Heliport, hear hear.
I agree that if it is possible to get your US visa pronto, then you will have no probs getting your PPL done. If you've already started you could get it done in about 2-3 weeks in the US.
Funnily enough, whenever I flew in Florida I saw loads of REALLY BIG clouds!!! Many times flying had to stop whilst it chucked it down. I learnt lots about staying clear of storms and looking ahead for weather. So much easier in the UK once you've had those experiences.
Alternatively, fly in California. The ATC conditions, well, you have a choice - either really quiet or really, really busy (like in Europe).
When I got back I did a standard one hour check out at my local flying club and they were more than happy for me to hire aircraft from them after this local familiarisation (which you'd need at any new flying club anyway).
Flights to the US are dirt cheap at the moment. Whatever you have budgeted for your PPL you will not go over this budget, even including flight and accommodation costs, if you went to the US. PM me if you need any recommendations for schools.
Spain and Cyprus are also options this time of year. Flights no problem. Loads of low cost and charter flights around in this, the "low" season.
Main recommendation - get hold of a copy of Flyer or Pilot magazine, and ring up those schools in ads in the back. Check out their websites first. Explain your predicament to them and ask if they can guarantee to give you the requred hours/ instruction/ exams in the required time.
If you are prepared to go for this "full time" then you'll be fine. You can spend time between flights studying for the exercise and for the ground exams.
Go for it, but don't hang about!!!
And please ignore all these doubters who says Europe/US are rubbish!!!!!!
I started in the US, then flew a bit in the UK and Europe and now fly for a living, so I know what I am talking about!