Hopping Around

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome everybody, Welcome back. Today, we are going to continue
talking Tampa. So last time we talked about the best
time to visit. We talked about the climate and how

(00:20):
that leads to a good time to visit and maybe
a time that's not so good for you. Also, we
talked about festivals that could create some very crowded conditions,
so that might be a reason to go, there might
be a reason not to go with that particular time.
So I think we covered that pretty well. So today

(00:41):
let's talk about reaching and navigating Tampa. So we're going
to travel to Tampa, and then once we get to Tampa,
how we're going to navigate our way around. So reaching Tampa,
the gateway to Florida's sunkissed shores and vibrant culture, is
surprisingly straightforward. With a multiple transportation options catering to various

(01:03):
budgets and preferences, you can choose the method that best
suits your travel style and needs. Let's explore the various
avenues to reach the bustling city and navigated streets with ease.
Flying into Tampa International Airport, a symbol of TPA is

(01:23):
the most common and often the quickest way to arrive
situated conveniently just a short distance from downtown, TPA serves
numerous domestic and international destinations. Major airlines operate from here, I,
ensuring competitive fares and frequent flights once you land, a
multitude of grownd transportation, from rental cars and taxis to

(01:50):
ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft. The airport itself
is well designed, with clear signage and helpful staff to
guide you through the the arrival process. And now I
was thinking, I've been to almost every major airport in
this country, and I have never flown into or out
of Tampa. So interesting. The times that I've been there,

(02:11):
I have driven. So pre booking your airport transfer, whether
it's a taxi or a private car service, is advisable,
especially during peak tourist seasons, ensuring hassle free journey to
your hotel or chosen accommodation. The pre planning avoids the
potential cueues and uncertainties of finding transportation upon arrival, so

(02:33):
make your arrangements ahead of time. Many hotels also offer
shuttle services, a convenient option to consider, especially if your
hotel is situated a little further from the airport. Remember
to factor in potential travel time from the airport to
your destination when scheduling arrival. For most who prefer a
more scenic and relaxed journey, Amtrak, which I just did

(02:57):
a podcast on trains and train travel, and I've never
done that. I just did some research and talked to
some people that have done that. I want to do that.
I mean, that is on my bucket list without a doubt.
I don't know where I'm going, I don't know where
I'm leaving from, and I don't know how coming back,
but I can tell you that is on my list.
So Amtrak offers train services to various stations close to Tampa.

(03:20):
While not a direct direct route to the heart of
the city, in all cases, train travel provides a unique
perspective of the Florida landscape. You'll need to check the
Amtrak schedule and advance and planning for additional transportation from
the train station to your final destination in Tampa. This
might involve a taxi, ride share, or even public transportation,

(03:43):
depending on the situation in your hotel's location. The cost
effectiveness of train travel can vary, often depending on the
distance in the time of year. It's always advisable to
compare train fairs with flight prices to determine the most
economic option for you your specific journey. Yeah, lots of
times they're actually kind of close in price. It's just

(04:06):
the whole atmosphere and experience of the train. I think
I wouldn't want to do it every time, but I
definitely want to check that out. Budget conscious travelers might
consider bus routes. Several bus companies offer affordable transportation to Tampa,
connecting connecting with other major cities across the state and beyond.

(04:27):
While this mode of transportation takes longer than flying and
provides a budget friendly alternative, allowing you to allocate more
resources towards your accommodation and exploring Tampa's attraction, I mean
you might need a whole day to rest after being
on a bus for a day. I don't know, I
don't know, I haven't done that. However, remember to account
for this the significantly longer travel time when choosing this option,

(04:51):
and that's talking about the bus, and consider the additional
cost and time for transferring to your final destination in
Tampa from the bus station. Once you're in Tampa, navigating
the city is quite straightforward. The city boasts a relatively
efficient public transportation system, including buses and streetcars. The Hillsboro

(05:12):
Area Regional Transit heart HART provides extensive bus routes covering
most areas of the city. Their website and app offer
real time updates, route maps, and schedules, helping you plan
your journeys effectively. Well it may take a little longer
than using a taxi or ride sharing service. A public

(05:35):
transportation system is a cost effective way to get around,
particularly if you plan intend to explore different neighborhoods and
attractions throughout your stay, which is always a cool thing.
I always say, go where the locals go, eat what
the locals eat, and you're going to have a great
time and a great experience. Purchasing a day or multi

(05:56):
day pass can offer significant savings compared to single ride.
For those unfamiliar with the system, it's highly recommended to
consult the heart HRT website or app before your trip
to familiarize yourself with the routes and schedule. Taxis and
ride share services offer a convenient alternative for those seeking

(06:17):
quicker and more direct transportation within Tampa. These are readily
available throughout the city, easily accessible through a mobile app
or by hailing them on the street well generally more
expensive than public transportation, this is a far more convenient option,
especially for those traveling with luggage or during late hours

