Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Vacationing in Florida Tips



By Danielle Antosz

5 Tips for Vacationing in Florida

Vacationing in the Sunshine State is a dream for travelers from all over the world. So, your bags are packed and the plane tickets are booked, but are you really prepared for your Florida vacation? Get the most out of your Florida vacation with these tips from a Florida native.



1. Bring a Sweater!
Florida may be the sunshine state, but we get random cool days in the early spring and fall that many people don’t pack for. Especially during the spring and fall weather can change quickly. It might be 85 on Monday and in the 30’s by Tuesday evening. Even if you are traveling in the middle of the summer you may need a light sweater indoors, as restaurants and stores crank up the AC to combat the 100 plus temperatures outside.


2. Check for Deals at Theme Parks, Museums, and Other Tourist Attractions
If you are headed to the happiest place on
earth or any of the other many Florida
 tourist attractions, check online for discount days. Museums often offer free days once a month and many theme parks offer cheaper tickets early in the day or on off days. You can save yourself a bundle just by doing just a few minutes of online research. Also look for park hopper passes and discounts for students, seniors, and AAA members. It never hurts to ask!


3. Bring Sunscreen!
Seems like a no-brainer, but based on the number of beet red tourists at the beach, a lot of people forget this Florida staple. And make sure you reapply often! Sunscreen quickly wears off when you are swimming or sweating. Also, consider looking for a sunscreen/bug repellant combo to keep off the mosquitos and no see ‘ems.


4. Pay Attention to the Weather!
This one is really important, because Florida weather can change in a split second. Summer showers are very common and usually only last an hour or two. But Florida also gets hurricanes and unexpected thunderstorms that can ruin your vacation plans if you don’t plan according to the weather. If you are headed to the beach, please be sure you pay attention to the warning flags. They are posted near most beach entrances and lifeguard towers. These flags are designed to warn swimmers of dangerous surf, riptides, and marine animals. Please do not take these warnings lightly. Riptides can pull under strong swimmers in seconds and occur in otherwise safe looking waters. Pay attention to flag colors and only swim when it is safe to do so.


5. Plan your Trip Off Season
Planning an off season vacation in Florida can be a little difficult because there are several popular vacation times. But paying attention can save you time, money, and the headache of dealing with huge crowds. Summer season starts in May and ends in late August. But there is also spring break season which runs from mid-March through early April. New Year’s Eve and football season are similarly busy times of the year. Pay attention to discount blackout dates at hotels and theme parks to avoid the crowds.

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