When staying in an Orlando Disney villa, the following tips may be helpful to you.

Remember to complete your ESTA form for all members traveling.  Florida requires this to be completed before you check in at the airport.  If you do not complete an ESTA, you will not be allowed to travel.  Go to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov to complete the form ($14 per person as of 14.02.2011).  Be wary of some web-sites offering to complete the form for you at a higher cost.  The form is really easy to complete and will only take around 5 minutes per person.

If possible, pre-book you seats on the plane well in advance of flying (you can do this with most major airlines such as Virgin, BAA, Delta, completely free of charge).  Some charter airlines may charge extra.  Once the seats are booked you know your family will be traveling together and this just takes a little pressure off you wondering where you will be seated.  Ask your travel agent for the “locator number” and log into the airline web-site and manage your booking from there.

What clothes to take.  Packing for Florida is really easy, most people wear casual clothing such as t-shirts, shorts, trainers etc.  You may need a pair of trousers or a light jumper for the evenings in late Autumn / Winter but most of the time shorts and t-shirt are just fine.  If you are staying in an Orlando Disney villa, you will almost certainly have a washer and tumble dryer and so there is no need to pack enormous amounts of clothing.  In the Florida climate, clothes also dry very quickly.

Without doubt, you will need a swimming costume but nearly all Disney villa owners supply towels and so there is no need to pack these (just check with the owner before you travel).  If for some strange reason, your Florida villa owner does not include towels, then I would suggest you do not pack any but buy a couple in the cheap tourist shops for a couple of dollars and then throw them away before you go home.  By doing this, you will leave plenty of room in your suitcases for everything you buy to bring back. Most items in the US of A are cheaper than in the UK.  This is particularly true for trainers, trousers, t-shirts.  Some DVD’s can be cheaper, but check that they will play on your player in the UK.  Also, remember that you are only allowed to bring home around £140 of goods per person, unlike the EEC where you can bring back much more.

No doubt, you will be visiting Disney, Universal or some other parks and you will be doing a lot of walking and be on your feet for a good few hours during the day.  For this reason you will need some good footwear.  Most people wear trainers as they are practical and also comfortable.

Please remember that there are very strict rule regarding taking food into Florida.  You are allowed to take jars of food (such as Marmite – love it or hate it !!!), but items such as bananas, apples, meat etc are definitely forbidden.  Do not even try it as there a really cute dogs at immigration, sniffing all around your bags, and they will find you out.  Most items you will need will be found in Wal-Mart, Publix etc.  They even have their own brands of corn Flakes etc., and are cheaper than buying known UK brands.

Even people with who have special dietary requirements should be able to find most things at Wal-Mart or Publix.  These two large stores stock gluten free products and soya milk for those who are lactose intolerant.

Sun screen and sun barrier are an absolute must in Florida.  The sun gets very, very hot.  Be extra careful while in the pool as the cool water will seem to negate the heat of the sun.  It is only when you get out of the pool that you realize how much you may have been burnt.  Be especially careful with small children.

If you are taking a good quality camera with you, then we would suggest you purchase a good quality camera bag that will protect the camera from the afternoon storms that can occur in Florida and also from the potential splashing while you are on the water rides.   If you buy a bag that also has a loop that slips on to your belt, this will help to ensure you do not lose the camera.  Any god camera shop will sell these for around £10.

Do not forget to pack things like Aspirin or other medication you might need in your hand luggage.  If you need it, it is readily available.

And last but certainly not least (in fact probably most important), take a small document wallet with you to keep all you important documents together.  These should be your passports (remember you need at least 6 months from your date of return left on your passport before your passport expires to enter the US of A).  you should also keep you car hire voucher, Disney tickets etc, drivers licence, insurance policy, travelers cheques, directions to your Disney villa in the wallet.  If you keep these all in one place they are easier to find and in my opinion much safer than being in various other places.

