How to discover The Real Florida

Often referred to as the Sunshine State, Florida's state identity could more accurately be called the Tourism State. Focused on tourism with major attractions such as Everglades National Park, chic South Beach, and family-friendly Disney World, Florida has made a name for itself in the travel sector. Florida offers much more than meets the eye and offers one of the most amazingly wide varieties of vacation options in the world. American Express Vacations is one of the few tour operators that offer packages that hit most of the state's attractions. Everglades National Park is one of the must-see attractions in Florida. Protecting more than 1.5 million acres, Everglades National Park is the 3rd largest national park in the lower 48 states. The area is home to rare and endangered species such as the American crocodile, the Florida panther, and the western manatee. Over 1000 species of plants live here. During the dry season, from November to May, most facilities are open and a variety of tours and programs are available. Don't forget to check out the Royal Palm Trail. This walk is great for wildlife viewing, especially in the dry season. Shark Valley Tram tours are also fun. This two-hour guided tram tour provides a great opportunity to see wildlife. American Express Tours suggests that travelers take this tour during the wet season to escape the heat and bugs. South Beach has undergone many man-made and natural changes over the years, including a booming regional economy and a growing tourism sector. In the late 1980s, a renaissance began in South Beach, with an influx of fashion industry professionals moving to the area. Most major modeling agencies had offices in South Beach, and fashion photographers often used the area as a backdrop for their photo shoots. Home to some of the biggest names in fame and fortune, South Beach has become a major entertainment destination with hundreds of nightclubs and restaurants. And seaside hotels. This area is popular with both American and international tourists. Disney World is a must for any traveler and contains so many attractions that it can take at least a week to visit them. Disney World has 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, several beautifully themed resort hotels, and golf courses. Each park offers a unique adventure. Experience traditional Disney at the Magic Kingdom. Meet some of the most exotic animals from all seven continents at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Experience the magic of the movies at Disney's MGM Studios. Explore the technological world of today and tomorrow at Epcot Center. Each theme park, like many resorts, has so many dining options that every traveler can find something tasty. Combined with Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks, their pristine golf courses, and other nearby attractions, the Disney property provides plenty of fun for all ages. Keep in mind that Florida has a high incidence of hurricanes. If you are visiting Florida, you may want to check the hurricane safety page. Watch for lightning in the north-central part of the state, especially Dixie County, the lightning capital of the state. Volusia County is known for a high number of shark attacks, so be careful when surfing. Florida also has a high incidence of tornadoes. When traveling to Florida, consider using American Express Travel as they offer some of the best natural disaster travel insurance.