Planning an Orlando Holiday from Abroad: Tips for International Visitors
Your long-awaited Orlando vacation is almost here, and you’re buzzing with excitement for the adventure ahead. But before your holiday dreams come true, be sure to check out these key travel tips for international visitors.
Preparing for your overseas vacation will save you stress so you can focus on what really matters – diving into the fun!
Here’s your guide for planning a dream Orlando holiday from abroad.
Table of Contents
- Check your Documentation
- Pack Smarter, Not Harder
- Adapters/Converters
- Know the Exchange Rates
- Getting Around
- Stay in the Middle of the Fun at Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando
Check your Documentation
Let’s start with the basics — getting into the United States.
The most important document you'll need to bring with you on your flight to Orlando is your...
You guessed it — passport.
Be sure to check it to make sure it’s not expired well in advance of your trip. U.S. Customs and Border Protection typically requires passports to be valid for at least six months from date of entry. There are, however, exceptions for travelers of certain countries, who only need a valid passport for the duration of their trip.
Check the requirements of your departing country online and plan to expedite your passport renewal if necessary. Alternate forms of I.D., such as driver’s licenses and birth certificates, are also important to have handy. Depending on your native country, make sure to have any visa documentation ready as well.
Pack Smarter, Not Harder
Visiting a new country can be overwhelming, but packing for it doesn't have to be. Knowing what, and how, to pack for your Orlando getaway will help make flying overseas a breeze.
Start by making a checklist of your travel necessities to avoid overpacking or use a premade checklist online. When it comes to clothes, consider the time of year you’re making your way to Orlando. Summer voyagers can expect high doses of heat and thunderstorms, while winter travelers will find cooler, drier conditions.
Making plans for an extended stay in Orlando but struggling to pack like a minimalist? Planning your outfits ahead of time and using packing cubes can help save space.
International travel also means long flights, so bring a neck pillow or your favorite book to cozy up with.
From short summer adventures to extended winter escapes, packing wisely will help you travel like a seasoned globe-trotter.
Adapters/Converters
You've heard of adapters and converters for international travel, but why do you need them? Adapters allow plugs to work in the outlet designs of foreign countries by, well, adapting the plug’s shape. Converters, on the other hand, convert the voltage of electricity from one level to another so you can use electronics safely.
Which one should you bring with you on your Orlando holiday? It depends on your devices.
In the United States, the standard voltage for outlets is 120 volts and the frequency is 60 Hz. If your device only supports a single voltage different from this, bring a converter to avoid damage. For your dual-voltage devices, just pack an adapter and you’ll be good to go. Now that you can safely charge your electronic devices, you can enjoy some much-deserved recharging on your holiday.
Know the Exchange Rates
A world of adventure awaits on your thrilling Orlando vacation — along with an unfamiliar world of foreign money handling. Therefore, you’ll want to be familiar with the exchange rates before venturing to the states.
Before heading to the airport, visit your local bank for cash or digital currency exchanges to streamline the process. Visit online for up-to-date information on U.S. exchange rates in case of any currency exchanges made after arrival. It’s also a good idea to know the best money practices before making the trip overseas.
A helpful tip — tip your servers.
Orlando follows general U.S. customs when it comes to tipping at restaurants, with a standard gratuity of 15-20%. Some establishments in the city are cashless, so consider bringing a travel credit card or other contactless payment.
Getting Around
Asher Heimermann, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Your overseas adventure is set to depart — now just to figure out how you’ll get around The City Beautiful.
Orlando has many convenient and affordable transportation options for travelers, all without a car.
Taking a visit to International Drive during your international getaway? The I-Ride Trolley is a great option for getting around the strip’s world-famous attractions. Keep the fun rolling by using the LYNX Bus System for affordable rides to Orlando's most popular destinations.
Theme park shuttles are also offered at select Orlando hotels at little or no cost.
Prefer to rent a car? Just make sure you bring a valid driver’s license, photo I.D. (i.e. passport), and a credit card. Plan ahead for Orlando’s toll roads by using your rental car company’s payment plan or alternative methods such as the Visitor Toll Pass. Keep in mind that the majority of Orlando gas (or petrol) stations are self-service with most rental cars using regular unleaded gasoline.
Stay in the Middle of the Fun at Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando
Get the full Orlando holiday experience by staying in the heart of the city at Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando, located on International Drive across from the Pointe Orlando entertainment complex. With custom accommodations and complimentary transportation, your international adventure will be both easy and enjoyable.
Plan your trip today and discover why Orlando is a dream destination for travelers worldwide.