Save Money by Buying Holiday Essentials Before You Travel

When packing for your Orlando holiday, it is incredibly tempting to travel light and plan on buying your essentials when you arrive. However, purchasing everyday items at theme park boutiques, hotel gift shops, or tourist-heavy malls will quickly drain your holiday budget due to high convenience markups.

To keep your hard-earned cash in your pocket, make sure to buy these common items at home before you fly, or head to a local supermarket away from the main tourist strip once you arrive:

• Sunscreen and toiletries: Bottles of high-factor sun protection can cost double the price inside theme parks or resort lobbies compared to your local chemist or supermarket.
• Rain ponchos: Orlando is famous for its sudden afternoon rain showers. A multi-pack of ponchos bought at home costs pennies, whereas a single branded poncho inside a theme park can cost upwards of ten dollars.
• Character merchandise: If you have children, consider buying Disney or Universal themed t-shirts and toys online or at local supermarkets before your trip. You can present them to your kids during the holiday at a fraction of the cost.

By preparing in advance and avoiding the temptation of convenience shopping in tourist hotspots, you will save significant money that is much better spent on unforgettable Florida experiences.