Going on vacation is an excellent way to take a break from your daily responsibilities and usual routine. It’s a chance to connect with your family members and grow a deeper bond as you explore and travel around. While there are many places to go there are only a few that will ensure you have a spectacular and magical time away.
One idea and place to go on a family trip is to Orlando, Florida. There’s so much to see and do and it’s a great destination for kids and families. You truly can’t go wrong visiting the location but will also need to do some planning before you depart to ensure it’s a fun, enjoyable, and successful getaway.
Choose the Right Time to Go
One tip for planning a family trip to Orlando, FL is to figure out the best time to go. When you decide to visit may depend upon your school and work schedule as well. Take into account the weather and temperature and how many other tourists may be around when you want to travel. Some seasons are busier than others and you may decide that off-season will be more affordable and fun since there won’t be as many crowds. Also, keep in mind that the Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30.
Create A Trip Budget
Another tip for planning the ultimate trip to Orlando is to create and follow a trip budget. You don’t want to have to be pinching pennies or doing calculations in your head while you’re on vacation and trying to have a good time. It can get expensive when you begin to add up all the costs associated with this type of destination and that you’re bringing your kids. You’ll be much better off when you know about how much you have and want to spend on your vacation. Remember that you not only need money for travel and accommodations but also once you get there for meals and activities. You want to avoid coming home spending more than you had planned or hoped for.
Decide Activities to Do
There’s a lot to do in Orlando and you might feel a bit overwhelmed when you look into it initially. One activity that’s a must and you need to add to your itinerary is visiting Orlando theme parks. You and your kids will have a great time and there will be no shortage of rides, food, and fun. There are ideal times of the year to go and visit these areas so be sure to do your homework and figure out what the weather conditions will be like and how many other people may be traveling at the same time as you. There are even some best days that experts suggest you visit places such as Universal Studios. Remind yourself that if you don’t have time to do all that’s on your wish list that you can return again in the future and do so then.
Pack Accordingly
Florida is typically warm and a pleasant place to be and walk around. However, sometimes the weather can be very hot and humid, or even rainy. It’s important that you pack the right types of clothes and essentials so that you’re comfortable during your trip. You might want to consider dressing in layers so you can put on or remove items as the weather fluctuates. Be sure to bring along your swimming suit since most days will likely be sunny and warm, depending on the time of year. You’ll also want to have comfortable walking shoes with you because it’s likely how you’ll get around mostly. Also, since you’ll be with your kids it’s wise to pack some snacks and activities for them when you’re walking around or waiting in lines.
Research Accommodations
You’re going to want to stay someplace comfortable and that’s fun for families while you’re visiting Orlando, FL. Research accommodations and decide what type of sleeping arrangements will be best for you and most affordable. Think about if you want to stay in and around the parks or if you prefer to be elsewhere and a bit further on the outskirts. You may think that a hotel is best suitable for your trip or that you want to rent a condo or vacation home and have a kitchen to cook in. It all depends upon your tastes and interests and how much you want to spend. You may want to look into the top kid-friendly hotels and resorts so that you know what to expect when you arrive.
Consider Transportation Options
It’s in your best interest to get to know Orlando’s neighborhoods and the optimal ways to get around if you’ve never been to the area before. There are many options for getting around including renting a car, taking a cab, or using public transportation. If you’re staying on the grounds of the parks then it may be easiest just to walk or use their transportation options such as a trolley. Either way, you’ll want to carry a map with you that shows you where you are and what’s nearby. If you’re heading out on any day trips to the coast then the driving distance chart will be a useful tool for you to have. It might also help to use the GPS on your phone or in your car so you can plug in your destination and take the best route possible.
Make A Plan for Meals
As you plan a trip to Orlando, FL you should remember that you’re going to need to eat and stay hydrated while you’re away. You’ll feel much better and have more energy when you set aside time to dine and have a tasty meal. Make a plan for meals and what types of foods you want to try. Some days you might want to have a light breakfast while others you may want to go out and sit down at a buffet. Think about packing lunches sometimes if it’s allowed and feasible to save money and time. There are plenty of restaurants to go out to and enjoy as well but be sure to make a reservation in advance if you know it will be busy. Remember to budget for all the food and meals you’ll be eating while you’re away so you’re not caught off guard at the cost.
Mix in Other Stops & To-Dos
Although Orlando is all about Disney and the parks, there are also many other things and activities to do. You shouldn’t feel like you need to limit yourself to certain areas, especially if you choose to rent a car. For instance, you can visit the coast and see and spend time on all the beautiful beaches. Other ideas include parks with playgrounds, mini-golf, a water park, the Kennedy Space Center, or the art museum. You shouldn’t feel like you only need to stick to one area and should do some research in advance to figure out what other stops you want to make and attractions you want to see. It might help to create an itinerary ahead of time so you can plan out each day accordingly and know what you want to do when. Go online and read reviews from other travelers to get a better idea of what will be worth your time and money.
Set Aside Time for Rest
Visiting Orlando, FL is fun and exciting but can also be draining and tiring, especially as the week and vacation go on. It’s a busy place with lots of people and you’ll be with your kids so they will definitely wear you out. There will be long lines to wait in sometimes and far drives you might need or want to make. Therefore, it’s more important than ever that you book comfortable sleeping accommodations and make time for rest during your trip. It may be worth scheduling some downtime once in a while or taking a day to lay by the pool and not rush around the city or parks. Make sure that you try to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day which will help keep you well-rested and on a schedule.
Conclusion
This ultimate guide to planning a trip to Orlando, Florida will help ensure your adventures are memorable and enjoyable and that you make the most out of your time there. There’s no right or wrong way to vacation but some advice such as this will help you to have a better time and properly prepare. You can apply these suggestions so that you have a smooth process of planning your vacation and feel confident and comfortable when it’s time to take off and head out. Most importantly, take pleasure in the fact that you get to spend quality time with your family and create new memories together that you can look back on and cherish forever. Be sure to take plenty of pictures that you can print off and have to look at later when you return home and want to reminisce about your trip.
