Using the discount and promotional fares offered by various airlines, flying to Coastal Florida is probably your best bet. The major flight hubs of Miami and Tampa, plus many smaller airports with good air service, such as Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, and Pensacola, make getting to your destination easy.

With the price of gasoline what it is today, traveling by car to Coastal Florida isn't the value it once was. Unless you live close by, you'll pay less flying. In most cases, flying also beats traveling by train. Amtrak (Toll-free 800-872-7245, www.amtrak.com) trains only connect to the coastal cities of Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Miami. A train trip from Philadelphia to Jacksonville will cost you nearly $300 and take over sixteen hours one-way. Unless you're afraid of flying or have a long vacation time, traveling by train isn't an option.

Many tour operators and airline tour desks offer packages combining plane tickets and hotel accommodations with sightseeing and dining. If you think a package will be inflexible, think again. Though you may have to stay over a Saturday night or stay at least seven days, the money you save by using a package will more than offset any inconvenience.