For a relaxed start to your vacation, we have created a travel checklist for you. Of course, you can add personal notes to this vacation checklist as you wish.

TIP: Here you can print out our list and add what else you need to think about.

TRAVEL CHECKLIST / VACATION CHECKLIST – WELL BEFORE THE TRIP: SELECTING THE DESTINATION & APPLYING FOR DOCUMENTS

□ Validity ID cards & passport

□ Driver’s license / translated driver’s license

□ ESTA / Get a Visa

□ book flight

□ book accommodation

□ book a rental car – please from home & not on site

□ credit card

□ clarify vaccinations

□ general practitioner routine examination / dentist

□ Emergency ID (blood group, vaccinations, allergies, organ donation)

□ determine the route and addresses

□ plan your journey to the airport

PACKING LIST / TRAVEL CHECKLIST – A WEEK BEFORE THE TRIP: THE TENSION INCREASES

□ change money

□ clarify the credit line. How much can be withdrawn at once / per day?

□ have your EC card activated abroad

□ check timers for heating, lighting, etc.

□ apply for travel insurance

□ check hairdresser and devices like hair dryer for 110V suitability.

□ Notebook (updates / backup / test internet with mobile phone / bios password in case of theft).

□ Bonus cards (Miles & More, hotel partner programs, supermarkets, restaurants).

□ Create appointments, for example, in the Google calendar and synchronize with your mobile phone.

□ Tips against jet lag

TRAVEL CHECKLIST / VACATION CHECKLIST – A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE TRIP: TIME FOR THE LAST DETAILS

□ charge batteries (cell phone, camera, notebook, etc.).

□ check all devices again

□ make house / apartment “ready for vacation”, electricity, water etc., clarify house keys

□ empty the refrigerator

□ transfer invoices without a standing order in advance

□ deactivate roaming on the mobile phone

□ store the car safely

□ plan the check in / check out airport

□ hand luggage and suitcase packing

□ check in flight (seat reservation usually already possible when booking)

□ Check luggage weight

□ download music / entertainment

DID YOU FIND SOMEONE TO TAKE CARE OF THE FOLLOWING THINGS?

□ mailbox?

□ pets?

□ plants?

TRAVEL CHECKLIST / VACATION PACKING LIST – LUGGAGE: DON’T FORGET ANYTHING

□ clothing depending on the season

□ long vest for the car & plane (air conditioning)

□ chargers for smartphones, tablets etc.

□ travel adapter – offer for US travel adapters

□ laundry bag

□ converter (calculator or app),

□ possibly hiking backpack and hiking poles

□ binoculars

□ washing paste

□ first-aid kit (best way to let it prepare in the pharmacy)

□ make up, shampoo etc. in plastic bags

□ mark the TSA case lock and case, as well as take a picture of the case to report a loss – offer TSA case locks

□ luggage tag (NOT the home address)

□ weighing suitcases (note the airline’s luggage limit) – offer for a luggage scale

TRAVEL CHECKLIST / VACATION PACKING LIST – HAND LUGGAGE: LET’S GO!

□ flight tickets

□ Booking confirmations (train, flight, hotels, rental car)

□ ID cards, passport, driving license

□ insurance documents

□ money, credit card etc.

□ cigarettes / just a lighter

□ magazines / books or Kindle

□ SIM code, TAN’s or token

□ glasses, sunglasses, lip balm, handkerchiefs

□ sleep mask, ear plugs, neck pillow, thick socks

□ camera

□ smartphone

□ notebook

□ hard disk / USB memory

□ medication (with package insert)

□ cleaning cloths (toilet)

□ disinfectant (sprays or towels not bottles)

□ Pack the liquid in a clear plastic bag

□ MP3 player and headphones

□ case key or lock number

□ notepad and pen

□ drinks (buy only after inspection)

□ NEW: According to TSA, it has been necessary to be able to switch on every electrical device at an airport in the USA since July 2014. So pay attention to the full battery or have a power supply with you

APPS FOR SMARTPHONES: ALWAYS UP-TO-DATE. OUR APP RECOMMENDATIONS

□ Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Address / Tel embassies

□ airline (Eurowings, Lufthansa, etc.)

