How to Have a Cheap Beach Vacation

Опубликовал Admin
29-03-2021, 08:10
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Beach vacations do not have to be expensive. All you really need is sand, surf and a place to sleep and eat. Instead of flying your entire family to Maui or a luxurious beach resort frequented by celebrities and moguls, keep it simple and affordable. You can enjoy all the fun that a beach vacation provides while staying on a budget. Have a cheap beach vacation by choosing the right location and minimizing expenses once you get there.

Steps

  1. Take advantage of any discounts you have available. Cash in reward points from your credit card and use up any miles towards flights or hotel stays.
    • Look for additional discounts for AAA members, students, veterans, seniors and families.
  2. Do some comparison shopping. Online travel agencies such as Expedia, Orbitz and Hotwire have competitive prices on flights, rental cars and hotels.
    • Look for package deals. You can often save money when you book an entire vacation package from online travel agencies.
  3. Sign up for travel alerts. Go to sites such as TravelZoo and sign up for their e-newsletters. You will get frequent information on travel specials, including cheap beach vacations.
  4. Choose an affordable location. Stay close to home in order to save on long flights, passports, currency exchanges and rental cars. Your tan will look the same.
    • Consider family-friendly locations that most people find affordable. Local beach destinations might include Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, coastal locations near Tampa Bay in Florida, Cape Cod and resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. On the west coast, there are affordable beaches near San Diego and Santa Barbara or even in Oregon.
  5. Figure out if it is cheaper to fly or drive.
    • Compare gas prices to the cost of airfare. Consider how long you are planning to travel as well, and whether you will need a rental car in your beach destination if you fly.
    • Consider train travel and bus travel as well. Greyhound bus lines now have WiFi and Amtrak goes up and down both coasts. It might be cheaper than driving or flying.
  6. Look for all-inclusive vacations. Some beach resorts will charge you a single sum for hotel, food and non-alcoholic beverages. This can be a good value if you do not drink.
    • Remember that gratuities and activities are often not included in all-inclusive packages.
  7. Find affordable lodging. You do not have to stay at a hotel right on the beach. There are houses, condos and apartments for rent at most beaches within walking distance to the sand and surf.
    • Check out classified ads for timeshares people are willing to sell or rent. Look for websites that advertise alternatives to hotels. You might have to clean up after yourself, but the savings will be worth it.
  8. Cook your own food. When you rent a beach house or condo, you will likely have a kitchen. Instead of eating expensive meals out, stay in for meals and snacks.
  9. Travel in the off season. Summer is considered the off season for beach destinations in the Caribbean because it is so hot and the threat of hurricanes is higher.

Tips

  • Book early or late. You can get cheaper fares and rates if you book way in advance. You can also get good deals if you plan a beach vacation at the last minute because hotels, airlines and tour operators want to sell out and are willing to drop prices in order to fill their planes, hotels etc.
  • Do some negotiating. When you are dealing directly with a hotel, airline or travel agent, let them know what kind of budget you have and you might get a better deal than what is published or advertised.
  • Consider a shorter vacation. Take a long weekend or spend a few days at your favorite beach instead of going away for a week or more. This will cut down on costs and still give you the getaway you need.
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