The Best Tips for Saving Money on Family Beach Vacations
For many families, taking a vacation is a cherished tradition. However, vacations can also be a major expense. Fortunately, there are a number of ways for saving money on family beach vacations.
One of the easiest ways to save money is to plan ahead. Start by setting a budget and then look for ways to trim costs. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your family vacation is both enjoyable and affordable.
1. Choose an inexpensive destination for your family vacation
There are a number of great beach destinations that won’t break the bank. With the high cost of travel, it can be difficult to find an affordable destination that will please everyone in the family. If you are looking for an inexpensive beach destination, consider one of these options.
There are plenty of great options in the United States. In the Southeast, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a popular choice, with its wide sandy beaches, ample hotels and resorts, and many attractions and activities for families.
For a more laid-back atmosphere, Gulf Shores, Alabama is a great option, with its beautiful white-sand beaches and tranquil waters. If you’re hoping to experience some of the best that Florida has to offer, Daytona Beach is a must-see, with its 23 miles of coastline, world-famous Daytona International Speedway, and many family-friendly hotels and restaurants.
And finally, no list of affordable beach destinations would be complete without mentioning Provincetown, Massachusetts, with its lovely beaches, charming Cape Cod atmosphere, and wealth of family-friendly activities
Another option is to visit a state park. Many state parks offer camping facilities as well as access to beaches. This can be a great option for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. State parks also often have activities for children, such as hiking trails, playgrounds, and educational programs.
Families looking for a budget-friendly beach vacation will find plenty of options in the Caribbean. Many islands offer beautiful beaches, ample sunshine, and a laid-back vibe, all at a fraction of the cost of more popular destinations.
Puerto Rico is a great option for families, with miles of sandy beaches and plenty of activities for kids. The Dominican Republic is another affordable destination, with an array of family-friendly resorts offering all-inclusive packages.
Jamaica also offers many affordable accommodation options, as well as a wide range of activities for the whole family. Whatever your budget, there is sure to be a perfect Caribbean island for your next beach vacation.
Read Next >>> How to Choose Your Family Vacation Destination
2. Travel during the off-season and choose your dates wisely
One way to save money on beach vacation is to choose an off-season travel date. Not only will you avoid the crowds, but you’ll also find lower prices on flights, hotels, and car rentals. You can often find cheaper flights and discounts on hotels and rental cars if you travel during the off-season.
For example, many families travel to beach towns during the summer months. However, prices are often lower in the spring or fall.
Beach spots often remain warm later in the year, so you may still enjoy the water if you time it correctly. Consider September after Labor Day, October, or make it a special occasion and go to the beach for Thanksgiving.
Many hotels offer significantly reduced rates during the shoulder seasons, and you’ll avoid the crowds and higher prices of peak season travel. By travelling mid-week instead of on weekends, you can also take advantage of lower airfares.
In addition, consider booking 5 nights instead of 7, take a staycation those other days. And, if you’re willing to be flexible with your dates, you can often find even better deals.
3. Stay in a rental home or condo for saving money on family beach vacations
Lodging expenses can quickly add up, making it difficult to stay within a budget. One way to save money is to rent a home or condo instead of staying in a hotel.
Not only will rental homes give you more space than a hotel room, but it will also provide you with access to a kitchen, which can help you save on dining costs. In addition, many rental properties offer amenities such as pools and tennis courts, which can help keep your family entertained without incurring additional expenses.
By choosing a rental home or condo for your beach vacation, you can enjoy all the comforts of home while saving money on lodging costs.
4. Choose a smaller vacation rental
Consider this: why pay for three bedrooms when a two-bedroom home with a loft will do? The majority of rental firms charge by the number of bedrooms available. When searching for rentals, check the sleeping arrangements carefully. Most families don’t need a separate room for each child.
Older kids can share, or you might be able to get by with a futon in the loft or an air mattress in the living room. The savings could easily cover the cost of dinner one night or a tank of gas.
