Directions In Orlando (Miami, Tampa, Winter Haven: rentals, hotels, buy)

[tinytrump]

I have been here 5 months and noticed that so many roads have very similar names, I am still confused with out a good GPS, and writing down the exact address, and wonder how the tourists fare.
Some of them are--Taft, Vineland, World, International, Orange, Central Florida not to mention -areas or towns as in Winter Park, Winter Haven, Winter Garden ? I know the longer I am here I will remember them I think, just seems it be very confusing to what we are- the tourist capital of Fl.

[annerk]

I don't see how any of these sound at all alike:

Taft, Vineland, World, International, Orange, Central Florida

You seem very unhappy here. Why don't you just go back to Miami or Tampa, which you seem to prefer.

Or buy a GPS. They are pretty cheap these days.

[boy3365]

The poster does have a point about Vineland.

When I think "tourist," I think International Drive, 535, Vineland, and 192. That's it.

[Rabflmom]

Originally Posted by tinytrump

I have been here 5 months and noticed that so many roads have very similar names, I am still confused with out a good GPS, and writing down the exact address, and wonder how the tourists fare.
Some of them are--Taft, Vineland, World, International, Orange, Central Florida not to mention -areas or towns as in Winter Park, Winter Haven, Winter Garden ? I know the longer I am here I will remember them I think, just seems it be very confusing to what we are- the tourist capital of Fl.

Tourists use GPS for the most part. It will get you almost anywhere if you keep it updated. If you think it is bad here, don't go to Central America. Streets do not always have names. The GPS would tell us to turn right on road when you were on a roundabout and we'd have to guess which road was the road we were supposed to take.

Even directions for hotels on their reservation e-mails would say stay on main road into town, turn at the Maxi Pali and look for our sign across from.......... instead of using street names.

I for one will never complain about driving here ever again.

[EditorJul]

The one that threw us for a loop when we first moved down was being at the corner of (County Road) 535 and (State Road) 535.

And of course my husband kept seeing signs for (Name of place that does exist)-Vineland road, and asked me where Vineland was. I had to admit I had no idea, and if Wikipedia is to be believed, it doesn't really exist anymore.

[tinytrump]

I have a GPS and know how to get around much better now, my problem was there was an accident and my GPS didn't like that, the ole bat just kept telling me go back... lol - I though I saw a road the name was familiar and yes that was the right one but NO, close but no cigar. My map on the GPS shows 535-- OK Orange Dr -Orange Blossom what?? I am driving!

I guess all rentals have GPS? I do not know. Oh I know about overseas, I learned to drive when Hubby was stationed in Panama.... 8 cars across on 2 lanes downtown -loved it. I am not compalining, just I see alot of folks trying to find their way, and I feel for them- plus I think it can cause accidents.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by tinytrump

I have a GPS and know how to get around much better now, my problem was there was an accident and my GPS didn't like that, the ole bat just kept telling me go back... lol - I though I saw a road the name was familiar and yes that was the right one but NO, close but no cigar. My map on the GPS shows 535-- OK Orange Dr -Orange Blossom what?? I am driving!

I guess all rentals have GPS? I do not know. Oh I know about overseas, I learned to drive when Hubby was stationed in Panama.... 8 cars across on 2 lanes downtown -loved it. I am not compalining, just I see alot of folks trying to find their way, and I feel for them- plus I think it can cause accidents.

Most people either bring their own GPS or rent one from the rental agency with the car.