Florida Vacation, Save Money

10 Ways to Save Money on a Florida Vacation

A Florida vacation, especially for those looking to escape the cold weather of the north, is a dream come true, filled with world-class attractions, sandy beaches, and plenty of sun and warm weather. You'll find vibrant cities, small rural towns, lots of lakes and streams, and miles of coastland for the best in water sports.

While Florida remains one of the most affordable destinations in the U.S., these days it never hurts to find some ways to save money on your next Florida vacation, providing more dollars with which to enjoy Florida's abundant sunshine and ample attractions. Here's a list of the 10 best ways to save money on a Florida vacation.

1. Book a vacation package – No matter where you're heading in the Sunshine State, it's often best to book all your needs – air, hotel, rental car – at one time and in one place. This can be done through any of the major vacation clearinghouses, like Orbitz, Travelocity, Expedia, or Kayak, as well as through most airlines. You will definitely recognize a substantial savings when everything is booked together. Not convinced? Price everything separately just to be sure and then choose the better deal.
   
   
2. Travel off-season – Florida is lovely all year round, though many people prefer not to head there in the summer, when the heat and humidity can indeed be high. Instead, try the "shoulder season", which generally includes the months of October, November, March, and April. During these times you'll often find the best hotel rates and airfares. However, be sure to avoid the holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Easter, especially if you're visiting Disney World.
   
   
3. Purchase attraction tickets before you arrive – In the case of attractions such as the Disney parks, you'll recognize some savings (and save a lot of time as well) if you purchase your park passes before you arrive. Universal offers a valuable food and merchandise coupon book when you order tickets online, with more than $150 in coupons for your use in the parks, at CityWalk, and at the onsite hotels. Busch Gardens in Tampa also offers online ticket discounts of about 10 percent, though prices may vary according to season.
   
   
4. Search the internet for coupons – The internet is one of the best travel tools ever invented and on it you'll find a myriad of savings. Just type in, for example, "Sarasota coupons" and you'll probably find lots of online coupons you can print and bring along. Coupons are often also available from Convention and Visitor Bureau sites for particular destinations within Florida.
   
   
5. Consider a vacation rental – Vacation rentals are plentiful in Florida, including in all the coastal destinations as well as inland near Orlando. They range in price from very reasonable to quite costly. However, if you're on a budget, they're often a much better choice than a hotel room, especially since rental homes/condos with kitchens can save you from buying all your meals in a restaurant. Note that minimum stays may be required, especially during peak season. However, during off-peak or shoulder season, deals are very attractive.
   
   
6. Take advantage of free attractions – While Florida is full of pay-to-see attractions of many different types – from museums to aquariums – there are also plenty of places to visit where you won't need to pay any sort of fees, including the Sunshine State's many national, state, and regional parks. These parks are a joy to explore and give you a good look at local flora and fauna up close and personal. In addition, you'll find free or low-cost activities inside the parks, such as bike riding, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and more.
   
   
7. Look for membership type discounts – If you're a member of AAA or AARP, you'll find that many Florida hotels and attractions offer you discounts in conjunction with your membership. Ask for these discounts when booking accommodations, and when visiting a museum or other attraction, inquire as to special rates for members of these and other organizations when purchasing admission tickets.
   
   
8. Use your credit cards – If you have a credit card that offers "points" for spending their money, use them for your travel to Florida, including airfare, lodging, dining, and other travel-related expenses. Though you might not enjoy immediate savings, you will eventually get money back or receive perks for using them.
   
   
9. Look for hotels that are kid-friendly – If you're traveling with children, where you stay in Florida may determine how much money you save on food and activities for the little ones. Some coastal resorts, like the Don Cesar Beach Resort in St. Pete or the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort on the northwest Emerald Coast, offer kids and teen clubs for ages 3 or 4 and up. These not only include activities but often lunch or dinner as well. Some do carry a cost but others are free. Some chain hotels also offer "kids eat free" deals, so check those out as well.
   
   
10. Ask the locals – Anyone who travels frequently will tell you that locals always know the best deals in town. So, don't be afraid to ask Florida residents what they like best about the area, where they enjoy eating, and what they would do if they had a week or a few days to spend in their town. You'll get lots of ideas and will undoubtedly save some money in the process.  Also look for the local travel discount booklets often found at tourist brochure stands at fast food establishments, hotels and visitors centers.