|
DISABLED TRAVELLERS
|
|
Florida, as with most US states, is extremely well organised as far as the disabled traveller is concerned. All public buildings, transport services and parks have been specially adapted to make access and use easier for the disabled. Disabled travellers are advised to contact the following establishments:
|
Society for the Advancement of Travel for the Handicapped (SATH)
|
347 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Tel: +1-212-447-7284
|
Mobility International, USAPO Box 10767, Eugene. Tel: +1-503-343-1284
|
|
|
|
BUDGET TRAVEL
|
|
The two main forms of youth identification accepted worldwide are the International Student Identity Card and the International Youth Discount Travel Card. These can prove extremely useful to travellers, providing free help and information in medical, financial and legal emergencies, as well as access to discounts. Insurance packages are also provided.
|
On the whole, hostels provide safe, inexpensive lodgings, usually in the form of dormitory-style accommodations with separate quarters for men and women. Many hostels have private rooms or family rooms which can be reserved in advance. Most offer self-service kitchens or cafeterias, dining areas, secure storage and common rooms for relaxing and socialising with other travellers. For details regarding hostels in America, contact:
|
Hostelling International - American Youth Hostels, 733 15th Street, N.W.
|
Suite 840, Dept. Tap, Washington, D.C. 20005
|
Tel: +1-202-783-6161 or 800-444-6111
|
Hitch-hiking in the United States is considered dangerous and is not recommended. Motorists are often wary of hitch-hikers and it may prove difficult to get lifts. Hitch-hiking on freeways is illegal.
|
|
|
|
MONEY
|
|
The American unit of currency is the United States dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Dollar bills are issued in denominations of USD1.00, 5.00, 10.00, 20.00, 50.00 and 100.00, plus a number of larger (and rarer) denominations. Bills are all the same size and colour, but the denomination number is printed clearly in each corner. The USD2.00 bill, the JFK half dollar and the USD1.00 Susan B Anthony coin are still in circulation but are rarely seen. The coins consist of one cent (a penny), five cents (a nickel), ten cents (a dime) and 25 cents (a quarter).
|
Credit Cards and CashCredit cards such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa can be used for almost all cash purchases. In Florida it is safer not to carry large sums of money on you. When renting a car, or checking into a hotel, it is often necessary to prove creditworthiness. Traveller’s Cheques For security reasons, traveller’s cheques are the best way for American and European travellers to carry money. If lost or stolen they can be easily replaced; remember to write down the numbers of the cheques. They can also be cashed at most banks and exchange bureaux. Exchange rates are posted in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and at most banks or exchange bureaux.
|
|
|
|
TAXES
|
|
Sales tax of 6% is applied to all goods. It is not included in the marked price. Service Charges Service charges are not included in the bill, and it is customary to leave at least a 15% tip, especially in restaurants. It is customary to tip your hotel porter about USD2.00.
|
|
|
|
TRANSPORT
|
|
Roads: The roads are generally good. The Interstate Highways have six lanes, and traffic moves fast. Roads such as the State or US Highways are smaller and more scenic. The state has a number of toll roads, the Florida Turnpike being the longest. Toll ranges from 25c to USD3.00. County Roads are the smallest, with the number of the road preceded by a letter indicating the county. The wearing of safety belts is compulsory. The speed limit on the interstate highway is 90km/h (55mph), and the minimum speed, 65km/h (40mph). In residential areas the speed limit ranges from 45 to 55km/h (30 to 35mph). An International Driving License can be obtained from the AAA. This simply involves validating your existing driver’s license.
|
|
Buses: Greyhound offers the largest bus service in the United States. The service is cheaper and more comprehensive than the airlines, and can be used to get to both the large cities and the smaller towns. Local buses are cheap, but very time consuming.
|
|
Taxis: Taxis always carry a roof sign and can thus be easily recognised. Most have meters and have their rates marked on the doors. It is possible to hail a taxi from the street, especially in the city centres, but it is often easier to phone for one. It is customary to tip 15% of the fare.
|
|
Trains: Trains offer a relatively cheap and comfortable way of travelling. After the deregulation of the American airline industry the railway service Amtrak became far more efficient, and almost all American cities and towns are now linked by rail. The Tri-Rail service in the Gold Coast area is cheap, but only runs during peak business hours.
|
|
Air Travel: All major cities such as Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Tallahassee can be reached from all over the United States by means of larger airlines such as Delta or American Airlines. For local travel between these cities and the smaller towns, smaller airlines like Air South and Midwest Express can be used.
|
|
Ports: Pleasure cruises operate from many resorts, touring the coast, inlets, swamps, rivers and lakes. Both Miami and Miami Beach offer tours of varying lengths up and down the coast. At Key Largo, a glass-bottomed boat allows visitors to view the coral reefs in comfort. Tours and cruises are also available in Tarpon Springs, Key West, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, St Petersburg, Naples and Sarasota.
|
