November to April is typically the best time, as the weather is mild and there’s less rainfall. The summer months, from June to August, can be very hot, humid, and prone to afternoon thunderstorms, while the hurricane season runs from June through November. Ultimately though Florida is massively popular year round as it offers so much variety for young & young at heart!

There are seasonal direct flights from Dublin to Orlando & Miami and these take 8.5 - 9.5 hours. If you are routing via another city travel duration can be 11 - 14 hours.

Irish citizens can travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), but you’ll need to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before your trip. Apply online and aim to do this at least 72 hours before departure, although earlier is recommended.

Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore, as public transportation is limited, especially outside of major cities. Florida has well-maintained roads, and driving is straightforward. In cities like Miami and Orlando, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available.

Florida offers a wide variety of choice for all the family such Orlando for the theme parks, Miami for its beaches, shopping and vibrant latino nightlight, the Florida Keys with its string of tropical islands, the Everglades with its Alligators and Manatees and of course Tampa/St Petersburg for its museums & beaches.

Tipping is customary in the U.S. In restaurants, a tip of 15-20% is standard for good service. Tip hotel staff, drivers, and tour guides as well, as they often rely on tips as part of their income.

Yes, Florida is generally safe for tourists. However, like any popular destination, there can be incidents of petty crime in crowded areas. Use common sense: keep valuables secure, stay aware of your surroundings, and be cautious when swimming due to occasional strong currents and marine wildlife.

Theme parks will always top the list in Florida with Disney, Universal & Seaworld in Orlando.
Kennedy Space Centre is a MUST even if you have no interest in outer space. Meanwhile back on earth, the Everglades are like stepping back in time. And under the waves, the snorkelling and diving in the Florida Keys are hard to compare.

A surprise for many first time visitors is that Florida has a unique and mouthwatering culinary scene with local foods influenced by its Southern roots, Caribbean neighbours, and Latin American cultures.