Florida isn't the best place to go in the US. I have family down there so I have go about once a year, and I find it very lame. Unless you want beaches and theme parks, avoid it. If you want beaches in Florida, the gulf coast is much better. The place is full of old people and tourists and the landscape is as boring as it gets. If you want to drive some great highway, try driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western Virginia and North Carolina. Stop in and say "hi" to Lyle. If you want a more interesting trip, go to Boston, New York, Philly, or DC. A good idea would be to fly into Boston or New York, make your way down to Washinton DC and rent a car. From DC, you can head out to some really beautiful country in the south. Virginia and North Carolina are both fantastic places, and that's coming from a born and bred New Englander.

Gas is about $4.00/gallon, if you are under 25, car rental will be more expensive. A week's rental will run about $300. In major cities, lodging is a bit more - expect to play at least $100/night for basic places. The posh places will run at least $200. Down south, away from cities, you probably get rooms for about $50.

If you decide to go to Mexico, I can't recommend Playa del Carmen enough. It's one of my favorite places anywhere. You will fly into Cancun, but avoid the city and go right to Playa.

If you change your mind about going south and end up in Boston, let me know.