Like most places in America Florida does have it's fair share of problems such as crime, and yes in the past there were many reports of tourists getting into difficulties here. Miami in particular has had a reputation for being a crime ridden, murder a day type city thanks to TV programs like 'Miami Vice'. The reality though is somewhat different today. Because of the damage such bad publicity has cause the tourist industry, Florida has made considerable efforts in recent years to cut the amount of crime committed against visitors and this does seem to have been very successful.

Crime is a world wide problem and you are probably just as likely to get mugged on the streets of London or Manchester as you are in Miami. Being careful and exercising some common sense will drastically reduce your chances of experiencing serious problems whilst on holiday in Florida. So we will have a look at a few things which will help keep you and your family safe while you enjoy yourselves.

Although crime is probably the most serious problem that you are ever likely to face here, there are a number of other areas that we need to consider which are to do with Florida's weather and the special problems that this can cause to those unfamiliar with it.

Avoiding Crime.

I personally have never had any problems with crime whilst visiting Florida but on a recent trip I was reminded that it does happen. I was standing in the main tourism offices on International Drive in Orlando when two young American lads walked in and started to talk to the staff. It was Sunday morning and they were asking for assistance because they had been robbed at gun point the night before. It transpires that they were driving down to Orlando from a state further north and had stopped for a drink at a bar on the Saturday night. As they left the bar a man approached and pointed a gun at them and demanded they hand over their money. The young men were then relieved of over $10,000 which they were carrying in cash with them. They explained to the staff that this was all their savings and that they were coming to Florida to live and now they had nothing.

It seemed to me that these young men had done everything wrong, and had in many ways 'asked' for trouble by being out very late at night, drinking in a strange place and carrying such a large amount of money in cash. But then I wondered how many of us do a very similar thing when we go on holiday. I know most of us won't be carrying quite that much money with us but in general most holidaymakers do present an attractive and easy target for the criminal elements in our society.

So, what can we do to reduce the chances of becoming a victim to crime whilst in Florida. The following is some of the general advice which is handed out from various agencies to holidaymakers which if followed will hopefully keep you and your belongings safe during your visit.

General Safety.

• Do not leave your bags unattended at the airport or the car rental facility even for a few moments. The car rental process only requires the actual drivers to rent the car so leave your bags with another member of your party. A young couple I know who were flying off on their honeymoon from London fell asleep on the seats in the terminal building whilst waiting for their flight. When they awoke all their bags had gone along with their passports. They had to cancel their honeymoon.
• Do not wear ostentatious jewellery or carry lots of cash with you. US travellers cheques are accepted almost everywhere just like cash so other than small amounts there is no real need to carry much cash. If the travellers cheques are lost or stolen they will be replaced by the company concerned. Credit cards are also widely accepted and necessary if you want to hire a car.
• As anywhere these days you should keep a close eye on your children. In unfamiliar surrounding they can get lost easily. The parks here are massive and so are the shopping centres so always keep them close by.

Driving.

• Before you depart the car rental location with your car make sure you have studied a map and know your route to your accommodation. If you don't have a map ask at the car rental desk and they will supply you with one. A few years ago I flew into Sanford airport for the first time and drove down to International Drive on I-4. I thought I recognised the area where we should turn off for our hotel and didn't consult my map. We found ourselves suddenly in a run down residential area just as it was getting dark and had great difficulty finding a way to get back onto I-4. After that I always check my map even if I think I know where I'm going.
• Place all valuables in the boot of the car or glove compartment and keep locked. Never leave valuables or other items visible in the car when it's left unattended. This would include things like maps or guide books which would identify you as a visitor and may encourage a thief to investigate further.
• If you do get lost ask directions only from a police officer or from a well lit public place such as a petrol station or hotel.
• If a passing motorist tells you there is something wrong with your vehicle or another car bumps you from behind while driving do not stop. Drive to the nearest service station or well populated place and if necessary call the Police on 911.
• At night always try and park your car in a well lit area and when returning to it have your keys out and ready to unlock the doors as you approach. Be aware of other people around you.
• Do not stop to assist another driver who may appear to be in trouble. This does sound rather mean but it's better to be safe than sorry. Drive to the nearest populated area and inform the police.
• NEVER pick up hitch-hikers.
• Do not stop for flashing white lights or headlights. Police will use red or red and blue lights.
• As in the UK always use your seatbelts. It is the law.

Hotel and Resort Safety.

• Make sure you lock the doors to your room or villa both while you are in there and when you leave. Use the safety chain and other locks provided. Do not open your door to anyone who you are not expecting even if they claim to be from the hotel. Phone the front desk and ask if anyone has been sent before opening the door.
• Keep your room keys safe and on your person when at the hotel pool or other public areas along with your wallet or bag. Do not leave unattended.
• Use the safes or safety deposit boxes provided for all valuables left in your room including things like cameras, passports, flight tickets etc. Remember that people come into your room each day to clean it while you are not there, so it is wise to keep anything valuable out of sight and safely locked up.
• When walking between your car and hotel room at night you should be aware of other persons around you or anyone acting suspiciously.

Weather and Climate

Other than perhaps flooding and the occasional chance to get sunburn, we in the UK don't have too much to fear from the weather. Florida does however have a very different climate and that's a very big part of why the place is so popular with tourists. The subtropical climate here can, if we're not careful, cause us a few problems. So here are a few pointers to help us enjoy the great weather here in Florida rather than suffering from it's effects.

• There is a very good reason that Florida is called the Sunshine State. Tans are easy to come by here, but so is sunstroke. Even when it's overcast the sun is still strong enough to burn you. You should apply plenty of sun cream which protects from both UVA and UVB rays. If you are in and out of water then make sure the cream is waterproof. Pay particular attention to your children and ensure that they are well covered with sun cream all day.
• Around midday it is wise to cover up and wear a hat. Spend some time in the shade.
• Drink plenty of liquids (not alcohol) during the day, especially the children.
• Wear a good quality pair of sunglasses.
• During hot summer afternoons there are often heavy showers of rain. This can make the roads very slippery so drive carefully.
• Summer thunderstorms often bring lightning. You must take shelter when this occurs. Do not remain on the beach, in the sea or pool or in open areas like golf courses as lightning can be very dangerous here.

Swimming Pool Safety

Spending time by the pool is a very enjoyable part of a Florida holiday. Most hotels have them as do most private villas so we would like to give a few general safety pointers to ensure you and your children remain safe.

• Every pool is different so always check how deep it is before entering and make sure your children know where the shallows finish, unless you are all good swimmers.

• Diving at most places is not recommended and may be prohibited. Always read the pool rules.

• Don't swim immediately after a meal of after drinking alcohol.

• Children should never be left unattended by a swimming pool. Most hotels will not have a lifeguard on duty so you need to keep watch of your children. Care is particularly important with a villa as the pools are private. Access to the pool area needs to be carefully controlled and supervised.

Be Careful, Don't Worry

The vast majority of visitors to Florida will never experience any problems at all, apart from their credit cards over-heating. You can come here and have a great time and if you exercise good common sense you really don't need to worry about what 'might' happen. Most of the guidelines mentioned above are simply common sense and are things that you should follow no matter where in the world you are. Crimes against tourists do get a lot of publicity but in reality they are quite rare occurrences and much grief can be avoided by taking some of the simple steps we've discussed.

Being aware that the weather, and especially all that great sunshine, can cause a few problems if you're not careful, will hopefully prevent you from spending your holiday inside your hotel room suffering from sunstroke.

Florida is a fantastic place to spend your holidays so come here and have a great time. Don't worry, just be careful.