Going on vacation should mean leaving your stressful daily life behind you. The last thing anyone wants to worry about when they’re travelling or soaking up the sun is how much money they’ve got left, where they’re going to eat, or what essential item they’ve left behind on the dresser. If you’re planning a vacation to Orlando, there’s a lot to think about and plenty of planning you should be doing ahead of time to make sure you can make the most of your trip.
Orlando is known for its theme parks, amazing but sometimes unpredictable weather, exciting food scene, and entertainment, so let’s take a closer look at how youcan make your trip to Orlando as stress free as possible.
Getting Around
Have you given any thought to how you might get around Orlando? Sure, there are plenty of public transportation options, and you can always catch a Lyft or an Uber to get from A to B; however, if you prefer flexibility and the ability to travel under your own steam, then an airport hire car could be the perfect option. If your trip involves visiting places or attractions outside of the theme parks, such as the Kennedy Space Center or one of Orlando’s breathtaking beaches, then renting a car simply makes sense.
Rather than struggling with day bags, luggage, and racing to get to the bus station on time, you can simply jump in your car and head out for the day, safe in the knowledge you don’t have to worry about getting back to your accommodation in time, missing your stop or missing the last bus! With Orlando’s often unpredictable weather and sudden downpours, having the option to simply jump in your car rather than fighting for a seat with other soggy tourists just sounds much more pleasant and certainly less stressful than the alternative.
Stress Free Dining
Orlando has plenty of delicious and incredibly popular dining options for families, solo travelers, and couples alike. But, with so many other tourists jostling for tables and seats in the best restaurants, how can you make dining a stress-free experience? Here are my top tips for eating in Orlando.
- Avoid Peak Dining Hours: Peak dining hours mean long waiting times, limited tables and sometimes rushed service where you can be left feeling a little short changed. To avoid long waits, aim for off-peak dining times. Consider having an early lunch around 11 AM or a late dinner after 8 PM. This not only helps you avoid the crowds but often leads to more relaxed dining experiences with better service and less rush!
- Bring Your Own Snacks: If you’re out and about during the day, whether you’re waiting in line at a themepark or exploring the local area, having your own snacks can help you save money, keep your energy up and means you’ll spend less time shopping around for small bites to eat!
- Eat Like the Locals: Venture beyond the well-known tourist areas to discover some local culinary gems. Orlando boasts an array of international cuisines and hidden local favorites, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants. Which means you can eat like a local, enjoy potentially better food at better prices and enjoy a more authentic eating experience.
- Don’t Overlook Food Trucks or Street Eats: Whether you’re craving tacos, gourmet sandwiches, or international flavors, Orlando’s food trucks are a great way to sample local fare on a budget, so don’t overlook them!
Packing Essentials for a Stress-Free Trip
Knowing what to pack and what to leave at home can save you a lot of unnecessary stress when going on vacation. Overpacking can be chaotic whilst travelling too light often means spending your vacation days shopping for the items you really needed. Here are our top suggestions and essentials for a stress-free trip to Orlando.
- Ponchos and Light Rain Jackets: Yes, it might be warm weather, but in Orlando, you can always expect sudden downpours and even cold evening breezes. Instead of letting a little rain spoil your fun, pack a lightweight poncho or a compact rain jacket that you can easily stow away in your bag. Ponchos are great because they’re easy to put on and off, and they don’t take up much space in your luggage.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Whether you’re planning on walking to the beach, spending the day at a theme park, shopping, or sightseeing, you can expect to do over 10k steps a day when visiting Orlando. So, packing comfortable, durable walking shoes is a must. Sneakers or cushioned sandals are perfect for keeping your feet happy throughout the day. Just remember to break them in before you travel!
- Sun Protection Items: These items go without saying, but they’re probably the most forgotten ones. Remember a high-factor sun cream, sunglasses (and spares), hats for everyone, cooling mists, after sun, and reusable water bottles to use throughout the day. Keeping safe in the Florida sunshine is key to enjoying your trip and not spending your precious time in urgent care with sunstroke!
- Reusable Shopping Bags: For impromptu shopping trips, beach days, or carrying extra items during the day, pack a foldable, reusable tote bag. It’s environmentally friendly and perfect for hauling snacks, sunscreen, water bottles, souvenirs, or any personal items you pick up throughout your day.
- Swimsuit and Cover Up: If you plan to relax by the hotel pool, visit waterparks, or enjoy some downtime at the beach, don’t forget your swimsuit and a cover-up. Even if you’re not planning on swimming, a cover-up is perfect for walking around pools or grabbing a drink at a poolside bar.
Final Thoughts
Travelling to Orlando doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right approach and with the right knowledge you can fully enjoy your trip to the max! Remember to start planning your trip in advance as soon as possible, consider what you might want to do, what you’ll need to take and how you want to spend your time. Enjoy your trip!