It is also a very good idea to take some photocopies of these documents and give them to another member of your party to keep just in case the originals are lost.  It is so much easier obtaining a replacement passport if you have a copy of the original.  Also keep the travelers cheques separate from their numbers so if they are lost, you will still have the numbers that you can report as being lost and replacements will be easier to obtain.

We hope the above tips will help you holiday to be a little less worrying.  Remember, if you prepare properly everything will run smoothly.

Miami installed the first bank automated teller machine especially for rollerbladers.

Ybor city was once known as the Cigar Capital of the World with nearly 12,000 tabaqueros (cigar makers) employed in 200 factories.  Ybor city produced and estimated 700 million cigars a year at the industry’s peak.

Plant City, the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, holds the Guinness record for the worlds largest strawberry shortcake.  The 827 square foot, 6000 pound cake was made on February 19, 1999 in McCall Park.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a cable-stayed concrete bridge.  Opened in 1987, the bridge coasts through the clouds at 190 feet above water.  Its bright yellow support cables spread from the two centre pillars.  The structure gives drivers an unobstructed view of the water during the 4.1 mile trip over Tampa Bay.

Nearly 80 percent of Floridas intake of Atlantic white shrimp is harvested in Amelia Island waters.  Two million pounds of shrimp are delivered to Fernandina docks every year.

A swamp such as Fakahatchee Strand in the Everglades functions in three major ways as follows.  First, its vegetation serves as a filter to clean the water as it makes its slow journey southward.  Secondly, it is a major habitat for wildlife and plant life.  Finally, it actually prevents flooding by slowing down the flow of river water after heavy rains.

DeFuniak Springs is home to one of the two naturally round lakes in the world.

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens at Delray Beach is the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to the living culture of Japan.

Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America because the city has 185 miles of local waterways.

Fort Meade is the oldest settlement in Polk County.  It dates back to 1849 when a settlement grew up around the United States Cavalry for during the Seminole Indian Wars.

The Fred Bear Museum in Gainesville is a tribute to the accomplishments of Fred Bear, a promoter of proper wildlife management and the founder of Bear Archery Company.

The Hawthorne Trail, is a part of Floridas Rails to Trails programme and attracts many outdoor enthusiasts to walk, cycle or ride horseback through its 17 mile length.

Just North of Haines City is the Baseball City Stadium which is the Spring training home of the Kansas City Royals.  Haines City is known as the Heart of Florida.

The city of Hypoluxos name comes from the Seminole expression “water all around” – no get out.

Islamorada is billed as the Sports Fishing Capital of the World.

Key Largo is known as the Dive Capital of the World.

Marathon is home to Crane Point Hammock, a 63.5 acre land tract that is one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in the Keys.  The area contains evidence of pre-Columbian and prehistoric Bahamian artefacts, and was once the site of an entire Indian village.

Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West was built between 1845 and 1866.  Controlled by the Union during the Civil War, the fort was the home base for a successful blockade of Confederate ships that some historians say shortened the conflict by a full year.  The fort was also active during the Spanish-American War, World War 1 and World War 2.

The first graded road was built in Florida was Old Kings Road in 1763.  It was named for King George of England.

During the 1991 Gulf War, the busiest military port in the United States was Jacksonville.  From here, the military moved more supplies and people than any other port in the country.

When first completed, in 1989, the Dame Point Bridge became the longest cable-stayed span in the United States, the longest concrete span of its type in the Western Hemisphere and the third longest cable-stayed bridge in the world.

The longest river sailboat race in the world is the Annual Mug Race.  The event runs 42 miles from Palatka to Jacksonville along the St. Johns River.

Why not try a short cruise during your next stay in Florida. Orlando is an idea starting point for a cruise. The nearby port of Port Canaveral is only a sixty minute drive and has terminals for Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian and Carnival Cruise Lines.

From here, you can sail off into the sunset on a 3, 4, or 7-day voyage to the Bahamas, the Caribbean or Mexico’s Gulf resorts.

