Let’s be honest, it feels good to save money. Scoring big savings (like 50 percent off at hotels) can make you feel downright giddy. And while paying less is a good thing, what can make you feel even more confident
about visiting your destination is solid, insider advice. So get out a highlighter and get ready for great money-saving tips and travel advice that’s specific to the Sunshine State. First up, how to rake in the savings:
KNOW YOUR SEASONS
Seasons vary greatly from south to north in Florida. In January, the average high temperature in Key West is 74 F, but in Panama City Beach it is only 62 F. Winter yields great rates n northern Florida and, in the heat of summer, head to southern Florida.
Orlando has its own seasons, which coincide with school calendars. Meaning, if you have to travel during spring, summer or winter breaks, prices are higher. Visit Orlando recommends visiting during “deal season,” August 15–September 30. In addition, you can get a free Orlando Magic Card and take advantage of savings on attractions, restaurants and shopping. Get yours at VisitOrlando.com/magiccard or at the Orlando Visitors Center.
THEME PARK DISCOUNTS
Locals have a saying, “If you’re buying tickets at the gate, you’ve already been taken on a ride.” Plan ahead to visit any of Florida’s theme parks, such as Walt Disney World, Busch Gardens, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando. There are many online ticket brokers—Mousesavers.com, Ticketmomma.com, UndercoverTourist.com and OfficialTicketCenter.com—all of which are reputable. Brokers also have good rates for dinner theater shows, such as Medieval Times and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, as well as events and exhibits.
COUPONS WORTH CLIPPING
The Entertainment Book is a local favorite and you don’t have to be a local to buy it. Go to entertainment book.com and enter a city orzip/postal code. Buy it, then pack it because it will pay for itself in just one day. Also try Groupon.com or Dealsaver.com. Enter the city you’re visiting and scroll through such bargains as 35 to 70 percent off at hotels, attractions and restaurants. What’s more, five of South Florida’s top attractions—Lion Country Safari, Miami Seaquarium, Museum of Discovery & Science, Jungle Island and Zoo Miami— offer a summer pass, which provides unlimited visits for 100-plus days. Get yours at SummerSavingsPass.com.
EXPLORE LODGING OPTIONS
You don’t have to sit through a two-hour vacation ownership presentation to take advantage of spacious, condominium-style accommodation with multiple bedrooms and full kitchens. You just have to know where to make your reservation. Thousands of timeshare owners post units they are unable to use at RedWeek.com and you can reap the roomy benefits. You can also visit the websites of vacation ownership resorts directly. Even if you can’t stay the entire week (as timeshare units are normally leased in weekly increments), the savings are still worth it, especially in the off-season. Favorite websites include flcondoalliance.com; LegacyVacationResorts.com; WestgateResorts.com; VRBO.com; and MyResortNetwork.com.
MEMBERSHIP RATES
Joining a local club and/or organization, such as the American Automobile Association (AAA) or a wholesale shopping club like Sam’s or BJ’s, can score you discounts on car rentals, cruises, hotel rooms and travel packages.
KIDS’ CLUBS EQUAL MORE
“WE” TIME Many resorts offer kids’ programs as part of their amenity packages, providing supervised childcare during certain hours of the day—or night—and are a far cry from being a babysitting service; they provide educational and non-stop entertainment! While your children are singing karaoke, dancing the conga or studying marine life, you and your spouse can enjoy a little “we” time. Some resorts offer these programs complimentary or they’re included with the daily resort fee, as they are at the Harbor Beach Marriott in Fort Lauderdale or Club Med Sandpiper Resort in Port St. Lucie. Other worthy mentions include Splash’s Kids’ Club at the Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach and Ritz-Carlton hotels.
FLIGHT DEALS
Helpful websites such as Hipmunk.com,TripAdvisor.com and Airfarewatchdog.com let you register for alerts. You’ll be sent an email when fares on routes you’re interested in drop,and when they do, jump on it. Florida also has a few airports that might not be on your radar. In 2011, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) was the first international airport to be built in the US in more than a decade. Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) offers easy access
to Fort Walton Beach and Destin; Tampa International Airport (TPA) is only 90 minutes from Orlando and minutes from Clearwater’s
top-rated beaches; Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) welcomes nonstop international service from Canada and
Germany as well as US domestic carriers. And Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) was voted one of the best airports to fly into.
SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY SAVINGS
Love it or hate it, there are benefits to social networking. Resorts, hotels and attractions offer discounts on their Facebook pages. “Like” them and you could get a special discount. Companies also love to tweet their deals in 140 characters or less.
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