Florida on a budget

There's no destination like Florida when you've got kids...and a budget. Beachcombing, swimming, sandcastles are all free of charge. Here are some ways to make the most of your vacation, without being limited to eating peanut butter sandwiches in a crummy hotel.

Condo and house rentals should be cheaper than usual in this economy. Hotels often have kitchenettes.

If a rental house is too expensive for your family alone, invite another family to join you and split the cost -- more fun for the kids, more space, and often cheaper per family than a hotel

Restaurants have early-bird specials (perfect for a family that's spent the day on the beach).

Arcades, mini golf, and indoor entertainments often have 2-for-1 deals if you come in the mornings.

Active military, senior citizens, members of AAA, AARP, and other travel-discount groups almost always get discounts at Florida attractions and lodging.

Timing helps trim costs when you're visiting Florida. If you're not tied into a school schedule, go on the off season ("On" is winter for South Florida, summer for Northern Florida and the Panhandle).

Everyone knows lunch is a less expensive meal to eat in a restaurant than dinner, but in Florida it often also saves you a long wait. Take the kids off the beach late in the morning, have a substantial lunch at a restaurant, and spend the cooler sunset hours back on the beach, with a picnic supper. Kids will be less worn-out and less sunburned!

Check local papers and tourist "freebie" papers for coupons for restaurants and attractions.

Among my mail this week was a brochure from the site www.visitflorida.com, the state's official tourism site. Midway down their home page are buttons for "Hot Deals" and "FL Vacation Auction." A recent search revealed $69 hotel rooms in Destin, golf getaway packages, discounts to attractions for Florida residents, and more.

Another site for frugal folks is www.restaurant.com. On this site you can purchase $25 gift certificates for $10, and $10 certificates for $3. A recent search found 11 participating restaurants in the Destin area, including some of Destin's finest.

And, of course, there's www.priceline.com for bidding on hotel rooms, rental cars, air travel, and packages. Be sure to check out www.biddingfortravel.com first, to get an idea of what prices are winning the bids.