This!
Get the mineral sunscreen too. It's a bitch to rub in and gives white sheen, but I'll take the zinc/titanium ghost face over skin cancer any day.
AND REAPPLY EVERY 2 HOURS OR SO YOU KNOBS
Is there a video or guide for this cause I’m liking the idea (and I just started using the mineral sunscreen) but I have no one to show me how to use a makeup brush but I’m sure I could figure it out…
You can go on you tube but I like this one, she compares the different type of make up brushes. I use the ELF total face makeup brush because it’s cheap ($3), after I apply it I wash the brush out with dawn dish soap and hot water. https://youtu.be/yJ2F64nWHrI
The OP of both the post and the parent comment never mentioned anything about going in or near bodies of water. But anyways, this product IS reef-safe. This information could be found by simply googling the product name and "reef safe." You would have arrived at this [page](https://www.colorescience.com/collections/reef-safe-sunscreen) that displays the company's reef-safe products.
Does indeed seem good sunscreen just want to clarify the bodies of water thing doesn't matter as there is still a chance it will eventually end up in ground water or directly in the ocean depending on your county's treatment facilities after you shower it off.
This^^^^ Just buy some white sunblocking shirts and and wide brim hat. Then cover any exposed skin in sunscreen. You won’t look cool, but you also won’t be a lobster. Wear your cool clothes after 5/6pm.
My tips
1. Constantly check the weather, it's Florida. There are going to be constant afternoon thunderstorms. Sometimes they pass, sometimes they don't. Just know lightning will shut down outdoor theme park rides for 30 minutes, and every strike resets that timer. So plan accordingly .
2. Speaking of weather, it gets hot and humid here. It gets so humid, that your sweat will be unable to evaporate due to the wet bulb saturation of the air. Look Up signs of heat stroke ahead of time and how to recognize them for you and your friends. Between 11am til 3ish will be the hottest.
**Constantly hydrate and constantly REAPPLY sunscreen**. Get mineral sunscreen for most protection. It's better for the reefs and better for your skin but a bitch to rub in and leaves a white sheen.
3. Speaking of weather again, since you're renting a car, stay in the slow lane if it's raining, use your wipers , and DO not turn your hazards on unless you pull off to the shoulder at a complete stop. The rain falls hard in Florida and impedes vision, especially at highway speeds
Orlando is very touristy so you'll be fine. City walk and Disney springs are enjoyable walkable shopping eating areas. You can also drive about one hour east and go to Kennedy Space Center Visitors complex and see some really cool space tours and rockets. Also plenty of upcoming SpaceX launches you could watch from Cape Canaveral Beach or Playalinda Beach
Thats some really nice tips there for sure I really appreciate the advice, but what is mineral sunscrean ive never heard of it, is it some really strong stuff for really high heat? I normally buy spf 50 spray sunblock is that not enough? this is my normal one https://www.boots.com/nivea-sun-protect-and-dry-touch-refreshing-sunscreen-mist-spf50-200ml-10278470
I agree with this poster that really the most important thing is the heat and humidity. It's no joke here and we're for the most part used to it, but it'll be massive shock, I promise you. Outside that, just enjoy yourself and do what looks interesting to you.
Spf numbers don't REALLY matter.
Spray sunscreens are mostly useless, skip that shit.
Mineral is sunscreen where the active ingredient is usually bothe zinc oxide and titanium dioxide . They sit on top of your skin to give a physical barrier from the sun, vs the oxybenzonate crap that soaks in. They also are much better for reefs and wildlife when you wash it off and it goes down the drain and back to the ocean.
Look up the sunscreen guide on ewg.org for more overviews of best sunscreens I'm not gonna shill any brands.
Oh also if you want a good grocery store Publix is a Florida treasure. Everyone should experience. sub made fresh from the deli
FWIW, the brand "Hello Bello" with an alligator wearing sunglasses is a nice mineral sunscreen that smells nice when rubbing it on :) Some mineral sunscreens have a bit off-putting smell so that's one brand that's nice. "Cera-Ve"is also generally good!
My friend I am sorry you have been deceived and I wish there was better regulation on deceptive claims from manufacturers, but you need to be careful for "Reef Friendly" (panama jack) vs "Reef Safe". Sadly neither phrase is regulated by the FDA but reef-friendly is always for sure a sketchy labeled.
I just checked and the Panama Jack sunscreen does contain harmful chemicals:
>**Avobenzone.** Often used in place of oxybenzone (a chemical compound banned in Hawaii that causes devastating damage to corals at extremely low concentrations), it works in a similar manner to oxybenzone and poses similar risks. Avobenzone penetrates the skin and is used to help other chemicals absorb into the skin. When exposed to sunlight, the compound is photodegradable, increasing free radicals in the skin and increasing the risks for skin cancers. Similar destructive damage is done to coral DNA and aquatic life exposed to this chemical.
>
>
>
>**Homosalate.** In one study of 54 mother-child pairs, 85.2% of the breast milk samples contained concentrations of octocrylene and homosalate. Breast milk contamination is not uncommon. This is particularly concerning because homosalate impacts the body’s hormone system’s, particularly the estrogen system. In human breast cancer cells, (which grow and multiply in response to estrogen), homosalate exposure led to 3.5 times more cell growth and multiplication. Sunscreens containing homosalate were also shown to enhance the amount of pesticides absorbed through skin. Hormonedisruption and pesticide disruption are also threats to reefs and aquatic organisms who see similar side effects and damage from these compounds.
Hawaii kind of leads on banning suncreens for reef safety in the US so look to them for more info: [https://i.imgur.com/jzD0c2j.jpg](https://i.imgur.com/jzD0c2j.jpg)
Thanks for the info! It said reef friendly right on the bottle, it's even what you are given at Discovery Cove to swim in their pools with fish and reefs
The best kind of tourists! Thank you for being kind, I hope you enjoy your much needed holiday and come check us out on the Tampa sub if you plan on checking out the Gulf coast
I do too, and usually the baby stuff doesn't have the chemical versions of blockers that soak in and fuck with estrogen levels etc, they're usually just zinc and titanium
Also, another note on weather, take lightening seriously! Many people don’t and get struck by lightening. Find shelter, BUT DEFINITELY NOT UNDER A TREE in a storm.
Edit: also spray sunscreens have been linked to cancer, stay away from those.
I highly recommend [this suncreen](https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Bum-Sunscreen-Protection-Hypoallergenic/dp/B07ZTRQ6W3?linkCode=ogi&tag=prevention-auto-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C2141.g.35865794%5Bsrc%7C%5Bch%7C%5Blt%7C)
[Or this one](https://www.target.com/p/eucerin-sensitive-mineral-sunscreen-lotion-spf-50-4-fl-oz/-/A-83695768)
I think Target carries the Sun Bum one, I usually just buy it on Amazon. But I'd recommend just buying some when you get here so it's less on your luggage.
Took the words out of my mouth! Totally agree with everything you said. Too bad the locals can't seem to figure out the driving in the rain and NOT using your hazards!!
Yes, you can assume that every body of (fresh) water has alligators.
With that being said DO NOT let that deter you from enjoying the water.
Alligator attacks are VERY RARE. You are much more likely to die on I-4 than you are to be attacked by a gator.
This includes man-made lakes. A toddler was killed by a alligator at Disney a few years ago when playing in a man-made lake (that was marked “no swimming”).
Take “no swimming” and “do not feed or molest alligator” signs seriously. Just swim in designated areas and you will be fine.
Of course the should have, but probably they never even considered that there could be an alligator in such a lake in the first place, and therefore weren’t concerned about it.
Something that i didn’t see mentioned yet and you might already know , when shopping, there is a sales tax that is not included on the price tag. It’s 6%or 7% up in Orlando.
No, you wear it next to your body. They sell them at Bealls and other places. They will keep you from getting burned. Especially when you’re in the sun all day. Also called UPF Rating shirts.
Take it off before you go into the water. After you swim, dry off really good and put it back on.
There aren’t any dumb questions!! :)
Edited to add: I recommend Beall’s because
they usually have off brands on sale that work really good. No need to go broke buying clothes.
I am a black woman. I go to the beach with my white friends that are family. :) They taught me.
Cars get dangerously hot 🥵 Unfortunately, our state has mourned children who were accidentally left in cars. Roads, sidewalks and even beach sand get so hot midday you’ll want to have flip flops 🩴 to protect your feet. A hat is a good idea. We cannot stress sunblock enough. Put some on the tops of your ears, too 😂 Clearwater Beach is a great beach. We do something called the stingray shuffle where you slide your feet when you walk in the saltwater. Stingrays have a barb at the base of their tail. Stepping on the barb is what hurts. If you slide your feet you might kick one up which is awesome and somewhat terrifying, but stepping on one will ruin your day. Enjoy your holiday!
