| Thanks to Disneyland and other family | | | | attractions. |
| destinations, Orange County is now a | | | | If your vacation time is flexible, |
| hotbed for vacationers. Like any tourist | | | | consider traveling in the fall or the |
| destination, the prices have risen along | | | | early spring. Crowds tend to be thinner |
| with the number of attractions, but it's | | | | during these times of year, and the |
| definitely possible to fund an Orange | | | | weather is still nice enough that you'll |
| County vacation without breaking the | | | | enjoy your stay. The prices drop around |
| bank. | | | | these times of year as well, so you'll |
| Before you get started planning your | | | | pay less than you would if your visit |
| vacation, it's best to set a budget. | | | | were during peak times. The large travel |
| This way you know exactly how much you | | | | sites may, throughout the year, offer |
| have to spend, and how much you need to | | | | various coupon codes for their more |
| save in order to go on vacation. When | | | | popular destinations, such as Orange |
| you have a budget, it becomes easy to | | | | County, so get on the email list of your |
| make choices on where you should save | | | | favorite sites so you can monitor any |
| and where you should pay full price. For | | | | new deals. |
| example, if you can save money by | | | | There are a wide variety of hotels and |
| driving to Orange County, rather than | | | | motels surrounding the major Orange |
| flying, it will allow you spend more on | | | | County attractions. You can stay at a |
| accommodations or vice versa. | | | | smaller motel with fewer frills and be |
| One of those important choices is which | | | | within the same traveling distance as |
| amusement park you are going to visit, | | | | you would if you stayed at a high priced |
| and how much money you plan to spend at | | | | hotel. If you plan early and travel in |
| each. With Disneyland, California | | | | the off-season, staying at the |
| Adventure, LegoLand, Magic Mountain, | | | | Disneyland Hotel is very reasonable. |
| Knottsberry Farm and several other | | | | You'll also save money on travel because |
| smaller parks within driving distance, | | | | there are free tram services to and from |
| trying to hit them all will cost you a | | | | the park. |
| lot of time and energy. It's best to | | | | Balance your visit to an amusement park |
| choose one or two. That way you can | | | | with some free activities, such as |
| really enjoy each park and not stretch | | | | visiting the beach or strolling down |
| your budget too far. Some parks even | | | | some of Orange County's beautiful parks |
| offer 2-for-1 deals, such as Disneyland | | | | and natural areas. Since the weather is |
| and California Adventure, which allow | | | | pleasant during most of the year, take |
| you to visit two parks for one price. | | | | advantage of simply being outdoors and |
| Check for discount tickets for tours and | | | | taking in some nature during your visit. |
| attractions before you go. You may be | | | | The beach and mountains are within |
| surprised at the discounts available for | | | | driving distance of most Orange County |
| savvy travelers who check around for | | | | towns and Southern California boasts |
| prices online ahead of time. You may | | | | some of the country's most gorgeous |
| also consider purchasing an | | | | national parks. |
| Entertainment coupon book for the zip | | | | Traveling to Orange County doesn't have |
| code you plan to visit. That will save | | | | to cost as much as you may think. With a |
| you on dining, and it may save you on | | | | budget in hand, a plan for your |
| lodging and attractions as well. If you | | | | activities and an open mind to taking in |
| belong to AAA or other groups, check the | | | | some of the natural beauty in the area, |
| group's website before you go to see if | | | | you'll be able to travel without |
| showing your card will save you money on | | | | spending your entire savings account. |