Another tip is to track a few different flights through a third-party sites to get the best deal.

Grab those deals when you see it. If I’d purchased the original flight I saw at $50 each way I would have saved about $30, but I waited way to long, thinking it would go down….NOPE!

 I saved 100% of funds for lodging by staying with family. If you have a family member, friend, sorority sister or fraternity brother you can stay with, do so. Buy groceries and save even more on dining.

If you don’t have anyone you can stay with look into cheap hotels or motels that are in a safe neighborhood.

Travel Tip #3 Transportation

I went out every single day while I was in Florida which was seven days and six nights. I even drove from Miami to West Palm beach to visit my family and sight see while I was out there. P.S. West Palm Beach is beautiful.

I also avoided Lyfts and Ubers, I know that sound strange but this advice is only for those who have their driver’s license along with valid car insurance. Renting a car is cheaper than taking a Lyft or Uber everywhere even with Uber pool or Lyft line. Especially if you have more than one driver, you can split the cost.

Let me break it down for you, I took a Lyft Line from the airport to the house I was staying which cost me $23 and 45 minutes in commute time.  My second rental car cost me 10.87 a day plus $26 for insurance (which you usually don’t have to get if you have your own car insurance). If you want to hear about the two rental cars I used and my mishaps let me know in the comment section. I totally wasted $40 on a car with my first rental.

Having a rental afforded me the freedom that I have with my own car at home. I didn’t have to relay on anyone and I didn’t have to take my family out of their normal routine to accommodate me.

Mistake # 2

Not getting a rental when I landed and taking a Lyft line. The positive side is that it was a great ride with some friendly people.

Travel Tip #4 Activities

Activities is the one category I don’t mind splurging on. I initially used Groupon but unfortunately what I purchased was refunded without my request. However, I will give them credit for having reasonably priced activities to do while in Florida. I also shared a few places you can go that low cost while in Florida.

I suggest purchasing them before you get there due to some activities requiring reservations made in advance so they can properly accommodate you.

Florida is known for have fairs, festivals, museums, villas and an epic art district. For which many of these activities are free or low costing, so ask around!

**Note this does not include my cost of free spending while I was there, but you know I kept that within a budget.

Imagine if I knew the information I know now then. I would have saved at least $100.

Overall, I had a great time and I hope my tips help you on your next trip or adventure. Click here to check out a list of places to go that are free or low-cost while you’re in Florida.