How to Plan a Trip to Spring Training in Florida

Baseball fans flock to Florida every March to enjoy America's favorite pastime. The Grapefruit League includes the Astros, Braves, Cardinals, Dodgers, Marlins, Mets, Nationals, Phillies, Pirates, Reds, Blue Jays, Devil Rays, Indians, Orioles, Red Sox, Tigers, Twins and Yankees. Spring training is a chance for fans to get out in the hot sun and welcome back the boys of summer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Sunscreen
• Baseball cap
• Baseball mitt

1. Act early to get a leg up on the other fans who plan to go the spring training. Even before the baseball season ends--teams, tour companies and hotels offer packages for the next spring training.
2. Read the Grapefruit League's spring training schedule. Figure out where and when your team is playing and which games you want to attend.
3. Buy the Complete Guide to Spring Training to help you plan. It includes guides, maps, hotel listings and schedules.
4. Go to your team's website to find travel deals. The Red Sox, for example, offer several packages. You get accommodations, car rental, great seats and Red Sox merchandise. For an additional fee, they'll arrange your flight, too. Many teams also offer fantasy packages that allow you to spend part of spring training playing with and against former major leaguers.
5. Check out hotel deals. All the major chains offer spring training rates on their websites.

Tips & Warnings

• If traveling with a group, always mention that and ask for a group discount.
• Use AAA to get hotel discounts.