Florida
Florida is a large state in every sense, and has a lot to offer, beaches, parks, shops. Orlando is probably Florida's best known tourist attraction, mainly due to its amusement parks and neon lights. If you are looking for museums and history, Orlando may not be the best place for you. But for those who want to enjoy the sun, the food, relax and perhaps have some fun, Orlando is an ideal place to be.
Icelandair has a direct connection to Orlando.
The people
People are normally friendly, polite and helpful. That applies both to those who make a living from the tourist industry and to regular citizens. There is a large Spanish speaking community in Florida, and unless you have some command of Spanish, communication can be difficult.
Hotels
There is rich flora of hotel rooms on offer, and of different quality. The author of this article has stayed twice at the Staybridge Suites of the Holiday Inn chain. First time at the main street in Orland, the International Drive, and on a second visit at the Lake Buena Vista, which is closer to the Disney parks. These 3 star hotels (not 4 stars as advertised in the Icelandair brochure!) are simple but clean. The rooms are small but more like apartments in the sense that they are fully equipped. Of the two Staybridge Suites the one at the Lake Buena Vista is to be recommended, as it has a better family friendly location, as well as a better swimming pool and sunbathing facilities.
Restaurants
There are plenty of them and not always easy to choose. The restaurants are mostly big family friendly places with a variety of cuisines. Sizzlers have a large buffet with all the stomach desires, and can be recommended. Lunch is served for only 15 dollars and includes a buffet, steak and soft drinks. Another place to be recommended is the Olive Garden, which serves Italian food. Portions are large and you can drink your fill of soft drinks. Both these places offer tasty food for good value.
Getting around
In Florida, a car is a must if you don't want to be stuck in one place. A variety of car rentals (e.g. Hertz) and car types are available, and its fun to drive in the open spaces of Florida. Despite easy traffic and roads being well signposted it may be a good idea to get a GPS for a small extra charge. No need to get lost! Moderate road tolls are charged in Florida.
Activities
Florida is a haven for amusement park lovers, Disney World, Sea World, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, you name it. It is however not cheap to visit the parks and it can be time-consuming, so choose one or two.
Florida is a paradise for golfers, with abundance of golf courses, and of course, sun.
Sun lovers will have plenty of opportunities to practice their favorite pastime.
Shops
Florida is a country of abundance, and shopping is not difficult if you know what you want. Shopping Malls are the places to go if you want to shop until you drop. With the Icelandic krona currently being strong against the US dollar, Icelandic buyers can make cheap deals. Good deals can be made if you go to the so-called Outlet clothing stores where brands can be bought on the cheap.
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