Insider strategies for saving money on Florida vacation packages

Whether you want to take a family vacation during the kids' summer break or dream of a warm weather getaway during the cold months of winter, Florida is the perfect destination. The best part of traveling to Florida is that you can stay on budget and still have a fantastic time enjoying beautiful accommodations and fun activities; you simply need some insider travel tips for scoring the best deals.

Flights: Don't shop too early or too late.
With reduced flight schedules and packed planes, waiting until the last minute is not wise as deals are few and far between. Tickets purchased too early can also cost more. Purchase no longer out than four months before your departure. There is no steadfast rule about when airlines run "cheap seat" sales, but trends seem to occur earlier in the week. For example, flights to Orlando might be cheaper on a Tuesday rather than a Friday, but watching pricing trends is the best way to score a big deal. Also consider signing up for email alerts that let you know when prices to your preferred destinations hit rock bottom.

Hotel: Find the hidden discount.
Getting a Florida hotel in the area you want for a low price might seem like a challenge. The key is to find the hidden discount. Of course, if you travel on weekdays, you'll get a better rate, but it's smart to ask about other specials or promotions the hotel offers guests. Did you know many hotels in Orlando give reduced rates to government workers, seniors and teachers? You also might qualify for a discount if you are part of a certain club or industry group. Be sure to explore all your options.

Booking: Buy a package for extra savings.
Bundling is one of the great options for travelers looking to save a buck. If you know you need a car, hotel and flight, shopping for a package can save you some cash. Because of the popularity of travel websites like Travelocity.com, buying Florida vacation packages is easy. You simply search for what you need and can compare the rates of each item separately versus if you booked them together. This can add up to hundreds of dollars, and booking all at once can save you time and hassle as well.

Tickets: Shop early for ticket deals
If you're going to Florida, you likely have several attractions you want to visit. From theme parks, golf and entertainment shows, there's an infinite amount of things to do. If you wait to buy tickets until the day of, you'll likely spend too much time in a long line to pay full price. Utilize your hotel's concierge to find ticket discounts. Also search online for two-for-one pricing or discounts for groups. If you know you want to go to a certain attraction for more than one day, multi-day tickets can offer savings as well. With a little research, you'll be one of the few not paying full prices.