Travel to Florida the Smart Way: 6 Tips to Save Time and Money

August 19, 2022

Traveling to Florida doesn’t have to be a expensive or time-consuming endeavor. By following these simple tips, you can make the most of your trip and enjoy all that the Sunshine State has to offer.
1. Reserve your room early
If you’re planning to visit popular areas, such as Orlando or Miami, book your room well in advance. You can score some amazing discounts, especially on nights and weekends. A site like Secret Disney Deals can help you find the best prices. Consider signing up for their newsletter to get the latest deals and discount codes.
2. Bring your own bag
The good news is that Florida is one of the most pedestrian-friendly states in the nation. There are designated bags-for-rides at many theme parks.
The bad news is that Florida is also one of the most gun-friendly states in the nation. Avoid becoming a victim by bringing your own bag to the airport or bus station and checking it instead of traveling with a large or soft-sided case.
3. Pack smart
Don’t make the mistake of bringing too much. Consider this when planning your wardrobe for the trip. Chances are, you’ll end up wearing the same outfit twice anyway.
4. Avoid eating at airport or bus station restaurants
Don’t get stuck paying $5 for a cup of coffee or spending $14 on a hot dog when you could have had the same thing on the road for much less.
If you do decide to stop by one of these eateries, take advantage of their breakfast and lunch specials, which are often less expensive than the lunch and dinner menus.
5. Budget smart
Florida isn’t cheap, so be sure to budget accordingly. You can still have a fantastic time without breaking the bank.
The most expensive part of a trip to Florida is flying into Orlando. Consider traveling from another state to save money.
6. Don’t overschedule yourself
Don’t think that you need to see every single attraction in the state in one trip. Instead, pick your favorite attractions and stick to those.
By doing this, you’ll be able to enjoy each place for what it’s worth.
Travel to Florida the Smart Way: Save Money on Theme Park Tickets
Everyone loves a good theme park and that includes adults of all ages. However, if you want to enjoy a trip to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort or other popular theme parks without draining your bank account, you’re going to need to do a little planning first.
Here are some tips for traveling to Florida on a budget and saving money on tickets:
1. Purchase your tickets online
If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t have the best luck at the theme park ticket booths. I’ve wasted money on tickets that I didn’t want and not gotten the ones that I did. That’s why I always recommend purchasing your tickets online before you head to the theme park.
2. Pack your own snacks
I’ve learned my lesson and refuse to pay full price for a snack from a park concessions stand. Instead, I pack my own and enjoy them for much less.
3. Take advantage of discounts for Florida residents
Florida residents receive many discounts throughout the year. As a general rule, seniors get in for free. If you’re interested in saving money on admission, be sure to check online first to see if any discounts are available.
If you do decide to purchase your tickets online, it’s always a good idea to double check the prices. You might be surprised at what you find.
How to Travel to Florida on a Budget
Florida is an expensive place to travel to, especially if you’re not a resident. This can be a real problem if you don’t have the money to splash. That’s why I’ve put together a list of ways that you can travel to Florida on a budget.
1. Save up your points
You’ll find a lot of deals if you’re willing to plan ahead and collect your rewards. For example, some people might be able to get Delta SkyMiles for as little as one cent.
Don’t forget about hotel points too. Many hotels and resorts offer free breakfast. You can collect these points over time to make your travel more affordable.
2. Travel off-season
If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season, which is December through March or September through November, you’ll get a much better deal on plane tickets and hotel rooms. Plus, if you have children with you, they’ll love visiting places like Universal Orlando Resort during the winter break.
3. Use discount websites
There are many websites out there that offer deep discounts on flights and hotels. The best way to take advantage of these discounts is to sign up for their newsletters. By doing this, you’ll be one of the first people to know about their newest deals and also get access to secret deals that aren’t available to everyone.
4. Visit during a weekday
This tip can be kind of controversial, but the fact of the matter is that you’ll get better deals on flight tickets and hotel rooms during the week than you will on weekends. The only problem is that it’s more difficult to get around when you don’t speak the local language.