Growing up I was super lucky that my parents used to take the family abroad all the time – and they still travel constantly now. From as far back as I can remember – and pictures dating back to when I had hair long enough I could sit on *sigh* – they used to take us to Orlando, Florida every year. Then occasionally to mix it up, we’d head to the west coast to explore California or to the Caribbean to swim with dolphins – how lucky was I!?
It was great, don’t get me wrong! But I’d love to head back Flordia, now that I’m old enough to appreciate it. It’s home to theme parks, beautiful beaches, an energetic nightlife and fantastic wildlife. Known as the Sunshine state, Florida also has some of the best weather in the U.S. It’s a dream holiday destination but many families and couples feel it’s too out of their budget. Take a look at this handy guide and you will see that visiting Florida doesn’t have to be as expensive as you thought.
Download Uber
Uber is an app that you can download onto your phone, that allows you organise transportation quickly and easily. You can turn on the app, let them know your location and within a few moments a taxi will arrive to take you to your destination.
Uber can save you money on your travel expenses by offering discounted fares and has a cashless payment service. Plus your first ride is free. This is a highly useful tool that you can use for airport transfers and travelling to attractions. Which too can save you money which you can spend on other things.
Don’t just stick to hotels
Hotels may be what you are used to, but they aren’t always the most budget-friendly. So when making your holiday plans, do plenty of research into other accommodation options. You can find vacation rentals in Florida online that are more affordable and in prime locations. They can also include parking spaces, gyms and pools.
Or you could stay in a hostel or motel along International Drive, which is close to Universal Studios, shopping outlets and water parks. Prices will vary, especially in peak tourist seasons. So work out how much you have to spend on accommodation and start comparing prices before you book. Booking in advance can also help you utilise current offers and promotions, which could also save you money.
Buy theme park tickets before you leave
It may be tempting to wait until you arrive before buying your theme park and attraction tickets when you arrive. But Disneyworld and Universal Studios, in particular have high gate prices that could come as a shock. Thankfully there are companies online that provide discounted Orlando attraction tickets. You can buy and receive these tickets in advance saving you lots of money.
Take a look at the theme parks websites to see what rides and attractions they have on offer. This will make it easier to determine which parks you want to prioritise. You should also consider how many days out of your holiday do you want to spend at the theme parks. There is no point buying a 14-day pass if you only want to visit the parks on two or three days. Some tickets also grant you free access and dining in other parks, so always read the small print.
With a little know-how you can start planning your trip to Florida and stick to your budget. If you plan in advance and save money where you can, it’s more affordable than you think. So come and see what hidden gems the Sunshine state has to offer for yourself.