Florida & Cancun Multi & Twin Centre Holidays

The best time for Florida and Cancun multi-centre holidays varies based on your travel preferences. For Florida, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer pleasant weather with lesser crowds. However, summer is peak tourist season despite the heat and humidity. 

In Cancun, the period from November to April is ideal as the weather is warm and dry, making it perfect for beach escapes and outdoor explorations. However, this is also the peak tourist season. The months of May and October are less crowded, although they come with higher chances of rain. Ultimately, both destinations promise a blend of exciting and relaxing experiences regardless of the season you choose.

Florida operates on Eastern Time (ET), while Cancun operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST) but does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Therefore, during Daylight Saving Time (typically the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November), Florida is an hour ahead of Cancun. Outside of Daylight Saving Time, Florida and Cancun are on the same time. It's always a good idea to check the current time difference close to your travel dates to plan your itinerary accordingly.

For a twin-centre holiday encompassing Florida and Cancun, selecting well-connected airports is key for a seamless travel experience. In Florida, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is ideal if you plan to visit the theme parks in Orlando such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. While Miami International Airport (MIA) is the preferred choice if you plan on exploring Miami's beaches, nightlife, and nearby attractions like the Florida Keys.

When it’s time to head to Cancun, Cancun International Airport (CUN) is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, providing easy access to the beach resorts of Cancun and nearby attractions like the Mayan ruins in Tulum and Chichen Itza.

These airports are well-serviced and offer numerous flight options, making them practical choices for your twin-centre holiday. 

Florida multi-centres are known for a diverse culinary scene and numerous restaurants have made their mark by offering hungry visitors a variety of flavours and fun experiences. Serving everything from traditional American fare to exotic International dishes, there’s a bite for everybody.

Situated in the emerging Brickell neighbourhood, Komodo is a chic restaurant and lounge renowned for its exquisite Southeast Asian dishes, with a unique culinary experience with a lively Miami vibe​. Similarly, featured on the New York Times list of America's Best Restaurants 2023, Smoke & Dough is another gem in Miami's culinary scene - opened in early 2022, it has quickly gained recognition​ (once you try it, you’ll see why).

Besides these, there are many other restaurants that have been recognised for their exceptional offerings. For instance, Yelp’s Top 100 Florida Restaurants 2023 list showcases a variety of places known for their big flavours ranging from Thai street food and beefy empanadas to spicy shakshuka and vegan BBQ​. Additionally, Florida is home to a collection of iconic restaurants that are famous for being crowd favourites, representing the local flavours and offering a rich history of the state's culinary tradition​.

In preparation for your multi-centre holiday to Florida and Cancun, it’s wise to plan your gastronomic journey beforehand. Cancun's dining scene is as bright and diverse as its beautiful surroundings, from fresh seafood to traditional Mexican cuisine, here are some of the best restaurants in Cancun:

• Kiosco Verde Marisqueria: This restaurant is hailed for its fresh seafood and is a top choice for those looking to explore Cancun's aquatic bounty​.
• Mextreme: Located in the popular Hotel Zone, Mextreme is known for its lively atmosphere and good cocktails, making it a great spot for fun, lively dinners​.
• La Habichuela: Offering a mix of Mexican cuisine and fine dining, La Habichuela is noted for its lovely ambiance, perfect for a romantic date​.
• Restaurante Margely: For a local, traditional dining experience, Restaurante Margely in Centro is recommended for its extensive menu featuring classic Mexican dishes like Desayuno Cancun (Cancún breakfast) and chile rellenos​.

Adventure enthusiasts and families will find their thrills and spills at Orlando's world-renowned theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. If you're a beach aficionado, Miami Beach, Clearwater Beach, and the Florida Keys offer idyllic coastal escapes, while nature enthusiasts will adore exploring the Everglades National Park, which beckons with its unique ecosystems. 

Any space aficionados out there should take time to explore the enlightening wonders of the Kennedy Space Center. And to cap off your Florida experience, delve into the renowned nightlife of cities like Miami and uncover the historic charm of St. Augustine's streets.

You don’t have to be a history buff to want to explore the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza or Tulum and delve into Mexico's fascinating past on your Cancun multi-centres. These iconic sites aren’t too far from the sand either, so beach-lovers can wander pristine stretches like Playa Delfines and Playa Tortugas - perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports. 

For a unique underwater experience, snorkel or scuba dive in the Great Mayan Reef or check out the thought-provoking underwater museum, Museo Subacuático de Arte. Adrenaline-junkies can venture into the eco-archaeological park Xcaret for an adventure, while a boat trip to Isla Mujeres for relaxed beach vibes is another way to soak up the scenery. Of course, a visit to the local markets for some authentic Mexican crafts and foods is always a must.

Florida is a shopper’s paradise and its cobbled streets are lined with everything from upscale boutiques to expansive malls. The Mall at Millenia in Orlando and Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise are among the top shopping destinations, offering a mix of high-end brands and retail favourites. 

For luxury shopping, head to the Design District in Miami or the ritzy Bal Harbour Shops. St. Armands Circle in Sarasota offers a unique outdoor shopping experience with a variety of boutiques and eateries, too. 

Did you know that Disney Springs isn’t only a place for Disney merchandise? It also plays host to a variety of retail stores. Lastly, for a charming shopping experience, the historic city of St. Augustine has quaint shops and antique stores.

Cancun offers an eclectic blend of modern malls, traditional markets, and souvenir shops for a diverse shopping experience. La Isla Shopping Village is a popular open-air mall with a range of international and Mexican brands alongside a beautiful view of the Nichupte Lagoon. 

For luxury shopping, Kukulcan Plaza and Luxury Avenue house high-end brands and designer stores. Market 28 in Downtown Cancun provides a more traditional Mexican market experience, ideal for finding handicrafts, souvenirs, and local products. 

Finally, Plaza Las Americas is the largest mall where locals shop, offering a variety of stores and a true taste of Cancun's urban lifestyle.

On a multi-centre holiday to Florida and Cancun, you’ll likely want to visit Disney World. Which is why staying in, or near, the theme park is advisable for easy access and convenience. A few of the top areas we recommend include:

Lake Buena Vista: Right at Disney's doorstep, this area offers numerous hotel options and easy access to the parks.
Kissimmee: A budget-friendly area close to Disney with a variety of lodging options from hotels to holiday rentals.
Celebration: A quaint town designed by Disney, offering a peaceful retreat with upscale accommodations.
Disney Resort Hotels: Staying on-site provides exclusive benefits like extra magic hours, early FastPass+ reservations, and transportation to the parks.

Each area offers a distinct experience, whether you're looking for proximity to the action, a budget-friendly stay, or a tranquil retreat.

Cancun boasts a calendar of must-visit events and festivals celebrating its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. A few of the most notable (in our humble opinion) include:

• Cancun Carnival: A vibrant celebration with parades, costumes, and dancing held in the week leading up to Lent.
• Riviera Maya Jazz Festival: Held in November, this festival attracts jazz enthusiasts and renowned musicians from around the globe.
• Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos): A traditional Mexican festival honouring deceased loved ones, celebrated with altars, offerings, and special foods.
• Cinco de Mayo: Celebrated on May 5th, it commemorates Mexico's victory over French forces with lively celebrations.
• Whale Shark Festival: Celebrates the annual migration of whale sharks to the waters around Isla Mujeres, offering eco-tourism activities such as swimming with these gentle giants.