In the summer, we have tourists wanting a beach vacation. And in the winter, we have tourists wanting a beach vacation.
I live in central Florida (really? I didn’t know that) Myself, as a writer although not really fond of much of his work, I would love to visit Key West where Hemmingway had a home which is now a museum.

But my buds here tell me Miami is the place to go. Well let me give you a little info on south beach florida hotels because Miami falls into the category.

My friend K loves to go to South Beach. He lives in central Florida, his family lives in northern Florida, Jacksonville. Once a year they all head down to south beach, which apparently in Florida means Miami.

But here’s the rub. See, off season in Florida is kind of iffy. I mean, I’m pretty confused by it myself. Off season in Florida means April-June, and late Aug-Oct. We don’t have much of an off season here. Because during the winter months, we have snowbirds. They come down here the last part of Oct. early Nov. and they stay here through March. They are escaping the winter up north. Yet we also have tourists of all kinds doing the same thing. Escaping their winter wonderlands for our warmer weather. But we also do a good amount of tourists trade through Spring Break and the summer. So our off season is kind of limited.

That being said, my friend, Rueban, in NC decided he’d come down to Florida for a vacation. He came down with a few friends and decided to book a hotel when he got here. Yeah, that’s some balls, right? However, he got a great beachside hotel for $54 a night, in Miami. He came during one of the very limited off season months.

Seriously, a Florida vacation is the best…no passport needed. My sister and brother-in-law spent Christmas in Sarasota. But my brother-in-law is the best networker, so he managed to stay in a friend’s condo for half what it would normally cost him.

And here’s a tidbit. Call Ron Jon’s and tell them you are interested in their Cape Canaveral resort. If you make over $50,000 a year (it can be combined) they will give you a free weekend, no sales pitch.

Take advantage of deals. And you can have the vacation you’d always dreamed about. Except those of you who like snowy vacations. But if you want the beach, it is doable.

In our recent newsletter, Netta covered some vacation ideas, or more accurately, staycation ideas. Staycations are places close to home. A few advantages of staycations are saving travel money, like airfares, gas, car rentals, and cutting down the length of stay and therefore cutting the hotel bill.

If you’re lucky and live just an hour or so away from your destination, you can cut out the hotel all together. For instance, I live just 45 minutes from Orlando and five minutes from the port. The area has many options for Orlando vacations. I can visit amusement parks, shop in city districts like Winter Park, visit restaurants I’ve always wanted to visit, and be back home in the same day.

And Orlando isn’t my only option. All I need do is a short hop skip and a jump to the Gulf Coast and I have a myriad of places to stay and adventures to be had.

So look around your area. In mountainous areas a weekend getaway can be quiet and relaxing. If you live close to a border, hop over to another country for a day or two. If you live outside a large city, spend a few days in the city. If you live in the city, spend a few days in the country.

Ways to shave a few bucks:

Rent a cabin. You’ll not only have privacy, but you’ll be able to save money by taking and preparing your own food.

Look for a quaint bed and breakfast. You’ll save on at least one meal a day.

Take your own cooler (or two). Even if you’re staying in a hotel, icing down your own drinks and snacks can save a few bucks.

Consider an extended stay. Extended stay hotels have mini kitchens. Again, you’ll save money by taking and preparing your own food at least for a fraction of your meals.

Look for discounts. If possible save your vacation for off-seasons when room rates and sometimes attractions are discounted.

Also, now is a wonderful time to take a cruise. Because of the economy, cruise lines are slashing their rates, and they offer 3-7 day cruises. Just don’t be drawn in by the “on board spending.” That’s how they make their money. Forget room service, stick to their buffet, limit your alcohol, and save your souvenir shopping for the shore excursions.

Mix family with pleasure. Nowadays, at least in the U.S. so many people live quite a distance from their relatives. Plan a trip to see family. For a few days, you’ll be able to stay with relatives. Then choose a destination along the way that you’ve always wanted to visit, and plan a two or three-day stop when you make your way back home.

When thinking about vacations, often we don’t see the forest for the trees. With all the beauty, attractions and activities each and every state and country has to offer, a great getaway is sitting unnoticed and unloved in your own backyard.