The great news about beach vacations is that they don’t have to be expensive. Fun in the sun can be had on a budget. Today, we’re going to talk about some of the things you can do to get the most out of a limited budget during your next beach vacation. Here are some things you can do to get maximum enjoyment out of your next beachfront vacation without blowing your bank account to pieces this summer. Let’s jump right in!
Plan in advance
Create a budget. Take into account what your vacation will cost in terms of transportation, food, shopping and the like. And if you’re an active person, you’ll want to think about things like bikes, surfboards and the like as well. There’s also entertainment and a lot of the hidden things such as beach passes, tolls, permits and the like. If you’re looking to save some money, it’s best to get all your expenses out on the table in front of you. Then, you’ll be able to start trimming.
Go off the beaten path
Just because location is important doesn’t mean you need to choose a beach with a national reputation. While Miami Beach is nice, you might want to choose one closer to home or more off the beaten path. Neighboring beaches that are less known can give you a similar experience while saving you significant money.
Consider your stay
Could you pull off a stay-cation? Are you close enough to travel to the beach every day? If not – remember that hotels aren’t the only option and in many situations – they’re a terrible option. Why? Because they cost an arm and a leg. You might be better off hitting up Air BNB and renting a home or a condo for a fraction of the cost. Accommodations are a colossal expense in any vacation, so be sure to find an alternative way to stay wherever it is you’re going. And remember, you don’t have to be on the beach to have a great beach vacation!
Plan your activities
One of the best and worst things about a beach vacation is the spontaneity of them. See something you like? Go and do it! On the other hand ‘go and do it’ adds up quickly! Do your homework and choose less expensive activities. Ask for discounts on lessons and other experiences. Grab travel guides and browse onlines for deals, coupons and the like. Especially post-COVID, these businesses are looking to attract customers as quickly as possible so you can bet there’s probably some excellent deals out there.
Also – bring your own good and don’t eat out every night. Restaurants near beaches are deliberately expensive. Treat yourself as you can, but if you’re going somewhere for a week – try cooking in a few nights and pack picnics to go to the beach.
Beating the heat doesn’t need to cost you your entire savings account! With a little planning and a little due diligence before your departure, you can enjoy a comfortable beach vacation without having to spend needless amounts of money. Just be sure to do your due diligence before going on vacation.