How To Plan A Vacation To Florida

Being one of the number one tourist destinations, many want to know how to plan a vacation to Florida.  Florida's amazing weather and attractions attract tons of people every year.  Florida has some of the best beaches, theme parks and wildlife.

1. Pick a destination.  There are many different popular travel destinations in Florida, each with it's own appeal.  Some of the most popular destinations are Orlando, the Florida Keys, Miami, Daytona Beach, and the St. Petersburg-Clearwater area.  Before you can plan your trip you'll have to decide where it is you want to go.  In Florida, it's also easy to visit multiple nearby destinations.  For instance, many people who spend their time on the beaches in St. Petersburg will take the thirty minute drive to Tampa for the different nightlife and the theme and water parks.
2. Figure your budget.  Everyone has a different financial situation, so you'll have to decide how much you can spend.  Set out certain amounts for transportation, activities, accommodations, food, souvenirs, and other expenses. It seems that souvenirs are quite popular in Florida and you'll find more souvenir shops than Starbucks.  Some things in Florida are free, such as the beach (with the exception that you might have to pay for parking, depending on the place.)  However, other popular activities, such as theme parks, will drain your wallet.  There's much more to pay for than just the admission price, such as parking, food, drinks, and souvenirs.
3. Determine your means of transportation.  This completely depends on where you're coming from.  You might choose to fly, drive or take another type of transportation.  If you're flying in you'll have to arrange for a rental car once you get there. Figure out what will fit into your budget. Florida's public transportation system is mediocre at best.  There are taxi cabs, but you'll generally have to call the company and get one to come to you.  The bus system is good in some areas, such as the St. Petersburg-Cleawater area.  However, most people in Florida drive.  The exception is Key West, where everyone walks around the island. 
4. Find accommodations.   Keep in mind that sometimes you can save money by booking your flight and hotel at the same time. There are other options than hotels though.  For the really cheap, you can look into motels.  Another popular option is to rent a house.  Houses often have a minimum stay length, though.  Usually it's one week, but check because sometimes it is different.  In Florida, there are hotels, condos and rentals of every kind all over the state.  For the nature inclined, there is also a number of excellent campgrounds in Florida.  Each have their own unique qualities.  Some are on the beach, some are on the river and some are among the Cyprus swamps.  There is an abundance of wildlife in Florida.  And the Everglades are a one-of-a kind ecosystem of their own.
5. Plan things to do.  This step can be optional.  Some people like to play their vacations by ear, so to speak.  Others like set itineraries.  Quite honestly, the former option fits more into the laid back style of Florida.  You might also choose things to do based on price.  There are so many things to do in Florida, it just depends on the area you are visiting.  St. Petersburg and Tampa, for instance, are crawling with museums.  Whether you're into art, cars, or the Ringling Brothers, there's a museum for you.  There are beaches, theme parks, shopping, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking and canoeing, nature trails, horseback riding, and much more. It's a little known fact that Ocala, FL, is known as the "horse capital of the world."  While tourism is the number one industry, cattle is number two.  Find out what people like to do in the area where you're staying.
6. Find restaurants.  Some like to find restaurants before they vacation to Florida, others might want to wait until they arrive at their destination.  The restaurants you choose might also be based around what you have budgeted for your food expenses.  You can always save some money by preparing some meals yourself.