Eyewitness Travel Family Guide Florida

by DK

  J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

  Named for a conservationist who was instrumental in preserving the area, this Sanibel Island preserve (see J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge) boasts an enormous bird population. Endangered manatees, sea turtles, and Florida crocodiles shelter here as well. See the refuge on a 5-mile (8-km) self-guided driving trail, on a guided tram tour, or by hiking, biking, or canoeing.

  www.fws.gov/dingdarling

  Wakulla Springs State Park

  Turtles, alligators, deer, and many birds are just a few of the wild animals at home in these environs (see Wakulla Springs State Park) near Tallahassee. Riverboat tours are offered daily, while glass-bottom boat tours over the springs, in late winter and early spring, give a chance to spot the fossilized remains of mastodons at the bottom. Well known as the location of three Tarzan movies with Johnny Weissmuller, the park’s wooded area has nature trails, and a playground.

  www.floridastateparks.org

  Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

  The Crystal River is one of the state’s largest manatee wintering grounds, home to about 200 of these unusual creatures. The refuge, established in 1983 to protect the endangered manatee, is accessible only by boat. Several operators at the marina in the town of Crystal River offer glass-bottom boat tours, and snorkeling tours that allow the whole family to swim with the manatees.

  Manatee feeding at Homosassa Springs

  www.fws.gov/refuge/crystal_river

  Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

  This vast refuge (see Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge) has coastal dunes, and saltwater and freshwater marshland, with habitats for over 1,500 species. Explore the area on a 6-mile (10-km) drive, nature trails, a manatee observation deck and boardwalk, or canoe waterways.

  www.fws.gov/merrittisland

  Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

  Watch manatees swim in the upper Gulf Coast’s Homosassa Springs and see fish up close from the Fish Bowl, a floating underwater observatory – only in this case people are inside and the fish are outside the bowl!

  www.floridastateparks.org

  < Introducing Florida

  Getting to Florida

  The busy skyline of downtown Miami

  Among the most popular destinations in the US, Florida attracts millions of visitors each year. The state is served by two major international airports and several important secondary airports. It is a good idea to read up on entry requirements and be ready with all necessary credentials, including passports for children, to ensure a hassle-free entry. Advance planning will also help to get the best fares.

  US entry requirements

  Nationals of 40 countries, including most European nations, do not need a visa to travel to the US for stays of less than 90 days, but travelers must apply in advance for authorization to travel via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Note the authorization number and keep a print-out for reference. Citizens of all other countries need a valid visa. The Transportation Security Administration provides information on security regulations for travelers. Visitors arriving by air or sea no longer need to complete the US Customs and Border Protection agency I-94/I-94W form, because all information is now collected by the agency through electronic travel records. The agency will issue an I-94 form at border ports of entry.

  Transportation Security Administration www.tsa.gov

  US Customs and Border Protection, ESTA www.cbp.gov

  Arriving by air

  The airports at Miami (MIA) and Orlando (MCO) serve most international flights and have frequent connections from other US cities. Major airlines, including Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic, arrive at both airports. Aer Lingus flies to Orlando, and Miami also has services on Air Berlin and many South American airlines. British Airways also has flights to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Tampa (TPA). Tampa is the major airport for the Gulf Coast destinations, while Jacksonville (JAX) is the main gateway to northern Florida. Several domestic airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta, and United, offer frequent services to Florida.

  Air fares are lowest between April and mid-November, except for holiday periods. For those traveling with children, direct flights are more convenient, although expensive.

  FLL www.fll.net

  JAX www.airport-jacksonville.com

  MIA www.miami-airport.com

  MCO www.orlandoairports.net

  TPA www.tampaairport.com

  Aer Lingus www.aerlingus.com

  Air Berlin www.airberlin.com

  Air Canada www.aircanada.com

  Air France www.airfrance.com

  American Airlines www.aa.com

  British Airways www.britishairways.com

  Delta www.delta.com

  United www.united.com

  Virgin Atlantic www.virgin-atlantic.com

  Airport transfers

  All major airports have counters that arrange onward transport, but do check with your hotel in advance about an airport shuttle service. Car rental companies (see Getting around Florida) have booths at all airports.

  The Airport Flyer express bus costs $2.35 from MIA to downtown Miami or Miami Beach. A taxi fare for one to five people averages $22 to downtown and a $32 flat fee to Miami Beach. Shared rides such as the Super Shuttle average $26 for the first person to downtown or the beach, and $11 for each extra person.

  MCO is about 16 miles (25 km) from Walt Disney World® Resort, and the 30–45-min taxi ride costs $40–60. Shuttle buses charge $21 per person, $34 for a round trip. The local bus is slow but affordable at $4 per person.

