HOTELS 101: TURNING BANKRUPTCY VACATIONS INTO CHEAPER ONES THAT DON'T ELIMINATE THE FUN

Hotels 101

Most families don’t vacation anymore. I have yet to figure that one out. I mean everyone wants to get away. I guess it could be because of the money. That’s why I’m here: to do mankind a favor...sort of. All you have to do is read. Taking notes won’t be necessary. =) when you think Orlando you think……Disney. When you think China you think…..little white boxes with red words on them and those cookies that taste bad and are suppose to hold the answer to your future in them or whatever. So naturally when you think Florida you think ….yes that’s right: beaches and relaxation. Florida has the best beaches in the United States. Go us. If you don’t live here….I am sure you can visit. (Go to Billy Boys to buy your Tickets for Disney-best prices and they make it easy). Anyways, back to beaches. So first let’s start with location. According to “experts”, I don’t know how you can be an expert on beaches but if it makes you feel better to be called that then ok, these are the top Florida Beaches.

1. Panama City Beach
2. Daytona Beach
3. Cocoa Beach
4. West Beach
5. South Beach
6. Tampa/St .Pete Beach
7. Naples Beach

They aren’t in order from best to worst by the way. Take note that Key West isn’t on the list. Don’t let advertisements fool you. It obviously isn’t one of the bests. The “experts” say so. Ha-ha ok so now you know where to go. Personally I would just take a quick look online or see which beach is the closest to you. Now you need to know how to shop for a place to stay. So let’s talk Hotels.

TIPS:
1. Just because the price is higher or the rating is higher doesn’t mean crap. A lot of times the ratings are determined by inspectors or food critics. You should get ratings by people who actually go to the Hotels.

2. Try to be on the beach as well as close to a town. That way you don’t have to just beach. You can window shop in cute little boutiques and stores like candle stores, jewelry stores, and so on. And you can eat lunch in a small café, maybe see a movie.

3. Don’t buy multiple rooms. All you do in your hotel room is sleep and get ready. That’s it. Try to go as minimal as possible. But if the hotel is cheap enough and you won’t have to worry about the money, I suggest having a room for the adults and another for the kids.

4. Don’t go for the fancier rooms. You don’t need a kitchen and living room and three bathrooms. You won’t be cooking anyway; it’s a vacation. You’re supposed to be relaxing.

5. Don’t eat in the hotel except for breakfast. Most of the time the food isn’t that good. Plus, it gives you a reason to get dressed and go out for the night.

6. Room service is there for a reason, but its cheaper no to use it. All its doing is saving you a trip down the elevator. Not worth it.

7. Don’t feel bad for the maids all that much. They are paid to do this, but don’t be rude and extremely messy either. So be normal I guess. If there even is such a thing…..

8. When you go to the beach don’t rent the lawn chairs. That’s just extra money gone. If you can’t bring your own just use a towel. God made sand and it won’t kill you…well not that I know of.

9. Make sure to pack everything. That includes sunscreen, sun glasses, tooth brush….or you’ll end up having to buy it. They know that you need it so they will over charge you. Double checking your bags may take time, but it’s better than hotel lobby stores taking your money right?

10. Pay for your trip as far ahead as you can. It will be cheaper.

11. Go in months like May or August. It’s still summer, your kids are still out of school. Months like June and July are too popular so the prices go up and up.

12. When you go out to eat at night, don’t go to high class steak places. Half the time the wait is too long anyways. Crab shacks and family restaurants are just as good. Plus there is more likely to be food you can actually pronounce.

13. If you are coming from another state, try to drive. Personally I hate the hassle of flying. If saves money too. And you won’t have to rent a car or pay for a taxi. And it makes your trip longer, so that means less days at work. Who can argue with that?

14. Don’t settle for the cheapest hotel. You’ll regret it. You’ll be complaining about being cramped and about the uncomfortable beds and you might come to find out that you aren’t the only ones on vacation in your room….as in roaches….ew

15. If you don’t mind being in a big group go on vacation with a big crowd. Travel with other families that you’re friends with. Often you get special rates and privileges. And everyone likes to be special…. =)

16. Don’t go crazy with souvenirs. Take pictures. You’ll remember the vacation just as well if not better. Plus, photos make for good black mail ha-ha

I could come up with more tips, but you have to make some of the mistakes on your own. That’s how you learn the best. Whatever happens on your trip, laugh it off. Keeping a bad attitude won’t help. My last tip will be the most obvious but it’s also, for some odd reason, the hardest one to follow and remember: have fun. Enjoy yourself. You’re on vacation for Pete’s sake! (Whoever Pete is)

-Dixie