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!

Driving in the USA is, for most people, much easier than driving in the UK. The roads are generally wider and less congested (apart from the I4 at rush hour!), and automatic transmission and cruise control add to the enjoyment. We have found that American drivers are much more courteous than European drivers and this may or may not be due to the American perceived right to bear arms.  Certainly it is not generally a good idea to gesticulate to someone who may have a gun in his glove box.

Speed limits, contrary to popular belief, are very similar to the UK and obviously should be obeyed. Speed cameras are happily few and far between in the States, but look out for those sheriff cars parked sneakily on central reservations!

There are no roundabouts of course, but you have to contend with the “four way stops” where there is no clear right of way. At these intersections, drivers must look at the other stops to see if there are any other vehicles stopped or moving. The idea is that vehicles leave the stop signs in the same order in which they arrived. The first vehicle to arrive at a complete stop is the first vehicle allowed to leave the stop sign by the other drivers. It actually works very well, although I can’t imagine drivers in the UK being so patient!

On the subject of all “Stop” signs, it can’t be emphasised enough that “Stop” does mean “stop”. It does not mean “slow down” a bit. Make sure that you come to a complete halt before proceeding. Many Brits have been prosecuted for failing to observe the distinction.

On the plus side, in Florida it is usually quite legal to turn right at a red light if it is safe to do so – but stop at the “Stop” sign first. (There are some exceptions, and there will be a sign at the intersection in those cases informing you that it is not allowed at that particular place).

Finally I come to the “school bus”. I can’t begin to explain the cold sweats that come over me when I see one of those iconic yellow vehicles as there is U.S. legislation regarding passing or overtaking them. Basically, if they stop to let children off, lights flash and traffic from either direction must immediately stop, no closer than 100 feet from the bus, and not move off again until the bus does so, or the lights cease to flash.

Having said that, I have found driving in Florida a comparative pleasure, and it is a great way to explore the real out-of-the-way Florida.

Please do not take my jottings here as any definitive information on US driving, but do take some time to acquaint yourself with the official US driving laws. Drive happy!

Andy Brownlie