. You can fly with Qantas or United Airlines to the US west coast with a connection to Florida.
When to go
Florida, aptly known as the "Sunshine State" has a generally warm climate. Almost anytime is a good time to go depending on when you are staying. Autumn and spring are usually the best time to go with picture-perfect and consistent weather.
Where to stay
There are plenty of places to stay at in Florida, from budget motels and hostels to first class hotels. The best places that cater for kids are West Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbour, The South Seas Plantation and the Sundial Beach Resort on Sanibel Island, the Walt Disney World resorts, the Hyatt Grand Cypress and Holiday Inn in Orlando. For more information, check out www.flausa.com
Resorts with Kids Clubs
Sanibel Island
The South Seas Plantation and Sundial Beach Resort both offer Kids Clubs that are aimed at recreation, education and the environment.
 Palm Harbour
The Westin Innisbrook Resort’s Camp Innisbrook takes the kids on outdoor adventures mini-golfing, biking and swimming at the Loch Ness as well as providing indoor activities and quiet time.
Orlando
The Walt Disney World Resorts were created with families in mind and offer the Mousketeer Club for an additional price, which runs activities for children. The Holiday Inn offers free buffet breakfast to its guests as well as free lunch and dinner for children under 12 and also offers free afternoon and evening activities for families. The Hyatt Grand Cypress incorporates Camp Hyatt and provides tours of the equestrian centre and Friday and Saturday night bonfires for the kids along with various indoor and outdoor activities.
Health
Ask your GP about health requirements prior to your holiday. There are no serious health risks in the USA.
Food
There is a mixture of "Florribbean" (Caribbean and Latin American flavours mingled with the more traditional American and European cuisine) and international dishes to suit anyone's taste, from Florida's extra special cheeseburger, Key Lime Pie and quality seafood to Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Thai and Mexican Cuisine. And of course, there are the favourites family food chains like McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Subway.
 Shopping
There are countless shopping malls and markets in Florida, where you can buy designer clothes, jewellery, souvenirs and knickknacks. There are boutique shopping malls in Naples, Outlet Shopping Malls at St Petersburg, where you can get goods at discount prices and plenty of Disney souvenir shops in Disney World.
Population
There is an estimated 17,429,448 people currently residing in the "Sunshine State" and it is growing. Though Florida has great multicultural diversity, the biggest influence on culture is Caribbean and European with a splash of Cuban American, African American and Native American culture, which also helps make up the population of Florida..
Language
English is the main spoken language in Florida and due to its Cuban influences a smattering of Spanish is also spoken.
Time
Florida is 15 hours behind Eastern Standard Time. You gain a day when travelling to Florida and lose a day coming back. Click here for more on time zones.
Currency
US dollars ($US) For and up-to-date currency conversion, click here.
Tipping
Tipping for services is extremely important in America, as tip income is half or more of the worker's income. Tipping is as follows:
Waiters/waitresses/room service, hairdressers/barbers: 15%
Taxi drivers 15%
Delivery people, valet parking, hotel maid, and porters/bellhops: $1-$2 (porters and bellhops should get additional 50c per bag after first two bags)
If a concierge goes out of his/her way to help you: $10-$20
 Passport and Visa
All travellers to and from the United States of America are required to have a Machine Readable Passport (MRP) after 26 October 2004. Australian Passports are generally Machine Readable.
Australia is part of the Visa Waiver Program in where you are entitled to travel without a visa if you have an MRP, providing you are staying in the US for no longer than 90 days. You must be an Australian Citizen and have a passport valid for 6 months after you intended stay in order to enter the US on the Visa Waiver Program.
Tips
If you are planning to travel around Florida, it is better to book a rental car as it will save you costs for taxis, buses and trains and will be a better way to travel with young children. There are rental car outlets at most airports to make it convenient for you. Book cars before you go and don’t forget to organise insurance, as it is very expensive in USA.
Some hotels offer transport from the airport to your hotel. Check with your travel agent prior to departure whether your hotel offers transport or if transport can be arranged. Airports generally have taxi and bus bays so enquire about the bus timetables at the airport you are arriving at.
Click here for Things to See & Do in Florida
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