Hotels in St. Pete & Clearwater

From its arcs of white sand and turquoise-blue waters to colourful colonial buildings, rugged inland mountains, and offshore coral reefs, it’s easy to see why holidays in Cuba are so popular. A Cuba holiday not only promises live music, salsa dancing, rum tasting and cocktail drinking, but a chance to explore all the rich history and culture the Caribbean island has on offer too. Whether you choose Varadero’s tourist hub, Guardalavaca’s natural beauty or the captivating city of Havana, Cuba holidays cater for all tastes. 

From lazy mornings on picture-perfect beaches to afternoons browsing Havana’s charming streets, there’s no place quite like Cuba. In the evenings, you’ll feast on traditional chicken, rice and beans before dancing the night away at one of the island’s lively salsa clubs, or sipping on rum cocktails at friendly local bars.

Cuba’s main attraction is the beach. As you step onto the palm-lined white sands, you’ll be transported to a true Caribbean paradise. Sit back by the water and relax with a good book as you soak up some sun. Paddle in the sparkling blue sea, snorkel with exotic marine life in a colourful underwater world, or take a boat ride out to the coral reef to really make the most of the warm water with an unforgettable scuba diving trip.

The island’s appeal goes way beyond its gorgeous coastlines though. In the charming towns and cities, you’ll be transported to times gone by as pristine 1950s convertibles drive past. Queue with the locals for sweet treats at the iconic Coppelia ice cream parlours. Chaotic flea markets and enchanting museums all add to the magic of this unique tropical island as you walk along cobbled streets discovering cultural sights, traditional fiestas and local hidden gems.

For the ultimate in relaxation, Cuba is dotted with great spas where you can enjoy massages and beauty treatments, leaving the stresses of everyday life far behind you. With a little help from the strong Cuban coffee, you’ll feel more and more rejuvenated with every passing day. So find a spot on the beach, grab yourself a cocktail and embrace the unique vibes of this beautiful Caribbean island.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Cayo Coco | Cayo Santa Maria | Guardalavaca | Varadero

Holidays to Mexico combine all the beauty of the Caribbean coast with a fascinating ancient history. From the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza to powder-white beaches along the Riviera Maya, the east side of Yucatán is a traveller's paradise. Lose yourself in the cenotes of Tulum, swim with the green turtles of Akumal Bay, dive deep into the steamy jungles of Calakmul, or climb all 130 steps of the Coba pyramids.

Also the home of the fiesta, Latin America, has a contagious energy that will stay with you long after you leave. An outrageous nightlife can be found in Punta Cancun, with acrobats, DJs, and dancers stealing the show. There are plenty of things to do with the family too, from beach days to exploring the eco-themed parks like Xplor Park. So, if you want to visit ancient sites, swim with the fish, or sample the clubbing scene - Mexico holidays are for you.

Places to stay

Riviera Maya

Extending along the Yucatán, on the east coast of Mexico, is the Riviera Maya. The idyllic peninsula is dotted with some of the world's most exotic resorts, including Playa del Carmen and Playacar. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza, is a popular day trip. While the second largest barrier reef in the world runs for over 700 miles, making Mexico holidays a must for diving and snorkelling. 

Playa del Carmen

Venture a little further south, and you’ll find Playa del Carmen, ranking as one of Riviera’s trendiest spots. The nightlife offers a good mix of laid-back vibes and full-on party mode. Bars will start around Avenida Quinta, with live music at Kitxen or Senor Frogs, and move up an octave near the beach on Calle 10 and Calle 12. Around 12am is when the clubs really kick-off, keeping you going until 4 am. Rio Secret is a must-see. It has an underwater river lined with stalactites and stalagmites. 

Playacar

Located on the south side of Playa del Carmen is Playacar. Celebrated for its upmarket all-inclusive resorts and luxurious golf clubs. Lesser known than Playa del Carmen, Playacar holidays are perfect for those looking for a calm getaway tucked behind lush jungle. Adult Only and family resorts are dotted throughout Playacar, offering the ideal springboard for exploring the powdery white beaches and Xaman-ha ruins. 

Cancun

Head north, and you’ll find Cancún, on the Riviera’s northern tip, a party paradise that’s annually gate-crashed by MTV camera crews and Spring Breakers. The most popular destination is Coco Bongo. Packed out every night, it pulls in the crowds with spectacular ribbon dancers, acrobats, and DJs. Deep-Sea Fishing is also a popular affair in Cancun, where licensed captains will help you reel in your catch for that balmy evening BBQ. Book yourself a seat on the Captain Hook Cancun for the best dinner cruise in the Caribbean and sail the seas on an 18th century Spanish galleon replica.

