The city of Orlando is a popular tourist destination and like all tourism-focused communities, it offers numerous ways for you to spend money without getting much in return. If you are on a budget, you will have to identify and avoid these things without making your trip less enjoyable. Fortunately, this can be done with relative ease; it is possible for you to enjoy everything Orlando offers while holding to a disciplined spending plan. Here are a few tips for finding affordable travel options:
Choose the Right Time to Visit
Here is a fact of life: Orlando is always crowded. It is one of America's premier vacation destinations, so there are always large numbers of people visiting regardless of the season. That being so, there are still times of year when the city is less crowded; if you want affordable travel, you should aim for one of those windows. Because many of the attractions are family friendly, people bring their kids so that there is a massive influx of visitors from June through August. At the end of summer vacation season, the flow tends to subside somewhat. This is when discounts may be offered in order to keep the flow of visitors coming. Prior to your trip, spend some time looking for after-summer discounts from Disney World and other attractions.
Plan Where You Will Eat
Theme park food is expensive and should be avoided whenever possible. Eating multiple meals at theme parks is an easy way to overspend in Orlando. By planning your main meals at less expensive restaurant chains, you can avoid the trap into which many vacationers fall. It is also a good idea to eat a large meal early in the day before venturing into a theme park; this can keep you from getting hungry and being tempted by the park’s conveniently located restaurants.
Choose Lodging Carefully
Staying in a resort can be convenient, but is that convenience always worth the extra money? Seasonal discounts can help with the cost of a place to stay, which is one of the main reasons that you will want to time your visit carefully. Another option is to look for lower priced lodging around Orlando. Be careful to choose places that are within easy driving distance of the attractions you want to visit.
Finding Affordable Transportation
One of the keys to affordable travel is to find cheap ways of getting around. Check out E-Z Rent-A-Car, located in-terminal at the Orlando International Airport. We always provide the best value in car rental and have a large selection of up-to-date vehicles to choose from. Another way you can save on transportation is to choose the right airport. Note that there are four major airports in the area, including the one in Tampa.
Choose Discounts Wisely
Marketers are all too aware of the power of the word "discount." When searching for discounts online, be sure to read the fine print. Many apparent discounts can actually result in you spending more money. One easy way to get a range of legitimate discounts for you and your family is to get an Orlando Magicard. You will have to request the card in advance of your trip, but it provides discounts on everything from hotel room rates to Kennedy Space Center admission.
There is more to the Orlando area than just theme parks. Rather than spend your entire vacation at one, take the time to look at the region's other offerings. The Kennedy Space Center is just one of the many other things to see in this part of Florida.
What do you like to do on your trips to O-Town?
Image Credits:
Orlando Welcome Sign by Orlando Attractions
Lunch Box At Home by Yoshiyasu Nishikawa
John F. Kennedy Center by John Linsdell
Lake Eola Classic View by Matthew Paulson