□ rental car (Hertz, Alamo, etc.)

□ Apps for translation, search, mail, maps, photo

□ converter

□ notepad (for shopping reminders, etc.),

□ Mc-Donald, Starbucks, Subway App is a matter of taste

□ AAA (downloadable only in the USA)

□ Gasbuddy app (downloadable only in the USA)

□ banking

□ world clock / alarm clock

□ Barcode scanner for price comparison

□ Phonetracker (if the phone is lost)

TRAVEL CHECKLIST / VACATION CHECKLIST – ON SITE

□ insect repellent

□ insect bites ointment

□ sun protection (cream and cap)

□ memory cards

□ clothing (outlets)

□ cooler bag (battery packs or 12V)

□ mosquito net

□ Facebook or Instagram post at Urlaub-in-Florida.net

TRAVEL CHECKLIST / VACATION PACKING LIST – SHOPPING LIST

□ suitcase / trolley

□ luggage scale

□ TSA lock

□ sleep mask, neck pillow and earplugs

□ compression stockings / thick socks

□ moisturizer and lip care

□ disinfectant wipes

□ possibly something for smokers (Nikorette or similar)

□ 220V / 110V adapter for sockets

□ USB car adapter

□ USB charger

□ travel hair dryer

□ breast pocket

□ insect protection

□ Biteaway – for insect bites

□ toiletry bag

□ first aid kit

Before you can enjoy your vacation in the USA, you have to get the entry requirements out of the way. This might not be something you look forward to, but at least you do not have to send a letter to the embassy anymore. Thanks to the introduction of ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) in 2008, visitors can apply for their entry permit online. The process is pretty straightforward. However, some aspects of it can be a bit confusing. In this article you will learn how to fill out your ESTA application the right way.

ESTA APPLICATION USA

First and foremost: The ESTA application must be filled out by anyone wishing to enter the United States by air or sea, even if they are only transiting through. The entry permit allows for a stay of up to 90 days. Of course, a valid passport is required as well.

ESTA FORM – NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

To fill out the application, visit the ESTA Website and click on “Create New Application”. Now type in your personal information. This should be easy enough. However, two fields are often confusing for applicants: “National Identification Number” and “Personal Identification Number”. Neither of them exists in Germany. Therefore just type in UNKNOWN under “National Identification Number” and leave the field “Personal Identification Number” blank. On page 3 you will be asked for a “US point of contact“. This can be a friend or business partner. If you do not know anybody in the US, just type in UNKNOWN.

CHECK YOUR ESTA STATUS – ESTA FEES

As a last step, you have to answer the eligibility questions – for example, whether or not you belong to an extremist organization or suffer from communicable diseases. A single „Yes“, and your ESTA application is bound to be denied. Filling out the form again will not help. The only way to obtain an entry permit would be through your embassy. Therefore, make sure to double-check your answers.

After a last check, you can send your data and proceed to payment. As of now, ESTA fees are 14 USD per application, payable via credit card or PayPal. After the payment, your application will be reviewed. Please note that you will not be informed via Email if your application was successful. Instead, you can check its status on the website by logging in with your application number. Usually, applications are approved within 72 hours.

By the way: If you are traveling with your family, one application is enough, but you have to fill in the information for every family member. With the option “Group of Applications” you can pay the fee for your whole family at once.

ENTRY INTO THE USA ESTA

All guests entering the USA receive a stamp in their passport that documents how long they are allowed to stay. Germans, for example, are granted 90 days for tourism purposes. This means that the expiration date on your ESTA application does not affect the duration of your stay. The ESTA regulations clearly state that even a successful application does not guarantee entry to the USA. What does this clause mean? First and foremost, you have to present your ESTA application to the airline in Germany – at the latest when you check in for your flight. Otherwise, they would not even let you board the plane.

HOMELAND SECURITY ESTA

After arriving at the airport, you will have to wait in line for immigration. The officer is likely to ask you the standard question “What is the purpose of your visit?” In most cases an answer like “tourism” or “vacation” will suffice. In the past, some visitors were denied entry – especially those suspected of seeking unlawful employment in the USA. However, these cases are rare. Most of the time, both ESTA application and immigration are standard procedures. Once you get them out of the way, you can start your unforgettable vacation in the Sunshine State.

