Florida Has One of the World’s Best August Getaways
Don’t blink, because summer might be over. It really seems like summer moves faster every year. Now, we’re less than two months away from August, and Florida has one of the world’s best August getaways in the world, according to experts. I’m actually pretty surprised by this spot being picked as an ideal August destination, because it gets very hot, but the experts have decided that this is a must-see location in August.
The World’s Best August Getaways
It can be exciting to travel the world. But, maybe you aren’t into the idea of flying overseas. Or, maybe your budget doesn’t currently allow for an adventure in Europe or Brazil. For whatever reason, if you want to stay domestic when you vacation this August, you have some options. Florida, in fact, has one of the best August getaways in the world, according to this new study by travel experts. That study comes from Travel and Leisure magazine. In it, writer Patricia Doherty says she “spoke with local experts and included some of my favorite destinations to curate this list of 15 of the best places to travel in August in the U.S. and around the world.” She adds, “Whether you decide to enjoy August at your favorite local beach or some distant shore, we hope these destinations will provide some vacation inspiration.”
Before we get to Florida, one other city on the tally caught my attention: Chicago, Illinois. Chicago is one of my favorite places to travel in America. Sure, it’s partly because I’m close enough to drive to Chicago. But, it’s also because the Windy City has great music, shopping, food, skyscrapers, picturesque views of Lake Michigan and more. They have Chicago listed as one of the best places to travel in the world in August. Sure, it’s hot there at that time of year, but they note the great events that happen in August, such as Northalsted Market Days, Lollapalooza music festival and Chicago Air & Water Show. Don’t forget the lovely Chicago Riverwalk, too.
So, where do you travel in Florida to experience one of the best August getaways in the world? It’s Orlando. This is interesting to me, because it’s very hot in August in Orlando and also extra busy with tourists. But, it’s also a great time to visit places like Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World’s water parks. What’s more, according to Travel and Leisure, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party debuts this August, as well. That sounds like my kind of Halloween party. Contact me with your favorite August getaways.
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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