Ft. Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale has evolved massively to become the gay capital of Florida as well as one of the top LGBTQ destinations in the USA. Known as the 'Venice of America,' Fort Lauderdale is a city of islands, built on a network of canals, rivers, bays, and waterways. With 23 miles (37km) of beaches, this is a popular stop for cruise ships in Florida. This sophisticated yet casual resort town situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, attracts families and couples from all over the United States, and beyond.
Boating is a favourite Fort Lauderdale pastime, as is cycling, or simply strolling along the beachfront promenade. Near Fort Lauderdale, divers can enjoy one of the only living coral reefs in the United States accessible from shore. There are sporting facilities galore throughout the city, particularly the world renown golf courses.
Those in search of culture will be captivated by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Florida Grand Opera, the annual Film Festival, and numerous art galleries and museums. Fort Lauderdale's downtown shopping street is the broad avenue of Las Olas along the river, lined with fashion boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and sidewalk cafés. Diners are supremely well catered for, with more than 3,500 restaurants covering greater Fort Lauderdale. These range from intimate cafés to al fresco waterfront terraces, quaint bistros, and ethnic eateries to cosy steakhouses. As with most of Florida, the local treat is fresh seafood.
Fort Lauderdale's facilities and attractions will please any visitor on holiday, and if that is not enough, the exciting city of Miami lies only 40 miles (64km) away, perfect for a day trip.
The Basics
TIME
Most of Florida is GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to November), but a small portion of northwest Florida is GMT -6 (GMT -5 from March to November).
ELECTRICITY
Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.
LANGUAGE
English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.
TRAVEL HEALTH
There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential.
TIPPING
A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but don't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, tip 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, however, travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.
LOCAL CUSTOMS
Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which you may legally buy and consume alcohol is 21 years.
Attractions
Boating is a favourite Fort Lauderdale pastime, as is cycling, or simply strolling along the beachfront promenade. Near Fort Lauderdale, divers can enjoy one of the only living coral reefs in the United States accessible from shore. There are sporting facilities galore throughout the city, particularly the world renown golf courses.
On a wider scale,
Florida has a wealth of attractions to offer its visitors, promising activity appealing to a variety of interests. Home to some of the most famous beaches in the world, and the incredible resorts that accompany them, Florida certainly earns its name as the Sunshine State. With the beaches of Miami keeping sun-lovers happy and relaxed, there are also loads of activities on offer for those seeking a little more adventure.
The magical Walt Disney World is one of Florida's major attractions, pulling visitors from across the globe. Sea World is also a firm favourite and a must-see, as is Universal Studios, promising both adults and children alike interaction and fun. Other popular favourites in the state include exploring the Florida State Parks, such as the Biscayne National Park, as well as enjoying the picturesque views of Florida Keys. If culture and art is what you're after, there certainly is no shortage: many museums and galleries across the state compete to occupy those with cultural inclinations.
With so much to choose from, visitors can happily craft their own itineraries around any one of the three major cities of Florida - Miami, Orlando and Tampa - and can fit it all in with adequate time and planning.
Nightlife
Greater Fort Lauderdale is made up of cities that swing, and nowhere is that more clear than in its bustling live music and dance scene. Aficionados of jazz and blues should be sure to settle into a cozy booth at Blue Jean Blues for live blues and jazz seven nights a week. NYSW Jazz Lounge presents performers’ syncopated jazz sounds in the heart of Greater Fort Lauderdale, while the New Orleans-inspired Qbar Blues & Burgers presents live blues nightly with a full menu and craft beers.
For those who like to line dance, Greater Fort Lauderdale is home to the renowned Round Up Country Western Bar. The staff will be happy to teach you to line dance and all the tricks to dance along to the most popular country music. Prefer the open air to the dance hall? Check out the Hollywood Beach Theatre, regularly presenting free live performances and just a stone’s throw from the bars and clubs of Hollywood beach.
If you’re looking to move to the rhythm, Cafe Iguana Pines is a massive nightclub spanning 25,000 square feet with eight bars attracting a huge crowd where dance partners aren’t in short supply. Depending on the night, you might dance to a DJ, live band, or karaoke.
The gay scene of Fort Lauderdale is mainly based in the vibrant gayborhood of Wilton Manors, which comes alive every night of the week. It has tons of gay bars and clubs here to suit any gay boy under the sun!
Climate
Chicago has an extreme continental climate with very hot summers and bitterly cold winters, its lakeside setting only slightly moderating the temperatures and adding some humidity to the atmosphere.
Chicago has distinct seasons, with a short spring, when temperatures are moderate and nights frosty. Summers are hot, sunny and humid, from June to the end of September, and are prone to thunderstorms. The daily average high in July is around 84°F (29°C). August is usually the wettest month of the year.
Autumn is a lovely time of year when the air is crisp and cool, with blue skies and sunshine. Winters (December to February) in Chicago are icy and prone to cold, harsh winds, with temperatures averaging between 32°F (0°C) highs in the afternoons and around 14°F (-10°C) lows at night. Snow is common.
LGBT+ Customs
The US is an extremely diverse society and attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people differ hugely across the country. Progressive Fort Lauderdale has been proudly celebrating and courting the LGBTQ community for decades, recently incorporating transgender models into its mainstream tourism ads. The diverse and cosmopolitan city benefits from what Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) dubbed the Big Gay Agenda: “smart infrastructure, smart growth and a side of fairness and equity for all.”
Fort Lauderdale, the county seat of Broward County, was one of the first to legalize protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation and its school district was among the first to support LGBTQ History Month in October. Welcoming more than 1.1 million LGBTQ visitors a year, Greater Fort Lauderdale comes by its inclusiveness naturally. The city claims one of the country’s highest concentrations of same-sex couples, as does its neighboring gayborhood, Wilton Manors.
Health
VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS
Details of vaccination recommendations and requirements are provided below.
All Travellers
Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK. These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.
Country specific diphtheria recommendations are not provided here. Diphtheria tetanus and polio are combined in a single vaccine in the UK. Therefore, when a tetanus booster is recommended for travellers, diphtheria vaccine is also given. Should there be an outbreak of diphtheria in a country, diphtheria vaccination guidance will be provided.
Those who may be at increased risk of an infectious disease due to their work, lifestyle choice, or certain underlying health problems should be up to date with additional recommended vaccines. See the individual chapters of the ‘Green Book’ Immunisation against infectious disease for further details.
Certificate Requirements
There are no certificate requirements under International Health Regulations.
Most Travellers
The vaccines in this section are recommended for most travellers visiting this country. Information on these vaccines can be found by clicking on the blue arrow. Vaccines are listed alphabetically.
Tetanus
Some Travellers
The vaccines in this section are recommended for some travellers visiting this country. Information on when these vaccines should be considered can be found by clicking on the arrow. Vaccines are listed alphabetically.
Rabies
06 November 2021 - 7 Nights
Please enquire for alternative Departure Dates, Durations & Hotels
Known as the 'Venice of America,' Fort Lauderdale is a city of islands, built on a network of canals, rivers, bays, and waterways. With 23 miles (37km) of beaches, this is a popular stop for cruise ships in Florida.