  Airport Flyer www.miami-airport.com/bus_and_rail_info.asp

  Super Shuttle www.supershuttle.com

  Arriving by rail

  Amtrak is the national rail system in the US, with stops in Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. These are not high-speed trains, may require a night on board, and are pricier than airplanes. Check the Amtrak website for family rates and frequent specials.

  Amtrak www.amtrak.com

  Arriving by bus

  Greyhound is the largest intercity US bus line. Its newer buses have ample leg room, and electrical outlets. Book tickets online in advance and check for family discounts and other offers.

  Greyhound www.greyhound.com

  Arriving by car

  Florida has a great road system and welcome centers offering information along the main highways. I-95 serves the east coast and I-75 covers central Florida, with connecting roads to the west coast. The main west coast artery, Route 41, is not an expressway and is slow, so it is better to use I-75 and consult a map. The expressways from east to west include I-10 across northern Florida and I-4 connecting Orlando to Tampa. In the south, I-75 goes through the Everglades. The Beach Line Expressway, between Orlando and the Space Coast, and the Florida Turnpike, from Orlando to south of Miami, are toll roads. I-95 becomes congested between Fort Lauderdale and Miami and is best avoided during the morning and evening rush hours.

  Arriving by sea

  Florida has America’s most popular cruise ports, with excellent facilities, porters to help with baggage, and plentiful taxis. Several cruises from South America, the Caribbean, and Europe sail to Florida ports. Seabourn, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean are well-known cruise lines. Most cruises come into Fort Lauderdale, the largest and busiest port, and also the most convenient for air connections to other cities. The Disney Cruise Line ships arrive at Cape Canaveral. The two other major ports, Miami and Tampa, have connections from the cruise docks by taxi or shuttle to downtown or the airport.

  The Royal Caribbean cruise ship Enchantment of the Seas docked at the Key West cruise terminal

  Disney Cruise Line disneycruise.disney.go.com

  Holland America www.hollandamerica.com

  Royal Caribbean www.royalcaribbean.com

  Seabourn www.seabourn.com

  < Introducing Florida

  Getting around Florida

&n
bsp; The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail plying between Disney parks and resorts

  While train and bus connections are available between major cities, it is more economical and convenient for a family to rent a car. Florida is an easy state to navigate, with excellent roads and good signage. Larger cities have public transportation and many towns offer sightseeing trolleys, but the routes are limited and having a car will allow you to be flexible. RVs are also a good way to travel, especially since campsites blanket the state.

  In-state connections

  Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Tampa airports (see Getting to Florida) offer connections to smaller cities around the state, usually on small commuter planes. Amtrak trains connect Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and Miami, while Greyhound buses serve smaller destinations, with an express service between Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Red Coach, Megabus, and The Florida Express Bus offer services between cities, airports, and cruise terminals. However, fares can be costly for a family, making it more economical, and quicker, to travel by car. Most of the popular destinations are within a 4- or 5-hour drive of each other. Distances that may be worth the cost of a flight, are from south to north, from Miami to destinations such as Tallahassee (466 miles/750 km), or Panama City (558 miles/898 km).

  By car or RV

  Car rental agencies, including Avis, Budget, and Thrifty, are found at all airports and in larger cities around the state. Rates vary with the seasons, but are generally less than $200 for a week’s rental of a small car. Agencies require the driver to be over 21 (or 25 in some cases), with a valid driver’s license and a major credit card. All US and most foreign licenses are accepted, but getting an international license is a good idea if your license is not in English. If your home auto insurance does not cover travel, consider buying insurance when renting. Note that state and local taxes can add up to 20 percent to the bill. Reserving in advance saves money. Travel sites such as Expedia also give a good overview of the car rental rates in an area. Gas stations are plentiful, but many are closed at night. Florida’s population centers have heavy traffic from 7 to 9am and 3:30 to 6pm, so avoid these times if possible.

  Driving regulations

  All US traffic travels on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are 20–30 mph (32–48 km/h) in commercial and residential areas, and 55 mph (88 km/h) on highways except Interstate expressways, where the limit goes up to 70 mph (112 km/h). Most road signs are clear and easy to understand. Right turns are allowed at a red stoplight, unless signs indicate otherwise. Florida law requires all occupants to wear seat belts, and a federally approved infant carrier or car seat must be used for kids of 5 and under. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website is the best source for driving regulations.

  RV Travel

  Recreational vehicles (RVs), or mobile homes, can be great for families, providing comfortable quarters as well as transportation. Companies such as Cruise America and USA RV Rentals offer rentals in a variety of sizes to fit all budgets. Many RV campgrounds are mini-resorts, with plenty of amenities (see Campgrounds).

