Tips on Driving in Florida
The following is by no means a comprehensive guide to the rules and regulations on driving in Florida. But is more of a personal recollection of my experiences during the many times I have driven in Sunshine State.
For some of you this maybe your first go at driving in the USA. Maybe you're concerned at how you will manage driving on the right hand side of the road.
What about junctions! Traffic lights! Toll roads! Overtaking on both sides!
How will I manage?
Firstly do a bit of research, your reading this so you've already started.
On the Flight
I have found that most of the airlines that I have flown with give a short video presentation on driving in Florida during the flight, take the time out and give it your full attention. I found this most useful especially on my first trip. It is also good as it gives you up to date information.
At the Rental Car Park
My first recommendation is familiarisation of your rental vehicle.
Walk around your rental vehicle and get to grips with its size.
Read the vehicle user manual to find out about the air con / demisting, the indicators, the window wipers and lights. Better to take the time and get to know how it all works before you set off on your journey. You will have enough to concentrate on without trying to find out how to turn on the wipers when it starts to rain.
Look at your map and plan your route before you start your journey. Most holiday home owners will give you a detailed route plan from the airport to their rental property. If not then I found the rental company personnel were very helpful if you asked for a route plan to your rental area.
On the road
When you start your journey please pay attention to all traffic signs and note that the speed limits are lower in Florida than in the UK. When driving on the interstate traffic will pass you on both sides so pay attention to your mirrors and always check before moving lanes.
Road signs for turn offs are displayed well in advance so you shouldn't be caught short and miss your turn off.
Toll roads are normally a bit quieter than the Interstate so if you're travelling from Sanford Airport to Orlando, I would recommend the SR 417 toll road.
Toll booths are clearly signed and sectioned into lanes for pass holders, exact change and change given. Most of the main toll booths are manned but exact change is required for some of the booths that exit the SR 417 as you near Orlando.
Driving in Orlando is very straight forward. Junctions are clearly marked with guide lines painted on the road, making left and right turns easy.
Traffic signals are suspended above you. Be aware that signal changes are very quick so be ready to stop if required.
Road signs are also suspended above you as you drive along the road. The signs are not the road you are on but the road that you are crossing.
The best advice I can give is to take your time and think before you proceed.
If you rush you will make a mistake. Nipping out into that small gap will lose your concentration and making that wrong turning will have happened before you know it.
Best Advice
Enjoy your driving.
Travel throughout the state and see all that Florida has to offer, not just the theme parks.
But most of all stay safe and have an enjoyable and memorable holiday.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Florida Americas Sunshine State
Florida Americas Sunshine State
Famous for its vast selection of theme parks Orlando is a favourite holiday destination for families from all over the world. Walt Disney World was key to the initial success of this area and continues to be one of the biggest attractions in the Orlando area. With Four Theme Parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom and water parks Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon.
Neighbouring parks include Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World all well worth a visit and have really up the stakes for Disney over the years.But Orlando is not just about Disney World, Universal or Sea World great as they are.
There is a vast array of other things to do in and around Orlando.Air boat rides where you can see the Florida wildlife up close.Some of the best golf courses right on your doorstep. Many of the villas listed on What Florida Villa are located on or very near a golf course. Picture it! Breakfast in the sun, a round of golf, back to the villa, some lunch followed by a splash in the pool and then back on the golf course….. bliss.
Shopping! well yes, Orlando has some fantastic outlets and shopping malls too many to list but all within easy reach of your holiday villa. Most of our villa owners will have information and guide packs with details of shopping malls local to your villa. Community resort offices also stock a variety of information leaflets as well so information is never far away.
One of my favourite non theme park attractions is Fantasy of Flight. Just a short drive from Orlando in Polk City. Fantasy of Flight owner Kermit Weeks has a large collection of vintage aircraft on display and also has a flying display of one of his historic aircraft on most days. Aircraft from the first and second world wars as well as other famous and rare types. There is a guided tour of the restoration facilities with some famous aircraft from the movies as well. There are simulators and excellent interactive display of world war two including mock trenches and walk through B25 bomber. With an excellent restaurant on site and aviation gift shop as well.
Traveling out further from Orlando about one hour 30 minute drive you will reach Kennedy Space Center Florida Space Port. If your lucky enough you may even witness a shuttle or rocket launch.Kennedy Space Center is steeped in history. There are coach tours that are run by the space center and travel to the historic launch pads of the early moon launches at Cape Canaveral. There is the close up tour which is a bit more expensive but gets you as close to the shuttle launch pad as possible. The tours are very informative and allow access to viewing areas for the International Space Station assembly bays as well as the Apollo mission control room. A talk from astronauts about their experiences of space flights happens on most days and you are free to ask questions as well.
Further on from Kennedy Space Center is Daytona. Famous for its long beach and Raceway.Planning ahead you may even catch a race!
Famous for its vast selection of theme parks Orlando is a favourite holiday destination for families from all over the world. Walt Disney World was key to the initial success of this area and continues to be one of the biggest attractions in the Orlando area. With Four Theme Parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom and water parks Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon.
Neighbouring parks include Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World all well worth a visit and have really up the stakes for Disney over the years.But Orlando is not just about Disney World, Universal or Sea World great as they are.
There is a vast array of other things to do in and around Orlando.Air boat rides where you can see the Florida wildlife up close.Some of the best golf courses right on your doorstep. Many of the villas listed on What Florida Villa are located on or very near a golf course. Picture it! Breakfast in the sun, a round of golf, back to the villa, some lunch followed by a splash in the pool and then back on the golf course….. bliss.
Shopping! well yes, Orlando has some fantastic outlets and shopping malls too many to list but all within easy reach of your holiday villa. Most of our villa owners will have information and guide packs with details of shopping malls local to your villa. Community resort offices also stock a variety of information leaflets as well so information is never far away.
One of my favourite non theme park attractions is Fantasy of Flight. Just a short drive from Orlando in Polk City. Fantasy of Flight owner Kermit Weeks has a large collection of vintage aircraft on display and also has a flying display of one of his historic aircraft on most days. Aircraft from the first and second world wars as well as other famous and rare types. There is a guided tour of the restoration facilities with some famous aircraft from the movies as well. There are simulators and excellent interactive display of world war two including mock trenches and walk through B25 bomber. With an excellent restaurant on site and aviation gift shop as well.
Traveling out further from Orlando about one hour 30 minute drive you will reach Kennedy Space Center Florida Space Port. If your lucky enough you may even witness a shuttle or rocket launch.Kennedy Space Center is steeped in history. There are coach tours that are run by the space center and travel to the historic launch pads of the early moon launches at Cape Canaveral. There is the close up tour which is a bit more expensive but gets you as close to the shuttle launch pad as possible. The tours are very informative and allow access to viewing areas for the International Space Station assembly bays as well as the Apollo mission control room. A talk from astronauts about their experiences of space flights happens on most days and you are free to ask questions as well.
Further on from Kennedy Space Center is Daytona. Famous for its long beach and Raceway.Planning ahead you may even catch a race!
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