Look for all-inclusive vacation packages or vacation packages that combine accommodations, car rentals, and tickets. It’s easy to spend thousands of dollars when you buy everything individually, but you can often get a great deal by shopping around for packages. Packages also make it a lot easier to budget.

Look for online deals on everything from souvenirs to plane tickets. You can often buy everything at a discount if you’re willing to go online, often because you’re not paying for overhead at your travel agency or local souvenir shop.

Come prepared for the sun. No matter what time you’re traveling, Florida tends to get more sun than many other locations. If you’re used to overcast, cold, dark days, the sun may take you by surprise. Walking around during the day, especially, you may find yourself dehydrated, exhausted and sunburned. Always carry bottled water, sunblock, and a hat, so that you can stay safe from the sun. Spend at least part of the day — especially the hours closest to noon — inside or at least in a shady location.

Wear comfortable shoes. There’s a lot to see and do in Florida, and in Orlando one of the best ways to see the town is to walk. Whether you’re going to Disney world, downtown, or the beaches, you can expect to walk around in order to take everything in. Comfortable, broken-in shoes are the best way to go unless you like blisters.

Think layers. Although we were lucky that when we traveled because we didn’t get hit by any winds, rain, or other bad weather, Florida’s weather can be very variable. Bring along rainwear, a sweater, long pants, and some warmer clothes as well as your more summery clothing.

Carry snacks with you everywhere. Buy some snacks and keep them in your hotel room, backpack, or purse. It will save you from having to line up for cafes and diners, and will help you keep a lid on incidental expenses. Dining out in Florida can be expensive and time-consuming, so being able to grab a least one meal a day on the run is a big help.

Bring a small first-aid kit with you. It is often cheaper to have your own bandage rather than have to buy one – especially if you have to buy a band-aid at a souvenir store. Plus, you won’t waste a lot of time walking around trying to find a first-aid kit for a small cut.

Come prepared for crowds. There are a lot of people in Florida and even more people who arrive for attractions. You can expect lineups at parks and other tourist destinations, so bring your patience and your good manners.

1. Disney World. One of the largest tourist attractions in the country and the world, Disney World boasts two water parks, four theme parks, dozens of hotels, three shopping and dining areas, and eight golf courses. The park is always being updated, so you will always find new attractions.

2. Universal Orlando Resort. Universal Orlando Resort boasts two theme parks, three hotels, and a huge shopping district

3. SeaWorld Orlando. From Shamu exhibits to the biggest rollercoaster in the region, SeaWorld is one of best-known water theme parks in the area.

4. Gatorland. If you love alligators, you will love this theme park.

5. Wet ‘N Wild. This water theme park features slides and many exciting exhibits as well. It’s the perfect family-friendly attraction.

6. Discovery Cove. This amazing water theme park actually allows you to swim with fish, stingrays and Bottlenose dolphins. There are only 1000 places per day, and they sell out quickly, so do book ahead. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is certainly worth it.

7. Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine. This stunning church attracts Catholics from all over the world.

8. Rock Springs Run Kelly Park. The beautiful natural springs are stunning to look at and you can tube down the water for hours of fun.

9. Downtown Orlando. The downtown area offers many restaurants, bars, clubs, concert venues, and theaters, many near Orange Avenue. A small pedestrian area off Orange Avenue is Wall Street. Here, you will find frequent concerts as well as dining areas and bars.

10. Lake Eola. This pretty park is situated near downtown and features many green areas to sit and relax around a swan-filled lake. The center of the lake boasts a lighted fountain. Near the lake you can find the historic outdoor shell theater. If you want to take a closer look at the fountain, you can rent swan-shaped paddle boats.

11. Golf courses. If you love golf, you have lots to choose from in Orlando. Orlando boasts the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Boggy Creek Golf Club, Country Club of Orlando, Cypress Creek Country Club, Dubsdread Golf Course, Eaglewood Golf Club, EastWood Golf Club, Fairways Country Club, Faldo Golf Institute By Marriott, Grand Cypress Resort, Grande Pines Golf Club, Lake Nona Golf Club, Lake Orlando Golf Club, MetroWest Golf Club, Orange Tree Golf Club, Rio Pinar Golf & Country Club, Ritz Carlton Golf Club, Shingle Creek Golf Club, Stoneybrook Golf Club, and the Ventura Country Club.

12. Tennis. Thanks to Florida’s warm climate, tennis is available year-round. Be sure to check out the facilities at the Orlando Tennis Center, Lake Cane Tennis Center, and the Fort Gatlin Recreation Complex.

13. The Orange County Convention Center. There are many events held at the convention center.

14. Shopping. Orlando offers many small boutiques and luxury stores. The region also has many shopping centers, including Florida Mall, the largest mall in Orlando. The Mall at Millenia boasts many upscale stores, including Tiffany’s, Hugo Boss, Gucci, Macy’s, Bloomingdales, and Neiman Marcus. The Fashion Square Mall, West Oaks Mall, the Orlando Premium Outlets, Prime Outlets, and Lake Buena Vista Factory Outlets are also worth visiting.

In addition to being a key tourist attraction and a major city, Orlando is known for its natural beauty, and you can witness this first hand at many of the parks and gardens in the area. Be sure to visit the Arboretum of the University of Central Florida, for example. This arboretum and botanical garden boasts more than 80 acres and over 600 species of plants. The many special gardens and displays – which include a Conservatory Compound, a Bromeliad Sanctuary, Palm Collection, Rose Garden, Swamp Habitat, Cycad Garden, Fern Garden, and Wetland Plants Display – will provide hours of fun.

Be sure to also visit Harry P. Leu Gardens, which offers about 50 acres of landscaped gardens. These gardens include lakes and the largest rose garden in Florida and one of the largest Camellia collections in the country. Another key garden to visit is the World of Orchids, which features more than 1,000 blossoms in a natural jungle environment. Beautiful streams, waterfalls, boardwalks, wetlands, and parrots create a stunning sanctuary for the many exotic blooms.

Orlando also has many wonderful museums, including the Cornell Fine Arts Museum, The Holy Land Experience, and the International Trolley and Train Museum. If you are interested in learning about the history of the region, be sure to visit The Orange County Regional History Center Features. If you love art, The Orlando Museum of Art features many art works ranging from the earliest paintings of the region to contemporary art works. For children, The Orlando Science Center boasts hands-on exhibits. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is another museum that blends fun with learning. It is well worth visiting.

Universal Orlando Resort is one of the most famous attractions in the area, of course. There are always new rides and attractions being opened, so if it has been a few years since you visited, you are in for a treat in a whole new resort. The Resort boasts two theme parks, three hotels, and a huge shopping district. Nearby SeaWorld Orlando boasts the biggest rollercoaster in the region as well as marine exhibits. Walt Disney World is only 40 minutes outside the Orlando area. The largest privately managed tourist attraction in the world, Walt Disney World, features two water parks, four theme parks, many hotels, three shopping and dining areas, and eight golf courses. Near Disney World, you can find Gatorland and the Wet ‘N Wild water park. Pack your bags – with so much to experience, Orlando is sure to provide you with weeks of fun and excitement.