Florida itself is a remarkably popular tourist destination, with travellers flocking in the bazillions every month (or something like that, at least). But if you’re on a budget, it might not be the first holiday place that comes to mind. If you don’t have fifty grand to spare, you’ll probably want to give Disney World a miss, or else you might find yourself leaving after having taken out a third mortgage.
So if you’re looking to keep the purse strings fairly tight, we would recommend steering clear of Orlando and its three dozen theme parks. Instead, head to the south of the Sunshine State for a more budget conscious trip. There are plenty of fun and interesting things to do, but the best thing is that many of them are free!
Now that you’re armed with that knowledge, why don’t you join us for a trip down to Florida?
A Day at the Beach
If you’re coming to Florida without planning on visiting the beaches, you must have gone mad! With seemingly endless miles of pristine, golden sands, you will be spoiled for choice as to which beach you should choose, so let us make a couple of recommendations.
First off is the famous Fort Lauderdale, which is more than seven miles long! There won’t be any need to compete for towel space here. This is where you go if you want a lively day out – try your hand at beach volleyball, or visit one of the many beach bars. It’s a really popular spot at night!
Another great choice is Crandon Park Beach in Key Biscayne. Here you’ll find a more secluded beach, roughly two miles long and in a lagoon. Beautiful.
Walk It Off
One of the best ways to experience all that South Florida has to offer without blowing your budget is to go on a guided tour of the area. Many of the more famous landmarks will offer free tours, where you can learn all about the area.
At the weekend, head to Miami’s oldest house in Barnacle State Park. A ranger will lead you around the gorgeous scenic walks that line the park, and you can explore the house, built in 1891.
Head to the Biltmore Hotel down in Coral Gables – as a national landmark, the hotel has a great and storied history. Go on a Sunday for a free tour, or on a Thursday evening for a story session. It’s much more interesting than it sounds!
Look at the Stars
One easy way of saving money is to scrimp on your flights – get Florida flights cheaply here. Once you’re down from the sky, you might want to keep your feet on the ground for a while, but if your curiosity has been piqued you should take a trip out to the Fox Observatory in Markham Park.
Come along on a Saturday evening; from sundown to midnight, the observatory lets the public experience the best stargazing around, and it’s all for free! Mix education with sheer childlike wonder for a memorable night.