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Florida

Savvy Tips

• Shop around for flights on the Internet. Prices for a return flight to Miami or Orlando vary wildly, but can be as low as £285 and £295 even in June/July.

• Car hire in the US is cheap compared to Europe (under £220 per week for a convertible) and petrol prices are a fraction of what they are here in Britain. So there is no need to skimp on insurance for your holiday car. Most Americans are covered to the hilt and you should be too ­ indeed many car hire firms insist on it.

• Take advantage of the best sterling/dollar rate for many years and stock up on clothes when you are out in the States rather than buying before you go. Designer Jeans Denim World in Orlando will sell you a pair of Levi's Stonewashed Jeans for just $34.99 (around £19.00).Remember to consider the custom and excise allowance in the UK!

• Think carefully before booking a holiday to Florida in August ­ it could be a false economy. Prices are lower but the temperature and humidity are peaking and you may find it too hot for comfort. Travelling in the Easter break gives you better weather.

• You can get great discounts online through various websites ­ just tap Florida and discounts into any search engine. These discounts are designed to attract customers to hotels, restaurants and theme parks amid stiff competition ­ the savings can really add up.

Money Matters

• The dollar has been weakening in recent years and currently stands at around $1.80 to the pound. This has helped make America more of a bargain destination for British holidaymakers.

• Our research found that a can of cola costs just 42 pence in Florida ­ cheaper than anywhere we surveyed in Europe, bar Portugal. A McDonalds cheeseburger sells for 61 pence in Orlando compared to 79 pence in London. A packet of cigarettes is £1.74 in Florida compared to £4.75 back in Britain.

• There are ways of keeping the costs down as well. Most motel rooms will have two double beds ­ ideal for a family with two children. Fill up on America’s famous all-you-can-eat breakfast buffets and you won’t need to eat another meal until the evening. Look out for the booklets available in tourist information centres and petrol stations offering discounts at local hotels, restaurants and stores.

• Travellers’ cheques are widely accepted ­ if you take them in US dollar denominations then you can use them as cash in many stores if you have your passport with you. Credit cards are an essential tool in the States ­ you will find it difficult to hire a rental car or make a telephone reservation if you don’t have one.