A word of warning to be prepared

[SimonV]

Excellent advice, Vernon. And I would certainly like to hear any general advice Bill has to offer on this subject. I do know that the American limit for alcohol is significantly LESS than the legal limit in the UK, so it is definitely worth bearing in mind. Also, for any accident, no matter how minor, the police must attend the scene of the accident BEFORE vehicles can be moved (except for on busy I-4). You must also have your driving licence whenever you are driving in the US (both parts, if you have the new card version), as well as your rental agreement (which shows insurance details).

But it is important for a whole range of reasons to have your accommodation details and contacts to hand at all times (not least because of the new Advance Passenger Information required at flight check-in), so it is worth writing them down and keeping them in your wallet/purse.

On a slightly different note, it is almost as essential to carry photo ID with you at all times (so it is worth applying for the newer driving licence if you don't already have one, to avoid having to carry your passport). For some reason, many retail establishments now ask for picture ID when you pay by credit card, while if you visit any of the Disney resorts, ID is also required.

Thanks again, Vernon, this is a worthwhile topic.

 

[Ware Bears]

Thank you Vernon, your offer is very kind.

 

[Cochise]

Would be nice to see a few important do's and don'ts if Bill has the time, a very kind offer. I think Simon includes a good section on being careful out there in the book for us Brits. Driving in a foreign country set fear into me before we went so i was over careful, an approach that we all should take. Due to this i enjoyed the driving (but not the signs )

 

[gilld]

I wonder if it might not be worth putting the telephone number and address of accommodation in the glove box?

 

[MrsJobba1]

Thank you for that word of warning!

 

[Miffy2003]

I wonder if it might not be worth putting the telephone number and address of accommodation in the glove box?

Good idea Gill... phone number and resort name & address definitely There wouldn't be any security issues with this would there?? As long as you didn't put your room number etc, obviously.

 

[jonestavern]

It is important to note that blood alcohol limits vary from state to state. so you may be legally intoxicated in say, New Hampshire, but not in Florida--

As for keeping the address of your hotel on you--
while visiting DMom at her new apartment in suburban Washington, DC, I became lost amidst that labyrinth of city streets. Couldn't remember the new street name. Ended up having to go to her old building & asking one of her friends for DMom's new address--boy, did I feel like a real Bozo!
really don't know what I would've done if she was new in town!

Jean

 

[Cyrano]

Veron what a generous offer and good advice to warn others

 

[tink too]

Very good advice. As previously stated, it was the family waiting desperately for news of their dad/husband back at the hotel that I immediately felt for - I bet there wasn't much sleep had once your friend hadn't returned after an hour or so!

Even in the UK, people think they can "work out" how much alcohol they can consume and still be "under the limit." This is an impossible task. Firstly, alcohol affects people in different ways. Secondly, there are outside factors that can influence your blood/alcohol level - how tired or stressed you are, for example.

I personally don't drink then drive, but know many people would drive after say one or two beers. I'm sure that it is quite normal for police to check every driver involved in a car accident to see if they are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

We don't even drive at all when on holiday - and I very rarely even drink while I am on vacation - I leave that to DH!

Remember - don't chill out so much on vacation that your common sense goes out the window!

 

[Kilted_Yank]

Would be nice to see a few important do's and don'ts if Bill has the time...

A work in progress as we speak, mate... it should be finished tomorrow or friday.

Bill

 

[Kilted_Yank]

...while visiting DMom at her new apartment in suburban Washington, DC, I became lost amidst that labyrinth of city streets.

Not hard to get lost here... until you learn the lay of the land. After a while you get used to it. When I first cvame here, I used to get around by orienting wherever I was to the Washington Monument.

Bill

 

[maureen4200040]

I carry the full hotel details in my purse and handbag - and i always, always tuck a little piece of paper with the hotel phone&address on it into my bra. You just never know when you'll need it.

Its worth taking a mental note of the numbered bus stop near your hotel.

 

[dc1964]

What is the limit of alcohol for driving, anyone know?

 

[Kilted_Yank]

It depends on where you go... some places in the U.S. it is .05, some places .08, in others it is higher.

Your mileage may vary... but it shouldn't be difficult to find out for the place you plan to visit.

 

[Mike Jones]

oops! A sound bit of advice Vernon.... thankyou.

Mike

 

[wils]

Thanks for the cautionary tale. I'll bear it in mind for next time

 

[vernon]

Thanks for the offers of advice Bill, I'm sure it will be appreciated and thanks to everyone who has participated.

Sorry I've been away from the post for the last week, Jana and I moved into our new house last week ( hooray for us although the house looks like a bomb site as we get everything straightened out) and it took a few days to get the phone ( internet access) to the new house. I'm glad to see a number of you are thinking of different ways to avoid any tricky situations, obviously it's impossible to cover for all events, but a couple of relatively simple measures can help to avoid/minimize many of them.

 

[Miffy2003]

Hooray for you and Jana, Vernon. Much happiness to you both in your new home

 

[momof3disneyholics]

If you are staying on International Drive then the I-Ride Trolley is a good choice for transportation when you have had a little too much to drink. Alot of people over drink at the dinner shows since the beer and wine are unlimited, so if you are going to see Pirate's or Dixie Stampede then definately take the Trolley.