Just to update you on the situation.
There were problems at booking, because all hotels in the area are 21+ check in age. However since some Orlando hotels were 18, I figured there was no law on the issue.
My travel agents - Going Places - gave me a fantastic package - flights with just 1 change at Atlanta - and hotel room at the Comfort Inn (right where I need the hotel too, in the centre of Sarasota) for 5 nights at £794.
Had to ring the hotel up to try to confirm the booking, at first Comfort Inn were not having it and I thought it was ridiculous.
So I rang up a second Comfort Inn hotel and explained the situation with them and that I had a credit card. Girl on the phone said that was perfectly fine.
! So, again rang the hotel where I would actually be staying and spoke to the manager. He said it was fine so long as I'm going alone.
With that, I paid for the booking this morning and cash and called the hotel to conform it was ok.
And hopefully I have the ok to go on the 3rd May.
I'm dreading the flights though. Not so bad getting there, but its getting back.
Checking out of my room at 11AM, and don't need be at the airport til around 3 to check in - flight's at 6PM.
I've confirmed all my luggage will be taken care of during the change of flights so I've got one less thing to worry about.
Those of you wondering how I'm getting about when I'm there - Taxi to and from my hotel + lifts off friends is whats going to happen. I'm pretty worried about getting ripped off by the Taxi driver, its 12 miles from airport to my hotel, so I estimated $30+tip.
Or is there anyone who can suggest anything more realistic?
Tired, apologizes for the spelling mistakes!
But I will find out and get the go-ahead on Tuesday, so looking forward to it!
But I will find out and get the go-ahead on Tuesday, so looking forward to it!
If it's any consolation, the flight back should be quicker. What specifically are you dreading? Will this be the first time you've flown?
You can always book a taxi and ask for a price in advance. They should do that provided they know your origin and destination. That way, you already know roughly what it's going to cost. Taxi drivers in the US aren't like some in Spain or Greece. I can't recall ever hearing about tourists being ripped off. I'm sure it's happened on the odd occasion, but all taxi drivers must be licensed here and they aren't going to cheat the meter just to earn an extra dollar or two.
You can always book a taxi and ask for a price in advance. They should do that provided they know your origin and destination. That way, you already know roughly what it's going to cost. Taxi drivers in the US aren't like some in Spain or Greece. I can't recall ever hearing about tourists being ripped off. I'm sure it's happened on the odd occasion, but all taxi drivers must be licensed here and they aren't going to cheat the meter just to earn an extra dollar or two.
I'm just dreading the whole getting there experience, getting through immigration and getting my bearings. I wont have anyone to lean on for help during the trip there.
Once I am there things should be pretty fine.
Anyway, will start to worry about it once everything's done and dusted and confirmed.
Thanks about the taxi thing - bit of relief! I have numbers to call so I can check those in advance.
Thank you
Once I am there things should be pretty fine.
Anyway, will start to worry about it once everything's done and dusted and confirmed.
Thanks about the taxi thing - bit of relief! I have numbers to call so I can check those in advance.
Thank you
I know that New Orleans taxis had set prices from the airport to various areas. The airport had the prices listed as well. We also noticed this in Memphis.
Re check out- ask for a later check out or failing that they should stow your luggage for you so it won't be a problem.
For both legs of your flight- if you can do an online check in then do so as you can pick your seat then. Personally I love an aisle seat as you are not disturbing anyone when you get up.
Re check out- ask for a later check out or failing that they should stow your luggage for you so it won't be a problem.
For both legs of your flight- if you can do an online check in then do so as you can pick your seat then. Personally I love an aisle seat as you are not disturbing anyone when you get up.
Lucas-If I understand you right you are flying from Atlanta to Sarasota?If you are getting a taxi from the airport to your hotel it should be metered so there is no dispute re the fare. Tip is optional, typically $1 per bag handled and extra as you see fit for service. Average taxi rate is $2 a mile give or take,so your guess was about right.
Ripoffs by cab drivers unlikely as the cabs are numbered and you can always complain to the company they represent. Airport Ground Transportation Managers will rapidly suspend their pickup priveleges if they get complaints.
