As we trade cold and snow for the nicer temperatures of Spring, it’s time to start thinking ahead about ways to save money on Beach Vacations. We have 9 must try tips to make your vacation budget friendly but full of fun.
Ways to save money on beach vacations
Now is the time to start planning your summer vacation and we have the best ways to save money on beach vacations. We love the beach but saving money is a must.
I have learned there are ways to enjoy the beach without going home broke or using the credit cards. Give these saving tips a try for your next beach vacation!
We have been putting these tips to use for many years and have the absolute best time. You don’t have to sacrifice fun while saving money.
Lots of sweet memories will be made on vacation to remember for years to come. So, take that trip! No need to break the bank.
If you are going on a cruise, check out Cruise Packing List.
How can I save money while on vacation?
There are so many ideas to save money on vacation. With just a little planning on your part, you can really save a ton of money.
Enjoy a family vacation that won’t leave you feeling as though you ruined your budget. I have found the key to really saving money on vacation is thinking ahead.
With just a few small steps, you can save big. Keep reading for our best money saving tips.
Money savings tips for beach vacations
1.Book now, and be flexible.
Beach rentals book up quickly, so do your research now and get your lodging reserved. If you can be flexible with your dates, do – holiday weeks are much more expensive than earlier or later summer weeks. Look at pricing for several different weeks you’re considering and see where you’ll save the most money.
If your child’s school gets out before the prime season of Summer, you can save even more by going sooner rather than later. Play around with the reservation calendar to see when the best rates are.
Sometimes, festivals and other events can cause prices to sky rocket and rooms to sell out. You definitely want to do your research and keep in mind Memorial Day, July 4th and other super busy times.
2. Skip the hotel.
Hotels in beach towns are really expensive! You’ll get much more bang for your buck (and a kitchen – more on that in a minute) with a vacation rental. Check out Airbnb for rentals where you plan to go instead of staying in a hotel room.
The luxury that a house or condo provide can result in not only more space but savings by way of doing laundry and cooking. If you are a larger family or simply have kids, this might be the route to go.
3. Plan ahead.
Now that you know where you’re staying, look on Groupon to see what offers they have for attractions and restaurants. You’ll even see reviews before you go, so you know you won’t be spending your money on mediocre food.
Sign up for e-clubs to restaurants you plan to go to or local activities. They will often send coupons and even free offers!
4. Travel with friends.
If you travel with another family, you will be able to split the cost of the rental, as well as some of the food expenses. An added bonus is that your kids will probably need less entertaining since they’ll have friends to keep them occupied!
This is a great way to rent a larger home or unit and not have to pay the full price. Plus, you will have so many memories each summer with the family or friends you go with.
5. Eat most of your meals in.
Of all the ways to save money on beach vacations, this will save you the most. With a rental condo or house, you have the great benefit of a kitchen. Plan to make most of your meals rather than eating out.
Pack a lunch to take to the beach each day; the food at the snack shack is not cheap! This is when your crock pot comes in handy.
I bring my crock pot and cook in it. That way we enjoy dinner after a hot day at the beach. You will find a ton of easy crock pot recipes here.
6. When you do eat out, go early.
A lot of resort-town restaurants have early-bird specials or happy hours with decent food. You’ll save quite a bit of money by eating early, and you’ll beat the rush (which is always great with hungry kids who can’t wait).
We do this frequently when eating out because it offers a significant savings. Plus, it allows us to sort of snack through lunch at the beach or pool and have an early dinner.
7. Buy supplies before you go.
We’ve all been there – you realize you forgot the sunscreen, you walk into the convenience store, and it’s $10. You have to buy it, so you do – and the savings maven in you dies a little.
Buy supplies you need, like sunscreen, Band-Aids, bottled water, hand sanitizer wipes, and beach toys, before you ever leave home. I like to make Aloe Vera Ice Cubes.
You can also do a grocery order at Walmart and pick it up at your beach destination. This is perfect for items you don’t want to pack but need to get a good deal on.
8. Take a trip to the visitor’s bureau.
While you may just want to veg out at the beach for your entire vacation, it’s still a good idea to pop over to the visitor’s bureau to see what free or inexpensive activities there are if you want something a little different.
They also may have coupons to different places nearby. It’s nice to have options and it is one of the easiest ways to save money on beach vacations.
We usually pass one of these visitor centers traveling toward the beach so it has become tradition to stop. Everyone can stretch their legs, use the restroom and pick up some brochures that often include coupons.
9. Set a budget and stick with it.
There will be meals you’ll eat out and souvenirs you want to buy, so before you go, decide what that budget will be. Then make sure you don’t overspend! It is literally that simple.
We give the kids a set limit for shopping or souvenirs and make it clear that when its gone, it’s gone! I have found with kids it helps to set the guidelines prior to the trip.
It definitely makes for a smoother vacation.
Give these beach vacation tips a try!
Planning ahead will help you not worry about how much you’re spending on your beach vacation so that, instead, you can just be enjoying the time away and getting some much-needed (and deserved!) relaxation.
Hopefully after these easy tips on ways to save money on Beach vacations you can afford your vacation and still have a ton of fun.
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Check out these other money saving tips:
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