The economy is in a down turn, retirement funds are shrinking and the future of employment is unknown. Our natural instinct is to cut back spending and watch the bottom line more closely. People worldwide will decide to give up on the one thing we know will take away the stress and give some much needed down time especially in times of uncertainty. This is the family vacation.

However, many people are unaware that vacations do not need to be expensive to have a good time. The average family empowered with the proper knowledge will enjoy a luxury vacation at a very affordable price. As an Orlando vacation home owner, I routinely see resort specials and so called "once in a lifetime" deals which in reality are not so great. It is important to arm yourself with the necessary knowledge before making a decision of whether or not a vacation can be affordable and in line with your budget. Listed below is information to be considered that will show you how to have a luxury vacation that you may have otherwise thought was financially out of reach.

1. Choose a popular destination for tourists
One of the most popular destination vacations is Orlando, Florida which sees more then 52 million visitors each year and is on top for theme parks.

2. Know the dates of the low, medium and high seasons for the tourist industry
Orlando in January is "low season". Hotel room rates drop, vacation home prices are lowered, rental cars prices feel like they are free and theme parks often have a special incentives. March break or summer vacation is on the opposite end of the spectrum when these same vices may be booked or forecasted at capacity at which time prices are increased.

3. Look into renting an all inclusive vacation home when available
The Orlando area has thousands of vacation homes and gated resort communities with features and amenities for every budget. The many benefits include the following:

5 Bedroom homes and larger make it possible for families to vacation together and split the cost making it much more affordable then hotel rooms.

Most homes have their own private heated pool and spa. Hours for swimming are always open.

Many homes are furnished with a game room including pool table. There is no need to spend time in a closet sized room playing Pacman and Space Invaders.

DVD libraries, big screen TV's and xBox360. Don't pay for in room movies and games when you can watch and play for free.

Free Wi-Fi. Don't pay to have your laptop connect to the hotel internet.

Clubhouse resort activities. Check your email for free, work out in a fitness room or play group sports outside.

Kitchen facilities. With all dishes and utensils at home, buy food at the grocery store instead of eating at restaurants and save hundreds of dollars.

Choosing a home with many amenities may cost a bit more but will end up saving with less trips to Disney World and the other benefits listed.

4. Understand your car insurance at home
Many visitors have rental car coverage under their own policy and can deny the insurance offered by car rental agencies.

5. Do your homework for car rentals

Go online to one of the many travel portals available to help find the cheapest rental.

Make sure you consider location as some agencies are not located at the airport. This is an inconvenience that may or may not be worth the extra discount and only costs a bit of time.

Fuel service is commonly offered in which the price per gallon is very competitive but you should know that a service fee routinely charged on top so it should always be cheaper to deny the service and return it on a full tank.

6. Arrange theme park tickets in advance
There are many locations that will sell your park tickets in advance at a discounted price. Be aware though, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Some vendors will sell you park tickets at extremely low prices but you are obligated to spend a few hours looking at a time share opportunity that they want you to buy.

7. Save money with coupons
You can save money by going online to local tourist information sites or picking up brochures in restaurants, gas bars and shops that will allow money off merchandise, meals and attractions.

Following these tips will give the ability to stay in a luxury Orlando vacation home for less money then it would cost to stay in a hotel. References to the amenity rich and overall experience of the Orlando Vacation home found on www.sunshinyflorida.com can be made available to families interested in renting a 5 star luxury home for a Disney Orlando vacation.

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