| As one of the top five largest countries in | | | | 'Little Havana' district, which is home to |
| the world, it's probably no surprise that the | | | | many Cuban immigrants. The cuisine, |
| United States of America is also one of the | | | | entertainment and general way of life all |
| most visited countries in the world. | | | | have a distinct Hispanic flavour, making for |
| | | | a truly fascinating experience. |
| Of course, the USA's influence on western | | | | |
| culture is probably immeasurable. Whether | | | | And away from the big cities, perhaps the |
| it's Hollywood for movies, Las Vegas for | | | | most distinguishing and intriguing aspect of |
| gambling or McDonalds for eating, there is | | | | the Sunshine State, is the Florida Keys; an |
| little doubt that America is the big brother | | | | archipelago of around 1700 islands beginning |
| everybody looks up to. But surely this | | | | about 15 miles south of Miami, and the |
| doesn't entirely explain why over fifty | | | | southernmost tip being a mere 94 miles from |
| million people visit the USA every year? | | | | Cuba. The 'Keys' are essentially the exposed |
| | | | sections of an ancient coral reef, meaning |
| Perhaps the biggest reason why so many people | | | | the sea-life in the area is both diverse and |
| flock to the USA is the sheer diversity of | | | | abundant in equal measures. Needless to say, |
| what's on offer. From the sun-kissed islands | | | | the scuba diving in the region is |
| of Hawaii, to the snow-covered slopes of | | | | outstanding, but like any coral reef in the |
| Colorado; every way of life imaginable exists | | | | world, great care must be taken so not to |
| in the USA. | | | | damage an already fragile eco-system. |
| | | | |
| This diversity is perhaps best exemplified by | | | | One of the chief reasons why Florida |
| the sub-tropical, part-peninsula state of | | | | continues to be such a major holiday-hotspot |
| Florida. Of course, everybody knows about | | | | is its accessibility. Flights to Florida take |
| Disney World and the wonderful beaches on | | | | around 9 hours, and there are direct flights |
| offer in 'The Sunshine State', but Florida is | | | | from London's Gatwick and Heathrow airports. |
| a massive state and it would be unfair to | | | | There are also connecting flights available |
| limit the praise to recreational resorts and | | | | from many other UK cities including Glasgow, |
| sun-bathing. | | | | Manchester and Belfast, ensuring nobody has |
| | | | to miss out on the fun. |
| Geographically, Florida is actually a lot | | | | |
| closer to Cuba than it is to, say, New York, | | | | So, for an accessible, culturally diverse, |
| and this Latin American influence is very | | | | sub-tropical haven, Florida is the place to |
| evident here. In Miami, for example, more | | | | be. From snorkelling in the 'Keys', to |
| than 65% of the population speak Spanish as | | | | 'Living la Vida Loca' in Little Havana, there |
| their first language; and there is even a | | | | is sure to be something for everyone. |