With its scenic canals, little islands and untouched nature, Cape Coral is the perfect place for a trip on the water – no matter if you want to ride a boat or Jet Ski yourself or join a guided tour. In this article, you will learn everything about boats and Jet Skis in Cape Coral.

BOATS UND JET SKIS IN CAPE CORAL: RENT A BOAT

Beautiful weather, idyllic coastlines and turquoise waters make Florida a prime destination for boaters. And the best thing: In the Sunshine State hobby skippers do not need a boat license. If you are 21 years or older, a driver’s license is enough. Guests under 21 can get their permit online – a straightforward process that rarely takes more than 4 hours.

There are reasons why Cape Coral is especially suited for boaters:

• Cape Coral is often called the “Venice of Florida” thanks to its many canals. Some of these waterways take boaters directly to the Gulf of Mexico and to open waters.
• Oftentimes, vacation houses in Cape Coral are equipped with boat docks, so you can start your trip from the comfort of your home.
• There are many boat rentals with German speaking owners in Cape Coral, so you can easily get your instruction in German.

Top 5 things you need to know before boating in Cape Coral, Florida

We like to present you a short video about the Top 5 things you need to know before you want to boating in Cape Coral Florida.

BOATS AND JET SKIS IN CAPE CORAL: THE RIGHT BOAT FOR EVERYBODY

Guests who have never steered a boat before should opt for models with 115-140 HP engines. These beginner-friendly boats can carry 4-6 guests and are perfect for fishing trips on the canal. Of course, if you really want to feel the wind in your hair, a 360 HP jetboat should be your top-pick. These streamlined vessels by Yamaha, Chaparral and co. reach speeds of up to 62 mph. They also allow for fast turns and can operate in shallow waters thanks to their small draft.

With a capacity of 8 people, most rental boats in Cape Coral are big enough for your whole family. You can also rent boats for 10 people if you need more space. For your party on the water, you should get an extra-spacious pontoon boat with comfortable seats and a high-class sound system.

No matter which boat you choose – all professional boat rentals in Cape Coral offer the following services:

• Registration with SeaTow, a boat towing service that will assist you in case of an emergency
• proper boat maintenance
• comprehensive insurance and final cleaning included in the price
• swim vests and safety equipment
• A navigation system showing routes, speed limits, shoals and sand banks
• A detailed instruction explaining the handling of the boat and the characteristics of Cape Coral’s coastal waters.

Where can I rent a boat in Cape Coral?

For all those who do not know how and where they can rent a boat in Cape Coral, we would like to point out our partner boat-rental-in-Cape-Coral.net. Here you can choose from a lot of boats and providers and can easily get in touch with the owner.

BOATS AND JET SKIS IN CAPE CORAL: THE BEST BOATING DESTINATIONS

Now that you have rented your boat, the question is: Where should you take it? Cape Coral’s canals lined with luxury mansions are a good start. Real adventures, however, cannot resist the open ocean. Here, untouched tropical islands and white, sandy beaches await you.

SANIBEL ISLAND

Just 9 miles south of Cape Coral lies a secluded island where no cars or big hotels disturb the peaceful atmosphere. Instead, Sanibel Island is famous for its white sandy beaches, colorful sea shells and untouched mangrove forests. Sanibel´s Marina has room for 65 boats. From here, you do not have to stroll far to relax on the beach or enjoy excellent seafood at the island’s restaurants.

CAPTIVA ISLAND

Caribbean vibes await you on this little island north of Sanibel – complete with colorful flowers and lush palm trees. The scenic beach stretches for 5 miles, so everybody can find a quiet spot on Captiva Island. Fishing enthusiasts will be amazed by the huge population of tarpons off the coast.

FORT MYERS BEACH

If you want to enjoy the good life at the beach before strolling down beautiful boardwalks, Fort Myers Beach south of Cape Coral is perfect for you. Thanks to a number of public and hotel-owned marinas, the city has no shortage of boat docks. The beach not only attracts visitors with its fine, white sand and excellent cleanliness. Here, even little children can splash around safely, as the water is relatively shallow. After your beach trip, it is time to check out the city’s many restaurants and shops.

