Florida

For most of us, Florida conjures up images of Walt Disney characters and world-leading theme parks. But it's also the home of glorious sandy beaches, smart resorts and the Everglades National Park, all bathed most of the year by the sun's warm rays - they don't call it the Sunshine State for nothing! For fun with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck or thrills and adventure on hair-raising rides, Orlando is the place to go. Those looking for dazzling white sand beaches, meanwhile, should focus on the stunning Gulf Coast. On the East Coast, fashionable Palm Beach is lined with ultra-glamorous beach homes, designer boutiques and the manicured greens of numerous golf courses. Miami is far more cutting-edge. A fast-paced, high-energy city, its hotels, restaurants and shopping malls all vie with each other for 'number one' status.