Driving Orlando to Philly in January..crazy?

[Kycha]

I would avoid the long drive from Orlando to Philly. Airfare between the two cities is hard to beat sometimes. Southwest and Airtran seem to have the best rates (sometimes as low as $39 one way). Rather than flying into Philly, try BWI(Baltimore Washington International). I find that they have better airfare rates than Philly and its an easy 2-3 hour drive up to Philly. Plus you can do alot of the things already suggested(Smithsonian, Balt Aquarium, Inner Harbor) while there. When you make your way up to Philly, you have numerous things within a few hours drive(NYC, Atlantic City, Atlantic Ocean, Gettysburg, Amish Country, Valley Forge National Park). If you need more info, let me know.

Here are the airline websites:

www.airtran.com
www.southwest.com

Sign up for Southwest's "Ding" program. This will alert you when they have a special(for a very limited time). This is usually how you get the best deals.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Two ideas that were not already mentioned.
If you opt to drive, get the "motel coupon booklets" at the rest stops, they will save you money.
Check into Spirit Airlines - they fly MCO to Atlantic City (about 50-60 miles from PHL). They have really good fares on occasion.

 

[clombardi]

The airtran flight at $69 is one way. It come to about $78 after taxes and fees.