Playa Mujeres

North of Cancun is the tranquil destination, Playa Mujeres. Far away from the city's nightlife, Playa Mujeres was once a tiny fishing village that has retained its unique charm. Lined with soft white beaches, nearby coral reefs, and an excellent golf course, the region is perfect for those who like their Caribbean holidays laid-back and relaxed. Set on a quiet peninsula, holidays to Playa Mujeres are all about world-class luxury, from private dinners on powdery beaches to romantic boat rides over glassy waters.  

Cozumel

Just 10 miles off the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula is the island of Cozumel, 29 miles long from northeast to southwest. Geologically similar to the Yucatán, it is home to dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles, making it another ideal spot for uncovering Mexico's diverse marine life. Cozumel is an excellent alternative to holidays in Riviera Maya if you want to unplug from the world. Lay back on the untouched sandy shorelines dotted along the west and south sides.

Puerto Vallarta

Over on the Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant city with an old Mexican feel, from its cobblestone streets and distinct architecture. Lush jungle and mountains roll down into white sand beaches. Famous for its LGBTQ+ nightlife and annual White Party, it might just have the edge over Cancun. Puerto Vallarta holidays are great for food and art lovers, boasting fantastic galleries and restaurants considered to be only second to Mexico City. To experience an authentic taste of Mexican life, take a day trip to one of the small nearby historic towns such as San Sebastien del Oeste.

Mexico City

Unmissable places to visit in Mexico include the exciting capital, Mexico City. Visit world-class museums such as the National Museum of Anthropology, alongside designer shopping and art galleries. Be sure not to miss the stunning historic centre with impressive colonial architecture dating back to the 16th century. Highlights include the bustling Plaza de la Constitucion, the spectacular Catedral Metropolitana, the National Palace and the Aztec relics at Temple Mayor. Add a visit to the majestic volcanic mountains of Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl, providing a dramatic backdrop to the city and plenty of opportunities for adventure in the scenic highlands.

Beaches

From secluded palm-fringed beaches to lively party spots, Mexico has some of the most pristine beaches in the world. From the Riviera Maya, starting a few miles south of Cancun, down to Tulum, you could be spotting turtles one day and exploring Mayan ruins the next.

Nightlife

When the sun begins to set, Mexico comes alive with the bustle of locals and tourists ready to dance the night away. Home to renowned hotspots such as Pink Kitty, Coco Bongo and Mandala, where you can keep partying until the early dawn (4-6am).  

Playa del Carmen, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta are excellent destinations for those who want a generous dose of high-octane clubbing with their holiday. For the best LGBTQ+ nightlife, book a stay in Puerto Vallarta. Head to Punta Cancun for the ultimate and downright bonkers clubbing experience, and venture to 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen for beachfront vibes.

History & Culture

Holidays to Mexico would be incomplete without visiting the Mayan ruins. The country is filled with traces of ancient times, from the Pyramid of Kukulcan to the ruins of Palenque and the fortress of Tulum, each historical site scattered across the country tells a unique story. 

Take a walk through the Avenue of the Dead in Teotihuacan, where you can witness sacred artefacts, including the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. Or spend a few hours exploring the archaeological site of Mitla, where you’ll discover intricate mosaic fretwork covering the many tombs, panels, and friezes here.

Unsure of the best time of the year to visit? Check the weather in Mexico to see which month is right for you.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Cancun | Playacar | Playa del Carmen | Playa Mujeres | Puerto Vallarta | Riviera Maya

Holidays to Anna Maria Island, Bradenton and the Longboat Key Area transport you to a Florida gone by. Perched right on the Gulf of Mexico, with nothing for miles but sugar-white sands and sunkissed waters, this hidden gem is a chilled-out alternative to some of the state's more well-known locations. Enjoy laid-back days on the beach, kayaking adventures through the mangroves, and those world-famous sunsets.

This paradisiacal stretch of land also serves up a vibrant seafood scene, with quaint fishing spots and family-owned eateries. So make sure to grab yourself a grouper sandwich, or even catch your own supper off the City Pier! And while the island feels secluded, you're only 90 minutes from Orlando, 45 minutes from Tampa and a 3.5 hour drive to Fort Lauderdale.

Things to do

A small and intimate destination in Florida, loved for its slow pace of life, you’ve got an excellent fishing charters, wildlife tours and boutique shopping to explore.  

Fishing charters, boating trips and eco-tours 

Surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, Anna Maria Island boasts an extraordinary fishing scene. Venture out to sea on a charter to experience catching your own trout, mackerel and flounder, or spot your first shark on a sight-seeing expedition. And if you’re feeling really fancy, book onto a private cruise for wine, cheese and those famous Florida sunsets. 

Anna Maria Island is also lined with a system of waterways teeming with wildlife. Grab a paddle and weave your way through the hidden mangrove tunnels along Lido Keys, to see ospreys, great blue herons, pelicans, wood storks, and bald eagles, to name a few. If you're visiting between March and December you’ll likely encounter manatees. While bottlenose dolphins make an appearance year-round, as they feed and travel through the shallows.