            We took a 3 day cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas to the Bahamas and Royal Caribbean’s own private island of Coco Cay. There are car parking facilities at the terminal within walking distance. Check in was straight forward and hassle free and your cruise experience begins immediately.

            The food, service and entertainment are first class and all staff are extremely helpful and friendly. Atlantis in Nassau was amazing to see but the highlight was definitely the visit to the uninhabited Coco Cay. This was a picturesque tropical island with clear water, silver sand and palm trees. If you take the nature trail through the island – a 15 minute walk- you arrive on the other side of the island where you will find peace, tranquillity, stunning beach scenes – paradise. Food is taken ashore from the ship for a buffet style lunch.

            Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas departs from Port Canaveral to the Eastern and Western Caribbean visiting places such as St Thomas, St Maarten, Jamaica, Haiti, Cayman Islands and Cozumel in Mexico. There is always something for everyone whilst cruising from spa treatments, sunbathing, exercising in the gymnasium, various informative talks, dining, bars and casino and fantastic evening entertainment as well as numerous shore excursions when docked. For the more adventurous there is the Rock Climbing Wall or the Flowrider to practice your surfing skills.

            The children are very well catered for and have their own kids club and also a teenagers club with their own personal area of the ship.

            Cruise holidays are a great way to meet new people, gives you the opportunity to visit many new places and your hotel accommodation travels with you. The staterooms are not large but are adequate for 2 people. It is worthwhile having an Oceanview room or better still a room with a balcony where you can sit out in the warm evenings and watch the sunset. Watch out for late deals (we had a 3 night Bahamas cruise for $129.00 each) and enjoy the experience.

We reckon that car hire is pretty well essential for any Florida vacation – after all, with so many attractions, shopping malls, restaurants within such a short drive, why wouldn’t you want to ’spread your wings’.  And just a bit further afield, don’t forget the fabulous beaches on the Gulf Coast, or the Space Centre on the Atlantic Coast.

Or the golf courses, or top level professional sport…..

You will find a link for great value car hire at the home page of this site.  But what should you look for?

What Size Car?

Cars are available in many sizes – from small ‘compact’ cars (ideal for small families) right up to a 15 seat minibus.  But it’s not just the number of people a car will seat – it’s just as important to check that there is enough room for all the luggage you will take.  It helps that your villa will have washing and drying facilities, so there is no need to pack too many clothes.  Although bear in mind that there are some great shopping opportunities, and you may have more luggage to bring home with you.

Where is the car hire depot?

Whilst some visitors to Florida arrange a transfer to their villa, most pick their car up at the airport.  Some companies have their depot at the airport, whilst some are ‘off-airport’.  You may wish to check whether you have to catch a bus before you can collect your car.  Whilst the journey to the depot will not be long, many travellers prefer to collect their car at the earliest opportunity and ‘hit the road’

What Package?

Most car hire companies offer a choice of package – check what is offered, and compare the costs.  Extras included in packages may include extra drivers and a tank of fuel, although the most important is to check that insurance and all taxes are included (this will usually be the case)

Fly-Drive

Fly-drive packages can be convenient, and include car hire – but check whether you are required to pay extra for tax and insurance.  Where this is not included, the additional costs may be more than buying a separate car hire package.

Whichever you decide, driving in Florida is a joy – enjoy your vacation!

When planning for your vacation in an Orlando Disney villa, please, please remember to buy adequate travel insurance, especially for medical cover.  We recommend a minimum of $10 million coverage.

The USA is not a place to travel to without proper cover.  They do not have a National Health Service like we do in the UK and costs can be extremely high.

If you visit a hospital or medical centre, the first thing they will ask is if you are insured.  Then they will ask what is wrong with you.

If you go onto the web, you will find a multitude of companies offering discount travel insurance to the USA.  This is often much cheaper than taking out insurance through a travel agent.  We have a multi trip annual policy covering 2 adults and 2 children and we pay just £70 per year.  Always take out your insurance as soon as you have booked the flight / villa / accommodation.  This will insure you are covered immediately.  Do not wait until just before your holiday.

