Destination America

What to pack
Bring cool, comfortable clothing, shorts and casual shirts, sundresses and, of course, bathing suits, tops and sandals. Keep in mind that topless sunbathing and thong-backed bikinis are prohibited in most parts of Florida. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and visors to protect you from the sun. For evening outings, "resort casual" attire (trousers, collared shirts, cotton dresses) is acceptable most places, though gentlemen might consider packing a light sports coat if a more formal evening is planned. While Florida's climate is generally warm all year round, it's a good idea to bring a light jacket if you are travelling here in December through February. Pack insect repellent and an umbrella or a light mackintosh during the rainy season. Don't worry if you forget anything – Florida stores can outfit you with anything you need.

Dining out/tipping
In the U.S., tipping is a customary reward for good service. In restaurants, bars and nightclubs, tip servers a gratuity of 15% of the total bill (before tax) for good service, or 20% for excellent service. Some restaurants include a gratuity in the amount of the bill so be sure to check or ask your server so you do not overpay.

Tipping is also appropriate at a beauty salon or spa (haircut, manicure, massage, etc., at 15% of total bill); bellhop at hotel or airport ($1 per suitcase); valet ($2 when he delivers your car); taxi driver (15% of fare) and housekeeping service if you are staying at an upscale hotel ($1 - $2 per day of your stay). On package tours, guides and drivers usually get $10 per day from the group as a whole: check whether this has already been figured into your cost and pre-paid. For local sightseeing tours, you may individually tip the driver or guide if he or she has been helpful or informative; the amount is at your discretion.

Smoking policy
Smoking is illegal in buses and coaches, trains, taxis and in most public buildings in Florida, including establishments that serve food; however, many restaurants have outdoor smoking areas. Hotel rooms are designated as "smoking" and "non-smoking"; request the room type of your choice when making reservations. Bed & Breakfasts generally do not permit smoking inside.

Alcohol Laws
To purchase or consume alcohol in the State of Florida you must be 21 years of age. Proof of age is often requested, so carry photo identification that gives your date of birth. Some grocery stores sell beer and wine (and will also request a photo ID). It is illegal to carry open containers of alcohol in your car or any public area that isn't zoned for alcohol consumption, and it is illegal to drive while intoxicated. Choose a "designated driver" in your group (someone who will abstain from drinking alcohol) who will be responsible for driving you home.

Shopping tips
Shopping malls are generally open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays; many large shopping complexes and department stores are open on Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Smaller privately owned stores typically open between 9 and 10 a.m. and close between 5 and 6 p.m. from Monday through Saturday.

Health tips
· Protect yourself from the rays of the sun by wearing sunglasses and by applying sunscreen at least 30 minutes before exposure. Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of at least SPF 15; SPF 45 for children. Remember to reapply several times during the day, especially after swimming or exercise.

· Dehydration, as well as sunburn, can occur with prolonged exposure to the heat and sun, even in Florida’s winter months. Try to arrange most of your outdoor activities before 10 a.m. and after 2 p.m. If you plan to be out all day, carry bottled water. (All drinking water is potable, including tap water.)

· Avoid direct contact with wild animals. When walking in wilderness areas, stay on paths. Be cautious near lakes and ponds since they are prime habitats for alligators. Never feed an alligator or other wild animal.

· Use insect repellent in woodsy areas and parks.

Safety tips
· Always lock your car. Never leave purses, wallets, luggage or other valuables in sight. Lock them in the trunk if you won’t be carrying them with you. At night, try to park under a streetlight. Do not leave the car keys inside the car.

· Keep jewellery, cash, cameras, airline tickets, passports and other travel documents and valuables in a hotel safe and keep hotel room keys out of sight. Don’t forget to lock your door. 

· Carry credit cards and travellers cheques instead of large amounts of cash.

· At public beaches, look for the beach flag system which alerts you to unsafe surf conditions. (Coloured flags on Florida beaches are designed to promote safety by warning beachgoers of water conditions. Blue or green represents calm waters and safe swimming; yellow means mild hazards, including light surf or currents; red warns of highly hazardous conditions; a double-red flag indicates the waters are closed to the public; and purple means marine pests present, which might include jellyfish, stingrays or dangerous fish. The absence of a flag does not necessarily mean the water is safe. Check with a lifeguard to be sure.)

Driving info and tips
· To rent a vehicle in the USA renters must hold a valid UK or EC country driving licence. International Driving Permits are not acceptable. The Credit Card Holder must be the main driver or an additional deposit will be requested. Major credit cards accepted include: American Express, Diners, MasterCard and Visa.