Sun, sea and the beach by horseback

The beaches along Anna Maria Island are pristine, offering miles and miles of soft sand and gentle waves. One of the longest shorelines is Bradenton Beach, a natural setting that sees loggerhead turtles lay their eggs along the dunes from May to October. The waters here are calm and perfect for swimming. At its southern tip, you'll find Coquina, the place to see remarkable shells. From here you can walk along to Leffis Key for the best views of Sarasota Bay. This scenic waterfront is lined with quaint shops, eateries and open-air cafes.

Ever wanted to know what it feels like to ride horseback along the beach? There is nothing quite like the freedom of galloping along the shimmering sands of Palma Sola Bay. Children as young as three can take part too. Trainers will take you for the ride of your life along the shoreline and into the water, even teaching you a few tricks while you're in there!

There are tonnes of watersport adventures to be had too. From jet skiing to surfing along the turquoise waters at Holmes Beach (a must-visit for the all-you-can-eat pancakes).

Bikes, scooters, segways and the famous trolley

Zoom around the island with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. This beautiful strip of land offers smooth flat planes to ride the coastline by Segway, scooter or bike. You could book a tour to uncover the island's rich history, visiting its famous landmarks, beaches and natural attractions, or simply go your own way. How about renting a tricycle or tandem? You can even add trailers, tag-a-longs and bike seats for your little ones.

Top spots to visit along your trails include the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Sound and Sarasota Bay. You’ll cruise over bridges, see lots of wildlife and cover plenty of ground. Visit the Venetian Intracoastal Waterways to spot eagles, tortoises, manatees and dolphins, or discover art and interactive sculptures along the Bradenton Riverwalk. And if you want to take in the sights from the comfort of an air-conditioned bus, ride the free trolley that runs from City Pier to Coquina Beach, stopping off at fourteen hotspots across the island. With one arriving every 20 minutes, you can just hop on and off at your leisure.

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Check out our other USA travel guides, including: California | Chicago | Crystal River | Daytona Beach | Florida Keys and Key West | Fort Lauderdale | Fort Myers and Sanibel | Hawaii | Kissimmee | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | Miami | New England | New York City | New York State | North East Corridor | Oregon State | Orlando | San Francisco | St Pete & Clearwater | Tampa Bay | Texas | The Deep South | Utah State | Washington State

The beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Southwest Florida are made up of over 100 barrier islands each offering visitors a different experience, but drawn together by unspoilt nature, white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and activities for all ages.

When you first step foot on these spacious, unspoilt sands, it’s hard to believe you’re only a couple of hours away from bustling cities like Miami and Orlando. And with so much untouched  beauty surrounding you, the wildlife sightings are just as exotic, from its manatee-filled waters to its alligator-inhabited wetlands. But it’s not just about the beach here. If you’re not sunning yourself on the sand, you could be touring the former homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, or visiting a museum entirely devoted to seashells.

Things to do

Fort Myers & Sanibel is made for island hopping. There are so many stunning shorelines to choose from! After its 18th century lighthouse, Sanibel’s beaches are probably most famous for shelling, with over 250 seashells to hunt down between its coastline and neighbouring Captiva Island. If shelling isn’t your thing, hiking, canoeing and guided fishing tours are just some of the activities you can test out at Lovers Key State Park. 

The seven-mile-long shoreline along Fort Myers Beach gets most of the attention (for good reason), but it’s the pedestrianised Times Square that sees all the action. Lined with restaurants, bars, ice cream counters and surf shops, this oceanside playground has something for all ages. It’s also host to a public party each weekend to celebrate the sunset. If you’d prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle, nothing beats days at Bonita Beach Park.

Aside from the beaches, Sanibel is also home to The J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. With over 7,600 acres of trails to explore, you could easily spend all day just spotting the many bird and reptile species living among the mangroves. For even more animal encounters, the Great Calusa Blueway’s wildlife-packed waters are a must for keen kayakers.

As for history, the island’s choice of museums are up there with its wildlife sightings. The biggest historical highlight is over in Fort Myers, along the Caloosahatchee River. Known as Edison and Ford Winter Estates, people come from all over the world to see Edison’s laboratory and gardens, where many of his experiments took place. 

As one of the best shelling destinations in North America, it should come as no surprise that Sanibel is home to a building full of them! And if you thought you weren’t interested when you arrived, you will be by the time you’ve visited Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: California | Chicago | Crystal River | Daytona Beach | Florida | Florida Keys and Key West | Fort Lauderdale | Hawaii | Kissimmee | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | Miami | New England | New York City | New York State | North East Corridor | Oregon State | Orlando | San Francisco | St Pete & Clearwater | Tampa Bay | Texas | The Deep South | Utah State | Washingston State

A destination like no other, Orlando is home to some of the most famous theme parks in the world. Take your holiday to the next level at Universal Orlando Resort. With three amazing theme parks – Universal Studios Florida Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay Water theme park, spectacular on-site hotels and more, it’s days and nights of endless fun for every member of the family.

