To get the most from your florida holiday . . . You Will Need A Car!!! . . Those that say different probably don't know what they have missed!

The "free" bit is a pain, but there are ways around this catch.

So boblevin, just what are the ways round this then????

This is a holiday forum with everyone giving help and advice, so please let us know

Thought you'd ask that madsue,

Well, the first thing is to try and book with a company that include a "free" car but will allow you to make your own insurance arrangements and not take their "Bronze . . . Silver . . . or Gold" package, that is where they make the big money. Alternatively (and quite possibly more cheaply) just book the flights and then book the car separately through many of the firms you will find on the INTERNET. Some of these are very competitive and their prices INCLUDE all the insurances you will need and also the taxes. Typically, a 4 door "compact" for around £18 per day all in.

I could go on but this covers the simplest methods.

The best way to Florida is DIY, find a privately owned villa you like on the web, then book the flights and car yourself. Hotels . . . no way!!

Definitely hire a car, have done it without a car and would never do it again. The freedom a car gives you cannot be beaten imho.

Me and my other half are hoping to do a twin centre holiday next year (Disney and Florida Keys). However, neither of us have driven abroad before. Can anyone tell me what the driving is like over there? i.e- is it manic, scary, etc?

And, if we decide we're not brave enough to drive, how easy is it to get around via taxi or bus?

Any info much appreciated. Thanks.

Very very simple so long as you tuck your left foot out of the way and dont hit the brake as you go for the non existant clutch.

Most places are very well signed and drivers are very considerate, put your indicator on and you will be let in streight away.

No Idea about taxis / busses as we have always driven.

Now LA is a different story

...the left foot rule only applies to automatics! There are plenty of stick shifts here in the US, although you would probably have to request one specifically if you wanted to hire one.

Driving in the US is far easier than in the UK. Let's put it this way: it only took me 10 minutes to get my California drivers license...

I found it really easy and we had an 8 seater. The roads and parking lots are huge. Remember that the signs are just in front of the junctions and they don't give you much warning most of the locals are probably used to us brits and seem quite laid back. I can't imagine going without a car now.

Driving on the interstates is usually very easy, although you may find the tailgating a bit off putting. Although it is illegal, you will find that people will pass you on both inside and outside, including some pretty big trucks, so always check your mirrors and indicate when changing lanes. Signs are usually very close to the exits, so you need to have an idea what your junction number is. On the I4, which is the main through route to the parks, you will find that Junction 55 is the one before Junction 58, as the junctions are numbered with the mile markers.
Off the highways most of the signs are International and easily understood. One place you should be careful is a 4-way stop where the right of way is given in order of arrival. YOU MUST STOP at the line even if there are no other vehicles there.
If you do get stopped by the Police, do not get out of your car, just park up and switch the engine off.

The driving standard is pretty good and if you can cope with normal motorway traffic in the UK you will have no trouble in Florida.

One thing to remember if you are going to the Keys in one hit, is that it is a long drive, about 4-5 hours to Key Largo. Make sure you have some bottled water in case you hit traffic, it is quite busy around the outskirts of Miami and slow after that some times.

I love driving over there and will always offer to take the wheel.

jr.

PS always keep some small change for the tolls, some are automatic, especially after leaving the airport. There is one, I can't remember which one at the moment, Exiting to Kissimmee that does not warn it is automatic, with no staff, until you have left the Highway. It costs about 75 cents, but there are usually loads of drivers going straight through because they have no change and then spending the rest of their holidays worrying about a fine ( don't, they won't chase you for a one off occasion).

There are various websites for the I4 and the toll roads around Orlando, telling you the cost and other info such as roadworks etc that are really useful.

"One place you should be careful is a 4-way stop where the right of way is given in order of arrival. YOU MUST STOP at the line even if there are no other vehicles there."

Hi

We're also driving in Florida for the first time and are a bit worried

Could you just explain what you said because I'm a bit confused- if the right of way is given in order of arrival, why would you have to stop even if there's no one there- surely if you're the only one there, you arrived first?

Doesn't matter if you get there first, you MUST stop. It's basicaly a crossroads where no traffic lights are present, roundabouts are very scarce in the USA check for traffic and if it's clear proceed accross the junction, the only one I've found is on (I think) Black Lake Road(?) heading towards the Comfort Suites and Radisson at the bottom of the I-4/536 area on Palm Parkway (back road from I-Drive/Sand Lake road)

About the most important things to remember are ... ALWAYS stop at a stop sign, even if there's no one for miles, and you can turn right on a red light providing there's no oncoming traffic (don't forget to look left!)

Turn right on a red light????Now that is confusing

Yeap, that's right you can turn right on a Red Light, But, as jeff says don't forget to look Left........ .

I was nervous but as soon as you have done your first journey its so easy. Make sure you are not rushing and that you take your time upon arrival.

I love driving in Florida
Once you've done your first trip you will be fine - go for it

Important note: you can only turn right on a red light if there is a) no sign prohibiting you from doing so, and b) the red light isn't a red arrow. You must always stop for a red arrow regardless of whether it's a right or left turn. You will find you can turn right at most (I'd say 95% or more) stop lights but you should always check that there isn't a sign which prohibits you from doing so (the sign will simply read "No Turn On Red" or similar).

Have just dug out my Florida Drivers Handbook. A complete copy of the manual can be downloaded from http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us. (All 94 pages). Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask

It`s so easy and makes the holiday far more enjoyable....

Im a very nervous driver, and this is one part of the holiday I am NOT looking forward to! Please tell me that parking at Disney, universal etc is easy peasey, and how much does it cost to park for the day at the theme parks? I hope that driving and parking at restraunts is also easy! would you reccommend getting a car with sat nav?