Page 326 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

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Practical Information hats, and drink plenty of fluids
to avoid dehydration. Alligators
With about 100 million visitors a year, Florida is very well are a thrilling sight in the
geared for catering to tourists’ needs. It is the ultimate family Everglades but they can and do
vacation destination. A strong emphasis is placed on kill, so treat them with respect.
entertaining children, and the superb facilities available Look out for spiders, scorpions,
and venomous snakes native to
make traveling with youngsters a real pleasure. Given its Florida. It is best not to touch
warm climate, Florida is a winter destination for many visitors. unfamiliar vegetation. Wear
The peak season runs from December to April, when the insect repellent when visiting
beaches and other attractions are at their busiest. Anyone parks and nature preserves.
visiting Walt Disney World® or other theme parks should be
prepared for long lines during the peak season. Driving in Florida
Driving in Florida is a delight
because of its excellent road
Tourist Information not try to resist. In case of a network, inexpensive gasoline,
Most large cities in Florida serious illness or accident, and affordable car rentals. The
have a Convention and Visitor’s hospitals provide good treat- fastest routes are the Interstate
Bureau, offering a huge array ment. Minor ailments can be Highways, referred to as I-10,
of brochures. Most hotels also treated at the 24-hour walk-in I-75, and so on. Be warned that
have a brochure rack or free clinics. Medical care is expensive, local drivers change lanes
“WHERE” magazines that list so be sure your insurance docu- frequently on expressways, so
museums, entertainment, ments are up-to-date. In an stick to the right and be alert
shopping, and dining. To get emergency dial 911. For non- near exits. Speed limits can
information before you leave emergency assistance, contact vary within a few miles, from
home, check Visit Florida local police information offices.. 55–70 mph (90–105 km/h)
website for endless ideas and on high ways, to 20–30 mph
information about the state. (32–48 km/h) in residential areas,
Natural Hazards
and 15 mph (24 km/h) near
Hurricanes are infrequent, and schools. Speed limits are rigor-
Security & Health
generally limited to the summer ously enforced, and speeding
Though crimes against tourists and autumn. They can cause fines can be as much as $500.
have fallen since the 1990s, it devastation if they make land- In the event of a serious
is best to take precautions in fall. If a storm is imminent follow breakdown, call the emer gency
urban areas, especially in Miami. the announcements on local number on the rental agreement
Avoid deserted neighborhoods radio and television. The and the agency will provide
at night. Carry as little money National Hurricane Center in a new vehicle. The American
as possible, and leave valuables Miami gives details on impending Automobile Association
at home or check them at the hurricanes. On beaches, keep (AAA) also has its own
hotel reception desk (it is best an eye on children as riptides breakdown service and will
not to leave valuables in your are a danger in some places. assist its members.
hotel room). If attacked, hand The worst climatic hazard is Miami has had a bad
over your wallet at once, and do the sun. Use sunscreen, wear reputation for crimes against
motorists, but be careful in
other areas as well. Avoid
The Climate of Florida driving in unfamiliar territory
With its warm climate, Florida after dark. If you have to refer
is a year-round destination. to a map, stop only when you
Its climatic divide between MIAMI are in a well-lit area. Ignore
the temperate north and the any attempt by anyone to
subtropical south means that 88/31 stop you from driving.
the state has two distinct °F/C 80/27 83/28 75/24
tourist seaons. In south and 74/23 72/22
central Florida, the busiest time 67/19 Etiquette
is when tourists come to enjoy 32°F 61/16 Dress in Florida is mostly casual,
the mild winters. Summers 0°C but it is illegal for women to
can be uncom fortably hot 23 22 22 20 go topless on beaches, except
throughout the state. Despite days days days days in a few places, such as Miami’s
this difference, the Sunshine 2.9 5.7 5.6 2
State by and large lives up to in in in in South Beach. Drinking alcohol
its reputation of clear, blue skies on beaches and in other
and a pleasant climate. month Apr Jul Oct Jan public places is illegal, as is
smoking in buses, trains, taxis,
and in most public buildings.

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm