The historic island city of Key West lies on the tip of the Florida Keys between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Its location makes it the gateway to the Caribbean, and its close proximity to Cuba means trips to Key West can easily include an island hop to explore Havana.

Also known as 'The Conch Republic' (a name it chose as part of a mock secession from the US 1982), Key West has a distinct Caribbean flavour that shows through the streets of its old quarter, which are lined with palms and pastel-painted, wooden colonial 'gingerbread' houses. The destination's legacy also includes having been the favoured holiday haunt of notable Americans such as the literary titan, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, who was one of the foremost playwrights of 20th-c

entury American drama, and the 33rd president of the United States, Harry Truman. This is because of its relaxed atmosphere, colourful neighbourhoods, legendary bars and restaurants, offshore fishing opportunities, and lively nightlife. The city hosts innumerable pageants, parades and festivals, as well, and has an active theatre culture and several heritage museums. The streets of Key West are attractions by themselves, as buskers provide impromptu entertainment outside stores and sidewalk cafes. Visitors on holiday here flock to 'The Bight' (the old harbour) to arrange sea trips for fishing, snorkelling or diving. Nightlife in Key West typically starts with sunset drinks on the Mallory Dock, before moving on to areas such as Bahama Village and Duval Street.

Key West is the most scenic and intriguing of the Florida Keys, where travellers will find dozens of water-based activities along with some wonderful cultural and educational sightseeing. The island's famously warm beaches and eccentric, free-spirited locals (known as Conchs) are unforgettable, and the classical Caribbean homes are eminently charming, making for the perfect tropical getaway.

Travellers can look forward to snorkelling trips in crystal-clear, azure waters, and exploring a reef that's teeming with around 500 species of fish and 55 varieties of colourful coral. It's absolutely worth visiting the restaurants, bars, art galleries and souvenir shops along Duval Street, and experiencing a glorious Key West sunset from Mallory Square is a must. Mallory Square is also the locale for a free, nightly arts festival that starts about two hours before sunset.

The Florida Keys chain has other islets that lie just beyond Key West and are perfect for a day trip. Key Largo is known as one of the best places to go scuba-diving; children can enjoy up-close interactions with marine life at the Dolphin Research Center and Turtle Hospital in Marathon.

In the heart of Key West's old town is the house where Nobel Prize winner Ernest Hemingway, one of America's most respected authors, lived and wrote for more than 10 years. The rooms and gardens are open to the public, enabling visitors to step back in time to Hemingway's most productive period, and to enjoy the lush garden where more than 40 cats have taken up residence. The cats themselves have an interesting back-story. Hemingway owned a cat with extra toes and almost all the cats that now live at the house have this genetic trait; some of them are said to be direct descendants of the original pet. Entertaining guided tours are offered and there's a bookstore and gift shop where visitors can buy their own Hemingway souvenirs.

Website www.hemingwayhome.com

The landmark beacon of the Key West Lighthouse was built in 1848 to warn ships of the hazardous reefs lying off the lower Keys. Having been taken out of commission in 1969, it's now a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can climb the 86-foot (26m) high tower to marvel at the spectacular view. The clapboard bungalow that was the keeper's quarters has been restored and maintained as a museum, providing a glimpse of life in Key West in the 19th century and into the bygone profession of lighthouse keeping.

Website www.kwahs.org/visit/lighthouse-keepers-quarters/

The Key West Butterfly Conservatory is like a trip through paradise, as visitors walk through a tropical wonderland filled with free-flying butterflies and brightly coloured birds. The conservatory is home to nearly 60 species of butterfly and 20 different species of birds, all contained in climate-controlled glass habitats with waterfalls, streams, and hundreds of flowering plants. In the Learning Center, visitors can explore the butterfly anatomy, physiology, lifecycle, feeding, and migratory world of the Monarch, and get an up-close view of the caterpillars. There's also a gallery showcasing butterfly art and a gift shop selling souvenirs.

Website www.keywestbutterfly.com

The restored homestead of Audubon and Tropical Gardens was originally built in the 1840s by Captain John Geiger, a harbour pilot and wrecker. It now contains the works of renowned ornithologist John James Audubon, who visited the Florida Keys in 1832 and completed drawings of 18 previously undiscovered birds in the gardens of this house. Audubon House has been furnished in the typical style of a prosperous Key West home of its era. Audio tours are available and, in addition to exploring the house, visitors can enjoy wandering through the gardens, which are planted with orchids, bromeliads and other tropical plants.

Key West enjoys a tropical savanna climate, with two main seasons. It's hot, wet and humid between June and October, and drier and cooler between November and May. In the hottest months, between June and August, temperatures average between 78ºF (26ºC) and 89ºF (31ºC), and in the coldest months, between December and February, temperatures average comfortably between 64ºF (17ºC) and 76ºF (24ºC). August and October are hurricane season.

Most visitors to Key West choose not to drive because of the great public transport options. Park-and-ride shuttles and buses are available and recommended. Key West is very pedestrian friendly and has bike and scooter rentals, which are a great alternative to driving as parking in Key West can be difficult.

The Dade-Monroe Express bus runs from Key Marathon to Florida City, offering round trips on the hour and stopping on demand. Greyhound runs a Keys shuttle bus several times a day between Miami International Airport, stopping at all major points along the Keys. Uber and Lyft are also available.

The 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. 

English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states. 

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted; Apple Pay and Google Pay are very popular. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but travellers shouldn't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, the tip should be 20 percent of the bill. It's 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.

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.

Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, though 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's a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.

Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which alcohol may be legally bought and consumed is 21 years.

In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, though rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, though in states such as California, dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it's considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.

Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; foreigners should never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Foreigners should concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. It's best for foreigners to get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and to avoid taking offence if someone questions or challenges them outright.

Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.

Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.

Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.

The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas; travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks. WiFi is widely available.

It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.

As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

US citizens require passports.

UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.

The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.

Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.

Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

United States Tourist Office: www.usatourist.com

911 (General)

United States Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7499 9000.

United States Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 688 5335.

United States Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6214 5600.

United States Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 431 4000.

United States Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 668 8777.

United States Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 462 6000.

British Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 588 6500.

Canadian Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 682 1740.

Australian Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 797 3000.

South African Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 232 4400.

Irish Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 462 3939.

New Zealand Embassy, Washington DC: +1 202 328 4800.

Information from https://www.tripreport.com