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