Hungry boaters should stop by at the Rumrunners Restaurant, a Cape Coral original with 12 mooring spots. Here, you can enjoy hearty Southern cuisine as well as Caribbean specialties and tender steaks before continuing your trip to the Gulf of Mexico.

BOATS AND JET SKIS IN CAPE CORAL: GUIDED TOURS

You do not want to steer the boat yourself? No problem. Guests in Cape Coral have ample opportunity to discover the coastal waters on guided boat trips. No matter which company you choose – dolphin watching should be part of every tour. The playful animals can be found in huge numbers off Cape Coral´s coast, following in the boat’s wake and even jumping out of the water. Dolphins are not only sighted during the day, but also on romantic sunset tours. And there are more animals: Water birds like pelicans and fish eagles hunt for fish off the coast, while alligators and manatees can be spotted in flooded mangrove forests.

Although most boat trips in Cape Coral follow similar routes, some companies offer unique experiences that you should not miss:

BANANA BAY TOUR COMPANY

Boating and fine dining – if you always wanted to have lunch on a secluded tropical island, the Half Day Ecological Dolphin Tour offered by Banana Bay Tours is perfect for you. After your picnic sponsored by a deli in Cape Coral, you can splash around in the warm water, collect colorful shells and explore untouched mangrove forest. The tour costs 55 USD.

CAPTAIN JACK BOAT TOURS

Captain Jack Boat Tours offers trips onboard its Hawaiian Tiki Boat. Cruising along the coastline of Matlacha, guests enjoy ice-cold drinks and cool reggae music while watching dolphins in the water. And no Captain Jack tour would be complete without a romantic sunset. The boat trips last one hour and cost 35 USD per person.

NO PIER PRESSURE CHARTERS

Exclusive tours with small groups of up to 6 people are available at No Pier Pressure Charters. Paul, a skipper with 40 years of boating under his belt, knows the best spots to watch dolphins, collect sea shells and watch the sunset. The tours are priced around 197 USD.

SAIL CAPE CORAL CRUISES

Motor boats are not the only way to explore Cape Coral’s coastal waters. The company Sail Cape Coral Cruises takes guests on an eco-friendly sailboat trip. You can even go for a kayak ride straight from the boat. Full day, half day and sunset tours are available.

ADVENTURES IN PARADISE

This company offers a wide variety of tours that will keep you busy for hours. Activities include dolphin watching, shelling and fishing. Wedding cruises are available as well. A highlight for children is the Sea Life Encounter Excursion. On this tour, passengers explore an unpopulated island with a marine biologist. Little adventurers can even pet real seahorses, pufferfish and baby octopuses. The excursion costs 38 USD.

FISHING CHARTERS

If you want to try open water fishing with a professional guide, Cape Coral’s fishing charters are perfect for you. More than a dozen companies take guests to fishing grounds teeming with catfish, mackerels and redfish. If you are looking for a specific catch, Captain George Howell is your man. The knowledgeable skipper will not rest until you have caught the fish you were looking for. The positive reviews speak for themselves.

BOATS AND JET SKIS IN CAPE CORAL: RENT JET SKIS

What could be more fun than racing across the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico on a Jet Ski? Luckily, there are many places in and around Cape Coral where you can rent these fast little boats. One of them is CCBoat, a German company with more than 20 years of experience. Proper boat maintenance is key at CCBoat, so you can ride their Jet Skis with top speed of 62 mph without worries. If you want to enjoy unlimited Jet Ski fun, you should head for Paradise Boat Rentals in Cape Coral – South Florida’s only rental that lets you ride Jet Skis without confining you to a certain area.

Alternatively, take a trip to Fort Myers Beach and rent your Jet Ski directly at the beach. This town has its fair share of rental companies, some of which have been in business since 1991. Here, you can always rent the newest Jet Skis – after receiving a detailed, beginner-friendly instruction, of course.

BOATS AND JET SKIS IN CAPE CORAL: GUIDED JET SKI TOURS IN CAPE CORAL

Jet Skiing on your own can get boring after a while, so why not book a group tour near Cape Coral? Holiday Water Sports and Adventure Water Sports in Fort Myers Beach take their guests to a protected bay. Here, dolphins come close to the Jet Skis, sometimes even with their young.