Make sure you take the policy with you on holiday.  In the event that you do need medical help at a hospital or medical centre, they will ask if you are insured and able to pay for treatment.  You should phone your insurer immediately to advise them that you are ill and request authorization from them for the treatment.  Costs can be very expensive.  I had pneumonia a few years back, and the treatment including x-rays, blood test and a few hours in hospital came to over £2,000.  Fortunately, I was fully covered and only had to pay a £35 excess.  Nowadays, our policy does not even have an excess.

Minor treatments by doctors can also be expensive compared to the UK.  By the time you have had a consultation and some medication, the bill can be up to £200.  Check you policy to see if you can obtain treatment up to a certain limit before you need your insurers ok to proceed.  If this is the case, be sure to keep all receipts as these will be required by your insurer (without them you may not be reimbursed).  If possible, obtain the name of the doctor you see as this may help in the event of any queries.

The other form of cover you should obtain is for lost or damaged luggage (either by accident or theft).  If you do need to make a claim for lost luggage, you need to report it to the airport authorities if the loss is at the airport or to the police if it is in Florida while you are on holiday.  You will need an incident number to give to your insurer.

Always remember to lock the villa, keep your wallet hidden, and just be cautious as you would in England and the chance of losing valuables is very small.

Have a great holiday in your Orlando Disney villa.

As always, the key to a successful trip is proper planning.  If you have a clear view of every stage of the journey it will flow more smoothly than if you are having to react to a series of minor disasters which are being flung at you.

The issue we all have with air travel is that it is always rush, then wait, rush then wait.  You rush to the airport to ensure you can check in on time and get the seats you want.  However, you may have a long wait in the queue to get rid of your luggage and obtain your boarding passes.  Then we rush to passport control and again we may have to wait a long time in a line.  Once through passport control, we have perhaps 3 to 4 hours to wait for boarding.  We have a cup of coffee, perhaps a bite to eat.  It seems to go on and on.  With all the added security measures in place at airports, you must be prepared to wait for some hours at the airport.  If you have older children, they can often amuse them selves on a PSP, Game Boy or even the old fashioned reading of a book.  If you have younger children it can be more challenging to keep them amused.  Some airports do have play areas for them and this can help a lot.  Always try and take along a small, cheap favourite toy they can play with.  Being cheap, if it gets lost, then it does not matter too much.

Once on board, always remember to exercise when possible and at least once an hour.  Walk up and down the plane, or flex your feet.  This may well help to prevent DVT (Deep vein thrombosis).  Also remember to drink plenty of fluids (water – not beer !!!).

Take an Aspirin just before you fly.  Aspirin helps to thin the blood and so helps prevent DVT.  Make sure you only take the one as Aspirin does have side effects.

If you smoke, please remember that all flights are non smoking.  Many areas of the airport are also non smoking.  Please do not be tempted to nip into the toilet for a quick drag.  The toilets have smoke detectors and smoking will set them off.  It is a Federal Offence to smoke in the toilets and if caught, you will be prosecuted.

During your journey, you will need to complete a green Visa Waiver from and also a blue and white customs form.  The green form must be completed for all members of your party.  The customs form only needs to be completed for a family.  Most UK citizens can enter the USA on the waiver form for up to 6 months.  Once you have completed the forms, keep them handy with your passport to hand to customs and Immigration at your destination airport.  Be aware that if you have any kind of criminal record, have been a member of any organisation likely to be of interest to the security services or even if you have ever been detained in connection with certain offences, you are not eligible for the visa waiver scheme. If this applies to you, you should contact the American Embassy to ask their advice before you book your holiday. The UK and America share various form of information and you may well be refused entry to the country if you do not have the necessary visa.