5. Eat like a local
When you’re on a beach vacation, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and splurge on meals out. However, this can quickly become expensive, particularly if you’re feeding a family.
One way to save money is to eat like a local. This doesn’t mean you have to cook all your meals from scratch, but it does mean taking advantage of the local grocery stores and cooking some of your own meals.
If you stay in a vacation beach rental with a full kitchen, it’s possible to prepare a simple supper. Get takeout from a local restaurant if you don’t feel like cooking. At home, drink your wine and beer, where the cost of each is closer to $3 than $8 at a restaurant.
Read Next >>>Sanity Tips For Eating Out With Kids
You can also look for restaurants that offer lunch specials, early bird specials or happy hour deals. This is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
6. Take advantage of free activities
There are often plenty of free or low-cost activities available, no matter where you’re vacationing and it will help with your vacation budget. For example, many beaches offer free movies on the sand, concerts, and other forms of entertainment and these freebies can offer significant savings.
You can also take advantage of the local parks and playgrounds, or go for a walk or bike ride along the beach. Whether you’re building sandcastles, flying kites, or simply strolling along the shore, there’s no need to spend a lot of money to have a good time.
Of course, if you’re looking for a little more excitement, there are also plenty of affordable options available. from parasailing and jet skiing to beach volleyball and surfing lessons, there’s no shortage of ways to create lasting memories on a budget.
So before you start planning your dream vacation, be sure to keep an eye out for all of the great things you can do without breaking the bank.
7. Use coupons and discounts
You can often find coupons and discounts for local attractions, restaurants, and shops. These can help you save money on your vacation expenses.
Before you leave on vacation, do some research and see if there are any coupons or discounts available for the places you’re planning to visit. For starters, check with your local tourism office for coupons and discounts on attractions in the area.
You may also be able to find discounts on lodging, dining, and more if you book your trip during off-peak times. Seniors, youngsters under the age of 18, military families, and people with disabilities are among the groups that may qualify for savings.
If you’re an AAA or AARP member, you may get additional savings and percentage discounts on accommodations. Check for deals for other activities and locations using online sites or apps like Groupon.com or LocalFavor.com to see if there are any discounts or great deals are available.
Additionally, many stores offer seasonal discounts on beach supplies such as sunscreen, swimsuits, and towels. So before you hit the sand, be sure to do a little research and take advantage of the savings!
8. Pack your own snacks and drinks
If you’re travelling with kids, it’s important to have snacks and drinks on hand to avoid costly stops at convenience stores. Not only will this help to keep everyone from getting hangry, but it will also save you a fortune on overpriced food.
When packing snacks, be sure to include a variety of items that will please everyone in the family. Include some sweet treats for after a long day in the sun, as well as some savory snacks that can double as lunch. And don’t forget to pack plenty of water and juices to keep everyone hydrated.
By packing your own snacks and drinks, you can save money and keep your family happy.
9. Bring your own gear and beach toys
You already know that the kids are going to want bright, new beach toys (and bubbles, flip flops, soccer balls, and boogie boards) as soon as their feet touch the sand. Prior to your arrival, purchase these items from your local big box stores or dollar stores.
You’ll cut down on the trip and maybe save half the money. This advice is especially important for things like sunscreen, medicines, sunglasses, and other goods.
If you have your own beach gear, there’s no need to rent or buy it when you get there. This can help you save a significant amount of money, particularly if you’re travelling with a family.
Be sure to pack all the beach gear you’ll need, including umbrellas, beach chairs, and towels. By bringing your own gear, you won’t have to spend money on rentals or purchases when you get to your destination.
Your rental or beach house may already be stocked with all the items you need for the beach – so you can leave your own beach chairs and floaties behind.
10. Use public transportation
If you’re travelling to a beach destination, chances are there will be some form of public transportation available. This can help you save money on rental cars or taxis.
