Florida Beach Named the Best in the State by Reader’s Digest
Florida has some of America’s greatest beaches, which is why it’s difficult to name the best in the state. Now, one outlet is recognizing one Florida beach as being one of the best in the country and the No. 1 in the Sunshine State.
Florida Beach Named One of the Best
Reader’s Digest has put together an article about the best beach in every state. “Beaches might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Florida or California but likely not when contemplating Iowa, Nebraska, or the Dakotas,” they point out. “Yet every state has stellar beaches.” They add that it’s pretty awesome that each state in the United States has a stellar beach, or more, to offer residents. Seriously, not one state is missing from this tally. It’s also great to know about the best North Carolina beach, because it could make for a lowkey vacation if you don’t want to fly far away to enjoy your vacation.
As for methodology, Reader’s Digest’s mission statement says they’re “committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts.” They add, “We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experience where appropriate.” They also state that they “verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing,” and they also revisit them to keep them as up-to-date as possible. There are so many of these online studies these days, so it’s nice that Reader’s Digest is a reputable source.
So, which Florida beach is one of the best in the country? It’s Lido Key Beach in Sarasota. They rave about the area’s location, as well as its shopping and restaurants. They add that just behind Lido Key Beach is “Florida’s cosmopolitan Gulf Coast beach choice thanks to soft sand, gentle waves, and a low-key, family-friendly vibe. While not as well known as South Beach or Clearwater, Lido and Sarasota itself earn high marks for charm and hospitality, just like these other amazing Florida beaches locals want to keep secret.” If you visit Lido Key Beach this summer, it might be busier with all this press. That remains to be seen. Either way, if you’re heading on vacation to a Florida beach or beyond, check out some tips to save on cash below. These are easy ways to save big on your next trip.
Secret Tips to Save Money on Your Next Vacation
1. Try to Negotiate Your Lodging
Did you know that hotel fees can be negotiable? Fidelity.com points out that, “You may be able to negotiate the online price by calling a hotel directly, or asking if they have any discounts for students, government employees, or members of certain groups, such as AAA.” So, don’t settle for that price you see on your laptop. Try to do better. It’s a secret tip that can pay off bigtime.
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2. Get Smart with Your Lodging
Did you know some hotels that are virtually the same, including the same brand, can be cheaper just a few miles apart? As a general rule, hotels that are near the airport are more expensive. So, you can look at the hotels you want to stay at and their multiple locations in the area for the best rate. “Some hotels that are under construction may rent rooms at a discount, which is a great option if you can deal with the noise,” Fidelity.com points out.
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3. Snack Your Way to a Cheaper Trip
Going out to eat on vacation can be one of the most exciting things about the trip. But, if you want to save on cash, skip a few meals out and opt for healthy, hearty snacks. Pack (or buy at a local store) some protein-rich snacks, like protein bars and meal bars, and limit your dining out. You can still enjoy some of the best food the area has to offer, just not as much of it. This is a way to stay fit on your trip, too. A lot of people don’t think of this tip, so it’s a bit of a secret.
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4. Timing is Everything
You’ve heard it so many times in life: Timing is everything. That’s true for travel, too. Research to find the least-busy times to visit your destination. If you travel during those downtimes, you’ll save big. While this is a common tip, something people forget is that every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, be specific for your travel spot.
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5. Travel with a Friend
If you’re thinking of traveling solo to a place you’ve always wanted to visit, go cheaper by traveling with a friend. You two can share lodging fees. Also, sometimes there are more deals and discounts for those traveling with multiple people. I always do this when going to a big music festival, if it’s far away. I’ll usually meet my friend there, and we share lodging costs. It also makes the trip more fun.
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6. Find Free Spots to Travel
Look for some free attractions in your travel area. Chances are, they won’t be as packed as the big-named places, too. You can still visit some of the popular landmarks. But, if you add a trip to a national park or free museum to your itinerary, it will save you some cash.
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7. Max Out Your Memberships
Are you a member of any random groups? You might have travel deals just waiting for you. Check everything, from your college alumni membership to your credit cards, for travel discounts. You may be surprised what you find.
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8. Don't Get Picky
Say you just want to get out on a fantastic trip, but you don’t really have a place in mind. That’s actually a good thing. Take an hour to look at flight specials happening right now. If you aren’t picky on where to travel, chances are you’ll find a great rate on airfare and lodging somewhere. Once you find the most reasonable place to travel, then you can start looking at what to do when you’re there.
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9. Go Popular
This is a bit ironic, but often times, the most popular tourist destinations are also the cheapest. That’s because there is a lot of competition for all those travelers. So, big-named destinations like Orlando, Florida, or Las Vegas, Nevada, tend to have really good travel deals. Go popular, or go home.
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