If you want to watch the sunset while riding your Jet Ski, head for Suny Island Adventures on Captiva Island. Their tours provide the perfect opportunity to see dolphins, stingrays and even manatees, as the gentle ocean grazers visit Captiva´s coast in the winter months.

The majority in Florida belongs to the Eastern Time Zone (EST). The difference to Central European Time (CET) is six hours back.

For example, 11:00 a.m. minus 6 hours = 5:00 a.m.

The north-western part of Florida belongs to the Central Time Zone (CST) and was seven hours behind Central European Time.

For example, 11:00 a.m. minus 7 hours = 4:00 a.m.

The time from 0:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. is a. m. or also on (ante meridiem) and the time from 13 to 23:59 is marked with p. m or pm (post meridiem).

Interestingly, there is also summer and winter time in Florida, summer time applies from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October.

Today’s vacationers need their mobile phones – not just for calling home, but also for browsing the internet and checking online maps. And while you can use your German SIM card in the US, this comes with high costs. In most cases, buying a prepaid card in the US is the cheaper option. In this article, you will learn all about different providers, where to buy SIM cards in the US and how to reduce the costs.

CELLPHONE COVERAGE IN THE USA

Unlike in Germany, there is no network in the USA that covers all regions. On average, the three big companies AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon provide the best coverage. And while there are still some thinly populated areas in the Midwest where coverage is poor, you will not have this problem in big cities and tourist places. Surfing with UMTS and LTE speeds is also possible along the highways. However, users of 2nd generation networks (GSM) will have to upgrade soon, as these networks are going to be switched off in the near future.

DO GERMAN CELLPHONES WORK IN THE US?

If you want to use your German phone in the USA, you should first check the compatibility, as different frequencies are used overseas. Luckily, most modern cellphones like iPhone, Sony Xperia and Samsung Galaxy support the frequencies of the two biggest providers T-Mobile and AT&T. To find out whether or not your phone is compatible with US networks, you can visit this website: www.simlystore.com/usa-geraeteliste/

GERMAN SIM CARDS IN THE USA

The good news first: Thanks to cooperation between German and American providers, using your German SIM card in the US is no problem.

As soon as you land at the airport, you will likely receive a message from your German provider, asking if you want to use International Roaming. If you do, you can select calling and data options. Of course, these do not come free. Even though roaming fees within the European Union have been abolished in 2017, you still have to pay the full price for sending and receiving phone calls outside the EU. You will even be charged double if someone leaves a message on your mailbox. Only receiving text messages is free. You can also buy data options, but expect high costs. The International Roaming Pass of German Telekom can serve as an example. Customers have to pay:

• 50 cents for a text message
• 1,50 Euros/minute for phone calls to Germany
• 3 Euros/minute for phone calls in the USA
• 15 Euros for 150 MB of data, valid for 7 days.

The price policy of O2 is similar. Vodafone customers have it slightly better: If you are using a Red or Smart L, L+ or XL plan, you can buy the US Flat for 5 Euros a month. This flat rate lets you use your cellphone in the US at the same costs as in Germany. However, you will not be able to cancel the US flat for 12 months. Alternatively, there are daily and weekly flats available for 6 and 20 Euros. Please note that Vodafone will automatically book the daily Easy Travel Flat unless you have deactivated this option beforehand. If you are using a cheaper cellphone plan, you are not eligible for Vodafone´s international flat rates. In this case you have to fall back on the “Reisepaket Plus” with 50 minutes of phone calls and 100 MB of data for 6 Euros a day – hardly a viable option.

USING YOUR CELLPHONE WITH A US SIM CARD

Unless you can strike a deal with your German provider, there is only one reason for using a German SIM card in the US: Keeping your old number. Most people, however, fare batter with a US Sim card that can be bought either before or during your vacation. If you are traveling in a group, Tethering might be interesting for you. This option lets you create a hotspot for your friends. However, it is mostly high-end cellphone plans that allow for Tethering.

