Travelling Florida

Quick Tips:

Bring plenty of dollars.

Bring an open mind and sense of humour.

Best Way To Get Around:

It is in a residential area but close to the main bus routes and not far from Ybor, the city within a city. Ybor is a lovely place to visit, combining history, charm, and nightlife. Busch Gardens is approximately 30 minutes' drive away. Find it on Hostels.com.

Anyway, step outside, cross over the road, and you're on the beautiful Lauderdale beach, and a 10-minute walk to the right puts you in the lovely Las Olas area, with lots of restaurants, pubs, shopping, and other activities. Turn left for a 20-minute walk or hop on one of the frequent buses into central Lauderdale and party the night away on the beach with excellent pubs serving lovely food at a very reasonable price.

The staff is very friendly and always willing to help any way they can. The dorms are clean, comfy four-bed rooms ($18.50 per night), mixed or female or male, each complete with own bathroom, kitchen, TV room, and key. A few privates are also available. Free breakfast is served in the fully equipped upstairs kitchen (one of three available for guests).

A freshwater hose just outside the secure hostel gate provides a way to rid yourself of sand after a hard day on the beach. The main gate is code-operated and changed regularly. Photo ID is necessary on arrival. There is a pool room, barbeque area, parking, bike rental, patio, and free Internet access. Self-service laundry is $1. It’s a great place to stay! Visit www.FortLauderdaleHostel.com

I really would avoid this place if you can. However, that said, I didn't see the motel rooms, as they were much pricier, so possibly nicer. And when in Key West, you won't be spending much time indoors.

This is a great place to relax and chill in a gorgeous setting. It is well worth a visit. Find out more on hostels.com.

I stayed in the Hosteling International hostel in Florida City, which is only a 10-minute drive from the 'drop zone', and transport can be arranged for a fee. It is a very laid-back, welcoming place with friendly, helpful staff. Their policy is to never turn away a genuine traveller, even if they're full--you can sleep in the garden tent! Rooms are nice, bright clean dorms of four beds for $18 per night or slightly more expensive private rooms. It is on the edge of the Everglades National Park and offers various trips into the glades. Bike rental is also available.

I used this as my base for a couple of days to catch up on sleep and relax. Close by is the Everglades Alligator Farm, which you can stroll around, watch various shows, and enjoy a thrilling airboat ride through the Glades, all for the very reasonable price of $17.50. This is a very good place to stop for a breather before setting off down the Keys.

Quick Tips/Suggestions:
Visit here with an open mind and expect lots of fun. Crime doesn't seem bad, but as always, keep close guard of valuables. Bring plenty of money and book early. I stayed in a hostel dorm for $30 off-season. Avoid this like the plauge if you can afford to!

Best Way to Get Around:
From Miami, it's a 162-mile trip to Key West. Travel by Greyhound bus or car, but once in Key West, the best way to see it all is definitely by foot, and there'll be no worries about a DUI after sampling the numerous bars! Both bike and scooter hire are readily available. While bike hire is cheap, scooters can get costly.

The town was overrun with Harleys. Now, bike fan or not, I defy you not to be moved by the sight of hundreds of gleaming Harleys roaring down the street, the ground shaking, accompanied by leather-clad, denim-clad, and barely clad bikers! The work these people put into their machines is astounding. For many of them, it’s a way of life, and the time and effort spent has to be admired.

Of course, with this many people descending on the town, accommodation must be booked early. Try the Outback Steakhouse on the edge of town for a gorgeous meal and friendly staff.