Best ways to save cash during Vacation in Florida

• A Florida vacation, particularly for those looking to escape the cold weather of the north, is a dream come true, packed with world-class attractions, sandy beaches, and abundance of sun and warm weather.

• While Florida remains one of the most reasonable destinations in the U.S., these days it never hurts to find some ways to save money on your next Florida vacation, providing more dollars with which to enjoy Florida's plentiful sunshine and sufficient attractions.

Plan a spring or fall visit

• Most vacationers come to Florida in the summer, or the winter. That means you'll find the best Florida vacation agreement during the so-called shoulder season: in April and May (between Easter and Memorial Day) or September and October (between Labor Day and Thanksgiving).

Florida Vacation

Book a vacation package

• No matter where you're heading in the Sunshine State, it's often best to book all your needs air, hotel, rental car at one time and in one place.

• This can be done through any of the main vacation clearinghouses, like Orbitz, Travelocity, Expedia, or Kayak, as well as through most airlines.

• You will certainly recognize a substantial savings when all is booked together.

Purchase attraction tickets before you arrive

• In the case of attractions such as the Disney parks, you'll recognize some savings if you purchase your park passes before you arrive. Universal offers a costly food and goods coupon book when you order tickets online, with more than $150 in coupons for your use in the parks, at City Walk, and at the onsite hotels.

• Busch Gardens in Tampa also offers online ticket discounts of about 10 percent, though prices may vary according to season.

Search the internet for coupons

• The internet is one of the best travel tools ever invented and on it you'll find a myriad of savings. Just type in, for example, "Sarasota coupons" and you'll probably find lots of online coupons you can print and bring along.

• Coupons are often also available from Convention and Visitor Bureau sites for exacting destinations within Florida.

Look at package deals

• Just as package your cable and Internet saves you money, booking a vacation package can get you deep discounts on a hotel or rental car.

• A quick search of AOL Travel for vacation deals in your desired Florida destination will give you many options for the cheapest airfares and a range of different lodging choices, all for one discounted price.

Consider a vacation rental

• Vacation rentals are plentiful in Florida, including in all the coastal Florida destinations as well as inland near Orlando.

• They range in price from very sensible to quite costly. However, if you're on a budget, they're often a much better choice than a hotel room, especially since rental homes/condos with kitchens can save you from buying all your meals in a restaurant.

• Note that minimum stays may be required, particularly during peak season. However, during off-peak or shoulder season, deals are very attractive.

Look for membership type discounts

• If you're a member of AAA or AARP, you'll find that many Florida hotels and attractions offer you discounts in conjunction with your membership.

• Ask for these discounts when booking accommodations, and when visiting a museum or other attraction, inquire as to special rates for members of these and other organizations when purchasing admission tickets.

Ask the locals

• Anyone who travels regularly will tell you that locals always know the best deals in town.

• So, don't be afraid to ask Florida residents what they like best about the area, where they enjoy eating, and what they would do if they had a week or a few days to spend in their town.

• You'll get lots of ideas and will certainly save some money in the process. Also look for the local travel discount booklets often found at tourist brochure stands at fast food establishments, hotels and visitors centers.