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SHORE THING


Florida From the beaches of the


Panhandle in the north to the Everglades and Keys in the south, Florida offers plenty of alternatives to adrenalin rides, says Jo Cooke


FLORIDA  Top Selling Tips...


• Save them some cash… “Buying theme park tickets before leaving the UK is the cheapest option for clients and earns agents commission”


Gail DUnwooDie Head of Product and Marketing attraction world


• Bargain hunt… “Miromar Outlets, between Naples and Fort Myers, has discount shopping on brands such as Timberland and Michael Kors”


TERRI DOYLE Travel writer


Above: Florida’s theme and water parks are a huge draw but there’s a lot more to see and do


F


lorida’s enduring appeal has been built primarily around its theme parks, most of which are found in


the Orlando area, but from the sugar- white sands that lap the Gulf of Mexico to Miami and the Keys in the south, the Sunshine State packs in several holidays in one state. UK visitor numbers to Florida remain


solid and operators report that more holidaymakers are not just heading for thrill rides in Orlando but are also seeking out the many natural attractions, abundant incredible wildlife, sublime white-sand beaches, vibrant cities and quirky towns, too. Florida is the southernmost state of the continental USA and the Keys, a


“Fort Myers’ historic district is brimming with old-world charm, while Sanibel island is low key and laid back”


chain of islands linked by bridges, are at its southern-most point. Famed for their great watersports, Caribbean vibe and slightly bohemian feel, the chilled- out Keys are just 90 miles from Cuba. Miami makes a great twin-centre option, with its art-deco architecture, chic South Beach, millionaire mansions in Coconut Grove and the upbeat Little Havana district. North of the Keys is Everglades National Park, a 1.4-million-acre swathe of swamp and marshland. You can explore it along boardwalk trails, by kayak


or aboard an airboat. Billie Swamp Safari includes the latter on a day’s eco- tour (www.billieswamp.com). Visitors to the resorts of Naples and


Marco Island can expect overwhelmingly beautiful white-sand beaches lapped by the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. These are perfect choices for those seeking affordable luxury, plus there are upscale restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and around 90 golf courses on your doorstep. Further north are Fort Myers and Sanibel. Growing in popularity with the


Paradise found.


Create memories for a lifetime, at our luxury resort. 100 gulf front fully equipped condos, directly on the emerald gulf, on our stunning stretch of coast. “Intentionally Better”


4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Florida 34228 001 (941) 383-5549 www.casadelmar.net


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