Florida, commonly known as the Sunshine State in the United States, is a hub for tourists throughout the year. With the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, this land is home to hundreds of white sand beaches. The Sunshine State is famous for oranges, alligators, Cuban culture, amusement parks, and road trips. The natural beauty and the favorable weather make it one of the most popular holiday destinations. When planning a trip to Florida, there are several things to organize. Here are ten such tips to make your Florida vacation memorable:
Plan Ahead
Florida has much to offer in natural beauty and entertainment. Chalk out an itinerary at the earliest convenience, and keep it flexible to make new plans on the go. This way, you will have some idea of what you plan to do but the flexibility to adjust things as you go. A simple Google sheet will do the trick.
Book in advance
From hotels to fun activities, it is wise to make bookings as far in advance as possible, especially if you are traveling in peak season or to one of the Orlando theme parks. Avoid waiting around or missing out on anything due to last-minute booking hassles. Check your hotel’s location to ensure it’s not too far from the main attractions you wish to visit.
Keep a checklist handy
From packing your bags to returning home, make a checklist of everything to do and require for your trip. This way, you can keep track of the plans and expenses involved. Here is an example checklist. You can then expand on this checklist with individual bullet points if required, enabling you to plan your trip as detailed as you wish.
- List of items, clothes, etc. to pack
- Important contact and medical details of all who are traveling
- Hotel and traveling agent contact details
- Places to visit
- Routes to take
- Indoor entertainments like escape room games. Advanced booking
- List of luggage
- Tickets and booking details for different places and plans
Free things to do in Florida
Not every place in Florida requires money, so be sure to visit several fantastic, free attractions like the beaches, parks, and museums to ensure you get the most for your money during your trip.
Look out for deals
Be sure to ask your travel agent for any special offers, deals, or packages within the location of your visit. For example, if you are vacationing in Universal Studios Orlando, you can probably get a considerable discount if you book your hotel with your tickets simultaneously. So be sure to ask your travel agent.
Dress according to the season
Florida has hot weather all year round except for a few months in the winter. Hence, it is the perfect place to make the most of your summer clothes. However, the season of your visit will be dictating your fashion. The coldest time is January, when temperatures can drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Light sweaters, hoodies, and jackets should suffice during the winters here.
Keep note of local pharmacies and medical issues.
It is better to be safe than sorry on a trip. Keep a list of hospital and doctor’s contact details at hand while visiting so that if there is any medical emergency, it can be handled smoothly. And, of course, be sure to bring prescriptions required for each person or pet on your trip.
Where to go in Florida?
Here are some of the best places to visit in Florida that have gained popularity over the years:
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is one of the most amazing cities in Florida and is home to our very own The Escape Hatch and the top theme parks. Disney World is located in this city. Epcot Centre, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Gator Land are just a few attractions bringing in tourists worldwide.
Tampa, Florida
Tampa Bay, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is a large and natural harbor. It is one of the central business centers and is known for its museums and culture. The Busch Gardens, an African-themed park, is located in this city. The Gardens offer roller coaster rides and a zoo from Africa’s Serengeti Plain.
Destin, Florida
Located along the northwest of Florida, Florida Panhandle is famous for its white-sand beaches, golf courses, and Destin Harbour Boardwalk. The beautiful white sand of the beaches of Destin not only stays cool in the sun’s heat but also gives the water a green tint during the day. The beaches of this city are famous for all sorts of water activities.
Naples, Florida
Naples, also called “the city of love,” is famous for its luxurious and laid-back ambiance.
One of the wealthiest cities in the United States, it is filled with archaeological treasures and mouth-watering Italian cuisines.
The city’s cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro, the lavish Royal Palace, and Castel Nuovoare are a few of the most visited destinations in this city.
Other significant landmarks include the Everglades National Park, Florida Panther National Wildlife Reserve, and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Daytona Beach in Florida is one of the most visited tourist spots. It’s famous for Daytona International Speedway, which hosts Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also known as the “World’s Most Famous Beach,” which offers the iconic beach experience and is the perfect spot for various water sports.
Few other not to miss places are:
When to go to Florida?
Florida faces an influx of tourists from mid-April to November. Usually, the summertime is hot and humid in Florida, which might hamper doing outdoor activities. Most of the attractions are open during holidays and spring break. Unfortunately, the prices are also a bit high during these times, so for those planning a low-budget trip, this timeframe will be a wrong decision. One of the best times to explore Florida is during the winter months, as the weather will be very comfortable.
Florida has a rich culture and natural beauty. It is also a hub of entertainment and luxury for travelers. Make your vacation memorable by including a bit of everything in your plan. When you plan things, you can easily enjoy the beauty and attractions to the fullest. And be sure to check us out here at The Escape Hatch. You can book online!