Before you leave, do some research and find out what kind of public transportation is available at your destination. This will help you plan your trip and save money on transportation costs. If you pick a central location or a destination with good public transportation alternatives, many cities will not require renting a vehicle.
11. Save money on souvenirs
Souvenirs can be a major expense on a family vacation. One way to help control the cost of a trip is to be mindful of souvenir spending. It can be tempting to buy souvenirs for everyone in your family, but this can quickly add up.
Instead, try to focus on purchasing a few high-quality items that will serve as lasting reminders of your trip. Another option is to look for local handmade items that can’t be easily found at home.
Not only will this support local businesses, but it will also help to ensure that your souvenirs are unique. With a little planning, it is possible to find quality souvenirs without busting your budget.
Before your vacation begins, clearly explain to your children how much money they will have available. Then keep to it! This will help kids understand the importance of money and how to manage their allotment effectively. If they spend all of their money on the first trinket that captures their attention, they must face the consequences.
To save money, encourage them to wait to buy souvenirs until you’re about to leave your destination. This way, your family won’t be tempted to overspend.
12. Travel with another family or couple
Vacations with another family may save you money, and they might be more enjoyable than you think. It makes perfect sense to fill a vacation rental home with friends and spread out the expenditures.
You’ll get more bang for your buck, especially if you split the costs of food and beverages while borrowing one another’s beach gear. You could also swap “watching” responsibilities by allowing each of you to go out on the town (without children).
13. Consider other options for reaching your destination
When deciding where to go, most people choose air travel since it is more convenient. However, utilizing an alternative approach may save you money and offer your family a unique new experience.
If you’re willing to drive, it will be cheaper to fill up the van with gas than pay for flights for a family of four. This option will also give you the opportunity to make some fun new memories by stopping at different attractions along the way. Plus, it’ll be a chance for everyone to bond and chat during your car ride.
Alternatively, you might take the train. It will most likely be less expensive than flying (and potentially more comfortable), but it does have a little of adventure to it that will make for an amusing tale when you return home!
If you must fly, keep in mind that you always have the option of devising your own itinerary! Look into Midway rather than O’Hare if traveling to Chicago, or LaGuardia instead of JFK if going to New York City. Different airlines may provide discounts on flights into and out of smaller airports.
14. Go on a Cruise or book an all inclusive family resort
Families often want to get away together, but they can be hesitant to do so because of the costs involved. A cruise or an all-inclusive family resort can be a great way to save money on a family vacation.
By booking a cruise, families can save money on airfare, accommodations, and meals. All-inclusive family resorts often offer activities and amenities for children and adults alike, so families can save money on entertainment as well.
At an all-inclusive resort, most meals and activities are included in the initial cost of the stay. This can help families better budget their spending money, since they will know upfront how much everything will cost.
Cruise vacations can also be a good option for budget-minded travelers. Most cruises include food and lodging in the initial price, and many also offer activities like pools, casinos, and shows. Families can save even more by booking their cruise during off-peak travel times. By doing some research and careful planning, families can find affordable vacation options that will help them stick to their budget.
Plus, both cruises and all-inclusive resorts often have special rates for children, making them even more affordable for families. So if you’re looking to save money on your next family vacation, consider a cruise or an all-inclusive family resort.
Find Your Perfect Cruise
Above all, remember to have fun on your beach vacation
Family beach vacation time is at the heart of every holiday. Even if it isn’t exactly how you planned it, a spur-of-the-moment excursion away from home will undoubtedly be filled with memories that everyone involved will treasure forever.
We hope we’ve provided you with a few simple ideas and ways to save money on your next family holiday or beach trip that you can apply right away. Even if you can just follow a few of these suggestions, you’ll have a great time without having to worry about how much everything will cost!
With a little planning and effort, you can find ways to save on your travel expenses and enjoy a wonderful family vacation – your beach town awaits.
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