BUYING A US SIM CARD IN GERMANY

Vacationers who want to be on the safe side can buy their SIM card for the USA in Germany. This option is more expensive, but it allows you to use your cellphone right after landing at the airport. Delivery usually takes 1-2 days. Here are several companies that provide this service:

SIMLY

This company offers SIM cards for a wide range of countries, among them the United States. The USA Prepaid Sim Card for 30 days includes unlimited calls and text messages in the US. Customers can choose from different data packages: The XS option, for example, comes with 1 GB of LTE data and costs 39.90 Euros. Keep in mind, though: While more expensive options let you continue surfing with reduced speed once your data is used up, this is not possible with the XS option. On the other end of the price range is the XL plan with 30 GB for 79.90 Euros. This option includes 20 USD for phone calls to German mobile networks (10 USD with the XS and S option). There are data only plans available as well. Simly customers access the network of AT&T.

TOURISIM

Tourisim is another provider of SIM cards that can be ordered prior to your vacation in the USA. A good option for most customers is the H20 Wireless-SIM, valid for 30 days. Just like Simly, Tourisim provides data packages from 1 to 30 GB – for 5 Euros more, that is. On the upside, even the cheapest plan for 44,90 Euros, lets you go online with 2G speed after you have used up your data. Tourisim cards also use the AT&T network.

If you want to share a hotspot with your friends and make free phone calls in Canada and Mexico, you should choose the more expensive premium options.

BEACHSIM

If you are looking for a bargain, this provider is worth checking out. Beachsim offers sim cards with 1 GB of data as well as free phone calls and text messages in the US for just 29,90 Euros. The 40 GB package for 79,90 is comparatively cheap as well. On the downside, the provider uses the T-Mobile network, which cannot quite compete with the coverage of AT&T – especially in rural areas. Alternatively, you can buy Beachsim cards for the AT&T network. Expect to pay the same price as for Simly products, though.

PREPAID GLOBAL

Similar products can be found at Prepaid Global. Their SIM cards are valid for 30 days. Data packages start at 1 GB for 37,90 Euros. The biggest package comes with 30 GB and costs 79,90 – the same as a comparable Simly card. Just like Simly, Prepaid Global uses the AT&T network. The SIM cards come with unlimited calls to European cellphone networks – perfect if you want to call home frequently.

All the aforementioned products can be purchased directly from the respective company. You will also find them on Amazon.

BUY A SIM CARD IN THE USA

Of course, you can also travel to the US first and purchase a SIM card there. For vacationers, prepaid cards are the only sensible choice, as cellphone plans would require residency in the country. When it comes to US providers, T-Mobile and AT&T are ideal for holiday guests, as their networks are compatible with most smartphones. There is no shortage of mobile phone shops in the US. Sometimes, you can even find cheap deals at the airport or at Walmart.

T-MOBILE

One of the biggest providers in the US offers SIM cards for tourists. These are available in every T-Mobile Shop and have a validity of 3 weeks. Included in the price of 27 Euros (without taxes) are:

• 1000 minutes of phone calls in the USA
• 100 minutes of international calls
• unlimited text messages in the USA and 140 other countries
• 2 GB of LTE data.

The downside of this cheap option: It is not possible to extend the SIM card or buy additional data. Once you have used your data, the internet speed is reduced to 2G. If this is enough for you, T-Mobiles Tourist SIM might just be the perfect choice – and one that you can purchase straight at the airport.

AT&T

This provider does not explicitly advertise SIM cards for tourists. However, you will have no problem buying an AT&T card – just make sure your cellphone is compatible with their network. Prepaid cards come with free calls and text messages to US mobile phone networks. The price for 1 GB of data is 32 Euros per month. 8 GB are available for 45 Euros. The latter option is perfect if you want to create a hotspot for your friends.

TO SUM SUP

Using your German SIM card in the USA still comes at a high price. Therefore, it pays to buy a US SIM card – either at home or in the country. Before selecting a product, you should check the compatibility of your phone and the network coverage of the provider. If you want to save money, you should get a prepaid card from T-Mobile. However, in rural areas AT&T is the more reliable option.

Florida is known as the Sunshine State for a reason. Here, vacationers enjoy pleasant temperatures and sunny days without end. In the summer months, however, true monsters are born off the Atlantic Coast. Hurricanes heading towards the Caribbean and the Southern US often leave a trail of destruction behind. Therefore, it pays to know when these storms occur, where the risk is particularly high and what to do when a hurricane is interrupting your vacation.

