Visiting Orlando on a Budget
Times are tough and planning a vacation may be the last thing you’ve thought about fitting into your summer budget. The good news is that you can still visit some of the world’s hottest tourist destinations, including Orlando, Florida, while sticking to a relatively small budget. Here a few things you can do to save.
Choosing an Airline
There are dozens of cheap flights to Orlando to choose from, so don’t settle for the first set of airline tickets you find. Despite the summer rush, airlines are struggling to fill their flights for the exact same reason your hesitant to travel – a lack of money. Call the airline directly or talk to a travel agent about the best time to fly – night, day, midweek, etc. You’re bound to find a great deal.
Free Disney Attractions
Did you know that you don’t necessarily have to purchase a ticket to a Disney theme park to explore the complex? Places like Downtown Disney and the Disney Boardwalk are open to the public, whether you plan to stay in a resort or visit the parks or not. Spend some time in one of these areas, eating or shopping, and you’ll feel as though you had at least a partial Disney experience.
Stick to Local Rental Agencies
Need to rent a car while in Orlando? Believe it or not, the larger car rental chains tend to be the most expensive. They take advantage of the fact that you don’t know the area and likely won’t shop around. Do some research before your trip and find a local car rental company to do business with. You’ll save money and will probably get better customer service as well.
Dine Conservatively
As long as the hotel you’ve chosen has a small refrigerator and a microwave, you should have no trouble dining on a budget. Start your day with a light breakfast, have a large lunch (late, if possible) and then go back to your hotel room for leftovers or homemade sandwiches for dinner. Why a large lunch? Lunch always costs less than dinner. Make a trip to the grocery store for snacks and dinner foods and you’ll save a ton of cash.
Visit the Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau was designed to help tourist and travelers make the best out of their vacation experiences. Stop by the center to get information on hotel packages, theme park discounts, and special deals. They may be able to help you save even more money.
A visit to Orlando is one the entire family will enjoy – whether you have a ton of money to spend or not. Plan carefully, and you’ll have the trip of a lifetime.
