Florida

Value Times are April, May, October, November and December
Excludes Holidays and Special Events

Daytona Beach

If sand, surf and sunbathers appeal to your senses, Daytona Beach is where you'll want to plop down your beach towel and chair. The self-proclaimed World's Most Famous Beach is an epicenter of activity for college students, NASCAR racing fans and bikers from mid February through March when they descend on the 23-mile stretch of white hard-packed sand.

The rest of the year the town is a balmy beach haven appealing to all age groups; from little kids assembling sand castles to seniors basking in the ocean breeze. While lying on the sand is a time-honored activity, so is driving on the beach. The silica is so hard-packed that vehicles are permitted as long as they keep their cruising speed below 10 mph. When you tire of the surf and sand, there are plenty of local haunts where you can eat, party and shop in the Daytona area.

Orlando

Orlando sits in the sunshine, both literally and figuratively. Thanks to its status as one of the world's premier leisure destinations, it's one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. Its cleanliness, friendliness and climate make it a popular getaway for families, honeymooners, seniors and solo travelers, all of whom immerse themselves in the city's theme-park version of the whole wide world.

But, Disney and friends aside, Orlando has become a major city in its own right with a rapidly expanding economy and home-grown entertainment centers. It feels very much like a young city, both in terms of its energy levels and the newness of many of its neighborhoods. Today the downtown is becoming increasingly popular with nightlife, art festivals and street parties complementing eclectic local neighborhoods, parks and eateries.

Dining

Fresh seafood is the specialty all over Florida, and every imaginable variety is available, including Florida spiny lobster and stone crabs. But seafood is only part of the story, everything from Japanese to kosher can be found. Selections include: Chinese, French, Spanish, Continental, German, Greek, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Polynesian, barbecue and steak. Don't miss an opportunity to sample the state's offerings of Latin American, Cuban and other Caribbean cuisine, including such delicacies as fish grilled in banana leaves, the spicy flavors of jerk pork and chicken

(Jamaican barbecue) or the hearty taste of ropa vieja (a Cuban stew flavored with annatto oil). There's a chain of restaurants in the state called Columbia that provides a good introduction to Cuban cooking with a somewhat more formal Spanish influence. Much of Florida's cooking employs fresh ingredients and unusual seasonings that range from the sweet to the incredibly hot. Be sure to try Key lime pie, it's made from tiny yellow limes that grow locally. The juice is also sold in supermarkets.

Shopping

Florida teems with shopping malls, outlet centers, boutiques and arts-and-crafts shops. The state's enormous popularity as a leisure destination means you'll find a lot of touristy junk; shell shops and alligator souvenirs seem to appear at every corner. But don't judge Florida by its T-shirts and sunglasses alone. Seminole and Miccosukee handicrafts are available, notably the intricate and colorful quilting patterns made into jackets, pants and skirts. There's a good variety of tropical fruit (both fresh and in the form of preserves and other prepared foods), much of which can be shipped directly home or to friends. Beach and resort clothing is for sale year-round, you'll have no trouble outfitting yourself for oceanfront leisure.

Weather

Winter is the prime season in southern Florida, where temperatures ordinarily range 71-77 F/22-25 C during the day and 50-60 F/10-16 C at night. Occasional cold snaps can occur as far south as Miami: Some winter mornings in the southern part of the state may see near-freezing temperatures, but by midday the warmth returns. In the northern quarter of the state, however, it can be downright cold for days at a time, with temperatures dipping below freezing at night. The sun is intense at these latitudes - even in winter, don't spoil your visit by getting too much.

With all the water in the region Florida has high humidity, which gets higher and more uncomfortable in summer. If you're traveling to Florida during your summer vacation, you'll find that the heat and humidity are tempered by sea breezes along the coast or by afternoon/early-evening thunderstorms. Rainfall can be intense but is usually brief. Nonetheless, those who aren't used to it may find 90 F/32 C and 70%-90% humidity a strain. Careful pacing, loose, light clothing and a hat with a brim will help. Be particularly careful where long waits in line occur: Some of the theme-park attractions can have you standing in the sun longer than you might prefer.

Transportation

Domestic and international airlines serve several major airports in Florida: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL), Jacksonville International (JAX), Miami International (MIA), Orlando International (MCO), Palm Beach International (PBI) and Tampa International (TPA). Rental cars are readily available at the airports and in all major cities. Rental prices are among the lowest in the country, ask about special fly-drive package rates.