  Avis www.avis.com

  Budget www.budget.com

  Cruise America www.cruiseamerica.com

  Expedia www.expedia.com

  Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 840 617 2000; flhsmv.gov

  Thrifty www.thrifty.com

  USA RV Rentals www.usarvrentals.com

  Public transportation

  Most of Florida’s cities have bus services, but the need is small and the time between buses can be an hour or more. Miami Beach is well served by two routes of the South Beach Local bus, and Walt Disney World® Resort is also served by buses, trams, boats, and a monorail. Beach towns such as Bradenton and Sarasota have tourist trolleys connecting town and beach, and the Suncoast Beach Trolley connects all the beaches from Clearwater to St. Petersburg.

  South Beach Local www.miamidade.gov/transit

  Suncoast Beach Trolley www.psta.net/beachtrolley.php

  By bike

  Florida is very bicycle-friendly and cycling families will find lanes almost everywhere to help them get around town, though pedaling on busy thoroughfares may be a bit intimidating. Those keen on longer tours can sample the Pinellas Trail, which stretches from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg, passing through pretty towns and scenic coastal areas for 43 miles (69 km). The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail runs for 61 miles (98 km) between the villages of the Keys, with peerless views of ocean and Gulf waters on either side. Check out Bike Florida for more information and ideas.

  A bike route signboard in Sanibel Island

  Bike Florida www.bikeflorida.org

  By boat

  The Intracoastal Waterway parallels the Atlantic coastline of Florida for 380 miles (611 km), and offers calm water for sailing or motorboats. Boat rentals are available in many towns, particularly in Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Boats with a crew can also be chartered. Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi and Delray Beach Cruises offer sightseeing cruises.

  Great Rivers of Florida, a 7-day cruise offered by American Cruise Lines on the American Glory riverboat from Jacksonville, takes passengers along the St. Johns and Tolomato rivers, passing through Ocala National Forest and with stops at St. Augustine and Amelia Island. Houseboating offers the chance to explore the islands of southwestern Florida around Sanibel, cruise the Keys, or discover the beauty of the St. Johns or Suwannee rivers. Operators such as Suwannee Houseboats offer rentals by the day, the weekend, or the week.

  American Cruise Lines www.americancruiselines.com

  Delray Beach Cruises www.delraybeachcruises.com

  Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi www.watertaxi.com

  Suwannee Houseboats www.suwanneehouseboats.com

  < Introducing Florida

  Useful Information

  Sunbathing near a lifeguard tower at South Beach, Miami

  Florida is well prepared with all the practical facilities and services visitors might need, from health care to Wi-Fi connections and ATMs. Advance planning will help to keep things running smoothly and avoid any travel hassles, which can be magnified when holidaying with kids. Travel insurance is always a wise investment for visitors arriving from other countries.

  Insurance

  The high cost of medical care for non-US residents in America, and the difficulties of lost luggage or flight delays, mean that travel insurance is essential. Policies should cover emergency medical and dental care, trip cancellation, and both baggage and travel document loss. Transportation back home in case of emergency is another option to consider. Your travel agent or insurance company can recommend a suitable policy.

  Health

  Prescription medications should always be carried in hand baggage, along with general medications for headache, allergies, or stomach upset. Keep prescriptions in their original containers with pharmacy labels so they will pass easily through airport security. Notify security officials if carrying any special items, such as supplies for diabetics. Bring sunscreen for protection from the strong Florida sun, and carry bottled water to avoid dehydration.

  Medical emergencies

  Your hotel can recommend a nearby doctor or walk-in facility. While physicians and dentists usually accept credit cards, some may want payment in cash. The locations of hospital emergency rooms can be found online, or in the yellow pages of the local telephone book. Pharmacies are listed on the map pages in this book. Dial 911 for an ambulance.

  Police, ambulance, fire 911

  US Department of State www.usembassy.gov

  Personal safety

  It pays to be alert, especially to pickpockets, in cities or crowded amusement parks. Keep wallets safe in an inside pocket and carry bags in the crook of the elbow, close to the body. Bags with shoulder straps should go over the head and across the body, and all bags should be kept in the lap in restaurants. Do not flash smartphones or tablets about, and avoid bringing expensive jewelry. Cash must not be left unattended at the beach; waterproof containers that hang ar
ound the neck can be purchased from travel stores.

  Use the hotel safe to hold passports, a credit card, and some cash; laptops or tablets can fit into many safes. Bringing a photocopy of your passport and credit cards will help with quick replacements in case they are lost. At night, ask the hotel concierge if a neighborhood is safe before venturing out.

  Keep your hotel room locked when inside, and don’t put out the “make up the room” sign when you go out for the day. Make sure that luggage is only given to a member of the hotel staff, and that a receipt is issued for stored luggage. Never leave luggage unattended at airports, at taxi stands, or in hotel lobbies.

  Calling 911 is the quickest way to reach the police to report a crime, in case of a fire, or to summon help if you are hurt. If valuables are lost or stolen, make sure you get a copy of the police report for your insurance claim at home. Contact the embassy of your home country if your passport is lost. The US Department of State website has contact information for all foreign embassies in the US.