Important Tourist Safety Information

To enable you to enjoy a safe and secure holiday we have compiled the following helpful and commonsense traveller's tips.

Please do not worry about your trip to Florida because this information can be applied to various countries throughout the world.

AT THE AIRPORT

Never store valuables, cash or jewelry in your luggage and never leave baggage unattended.
Only write your destination address on luggage labels on the outward journey.
Using a strap/tie around your luggage, or a seal/lock on zippers, is an excellent deterrent against pilferage.
Avoid anyone who solicits you with allegedly low-cost transportation services.
Only use authorised or well-known transportation during your visit.
If you experience a problem, note the identification number of the vehicle for investigative purposes.
Before leaving the airport, get specific directions to your final destination to avoid getting lost (this is particularly easy to do when you first start to drive on the opposite side of the road) or ending up in an unfriendly/frightening environment.

IN YOUR CAR

The driver of a vehicle must possess a valid driver's licence and vehicle registration while driving.
Drivers and front seat passengers are required by law to wear seat belts.
Children under three years of age must travel in child-safety seats.
Children four and five years of age must be in a safety seat or wear a seat belt.
Right turns are permitted at red lights after a stop, unless otherwise signed.
Florida law requires headlights to be on during rain storms.
The speed limit on interstate highways ranges from 55-70mph.
In the cities and congested areas, it will range from 20-55mph.
All speed limits are signed and strictly enforced.
Florida has adopted very tough policies regarding drink-driving (blood alcohol levels of .08% or over are prohibited).
It is always a good idea to purchase a map to plan your route before you arrive and these are available at various outlets in the UK, etc. You can then spend a few hours whilst on the plane getting familiar with the area. Alternatively ask the car rental representative or airport staff for step by step directions.
Always take your parking ticket with you because leaving it in the car allows the thief to exit the parking lot without any problems.
Do not leave your car running unattended, you might as well hand it to a thief!
If your car is fitted with an Anti-theft device make sure it is activated.
When parked, remember to lock windows and doors but not to lock the keys in the car!
While driving if you are bumped from behind, flashed by headlights or see someone who indicates they need help it is not wise to stop. Drive to the nearest, well-litpublic area and dial the police on 911.
It is sometimes a good idea to keep your doors and windows locked whilst travelling, in case anyone suspicious should approach your vehicle as it slows down, or whilst stopped at traffic lights. In such a situation the best action is to blow the horn repeatedly.
Park in well-lit areas and check the close proximity and interior of the vehicle before entering.

WHILE YOU VISIT

Be very careful with handbags (pocketbooks), cameras, casual bags, etc. Keep your hand on items, if possible, or, keep things tucked close to your body.
Be alert to the location of your valuables whilst in a crowd.
Carry your wallet in an inside or front trouser pocket. Never in a rear pocket.
Be alert to possible staged distractions by a pickpocket team.
If you are jostled, bumped or crowded, be aware that a pocket may be in the process of being picked, call out immediately for assistance and make a lot of fuss and noise.
Never Display large amounts of cash when making a purchase. If possible, use credit cards or travellers cheques for major expenses.

IN YOUR VILLA

Close all doors whenever you are in your room and use all locking device's provided. Do not open the door to unexpected callers.
Place all valuable's in a security cupboard/safe or somewhere you consider safe.
Before going out check that all slide doors and pool doors are locked fully.
When in the pool or outside never leave purses, wallets, keys, unattended or out of sight.
Wherever you stay, make sure you are aware of emergency procedures and exits.

Please remember, wherever you travel on holiday, crime never takes a vacation!