Florida Street Journey – 10 Ideas For Driving in Florida

Florida is a BIG state and with loads of issues to see and do, it’s the right sort of place for a street journey. Right here’s what you might want to know to benefit from driving in Florida

My third, or perhaps fourth, day on the street and I lastly reached the Florida border. Coming from Savannah, Georgia, I made my approach down I-95 into Florida with little fanfare: my Google Maps app asserting “Welcome to Florida.” It was already darkish, however I used to be relieved.

The ultimate stretch of my I-95 street journey from NYC to Miami (give or take just a few hundred miles).

After I first introduced I used to be happening this street journey—as a favor to my aunt who wanted her automotive down south—nearly everybody I knew warned me about Florida. “Florida is huge,” they’d say. I do know, that, in fact, however I’d sort of forgotten.

I’ve achieved one different Florida street rip a few decade in the past. I drove from tip-to-tip, from Key West all the best way up iI-95 after which throughout the panhandle en path to New Orleans and, ultimately, Dallas.

I’ve just a few distinct recollections from that street journey—passing what appeared on the time, the Everglades, vague cities from the freeway and an extended (very lengthy) darkish street.

Virtually the whole lot of our street journey again then felt prefer it was in Florida, and that’s what I used to be anticipating this second time round.

And it sort of was.

After driving by way of Florida for D A Y S, listed here are my tricks to take pleasure in your individual Florida street journey. The issues you might want to know to take advantage of out of driving by way of America’s penis.

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All of the issues you might want to know

1. Florida is fucking huge.

Google tells us that Florida is 65,700+ sq. miles with 20 million folks. And we already know that this state takes up loads of house in our information—that Florida man is fucking all over the place

However right here’s the factor: as a result of Florida is a peninsula, and since (arguably) its finest bits are on the very tip, it simply takes F O R E V E R to get anyplace within the state.

Driving in Florida additionally appears to simply take perpetually not simply due to the space required, however due to so so many causes. Not all of them unhealthy, as a result of in truth, who doesn’t love a leisurely journey on the open street?

2. Florida’s roads are boring

Having pushed the overwhelming majority of I-95 from New England to Florida, I can undoubtedly say that I-95 is its most boring in Florida. Merely put, there are simply fewer relaxation stops, gasoline stations, and different facilities alongside the foremost artery.

For some motive, after Savannah, there’s simply not a lot alongside the freeway. It’s loads of timber and open areas. That vacancy isn’t all unhealthy, although. In fact, it means a bit much less congestion, however sadly that doesn’t imply safer roads (see the following one).

3. Florida drivers are reckless

I hate to make generalizations however after almost 96 hours on the street and crossing 11 states alongside the best way, the freeway felt least protected whereas in Florida.

The roads had been really fairly nice (there are main renovations being achieved alongside I-95 to be accomplished this yr), however the drivers—they had been terrible.

I used to be minimize off repeatedly throughout my most up-to-date 10-hour drive by way of Florida; drivers would journey on my tail and cross throughout lanes to get forward. It was scary and uncomfortable and required some critical alertness

4. Florida roads are flat

And easy! Most of I-95 was remarkably well-maintained and even with development right here and there, it was all clearly marked and felt protected and cozy. The flat roads make it simple to maneuver (typically too quick—be careful for the freeway patrol!).

5. Relaxation stops are fairly first rate

Alongside the interstate highways and the Florida turnpike, relaxation stops and journey facilities had been well-stocked and clear. For anybody touring lengthy distances, these are actually helpful and essential, and Florida appears to take care of them fairly properly.

There have been indicators nearly all over the place about nighttime safety at each relaxation cease, for higher or worse—a bit of bewildering how a lot of some extent they made about it, however perhaps that’s a problem.

6. The SunPass is absolutely helpful

The Florida Turnpike runs the size of the state and whereas your route is what’s going to play a task in whether or not you’re taking it or not, it’s a fairly helpful throughway for a lot of the state. Getting a SunPass supplies easy accessibility to the Turnpike and it may be bought at Florida welcome facilities alongside the state’s borders.

The SunPass isn’t obligatory for accessing the Turnpike as you too can get tickets and pay money, however be warned that with out the SunPass, some turnpike exits aren’t accessible.

I’m not likely positive why that’s the case, however I did spot no less than one exit alongside the turnpike which was for SunPass customers solely.

7. There will likely be site visitors

Oh my god will there be site visitors. I don’t actually perceive why as a result of it’s my understanding that the majority Floridians are pensioners, however rush hour exists in Florida and it’s A N N O Y I N G.

I do know that’s in all probability common, however the site visitors round Fort Lauderdale and Miami was nerve-wracking. Fortunately the climate’s good so sitting within the solar isn’t the worst factor.

8. Pack sunscreen

Which brings us to one of the crucial essential journey suggestions for Florida: PACK SUNSCREEN! The solar is robust in Florida (duh—it’s the sunshine state!), however don’t neglect to make use of it whereas driving, too! Your automotive home windows gained’t defend you adequate and the solar will burn.

Be ready and preserve a small sunscreen spray in your automotive in case you’re touring Florida steadily.

Additionally: be certain to remain hydrated and drink loads of water when on a Florida street journey. You by no means know the way unhealthy the site visitors’s going to be, or how scorching your automotive may get.

9. You’ll want a number of pairs of sun shades

Talking of the solar, don’t neglect your sun shades! I don’t find out about you, however I steadily lose my sun shades so throughout my street journey, I stored an additional air within the glove field, plus one in my bag, and one other that I wore.

I in some way managed to not lose any of them throughout this journey, however driving with out them would have been a nightmare.

10. Don’t miss the sights!

Florida is fucking huge; we already talked about that. And as one in every of America’s most touristic locations, there’s a lot to truly cease and see. I believe?

Florida’s state parks are there to guard loads of distinctive wildlife, and the large vacationer cities like Orlando, Miami, and Key West all have some cool issues to see.

And naturally there are the seashores! I stayed an evening in Daytona the place you’ll be able to really drive on the seaside (for a charge) which is sort of enjoyable in case you’re into automobiles and don’t thoughts sand all over the place.

(Belief me: every week in Florida and there will likely be sand all over the place; there’s nothing you are able to do about it.)

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I rant about Florida fairly a bit however I’ve been visiting the state repeatedly since I used to be a bit of child. There’s at all times one thing new to see or expertise, and even when there isn’t, the solar & sand greater than make up for the annoying quirks of life in Florida.

Now: in case you want me, I’ll be on the seaside.