Getting Around Florida Without a Car: Public Transport Tips
Florida’s massive. Like, you look at it on a map and think, “oh yeah, that’s drivable.” But then you’re actually there, and everything’s way mor...
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You’re heading across the Atlantic to one of the most car-heavy, theme park-loaded spots out there — so no, it’s not the greenest trip in the world. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still make a few better choices along the way. You don’t have to be perfect. Just a bit more aware. And in Florida, that’s actually easier than you might think.
Sustainable travel isn’t about doing everything right. It’s about making a few better choices where you can — and still having a great time while you do it.
Florida’s pretty spread out — more than you might expect, actually. Most people rent a car without thinking twice, but if you base yourself in the right spot, you might not need one at all.
Orlando is a good example. Loads of hotels near the parks run free shuttles, and if you stay on International Drive, there’s a decent amount you can reach on foot. It’s not exactly made for walking — not like a European city — but it’s doable. And a lot easier than trying to park at Disney during peak season.
If you stay at a Disney or Universal resort, you can skip driving altogether. Their transport systems — boats, buses, monorails — run all day and don’t cost extra. And yeah, they’re electric or hybrid, so a bit better on the eco front too.
Florida’s full of big-name restaurants and hotel brands — and they’re convenient, sure. But if you’re trying to be more sustainable, choosing smaller, locally owned places can make a real difference.
Whether it’s grabbing coffee from an independent café instead of a Starbucks, or picking a locally run hotel over a global chain, your money goes directly to the people who live and work there. It’s a small shift, but it adds up.
The same goes for souvenirs. Avoid the plastic keyrings and opt for handmade goods or locally made snacks. You’ll take home something more meaningful, and you won’t be adding to the landfill pile two weeks later.
This one’s easy — and still surprisingly overlooked. Florida can get hot, and you’ll go through a lot of water. Instead of buying endless plastic bottles, bring a good quality reusable one. Most parks and public places have refill stations now, especially Disney and Universal.
Also: bring reusable shopping bags, cutlery, and straws if you can. A few simple swaps and you’ll avoid that constant stream of plastic forks and carrier bags.
It’s not about going full eco-warrior. Just… less waste, basically.
Florida’s full of wildlife encounters — from airboat rides through the Everglades to manatee spotting tours and gator parks. Some are brilliant. Others… not so much.
Look for places that focus on education and conservation. If they keep animals, check how they’re cared for. If it feels off, trust your gut.
For something low-impact and genuinely memorable, try kayaking in Crystal River during manatee season (winter months). Or visit a rescue centre where animals are being rehabilitated, not just displayed.
You can still enjoy the wildlife — just try to do it in a way that respects the space they live in.
Big hotels can be quite heavy on resources. But little things help. Turn off lights and air-con when you’re out. Reuse towels and bedding — you don’t wash everything daily at home, so no need to start now.
Also, maybe don’t have 40-minute showers twice a day. It’s tempting, I get it — especially after a theme park sweat-fest — but Florida’s water supply isn’t endless, especially in drier regions.
You don’t need to stress about every drop. Just being aware of it helps.
You don’t have to overhaul your entire holiday to travel more sustainably. If anything, the best approach is to pick a few small things and stick to them. Walk a bit more. Skip the plastic. Support someone local instead of another big-name burger chain.
You’ll still have a brilliant time — but with a little less impact behind you when you head home.
