| Take a moment to think of cities whose name alone | | | | discounts on Florida attractions ranging from the |
| conjures up images of sun soaked beaches, tantalizing | | | | Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa to |
| nightlife and some of the most exciting theme parks | | | | Gatorland in Orlando. If you'd rather scour the internet |
| known to man. More likely than not, two of Florida's | | | | for bargains, try sites like |
| foremost leisure destinations - Miami and Orlando - | | | | 3. Purchase theme park tickets early and online. |
| stand out prominently in your mind. The former was | | | | You'll no doubt save time and money by purchasing |
| tied with Washington D.C. for fourth place in Forbes' list | | | | park passes online before arrival. For example, by |
| of America's Most Entertaining Cities (2009). Not | | | | purchasing Universal Orlando tickets online, you can |
| surprisingly, Orlando and Tampa were well | | | | save $10 off the gate price on all multi-day tickets as |
| represented in Forbes' list of the Top 25 Most Visited | | | | well as receive a coupon book with up to $150 in |
| Tourist Destinations in America(2009), with Walt Disney | | | | savings with any multi-day park-to-park ticket |
| World's Magic Kingdom, Universal Orlando Resort | | | | purchase. Here's an unbeatable deal for Tampa-bound |
| Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch | | | | travelers: Florida residents with a 2010 Busch Gardens |
| Gardens Tampa Bay all making the cut. Even West | | | | Fun Card need only pay less than the cost of a 1 day |
| Palm Beach, known for its historic neighborhoods and | | | | visit ($69.95) to get into Busch Gardens free for the |
| lively festivals, has been cited as one of the country's | | | | rest of the year. Walt Disney World also offers |
| best places to live and work. Has this whet your | | | | discount programs for Florida residents, including 4 |
| appetite for an affordable vacation in the Sunshine | | | | Days for $99 with the 4 Day Dream Pass. Even if |
| State this year? If so, heed the tips below to savor the | | | | you're not a Florida resident, you can lock in substantial |
| best of sultry Florida without putting a dent in your | | | | savings with a Walt Disney World Pass, which allows |
| bank account. | | | | year-round, unlimited admission to all 4 Disney parks |
| 1. Book early! | | | | plus discounts on dining, sports and recreation, tours |
| If you're a price-conscious traveler, it's definitely in your | | | | and much more. |
| best interest to book as many months in advance of | | | | 4. Take advantage of membership discount programs |
| your trip as possible. The travel industry has seen a | | | | and Twitter deals. |
| marked shift in a year's time: Whereas travelers could | | | | If you're a member of any special organization that |
| afford to wait until the last minute to book the lowest | | | | offers discounts, you can enjoy a wealth of |
| rates on accommodations in 2009, they are now being | | | | membership benefits including reduced hotel rates. By |
| saddled with higher rates closer to check-in. Though | | | | simply showing your card, you can save on everything |
| the internet might seem like the best option for finding | | | | from car rentals and apparel to sports and dining. Plus, |
| the lowest rates, you can lock in even bigger savings | | | | members are eligible for discounted admission rates at |
| by picking up the phone. For example, by calling | | | | most theme parks. For example, you could save $3 on |
| toll-free call centers, travelers can take advantage of | | | | regular all-day admission to Adventure Island in Tampa, |
| unpublished rates typically 10-25% and as much as | | | | Busch Gardens, SeaWorld Orlando and Wet 'n Wild. In |
| 50% lower than those listed online. A wealth of hotel | | | | addition, by following your favorite travel companies on |
| deals are up for grabs in properties including the Walt | | | | Twitter, you can gain access to exclusive travel deals |
| Disney World Swan Resort in Orlando, the Majestic | | | | available only for a limited time. |
| Hotel South Beach in Miami, Sunset Vistas Beachfront | | | | 5. Enjoy a bevy of free Florida sites and attractions. |
| Suites in Tampa and The Bradley Park Hotel in West | | | | Who says traveling to Florida has to be all about roller |
| Palm Beach. | | | | coasters and Mickey Mouse? Travelers can frequent |
| 2. Complimentary is key. | | | | some of the state's most popular sites and attractions |
| I think we'd all agree that while cheap is good, free | | | | - starting with its unspoiled beaches - without having to |
| sounds a lot better. Orlando properties including the | | | | shell out a dime. The state is also replete with verdant |
| Regal Sun Resort, Royal Plaza Hotel and Sheraton | | | | parks of varying sizes - from Tropical Park in Miami to |
| Vistana Villages offer free internet access plus | | | | Big Tree Park in Orlando - where you can enjoy such |
| complimentary shuttle service to all four Walt Disney | | | | family-friendly leisure activities as fishing, hiking, bike |
| World theme parks. If you're traveling with kids, you'll | | | | riding and canoeing. |
| be save a bundle on food costs thanks to Kids Eat | | | | While the temperature in Florida is on the rise, your |
| Free programs offered by the Regal Sun Resort, | | | | travel expenses don't have to be. With a little planning, |
| Royal Plaza Hotel, Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista, and | | | | a Florida vacation could wind up being much more |
| other select hotels. If the hotel doesn't carry an | | | | affordable than you'd expect. So head for the |
| entertainment book, you might be able to snag one at | | | | Sunshine State and have a whale of a time - just don't |
| a pit stop convenience store. These handy books are | | | | forget to bring the sunscreen along! |
| chock full of restaurant coupons and convenient | | | | |