Weekend Getaways from Florida that Won’t Break the Bank

As a working class individual, I crave vacation days. But there’s not always enough time off for the amount of days I want to be gone. So, I do what any good government employee does and take advantage of paid holidays and long weekends. As a Florida girl, I’ve found there are many quick and cheap weekend getaways that don’t require much time off, if any. So here are some of my favorite convenient, short trips from Florida that will quench your thirst for wanderlust.

Cancun, Mexico

Whether it be Cozumel, Cancun, Cabo or any other Mexican city, the views are amazing and it’s just a short flight or cruise away. In my experience, flights to Cancun have been very reasonable and even under $300. But it may take more planning to book a reasonably priced Cozumel or Cabo San Lucas ticket. It could be worth it to look into a weekend cruise to those cities instead. A short cruise from Tampa will get you there quickly and likely cheaply.

I went to Cozumel on a Carnival cruise from Tampa on my first solo trip(pictured below). It is a great experience. The downside about traveling solo on cruises is that horrid singles supplement. Sometimes, though, if you ask the fee to be taken off they will do it! But not often. Hey it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Bahamas

These beautiful islands are a Florida getaway favorite. There are several cruise companies that will take you from Miami to the Bahamas in only five hours. If boats aren’t your thing, a flight to the Bahamas is fairly priced and barely two hours from Florida. In the Bahamas, there are several hotel options to choose from including all-inclusive resorts. Atlantis Paradise Island is a popular choice. Although, Atlantis is not all-inclusive, it does offer food packages. Sign up on their website to receive exclusive offers.

My favorite activities in the Bahamas include shopping at the straw markets and duty free shops, eating at Senor Frog’s restaurant, and enjoying one of their many beach shore excursions.

Orlando, Florida

Conveniently located in central Florida, Floridians can make a day trip or weekend trip here easily. It’s only a 2 – 4 hour drive from north or south Florida. While there are no beaches in the city, Orlando is only about an hour away from the beach on either side. My favorite Central Florida beaches are Clearwater Beach, Daytona Beach, and Cocoa Beach.

Orlando has something for everyone. From theme parks to nightlife  to countryside to adventure and culture, you’re sure to find something exciting. Orlando also hosts Broadway shows at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center. There are just so many things to choose from.

Costa Rica

Another popular getaway that’s just a short flight away is Costa Rica. I’m not aware of any cruises that dock here so you’ll have to have your passport to visit. Costa Rica has a rich culture and many adventurous excursions. Check out their volcanoes, national parks, hot springs, beaches, and shopping. San Jose is the capital city and the most affordable city in the country. It has a historic downtown district that is home to institutions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the National Theater. Costa Rica is rainforests and protected jungle with coastlines on the Caribbean and the Pacific. As far as the budget, you can survive a trip to Costa Rica on a backpacker’s budget. With proper research on accommodations and flights, it can be quite the inexpensive, international weekend trip.

The best thing about Costa Rica is how happy and laid back the people are. It is just a beautiful place where the jungle and the beach meet. The weather is best in the dry season which runs from mid-November to April and the temperature is mostly always in the 70s and 80s. Simply paradise.

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is easily my favorite city in Florida. I’m forever trying to plan a trip here. I often stay in a bed and breakfast when I visit but there are several affordable hotels and hostels there too. If you stay in the historic district, it is a very walkable city. The best mom and pop restaurants and bars are in close proximity. It is the oldest city in the United States. It often feels like you’re not even in the States since St. Augustine is known for its Spanish Colonial architecture.

This city has watersports, train rides, wineries, beaches, ghost tours, and the Alligator Farm! During the Christmas season, the city hosts the Nights of Lights, one of the best light displays in the world. Tucked away on the northeast coast of Florida, St. Augustine is a must-see city.

Bam! There you go – five ideas for cheap, weekend getaways from Florida. If you have a favorite getaway spot near Florida, post a comment below. We’d love to hear from you.