Florida Vacation for Cheapskates

Taking a look at my Tightwad-to-English dictionary, the words "Florida Vacation" translates as "Yeah right." But I may have discovered a glitch in the system that might translate into "happy wife AND happy wallet."

First of all, as a good cheapskate, you must accept that you will not be going to Florida during the "in-season" which is spring break and summer time. Second thing, you won't be going to Disneyland, South Florida, or anywhere in between. Finally, along the gulf coast of Florida you might feel at times as if you're in the "Deep South," because you are, but you'll get used to it. Still on board penny pincher? Let's go.

Since this probably appeals to mostly men, I'll use a baseball analogy here. It's the World Series, Game 1. Who do you start? You're best pitcher, of course.

Hotel on the Beach. Most people don't know that you can get a hotel right on the beach for less than a hundred dollars or so, because you can't! With one exception. "Beachbreak by the Sea" Last December we got a room for $45, on the 3^rd floor, on the water (All the rooms overlook the beach, so no surprises) Please refer to attached photograph taken from the balcony.

Yes, this hotel is in Panama City, FL. Before you start grumbling about how many spring breakers tear the place apart, remember that you're there during the off-season and you're pretty much all by yourself. Keep in mind, you'd be lucky to get a room off interstate 65 outside of Louisville for $45 a night.

"You get what you pay for." Not here. This is a nice hotel and I seriously doubt you'll find a cheaper room on a nice beach anywhere other than perhaps Vietnam. Most hotels in florida, even expensive ones, have unheated pools that turn green in the winter because, well, it gets chilly here. Beachbreak has a heated pool and a hot tub. We sat outside in the hot tub on a brisk December evening and loved it.

Everyone loves Animals. Literally across the street is Gulf World. A great marine park that kids, and especially wives will love. It's $20 but you get a discount if you stay at Beachbreak. It's a great way to kill an afternoon and put everyone in a good mood.

Take a Drive. Two cute towns are just a drive away. First is Apalachicola which is a fishing town (Famous for Oysters I believe) and just a lot of quaintness, beauty and a great atmosphere. The other is Seaside, FL. Also a short drive, Seaside is distinctively "touristy" and I'm told some famous movie was filmed there recently. Probably a chick flick, but whatever. The town does look a bit like a big movie set. There is a large courtyard-type area in the center where people are throwing frisbees, footballs, and just looking generally like they're all posing for travel magazines.

If you're a true tightwad, you'll be diligent researching the rest of the Panhandle area and things to do. I trust this gets you off to a good start, as well as possibly being the cheapest ticket out of the doghouse.