Florida Spot Among the Most Treasured Fall Weekend Getaways
Labor Day is upon us, and that means fall is almost officially here. One Florida spot has been named one of the best fall weekend getaways in America and the best in the state. This is a quaint little area, and I’m glad to see it getting some press.
Florida: The Best Fall Weekend Getaway
The experts at Reader’s Digest have put together a tally of the best Labor Day and fall weekend getaways in every state. “Whether you’re craving an active mountain getaway, fun family activities, stunning architecture or thrilling end-of-summer adventures, we’ve got you covered,” they state. Reader’s Digest adds, “The three-day weekend is considered by many to be the unofficial end of summer, but that doesn’t mean you have to pack up the swimsuits just yet.” That’s good to hear, because I’m not ready to put away my swimsuit now or ever.
So, which Florida spot has been named one of the best Labor Day and fall weekend getaways in America? It’s the lovely Sanibel Island. “Largely untouched by development, it doesn’t have any stoplights or buildings taller than a palm tree,” Reader’s Digest states. “While it’s known as one of the beaches with the best seashells in the world (though please leave those shells on the beach), it also boasts plenty of other outdoor activities, such as kayaking, exploring the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge and biking around the island and to its lighthouse.” It sounds super fun, and I want to try it. When you go, they suggest trying to stay at the oceanfront Sundial Beach Resort or South Seas Island Resort.
In a separate article, AAA names the top Labor Day destinations in America. No. 1 is Seattle, Washington, followed by Orlando, Florida. Anchorage, Alaska, and New York City are also at the top of the tally. They add that, “According to AAA booking data, overall domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is up 9% compared to last year, while the cost to travel domestically is down 2%.Other top Labor Day destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco. For many families, Labor Day is the last hurrah before school begins.” In addition, “To make the most of those trips, AAA recommends identifying must-see sights and creating a flexible itinerary ahead of time.” What’s your favorite fall travel destination, especially when it comes to the fall? Reach out to me and let me know.
Secret Tips to Save Money on Your Next Vacation
1. Try to Negotiate Your Lodging
Did you know that hotel fees can be negotiable? Fidelity.com points out that, “You may be able to negotiate the online price by calling a hotel directly, or asking if they have any discounts for students, government employees, or members of certain groups, such as AAA.” So, don’t settle for that price you see on your laptop. Try to do better. It’s a secret tip that can pay off bigtime.
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2. Get Smart with Your Lodging
Did you know some hotels that are virtually the same, including the same brand, can be cheaper just a few miles apart? As a general rule, hotels that are near the airport are more expensive. So, you can look at the hotels you want to stay at and their multiple locations in the area for the best rate. “Some hotels that are under construction may rent rooms at a discount, which is a great option if you can deal with the noise,” Fidelity.com points out.
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3. Snack Your Way to a Cheaper Trip
Going out to eat on vacation can be one of the most exciting things about the trip. But, if you want to save on cash, skip a few meals out and opt for healthy, hearty snacks. Pack (or buy at a local store) some protein-rich snacks, like protein bars and meal bars, and limit your dining out. You can still enjoy some of the best food the area has to offer, just not as much of it. This is a way to stay fit on your trip, too. A lot of people don’t think of this tip, so it’s a bit of a secret.
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4. Timing is Everything
You’ve heard it so many times in life: Timing is everything. That’s true for travel, too. Research to find the least-busy times to visit your destination. If you travel during those downtimes, you’ll save big. While this is a common tip, something people forget is that every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, be specific for your travel spot.
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5. Travel with a Friend
If you’re thinking of traveling solo to a place you’ve always wanted to visit, go cheaper by traveling with a friend. You two can share lodging fees. Also, sometimes there are more deals and discounts for those traveling with multiple people. I always do this when going to a big music festival, if it’s far away. I’ll usually meet my friend there, and we share lodging costs. It also makes the trip more fun.
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6. Find Free Spots to Travel
Look for some free attractions in your travel area. Chances are, they won’t be as packed as the big-named places, too. You can still visit some of the popular landmarks. But, if you add a trip to a national park or free museum to your itinerary, it will save you some cash.
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7. Max Out Your Memberships
Are you a member of any random groups? You might have travel deals just waiting for you. Check everything, from your college alumni membership to your credit cards, for travel discounts. You may be surprised what you find.
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8. Don't Get Picky
Say you just want to get out on a fantastic trip, but you don’t really have a place in mind. That’s actually a good thing. Take an hour to look at flight specials happening right now. If you aren’t picky on where to travel, chances are you’ll find a great rate on airfare and lodging somewhere. Once you find the most reasonable place to travel, then you can start looking at what to do when you’re there.
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9. Go Popular
This is a bit ironic, but often times, the most popular tourist destinations are also the cheapest. That’s because there is a lot of competition for all those travelers. So, big-named destinations like Orlando, Florida, or Las Vegas, Nevada, tend to have really good travel deals. Go popular, or go home.
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