Florida Guide > Travelling
Do I need a car?
First time to Florida – do I need to hire a car?
My resolute answer would be ‘yes! ’
However I have known several guests who have chosen not to do so – and I will try here to put the fors and againsts!
If you have never visited Florida, or indeed the USA, before you may not realise the sheer vastness. It is so true that every thing is so much bigger than in Europe!
There is so much land that everything is more spread out. Roads are much bigger and wider and as the locals all tend to drive there isn’t much option for public transport and very few pavements (sidewalks).
Don’t be frightened at the thought of driving in Florida. Understandably many first time visitors are worried about driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road’, and coupled with the worry of not being familiar with road signs, and also the fear of not knowing the route, decide not to hire a car.
Please don’t worry!
Driving in Florida is very easy indeed!
All cars are automatic so no need to worry about having to operate a gear stick with the ‘wrong’ hand. The road system is very straightforward and your hire car company will let you have a road map of the area (if they don’t offer – ask! ). Roads are several lanes, very straight and very easy to drive on!
If you still feel apprehensive then try getting a taxi from the airport to your accommodation and in a day or so you may decide to rent a car after all!
However, if driving is really not for you then what are your options?
There are buses but frankly the public transport system isn’t greats. Try booking a villa on a community where there is shuttle bus service to the theme parks and shopping areas. This will cost about $10 per person per trip but is very good and just about door to door.
The local taxi firms are used to servicing tourists who don’t want to drive and are happy to do a trip to the local supermarket for a nominal amount. In my experience taxi drivers are personable and very keen to do further business and you may well end up with the same driver for the whole holiday! Your villa will have details of the local taxi firms.
When you are booking your holiday ask if the villa is within walking distance of shops and restaurants – many are.
Whatever you decide………Enjoy!
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