Budget Travel: St. Pete, Clearwater Top List For Canadians

CLEARWATER, FL — As Canadians endure their standard frigid wintertime temperatures, it’s probably not surprising that more than a few residents from the Great White North have southward travel on their minds. For those preparing to venture across the border on a budget, one major Canadian daily newspaper is suggesting the St Petersburg/Clearwater area as top choice.

As temperatures in Ontario dipped into the 30s with 20s on the way, the Toronto Sun published its list of “7 best U.S. destinations to visit on a budget” Wednesday. While Los Angeles received first mention, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area was next up on the recommendation rundown.

The list’s author noted a number of draws that make the Pinellas County coast such a nice place to visit. Top on the slate of reasons was Dunedin, the spring training home of the Blue Jays. St. Petersburg’s downtown, the Dali Museum, Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island also scored points for the area.

Miami got the final mention on the list of seven places to visit; elevated because of its Big Bus Tours that start at $30. Other places recommended include Arizona – the whole state – San Francisco and Myrtle Beach. Although not necessarily a warm destination, New York City is a hot one for budget travelers this time of year, the paper pointed out.

To check out the full list, visit the Toronto Sun online.

Florida remains a major tourist destination for people from all over the globe. At the end of the third quarter of last year, Gov. Rick Scott’s office announced the Sunshine State had set a record with an estimated 85 million people visiting in the first nine months of 2016.

What destinations in Pinellas County would you recommend to travelers on a shoestring budget? Share your ideas by commenting below!

Photography provided courtesy of Pinellas County Marketing and Communications Department