If you’re a first time snowbird or a repeat flyer, the thought of heading south for the winter is no doubt something you think about when your local temperatures start to drop. One of the most fabulous things about a Florida vacation is that even on it’s coldest days, it still manages to be a whole lot warmer than where you live!
If you’re ready to thaw out in the sunshine state, it’s 663 miles of beaches statewide give you plenty of options to choose from and tons of other attractions you won’t want to miss. Whatever you’re interested in or whatever you know for sure you’ll enjoy, Florida no doubt has some activities you’ll love.
If you want to plan a trip to Florida, you’re in luck! We’ve got a complete travel guide for you, which covers sites to see, areas to avoid, travel tips, and we’ll even recommend some great vacation rentals! Read on to learn more!
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Why You Should Visit Florida
Florida in the winter is the best time to visit because the weather is generally between 50-70 degrees, and there’s almost no risk of experiencing a hurricane. The weather is typically sunny and mild all winter long, and depending on how far north you’re traveling from, that might sound like paradise!
If you’re sick of shoveling snow all winter long, piling on layers of clothing to take the dog out, or waiting all winter long for your region to defrost so you can enjoy your favorite activities, then you’ll love Florida. It’s a paradise for beach lovers, golfers, shoppers, hikers, space explorers, theme park fanatics, swamp adventurers, and more!
Whatever you’re into, keep it in mind while you’re planning a trip to Florida. You might be surprised at what you discover!
How to Plan a Trip to Florida
Where do you start when it comes to planning a winter-long vacation? This Florida trip planner can help you narrow down your options so you can start packing and stop worrying about all the details!
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Choose Your Destinations
Picking a destination in Florida is the hardest but most crucial detail to planning your Florida trip. What is it that you want to do this winter?
Do you want to spend all your time lounging on the beach or walking the shoreline collecting seashells? Set your eyes on the coasts, then decide if the Gulf Coast or Atlantic ocean seems more appealing to you.
If you’re a golfer or hiker, look further inland and identify some great sites you might want to see. Florida has several national parks and sites that all have unique features. There are also dozens of golf courses in Florida all over the state, both coastal and inland, so you can balance out what you and your partner might want to do.
If you want to go shopping, visit one of the theme parks, or watch a rocket launch from the Kennedy Space Center, you can head to Orlando. If you want to take an airboat ride or visit the US’s southernmost point, head to the Everglades or Key West. If you’re a history buff, check out St. Augustine or the Dry Tortugas National Park.
This step is probably the hardest, but remember you don’t have to do it all your first visit! Take note of what else you’re curious about for next time and keep your eyes out while you’re in the state to see what else there is to do!
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Where to Stay
Choosing your lodging will depend significantly on what you decide to do, but these snowbird vacation rentals are an expert place to start. You can book by night, week, or month depending on your interests, and you can even choose a place right on one of the beautiful beaches!
If you own an RV or motorhome, Florida is also a great place to visit because there are over 400 campgrounds across the state. From luxury RV resorts to cost-friendly parks, there are tons of choices to suit any budget.
Where to Eat
When in Florida, if you love fabulous seafood and dining entertainment, you’re in luck! From Dinner cruises to theaters, live performances, unique dining experiences, and world-class restaurants, there are countless options available.
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Check your destination location or talk with your vacation rental hosts to get the best recommendations in your area. The locals always know the best and most unique options in their area.
Florida Travel Tips
If you’re looking at your closet and wondering what you’ll wear in Florida, you’re not alone! Floridians are known for having a casual wardrobe and wearing sandals 365 days a year. Instead of doing a lot of online shopping or packing stuff you won’t wear, visit some Florida shops when you arrive!
Beach apparel is generally made of lightweight and light-colored fabrics that will keep you cool. If your swimsuit doesn’t fit anymore, there will always be swim shops with hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, towels, and everything else you need just minutes from the shoreline.
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You can also check with your vacation rental to see if they will have beach chairs, towels, and other must-have items that you can borrow during your stay to save yourself a little extra money!
Where to Start
Are you daydreaming of warmer days, sandy shores, and bright sunlight? Before you plan a trip to Florida, make a wish list of all the things you want to see or do in the state. Once you have a list, use a map to see if you can identify a cluster of items that are all in one general location.
Once you’ve narrowed down the area, find a vacation rental in that area and save all the other amenities if you want to take a drive one day or for your trip next time! When it comes to planning, starting with the “what” is often easier than the “where.” After you’ve booked your lodging and you have a general idea of what you want to do, everything else will surely fall into place!
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For more lifestyle articles and to stay on top of the latest trends, check out the other informative articles on our blog.
