Got aspirations to go to the beach this summer? Well, you’re
likely not the only one, especially since the kids are out of school and the
sun is out and that makes people flock to beaches near and far. The problem
with heading to the beach during the warmest months is that it is often quite
expensive and crazy crowded. Considering most people are just lying on the
beach on their trip, it makes no sense to spend a ton of money that you don’t
have to. So, here are some tips on how to spend less than expected.
It’s summer,
which means you don’t need to take much with you. Getting everything in a
carry-on will save you checked bag fees and also get you on your vacation as
soon as possible after your plane lands. Keep your travel wardrobe to a minimum
by taking one nice outfit and then several tops and bottoms that mix and match.
This way, even if you took only 3 tops and 3 bottoms, they could make two
week’s worth of different outfits. I then suggest taking two pair of shoes that
will work with your outfits as well. Normally, I take a nice pair of sandals
that can also work with dress clothes and a good pair of walking shoes. This way,
you will be prepared for anything. Throw in a pair of flip flops (which I don’t
count as shoes, since they take up almost no space) and you’re set for bumming
around on the beach or at the pool.
Trade in the
ocean for a nice lakeside location. Not only will it be a fraction of the price
of an oceanfront property (or even an ocean “view” one), but you can do almost
the same things you can otherwise. You can lay out on the beach, make
sandcastles, go snorkeling, fishing, swimming, jet skiing and almost everything
else you can do at the beach by the ocean.
Look for an
apartment/condo/house rental instead of a hotel. I keep saying this, but it
really can save you a lot of money. Many times you can find something for
$300-400 per week, when most hotels you find are going to be well over
$75/night, and that’s only for two people. On top of the savings per night and
per person, you’ll also be able to shop for your own food and make as many
meals as you like. I tend to like to buy breakfast fixings, because I don’t
usually like to go out for breakfast and I don’t like to rush in the morning. I
can eat a bowl of cereal or a bagel while I’m getting ready for the day and
I’ve saved at least $8/day just for me alone. A lot of restaurants charge more
than that. Heck, you could easily spend that much at Starbucks for a muffin and
a coffee. And if you come back in the middle of the day for a nap or to rest
your feet, you can make yourself a sandwich for lunch, too!
Go on a cruise.
There are tons of deals going on right now, which means you can hang by the
pool on the ship and then check out different beaches when you reach port. You
also have the option of trying cool cuisines, saving money on food and
accommodations while at sea and having a lot of shopping and sightseeing
options.
Head to South and
Central America where even during the summer, rates for hotels are pretty
affordable. Places like Ecuador and Belize have wonderful beaches and
budget-friendly food and lodging. Stay at a more luxury resort for a fraction
of the price, which will help you stay on track with your travel budget and
also give you more for your money. The beaches are just as good, plus you get
to brush up on your Spanish or Portuguese.
Head to less-popular
locations like Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and other beachfront locations that
have late summer travel deals. Many of these are located in the Southeast and in
smaller towns, like Daytona Beach. While they may not seem very exciting at
first, there are plenty of things to fill your spare time with, yummy fresh seafood
and cool day trips as well.
So, if you’re
hoping to work on your tan and enjoy some sand between your toes, don’t forget
to pack your swimsuit, your sunglasses and a bunch of sunscreen and start
booking your flights, which will not be cheap this time of year. Where
will you be headed this summer?