HOW DO HURRICANES FORM?

Two things are necessary for a hurricane to form: heat and wind. In the summer months the water of the Atlantic heats up. Warm air rises and causes huge thunderclouds to manifest. Above the clouds the air cools off, drops and is sucked back up like in a chimney. The earth’s Coriolis Force gives the storm its characteristic spin. As it passes over an area with particularly warm water, the storm’s size and velocity increase. When wind speeds reach 12 on the Beaufort scale, experts speak of hurricanes – monster storms up to 100 miles long and 10 miles high.

Hurricanes draw their energy from warm ocean waters. When they hit the mainland, they cause considerable damage due to their wind speed and the sheer amounts of rainfall they unleash. After this, they gradually lose energy.

HOW DANGEROUS ARE HURRICANES?

The destructive potential of a hurricane depends on its speed. While a category 1 hurricane (74-95 mph) can rip off branches and damage poorly-built houses, category 2 hurricanes are known to unroot trees and destroy roofs, doors and windows. People living in coastal areas are advised to seek shelter. A category 5 hurricane with wind speeds of up to 157 mph will easily snap trees and completely destroy whole houses. Further damages are caused by flooding due to violent rainfall. Widespread evacuation is necessary.

Among the most devastating natural disasters of the last decades was Hurricane Katrina. This superstorm killed more than 1.800 people in August 2015 and caused over 108 billion Dollars in damages. In 2017, hurricane Irma was responsible for the death of 84 Florida residents, along with property damage of 50 billion Dollars. One year later, Hurricane Michael proved to be almost equally destructive. Most hurricanes do not directly hit the US mainland. However, scientists have observed that due to climate change and a rise in ocean temperatures, these tropical storms are becoming ever more frequent.

WHICH PARTS OF FLORIDA ARE PARTICULARLY AT RISK?

A hurricane warning in Florida does not mean that every part of the state is affected. Sometimes, huge storms only hit a small area – as did Hurricane Andrew in 1992. And although Florida is more hurricane-prone than any other state, the risk is not equally distributed.

When one looks at storms in the last hundred years, there is a clear pattern: The southern tip of Florida, including Miami and Fort Lauderdale, and the east coast up to Orlando have been affected the most. The Naples area comes second, followed by the Florida Panhandle. The risk is lower on the central western coast from Cape Coral to Tallahassee, as well as on the east coast north of Orlando. Not surprisingly, the safest place is Florida’s interior, furthest away from the ocean.

WHEN DO HURRICANES OCCUR?

Florida’s hurricane season officially lasts from June to the end of November. Most storms, however, form between mid August and late October. Whether or not you should travel to Florida during hurricane season is a question you have to answer for yourself. Although experts release a hurricane forecast every year, there is no way to predict how many storms will occur, and when. For example, in 2019 Florida was spared a direct hit. During the three years before, however, hurricane damages were devastating. And even if a storm only grazes the state’s coast – as happened with hurricane Dorian in 2019 – heavy rainfall and cold temperatures can ruin your vacation nonetheless. If you take this risk, however, you will be rewarded with cheap flights and hotel prices during hurricane season.

WHEN WAS FLORIDA LAST AFFECTED BY HURRICANES?

• Hurricane Matthew from September 28, 2016 to October 9, 2016
• Hurricane Irma from August 30, 2017 to September 14, 2017
• Hurricane Michael from October 7, 2018 to October 16, 2018

WHAT IS HAPPENING DURING A HURRICANE?

Check out this original footage taken during Hurricane Michael in 2018.

HURRICANE SAFETY TIPS

If you are traveling to Florida during the summer months, you should keep an eye on the weather forecast. To see if a storm is forming off the coast, you can also visit the website of the National Hurricane Center featuring a live map: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

INFORMATION FOR FLIGHT PASSENGERS AND HOTEL GUESTS

Imagine the following scenario: You book a flight to Florida and shortly before your trip, a hurricane warning is issued. Should your flight get cancelled because of this, most airlines will let you reschedule your trip cost-free or give you your money back. What you will not receive, however, is further financial compensation, as hurricanes are considered acts of nature. In other words: It is not the airline’s fault that the flight has to be cancelled.