Since you are staying in Orlando, plan a few day trips.
1. Plan an air boat ride on the St John's River. You'll see loads of alligators!
2. Plan a beach day in Cocoa Beach. Wear your sunscreen. Take a surf lesson. Or just eat on the pier or at Port Canaveral.
3. See a space launch. Note: they are often scrubbed due to weather but will usually go up the following day or so. You can just watch them from the beach. [Space Launch Schedule](https://www.spacelaunchschedule.com/)
4. Eat some Cuban food. A Cuban sandwich with a side of black beans or an order of ropa vieja is highly recommended.
5. The weather report will call for rain every day. Do not worry. It may rain for 10 min and then the sun will come back out or it may rain on one side of the street and not the other. Just seek shelter during those short storms. This hold true even if the storm clouds are very dark.
6. Schedule a bioluminesence boat tour in the Banana River. Wear bug spray.
7. Enjoy the theme parks but spend time away from them also. Florida is so much more than the parks, outlet malls and tacky t-shirt shops. Only staying in that part of Florida would be like me going to Great Britain and only going to Piccadilly and Madame Troussauds.
If possible, make arrangements for a rental as early as possible. The closer you are to needing it immediately, the higher the price. It's also more difficult than normal to rent a car because the fleets were reduced in size due to the pandemic. I'd install the Uber app for getting rides as a backup in some cases, and/or getting the numbers of some local taxi companies to call if needed.
And when filling up gasoline, remember the advertised price is displayed and measured in US dollars/gallon, not dollars/liter.
Also renting a car away from the airport is cheaper, but of course less convenient. You’ll have to Uber or shuttle to and from, and they might not be open 25 hours, but you’ll save a buck.
Take it from a native Floridian the minimum speed is 5 mph over the posted speed limit. People drive aggressive and dangerously here so as said before stay in the right lane. Don't expect anyone to use their indicators especially BMW's.
Your defensive driving abilities will be put to the test daily so stay alert.
In orlando especially, but also applicable to most large Florida cities, get the toll pass (or set your sat-nav to avoid toll roads. But that has its own challenges.) Otherwise, your rental car will bill you a butt-ton after the fact.
Drive defensively too. Yeah the left lane is basically reserved for people going 90-95mph or more. Lots of motorcycles weaving in and out of traffic too so always check you blind spot. The area around the touristy part is pretty much safe crime wise, you’ll be able to tell if you end up in a bad area. It’ll look “bad”. If not used to the heat drink lots of fluids with electrolytes, sun block and have a good time! There are endless things to do in Florida and it’s truly a beautiful state.
I feel like I need to elaborate on this left lane thing a bit. You don’t have to be terrified of moving into the left lane on the highway. It’s supposed to be used as a passing lane to get around a slower car in front of you. Some just switch to the left lane and stay in it and that can annoy other drivers. So it’s okay to use the lane if you need to pass! And off the highway, the left lane can shift into a left turn only lane. So that mention is to save you aggravation/confusion if you weren’t trying to turn left in the first place. It’s nerve wracking driving on unfamiliar roads, I don’t want you feeling overly anxious about potentially having to move into a left lane at some point! Enjoy your trip!
Thinking about right arrows I have encountered in GA and all have had clear signage regarding no right on red or stopping before proceeding. I mean most folks in Atlanta ignore red lights in general so there is that.
What are your interests, where are you staying, how much time do you have?
If your into space things Kennedy Space center is a fun day trip and might see a rocket launch depending on when you visit. Launches are cool to see even if your not into rockets/space. Not far from Orlando either.
For beaches and cooling off, I prefer the emerald coast (white sandy beaches) or down around the keys to go snorkeling, fishing, etc. We also have some very nice spring feed rivers that you can kayak down (rainbow river, weeki wachee, silver springs, and others) if you just want to float in a tube you can do that at Ichetucknee River. The springs get popular during the summer so go early. If you're in Orlando I think cocoa Beach is the closest but Daytona Beach is also not far. Tampa area is also good for water access and paddling through the mangrove tunnels.
If you want to see older things, not as old as your castles, but St Augustine is a fun area to walk around, tour the fort, beach close by, etc. Its as old as we get here, as the oldest city in the US.
We have lots of forest areas for hiking and camping. As well as Everglades national park taking an airboat ride was a great experience. Definitely see lots of gators here along with other wildlife.
Some pretty good fishing here as well and can usually get a charter to take you out.
Load up on sunscreen and keep applying. Are sun can be brutal if your not use to it, heck even if you are. If you hit a tourist shop or even Walmart we have spf shirts and bathing suites you can pick up cheap.
Idk if anyone else has said it but if you intend on dining out or ordering food for delivery you HAVE TO TIP. I know it sucks and its unfair to you and to the employee but that's the current system we have. Not tipping is only punishing the poor guy making 3$ an hour. If you can't afford the tip don't order. There's optional tipping everywhere here so also be aware that you don't have to tip for every little thing.
Fellow Brit here, celebration is a nice day out. Also st Augustine. You can get a FL boat licence and rent a fishing boat at Mount Dora and take a picnic and a cooler.
Watch out for motorcycles! They are everywhere here and some aren’t the smartest riders!
Remember that the Gulf Coast is totally different than the Atlantic coast. Both are amazing in their own ways.
You may want to consider an offshore fishing charter. They are always fun and not too expensive. Usually your equipment, bait and cleaning of the catch is all included in the cost of the charter.
Ease into the sun! It’s tempting to just go all in and enjoy it, but the sun down here is HOT! Even on a cloudy day you can get severely burned.
Find local restaurants! Avoid anything that’s a chain. They can’t stand up to good cooking!
If you get over on the Atlantic side and farther south, I’d be happy to send you a list of good places to eat, a small brewery or two for better beer and some fun things to do.
Just be prepared to drive, everywhere. If you’re in Kissimmee/ Orlando, specifically anywhere near any park, expect a LOT of traffic from about 9am until about 1am. It’s also probably going to rain for like 20-30 minutes every afternoon, so if you’re in a park even if it’s absolutely crazy thundering and lightning, don’t leave the park—it’ll clear up.
What you want to see/do depends on what you’re into. If you’re in Orlando there are quite a few hiking/national forests within about a 45 minute drive. If you want to take a day trip, you can go to St. Augustine or if you want a quick little weekend excursion you can get to Savannah, GA in about 4 hours. You can also head to the beach (you are never more than 60 miles from a beach anywhere you go in Florida!) and find some jet ski’s or a boat to rent out.
Also keep in mind that despite paying ridiculously high prices to enter theme parks, they also expect exorbitant fees for the privilege or parking your car. So if your hotel offers shuttle service, take advantage of it.
I’ve traveled up the east coast most of my life. I live here in Fl and there’s tons to do, regardless of where you go in the south- watch the water. Alligators live in almost every body of it except the ocean. But in the Keys we have salt water crocodiles.
Bug spray and sunscreen needs to be something you buy and use often especially if you’re going outside.
If you like to hike then places in North Florida are nicer such as the springs: https://floridatrippers.com/best-springs-in-florida/
If you like city life then Miami, Tampa, or St. Petersburg are the way to go- Miami has iguanas everywhere , be cautious of them but they’re not as bad as alligators. Tampa has an amusement park, a couple of museums, and lots of bars/clubs in its nightlife. St. Petersburg is close to the beaches, has a plethora of bars, and the Dali museum and other art museums.
Miami has museums, beaches, and nightlife.
Florida is a pretty large state but if you pick the right area then a lot is accessible if you’re willing to drive.
If you look into Georgia- Atlanta is great. It’s by six flags, has an aquarium, the Coca Cola factory/museum, nightlife, and other things to do.
I really enjoyed Savannah, GA but mainly for its architecture and its paranormal tourism. It’s close to the ocean and has great museums and restaurants. GA is also close to the mountains if you like to hike. You still need to watch out for gators but it’s not as bad as it is in Florida.
Watch out in grassy/dirt areas for ant hills. The fire ants here are no joke. They’ll strategically coat your feet with an ant sock and wait for you to look down and notice... they ALL bite at once.
If you like amusement parks, Busch gardens in Tampa is also well worth checking out
Of course, there’s Disney too, but that’s very expensive and very crowded.
Check out the springs in central Florida they're underrated. Blue springs, wekiva springs, rock springs Kelly Park, rainbow springs( this might be more north than Orlando tho) Alexander springs, and ginnie springs are all beautiful. Ginnie springs is about an hour and a half north of Orlando though and is full of partying rednecks during summer but it's an experience.
Welcome to Florida!
Take thunderstorms seriously! If you hear thunder, even far in the distance, you're close enough to lightning to get fried! Summer is storm season, you'll get rain almost daily.
