Hello!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2003
Hello!
6
Fri, 10-15-2004 - 4:47pm
Hi all!

Question to those I know and those who got here since I stopped hanging around!! I NEED YOUR ADVICE!!

Ok, this time next week I'll be not here at home in the rain in England but over there in sunny (and windy) Florida. I have never been to the USA ever and need to know stuff like tipping. We don't tend to do that here too much and I don't want to offend anyone!

Also, what kind of stuff to I need to pack? What are essential things to be carrying if I'm travelling with kids? What do I need to give someone in ER if I happen to be sooooo taken in by my surroundings that I completely forget myself and stray in front of a bus?? My mum said plasters (Bandaids?) but I have a hunch she wasn't being entirely sensible!!

Loadsa love

Dawn X

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
In reply to: i_lippychick
Sat, 10-16-2004 - 4:16pm
hey Dawn! Welcome to the states! We tip for just about everything here! I'm in the Travel/Hospitality industry so I am always tipping! Florida has a heavy hospitality presence, many of these workers make a very low wage with no benefits, tips are a big part of their income.

Generally you tip 15% of your restaurant bill (before taxes are included) and up to 20% or more if the service is outstanding.

The norm is to tip about 10% of your cab fare. For airport skycaps (luggage handlers) a $1.00 per bag and for shuttle drivers $1.00 - $2.00 per person is average. It's also customary to leave a couple of dollars for the housekeeper who cleans your hotel room. Tips of a few dollars are also welcomed by doormen or bellhops who assist your bags at the hotel.

Although tips are practicaly expected these days, they are not a must. Generally you want to tip someone for doing a good job and taking care of you. If they are rude to you, or dismissive, you decide whether they deserve a tip at all. Tips should be accepted, not expected.

Many places will allow you to include your tip as part of your debit or credit card bill. ALthough having some cash (lots of $1.00 bills) available is always handy.

Tips for kids in Florida? Check the weather. Chances are it will be much warmer than you're used to and humid. Light clothing and lots of water is advised. Also, buy snacks at a grocer and take them with you so you don't have to shell out big bucks for food at touristy places.

Most places will have first aid available to you if you need some bandaids or minor care.

If you have medical insurance take your medical ID card with you and always have proper ID available in the event of an emergency.

I'm sure you'll meet many good looking men who are going to dig your british accent.

Have fun!! ;)

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-19-2002
In reply to: i_lippychick
Sat, 10-16-2004 - 4:41pm

Hi, Sweetie!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: i_lippychick
Sat, 10-16-2004 - 4:54pm
Isn't the euro stronger? Why buy stuff at home, go to Target or Walmart (two of our big and cheap shopping stores that carry a lot of stuff) on your first morning here and get bug spray, anti itch stuff (FL is land of mosquitoes), antibiotic cream, sunscreen. Do you and yours have alergies, then get your home stuff. Bring anti diahrea stuff...our water is good clean, but you will be exposed to different bacteria, excitement and foods so you never know. hats. bring pictures of them to have in the wallet in case you get separated and need to have people do a search in a deparment store.

are you getting travelers checks? They're not so easy to exchange stateside like they are in say, London. These days, I just withdraw money from my savings directly from any ATM...worked in Costa Rica and Amsterdam and Quebec. In Costa Rica, my DF couldn't withdraw using his MasterCard so we had to rely on my Visa. Saves a lot on commission if you do it that way. Just buy enough dollars to make phone calls and get at taxi to your hotel.

Tipping...I'm not so good at...restaurants are 10% for bad service, 15% for good service and I know that in NY 20% is standard. It's not just for the waitress, she has to tip out to the bar, the hostess, the cook and her busperson. At the bar, I just leave a dollar for my one beer. I never pay attention to what my DF leaves when we go in there together. I know that he's more generous than I would be.

Each child should have a backpack filled with enough stuff to entertain themselves during teh flight and at the airport. and snack foods, too. even though you've ordered children meals, they may not like them.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2003
In reply to: i_lippychick
Sat, 10-16-2004 - 5:33pm
Thanks for your advice!

I'm so excited about this but a little nervous too. I'm not really a seasoned traveller. It's probably only the 2nd time I've left the UK since I became a mum and certainly the first that I've taken the kids with me.

Interested in what you said about good looking guys though!! Glad I got my hair trimmed this morning!!!!

Dawn x

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2003
In reply to: i_lippychick
Sat, 10-16-2004 - 5:40pm
Hi honey

I'm bursting with excitement! More so than the kids I think. They take everything in their stride but this is a major thing for me. I've never had a huge urge to travel and it's something I put out of my mind once the kids arrived. I certainly never thought would get to visit America. Even 6 months ago I hadn't thought about it! Now I'm just a few days away from it all. It's funny how these things happen.

Now I've started the ball rolling I'm beginning to think abou where we can go next!! Having thoughts about pyramids or Greek ruins but not until 2006 when I've paid my credit card bill from this one!!

Dawn xx

Avatar for cl_tcranky1
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: i_lippychick
Mon, 10-18-2004 - 12:52pm
Hi

Have fun!

Just bring stuff for the kids to do on the plane/in the car on the way to/from airport.

That's my biggest annoyance when travelling with kids. If they get bored, they drive you up the wall.

Can't wait to hear all about your trip!

Tara