Florida family-friendly travel guide

Florida, aptly known as the “sunshine state”, has a generally warm climate. Autumn and spring are usually the best time to go with picture-perfect, consistent weather.

Summer is between the months of June and August, with an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius and average monthly rainfall of 179 millimetres.

Summer is between the months of September and November, with an average temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and average monthly rainfall of 98 millimetres.

Summer is between the months of December and February, with an average temperature of 16 degrees Celsius and average monthly rainfall of 64 millimetres.

Summer is between the months of March and May, with an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius and average monthly rainfall of 79 millimetres.

Make sure your passport is valid for six months after your intended return date to Australia.

America has a strict entry regime. You will most likely have your fingerprints scanned and digital photograph taken upon arrival in a US airport.

If you are travelling to the US for less than 90 days, you may be eligible for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The cost is US$14 and is valid for two years and for multiple entries. You must also get pre-approval for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) via the ESTA.

If you do not qualify for the ESTA and VWP, you will need to apply for a visa.

You must still apply for the ESTA and VWP if you are transiting through the US.

Florida is located in the southeast of America. It is an 18-hour flight from Sydney and Melbourne. You can fly with Qantas or United Airlines to the US west coast with a connection to Florida.

If you are planning to travel around Florida, it is better to book a rental car as it will save you costs for taxis, buses and trains and will be a better way to travel with young children. There are rental car outlets at most airports to make it convenient for you. Book cars before you go and don’t forget to organise insurance, as it is very expensive in the US.

Some hotels offer transport from the airport to your hotel. Check with your travel agent prior to departure whether your hotel offers transport or if transport can be arranged. Airports generally have taxi and bus bays so enquire about the bus timetables at the airport you are arriving at.

There is a mixture of “Floribbean” (Caribbean and Latin American flavours mingled with the more traditional American and European cuisine) and international dishes to suit everyone’s tastes, from Florida’s extra special cheeseburger, Key lime pie and quality seafood, to Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Thai and Mexican cuisine. And of course, there are the family-favourite food chains like McDonald’s, KFC and Subway.

There are countless shopping malls and markets in Florida, where you can buy designer clothes, jewellery, souvenirs and knickknacks. There are boutique shopping malls in Naples, outlet shopping malls at St Petersburg, where you can get goods at discount prices, and plenty of Disney souvenir shops at Disney World.

Tipping for services is extremely important in America, as tip income is half or more of the worker’s income. Tipping is as follows:

Waiters/waitresses/room service, hairdressers/barbers: 15%

Taxi drivers 15%

Delivery people, valet parking, hotel maid, and porters/bellhops: $1-$2 (porters and bellhops should get additional 50c per bag after first two bags)

If a concierge goes out of his/her way to help you: $10-$20

The USA uses type A and type B electrical sockets.

Ask your GP about health requirements prior to your holiday. There are no serious health risks in the USA.

America experiences a range of natural disasters that include earthquakes, wildfires, floods, hurricanes and landslides.

Catching a beautiful sunset at Naples Pier is a photographer’s dream. With views of the Gulf of Mexico and white sandy beaches, it’s postcard-perfect.

A hotspot for bloggers and photographers, the Wynwood Walls are covered wall-to-wall with graffiti art and murals.

Travellers with an undying love for all things nature will be right at home atEverglades National Park. The marsh wetlands stretch for thousands of miles and are home to a number of animals, including the Florida panther and the Burmese python.

Not just a stop for literary lovers, The Hemingway Home is a museum with a wraparound veranda and an array of antique trinkets, such as the writer’s very own typewriter.