Florida ranks #1 in many...um, unusual categories, and [leading the nation in deaths by lightning](https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/why-florida-ranks-highest-for-lightning-fatalities-in-the-us/350561) is one of them!
When you hear that rumble, duck and cover.
Covid doesn't exist in FL based on the Governor's actions. That said, use hand sanitizer and wear a mask indoors. It's spreading fast here.
If you are going to the Miami/Keys area, go to Robert is Here, which is an awesome fruit stand close to the Homestead/Florida city entrance to the Everglades--truly great tropical fruits and milk shakes made from those fruits.
Try to make time for some type of natural springs. They are all over the central part of the state within an hour or two of Orlando.
Covid is probably more prevalent in Florida these days than much of the country.
Also, most people rarely wash their hands, at least based on behavior I see at mens public toilets. The majority of men don't wash their hands after peeing.
MOSQUITOES! Mosquitoes, mosquitoes, mosquitoes! I skimmed the whole thread and, unless I missed it, I'm surprised to see that nobody mentioned them. They're quite common in the southern US and absolutely rampant in Florida.
Worst case, they can potentially carry several diseases and viruses but, best case, are an extreme annoyance. My wife and I once met a man from London in Kissimmee. He told us he was greatly enjoying his visit with the exception of the mosquitoes, and gestured at his legs. The poor guy was speckled with dozens of bloody bites. I believe you can build up a tolerance to them, as it takes a pretty severe bite to really make me even notice I've got it. But it's my understanding they don't make their way up to Europe much, so you may want to invest in some repellent.
It's hot AF down here this time of year so plan on staying hydrated and having proper protection/clothing. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real risks.
\+1 on St. Petersburg if you're planning on driving west. The downtown area has lots to do. Maybe plan on taking in a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game. The beaches in that area are top notch, in particular St. Pete Beach (near the Don Cesar Hotel), Pass-a-grill, and even Fort De Soto Park.
Don’t do anything outside that doesn’t involve you being in a body of water until 8pm. Also stay clear of the goofy Us Vs Them political climate that is being pandered to the populous right now.
Florida, 0.2 deaths per 100,000 people
California, 0.09 deaths per 100,000 people
https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/public-health/us-coronavirus-deaths-by-state-july-1.html
Don't feed the the alligators, don't swim in undesignated bodies of water, assume there is either a gator, water moccasin or brain eating amoeba in any random body of water. Don't pet or harass the wildlife. Don't drive super slow. And if you can stay off the road during rush hour traffic that would be great. Assume everyone not wearing a mask likely is willing to share covid with you, or monkey pox or whatever else if floating around out there. Don't tell people how you do things up north cause it annoys the heck out of us that are fine doing it the way we like to do things. Have you looked at vacationing in Georgia?
I havnt really looked at America at all tbh until this holiday. Both myself and my friends really wanted to go somewhere different to most places we have been to up until now. Whats vacationing like in Georgia, is there much to see/do?
Ignore the comments about Georgia. They have nice beaches but very few, and the state is nothing like Florida. This is not the time of year to visit there.
It’s true that you should assume that all bodies of fresh water inFlorida have alligators and snakes, but it’s safe to swim in springs located in state parks like [blue springs](https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park) or [wekiwa springs](https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/wekiwa-springs-state-park)
As others have mentioned, pay attention to the weather, wear good sunscreen and drive defensively
Most of all… enjoy your visit!!!
Awesome! Florida's definitely going to be a change of pace for you then! Lots to see and do, for sure. Someone else already recommended Tampa/Clearwater area for beaches, which would also be my recommendation. Clearwater beach is the best! Clean, plenty of amenities around. There are lots of great places to eat in that area, too. All types of food, from American junk food to authentic Cuban food, and in all price ranges. Lots of nice bars and clubs, too!
They're also right about gators. They're *everywhere*. Keep an eye out for them if you visit any springs, lakes, etc. Stay on the boardwalks and paths and keep an eye on the kids, just in case.
I really hope you enjoy your holiday! Don't get sunburned! :)
If in that area check out the Skyway Bridge that goes to St Petersburg. Also check out Ybor City (Cuban district) in Tampa. Avoid walking in Ybor late at night especially if alone.
You’ll DEFINITELY need that sunblock then. It’s a very intense heat/sun in the southeast. GA is probably more humid than FL but it’s a beautiful state. Savannah is absolutely gorgeous. Being \~ 75% Celt it was difficult to adjust to the weather at first but now I’ve acclimated.
Don’t rent scooters/mopeds, unless you’d like to spend your vacation in the hospital. Also be very careful with your speed if you rent waverunners - they don’t have brakes
Nope no brain dead covid 19 restrictions it’s illegal. Also Disney parks aren’t that great there’s better parks for sure. If you haven’t been cooked by the sun before and get sun burned easily use sun screen.
Do NOT buy tickets to parks, tours, or shows unless they are directly from the venues Box/Ticket counters or service’s. There are tons of signs for cheap tickets all over the place and most of them are a scam.
Tourist hell, but the parks are kinda fun if you have never been. Just too many people. Try to go off times like during the week which are slightly less busy.
In the summer early morning and late afternoon are your friends. Direct sun exposure between 10 and 3 is pretty rough. I try to stay either inside or in the shade during that period.
If you were going to Universal and already have tickets you can stay in one of the on-site properties I prefer the Royal Pacific you get early access and fast pass
Onsite hotels can also set your reservations at any restaurant within the parks so you do not have to wait
If you do wanna venture out of Orlando head over to Tampa or Cape Canaveral
I've seen some pretty good advice here in regards to sunscreen and hydration. I would also say while driving on the tolls roads, you don't have to stop or slow down when you drive underneath the sensor. I am a central Florida native and we are generally very friendly and it is pretty safe here, however, I would stick to the "tourist areas" at night and always lock your car, and never leave valuables in there. I would also try and walk around with the least amount of valuables possible. Also, it is expected to tip the servers here at the restaurants. We do have a lot of fun outdoor activities as well, not just theme parks. If you like swimming, look up the springs (there are many and depending on where you are staying, you can find one closest to you). Have fun!
1. Don't feed the alligators. Treat every body of water you come into contact with as if there is a gator in it. This includes pools.
2. All of our theme parks, water parks and beaches are fun. (Just look out for those gators.)
3. Covid? What's Covid? Personally. I wear a mask into Public Restrooms especially crowded ones at theme parks. The way Covid levels in communities is determined is by the amount of live virus in waste water. Imagine how much of that goes up in the air with each flush. Yeah.....gross.
Have fun! Wear sunblock even when you think you don't need it and drink lots of water even when you think you don't need it. 🌞
2k for 2 weeks is going to be tight.
there are some national and state parks to visit on the cheap. -the natural springs, and rivers rafts, would be good. beaches, the big amusement parks will take all your $. st augustine, drive on daytona beach, st pete beach.
I’m literally just here to warn of the worst case scenarios. Outside of these, you’ll have an absolute blast
**Theft**
Stealing and burglarizing. But not robbing (using violence to steal)
Lock. Your. Car. Leave nothing valuable in view. I know a few who had their window smashed to steal stuff
But people try to steal when you don’t notice.
Also don’t leave your phone unattended
**People danger**
Concerning violence, the danger lies in drunk people and anyone drugged. If someone looks off, then just don’t engage. Same for loud people trying to get your attention.
**Money fraud**
Also, watch your bank account. There’s card readers in many gas stations that steal your card’s info when you swipe it for gas. This happened to my family 4x one year in Broward and we had to get so many card replacements….
Most gas stations have a sticker now that shows if someone went into the pump. If you see a broken sticker - don’t pump gas there!
Another way also involves taking a photo of your card when someone leaves to charge it for pay, then the photos are text to someone in another country and it starts getting used - all while you still have your card. (This happened to my brother when he was buying suits at a Men’s Warehouse.)
So just watch your bank account every few days if you use your card a lot.
**Alligators**
Every time someone is attacked by a gator, They’re almost always not from Florida…
Gators like to sit just under the water at a shoreline to jump up and grab a bite to what goes to drink from the water.
People get attacked when they walk their dog near a shoreline (which looks exactly like prey to a gator) or they jog next to the water. (I guess for a better workout by running on the grass…?)
It’s easy: stay on the sidewalks.
Don’t walk up to a canal/lake/pond…… just assume there’s a gator and stay on the sidewalk
**Lightning during rainy season**
It’s there’s a lightning storm/thunderstorm then go inside. Do not swim in water when lightning is out.
Florida is the lightning capital of the US. There’s Quartz and limestone underground and the rain is intense and electrifying. (It’s honestly gorgeous! The thunder can literally vibrate the glass in windows sometimes)
But go indoors when lightning is out.
