How to Plan a Florida Vacation For Less
Guest post by: Beth Smedinghoff, TravelProducts.com Writer
When it comes to planning a Florida vacation there are numerous things to consider: weather, location, time of year, travel accommodations, and attractions. Use these ten tips to help you plan a budget-friendly Florida trip that will be fun for the whole family!
- When planning your itinerary consider free attractions the whole family can enjoy such as spending time at the hotel pool or on the beach or window shopping. Inexpensive indoor activities could include a trip to the arcade or a nearby museum.
- The temperature and amount of tourists can vary from month to month in Florida. If you opt to travel in months when the weather is a little cooler, prices will be lower and popular destinations will be less crowded. You can check out the monthly Florida forecast on Go Florida.
- Check Kayak Travel Zoo and other travel sites for deals on flights and hotels. If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, Mouse Savers is a great discount resource.
- Do your research and look online for coupons and daily deals for the places you plan on visiting. Also consider other discounts you may be eligible for such as AAA.
- If you’re going to eat out during your trip, research restaurant deals in the area such as Kids Eat Free specials. If you’re traveling to South Florida, South Florida Dines has great offers.
- If you’re flying, chances are you’ll need to check at least one bag but you can reduce the number of bags you check (and thus your extra baggage fees) by using travel kits to maximize space in your luggage.
- Once you reach your destination make a trip to the grocery store and stock up on meals for the week. Taking a break from your day to eat lunch in your hotel will save you some money and allow you a break from the sun.
- Be sure to pack sunglasses and sunscreen for everyone. The rays of the Florida sun may feel great but they can do a lot of damage. You can purchase sunglasses and sunscreen on nearly every corner in the great state of Florida but retailers know that tourists are willing to pay more for such things when they’re in need. Stock up before you leave and you’re sure to save some cash.
- If you’re going to be spending time at Disney World or Universal Studios, bring your own stroller and save the cost of having to rent one.
- Pack your own water bottles. No matter what you’ll be doing the Sunshine State, hydration is important. By bringing your own bottles you can avoid paying inflated tourist prices and you’ll keep the whole family hydrated and happy.
Beth is a Chicagoland native who loves to escape the Windy City weather by traveling to Florida. With a passion for travel and an eye for discounts, she is constantly looking for the best travel accessories and deals to use for her next trip.