Experience white-knuckle rides, fairy tale fantasies, awe-inspiring shows and incredible shopping malls all in one fun-filled holiday to Orlando. If you want to stay in the heart of the action, opt for a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Bustling International Drive is known for its bars, shops and restaurants, while scenic Kissimmee is the place to kick back after a busy day at the parks.

Things to do

Kids will want to head straight for Disney’s Magic Kingdom® where they can meet their favourite characters and watch one of the brightly coloured parades. Enjoy a buffet breakfast with Mickey and the gang at Chef Mickey’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Fancy travelling the world? At Disney’s Epcot, pick up a World Showcase Passport and get a stamp at each of the 11 international pavilions. Epcot’s Le Cellier Steakhouse is renowned for its delicious food. Try the rich and creamy cheddar cheese and bacon soup followed by a succulent steak.

There’s something for all ages at Universal Orlando Resort™. Immerse yourself in the next generation of blockbuster entertainment at Universal Studios Florida™. Journey through legendary worlds of incredible heroes at Universal’s Islands of Adventure™. And enjoy the thrills and relaxation of a tropical paradise like no other at Universal’s Volcano Bay™ water theme park.

Theme parks

Orlando is well known for its world famous theme parks and attractions, with more than 50,000 acres in the region covered by amusement parks.

The Universal Orlando® Resort has two amazing theme parks, top notch onsite hotels and unique dining and entertainment. Here you can explore such attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, where you can shop in Diagon Alley and have a butterbeer in the wintery setting of Hogsmeade. Whizz around on rollercoasters and have a splash adventure in the waterparks.

Close by is Walt Disney World Resort where it’s not only Mickey Mouse that can be found, magic runs through the resort making unforgettable memories.

The whole family can have fun on the rides and attractions, enjoy the thrill of the waterparks and wave pools at the exciting Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Watch the parades and shows and even get the chance to meet all of the much loved Disney characters.

Culture

Creativity oozes out of Orlando’s famous theme parks and vibrant city. Visit the museums and art galleries to explore the exceptional local art scene. As a destination Orlando mixes tradition with modern entertainment with classic theatre performances and independent film festivals. The Amway Center is the Downtown hotspot for entertainment as it hosts events ranging from sports, like basketball, to live concerts and shows. Orlando is also a fantastic place to shop, with several top notch shopping malls and discounted outlets in the area.

Food

You’ll be spoilt for choice with the diverse array of food to sample from around the world. Whether you want fast food, or sophisticated dining, Orlando is home to some of the finest cuisine with celebrity chefs often visiting. For an experience with a flare of fun with the family, have a dinner and show or head to Disney Springs’ Planet Hollywood. Feast your eyes on the movie props and memorabilia that lines the walls whilst tucking into a scrumptious steak, fresh seafood or classic American desserts.

Nightlife

Orlando is a vibrant, contemporary destination for families and groups looking to soak up the feel good atmosphere. This means that there’s lots of spectacular after dark entertainment for you to choose from. The city is home to a variety of pubs, bars, comedy clubs and Downtown nightclubs where you can dance till the early hours and some even host live music.

If you are travelling with the kids then a dinner and show is ideal. You’ll find that there are also lots of nightly events happening in the world-renowned theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando® Resort.

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We also have travel guides available for other popular Florida destinations including: Central Florida | International Drive | Lake Buena Vista | Universal Resort Orlando | Walt Disney Resort

Called ‘The Aloha State’, Hawaii’s six islands welcome you with a smile; ‘Aloha’ is both a greeting and a lifestyle. Each island has its own distinctive character - Oahu is lively and Maui is captivating; Kauai is perfect for rejuvenating and Hawaii island is for the adventurer. Come to the Islands of Hawaii to enjoy the luau and lei traditions that have made it famous, and settle into the easygoing sway of island life.

Things to do

This stunning tropical archipelago is home to active volcanoes in the National Park on Hawaii Island, and nature preserves like Hanauma Bay on Oahu. On Kauai you can hike the beautiful Kalalau Trail, or take in the view of Waimea canyon. Grab a fruity shave ice (snow cone) to cool off after bodyboarding on Waimanalo Beach, or learn to surf at Waikiki or chill on Poipu beach with a book. Learn more about Hawaii’s history with a visit to the poignant Pearl Harbour and USS Arizona Memorial on Oahu; celebrate its culture of garland-making and giving during Lei Day (1st May).

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: California | Chicago | Florida | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | Miami | New England | New York City | New York State | North East Corridor | Oregon State | San Francisco | Texas | The Deep South | Utah State | Washingston State