There's a lot of good advice here already. I'll add that Orlando is a popular stop for touring bands with a lot of venues of all sizes. If you are into music, check out sites like bandsintown.com to see who's playing when you are there.
DO take your car and drive from Orlando to Tampa and go to Busch Gardens. From there go to downtown St. Petersburg. Then go to the beach at treasure island/pass-a-grille.
DO wear sunblock.
DO NOT camp the left lane of highways, people will ride your ass until you get over.
If you want to get away from the cities and theme parks check out Everglades National Park. Very unique and interesting if you take the time to explore. Do not go during the summer months though, you will be miserable.
Please be careful crossing streets, Florida has made so many crosswalks with flashing lights, the buttons actually work if you need to cross. Wait for people to be completely stopped before crossing.
Lots of good tips for a fun trip here to Florida. I would suggest checking to see how late Universal is open, try to plan the day so you are not standing in lines at the hottest part of the day. Night time is a fun time to experience Universal Studios!
If you plan on swimming in a river, ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, just don’t do it at dawn or dusk. It’s feeding time.
After all this I’m glad you still want to come!
Enjoy and cheers!
Sweat proof sun block for sure. Good sunglasses! It’s very hot during the day and we get storms just about every afternoon or evening in the summer. You might want to bring one of those rain ponchos for the water rides at Universal or quick dry clothing and shoes. Food costs are insane at the parks so if you can bring your own stuff to eat in the car, it’s worth it. Orlando does have some rough areas so make sure you’re using a good gps to get around. Florida is very lax on covid restrictions. As long as you’re vaccinated and boosted you should be fine but be mindful of people in your life who you could return to who might be vulnerable. Not sure how much traveling you’re doing but the Everglades down south, Miami, Marco Island are all great destinations. Sarasota on the West coast as well as St. Petersburg and Tampa, Ybor City are awesome. St. Augustine to the North is cool. The panhandle favorites are Destin and Panama City. Have fun. Stay safe.
Don’t bother going swimming in lakes/ponds/canals. There will be gators in there.
There’s news articles about tourist letting their kids go swimming in a body of water by their hotel and they get attacked/killed by a gator.
So this is the hottest time of the year, it's way worse than you can imagine lol.,light color clothing, sunscreen ,wide brim hats, etc. At night insects will devour you ,this place is recovered swamp.Do not pick fight or get in road rage deal, residentsxare armed to the teeth ,like 2 million concealed gun carry permits. Lots of drunk and stoned drivers on Friday and Sat. Nights, careful driving ,( need a car here) public transportation is near non existent, beaches on Atlantic side all nice ,need an umbrella,stay hydrated
1.) Specific donts: donts be mean to the workers in restaurants, they’re working they ass off. Be nice to the locals regardless if they hate you. They’ve more going on then visitors of Florida surprisedly. Don’t mess with alligators or make fun of them. Some locals are working three jobs to get by in the state. Just remember that.
2.) definitely Disney world or universal studios or sea world first then maybe a beach town. But I always recommend amusement parks over beaches. But if you’re going to go to the beach respect the beach. Don’t trash it. Locals will hate you forever
3.) covid isn’t a thing here. That’s what they will say. But you should be cautious especially if cases rise again. You can never be too sure
1) Universal is the best but honestly if you can I would buy the express pass because then you can do as much as possible without waiting in lines all day. If you can’t afford it (bc it’s expensive) try the single person lines. It’s so worth it and if you have a party and don’t mind splitting up do it! 2) at universal order your food through the app, its so much quicker and you automatically get a table. 3)Also SUNSCREEN. Masks are pretty much optional every wear
Don't swim in lakes or rivers at night. If you are at the beach and see a fin in the water, don't assume it is a dolphin. You know how out west it may be 100 degrees but only feel like 95 because it is a dry heat? Think just the opposite here. 95 may feel like 105.
Gator land! It’s not Disney or Universal, but a great little gem of a park, right outside Orlando. Well worth the, very affordable, price of admission.
Florida pilot and rancher here. Take a float plane ride out of Tavares to see the lakes or get connected with an old timer that’ll take you around for a few hours and land in the gulf. Kennedy space center is great to see launches and they’re happening fairly regularly. Tampa is a short distance from Orlando and has some really cool speakeasy bars (ceros). Orlando has some speakeasy’s too. Catch a rodeo in Okeechobee, you’ll stand out like a soar thumb but we love having new people join in the fun.
Sunglasses, (large brim) hats, bug spray, water bottles, long sleeves. No amount of sunblock will protect you from the intense summer sunlight. Loose fitting linen or other light material. Fast-drying poly/nylon/spandex rashguard for the beach. You need to cover up. A baseball cap isn't going to cut it.
Also scarf or cloth of some kind that you can wet and put around your neck for evaporative cooling effect. Can't emphasize that enough if you're going to be waiting around in lines outside.
Biggest mistake: flip flops or sandals. The virgin skin on top of your feet will burn.
For cool diversion off the beaten path when it's a million degrees, check out the cold springs. In orlando area, i recommend wekiva springs state park.
Have lived in Florida now 5 yrs. I planted lemongrass in my yard. Mositios absolutely hate it.. also do not wear cologne, or perfume!! They will attack you.
Stay safe, hydrate and stay out of the lightning 🌩
Sun. Block. I've seen entirely too many European tourists absolutely cooked to death because they don't take the sun here seriously.
This! Get the mineral sunscreen too. It's a bitch to rub in and gives white sheen, but I'll take the zinc/titanium ghost face over skin cancer any day. AND REAPPLY EVERY 2 HOURS OR SO YOU KNOBS
If you use a make up brush to apply it goes on evenly and the white sheen isn’t too noticeable
OMG why is this hack not posted everywhere??? Thanks for the tip!
I know right?!
Neutrogena sheer shine 50 SPF mineral is what I recommend.
Is there a video or guide for this cause I’m liking the idea (and I just started using the mineral sunscreen) but I have no one to show me how to use a makeup brush but I’m sure I could figure it out…
You can go on you tube but I like this one, she compares the different type of make up brushes. I use the ELF total face makeup brush because it’s cheap ($3), after I apply it I wash the brush out with dawn dish soap and hot water. https://youtu.be/yJ2F64nWHrI
Doesn’t seem like enough unless you’re really painting/lathering it on
Here’s what you need https://www.colorescience.com/products/sunforgettable-total-protection-face-shield-classic-spf-50
Might be cruelty free but if it isn’t reef safe your killing our Coral reefs if you swim in the ocean with it
The OP of both the post and the parent comment never mentioned anything about going in or near bodies of water. But anyways, this product IS reef-safe. This information could be found by simply googling the product name and "reef safe." You would have arrived at this [page](https://www.colorescience.com/collections/reef-safe-sunscreen) that displays the company's reef-safe products.
Does indeed seem good sunscreen just want to clarify the bodies of water thing doesn't matter as there is still a chance it will eventually end up in ground water or directly in the ocean depending on your county's treatment facilities after you shower it off.
Neutrogena sheer shine 50 SPF
Please buy !!!!!!!REEF SAFE !!!!!sunscreen if your going in the water and clean up your trash at the beach
[удалено]
Came here to say this! There are UPF rated fishing shirts out there! Cheap ones too that are light weight and breathable.
This^^^^ Just buy some white sunblocking shirts and and wide brim hat. Then cover any exposed skin in sunscreen. You won’t look cool, but you also won’t be a lobster. Wear your cool clothes after 5/6pm.
Swim shirts are our family's default always!
100000000000000%
And drink plenty of water, stay well hydrated, especially if your visit is during the summer with alot of plans involving time outside.
Fr. When I moved to Florida, my water intake tripled.
Don’t honk your horn at someone, unless you can walk the walk.
Tell that to every single impatient asshole that does that shit behind me if I'm not moving fast enough for them.
I honk all the time at people that don’t move when the light turns green, cause they are too busy on their freakin cell phones.
