Having a beach vacation is something that anyone can enjoy. No matter what your tastes or budget, you can find what you are looking for, with a little planning and some creativity. This is one type of vacation that can be tailored to fit virtually even the most frugal budget. Cutting corners does not have to mean cutting out a good time! Right now you may be saying, “Sign me up!” Well, here are a few tips to get you started with planning an awesome and relaxing beach vacation.
1. Research, research, research
Pick up a few beach destinations that intrigue you the most. Are you looking for white sandy shores and crystal blue water for a bit of zen in your private cabana? Maybe you crave a little fun and family time at the shore, complete with water parks and salty sea air. Are you the jet skiing and surfing type, in search of the next big wave?
Knowing what you want in a beach vacation is the first step towards getting there! Spend time investigating possible destinations. Take into consideration the time that will be spent traveling. How far is too far to go? Can you get there by car? Should you take a flight to your dream destination?
2. Compare your pricing options
It pays to shop around. Once you have decided upon a destination, get on to comparing those prices! Is it off season? Many hotels in scenic, tourist friendly towns offer greatly reduced prices during their off season. Maybe going down the shore in New Jersey doesn’t sound like a ton of fun in April, but what if you found a hotel with an indoor pool or water park, if you are planning a family vacation? Or, for someone traveling alone for a little personal time, why not stay in a bed and breakfast with a shared bathroom on the Outer Banks of North Carolina for a weekend?
How about checking out an all inclusive package? That’s one way to take a vacation somewhere you might have thought you could never afford to go. Who says you can’t have luxury and affordability at the same time? Will you be flying to your chosen spot, or driving?
Make sure to check those online sites such as Expedia and Priceline. If you are willing to take a red eye flight, for example, you can save yourself quite a bit of money to be used for the more enjoyable part of vacationing.
Will you be driving? Make sure to get some routine maintenance done on your vehicle before you go. This will help save on those ever rising gas prices!
3. Set a budget
Set up a higher limit for each day of your vacation. When you first arrive at your destination, ask the locals about the best places to get a good meal for cheap. Pick up those traveler’s coupons and use them! Take advantage of hotels that offer continental breakfasts for instance, or if you are traveling with children, find accommodations that let children stay for free.
Spend time being instead of doing! That’s another great way to save yourself some cash. Vacations are about resting as much as they are about experiencing! So don’t feel as if you have to cram a whole host of activities into your stay.
