Hotels in Miami

Blue skies, golden sands, swaying palms and turquoise waters. Feel the welcoming vibe in Greater Fort Lauderdale, where the sun never stops shining and the average temperature is a balmy 25’C year-round. Enjoy 23 miles of Blue Wave certified beaches, explore 300 miles of inland waterways, kayak by moonlight, or shop till you drop at North America’s largest designer outlet mall... it’s all here for the taking.

Watch Greater Fort Lauderdale on youtube

Things to do

Situated in the U.S state of Florida, Greater Fort Lauderdale has been nicknamed the 'Venice of America' thanks to its 300 miles of navigable waterways. Safe, family-friendly and sunny, this city is the perfect place to try something new. Whether you're catching a Broadway show, cruising down the New River, skim boarding or exploring the exotic wildlife at Flamingo Garden, you're never short of things to do in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Bring comfortable shoes so you can explore and take advantage of glorious sunshine.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: California | Chicago | Crystal River | Daytona Beach | Florida | Florida Keys and Key West | 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 | Washingston State

Holidays to Daytona Beach are a wonderful blend of easy beach life and world-class arts and entertainment. Found on Florida’s east coast, this seafront city is known for its spectator sports, that’s when you’re not slowing things down on the sand. Families will feel right at home thanks to the bustling boardwalk filled with amusements, while couples are in the perfect spot for partying with an Ale Trail made up of 18 local craft breweries. 

Endless sands

Daytona’s sands are world-famous for good reason. With 23 miles of beautiful shoreline overlooking the azure Atlantic, you could easily spend your days relaxing under the sun. Daytona Beach is the first stop for most. Find all kinds of wet sports dotted along this 8 mile stretch, including fishing, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking - and if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins leaping out from the waves. 

Need a break from the heat? Take a stroll down the oceanfront boardwalk! Crammed with entertainment options, there’s so much to do whether you want a bite to eat, fancy a shopping spree or want to ride the amusements. You’ll discover plenty more beaches close by, too, from the family favourite, Sun Splash Park, to the surfing hotspot, New Smyrna Beach.

Feel the rush

Petrolheads will be in their element at Daytona Beach! Not only is it home to one of the world’s most famous racing tracks - Daytona International Speedway - but you can take a ride in a real NASCAR car. Don’t want to get behind the wheel? Then, you can hit the track with a professional instructor. You don’t have to be a racing fan to appreciate this amazing venue either! With behind-the-scenes tours and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, you’re guaranteed a great day out. Those who come here in February shouldn’t miss out on a chance to witness all the trackside action at one of the biggest sporting events in the US, Daytona 500.

An entertainment mecca 

You’ll never run out of fun things to do in Florida! And Daytona Beach holidays are definitely up there with Orlando when it comes to entertainment. Find cultural spots like the Museum of Arts & Sciences, with its state-of-the-art planetarium to Charles and Linda Williams Children’s Museum with its interactive exhibitions. Or there’s the Marine Science Center, where little animal lovers can see how sick seabirds and turtles are nursed back to health. You can’t beat a day at Daytona Lagoon water park on those warm Florida days. Kids will love the spray guns and wave pool, while parents can make the most of the relaxing lazy river.

Unspoilt beauty

There’s plenty of chance to wander off the beaten track on your holidays to Daytona Beach. Just a few short miles south of here, at the southernmost tip of the peninsula, is Ponce Inlet, home to the tallest lighthouse in Florida. Climb to the top and take in those glittering Atlantic panoramas. Want to spot wildlife in their natural setting? Make your way to Tomoka State Park (20 minutes’ north of Daytona). A resting spot for around 160 species of bird as well as alligator and the West Indian Manatee, it’s a must-visit for rare sightings. 

More travel guides

Take a look at our other travel guides for this part of the States and beyond, including: California | Chicago | Crystal River | Florida | Florida Keys & 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

Found in a sun-drenched spot between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, holidays to St. Pete & Clearwater are perfect for relaxing. With 35 miles of award-winning shorelines and turquoise seas at your feet, there’s no wonder why these neighbouring towns make up one of Florida’s most loved beach resorts.

But this slice of paradise has so much more to offer besides white sand. The art scene is pretty spectacular too, from the famous Dali Museum to the amazing murals found in downtown St Petersburg (known locally as St. Pete). So if you’re looking for a beach getaway that combines outdoor adventures with a dose of culture, St. Pete & Clearwater is the place for you.

Tropical beaches 

Just 90 minutes away from Orlando, St. Pete & Clearwater is the perfect twin centre option if you want to blend Florida’s theme parks with its incredible coastline. And thanks to the endless supply of white sand, you’ll find some of the best beaches in the US here. Make sure you tick off St. Pete first! Stretching for five miles, families will love the exhilarating mix of watersports and tasty food shacks. Then there’s Clearwater, with its sugar-fine sands, bustling promenade and nightly sunset celebrations at Pier 60. Prefer a sleepier shoreline? Look no further than Pass-a-Grille, a dune-backed stretch neatly tucked away from Florida’s high rises. Or if that’s not quite secluded enough, you’ll feel completely cut off at Shell Key Preserve, a barrier island which is only accessible by water.

Nature & wildlife

If you’d like to experience St. Pete/Clearwater’s natural beauty, watersports are among the top things to do in Florida. There’s something for all ages and abilities, from paddle boarding tours exploring the area’s mangrove islands to scuba diving trips taking you to some of the best dive spots in the Gulf. But there’s no better way to soak up that all-season sun than kayaking to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach. On your journey you’re likely to see exotic birds, colourful marine life, and maybe even a dolphin or two! Back on dry land, keen hikers can discover 8700 acres of wilderness at Brooker Creek Preserve.