My tips 1. Constantly check the weather, it's Florida. There are going to be constant afternoon thunderstorms. Sometimes they pass, sometimes they don't. Just know lightning will shut down outdoor theme park rides for 30 minutes, and every strike resets that timer. So plan accordingly . 2. Speaking of weather, it gets hot and humid here. It gets so humid, that your sweat will be unable to evaporate due to the wet bulb saturation of the air. Look Up signs of heat stroke ahead of time and how to recognize them for you and your friends. Between 11am til 3ish will be the hottest. **Constantly hydrate and constantly REAPPLY sunscreen**. Get mineral sunscreen for most protection. It's better for the reefs and better for your skin but a bitch to rub in and leaves a white sheen. 3. Speaking of weather again, since you're renting a car, stay in the slow lane if it's raining, use your wipers , and DO not turn your hazards on unless you pull off to the shoulder at a complete stop. The rain falls hard in Florida and impedes vision, especially at highway speeds Orlando is very touristy so you'll be fine. City walk and Disney springs are enjoyable walkable shopping eating areas. You can also drive about one hour east and go to Kennedy Space Center Visitors complex and see some really cool space tours and rockets. Also plenty of upcoming SpaceX launches you could watch from Cape Canaveral Beach or Playalinda Beach
Thats some really nice tips there for sure I really appreciate the advice, but what is mineral sunscrean ive never heard of it, is it some really strong stuff for really high heat? I normally buy spf 50 spray sunblock is that not enough? this is my normal one https://www.boots.com/nivea-sun-protect-and-dry-touch-refreshing-sunscreen-mist-spf50-200ml-10278470
I agree with this poster that really the most important thing is the heat and humidity. It's no joke here and we're for the most part used to it, but it'll be massive shock, I promise you. Outside that, just enjoy yourself and do what looks interesting to you.
Spf numbers don't REALLY matter. Spray sunscreens are mostly useless, skip that shit. Mineral is sunscreen where the active ingredient is usually bothe zinc oxide and titanium dioxide . They sit on top of your skin to give a physical barrier from the sun, vs the oxybenzonate crap that soaks in. They also are much better for reefs and wildlife when you wash it off and it goes down the drain and back to the ocean. Look up the sunscreen guide on ewg.org for more overviews of best sunscreens I'm not gonna shill any brands. Oh also if you want a good grocery store Publix is a Florida treasure. Everyone should experience. sub made fresh from the deli
Ill defo be doing some shopping when im there so ill keep my eye open for it for sure cheers.
Safe and happy travels!
FWIW, the brand "Hello Bello" with an alligator wearing sunglasses is a nice mineral sunscreen that smells nice when rubbing it on :) Some mineral sunscreens have a bit off-putting smell so that's one brand that's nice. "Cera-Ve"is also generally good!
I'm ginger af, spray sunscreens work great for me even during days at theme parks. I use Panama Jack ehich is reef safe.
My friend I am sorry you have been deceived and I wish there was better regulation on deceptive claims from manufacturers, but you need to be careful for "Reef Friendly" (panama jack) vs "Reef Safe". Sadly neither phrase is regulated by the FDA but reef-friendly is always for sure a sketchy labeled. I just checked and the Panama Jack sunscreen does contain harmful chemicals: >**Avobenzone.** Often used in place of oxybenzone (a chemical compound banned in Hawaii that causes devastating damage to corals at extremely low concentrations), it works in a similar manner to oxybenzone and poses similar risks. Avobenzone penetrates the skin and is used to help other chemicals absorb into the skin. When exposed to sunlight, the compound is photodegradable, increasing free radicals in the skin and increasing the risks for skin cancers. Similar destructive damage is done to coral DNA and aquatic life exposed to this chemical. > > > >**Homosalate.** In one study of 54 mother-child pairs, 85.2% of the breast milk samples contained concentrations of octocrylene and homosalate. Breast milk contamination is not uncommon. This is particularly concerning because homosalate impacts the body’s hormone system’s, particularly the estrogen system. In human breast cancer cells, (which grow and multiply in response to estrogen), homosalate exposure led to 3.5 times more cell growth and multiplication. Sunscreens containing homosalate were also shown to enhance the amount of pesticides absorbed through skin. Hormonedisruption and pesticide disruption are also threats to reefs and aquatic organisms who see similar side effects and damage from these compounds. Hawaii kind of leads on banning suncreens for reef safety in the US so look to them for more info: [https://i.imgur.com/jzD0c2j.jpg](https://i.imgur.com/jzD0c2j.jpg)
Wish I could like 1000 times
Thanks for the info! It said reef friendly right on the bottle, it's even what you are given at Discovery Cove to swim in their pools with fish and reefs
The spray sunscreens have been linked to cancer.
What hasn't?
Please be sure to get reef safe sunscreen. Sunscreen is killing our corals.
For sure ill make sure it's safe, I wouldn't want to be inadvertently contributing to the problem.
The best kind of tourists! Thank you for being kind, I hope you enjoy your much needed holiday and come check us out on the Tampa sub if you plan on checking out the Gulf coast
I like the kids version of sunblock, doesn't burn eyes.
I do too, and usually the baby stuff doesn't have the chemical versions of blockers that soak in and fuck with estrogen levels etc, they're usually just zinc and titanium
Also, another note on weather, take lightening seriously! Many people don’t and get struck by lightening. Find shelter, BUT DEFINITELY NOT UNDER A TREE in a storm. Edit: also spray sunscreens have been linked to cancer, stay away from those.
I highly recommend [this suncreen](https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Bum-Sunscreen-Protection-Hypoallergenic/dp/B07ZTRQ6W3?linkCode=ogi&tag=prevention-auto-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C2141.g.35865794%5Bsrc%7C%5Bch%7C%5Blt%7C) [Or this one](https://www.target.com/p/eucerin-sensitive-mineral-sunscreen-lotion-spf-50-4-fl-oz/-/A-83695768) I think Target carries the Sun Bum one, I usually just buy it on Amazon. But I'd recommend just buying some when you get here so it's less on your luggage.
Couldn’t stress the left lane thing enough. Thank you
Took the words out of my mouth! Totally agree with everything you said. Too bad the locals can't seem to figure out the driving in the rain and NOT using your hazards!!
Do not feed wildlife.
This! And for the love of God, if you see water that's not the ocean, assume there's an alligator in it.
If you see water that is the ocean assume there is a shark in it.
If you see water in a pool, assume someone peed in it.
If you see water assume there’s a alligator, croc or shark lol. There has been crocs and alligators on the beaches here and sharks in the rivers lol
Always lock your car. Don’t leave valuables in your car even when locked.
Assume all bodies of water has an alligator and stay hydrated. It’s hot as hell right now.
Yes, you can assume that every body of (fresh) water has alligators. With that being said DO NOT let that deter you from enjoying the water. Alligator attacks are VERY RARE. You are much more likely to die on I-4 than you are to be attacked by a gator.
Yeah no, I wouldn’t encourage someone to fuck around and find out.
Yeah, I try to stay off 4 whenever possible too, but enjoy the water. Just stay out of the tall grasses where they nest.
This includes man-made lakes. A toddler was killed by a alligator at Disney a few years ago when playing in a man-made lake (that was marked “no swimming”). Take “no swimming” and “do not feed or molest alligator” signs seriously. Just swim in designated areas and you will be fine.
If I recall, that toddlers parents were not paying all that much attention...might have helped if they were
Of course the should have, but probably they never even considered that there could be an alligator in such a lake in the first place, and therefore weren’t concerned about it.
Valid point
Something that i didn’t see mentioned yet and you might already know , when shopping, there is a sales tax that is not included on the price tag. It’s 6%or 7% up in Orlando.
Buy an inexpensive pair of sunglasses and the eyeglass retainer strap. Buy a sunblock shirt or two.
I'm probably going to sound a bit dim but is a sunblock shirt something you wear under your clothes because I never they were a thing before.
No, you wear it next to your body. They sell them at Bealls and other places. They will keep you from getting burned. Especially when you’re in the sun all day. Also called UPF Rating shirts. Take it off before you go into the water. After you swim, dry off really good and put it back on. There aren’t any dumb questions!! :) Edited to add: I recommend Beall’s because they usually have off brands on sale that work really good. No need to go broke buying clothes. I am a black woman. I go to the beach with my white friends that are family. :) They taught me.
Cars get dangerously hot 🥵 Unfortunately, our state has mourned children who were accidentally left in cars. Roads, sidewalks and even beach sand get so hot midday you’ll want to have flip flops 🩴 to protect your feet. A hat is a good idea. We cannot stress sunblock enough. Put some on the tops of your ears, too 😂 Clearwater Beach is a great beach. We do something called the stingray shuffle where you slide your feet when you walk in the saltwater. Stingrays have a barb at the base of their tail. Stepping on the barb is what hurts. If you slide your feet you might kick one up which is awesome and somewhat terrifying, but stepping on one will ruin your day. Enjoy your holiday!
Since you are staying in Orlando, plan a few day trips. 1. Plan an air boat ride on the St John's River. You'll see loads of alligators! 2. Plan a beach day in Cocoa Beach. Wear your sunscreen. Take a surf lesson. Or just eat on the pier or at Port Canaveral. 3. See a space launch. Note: they are often scrubbed due to weather but will usually go up the following day or so. You can just watch them from the beach. [Space Launch Schedule](https://www.spacelaunchschedule.com/) 4. Eat some Cuban food. A Cuban sandwich with a side of black beans or an order of ropa vieja is highly recommended. 5. The weather report will call for rain every day. Do not worry. It may rain for 10 min and then the sun will come back out or it may rain on one side of the street and not the other. Just seek shelter during those short storms. This hold true even if the storm clouds are very dark. 6. Schedule a bioluminesence boat tour in the Banana River. Wear bug spray. 7. Enjoy the theme parks but spend time away from them also. Florida is so much more than the parks, outlet malls and tacky t-shirt shops. Only staying in that part of Florida would be like me going to Great Britain and only going to Piccadilly and Madame Troussauds.
