How to Do Key West on a Budget
So you were thinking about where to vacation, and you’ve finally decided on Key West. Full of excitement. Your mind starts brimming over with fantasies of enjoying the heat with a cocktail while you make plans for a sumptuous dinner that evening. And then something stops you - you realize that as wonderful as these plans are, you also have to stick to your budget. You don’t want to sacrifice your enjoyment, but you also don’t want to squander money - so what do you do? Here we help you create the vacation of your dreams without breaking the bank.
How to get to Key West
The greatest plans start with the first step and in this case, it’s deciding how to get there. Depending on where you fly from, flights can be a huge allocation of any budget, and it’s time to sit down and crunch the numbers – can you afford the convenience of flying, or would saving that money and spending more time on the road be more viable? Road trips can form wonderful memories as well as freeing you up to do more exciting activities once you arrive!
Flights don’t always have to be expensive, though. If you’re coming from Florida, there are many cheap direct flights, especially from Ft. Lauderdale. For more info call us, or complete our free travel plan.
What Season is Best to Visit Key West?
The season in which you decide to go to Key West will have a huge impact on all potential overheads. High season is considered to run from February to May, so expect to shell out a lot more than you would at other times if you want to go at this time of year.
If the budget is king and the climate is less important, you could try going during the rainy season and living it up at a fraction of the price. The rain will be plentiful, but you can party like a local, enjoying the music and food scene while the heavens open above.
A more budget-friendly option where you could still enjoy great weather would be to go during the “shoulder” seasons of September to November, it has a number of great advantages including less crowding and more accommodation options, all while not having to stress over making restaurant reservations.
Finding the Right Key West Accommodation
Accommodation can make or break a Key West vacation - not only in terms of budget but also the memories that you take home with you. Finding the perfect place that also fits your budget is possible but does require some leg-work. The big, harbor-front resorts are a sight to see but become an eyesore through the lens of your wallet. Aiming for one of the many beautiful Bed & Breakfast options can give you all the comfort and style you desire, save you paying for another meal, and (especially in the shoulder and low seasons) come out at a fraction of the cost.
The Wicker Guest House, a wonderful bed and breakfast in the heart of Key West.
Save the Planet - Ride a Bike
How you will get around is a big thing to consider when traveling anywhere and, as gasoline hasn’t been considered cheap in a very long time, a great idea (especially to make the most of the beautiful weather) is to rent a bike. As parking is expensive and hard to find, biking is a great option, and many Bed & Breakfasts offer special discounts on bike rental for their guests.
Eat and Drink on the Cheap
Key West’s geography has led it to develop a fantastic regional culinary culture. With the surrounding waters full to bursting with life it’s unsurprising that seafood dishes like Conch Fritters, Spiny Lobsters, and Royal Red Shrimp feature on almost every menu.
There is even a type of shrimp specific to the area known as “Key West Pinks” that are eaten with almost anything from being stuffed in crabs to being wrapped in bacon. The close proximity of Cuba has added its own color, not only in local ancestry but in the huge swathe of Cuban restaurants and eating-holes dotted around. France repeatedly tried to colonize the island throughout the 1700s, and the result is a plethora of eateries fit for the French themselves. Let’s not forget the legendary Key Lime pie which was named after the region where it originates. Thankfully, there are many places where you can eat like a King or Queen on a budget, with discounts, deals, and huge portions available. Take a look at our blog on our favorite 7 dining spots here in Key West - there are a few budget options available.
Get in the Water
Key West has the third-largest coral reef at just seven miles from its shore. There are many offers for an all-day package at sea, offering all you can eat and drink all day coupled with the opportunity to do activities like parasailing, jet-skiing, and snorkeling, as well as other water sports – all at a fraction of the price than if you did them individually. Contact us to get the latest bargains and special deals!
We hope this has helped kick-start your vacation planning! There’s a reason why Key West is a prime vacation spot and people return every year in their droves, come see for yourself! Get your free travel plan and visit us soon!
