How Do I Prepare For a Road Trip to Florida?

How Do I Prepare For a Road Trip to Florida?

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If you are traveling toFlorida for the first time, you should prepare in advance for the trip.

In addition to the fact that some things characteristic of the American way of life can be very different from the usual, Florida has a pronounced individuality and its own specifics.

Today I will help you learn more about the traditions and rules of behavior in Florida, so that traveling to this colorful tropical paradise will be a pleasure.

Basically, people here live by the same rules as in the

rest of America

, but there are some nuances.

Let’s look closer:

What Should I Know Before Going to Florida?

For example, in almost any city in the United States, you cannot be in parks or on beaches after sunset; this will immediately attract the attention of the police.

B

ut in the resorts of Florida, you can safely walk or go for a swim in the ocean at night, and this will not surprise anyone.

Almost all clubs, restaurants, and bars are open until dawn, while in most states they close at 1:00 at the latest.

In many restaurants and shops in Miami, English is poorly understood or not known at all; most speak only Spanish.

The driving culture

in the city is at a very low level, so you need to be careful when crossing roads.

What else?

Safety

Miami Airport is notorious for luggage theft.

Do not put valuables in suitcases that you plan to check in at the airport.

Your luggage will pass through many hands, not all of which are closely monitored.

Leave your camera, computer, jewelry, money, medicines, and important documents in your hand luggage.

There are safe suburbs in Florida.

However, anything can happen.

When you travel, be careful and don’t trust everyone.

When walking around the city, try to look confident and keep an eye on what is going on around you.

You should also avoid walking on the beach after dark.

And if you need to go somewhere late in the evening, choose a busy street for a walk.

When you’re in a nightclub, remember, crime and robbery happen.

Also, if you are paying for drinks with a credit card, take a look at the receipt and check if it contains the cocktails that you ordered.

Police in Florida

In most cases, Florida’s police are trustworthy, and the staff is always happy to help guests from other countries.

You will see that they are polite and professional.

Be that as it may, when communicating with the police, keep your hands in sight and do not make sudden movements.

Avoid walking behind them.

Also, never touch a policeman or uniform.

If you have lost your passport or need official assistance, then contact the consulate.

Tax Free

With the exception of some states, there is no value-added tax in the United States, which means that you cannot apply for tax-free purchases of goods.

In particular, there is no VAT in Florida, and sales tax of 6% is automatically added to the purchase price.

Internet access

Only in Miami are there about 4,000 points with a free Wi-Fi connection.

They are mainly located in restaurants, cafes, large stores, tourist centers, and recreation areas.

The necessary settings and a list of public hotspots can be found here.

Medical Help

If you need medical attention, go to the nearest emergency room, but be prepared to pay for the treatment.

Treatment in the US is terribly expensive compared to other countries.

However, hospitals are required by law to provide emergency care to anyone in need, regardless of nationality or ability to pay.

Be prepared for a rainy season.

The rainy season starts in June and ends in mid-October.

During this period, the weather is characterized by high humidity, although the heat often gives way to afternoon thunderstorms and a fresh sea breeze.

Most of the annual precipitation falls during this time.

The rainiest months are August and September.

The hurricane season starts on June 1st and runs through November 30th.

Most often, storms occur from mid-August to late September.

Alcoholic Beverages

The USA has very strict laws regarding the drinking of alcoholic beverages.

People under the age of 21, even when accompanied by adults or at home, are prohibited from drinking beer, wine, or any other alcoholic beverages.

There are no exceptions to this law, regardless of your nationality.

The time when alcohol is allowed to be sold depends on the city and state where you are located.

Most cities stop serving alcoholic drinks at 2 a.

m.

However, Florida bars close at 5 a.

m.

, and there are some places where the sale of alcohol is allowed all night.

It is

worth remembering that drinking alcohol

on the beach and the streets is prohibited.

 Cash

Although you can use a credit card almost everywhere, there are places where you will need cash.

If you rent a car, you can pay for some roads only in cash.

Many car parks also do not accept cards.

Although most taxis accept credit cards, you can also pay in cash.

Only in cash can you pay for sunbeds on the beach, buy something at the farmers’ market, and pay for public transport.

Tipping in cash is welcome.

Tips

In Florida, there is a social institution called “tipping”.

In general, in any place that serves food, the price listed on the menu is not the real price.

The real price is 15% higher.

However, Florida is an exception, where some restaurants and bars include a tip in the price, so check your bill to make sure you haven’t double-tipped.

The standard tip is 15%.

If you don’t like the quality of service, you can leave less or no tip at all, but if you are really well served, 20% is welcome.

For taxis, it also works.

Not leaving a tip is considered rude.

Parking

All parking areas in Florida are divided into paid and free.

At the same time, it is important to follow a number of rules so that the car is not evacuated by a special service.

In the most popular places, near large shopping centers and popular attractions, you can leave the car for free.

But it is important to remember that these places are for customers only.

For example, if you go to the beach or just walk around the city, the car will be taken to the impound lot quite quickly.

It is strictly forbidden to leave your car in parking lots in low-rise residential areas, in named parking lots, or in places marked with Handicap and Stroller Pass signs.

The cost of paid parking in Miami, for example, ranges from $1.

25 to $10 per hour.

It depends on the area—the more prestigious it is or closer to the center, the more expensive it is.

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How Do I Prepare For a

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What Day of the Week is Best to Drive to Florida?

Tuesday or Wednesday when the roads are not so full.

As for holidays in Florida, you can relax here all year round, but still there are two pronounced seasons, high and low.

The high season is from November to April.

At this time, there is mild warm weather with slight temperature fluctuations.

December, January, and February can be windy in Florida, but these are still the most popular holiday months on the peninsula due to the Christmas and New Year holidays.

It was at this time that prices here soared for housing and for all other services.

In March and April, it gets much warmer and you can already swim in the ocean, but several bright musical events fall during this period, including the annual Winter Music Conference in Miami.

A large number of music fans come here, and prices are rising again.

How Do I Prepare For a Road Trip to Florida?

How Do I Prepare For a Road Trip to Florida?

What to Pack for Vacation to Florida: Checklist

Take sleeveless t-shirts, short-sleeve shirts, shorts, and dresses.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, choose breathable fabrics (cotton or linen).

Do not wear polyester or other artificial fabrics in the summer.

Be sure to bring sunglasses and a hat, as well as plenty of sunscreen.

You will need several swimsuits.

Even if you’re only in

Florida for a couple of days

, it’s a good idea to bring a change of swimwear with you so it has time to dry.

Florida has high humidity in the summer, so things will likely take a long time to dry.


Bring flip flops and sandals.

Take a beach towel with you.

If you stay in a hotel, you will have a towel, but you will still need a large beach towel, as they are not issued in hotels.

ABOUT ME

Born & raised amidst the gators and orange groves of Florida, I’ve waded through the Everglades and braved the dizzying heights of Orlando’s roller coasters.

About Us Jeff from TravelMagma

But FL is just the beginning of my adventures.

I’ve journeyed far and wide. Yet, it was the serene beauty of Japan that truly captured my heart.

I even wrote my own little
Caribbean Guide.

But…

My 2nd book “Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” became a bestseller, a guide filled with wisdom:

TravelMagma is where I tell the tales of the road, capture the essence of each destination, and inspire you to make your own footprints around the globe.

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Jeff