· Remember to drive on the right side of the road.

· Legal speed limits are posted on the right side of the road.

· You may turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign indicating “no right on red” is posted at the intersection.

· Headlights must be on from dusk to dawn, as well as in fog or rain. Turn off windscreen wipers when stopping at tollbooths.

· When law enforcement vehicles are in one of the “break-down” lanes, either assisting a motorist or pulling over a speeding vehicle, you must move to the far lane, away from the police.

· Law requires wearing your seat belt. In addition, children under age 4 or less than 40 pounds (15 kg) must be in a child car seat, usually available from your car hire company.

· Driving while drinking alcohol or while under the influence of alcohol is illegal. Appoint a “designated driver” in your group who will drink only non-alcoholic beverages and drive home safely.

· Some interstate highways have tolls - The Florida Turnpike (Ocala to Homestead), Alligator Alley (1-75 between Miami and Naples), and the Bee Line Expressway (Orlando to Cape Canaveral) are examples. Many coastal islands have bridges at which a fare is also charged.

Blue Badge Permits
You do not need to apply for a temporary permit to qualify for disabled parking during your visit to Florida. Simply display your UK-issued Blue Badge permit prominently inside your hire car. It is also a good idea to travel with documentation of your disability.

Local Representatives
The accommodation suppliers or the property owner’s local management agents act as our representative to you while you are holiday in the USA. They will assist you with any service or information you require with regard to either your accommodation or local information. Most US destinations and all the Florida resorts have local tourist information offices where you can obtain a list of leisure amenities, shops, restaurants, discount vouchers, area maps or ask any questions you have. These USA tourist offices have a very friendly approach and attitude to overseas visitors and they are more than happy to help you in any way they can. Your representative or management agent will know where the nearest office is located.

Climate
Florida’s temperatures generally average from the mid-50s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (about 12 – 30 Celsius). Temperatures in the northern part of the state occasionally drop to freezing in winter, while South Florida’s subtropical areas rarely see frosts or freezes. Summers are very warm and humid, though frequent, brief rain showers provide a refreshing break. The “rainy season” lasts from May through October. Hurricanes occasionally make landfall in Florida during this period; communities within the state have effective emergency plans to assist residents and visitors alike. Though some rainfall does occur at other times of year, late fall, winter and spring are usually sunny, dry and temperate.

Telephone
Most long-distance and international calls can be dialled directly from any phone. 

For calls within the United States and to Canada, dial 1 followed by the area code and the seven-digit number. For international calls, dial 0-1-1 followed by the country code, city code, and the telephone number of the person you are calling. Calls to area codes 800, 888, 866, and 877 are freephone numbers.

For reversed-charge or collect calls and for person-to-person calls, dial 0 (zero, not the letter “O”) followed by the area code and number you want. Specify to the operator that you are calling collect or person-to-person, or both. If your operator-assisted call is international, ask for the overseas operator. For directory assistance within the U.S., dial 4-1-1.

Electricity
The U.S. uses 110-120 volts, 60 cycles is standard. If your small appliances use 220-240 volts, you'll need to bring a voltage converter and a plug adapter with two flat parallel pins.

Currency
The dollar is the basic unit of American currency. It is divided into 100 cents. The most common bills are $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. All bills are green and look very similar – look for the dollar amount and the picture of a different president on each one. Commonly used coins are the penny (1 cent), nickel (5 cents), dime (10 cents) and quarter (25 cents). Foreign currency is not accepted.

You can exchange currency at most major airports, banks, at private exchange offices such as American Express or Thomas Cook, and at some hotels. Foreign currency exchange offices at international airports are usually open until the last international flight comes in, Monday through Saturday. Most banks are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some are also open on Saturday mornings.

Travellers cheques are still the safest way to travel with large amounts of money and they are accepted at most locations. Credit cards are widely accepted by hotels, shops, restaurants and car hire companies. Be aware that sales tax (usually 6 to 7 percent) will be added to most prices at shops, restaurants and attractions.

You’ll find Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) in banks, grocery stores, in shopping malls and at many petrol stations.

US National Holidays
Banks, government offices and post offices are closed on the National Holidays listed below. In addition, some attractions and many stores, restaurants and museums may be closed or have limited hours (call ahead to check).

January 1 (New Year's Day)
the third Monday in January (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
the third Monday in February (Presidents' Day)
the last Monday in May (Memorial Day)
July 4 (Independence Day)
the first Monday in September (Labour Day)
the second Monday in October (Columbus Day)
November 11 (Veterans' Day)
the fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day)
December 25 (Christmas)