You can map a route from airport (SRQ) to your hotel on http://www.mapquest.com and get an approximate idea of the route you will be following if you really want to be sure you're not taken 'for a ride'- but I think you're worrying too much.
Re: reservations- at coastal resorts this time of year a lot of hotels jack up the age restriction to 25 to avoid having college Spring-breakers too,it gets tough finding a room sometimes.
Happy travels.
Ripoffs by cab drivers unlikely as the cabs are numbered and you can always complain to the company they represent. Airport Ground Transportation Managers will rapidly suspend their pickup priveleges if they get complaints.
You can map a route from airport (SRQ) to your hotel on http://www.mapquest.com and get an approximate idea of the route you will be following if you really want to be sure you're not taken 'for a ride'- but I think you're worrying too much.
Re: reservations- at coastal resorts this time of year a lot of hotels jack up the age restriction to 25 to avoid having college Spring-breakers too,it gets tough finding a room sometimes.
Happy travels.
Oh,also re checking out at 11.00- just ask at the front desk and they will probably store your bags for a few hours -typically charge $2 per suitcase to do this for you until you're ready to go to the airport. US airports have largely done away with storage lockers since 9/11/2001.
Alternatives: hmmm- Large airports do have shuttle services- shared van rides that make rounds of the local hotels for less than you pay for taxi.
They are to be found at Ground Transportation- look for signs in airport. Mears Shuttle,Supershuttle,there are numerous co's.-if SRQ has them.
Hotels also offer shuttle services to their clientele- pickup and dropoff airport transportation, BUT I don't see either of those listed on your hotel or airport. Might be worth asking though. SRQ has Host Ambassadors- they are helpful information people that could answer some questions for you.
Obtain some $1 bills from one of the airport shops on arrival- come in handy for tipping.
Alternatives: hmmm- Large airports do have shuttle services- shared van rides that make rounds of the local hotels for less than you pay for taxi.
They are to be found at Ground Transportation- look for signs in airport. Mears Shuttle,Supershuttle,there are numerous co's.-if SRQ has them.
Hotels also offer shuttle services to their clientele- pickup and dropoff airport transportation, BUT I don't see either of those listed on your hotel or airport. Might be worth asking though. SRQ has Host Ambassadors- they are helpful information people that could answer some questions for you.
Obtain some $1 bills from one of the airport shops on arrival- come in handy for tipping.
GEButton- final word on the Debit card/reservation. I checked with 8 Major rental agencies yesterday- I can list them all if you wish- only one,Budget,will take a Debit card of any kind. They will take a card if (a) you can prove local residence- mortgage statement,utility bill,and photo ID- or if not local resident must have return air ticket and bank statements. None take cash of course.
I asked the reason- in a word "Scammers".
I could detail some of the examples they gave me but this is off topic.
I asked the reason- in a word "Scammers".
I could detail some of the examples they gave me but this is off topic.
Thanks for the info, emdia. It's been a while since I rented a car. I think your statement re: Budget should have read: "mortgage statement, utility bill, OR photo ID" (not AND photo ID). A couple of years ago I rented a car from Budget with a debit card and just photo ID, but I have a US drivers license and it was a US debit card. As you say, if I was from overseas it seems like that wouldn't be sufficient and I would need a return ticket etc.
Looks like they've really tightened things up in the last few years!
Looks like they've really tightened things up in the last few years!
NO, sorry,what I said was verbatim. AND,not or. All three required. See,I said it's surprising.
Taken from Budget's website:
*Edit. Website content protected by copyright law as explained HERE.
Link to page copied HERE. Pippy*
To summarise, SOME locations will require another form of ID, which implies that most don't (otherwise it would be worded that the majority of locations require it). That explains why, the last time I used Budget, I was able to just use my US debit card and US drivers license without any additional ID being required. And that was at an airport too.
*Edit. Website content protected by copyright law as explained HERE.
Link to page copied HERE. Pippy*
To summarise, SOME locations will require another form of ID, which implies that most don't (otherwise it would be worded that the majority of locations require it). That explains why, the last time I used Budget, I was able to just use my US debit card and US drivers license without any additional ID being required. And that was at an airport too.
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