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The crisis within the Eurozone continues this week as yesterday stock markets across the world tumbled as fears of a Euro debt crisis increased and worries over tensions between North and South Korea surfaced. Yet, despite the slumping markets today is a new day, the bump in Wall Street and financial hubs across the world have already reflected this. If you didn’t already think that the stock exchange was a complete game of Russian roulette then you may want to reconsider as markets bounce up and down at a frenetic pace wiping out savings accounts and shares alike, but have no fear because like a yo-yo the markets are once again on the up.

Today the EU’s internal market commissioner has stepped into the limelight and advocated the creation of business banking for banks. It may sound like a rather ludicrous idea, but the policy is in-fact quite reasonable. In order to allay the fears of financial investments and investors, the EU commissioner is advocating a levy on banks which will put into trust funds needed for future bailouts. Although the levy has received criticisms regarding its ‘morality’ it appears that several similar schemes are now being considered across the globe, hoping to prevent further tax payer funded bailouts.  
 

One place I have always wanted to visit is Florida. Over the years I have heard so much about the so-called ‘Sunshine state’ that it is starting to become a bit of an obsession; in-fact the whole of America is becoming a bit of an obsession.

Now most people who head to Florida usually head straight for Orlando to engage in massive amounts of adrenaline fuelled rollercoaster rides, but for those of you who aren’t so keen on spending a day in queue, you may want to check out these two quaintly American locations.   

America has a wide range of public transport, but it’s a lot easier to organise car hire Florida and drive yourself around, rather than having to orchestrate your holiday around bus and train timetables.

Fort Myers

The city of Fort Myers is situated in the south-west of Florida and is named after the military fort which was constructed there in 1850. With its historic and cultural attractions, parks and shopping malls, and its proximity to some of Florida’s best beaches, Fort Myers is the perfect destination for a great family holiday.

Attractions in Fort Myers include the neighbouring winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, the Williams Academy Black History Museum, and the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. For some of the city’s best restaurants, shops and galleries, head to the River District, in Downtown Fort Myers. You can also explore the city’s Lakes Park, which has a fragrance garden and a miniature railway, or head to one of the many beaches nearby, such as Fort Myers Beach and Bowman’s Beach, to soak up the Florida sun.

Gainesville

Gainesville may not be the best-known city in Florida, but it’s a great place to visit and there’s plenty to see and do there. Gainesville is known for its cultural attractions, and it also has great restaurants, shops and a vibrant nightlife.

Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, and you can visit the university’s Cultural Plaza, where you’ll find the Harn Museum of Art, the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the Florida Museum of Natural History, which includes the Butterfly Rainforest. You can also take a tour of the city’s Historic Haile Homestead, which was constructed in 1856 and now houses exhibits relating to Florida plantation life.  For shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, head to the lively Downtown Gainesville district.

For a taste of wild Florida, visit Gainesville’s Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park or the nearby Paynes Prairie State Preserve, both of which are home many different species of animal, bird and plant, including alligators.