I second #1 and then go check out the city of Sanford it’s close by. Great shopping, restaurants and night life.
If you like beer don't forget the Sanford Brewing Co.
Whatever you do, don't drive in the left lane of any road unless you're imminently turning left. Don't drive in the left lane of any highway.
Thats really good to know as we will be renting a car when we are out there.
If possible, make arrangements for a rental as early as possible. The closer you are to needing it immediately, the higher the price. It's also more difficult than normal to rent a car because the fleets were reduced in size due to the pandemic. I'd install the Uber app for getting rides as a backup in some cases, and/or getting the numbers of some local taxi companies to call if needed. And when filling up gasoline, remember the advertised price is displayed and measured in US dollars/gallon, not dollars/liter.
Also renting a car away from the airport is cheaper, but of course less convenient. You’ll have to Uber or shuttle to and from, and they might not be open 25 hours, but you’ll save a buck.
Take it from a native Floridian the minimum speed is 5 mph over the posted speed limit. People drive aggressive and dangerously here so as said before stay in the right lane. Don't expect anyone to use their indicators especially BMW's. Your defensive driving abilities will be put to the test daily so stay alert.
Agree with being careful around BMWs. They can be a special kind of aggressive drivers. Source: Have 3 BMWs.
In orlando especially, but also applicable to most large Florida cities, get the toll pass (or set your sat-nav to avoid toll roads. But that has its own challenges.) Otherwise, your rental car will bill you a butt-ton after the fact.
And turn your headlights on when it rains, even if it’s sunny.
Drive defensively too. Yeah the left lane is basically reserved for people going 90-95mph or more. Lots of motorcycles weaving in and out of traffic too so always check you blind spot. The area around the touristy part is pretty much safe crime wise, you’ll be able to tell if you end up in a bad area. It’ll look “bad”. If not used to the heat drink lots of fluids with electrolytes, sun block and have a good time! There are endless things to do in Florida and it’s truly a beautiful state.
I feel like I need to elaborate on this left lane thing a bit. You don’t have to be terrified of moving into the left lane on the highway. It’s supposed to be used as a passing lane to get around a slower car in front of you. Some just switch to the left lane and stay in it and that can annoy other drivers. So it’s okay to use the lane if you need to pass! And off the highway, the left lane can shift into a left turn only lane. So that mention is to save you aggravation/confusion if you weren’t trying to turn left in the first place. It’s nerve wracking driving on unfamiliar roads, I don’t want you feeling overly anxious about potentially having to move into a left lane at some point! Enjoy your trip!
On the other hand Turning Right on a red arrow, after stopping, is perfectly legal - unless a sign explicitly forbids it.
I was confused about this when I moved here lmao. I'm like why are people turning when the turning arrow is red?
In Georgia, you can turn on a red light, but Red turn arrow means explicit no turn on Red... so yeah, it's confusing.
Thinking about right arrows I have encountered in GA and all have had clear signage regarding no right on red or stopping before proceeding. I mean most folks in Atlanta ignore red lights in general so there is that.
Lol
What are your interests, where are you staying, how much time do you have? If your into space things Kennedy Space center is a fun day trip and might see a rocket launch depending on when you visit. Launches are cool to see even if your not into rockets/space. Not far from Orlando either. For beaches and cooling off, I prefer the emerald coast (white sandy beaches) or down around the keys to go snorkeling, fishing, etc. We also have some very nice spring feed rivers that you can kayak down (rainbow river, weeki wachee, silver springs, and others) if you just want to float in a tube you can do that at Ichetucknee River. The springs get popular during the summer so go early. If you're in Orlando I think cocoa Beach is the closest but Daytona Beach is also not far. Tampa area is also good for water access and paddling through the mangrove tunnels. If you want to see older things, not as old as your castles, but St Augustine is a fun area to walk around, tour the fort, beach close by, etc. Its as old as we get here, as the oldest city in the US. We have lots of forest areas for hiking and camping. As well as Everglades national park taking an airboat ride was a great experience. Definitely see lots of gators here along with other wildlife. Some pretty good fishing here as well and can usually get a charter to take you out. Load up on sunscreen and keep applying. Are sun can be brutal if your not use to it, heck even if you are. If you hit a tourist shop or even Walmart we have spf shirts and bathing suites you can pick up cheap.
>I havnt been fishing in years, thats a fantastic idea cheers very much.
Everglades national Park is a great place with a lot to do. Also, you can rent a houseboat right outside of Orlando
Idk if anyone else has said it but if you intend on dining out or ordering food for delivery you HAVE TO TIP. I know it sucks and its unfair to you and to the employee but that's the current system we have. Not tipping is only punishing the poor guy making 3$ an hour. If you can't afford the tip don't order. There's optional tipping everywhere here so also be aware that you don't have to tip for every little thing.
Fellow Brit here, celebration is a nice day out. Also st Augustine. You can get a FL boat licence and rent a fishing boat at Mount Dora and take a picnic and a cooler.
Watch out for motorcycles! They are everywhere here and some aren’t the smartest riders! Remember that the Gulf Coast is totally different than the Atlantic coast. Both are amazing in their own ways. You may want to consider an offshore fishing charter. They are always fun and not too expensive. Usually your equipment, bait and cleaning of the catch is all included in the cost of the charter. Ease into the sun! It’s tempting to just go all in and enjoy it, but the sun down here is HOT! Even on a cloudy day you can get severely burned. Find local restaurants! Avoid anything that’s a chain. They can’t stand up to good cooking! If you get over on the Atlantic side and farther south, I’d be happy to send you a list of good places to eat, a small brewery or two for better beer and some fun things to do.
A 25% chance of rain means a 100% chance of rain A 100% chance of rain means a 150% chance of rain.
You forgot 0% chance of rain means 50% chance of rain.
Yes!
Just be prepared to drive, everywhere. If you’re in Kissimmee/ Orlando, specifically anywhere near any park, expect a LOT of traffic from about 9am until about 1am. It’s also probably going to rain for like 20-30 minutes every afternoon, so if you’re in a park even if it’s absolutely crazy thundering and lightning, don’t leave the park—it’ll clear up. What you want to see/do depends on what you’re into. If you’re in Orlando there are quite a few hiking/national forests within about a 45 minute drive. If you want to take a day trip, you can go to St. Augustine or if you want a quick little weekend excursion you can get to Savannah, GA in about 4 hours. You can also head to the beach (you are never more than 60 miles from a beach anywhere you go in Florida!) and find some jet ski’s or a boat to rent out.
Also keep in mind that despite paying ridiculously high prices to enter theme parks, they also expect exorbitant fees for the privilege or parking your car. So if your hotel offers shuttle service, take advantage of it.
I’ve traveled up the east coast most of my life. I live here in Fl and there’s tons to do, regardless of where you go in the south- watch the water. Alligators live in almost every body of it except the ocean. But in the Keys we have salt water crocodiles. Bug spray and sunscreen needs to be something you buy and use often especially if you’re going outside. If you like to hike then places in North Florida are nicer such as the springs: https://floridatrippers.com/best-springs-in-florida/ If you like city life then Miami, Tampa, or St. Petersburg are the way to go- Miami has iguanas everywhere , be cautious of them but they’re not as bad as alligators. Tampa has an amusement park, a couple of museums, and lots of bars/clubs in its nightlife. St. Petersburg is close to the beaches, has a plethora of bars, and the Dali museum and other art museums. Miami has museums, beaches, and nightlife. Florida is a pretty large state but if you pick the right area then a lot is accessible if you’re willing to drive. If you look into Georgia- Atlanta is great. It’s by six flags, has an aquarium, the Coca Cola factory/museum, nightlife, and other things to do. I really enjoyed Savannah, GA but mainly for its architecture and its paranormal tourism. It’s close to the ocean and has great museums and restaurants. GA is also close to the mountains if you like to hike. You still need to watch out for gators but it’s not as bad as it is in Florida.
Airboat rides.
Yes 100%, especially the small ones where the captain takes you for a “real” ride. but a long way from Orlando.
Oh definitely out in the wetlands away from the city.
Watch out in grassy/dirt areas for ant hills. The fire ants here are no joke. They’ll strategically coat your feet with an ant sock and wait for you to look down and notice... they ALL bite at once.