Similar conditions apply to pre-booked holiday packages. European Union law requires the organizer to refund you. If you are unable to fly back due to a hurricane, the company also has to pay for the evacuation and your prolonged stay.

What about your pre-booked accommodation in Florida, then? Unfortunately, no binding regulations are in place, so you should read your hotel´s hurrican policy carefully. In the case of a hurricane warning, most hotels offer free refunds or let their guests re-book their stay at a later date. If you are evacuated before the storm, most hotels will give you money back for unused nights. Guests who want to be on the safe side should purchase travel insurance that covers the costs.

TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

If you own a house in Florida, you should deal with the issue of hurricanes early on and be ready to answer the following questions:

• Where are the nearest shelters?
• Will my insurance pay for hurricane damages?
• How do I switch off electricity, gas and water?
• Do I have enough emergency supplies? (This list published by FEMA should act as a guideline)

If you receive the warning that a hurricane is bound to hit in the next 36 hours, you should store any loose items like garden furniture inside and barricade openings like windows and glass doors. Trees and branches that could fall on your house must be cut down. Turn the refrigerator to the coldest setting to preserve your food in case of a power cut. Unplug smaller electric devices and fill your bathtub so you have an emergency supply of drinking water. Do not forget to put enough gasoline in your car, just in case you have to evacuate.

TIPS FOR RV OWNERS

RVs are perfect if you want to explore the Sunshine State at your own pace. Should a hurricane be inbound, you can easily leave the area with all your belongings – highly advisable, as even category 1 hurricanes can cause severe damages to your vehicle. If an evacuation is not possible for any reason, you should park your RV where it is most protected from wind: ideally in a garage, behind a house, but never under trees. Make sure that the side of the RV does not face the wind directly. Parking on higher ground is a good idea. A plastic tarp offers some protection from rain, and full water tanks provide additional stability. Before you evacuate, you should stock your mobile home with emergency rations.

HURRICANES AND CRUISES

Being on a cruise while a hurricane is forming nearby might seem like a nightmare. But actually, this scenario is not so bad after all. Thanks to modern technology, hurricanes can be detected quite early now. What is more, cruise ships are faster than any storms and can easily avoid them. Of course, the route might be changed and long awaited stops cancelled. This can be frustrating for some, but unfortunately, it does not warrant a refund, as the company is not at fault. You are only entitled a partial refund if the cruise is shortened. Most companies are prepared for hurricanes and will simply choose a different route with other interesting stops. However, a little flexibility on your part is called for when going on a cruise during (the considerably cheaper) hurricane season.

The clothing sizes and dimensions between Europe and the United States cause confusion for many people. We would like to help you buy shoes and clothes in the right size. Nevertheless, you should try the things on before buying. In many cases, the size S-XXL is often marked in addition to the US sizes. The comparison of the sizes is relatively simple. Please note that the sizes may vary slightly between different brands. In addition, more and more manufacturers are starting to cheat a little bit about the sizes. So-called “vanity sizing” is used to ensure that as many buyers as possible feel good about their purchase. Instead of the actual size, a smaller size is printed on the label, for example an “L” becomes an “M”

CLOTHING SIZES FOR EUROPE AND USA IN COMPARISON

COMPARISON OF DIMENSIONS FOR EUROPE AND THE USA

space measurements
1 square inch – 6,45 cm²
1 sqare foot – 9,288 dm²
1 square yard – 0,386 m²
1 sqaure mile – 2,589 km²
1 acre – 0,405 ha

weights
1 ounce – 28,35 kg
1 pound – 453,59 g
1 stone – 6,35 kg

fluid measures
1 gill – 0,5118 l
1 pint – 0,473 l
1 quart – 0,946 l
1 gallon – 3,787 l

length measurements
1 inch – 2,54 cm (1 Zoll)
1 foot – 30,38 cm
1 yard – 91,44 cm
1 mile – 1,61 km2

room dimensions
1 cubic inch – 16,386 cm²
1 cubic foot – 28,32 dm²
1 cubic yard – 0,765 m²