Orlando On A Tankful Archives | -

10 Tips for All Drivers and 5 More for Those Traveling from Abroad

Birgit Link — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 08:30:44 +0000

Driving Tips for Florida Roads

There is a lot that goes into planning a vacation in Orlando, FL. And if you choose to visit the greater Orlando area, one of the most important things to consider is your means of transportation. Unlike a trip to New York or Chicago—where subways and taxicabs are everywhere you turn—the preferred way in Orlando to get from here to there is by car.

This does not mean you have to drive in order to have an amazing vacation in The City Beautiful. You still can. And you will. Whether or not you drive. However, if you do plan to get behind the wheel, here’s a checklist of tips about driving on Florida roads.

General Tips for Your vacation in Orlando, FL

1. Renting Your Car

Car rental is the best bet for short-term visitors. There are many different car rental agencies available at either the Orlando International or the Orlando Sanford airport. In order to rent a car, drivers must be 21 years of age or older (it is important to note that drivers between the ages of 21-25 will have to pay an additional charge to rent a vehicle).

2. Paying Your Tolls

There are a number of toll-roads throughout the State of Florida (including across Central Florida). However, not to worry, because most car rental agencies offer programs that allow their customers to utilize the TOLL-BY-PLATE option (this means that any and all tolls and service fees incurred on Florida’s roadways can be automatically charged to the same credit card used to rent the vehicle).

3. Wearing Your Seat Belts

All drivers and front seat passengers are required by law to always wear seat belts (backseat passengers under the age of 18 must wear them too). It does not matter if you are driving from Tallahassee to Miami or merely backing into a parking space, you must wear your seat belt at all times.

4. Protecting Your Children

All children three years of age and younger must be secured in a car seat. Four- and five-year old children must be secured in either a car seat or a seat belt (it is the driver’s responsibility to secure each child).

5. Parking Your Car

Street and metered parking is available throughout the Orlando area, but make sure you pay attention to any hours of operation. Always park in the same direction as the flow of traffic. Remember that parking facing the opposite direction than the flow of traffic may result in a fine.

6. Turning on Red

It is legal to make a right turn at a red light in Florida. But remember to come to a complete stop before you make the turn. Also, make sure there is not a “no turn on red” sign posted.

7. Paying Attention to Street Signs

The majority of street signs—including speed limit signs—are posted on the right side of the road. Street signs are color coded and generally the shape of a sign signifies its meaning.

8. When to Use Your Headlights

You must drive with your headlights on from dusk until dawn. You must drive with your headlights on during rain and fog.

9. Understanding Florida Weather

Driving in the rain also means low beams on, hazards off. Keep in mind that weather in Florida is highly unpredictable for the majority of the year. For the summer months—July and August in particular—it generally rains everyday between approximately 2 PM-6:30 PM ET.

10. Never Drink and Drive

The State of Florida has strict laws for drunk driving. The law prohibits driving any type of vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or above. If you plan on having alcohol as a part of your vacation festivities, please appoint a member of your group as the designated driver or take advantage of a ride sharing service and leave the rental car back at your vacation resort home.

Tips for Our International Guests

4. More 4-Way Stops, Less Roundabouts

4-Way stops are a lot more popular in the United States than roundabouts. Though the occasional roundabout pops up from time to time in Florida, you will be much more likely to see a 4-Way stop. Remember that rolling stops are illegal and may result in a ticket. A good rule of thumb at a stop sign is to stop and “count to 3” before proceeding through the intersection.

5. Pay Before You Pump

If you want to pay to fill up your rental car at a gas station, more than likely you will have to pre-pay before you pump. This is very common and there is no problem to get your change from the attendant if you overpay (e.g., if you pay for $35 worth of gas but your tank is filled after you pump $30).

1. Driving on the Right

As obvious and surprising as this might sound, this is the most important tip to remember. It is also worth noting that this is not only important while driving, but also when watching for pedestrians at cross streets or when you are, in fact, the pedestrian in question. You might also consider practicing turning your head and looking left then right, instead of the other way around.

2. Do You Have ID?

The only ID you need in order to drive in Florida is your documentation of identification from your native country (i.e. driver’s license). An international driving permit is not necessary.

3. Mile Versus Kilometers

Remember, Americans don’t use the metric system. Therefore, please note that everything is miles and inches, not kilometers and centimeters.

Hopefully this little checklist can serve as a helpful guide for what you might encounter as soon as you land, rent, and start your engine. The main thing to remember is to always use the same amount of common sense and street smarts that you always do back home. Orlando is a wonderful city with lots to do and plenty to see. So stay alert and drive safe, because it’s time to jump in the driver’s seat and hit the open road.

