Summer on a Shoestring - Five Tips to Save Money on Your Beach Trip
When money is tight, you may think a vacation is out of your reach.
However, with a little planning and a lot of creativity, you can enjoy a budget beach vacation -- and a break from everyday life.
Here are five tips for planning a family getaway on the cheap: 5.
Invite friends or family and share the cost.
You'll find that it may be less expensive to pay for a portion of a suite or vacation rental than it would be to rent a room for just your family.
Added bonus: Playmates for you and your kids! 4.
Dine in.
Stay in a hotel or rental with a kitchen, and you can save a ton of money on food.
Stop at a discount store or grocery store when you arrive and stock up on breakfast and lunch staples.
Be sure to choose items similar to what you would buy at home to help you stick to your budget.
If you have money left over, you can always splurge on a dinner out! 3.
Look for discounts on attractions.
Beach towns are full of attractions, entertainment venues and other things to do, but those outings can get pricey.
Check for coupons or discounts at your hotel to get the best deals on entertainment.
Some attractions, like waterparks or amusement parks, offer discounted rates later in the day so call ahead to see what the best prices are.
Choose one or two paid activities and stick to your plan.
Impulse buys can put a dent in your wallet in a hurry.
2.
Shop smart for essentials.
A hotel gift shop is not the best place to buy sunscreen on a budget! Either bring essentials from home or shop at a discount store when you arrive at your destination.
Get organized before you leave home by making a list of everything you'll need, including food items.
Again, stick to your plan when you arrive! Don't be tempted by items that aren't on your list.
1.
Enjoy the "free" attractions.
You came to the beach to see the beach, right? So enjoy it! The view is free, and there is plenty to do on the beach that will keep your family entertained.
A beach bucket and some shovels won't break the bank, but they'll keep your little ones busy for hours.
Invest in a boogie board or skim board for your older kids, and you'll get your money's worth of relaxation while they ride the waves.
Don't forget about the hotel or resort pool.
A late afternoon swim will wash away the saltwater and provide more free fun for your family!
However, with a little planning and a lot of creativity, you can enjoy a budget beach vacation -- and a break from everyday life.
Here are five tips for planning a family getaway on the cheap: 5.
Invite friends or family and share the cost.
You'll find that it may be less expensive to pay for a portion of a suite or vacation rental than it would be to rent a room for just your family.
Added bonus: Playmates for you and your kids! 4.
Dine in.
Stay in a hotel or rental with a kitchen, and you can save a ton of money on food.
Stop at a discount store or grocery store when you arrive and stock up on breakfast and lunch staples.
Be sure to choose items similar to what you would buy at home to help you stick to your budget.
If you have money left over, you can always splurge on a dinner out! 3.
Look for discounts on attractions.
Beach towns are full of attractions, entertainment venues and other things to do, but those outings can get pricey.
Check for coupons or discounts at your hotel to get the best deals on entertainment.
Some attractions, like waterparks or amusement parks, offer discounted rates later in the day so call ahead to see what the best prices are.
Choose one or two paid activities and stick to your plan.
Impulse buys can put a dent in your wallet in a hurry.
2.
Shop smart for essentials.
A hotel gift shop is not the best place to buy sunscreen on a budget! Either bring essentials from home or shop at a discount store when you arrive at your destination.
Get organized before you leave home by making a list of everything you'll need, including food items.
Again, stick to your plan when you arrive! Don't be tempted by items that aren't on your list.
1.
Enjoy the "free" attractions.
You came to the beach to see the beach, right? So enjoy it! The view is free, and there is plenty to do on the beach that will keep your family entertained.
A beach bucket and some shovels won't break the bank, but they'll keep your little ones busy for hours.
Invest in a boogie board or skim board for your older kids, and you'll get your money's worth of relaxation while they ride the waves.
Don't forget about the hotel or resort pool.
A late afternoon swim will wash away the saltwater and provide more free fun for your family!