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Your ultimate guide to Florida 

Find out everything you need to know about Florida, from the weather to flights, theme parks and more.  

There’s so much to see and explore when it comes to holidays in Florida. We’re talking everything from larger-than-life theme parks to the Everglades and beaches that look like they’ve been lifted straight from the Caribbean. To help you make the most of your time in the Sunshine State, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to give you all the need-to-know info before you hop across the pond. 
 

Once you’ve had a read, check out our Florida Hub. It’s your one-stop-shop for planning and booking your holiday with us. 

Passports and Visas   

Before you go, you’ll need to make sure you’ve sorted your visa. British tourists can visit the USA for up to 90 days without needing a US visa. You will, however, need to apply for an ESTA – the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation. You can apply online through our visa and travel authorisation partner – Sherpa – for around 20 US Dollars. The US also have specific passport requirements, so make sure you check your passport will be accepted. Entry requirements can often change, so it’s important to check the UK government’s foreign travel advice website for the most up-to-date passport and visa info. 
Family waiting for luggage at Melbourne Airport

Currency  

It’s also a good idea to sort your spending money out before you travel. You’ll need US Dollars (USD) here and although you can use your bank card, it can come with hefty fees depending on who you bank with. Our Multi-Currency Travel Money MasterCard® is a great alternative – it’s commission free and you can load up to 12 worldwide currencies on it. It works just like a bank card so you can use it anywhere that you see the Mastercard® Acceptance Mark. If you’d prefer to take cash, you can visit your local TUI Store to collect it. If you’re not sure you’ll spend all your cash, it’s worth adding on our Buy Back Guarantee. It means we’ll buy back up to £200 worth of currency at the same rate you paid, so you won’t miss out. Just visit your local TUI Store for more information and full terms and conditions. 
Multi-currency Travel money card in sand

Weather  

Florida is pretty much a year-round destination. The summer’s are hot and the winter’s are mild. On average, temperatures range comfortably between the mid-20s and 30s. Although the humidity can make it feel hotter. The humidity peaks from June to September but it’s also the rainy season so downpours and thunderstorms aren’t uncommon. The good news? They tend to last for just a few minutes, before stopping as suddenly as they started. If you want to avoid the rainy season, we recommend travelling in spring or autumn when the weather is still warm but drier and less humid.  
Aerial view over sunny Cocoa Beach, Florida

Flights 

You can fly to Florida onboard our 787 Dreamliners from more than 20 UK airports across the UK. If you opt for a package, you’ll get at least 20kg of luggage included, plus transfers and your hotel stay. If you upgrade to Premium, you’ll get a larger luggage allowance, fast track through security, priority boarding and more. Or, if you want to do your own thing, our Fly Drive holidays include flights and car hire giving you the opportunity to tailor your trip however you’d like it.  


Watch our video about what's included when you upgrade to Premium.  

Aerial view of TUI Dreamliner at Melbourne International Airport

What to pack  

Whether you’re riding rollercoasters at the theme parks, sprawling out on the sand or exploring the Everglades, you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed the right gear for your Florida getaway. If you’re planning a visit to Walt Disney World Resort, comfortable walking shoes are a must – it’s around the same size as Manchester. Make sure you bring a water bottle, too – you’ll find plenty of places to refill it in the theme parks, so it’ll save you from shelling out on drinks all day. You’ll also want to make sure you bring good sun protection with you – suncream, sunnies and sun hats at the ready. Oh, and don’t forget your swimmers. You’ll want them when you’re relaxing on Cocoa Beach on Florida’s Space Coast.  
Friends relaxing on Cocoa Beach, Florida

Theme parks  

You can’t think about Florida and forget about the theme parks – they’re one of the Sunshine State’s best bits, if you ask us. You’ve got Walt Disney World Resort which is home to four theme parks and two waterparks, one of which comes with its own artificial beach. Planning your stay? For the most up to date information on park reservations, health and safety measures and more check out Disney’s know before you go hub. And for more inspiration and the inside scoop on all things Disney, check out Magic Unpacked – our exclusive Disney magazine that’s packed with ideas, tips and articles to help you get the most from your Walt Disney World Resort holiday in Florida. Over at Universal Orlando Resort there are three theme parks. You’ve got Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park. Plus, there’s also Universal CityWalk –  the resort’s waterfront entertainment complex, home to a bumper list of restaurants, bars and shops. 


Want to find out more about Florida? To speak to one of our dedicated Florida Experts, call us on 0203 451 2688. Or, book an appointment for one of our Disney Experts to call you back. If you’d prefer to pop in and see us, you can find your local store using our store finder.  

View of Volano at Volcano Bay Water Park, Universal

Fancy Florida?
 

Take a look at all our Florida holidays. 

For more on Florida, check out The Florida Hub.

Get holiday ready and find out more about travel money in the United States.

Pssst. Head to our Discover homepage for our latest articles.


Author: Carla Fabian 
 

Last updated: 10.7.2024