Are you looking to escape the drab cold of the winter months, if only for a little while? Look no further than the state of Florida. Known as America’s playground, Florida attracts millions of visitors each year, and for good reason. The state’s famously good weather (in the winter, at least) and the wide variety of activities make it an ideal vacation spot.
When it comes to escaping the gloominess of winter, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better vacation spot for you and your family. Florida’s 1300+ miles of coastline hosts some of the world’s best beaches, and the vibrant cities and many theme parks offer a lot of entertainment.
Why Go to Florida in the Winter?
Winter is the best time to visit Florida for many reasons. Because Florida is so far south and extends into the Caribbean, it doesn’t have the normal 4-season cycle that much of the rest of the US does. In Florida, the year is divided into two seasons: the wet season and the dry season.
The rainy season runs each year from roughly late May to October. So by the time winter visitors are coming down to play, the forecast has switched to the famous weather that gives the Sunshine State its name.
The other reason you should visit Florida in the wintertime is to avoid the heat. Temperatures and the humidity level rise during the rainy season, making outside ventures unpleasant. You’ll want to do your vacationing in the balmy weather of the wintertime.
Plan Your Route
Florida is a big state, and there’s a lot to see and do. To avoid getting overwhelmed or running out of time, you should plan your trip out before you get here.
Whether you’re driving or flying, there are plenty of stops to make. There are the beaches of course, and the wildlife of the Everglades. Try visiting Orlando’s many theme parks, or hanging out in Miami. If you’re into NASCAR, you could stop in Daytona and perhaps catch a race. And these are just the big attractions.
Planning your route can help you stay on track and make sure that your vacation doesn’t get too stressful and jam-packed.
Decide Activities to Do
There’s so much to do in Florida that you’ll probably want to make a list and prioritize it. Prioritizing your list can help you focus on the activities you really want to do and see and help keep you from getting distracted.
It sometimes helps to first decide whether or not you want to make your trip primarily a rest and relaxation visit at the beach, an exciting visit to the theme parks, or maybe a natural sightseeing excursion. While you can definitely fit all three of these categories into one trip, it’s best to focus on one and put the other two as secondary themes.
Make Sure Your Car is Ready
If you’re flying, you won’t need to worry about this. But if you’re going to be driving, you’ll need to make sure that your car is ready for the trip. One strategy is to use a clear bra to protect your car. Clear bra is also known as PPF. It is a polyurethane clear film that you can put onto your car. Clear bra protects your car from damage from debris and rocks on the road.
Be Prepared for the Weather
Even though it’s nicknamed the Sunshine State, Florida is subject to varying weather patterns throughout the year, including during the winter months. As such, it’s always good to have a backup plan. If you’re planning a vacation that focuses on all outdoor activities, such as the beach, amusement parks, and nature walks, you may want to make a rainy day plan as well.
On the bright side, in many parts of Florida an all-day shower is a rare occurrence. And no matter where you’re vacationing within the state, every major city has a host of indoor tourist attractions. So while strolling through museums and historic centers may not be quite as good as a beach day, it’s still sure to keep you entertained.
Decide on the Disney Question
Everyone who comes to Florida, especially with young children, has to decide ahead of time: will you do Disney World?
While there are many pros and cons to Disney World, it’s ultimately something that each family needs to decide on their own. But be warned: the Disney Parks are not that close to the beach, so it might be hard to fit those both on your list.
Beaches
It goes without saying that beaches are one of the top attractions in Florida. Florida has some of the best beaches in the US, and for good reason. The white powder sand of the Gulf Coast and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico make for quite an attraction, and the Emerald Coast and Space Coast have their own draw as well.
Generally speaking, no matter where you stay in Florida you won’t be that far away from the water. So take a look and see what beach looks good and best fits into your schedule.
Budget Your Time
This tip goes for any vacation, but especially when you’re in a place like Florida where there’s so much to do, you’ll really need to budget your time accordingly.
If you choose to go the Orlando route, for instance, you’ll want to make sure that you allot enough time for fully experiencing the theme parks. Same with the beach. Maybe one beach day is enough for you, or maybe you’re a beach bum who needs at least a week of walking the surf. Either way, make sure you’ve given yourself enough time to enjoy all Florida has to offer.
Deciding to beat the winter blues and head down south can be a great getaway. Florida is a popular destination because of its great wintertime weather, many tourist attractions, and great beaches. A vacation in Florida has something to offer everyone, and one thing’s for sure—you won’t regret the time spent here.
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