World-class art

Downtown St. Pete is a bustling hub of art and culture, which makes it the perfect home for the Dali Museum and Morean Arts Center. Take a tour around the famous Chihuly Collection, where you can view the best of artist Dale Chihuly’s work, which includes abstract glass sculptures and colourful paintings. Or why not head to the Morean Center for Clay and try your hand at creating your own masterpiece? Nearby, you’ll also find glass-blowing demonstrations at the Glass Studio & Hot Shop. 

Bars & boutiques

St. Pete & Clearwater holidays have a great nightlife scene, complete with bustling bars, authentic breweries and chic rooftop spots. Affectionately known as the ‘Gulp Coast’, this Florida hotspot is home to the Craft Beer Trail, which has 30 breweries within an hour’s drive of each other (so you may need to appoint a designated driver). For a traditional people-watching pub experience, head to MacDinton’s Irish Bar, where flowing drinks and good times go hand in hand. And if you’re not ready to leave the beautiful beaches just yet, soak up the swanky lounge-style atmosphere at the Kimpton Hotel Zamora for cocktails and panoramic views across the Gulf of Mexico. 

More travel guides

Take a look at our other travel guides for this part of the USA, including California | Chicago | Crystal River | Daytona Beach | Florida | 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 | Tampa Bay | Texas | The Deep South | Utah State | Washingston State

Holidays to Las Vegas are all about once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Where else in the world can you tie the knot at the top of the Eiffel Tower, enjoy a three-course meal next to an erupting volcano, and whiz around New York on a huge rollercoaster? When the sun goes down, this glittering metropolis pulsates with dazzling shows, world-famous casinos and its famous neon glow.

And alongside its attention-grabbing Strip, Las Vegas holidays are rich in outdoor adventure. Head just two hours east to tick off one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World from your bucket list. The Grand Canyon's West Rim invites thrill-seekers to walk the glass bridge, suspended 4000 feet above the ground. You could try your hand at whitewater rafting down the Colorado River from here. And, if you hire a car for the trip, ‌stop off at Hoover Dam. 

Things to do

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! After all, if you can let your hair down anywhere, it’s in Sin City. Whether you want to play poker, hit the shops, or party all night long, nowhere on the planet is as bold, glitzy and outrageous. 

By day, if you’re not sightseeing, it’s all about relaxing and preparing yourself for the big night ahead; so why not grab an ice-cold drink and soak up the sun by your hotel pool before the main event? And when you do want to get out and about, here are the sights you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Las Vegas.

Experience the Las Vegas Strip

Neon lights, jumping fountains, and the world's tallest observation wheel. Las Vegas city breaks are full of thrills! Take your pick from spectacular Cirque du Soleil shows, iconic landmarks like Caesars Palace, wow-worthy views from the Stratosphere Tower, and legendary performances by the likes of Elton John.

The Strip is the ultimate playground, and the energy is infectious. Dominated by iconic museums, award-winning restaurants and the best nightclubs in the city - where you can party from happy hour to sunrise. Hotspots include Marquee in Cosmopolitan, renowned for its rooftop pool parties, and XS, the most glamorous club on the Strip. 

Rub shoulders with high-rollers

Almost every movie featuring Las Vegas includes shots of Fremont Street. If you haven’t been to this historic gaming spot, can you really say you’ve been to Las Vegas? It’s where it all began, well before the birth of the Strip. Try your hand at blackjack inside the oldest casino in the city, Golden Gate. It first opened its doors in 1906 and holds a legacy that spans the Roaring 20s, Prohibition, and the whole Rat Pack era. 

If you want to test your luck on the slot machines, you’ll also need to bring some dollar bills with you! Order your Thomas Cook Travel Money online, and you’ll beat most high street rates. Just make sure you only play with what you can afford to lose - there’s a reason free drinks flow at the gaming table! 

Natural wonders

Swap the glitz of the city for some awe-inspiring nature. The Grand Canyon is just a two-hour drive away. You can join a tour, hire a car, or, for the ultimate treat, take an unforgettable Grand Canyon helicopter ride. 

And what trip to Las Vegas would be complete without ripping through the red sands of Nevada on the desert dune buggies. It's such an exciting way to get stuck into the city’s natural outback! The best months to give it a go are from March to May and September to November when the weather in Las Vegas is slightly cooler.

Vegas family trips

Thinking of treating the family to the trip of a lifetime? There are so many things to do with the kids in Las Vegas. Become an agent at Marvel Avengers. Come face-to-face with giant rays, rare golden crocodiles and sharks at Mandalay Bay.  Along the Strip, you’ll also find spellbinding shows, from Witches and Warlocks to comedy magic.

More Travel Guides

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

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).

More Travel Guides

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

The biggest city of the Great Lakes region, and the third largest in the United States.  Chicago sits on more than 26 miles of uninterrupted lakefront, offering 15 miles of sandy beaches and hundreds of beautiful parks, all nestled within a skyline of architectural wonders. You’ll find world-renowned museums, theatre, nightlife and music of every style, and some of the best foodie hot spots in the States.

Chicago is known as a city of diverse neighborhoods, all with unique culinary, music, and shopping experiences to offer. The streets are wide, the buildings are tall, and it’s all easy to access via the city’s “L” public transit system, or 360 km of protected bike lanes. Chicago is known among many seasoned U.S. travelers as one of the friendliest, most aesthetically pleasing, and cleanest big cities in the States.  Spend a city break here, and you’ll wonder why you ever did a city break anywhere else.

Things to do

Known as The Windy City, Chicago is a melting pot of authentic jazz clubs, unique museums and futuristic skylines. From stargazing at the Adler Planetarium, to enjoying views across the city on a cruise or helicopter ride, there’s something for everyone. Just don’t leave without ordering one of their world-famous deep dish pizzas.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: California | Florida | Hawaii | 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