A sunny vacation in the Florida Keys is just what you need to take the edge off and get away from the stresses of daily life. Relaxing in the sand with a cool tropical drink during the day, enjoying the refreshing ocean breeze at night; it sounds like paradise. Don't fool yourself into believing that a heavenly vacation is outside your budget. Remember these helpful tips for saving money on your next tropical getaway.

1. Fly in the Off-Season

Travel agencies, airlines and hotels get lots of business in the summer because most people take their vacations in the warm months. During the heavily traveled season these companies will hike up their prices and reservations will fill up quickly. It's much easier to get a good rate on your Florida Keys getaway by vacationing in the off-season. The whole resort industry will be experiencing a lull, and they'll be happy to accommodate you with more affordable prices.

2. Book Your Trip on a Weekday

Any time you decide to fly, particularly for a Florida Keys vacation, try to book your trip on a weekday. Statistically speaking, Tuesday is the least expensive day to fly. Airline prices fluctuate wildly throughout every week, and the same ticket you buy for a Saturday flight can be had at half the price if you fly on a weekday. Try to shift your schedule and fly on a day when airlines aren't selling out on their flights. Lower prices will be more readily available as the airlines scramble to fill empty seats on their planes.

3. Vacation After a Holiday

Holidays are huge events for the travel industry, and like so many other money saving tips, this one involves booking your vacation when vacationing is unpopular. After a holiday, hotels everywhere empty out and business slows down
at airlines. Plan your next Florida Keys vacation for the week or weeks immediately following a holiday. You'll get the best rates on all of your reservations, and you'll enjoy resorts that are free from the mayhem of holiday crowds. It's a win-win situation for any traveler.

4. Book Early or Book Late

When you're planning a vacation, there are two ways to go. Either plan everything as far in advance as possible and book several weeks early, or scramble to put together a vacation at the last minute. Surprisingly, both of these opposite approaches to planning can help you save money on your Florida Keys vacation. Booking early helps you beat the crowd and secure your reservations before prices rise, while booking late gives you the option of snagging spots that open up unexpectedly right before your trip.

5. Negotiate with Representatives

Never hesitate to ask for a better price. Nothing bad can come of it, and you will be surprised how often travel agents and representatives can accommodate you. When you're buying airline tickets, reserving suites, or booking Key West tours, always be sure to attempt negotiations. Put your haggling skills to work and try to get lower rates for all of your vacation necessities. It never hurts to try.