First time trip to Florida

I_am_mad

Hello everyone,

My husband and I are going to Florida in May and I just wanted to ask people on here what we need to remember when there, what we should pack, what we should look out for, eat, driving over there.

We have thought of some things but would like advice from people who have already been.

Thank you

merlinormartin

Hello!

I've visited Florida many time and will be happy to answer any specific questions. However for general advise/tips head over to The DIBB Website: http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/index.php

The above website will answer all your Florida questions

Have a great holiday!

I_am_mad

Thank you very much!! I will be in touch if I have anymore questions

marleyboy

Eating out is cheap, there are so many food chains they have price wars with one another. It works out cheaper to get a multi themepark pass than individual passes for Busch Gardens\Universal etc.

Be aware that they dont sell spray on deoderants in Florida, its roll on or cologne. Coloured socks is a no no - for some reason white socks are masculine. They dont sell tea bags, and their chocolate is awful.

You will have a fantastic experience there, try not to overdo the Sun as it will cook you.

Rule of thumb, leave enough room in your cases to bring all those goodies back you will buy there.

Have a great time.

I_am_mad

Thanks Marleyboy, I am going to take an extra suitcase inside another one so I can bring lots of goodies back

zagfles

Accomodation is also cheap off-peak - there's so much of it particularly in the Orlando/Kissimee area. Always haggle in hotels/motels, you'll get a discount unless they expect to be full.

Check the conditions of your car hire insurance carefully, eg CDW, any large excess, and whether the third party liability is limited (in the US third party cover provided by the car hire company can be limited, rather than unlimited like in Europe). Consider a top-up/excess insurance from the likes of insurance4carhire.

Watch out for toll roads, apparently it's all electronic now so look into this before you go, otherwise you might get unexpected charges from the car hire company.

Loads to see in Florida, eg the everglades, the keys, Miami etc, so don't do what most Brits seem to do - spend the entire time in the Orlando area!

Have a look at the Florida forum on Tripadvisor for more ideas/tips.

marleyboy

Clearwater Beach is a good spot, I got to swim with wild Dolphins there. Ybor is good for the nightlife, but agree you have not lived unless you witness a sunset in the Everglades .

I_am_mad

What day trips or activities do you suggest other then Disney as we dont really want to go disney land excpet maybe island of adventure and seaworld and the water parks, if the tickets are cheap enough

piglet74

I_am_mad wrote: »

Thanks Marleyboy, I am going to take an extra suitcase inside another one so I can bring lots of goodies back

I used to do this, but as far as I know now a lot of the airlines only allow one piece of baggage per person now (maybe since 2010 this come in) it may have changed or depend on the airline, but check the small print.

Florida is unreal, I am sure you will have the blast! The downside... U will come home exhausted and feel like u need a holiday :-D

Have fun x

SailorSam

What's the name of that holiday presenter ? He was on Bbc Breakfast during the week, i was only half listening but he was talking about a form you needed to get filled in and carry around with you with your driving licence. I'm sure someone else will know what i mean.

jonesMUFCforever

One tip I would offer is don't try to do it all at once.
Have an energetic day at the parks then have a rest day by the pool.

Biased here but IMO you have to do Kennedy space centre.

The piece of paper he was referring to was an International driving permit - plenty about it on Google.