Explore Tallahassee!
Our sponsor, Visit Tallahassee, has created a special GCEC 2026 travel guide to help you plan your visit! From local dining and attractions to helpful travel information, discover everything Florida's Capital City has to offer.
Travel
Travel details and accommodations made easy.
Travel
Hyatt House provides an extended-stay experience with spacious suite-style accommodations, including full kitchens and living areas. Situated near downtown and FSU, guests enjoy complimentary breakfast, fitness center, on-site restaurant, outdoor pool, and a relaxed residential atmosphere. The property is approximately 5–7 minutes from campus via shuttle, offering both comfort and convenience.
Located between downtown Tallahassee and Florida State University, the Hampton Inn & Suites offers a comfortable and convenient stay for conference attendees. Guests benefit from complimentary breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center, and easy access to both the Capitol complex and campus. The hotel is approximately 5–7 minutes by shuttle to the FSU Student Union.
Aloft Tallahassee Downtown is a modern hotel located in the downtown district, within close proximity to the Florida State Capitol, Florida State University, and local dining options. Known for its vibrant, social atmosphere, Aloft features a lively lobby space, bar, fitness center, and outdoor pool area. This hotel is approximately 7–10 minutes by shuttle to campus.
Located in the heart of Tallahassee's vibrant Collegetown district, Hotel Indigo Tallahassee – Collegetown serves as the primary conference hotel for GCEC 2026. Guests enjoy stylish accommodations, an on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center, and walkable access to Florida State University, local dining, and entertainment. The hotel is conveniently located less than a mile from the FSU Student Union, making it an ideal home base for conference attendees.
- The deadline to book this hotel has passed.
Located between downtown Tallahassee and Florida State University, the Hampton Inn & Suites offers a comfortable and convenient stay for conference attendees. Guests benefit from complimentary breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center, and easy access to both the Capitol complex and campus. The hotel is approximately 5–7 minutes by shuttle to the FSU Student Union.
- The deadline to book this hotel has passed.
Travel & Airport Information
Bobby Bowden International Airport (TLH) is the primary airport serving the city and is located approximately 15–20 minutes from Florida State University and conference hotels.
Recommended Airlines
Most routes connect through major hubs such as Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), Dallas (DFW), and Miami (MIA). Travel Tip: International attendees should plan to fly into a major U.S. hub (e.g., Atlanta or Miami) and take a short connecting flight (1–1.5 hours) to Tallahassee.
Tallahassee is primarily served by major U.S. carriers, including:
- America Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- United Airlines
- Silver Airways
Estimated Drive Times:
- Bobby Bowden International Airport (TLH) → FSU / Hotels: ~15–20 minutes (non-peak).
- Peak times are minimal compared to larger cities, but allow up to 25 minutes during busier hours.
Estimated Departure Time:
- TLH is a small, easy-to-navigate airport, allowing for quick arrivals and departures.
- Security lines and baggage claims are typically fast.
International Attendees
Entering the United States
- Passport must typically be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry to the U.S.
- Have your conference registration and hotel information available for review at the Port of Entry.
- Do not keep any fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, or fluids larger than 100ml provided to you during your flight.
- Ensure that you do not pack prohibited items in your luggage - Complete List (Alphabetical) | Transportation Security Administration.
- It is advisable to have a layover of at least 3 hours between connecting flights to allow for immigration and customs procedures, including re-checking bags and additional security screenings as necessary.
- Major U.S. entry processing will occur at the first port of entry (e.g., Atlanta, Miami)
- After clearing customs, attendees will take a domestic connection to Tallahassee
Visa/Passport Requirements
- Attendees traveling to the United States should verify visa requirements based on their country of origin - Visa Wizard.
- Many travelers may qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (with ESTA registration), while others may require a B (tourist) visa.
- If you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and you do not already have a B visa stamp in your passport that will be valid at the time of entry to the U.S., apply for your B (tourist) visa as soon as possible to allow time for scheduling a visa interview appointment and for the vetting process that occurs after the visa interview - DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
- Note that that visa bans are in place for several countries meaning that visa applications will not be processed for those who have only one passport issued by one of those countries. The current list of visa bans is at F-1 and J-1 Immigration Updates | Center for Global Engagement.
Visa Support Letters
- For attendees who require a visa support letter, please email gcec@jmc.fsu.edu
Currency and Local Notes
The monetary system in the U.S. is comprised of U.S. dollars and cents. Although some businesses may accept foreign currency, visitors are advised to exchange traveller’s cheques or their home currency for U.S. dollars. The best exchange rates are typically available at banks, credit unions, and airport or border exchange services. Each financial institution sets its own exchange rate. Some banks may charge a fee for cashing traveller’s cheques.
Local Notes
- Credit cards are widely accepted.
- Tipping is customary (15–20% at restaurants).
- It is common in U.S. restaurants for staff to take your credit card to a payment station and return it with your receipt.
General Inquiries
Have questions about GCEC 2026 or need assistance? We’re here to help.
Contact us at gcec@jmc.fsu.edu