When you land, just follow the crowds to immigration. You need to wait in line patiently.  Remember that these employees are keeping an eye out for illegal immigrants and terrorists etc.  They take their jobs very seriously.   We are all tired after a long flight, but please do be patient with them as they are only doing their job.  Answer all questions properly with out any form of joking.  If you do play them up, they can easily just put you back on the next flight.  Treat them with respect and your path through immigration will be uneventful.  At immigration you may well find small dogs sniffing around your hand luggage.  They are looking for food, which you are not allowed to bring into the country.

After immigration, you need to collect your luggage from the carousels and move onto to customs.   Usually this is quite painless and you go through quite quickly.  If you are unfortunate, you may be selected to have your cases opened which will hold you up for a short while.  So long as you have nothing to hide you will soon be on your way.

Once through customs, you need to go to the car rental desks to collect your rental car.  Make sure you have the car rental voucher with you, plus driving license and credit card.  You will probably be asked if you would like to upgrade your car and if you do consider this, always try bargaining.  You may get a really good deal.  Make sure you have some change with you for any tolls you may pass through. 

We hope you found this article interesting and helps you arrive at your Orlando Disney villa fully refreshed.

First the bad news, Disney have gone ahead and increased their Day Ticket price by $3.00 to $82.00 for Adults & $74.00 for children, so it is even more important to look out for a good deal.

To follow up on a previous Article we made, there has been 6 arrests this month at kiosks along the 192 who are selling days left over from Multi day tickets, also 2 booths alongside Seaworld, so once again, we say, be very careful to buy you tickets at reputable dealers or face the massive disappointment of being refused entry when you reach the Park gate.

We thought that next years visitors may be interested to know the American holiday dates so they can avoid the crowds and queues when they plan their days out during their stay in Florida.

 See Chart Below

Happy Holidays, Mary & Larry

2011

Holiday                                                Date

New Year’s Day                                     January 1st

Birthday of Martin Luther King               Third Monday in January

Inauguration Day                                  January 20th every four years

Groundhog Day                                     February 2nd

Valentine’s Day                                     February 14th

Washington’s Birthday                           Third Monday in February since 1971

Inauguration Day                                   March 4th every four years

St Patrick’s Day                                     March 17th

April Fool’s Day                                    April 1st

Mothers’ Day                                        Second Sunday in May

Armed Forces Day                                 Third Saturday in May

Memorial Day                                        Last Monday in May since 1971

Flag Day                                               June 14th

Fathers’ Day                                         Third Sunday in June

Independence Day                                 July 4th

Parents’ Day                                         Fourth Sunday in July

Labor Day                                             First Monday in September

Grandparents’ Day                                 Sunday after Labor Day

Columbus Day                                       Second Monday in October

United Nations Day                                October 24th

Halloween                                             October 31st

Election Day                                          Tuesday on or after November 2

Veterans Day                                         November 11th

Thanksgiving Day                                  Fourth Thursday in November

Christmas Day                                       December 25th

Final Shuttle Launch Dates
NASA are reviewing the launch dates of the last two shuttles.
Discovery (STS-133) is due to lift off on September 16, 2010 but this might now may move to October 29.
The final mission by Endeavour (STS-134) due in late November would then slip to February 28, 2011.

Halloween (and Summer is not over!!!)Universal Horror Nights
Universal Orlando have announced the dates of this year’s Halloween Horror Nights. They are planning 24 nights between September 24 and October 31.
They can be really scarey for some children so be warned!! and check it out first.

Petrol Prices
Despite the disaster in the Gulf, petrol prices have dropped again with the average pump prices in Florida going down another 5 cents from $2.75 a gallon to $2.70 a gallon. Just wish the Parking Prices at the Parks would do the same!!

Hope this helps your holiday planning.

Happy Holidays     Mary & Larry

No matter what time of year it is, people who love Florida do not need an excuse to make their way to The Sunshine State for a little rest and relaxation.  Accommodation in Florida is remarkable with hundreds of Disney villas, Florida villas, Orlando villas, Florida vacation rentals and villas near Disney that are available to rent.

