Top Travel Tips for New Yorkers Visiting Florida for the First Time

This content was produced in partnership with GamblingSites.com.

Thinking of planning a visit to the Sunshine State? New Yorkers planning their first-ever trip to Florida are in for a real treat as long as they keep a few essential pieces of information in mind before they go. To help first-timers make the most of the state's sun-soaked beaches and world-famous attractions, this handy guide will go over a few of the most important things visitors should know before they go.

Luggage Essentials for a Trip to Florida

When it's time to start packing, there are a few essential items that will make a world of difference to the overall experiences of the trip. First and foremost, consider adding a few items that can effectively shield sensitive skin from the sun. It gets hot in the Sunshine State and a good pair of sunglasses, sunblock with high SPF and a trendy wide-brimmed hat will all make the adventure much more bearable.

Depending on the timing of a visit to Florida, it might be a good idea to pack some effective bug repellent. The state is home to many of the world's most irritating insects, including mosquitoes. To avoid annoying and itchy bug bites and keep pests away, keep a can of bug spray handy when exploring the great outdoors.

What to Know About Florida's Unique Culture

Floridians love to be entertained and if they aren't out and about enjoying the many beautiful beaches of the state or enjoying the thrills and delights of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort or SeaWorld, they might be found at a variety of tribal casinos. Visitors looking to explore their online gambling options while on holiday in Florida can find reviews at GamblingSites.com to find the best ones available.

Florida is home to some of the country's most unique and eccentric individuals. The culture of the area consists of a dynamic and welcoming mixture of influences and the people who live there are generally friendly. The diverse population of the area means that travelers can expect a diverse and delicious variety of food options at restaurants and an exciting range of interesting activities to explore.

Choosing the Right Time to Visit

The weather in Florida can vary wildly from month to month and season to season. First time travelers would be wise to do some basic internet research around the best times to visit before picking out their hotel accommodations. Anyone looking to escape the harsh conditions of New York over Christmas can escape to Florida to enjoy weather that's much more mild and pleasant. The most popular time to visit the state is during the cooler months of December to April.

To avoid the crowds, tourist price-hikes and hurricane season, plan a trip to explore Florida in the spring or fall. Keep a keen eye on the weather forecast around a visit and consider choosing accommodations that allow guests to cancel their booking with full refunds if an extreme weather event does decide to put a damper on holiday plans.

Exploring Florida's Beautiful Beaches

For first time visitors to Florida, a trip to the beach is a must. The area is well known for having some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches and tourists from all around the world travel to Florida to take in the sights of the iconic destination that is Miami Beach. Pack a towel and take some time to relax and soak up the sunshine, or get ready to enjoy the vibrant culture surrounding the most popular beach fronts at night.

During the summer season, it can be common to see dolphins and other marine wildlife playing among the waves near the coasts of Florida and visitors might even catch a glimpse of elusive whale sharks if they're very lucky. Travelers looking for truly unique beach experiences might want to add the Florida Keys to their travel itinerary as the islands found there offer a tropical paradise for nature fans and enthusiasts.

If you or anyone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.