Watch the sun rise above the Atlantic horizon on a morning walk along the Fort Lauderdale Beach promenade. Then grab breakfast by the water – you have plenty of spots to choose from, after all this ‘Venice of America’ is home to more than 480 kilometres of waterways. .

You don’t need to venture outside the United States to find the perfect island getaway. Famously known as the southernmost tip of the country, Key West is closer to Havana than it is to Miami. Cruise to Key West and feel a world away from the bustle of the Magic City. Here, time seems to move more slowly than on the mainland. Locals pedal bikes past charming pastel-coloured Bahamian porches. And live music spills out of the bars and restaurants that line Duval Street. From its fascinating history and beautiful natural landscape, to its diverse residents and their warm, laid-back attitude, Key West marches to the beat of its own steel drum.

Caribbean charm shines in the Bahamian capital, where you’re never more than a few steps away from rhythmic percussions, appetising flavours, white-sand beaches and some of the clearest waters in the world. This picture-perfect paradise was once a pirate’s haven – and you can explore its colourful past of buccaneers, blockade-runners and bootleggers along historical streets and at the three colonial fortresses that line the shores. If you’re looking for a more hands-on maritime adventure, look no further. Cruise to Nassau and swim with stingrays, dive with dolphins or spot colourful coral on a glass-bottomed boat. And just across the bridge is beautiful Paradise Island, home to world-famous luxury hotels and resorts. Spend the day at the famous Atlantis and splash your way through its expansive water park, grab a piña colada at the Marina Village and spot the hammerhead sharks in Predator Lagoon.

Watch the sun rise above the Atlantic horizon on a morning walk along the Fort Lauderdale Beach promenade. Then grab breakfast by the water – you have plenty of spots to choose from, after all this ‘Venice of America’ is home to more than 480 kilometres of waterways. .