Naples, South West Florida

My family just returned from a new years get-a-way to Naples in South West Florida. It was a spur-of-the moment trip, but we still managed to keep our vacation very frugal.

This was our first vacation to Florida's west coast, but it definitely will not be our last. While the prices were rather high, we managed to find something in our price category without compromising on our desired level of luxury or location.

Naples was our choice because we needed to get away, but we still needed to be close to home, in case my husband had to go back for an emergency at work.

We started our frugal luxury vacation by bringing our own lunch for the first day. Relieved to get away from the city, we enjoyed our lunch at a rest area along I-75. Eating lunch in the middle of the Everglades was our first vacation experience, and the view was priceless.

I can definitely recommend stepping out of the car on any of the rest areas along I-75. Take a deep breath and just enjoy the serenity of watching nature extend itself as far away as the eye can see.

While an air boat ride is great, it can also be very expensive, but it is not the only way to experience a little of what the Everglades have to offer.

As you get closer to Naples, make sure to have the kids glued to the windows scouting for gators.