Contact Us

It’s the perfect time to start planning a getaway to Orlando, FL, and our expert team can help you book your perfect Orlando vacation home. Contact us, and we’ll start assisting you in finding your dream home today!

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Delicious Food on a Shoe String Budget: Cheap But Great Eats in Orlando

Birgit Link — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 18:08:31 +0000

Delicious Food on a Shoe String Budget: Cheap But Great Eats in Orlando

Orlando, Florida is a city that has been dubbed a cultural and social hotbed. With incredible diversity within the population and plenty of things to do and see, this is a place that every adventurer should experience. It is also a must-visit destination for any lover of food. The following is a list of some of the most popular fairly-priced restaurants where you can get a great meal for a little money.

Bem Bom Food Truck

Many people are thrown for a loop when considering the prospect of food served out of a truck. But make no mistake, the Bem Bom Food Truck dishes out some of the finest cuisine in the area for a surprisingly fair price. Francisco Mendonca or “Chef Chico” as he has come to be known, has been studying a variety of cooking from French to Tex-Mex. This food truck specializes in Portuguese cuisine with signature dishes like Piri Piri chicken, Pork Prego and even the delicate custards. The Pork Prego consists of pork that has been braised for 8 to 10 hours with caramelized onions and peppers, all on a Portuguese bun. There are countless other food truck destinations that dish out some of the most unique and delicious foods you will find anywhere.

Tako Cheena

This is one of the most unique and cost effective places to eat in all of Orlando. You are sure to have never had anything quite like this, as it is a fusion of Thai, Cuban, Filipino and Mexican cuisine. It is hard to imagine an amalgam of such strong flavors and styles of food, but with one taste, you will understand what prompted such collaboration. Try crowd favorites like the Thai peanut chicken takos, Panko-crusted cod takos and bahn-mi hot dogs. Expand your culinary horizons with flavors that you could never have imagined.

Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria

As the name suggests, Pom Pom’s is one of the best places to visit if you have a hankering for countless sandwich and tea options. But you can also find amazing soups and salads at this popular destination. Come hungry and leave with a full wallet and belly.

Delicious Food, Low Prices

The list of options for cost effective dining in Orlando is so extensive that it would take all day. It is far more come out and see for yourself! Here, you are sure to experience delights to the senses that you have never known before. Get out there and find you new favorite place to eat on a budget!

Click here for more information on everything you need for your Orlando trip!

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The Top Free Activities in Orlando, Florida

Birgit Link — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 17:59:55 +0000

The Top Free Activities in Orlando, Florida

Vacations are expensive enough with just travel and lodging; nobody wants to pay excessively high activity fees in addition. For that reason, we at Tropical Escape Vacation Homes have prepared a list of the best free activities in Orlando. These are great options to get to know the Florida area without breaking the bank, and don’t worry, these are quality activities.

Grand Bohemian Gallery

Described as eclectic and visually stimulating, this gallery inside the Grand Bohemian Hotel is quite the treat. Featured here are a variety of local and international artists displaying oil paintings, glass work, jewelry, and more! The exhibits cycle each month, so there’s always something new to see – and it’s free!

Downtown Disney

Disney World has a large ticket price, but Downtown Disney is free. Here you get a taste of Disney culture with a great variety of shops and restaurants. Depending on the time of year, there may be festivals taking place as well. Keep an eye on the Downtown Disney calendar and you may make some incredible memories.

Lake Eola

This is a great segue out of Downtown Disney. Lake Eola Park is nearby downtown and has a mile-long trail offering a view of the cityscape and gorgeous waters. You can feed the swans here and find some food for yourself nearby. Offering a great view without requiring a trip out of the city, this is a great option.

Live Music

Live music is in abundance across Florida. There are many free beach concerts that appears with the dawn of each season, and some very talented locals play music in both Downtown Disney and local restaurants and bars. If you’re craving some groovy tunes, a quick search online will provide details on where to go on, whatever night of the week.

Leu Gardens

You can’t put a price on nature, and luckily many parks don’t. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical oasis with several gardens designed to inspire visitors to learn about and appreciate plants. There are 30 minute tours throughout the day, so you don’t need to worry about feeling lost. This place is open 9am-5pm and isn’t far from downtown, allowing easy access. While you’re here, take a tour of the historic Leu House Museum to experience another Florida landmark.

The List Goes On

There’s many free events across Orlando that are worth checking out, and these five are a great way to get started!

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