• Pinch vacation pennies with cheap weekend getaways.money money money image by Tribalstar from Fotolia.com
  
  In today's busy world, we all need a break. But full vacations might be impractical, due to time and financial constraints. Cheap weekend getaways are possible, even in the pricey tourist state of Florida. Look for nontraditional activities such as camping on the beach or visiting a quaint inland bed-and-breakfast, or take advantage of special resort packages and promotional deals.
  
  

Camping

• If you are into the great outdoors, there could be no cheaper or better vacation than tent camping. Try Anastasia State Recreation Area Campground in St. Augustine for a memorable weekend getaway. It offers 139 campsites enveloped in a thick coastal wooded area that is steps from miles of unspoiled beaches. Visitors can go birding, shelling, surfing, sailing, fishing and swimming and also enjoy day trips into historical St. Augustine, noted for being the oldest city in America. Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance. Stays cost $16 per night year round. There is a $2 electric fee and a $2 fee per pet.
  
  Anastasia State Recreation Area Campground
  1340A A1A South
  St. Augustine, FL 32080
  (904) 461-2033
  floridastateparks.org/anastasia
  
  

Resort Timeshare Promotions

• Stay up to three days and four nights for free or at a substantial discount, plus receive attraction tickets, meals, gift vouchers or cash when you take advantage of resort timeshare promotions. All you need to do is sit through a presentation, usually 90-minutes long, about ownership of time shares, resort or private club residences. There is no obligation to buy. A good example of this type of offer is the Radisson Worldgate Resort Promotion Package, where guests stay in a deluxe room a mile from Walt Disney World. Guests must be between 28 and 68 years of age. Promotional offers start at $20 per night per family.
  
  Radisson Worldgate Resort
  3011 Maingate Lane
  Kissimmee, FL 34747
  (866) 850-9535
  worldgateresort.com
  
  

Florida Residents Club

• Nickelodeon Suites Resort, located a mile from Walt Disney World in Orlando, offers Florida residents discounts on hotel accommodations. To become a member, simply mention that you are a Florida resident at the time of booking and show Florida identification at check-in. This will get you discounts not only on the hotel stay, but also on dining and entertainment. Register your e-mail to receive even more special offers. Special package weekend rates start at $159 per night.
  
  Nickelodeon Suites Resort
  14500 Continental Gateway
  Orlando, FL 32821
  (877) 642-5111
  nickhotel.com
  
  

Special Bed & Breakfast Packages

• If you would rather stay away from the beach crowds, a weekend stay at a Central Florida bed-and-breakfast might be more appealing. Try the Shamrock Thistle & Crown Bed and Breakfast, located on a hilltop near Lake Weir and downtown Ocala. The inn was voted one of Florida's top 10 most romantic B&B's by the Palm Beach Post and the Miami Herald. Guests can stay in luxurious rooms with private baths, enjoy a full breakfast and spend the day nearby horseback riding, antiquing, or visiting museums. Evenings may be spent watching live theater productions or going on a dinner train. Decorator rooms start at $105 per weekend night. The inn offers packages for the murder mystery dinner train, half-off for a third night's stay, and a frequent stay program. Special rates apply in September only, with mid-week rates on weekends.
  
  Shamrock Thistle & Crown Bed and Breakfast
  1291 SE Hwy. 42, P.O. Box 624
  Weirsdale, FL 32195
  (800) 4BLARNEY (425-2763)
  shamrockbb.com