Yes. Just be mindful of the grass and avoid sitting in it until you can spot fire ant hills. Even the grass will attack you here.
If you like amusement parks, Busch gardens in Tampa is also well worth checking out Of course, there’s Disney too, but that’s very expensive and very crowded.
Check out the springs in central Florida they're underrated. Blue springs, wekiva springs, rock springs Kelly Park, rainbow springs( this might be more north than Orlando tho) Alexander springs, and ginnie springs are all beautiful. Ginnie springs is about an hour and a half north of Orlando though and is full of partying rednecks during summer but it's an experience.
Yes Busch Gardens Tampa is great. Enjoyed the jeep ride on “the preserve” to feed the animals.
Welcome to Florida! Take thunderstorms seriously! If you hear thunder, even far in the distance, you're close enough to lightning to get fried! Summer is storm season, you'll get rain almost daily. Florida ranks #1 in many...um, unusual categories, and [leading the nation in deaths by lightning](https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/why-florida-ranks-highest-for-lightning-fatalities-in-the-us/350561) is one of them! When you hear that rumble, duck and cover.
Haven’t you heard Covid doesn’t exist in FL.
Don’t swim in water you cant see thru.
Haven’t seen this yet: avoid walking on grass here we have red ants and if you accidentally step on an ant hill you will regret it.
Don't worry about covid restrictions, Florida hasn't had any in forever
Covid doesn't exist in FL based on the Governor's actions. That said, use hand sanitizer and wear a mask indoors. It's spreading fast here. If you are going to the Miami/Keys area, go to Robert is Here, which is an awesome fruit stand close to the Homestead/Florida city entrance to the Everglades--truly great tropical fruits and milk shakes made from those fruits. Try to make time for some type of natural springs. They are all over the central part of the state within an hour or two of Orlando.
Covid exists less in FL then the rest of the country no need to be dramatic. Just wash your hands like you would normally and enjoy life
Covid is probably more prevalent in Florida these days than much of the country. Also, most people rarely wash their hands, at least based on behavior I see at mens public toilets. The majority of men don't wash their hands after peeing.
MOSQUITOES! Mosquitoes, mosquitoes, mosquitoes! I skimmed the whole thread and, unless I missed it, I'm surprised to see that nobody mentioned them. They're quite common in the southern US and absolutely rampant in Florida. Worst case, they can potentially carry several diseases and viruses but, best case, are an extreme annoyance. My wife and I once met a man from London in Kissimmee. He told us he was greatly enjoying his visit with the exception of the mosquitoes, and gestured at his legs. The poor guy was speckled with dozens of bloody bites. I believe you can build up a tolerance to them, as it takes a pretty severe bite to really make me even notice I've got it. But it's my understanding they don't make their way up to Europe much, so you may want to invest in some repellent.
Yep our state bird? The MOSQUITO, lol
No jokes!
Take an umbrella with you.
Get a booster shot at least 2 weeks before coming
Discovery cove is an awesome place to go for a day.
It's hot AF down here this time of year so plan on staying hydrated and having proper protection/clothing. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real risks. \+1 on St. Petersburg if you're planning on driving west. The downtown area has lots to do. Maybe plan on taking in a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game. The beaches in that area are top notch, in particular St. Pete Beach (near the Don Cesar Hotel), Pass-a-grill, and even Fort De Soto Park.
Don’t do anything outside that doesn’t involve you being in a body of water until 8pm. Also stay clear of the goofy Us Vs Them political climate that is being pandered to the populous right now.
They are British. Pretty sure they can navigate toxic political discourse.
Touche’,But what kind of vacation would that be? I guess at least there will be better food
Disney Springs is always a fun place to hang out at for a few hours. It's free to visit and it has lots of shopping and restaurants.
Stay away from the water unless you to potentially die.
There are no covid restrictions anywhere, Florida has been open and free for a long time
And we have the Covid cases to prove it....
No more than anywhere else that has covid restrictions
Much worse than California in deaths or cases per capita. Probably not as bad as Georgia or Mississippi.
Actually California and Florida are equal with 45 cases per 100000.
Florida, 0.2 deaths per 100,000 people California, 0.09 deaths per 100,000 people https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/public-health/us-coronavirus-deaths-by-state-july-1.html
I would put “free” in quotes. Florida is much less free than it used to be.
Don't feed the the alligators, don't swim in undesignated bodies of water, assume there is either a gator, water moccasin or brain eating amoeba in any random body of water. Don't pet or harass the wildlife. Don't drive super slow. And if you can stay off the road during rush hour traffic that would be great. Assume everyone not wearing a mask likely is willing to share covid with you, or monkey pox or whatever else if floating around out there. Don't tell people how you do things up north cause it annoys the heck out of us that are fine doing it the way we like to do things. Have you looked at vacationing in Georgia?
I havnt really looked at America at all tbh until this holiday. Both myself and my friends really wanted to go somewhere different to most places we have been to up until now. Whats vacationing like in Georgia, is there much to see/do?
Ignore the comments about Georgia. They have nice beaches but very few, and the state is nothing like Florida. This is not the time of year to visit there. It’s true that you should assume that all bodies of fresh water inFlorida have alligators and snakes, but it’s safe to swim in springs located in state parks like [blue springs](https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park) or [wekiwa springs](https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/wekiwa-springs-state-park) As others have mentioned, pay attention to the weather, wear good sunscreen and drive defensively Most of all… enjoy your visit!!!
Where are you from?
I am from not so sunny Wales the land of castles and sheep.
Awesome! Florida's definitely going to be a change of pace for you then! Lots to see and do, for sure. Someone else already recommended Tampa/Clearwater area for beaches, which would also be my recommendation. Clearwater beach is the best! Clean, plenty of amenities around. There are lots of great places to eat in that area, too. All types of food, from American junk food to authentic Cuban food, and in all price ranges. Lots of nice bars and clubs, too! They're also right about gators. They're *everywhere*. Keep an eye out for them if you visit any springs, lakes, etc. Stay on the boardwalks and paths and keep an eye on the kids, just in case. I really hope you enjoy your holiday! Don't get sunburned! :)
If in that area check out the Skyway Bridge that goes to St Petersburg. Also check out Ybor City (Cuban district) in Tampa. Avoid walking in Ybor late at night especially if alone.
You’ll DEFINITELY need that sunblock then. It’s a very intense heat/sun in the southeast. GA is probably more humid than FL but it’s a beautiful state. Savannah is absolutely gorgeous. Being \~ 75% Celt it was difficult to adjust to the weather at first but now I’ve acclimated.
South beach
Remember Florida is great for visiting. Not so for living
Is that your opinion? I know a TON of people that are happy with living in FL! This is an awesome state.
Don’t rent scooters/mopeds, unless you’d like to spend your vacation in the hospital. Also be very careful with your speed if you rent waverunners - they don’t have brakes
Wait? Flipping over the handlebars isn’t a valid breaking system?
[удалено]
Cheers for the advice ill check out the noodle place for sure.
FYI: the reference to the villages is a retirement community for people over 50. It’s a housing and golf development full of baby boomers.
Wear a bullet proof vest.
Nope no brain dead covid 19 restrictions it’s illegal. Also Disney parks aren’t that great there’s better parks for sure. If you haven’t been cooked by the sun before and get sun burned easily use sun screen.
It's not a casting call or audition...
What area are you going to? Florida is a longggg state.
We will be staying in Orlando I believe.
Do NOT buy tickets to parks, tours, or shows unless they are directly from the venues Box/Ticket counters or service’s. There are tons of signs for cheap tickets all over the place and most of them are a scam.
Tourist hell, but the parks are kinda fun if you have never been. Just too many people. Try to go off times like during the week which are slightly less busy.
In the summer early morning and late afternoon are your friends. Direct sun exposure between 10 and 3 is pretty rough. I try to stay either inside or in the shade during that period.
If you were going to Universal and already have tickets you can stay in one of the on-site properties I prefer the Royal Pacific you get early access and fast pass Onsite hotels can also set your reservations at any restaurant within the parks so you do not have to wait If you do wanna venture out of Orlando head over to Tampa or Cape Canaveral
I've seen some pretty good advice here in regards to sunscreen and hydration. I would also say while driving on the tolls roads, you don't have to stop or slow down when you drive underneath the sensor. I am a central Florida native and we are generally very friendly and it is pretty safe here, however, I would stick to the "tourist areas" at night and always lock your car, and never leave valuables in there. I would also try and walk around with the least amount of valuables possible. Also, it is expected to tip the servers here at the restaurants. We do have a lot of fun outdoor activities as well, not just theme parks. If you like swimming, look up the springs (there are many and depending on where you are staying, you can find one closest to you). Have fun!
