Florida well deserves its nickname, "the sunshine state." Year-round warm temperatures and ultra mild winters make Florida perfect for mid-winter holidays and springtime at the beach. In summer, the climate is a big more extreme, with temperatures regularly hovering around the 40 degree mark. Luckily, beaches and dozens of water parks provide relief, and the season's lower prices may make the heat more bearable. Late summer often brings harsh storms, so do as the locals do and pay close attention to daily weather forecasts.

Florida has several major international airports, and flights from the UK head to Miami, Orlando and Tampa. The journey takes about eight-hours from London. Once in the US, you can fly to numerous other airports in resort areas like Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Travel on the ground is a bit more limited; a car is almost a necessity, as rail lines and good bus services are few and far between.

Aquatic activities dominate, and there is no shortage of water skiing, boating, sailing, jet skiing and snorkeling along the coast. Countless firms offer equipment rental, classes or tours, and odds are good that you won't be in Florida long before a friendly agent makes his way toward you.

Golf is also a popular option, and some of the country's best golf courses can be found in Florida's resorts. Other sun-loving sports, like tennis, rollerblading and biking, are widely accessible too.

For nature enthusiasts, Florida offers great bird watching, especially in the Everglades National Park. In this huge park, which covers the southern tip of the state, you'll also find unique plant life and marine habitats. Both alligators and crocodiles live here, the only place in the world where the two species survive together. Hiking and kayaking are also popular activities in the park, and if you feel like staying longer campgrounds are available.

Of course, for the kid in all of us Florida boasts what is likely the world's greatest variety of theme parks, with Disney World leading the list. If life-size cartoon characters and kid-friendly rides are your thing, head to Disney's huge playground. The nearby Universal Studios offer a similar feel. Sea World is the classic spot to 'ooo and ahh' at mammoth sea creatures, and NASA's Space Center is a fascinating place where you'll learn about astronauts and outer space. If the heat gets to be too much, try out some of the water parks; Wet 'n' Wild in Orlando and The Rapids in West Palm Beach are both good bets.