There are many reasons visit Florida for a vacation, but for those who do not know a lot about this lovely southern state here a few of the top reasons that make this Florida the US of A’s fourth most populous state.

Theme Parks – Many individuals would say this is their number one reason for taking a vacation Florida.  Theme park fanatics, most especially Disney fans, often head to The Sunshine State every year to get their dose of magic. Orlando, of course, is at the center of the theme park kingdom, with the four parks of the Walt Disney World complex, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, and SeaWorld Orlando.  However do not forget about Tampa’s Busch Gardens Africa, which is also an excellent amusement park, almost always landing on annual top 10 lists for theme park enthusiasts.

Beaches, beaches and more beaches – according to many people, this is the number one reason for coming to Florida.  The ability to sit on The Sunshine State’s incredible beaches and enjoy the soft sand, warm water, and beautiful sunsets you will find there.  Florida has thousands of miles of coastline and the beaches are many and quite varied in their type.  Choose your favorite, from Tony South Beach in Miami, the place to see and be seen, to the white sanded family oriented beaches of Siesta Key, near Sarasota.  There are also the Panhandle beaches like popular Destin or the beaches of the northeast, including Fernandina and Ponte Vedra, as well as the beaches of the Keys and those in the southwest, like Sanibel and Marco Islands.  Wherever you go, you will find a Florida beach where you can sun, swim, and enjoy the view.

Sports – Major league sports are a very important part of life in Florida.  With teams like the American League champion Tampa Bay Rays calling Florida home, it is no wonder some visitors head to The Sunshine State annually just to enjoy the sports that take place there all year round.  From NFL football to NHL hockey to pre-season and regular season baseball.  Add to that all the wonderful college teams in the state and it’s easy to understand why Florida is a sportsman’s mecca.

Nightlife – Nightlife sizzles in many parts of the Sunshine State.  On the east coast, the most popular nightlife spots are Miami Beach, Ft. Lauderdale (especially during Spring Break), West Palm Beach, and the other towns in that area.  In central Florida, the Walt Disney World complex has its Pleasure Island area 9currently being refurbished), where adults can party as if it is New Year’s Eve each and every night.  Universal’s City Walk appeals to nighttime revelers as well, with its many restaurants and bars.  On the west coast, Tampa’s lively Ybor City area is a favorite with the under 30 crowd, but the remainder of Gulf Coast beach towns also offer a good collection of nightclubs and other popular party spots geared towards various age groups.

National Parks/Natural Sites – Florida is home to about a dozen national parks, monuments, and seashores, all of which are a joy for the visitor to explore.  A must see is expansive Everglades National Park, which occupies much of the southwest portion of the state.  The largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S., the Everglades is home to many rare species of animals, birds, and plants, and an airboat ride to view them is a must.  State Parks throughout Florida are excellent as well, like Sarasota’s Myakka River Park where guests can experience a diverse natural area of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands; or the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, where visitors can take a prairie buggy ride along one of Florida’s largest stretches of dry prairie.

Watersports – Florida is a state surrounded by water and for this reason you will no doubt want to take advantage of the many watersports available there.  You can take your pick, from calm water related pursuits like fishing or sailing to more exciting adventures, such as jet skiing, SCUBA diving, kite or wind surfing, wake boarding, parasailing, and more.  With 8,500 miles of shoreline, 7,800 lakes, 320 springs and 35 rivers, the possibilities are endless!  Many beach hotels offer free use of non motorized watercraft and outfitters throughout the state peddle charter fishing cruises, dive lessons, and other opportunities which enable you to enjoy Florida’s beautifully warm waters.