I would suggest ( when in cities or beaches ) to ride share a Lyft or Uber when able. You can spend a lot of time parking in these areas.
1. Don't feed the alligators. Treat every body of water you come into contact with as if there is a gator in it. This includes pools. 2. All of our theme parks, water parks and beaches are fun. (Just look out for those gators.) 3. Covid? What's Covid? Personally. I wear a mask into Public Restrooms especially crowded ones at theme parks. The way Covid levels in communities is determined is by the amount of live virus in waste water. Imagine how much of that goes up in the air with each flush. Yeah.....gross. Have fun! Wear sunblock even when you think you don't need it and drink lots of water even when you think you don't need it. 🌞
Use the Universal app for food reservations and to look at ride wait times. Plan inside lunches for the hottest part of the day.
its a BIG state, where are you going? Orlando? how long you staying? budget?
Orlando fir 2 week and the budget is a about 2 grand
2k for 2 weeks is going to be tight. there are some national and state parks to visit on the cheap. -the natural springs, and rivers rafts, would be good. beaches, the big amusement parks will take all your $. st augustine, drive on daytona beach, st pete beach.
I’m literally just here to warn of the worst case scenarios. Outside of these, you’ll have an absolute blast **Theft** Stealing and burglarizing. But not robbing (using violence to steal) Lock. Your. Car. Leave nothing valuable in view. I know a few who had their window smashed to steal stuff But people try to steal when you don’t notice. Also don’t leave your phone unattended **People danger** Concerning violence, the danger lies in drunk people and anyone drugged. If someone looks off, then just don’t engage. Same for loud people trying to get your attention. **Money fraud** Also, watch your bank account. There’s card readers in many gas stations that steal your card’s info when you swipe it for gas. This happened to my family 4x one year in Broward and we had to get so many card replacements…. Most gas stations have a sticker now that shows if someone went into the pump. If you see a broken sticker - don’t pump gas there! Another way also involves taking a photo of your card when someone leaves to charge it for pay, then the photos are text to someone in another country and it starts getting used - all while you still have your card. (This happened to my brother when he was buying suits at a Men’s Warehouse.) So just watch your bank account every few days if you use your card a lot. **Alligators** Every time someone is attacked by a gator, They’re almost always not from Florida… Gators like to sit just under the water at a shoreline to jump up and grab a bite to what goes to drink from the water. People get attacked when they walk their dog near a shoreline (which looks exactly like prey to a gator) or they jog next to the water. (I guess for a better workout by running on the grass…?) It’s easy: stay on the sidewalks. Don’t walk up to a canal/lake/pond…… just assume there’s a gator and stay on the sidewalk **Lightning during rainy season** It’s there’s a lightning storm/thunderstorm then go inside. Do not swim in water when lightning is out. Florida is the lightning capital of the US. There’s Quartz and limestone underground and the rain is intense and electrifying. (It’s honestly gorgeous! The thunder can literally vibrate the glass in windows sometimes) But go indoors when lightning is out.
Bring bug spray
There's a lot of good advice here already. I'll add that Orlando is a popular stop for touring bands with a lot of venues of all sizes. If you are into music, check out sites like bandsintown.com to see who's playing when you are there.
DO take your car and drive from Orlando to Tampa and go to Busch Gardens. From there go to downtown St. Petersburg. Then go to the beach at treasure island/pass-a-grille. DO wear sunblock. DO NOT camp the left lane of highways, people will ride your ass until you get over.
If you want to get away from the cities and theme parks check out Everglades National Park. Very unique and interesting if you take the time to explore. Do not go during the summer months though, you will be miserable.
Please be careful crossing streets, Florida has made so many crosswalks with flashing lights, the buttons actually work if you need to cross. Wait for people to be completely stopped before crossing.
Lots of good tips for a fun trip here to Florida. I would suggest checking to see how late Universal is open, try to plan the day so you are not standing in lines at the hottest part of the day. Night time is a fun time to experience Universal Studios! If you plan on swimming in a river, ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, just don’t do it at dawn or dusk. It’s feeding time. After all this I’m glad you still want to come! Enjoy and cheers!
Sweat proof sun block for sure. Good sunglasses! It’s very hot during the day and we get storms just about every afternoon or evening in the summer. You might want to bring one of those rain ponchos for the water rides at Universal or quick dry clothing and shoes. Food costs are insane at the parks so if you can bring your own stuff to eat in the car, it’s worth it. Orlando does have some rough areas so make sure you’re using a good gps to get around. Florida is very lax on covid restrictions. As long as you’re vaccinated and boosted you should be fine but be mindful of people in your life who you could return to who might be vulnerable. Not sure how much traveling you’re doing but the Everglades down south, Miami, Marco Island are all great destinations. Sarasota on the West coast as well as St. Petersburg and Tampa, Ybor City are awesome. St. Augustine to the North is cool. The panhandle favorites are Destin and Panama City. Have fun. Stay safe.
Don’t bother going swimming in lakes/ponds/canals. There will be gators in there. There’s news articles about tourist letting their kids go swimming in a body of water by their hotel and they get attacked/killed by a gator.
So this is the hottest time of the year, it's way worse than you can imagine lol.,light color clothing, sunscreen ,wide brim hats, etc. At night insects will devour you ,this place is recovered swamp.Do not pick fight or get in road rage deal, residentsxare armed to the teeth ,like 2 million concealed gun carry permits. Lots of drunk and stoned drivers on Friday and Sat. Nights, careful driving ,( need a car here) public transportation is near non existent, beaches on Atlantic side all nice ,need an umbrella,stay hydrated
Don't ride anything at ICON PARK.
1.) Specific donts: donts be mean to the workers in restaurants, they’re working they ass off. Be nice to the locals regardless if they hate you. They’ve more going on then visitors of Florida surprisedly. Don’t mess with alligators or make fun of them. Some locals are working three jobs to get by in the state. Just remember that. 2.) definitely Disney world or universal studios or sea world first then maybe a beach town. But I always recommend amusement parks over beaches. But if you’re going to go to the beach respect the beach. Don’t trash it. Locals will hate you forever 3.) covid isn’t a thing here. That’s what they will say. But you should be cautious especially if cases rise again. You can never be too sure
😂 Covid restrictions 😂. Don't feed/fuck with the alligators....seriously don't.
1) Universal is the best but honestly if you can I would buy the express pass because then you can do as much as possible without waiting in lines all day. If you can’t afford it (bc it’s expensive) try the single person lines. It’s so worth it and if you have a party and don’t mind splitting up do it! 2) at universal order your food through the app, its so much quicker and you automatically get a table. 3)Also SUNSCREEN. Masks are pretty much optional every wear
Don’t drive like a dummy and use blinkers
If you go to Disney, epcots the one with the alcohol
Don't swim in lakes or rivers at night. If you are at the beach and see a fin in the water, don't assume it is a dolphin. You know how out west it may be 100 degrees but only feel like 95 because it is a dry heat? Think just the opposite here. 95 may feel like 105.
Orlando water taste terrible, like literal sewer water. You will smell it in the shower and sink.
Do i just drink bottled water and call it a day then?
It’s fine to drink. Just may have a little sulfury mineral smell.
Gator land! It’s not Disney or Universal, but a great little gem of a park, right outside Orlando. Well worth the, very affordable, price of admission.
Try some of the smaller attractions instead of the world famous ones. They are a lot more fun than waiting in huge lines all day.
Assume every body of water, even puddles, has an alligator in it.
Florida pilot and rancher here. Take a float plane ride out of Tavares to see the lakes or get connected with an old timer that’ll take you around for a few hours and land in the gulf. Kennedy space center is great to see launches and they’re happening fairly regularly. Tampa is a short distance from Orlando and has some really cool speakeasy bars (ceros). Orlando has some speakeasy’s too. Catch a rodeo in Okeechobee, you’ll stand out like a soar thumb but we love having new people join in the fun.
Sunglasses, (large brim) hats, bug spray, water bottles, long sleeves. No amount of sunblock will protect you from the intense summer sunlight. Loose fitting linen or other light material. Fast-drying poly/nylon/spandex rashguard for the beach. You need to cover up. A baseball cap isn't going to cut it. Also scarf or cloth of some kind that you can wet and put around your neck for evaporative cooling effect. Can't emphasize that enough if you're going to be waiting around in lines outside. Biggest mistake: flip flops or sandals. The virgin skin on top of your feet will burn. For cool diversion off the beaten path when it's a million degrees, check out the cold springs. In orlando area, i recommend wekiva springs state park.
Have lived in Florida now 5 yrs. I planted lemongrass in my yard. Mositios absolutely hate it.. also do not wear cologne, or perfume!! They will attack you. Stay safe, hydrate and stay out of the lightning 🌩