Are the whispers of sand and surf calling your name? Need a little R and R with the rhythmic sound of the waves in the background? Want to tip toe in the ocean without your budget taking a dive? Then, these 11 Tips for Saving Money on a Beach Vacation, even in peak season, are for you.
1. Buy your sunscreen, beach towels, bathing suits, floats, etc.. before you get to the beach. Prices are often inflated in stores at vacation destinations to take advantage of tourist traffic and people forgetting items that they need.
2. Bring your own beach chairs and umbrella. Although convenient, the cost of renting a chair and sun shade can really add up, especially if you have multiple people in your group.
3. Split the cost with other families or friends for a beach vacation rental property. By going in with several people to share fees, you will significantly reduce the amount of money that you will have to shell out. As an added bonus, you just may get a nicer property than you could afford by yourself.
4. Check Visitor’s Bureau or Chamber of Commerce sites for coupons to restaurants and other businesses that you want to visit while at the beach. Many of these sites offer printable coupons or will send you a printed travel guide with coupons included.
5. Explore individual attraction and restaurant sites for special coupon offers there. Also, like their Facebook/Twitter pages and subscribe to e-mail newsletters for insider deals.
6. See what discounts and coupons that Groupon, Coupons.com, LocalFlavor.com, and LocalSaver have to offer for your destination city.
7. Are you or a someone in your family serving in the military? You may be entitled to special savings at attractions, lodging options, and restaurants. Google “Military Discounts” and your destination name. Also, it never hurts to ask over the phone or on site either for savings.
If you have an AAA or AARP membership or student id, you may also be eligible for discounts. Additionally, senior citizen and young children frequently qualify for reduced prices.
8. When you arrive at the beach, buy a local newspaper and pick up any free local activity booklets/magazines. These publications contain discount offers and information about upcoming low cost or free events. They are easy to find in stands outside or just inside of grocery stores at the beach.
Free and low cost attractions and entertainment at beach locales often include biking paths, flotillas, historic home tours, museums, nature trails, playgrounds, outdoor movies, oceanfront festivals, and parades.
9. Eat in when possible. If you have a kitchen or kitchenette where you are staying, take advantage of it and make your own meals. Definite savings can be found here, especially for large families. Also, you can eat whenever you like because you are not having to fight the crowds.
If you want a seafood meal(s), go to the local seafood market and bring home the fresh catch to prepare yourself. When it comes to shrimp, some markets will spice and steam them for you on site.
10. Look into early bird specials at restaurants when planning to dine out. By being willing to eat at off peak times, you may be rewarded with reduced meal prices. Also, look for kids eat free deals and any other offers that you found in your coupon gathering.
Also, eat where the locals eat. This may mean that you have to get off the beaten path, but you will likely find better prices, shorter wait times, and be rewarded with good food for your efforts. Do a google search or ask locals at your destination to help you identify those places.
11. Set your souvenir budget ahead of time. It is easy to get distracted and carried away with all the fun beach remembrances that you find for purchase. If you have a set limit, you will consider your purchases and chose wisely rather than buying on impulse.
For more Beach-Related Fun:
Tips for Stand-Out Beach Photography
5 Fun Seashell Decorations to Remind You of the Beach All Year Long
40 Things Under $10 For Beach Gift Baskets
These are great tips. My husband and I are thinking about a trip to the beach this summer, but the budget is tight. My family owns a small beach house here in my native Mexico, so that would save us the hotel fees. Eating in is also another good option. Really, there’s no reason to break the bank just to have a family beach trip!
Fabi at My Heart Of Mexico
-Let’s Get Real Friday Link Up
A beach house in Mexico sounds fantastic. Must be beautiful scenery. Thanks so much for stopping by. Sending a Pinterest follow back your way.
Great suggestions; we’re taking our first every beach vacation this year. We’ll be going in Sept. after all the kids head back to school– there are great savings to be had in rentals after the peak season ends!
All great ideas – Thanks for sharing over at Family Fun Friday. I’ve selected your post as one of my featured posts for this week.
Thank you so much. That is great news. Much appreciated!
Great suggestions, we like to eat in and get a place with at least a fridge and microwave so we can eat a continental type breakfast in our room and pack up sandwiches to picnic on the beach for lunch.
Thanks for sharing with Small Victories Sunday Linkup. Pinning to our linkup board and hope you found some great posts to visit this week!