"I can't afford a vacation" is perhaps the most common reason people give for not taking the time away that they and their families deserve. Having to work within a budget is no reason to put off vacation plans or to have a bland vacation -- it simply means that you need to get creative with your money maximizing measures! There are plenty of discounts, offerings, and strategies for saving money if you know how, when and where to look.

Be Vigilant About Seeking Out Attraction Deals

Having access to the internet means having limitless access to coupons and deals. With a little research, you can find 2-for-1 dinner coupons; kids eat free meal coupons, discounts on theme park and attraction tickets, and so much more. The Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau is another excellent resource for discounts, coupons, and other money saving ideas. The concierges at the various Orlando FL resorts can also provide you with information on discounts, deals, and other special offers to keep costs down while you and your family enjoy your holiday leisure time.

Eliminate Added Transportation Costs

Many people think it's a smart idea to cut costs by staying in a more remote area outside of the action where hotels and motels are cheaper. However, staying farther away means that you'll need to rent transportation to get to the attractions. While an Orlando FL family resort closer to the center of the action may cost more than a motel in a remote location, you'll likely spend more staying farther away when you factor in the cost of a rental car and parking fees at the theme parks. Many Orlando FL resorts offer shuttle services to the various area theme parks. In other words, it's possible to spend less while staying in a nicer, larger Orlando FL family resort.

Discounted Orlando FL Family Resorts

There are literally hundreds of resorts competing for business. Families can save significant chunks of their vacation budget by traveling during "off peak" times, such as May and September, October and early November. Discounts available directly through the theme parks, the Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau and online travel websites can also provide savings on room rates, meals, and attractions. While an Orlando FL family resort may appear more expensive on the surface, the conveniences and services included in the room fee can actually save you money.

Eat For Less

A simple way to save a large portion of your travel budget is to stay at one of the many Orlando FL resorts that offer a fully-equipped kitchen or kitchenette. While these rooms may cost slightly more than a regular hotel room, the money saved on eating in can be astronomical. Feeding four people in a restaurant three times a day for a week can cost many, many, times what it costs to spend a little more on lodging with a full kitchen or kitchenette. You can still enjoy your trip and an occasional night out, but eating the majority of meals in your resort room can leave plenty of cash for other expenditures.

Tips for Flying Cheap

The number one method vacationers can use to cut costs is to be flexible about travel dates and times. Subscribing to 'hot deals' emails and newsletters from airlines and travel agencies is a great way to find out about special deals that sell out quickly. Another method for saving money on vacation is to pack lightly. Carry-on luggage is free, whereas most airlines now charge a fee for checked bags. On a round-trip flight, this can add up rapidly.

Many people are under the impression that they need to put off their vacation until they "have more time" or "have more money," but oftentimes you look back and wonder where the years have gone. You don't have to be rich to take a great vacation -- you just need to be creative with your vacation planning strategies!