With St. Patty’s Day just finishing up, I decided to write a post for my friends in Ireland and the UK, which actually account for a big portion of this blog’s audience.

When I was traveling around Europe and the UK, most of the people I met who were planning trips to the US were either on their way to visit New York or Florida.

Just for fun, here are some things to expect in both places:

New York City

Legendary New York City is the hub of international culture and business in America.  True to its reputation, New York is a buzzing place full of electricity where the dreams of a multitude of cultures have mingled to create one of the most unique feeling places in the world.

The energy is intoxicating and it is easy to see why so many trends start here, later making their way across the rest of the world.

New Yorkers are passionate about their city, and maddening as it may be, there is no denying that it gets into your blood.  Nothing beats the feeling of finding a hidden, locals-only deli or jazz bar that somehow escaped the guide books; the opportunities are endless.

Cheap Flights to New York

With NYC being the hub for entering America, cheap flights to New York are easy to find.  British Airways, Aer Lingus, and BMI all offer cheap flight options from Europe as well as the usual American favorites such as Delta, Continental, and United Airlines.

Sophistication doesn’t always carry the perceived price tag that we have come to expect.  For sleeping, there are options ranging from luxury spas to youth hostels and scores of European travelers come to take advantage while the dollar is weakened.

Florida Holidays

While visiting the US, many travelers choose to trade concrete for sand by visiting Florida.  Florida is pretty much the default holiday destination for the eastern half of America, and for good reason.

Florida still offers sophisticated cities and buzzing nightlife with a strong Latin culture, but the vibe is much more laid-back and relaxed.  Along with the multitude of tourist attractions, the main draw here is the year-round beautiful weather.

Florida is huge! Being a peninsula, there is enough coastline of beaches and attractions between to keep you busy for weeks. Singles can enjoy the sun and party in places like Miami Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, or Daytona while many families choose to plan their holidays around visiting the sprawling Disney World in Orlando.

Florida has its share of hidden spots too. You will find nothing short of magic on the white-sand islands dotted along the Gulf of Mexico on the west coast.

Most travelers in the UK are familiar with GoHop.ie.  They have Florida holidays that offer the perfect balance of things to do and treating yourself to some much-needed relaxation in the sun.

Trains and buses are not a very practical option for travel around the US, but there are lots of cheap flights between New York City and Florida.

Just remember when you visit, there is still lots of America to see between the two states!