A Floridan adventure for USA connoisseurs Duane & Tricia

Duane & Tricia travelled to Miami & The Florida Keys. Here's what they had to say:

Q. Was this your first visit to the States? If not where else have you been?

A. We have been to Hawaii (Oahu) twice, Chicago, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Phoenix Arizona, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Death Valley, Yosemite national park, San Francisco and Ventura California.  New York, Boston, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Harrisburg, Washington DC. Tampa, Miami South Beach, Key Largo, Florida Keys including the Everglades.

Q. Why did you choose this particular holiday?

A. We were interested in seeing these parts of the United states as we had not been there before.

Q. What did you most like about the hotels?

A. Holiday apartments with kitchenettes (home from home comforts)

Q. What did you most like about the destination?

A. The area, places to visit, the American culture (shops, dining)

Q. Did you do any excursions/trips whilst there? If so please tell us about them & what were your highlights and why?

A. Bus trips to further away shopping outlets i.e.Sawgrass and Dolphin Malls. The Everglades for the airboat ride. Glass bottom boat ride out to the coral reef and also having a go in a gun firing range.

Q. What made you go Wow (if anything)?

A. The whole experience made us go wow!

Q. What was your favourite thing about the holiday?

A. Relaxing and doing everything at our own pace.

Q. Did you have any concerns before going on this holiday? If so what were they?

A. Not really, just wanted to have a safe in the rooms for security of our valuables. 

Q. Did the holiday exceed your expectations? If so why?

A. It was what we expected from previous standards.

Q. Did you have any outstanding food/dining experiences on your holiday? If so please tell us what and where?

A. Mrs Mac's in Key Largo (food, culture, the dining experience); wish we had a few in the UK!

Q  How would you describe Miami to someone who’s never been there before?

A. It has something for everyone, lots to do from beach life, shops, dining out, nightlife, boat trips, water sports etc. Take a visit to the tourist information centres for great advice on the area you're staying in and book yourself on adventures of interest, buses out to other outlets etc.People seem to chill out in the daytime sunshine and shop and dine in the evening. The only people in a rush are those jogging along the beach front. 

Q. How would you describe Key Largo to someone who’s never been there before?

A. You need a car to get around, we didn't see any buses during our stay there. The long road down to Key West has places of interest and shops on both sides of the street, so you can drive down one side stopping off at the outlets & restaurants and then do the other side on your return. There are several larger grocery stores such as Winn Dixie and Publix as well as pharmacies, nail places, boating, markets, cinema & restaurants.  

Q. How was driving in Florida? Did you drive in one go or stop off – if so where?

A. We picked up the car from the airport and drove the 90 mins to Key Largo which was very straightforward, as it was one long road! We didn't use a car whilst staying in Miami Beach as there was many public transportation options to go further out, or we just went by foot as everything was in walking distance to the hotels.

Q. What advice would you offer to anyone else considering this holiday?

A. In Miami South Beach stay near the main shopping areas (Lincoln Road, Washington Ave, Ocean Drive) and do everything on foot, bus, taxi. We didn't hire a car until moving onto Key Largo which you definitely need a car to get around.

We would like to thank Duane & Tricia for sharing their story with us and hope to welcome you on another holiday soon..

If you would like to provide us with your own holiday story please contact [email protected]