Florida Keys

Overall:We found Key West to offer a sun and water oriented get away where you feel like you are away from it all though you are only just a skip and a jump away from home (jump may vary depending on where you live). Key West offers a relaxing, fun, reasonably priced vacation. Key Largo and Marathon offer great diving opportunities and world class fishing.

LocationFlorida (USA)

Language:English

Currency:U.S. dollar

Transportation: Trolleys, taxis, rental cars and daily flights to Key West - car required in remaining Keys.

Cost of visiting:Moderate to expensive, especially for luxury items

Challenges:Finding accommodations/ reservations and good food, in a nice setting. Key West can get a bit overwhelming during Fantasy Fest and during the high season (the last few visits it seemed it is always high season now). Though there are many places to stay, many of the accommodations are high on price and less high on quality throughout the Keys. We found a somewhat jaded attitude toward tourists sometimes takes over the entire area, particularly during the high season.

Advantages:Key West has a quaint atmosphere, is safe to walk around and enjoy the carefree ambiance with lots of choices of things to do including shopping, fishing, sailing and diving all within the continental U.S. The other keys offer a variety of experiences, watersports and aquatic attractions.

Shopping:Lots of tourist merchandise: Visors, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jewelry, and other souvenirs.

Reviewed: November 2001