NYC and Florida - help!
 

Myselff and 3 friends ( all in our late 20's/30's) are planning a holiday in July 2010 ( not the best time I know but I'm a teacher so am awkward with when I can go).

We hope to spend around 3 nights in NYC, a week in Orlando and 4 nights relaxing in Miami/Fort Lauderdale/on a short cruise.

We're not fussy about the order of place only that we don't want to do the relaxing bit first! We're quite clued up with Orlando and NYC in terms of what to do as we've been there before but wondered about ;
which way round is best to do them?
If we want to relax with a touch of luxury are we better to go to Miami, Fort L or book a mini cruise?
What's the best way to get from South Florida to North or Vice versa?
We're all quite fussy cleanliness wise so any ideas for hotels in NYC and South Florida and apartments in Orlando?

Thanks - I'm new to this so I hope I haven't gabbled on too much...

Where do you live? The order of stops might be affected by where you can get non-stop flights back to your home airport. For ex, maybe you can fly into NYC and out of Orlando in which case you should do Miami or a cruise in the middle.

I don't think a week in Orlando makes snese for your age group personally? I'd do 4 days in NYC, 3-4 days in Orlando and maybe the rest in South Beach/cruise. Are 4 of you planning on sharing 1 hotel room or will you split up? Budget?

I agree w/Mcl a week in Orlando is way too long, even if you are a Mickey freak, not to mention pricey if you stay on site. I'd think about a week in NYC & adjust accordingly depending on where you are starting from.

Welcome to Fodors, abilou81.
Since you have so many questions of a general nature, let me suggest that you purchase a guide book or two, and then ask your specific questions here. Also, be sure to read the "destinations" on this web site for the areas you want to visit. Maybe even print out some sections for closer review.

I must disagree with my friend, SAnParis2, above, about one thing. Two things actually...

1- There is much more to do in Orlando than visit the Mouse House. Some of us are locals here. Ask us what else there is to do.

2- The average cost of lodging (and other things like restaurants & car rentals) is less than New York City and <u>much less</u> if you get away from the Disney area.

I would start with three nights in NY... see some shows, shop til you drop and do some clubbing... then head down to South beach for the relax portion as well as more dinners, nightlife and spa treatments... skip Orlando unless you need to do the touristy stuff... as grown-ups you should be done with mickey and friends... wait to take your kids in a few years....

I find most of the Mini Cruises in the summer are crowded and not as luxurious as you may think... who wants to fight over poolside lounge chairs and wait in Buffet lines with huge family crowds... instead consider a side trip down the Keys and explore some grown-up stuff.... its a nice drive down to Key west with many fun stops along the way...

Its also off season so you may find some decent bargains in Florida lodging that far south... it is hot, but daily short showers can cool things off...

Think luxury and have fun!!

You don't say how long you've spent where, but NYC deserves about 5 times as much tims as Orlando for adults - esp in the summer when FL will be unbearably hot and humid.

Unless you're Disney maniacs I would confine the trip to New York and a beach spot. FL if you prefer - but there are tons of other places where the beaches are great and the weather better in midsummer.

As for hotels, agree we need to know if you're looking for 1 room or 2 and what your budget is.

orlando will be unbearable in july...cannot imagine how you will possibly spend a week there.
ft. lauderdale and miami very different. miami all about nightlife, action. In miami: see Vizcaya, the Zoo, Fairchild Gardens, the museums, hang at hotel pool, go to sawgrass mills to shop, spend a day in Palm Beach 90 minutes north.
be forewarned...lots of time outside in florida in summer does drain you. having said that, nyc can be brutal at that time of year, too.

Thanks for all your hints and tips so far.

Think I'm sorted for NY and Orlando (I'm afraid we're still going as yes we are disney lovers - I've had to go at this time of year before due to school holidays in the UK but coped - just!).

We basically want a bit of luxury, swimming pool, lovely sea. Not too worried about clubbing but somewhere to go for a few drinks and a range of places to eat would be nice!

We don't have to stay in Miami - there are so many beaches around there! Based on what we're looking for, where would you suggest?

Thanks

<b>"We don't have to stay in Miami - there are so many beaches around there! Based on what we're looking for, where would you suggest?"</b>

Are you set on the beaches of South Florida (Miami/Fort Lauderdale, etc.) or will you consider other areas? If so, how far from Orlando (in driving time) do you want to go?

<b>"What's the best way to get from South Florida to North or Vice versa?"</b>

The best way is by car, using Florida's Turnpike - a limited access toll road with about 4-5 hours driving time to Ft. Lauderdale or Miami (depending on stops).

We don't mind how far away really - just as long as it's worth it. I think we've got our minds set on the east coast but apart from that, we're fairly open minded!