(06:39):
for a more luxurious experience. Several private car services also
cater to tourists and business travelers, offen comfortable vehicles and
professional drivers. Remember to check the rates and confirm the
prices beforehand, especially for longer distances, to avoid any surprises.
The availability of ride shairing services can flop weight depending

(07:01):
on the time of day, location, so it's advisable to
have a backup plan in case your preferred ride isn't
immediately available. Always have a backup plan if possible. I
remember when I was traveling back, had a connection in
Charlotte and then onto my final destination, which was Charleston,

(07:21):
South Carolina. And I got to Charlotte and my flight
was canceled. It was the last flight. I went to
rent a car. They weren't doing any one way rentals,
so I mean I couldn't rent a car. The guy
at the rental booth or whatever said, here's a business card.

(07:42):
Call this guy. It's a private car. I thought, well,
I'll call him, but that's got to be super expensive,
so I called him. It was three hundred dollars including
a tip from Charlotte to Charleston in a black window
tended as you very professional driver. And my flight that

(08:06):
I got the money back for being canceled was a
little over three hundred dollars, so it was actually kind
of a wash. So that was not my backup plan.
That was an emergency plan. For those who prefer the
freedom and flexibility of exploring on their own pace, remember
a car is an excellent option renting. That is, numerous
rental car agencies operated Tampa International Airport and throughout the city. However,

(08:29):
it's essential to carefully consider the implications of driving in
a new city. Traffic can be heavy during peak peak hours,
particularly in the downtown area, and parking can be expensive
and sometimes challenging to find. Always, I'm sure you are
familiar with local traffic laws and regulations before you get

(08:51):
behind the wheel, and I'm sure you are just throwing
that in there. Driving always allow you to explore areas
that might be less accessible by public transportation, especially if
you are planning excursions outside of Tampa itself. Consider the
cost of gas, parking fees, potential tolls when weighing the
convenience of the remote car against the cost effectiveness otherwise

(09:13):
transportation methods. Navigating Tampa traffic requires a bit of patience,
but that's like with almost any pretty big city, right,
I mean, especially if you don't know exactly where you're going,
Especially during peak hours. The city's road network can get congested,
particularly during rush hour. Using a GPS navigation system that's

(09:34):
highly recommended, and planning your routes at advance, especially if
you have a tight schedule, is advisable. Be prepared for
potential traffic delay, specifically around major events and during the
peak tourist season. Understand that the layout of the city's
main roads and highways can significantly reduce your travel time

(09:56):
and stress levels. Familiar size you're Familiarize you self with
the designated bus lanes, and avoid using them unnecessarily, as
this can lead to significant fines not worth it. Parking
in Tampa is available, but can be expensive in popular
areas like downtown and near major attractions. Many parking garages

(10:20):
and lots offer hourly or daily rates, but it's crucial
to check check the rates beforehand. Some areas offer metered
parking on the streets, be sure to adhere to the
time limits to avoid parking tickets. Yeah, we all get
a few of those if possible. Plan your visits to
attractions and activities, considering the parking options nearby to avoid

(10:42):
unnecessary driving and searching for parking. Researching parking options in
advance is a wise move, particularly if you are visiting
during peak seasons when parking spaces are in high demand.
So utilize in public transportation or ride share services to
avoid parking challenges altogether is a valid option to consider,

(11:06):
I mean, why not? In conclusion, reaching a navigation and
navigating Tampa is relatively easy and an enjoyable experience, with
a variety of transportation options availability to suit every budget
in preference, whether you opt for the convenience of a flight,
the scenic journey of a train I mean, or the

(11:29):
cost effectiveness of a bus, a seamless arrival in Tampa
is guaranteed. Within the city, you can easily navigate your
public transport taxis, ride chair, or by renting a car,
each with its own advantages and consideration and careful planning.
Last time I was in Tampa, we did a lot
of walking. It was for a national championship game. I

(11:53):
think it was Clinton, Alabama, and my wife and I
walked from the hotel to the stadium and back and
we got a couple the ride shairs here and there,
but it was a lot to explore. It was a
fun time, and we want so research in advance will
contribute to a smooth and hassle free transportation. And I'm
the Clemson guy experience allowing you to fully immerse yourself

(12:17):
in all that this is vibrant Florida City has to offer.
Remember to prioritize safety while using any mode of transportation
and be mindful of local traffic regulations. With a little preparation,
your journey through Tampa will be a memorable and enjoyable
as the city itself. And Tampa is a really cool spot.

(12:38):
It really is. Okay, so what are we going to
look at next time? Let me see what I got
on the agenda for next time. I have, Well, next
time we're going to talk about fun stuff, budget friendly
and luxury options, about accommodations. So that's one of my
favorite things. I love nice hotels. I also love g hotels.

(13:01):
It just depends on the reason that I'm going somewhere, right,
So that's all I got today. I'll talk to you
next time. Y'all have a great day. I enjoyed this
and God bless