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How to Book a Trip to the Florida Keys

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to the Florida Keys

Plan your Florida Keys getaway for early December or mid January and spread out the cost without paying interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $155.56/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,800 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Early December brings warm breezes and fewer crowds before the holiday rush, while mid January offers a great escape from winter with comfortable weather in the mid-70s. Driving down the Overseas Highway past endless blue water sets the tone for a slow, easy trip where you can spend your days on the water and your evenings eating fresh fish.

A typical trip runs around $2800 for flights, a place to stay, and a few good meals. Breaking that cost down over time makes it much easier to handle without wiping out your savings all at once.

Keep in mind that 0% interest doesn't mean free money, and that intro window is a hard deadline. If you still have a balance left when the 18 months are up, you will get hit with interest on whatever is left over.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your window

    Aim for the first two weeks of December or mid January to miss the heavy tourist peaks and get better rates on places to stay. Weekdays are usually cheaper than weekends, so shift your dates by a day or two if you want to save a little cash.

  2. 02

    Lock in your travel and lodging

    Book your flights and rental car or hotel well in advance since Keys lodging fills up fast during winter. Keep your total right around $2800 so the math stays simple.

  3. 03

    Use your card term

    Put the expenses on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to use the 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This gives you an 18-month intro window on purchases to pay for the trip over time instead of all at once.

  4. 04

    Set up automatic payments

    Divide your total by the months you have so you stay on track. If you spread $2800 across the 18-month window, you are looking at $155.56 per month.

  5. 05

    Factor in food and fun

    Leave room in your budget for boat rentals, snorkeling trips, and key lime pie. Keep these daily extras on a debit card or pay them off immediately so you do not lose track of what you owe.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is early December really better than the holidays?

Yes, prices jump significantly right around Christmas and New Year's Day. Early December and mid January give you the same great weather with a lot more room to breathe.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can trigger a late fee and might cancel your promotional rate early. Set up autopay so you never accidentally drop the ball.

How much does a rental car cost in the Keys?

Prices change based on the season, but expect to pay around $50 to $70 a day. Booking it alongside your flight usually gets you a better rate.

Should I stay in Key West or a different key?

Key West has the most action and places to walk around, but it is also the most expensive. Staying in Marathon or Islamorada gives you a quieter vibe and lower nightly rates.