From the vast theme parks to beautiful beach resorts, when you think of Florida, you probably don’t think of budget travel. However, there are ways to enjoy the Sunshine State without blowing your budget. See below for some ways to save on cash.
“Florida, USA” by dconvertini is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
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1. VISIT DURING OFF-PEAK TIMES
Florida is a family destination, so if you can visit outside of the major school holidays, prices for everything from accommodation to theme park tickets tend to be cheaper. January, February, September, October and November tend to be the cheapest months to visit Florida, with the summer months and the holiday season being the most expensive times. One advantage of visiting outside of summer is the weather. You don’t get the unbearable heat of the height of summer, but it’s still warm and sunny.
2. LOOK OUT FOR THEME PARK TICKET DEALS
The cost of visiting theme parks such as Disney World and Universal Orlando can take a big chunk out of your vacation budget. That’s why it’s important to get the best deal on your theme park tickets. You can buy bundled tickets that allow you to visit multiple parks on multiple days, which is much cheaper than the gate price. Disney also offers 7- or 14-day tickets, which allow you to visit all of the parks and waterparks, giving you a cheap way to enjoy lots of attractions.
3. STAY IN AN RV
Accommodation in Florida can be pricey, especially in beach towns and close to theme parks. If you book with an RV rental Orlando business, such as Cruise America, you get a place to stay while still exploring the state, which is ideal for families who enjoy a road trip. There are RV parks all over the state, where you can get hookups, cable TV and other facilities at a much cheaper rate than a hotel room. Even Disney has an RV campground set in a pretty wilderness area.
4. ENJOY CHEAP EATS
Those on a budget will find Florida an easy place to dine out. If you avoid restaurants inside theme parks or those in premium locations, such as the beachside, you can find inexpensive fast food, buffets and diners. Head towards the ocean and you’ll find plenty of crab shacks and places selling the catch of the day, with inexpensive, local ingredients. If you’re going to a theme park, many of them allow you to take your own food, so visit the grocery store for snacks.
5. AVOID THE MERCHANDISE STANDS
When you visit theme parks, the kids will often be begging you for a t-shirt, water bottle or other items with their favourite character on the front. However, theme park merchandise is very overpriced, and you can often buy the same items in local shops much cheaper. Keep your days out cheap by buying your souvenirs elsewhere. Also, avoid hidden extras, such as photo passes and dining plans, unless they’re included in a package deal, as they often don’t represent good value for money.
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