First time in the US, what do I need to know?
Discussion
I love the states, one of my absolute favourite places to travel, sure you're going to have an awesome time...
Annoyingly service industry staff can occasionally be openly rude / hostile if you choose not to tip at least 15% (regardless of quality of service) It is what it is and you just have to account for it in your budget.
Annoyingly service industry staff can occasionally be openly rude / hostile if you choose not to tip at least 15% (regardless of quality of service) It is what it is and you just have to account for it in your budget.
Matt Harper said:
How are you traveling from FL to TN? If you are driving - there are possibly a few things you need to be aware of - particularly if you intend to use I-75 through Georgia.
Do share... 
My tip? No need to order 2 main courses (sorry, entrees - wtf?!), just have a starter each! Plates of food are huge.
Also, most quoted prices in shops and on menus are exclusive of sales tax, so you need to add that on.
The most helpful handy hint I can think of is that the gas pumps usually have a little latch on them which will hold the handle in until it clicks off the first time. You can set it off filling the car, and then go into the shop immediately to pay, which is nice.
The most helpful handy hint I can think of is that the gas pumps usually have a little latch on them which will hold the handle in until it clicks off the first time. You can set it off filling the car, and then go into the shop immediately to pay, which is nice.
I live in Central FL and only drive up to Atlanta GA occasionally (Usually for the Petit Le Mans in Sept/Oct).
Interstate 75 runs from South Florida northwards and is a recognised and heavily used drug shipment artery that the GA highway patrol police with some enthusiasm. Because so much marijuana is smuggled north in rental cars, cops always take a close look and frequently stop vehicles speculatively - just to have a sniff around. Check out any of those 'Police, Camera, Action' shows - all the drug stops shown are on I-75 between Valdosta GA and Atlanta.
As a consequence, this highway is busy - and crawling with law enforcement, both overt and covert. Any traffic violation, however minor, will earn you a tug in some spots (Macon GA is notorious).
I-75 is the obvious route up to Tennessee, so take it nice and steady - and leave all/any mary jane back in FL, unless you enjoy prison food.
75 also carries an unusually heavy commercial vehicle population, with the resulting and sometimes car wrecking tyre debris littered all over the place.
Interstate 75 runs from South Florida northwards and is a recognised and heavily used drug shipment artery that the GA highway patrol police with some enthusiasm. Because so much marijuana is smuggled north in rental cars, cops always take a close look and frequently stop vehicles speculatively - just to have a sniff around. Check out any of those 'Police, Camera, Action' shows - all the drug stops shown are on I-75 between Valdosta GA and Atlanta.
As a consequence, this highway is busy - and crawling with law enforcement, both overt and covert. Any traffic violation, however minor, will earn you a tug in some spots (Macon GA is notorious).
I-75 is the obvious route up to Tennessee, so take it nice and steady - and leave all/any mary jane back in FL, unless you enjoy prison food.
75 also carries an unusually heavy commercial vehicle population, with the resulting and sometimes car wrecking tyre debris littered all over the place.
Rememinds me of the couple who were going to the US for the first time. Stopped me in the departure lounge ( I used to work at Heathrow) and asked if it was true that you only needed credit / debit cards for EVERYTHING in the US.
They had no cash at all, told them to get $100, so that they could pay for the small things once they got of the flight. Like a drink and to be able to tip the hotel etc.
They had no cash at all, told them to get $100, so that they could pay for the small things once they got of the flight. Like a drink and to be able to tip the hotel etc.
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