Shopping – Every good vacation has a little shopping time built in (and why not).  In Florida, the shopping options are many and varied, ranging from upscale shops in ritzy South Beach, Miami and beautiful St. Armand’s Circle near Sarasota to popular outlets in Ellenton (near Tampa), St. Augustine, Naples, Florida City, and Orlando.  You’ll also find everything in between at the many malls that dot the Florida landscape.  For real bargains also try the Farmers Markets and Flea Markets dotted all around the state.

Key Lime Pie - Okay, you can get this pie in some other parts of the South too but this delightful confection originally had its start in the Florida Keys.  In fact, nearly every restaurant in the Keys, especially in Key West, serves this dessert.  The key lime tree arrived in Florida in the 1500s and recipes for the pie began appearing as early as the late 1800s, though it became really popular in the 1930s.  Some restaurants make it with graham cracker crust, others with pastry crust.  Either way, it’s a Florida must have several times over.

History – While most people tend to visit Florida for the recreation, the state’s interesting history is one of those side perks visitors can experience while exploring the region.  From the Spanish style architecture of St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied European established city in the U.S., to Tampa and its ties to the cigar industry, to the rich military history of the Panhandle, Florida excites and educates visitors who enjoy gaining a little knowledge while on vacation.

Arts and Culture – Florida is filled with museums and entertainment venues both up and down both the East and West coasts and everywhere in between.  Visitors can buy tickets for rock concerts, Broadway style shows, dinner theatre, and much more, in major cities like Tampa, Sarasota, Miami, Orlando, Tallahassee, Jacksonville etc.  Other cultural sites include incredible art museums (check out the Ringling Museum in Sarasota), history museums (found in nearly every county), aviation museums (like the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola), and science museums (including Tampa’s excellent Museum of Science and Industry).

As owners of a Gulf Coast villa in Rotonda, Englewood our preferred route is a flight from our home city of Bristol to Tampa via Newark Liberty Airport which is where Immigration and US Customs take place allowing for a relatively quick exit at Tampa to the car rental areas.   Alas this route will discontinue in late 2010 after six successful years; now it means back to starting from Heathrow.

Experience has told us over the years not to make a mad rush to the door of the aircraft once it reaches the gate although it is tempting having sat in a cramped seat for many hours and those with small children must be aching to get off the plane to have some space. No matter how quick or slow disembarking the aeroplane it will not make the luggage arrive into the luggage hall any quicker! ! !

Having made your way off the plane, blood having found where your legs are and you follow the crocodile of fellow passengers to the Immigration Hall the best advice I find is then to go and use the Rest Rooms!

US Nationals naturally ‘get in line’ on their own whilst all other passengers form a snaking queue at the head of which is generally a member of staff who will give a quick glance to your Visa Waiver or Visa form to ensure you have completed it correctly including the reverse portion on the Visa Waiver.

Generally you will not have a choice of which queue you then get allotted but if you are lucky enough to have a choice I would choose to stand behind what seem like business people as they seem to get through immigration without too many questions.

Upon reaching your allotted immigration officer, they after all just doing their job and protecting their country, they do often seem to be somewhat disinterested and we have known to have our details taken and passports stamped with barely a word spoken. On the other hand you can be lucky and get a cheerful officer who is glad to see the British in their country. Fingerprints and photographs taken and you then start the next portion of your Terminal voyage to the luggage hall.

Find the belt number according to your flight, and wait. Luggage trollies are chargeable but if it is easier to pull out a credit card than fumble around for your dollar currency by all means use a credit card. When you get to returning your luggage trolley to the rack make sure you wheel it onto the rail and then collect the returning quarter coin that will pop down into the tray.

Luggage collected, family gathered, white and blue customs forms handed to officer you are on your way.

Passengers travelling on an interconnecting flight must then locate the section whereby your newly found luggage will be, most probably, tossed onto yet another moving belt to disappear – some do miss flights if time is tight but in our experience they are brought to your door the following day, so a few essentials in hand luggage are generally worth it.

Happy travelling – just remember, sunshine, Mickey Mouse or the peace of the Gulf Beaches are there waiting for you.