How to Visit the Beach for Less

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.

Change Location

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.

Book a Rental 

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.

Go South

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.

Become Unpopular

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. Fodor's has this great list of under-the-radar beach spots in the U.S.

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?

Review: Travelon's Anti-Theft Metro Small Crossbody

By now you know what a bag lady I am. I have different bags for different trips, because sometimes I need a bigger or smaller one for my activities and now I've got the perfect bag for Las Vegas: The Anti-Theft Metro Small Crossbody from Travelon is both the ideal size, but it's also chic and classic looking. I can go straight from the airport to The Strip. Let's check it out!

Right off the bat, the new Metro collection spoke to me, with it's two-tone material, giving it a classy, yet sort of sporty look. The top looks like waterproof vinyl and then you have a heathered material on the front. Both are actually a water- and stain-resistant polyester, which makes it a great bag for my jaunts around rainy Portland, too.

This bag is more than just great looking. It's not going to stand out in the crowd as a traveler's bag, so you won't be pegged as a tourist when you're in a crowded area with lurking pickpockets. Even if they do decide you are one to rob, they're going to be pretty disappointed, since this bag has two locking compartments and a locking clip on the strap that allows you attach your bag to a chair, table or other immovable object when chilling or eating.

The strap is also fully adjustable, so you can fix it for your body. A man or woman can carry this. It's also slash-proof, along with the body of the bag. Anyone wanting to steal this from you will have to drag you along with it. Nobody's going to go through that much trouble for whatever you have in here.

The front compartment is a patch pocket with a zipper that only opens along the top and three quarters of one side. You might think this is going to be awkward, but it's not. The best part about this is that your compartment can't flop open and spill everything out on the ground. I've totally had that happen to me before. This compartment has RFID-blocking technology for your credit cards and your passport (in fact, two passports can fit in this slip pocket, in case you're traveling with another person and you want everything in one place. 

There's a second large slip pocket here, too. I used it for my phone, but you can use it for sunglasses or other things you need to keep secure. 

There's a large zipper pocket behind this larger compartment. It's pretty deep, and had more than enough room for my large back-up battery (and then some). I like the chunky zipper on here. It gives The bag extra personality and fits with the different material feel.

The back of the bag has a large slip pocket that can throw your maps or guidebooks in. It fit my Kindle Fire, and will fit my iPad mini for the plane. If you use a point and shoot camera on your trips, this is a perfect place to stash it, since it's right up against your body. I'd also use this for a scarf/wrap, when I need a little extra coverage.

Let's talk about the main compartment. It's deceiving, because it's much larger than you expect with the slim silhouette of this bag. I threw some snacks, my coin purse, a packet of tissues and a bottle of hand sanitizer. 

This compartment has another zipper pocket for organization, where I'd keep my kip balm and other necessities. It's pretty deep as well. 

Here are all the things I was able to get in this purse and still had room left for items I might have forgotten or things I pick up along the way. The red bag is a super small packable reusable bag, which I take along with me for groceries and other purchases. 

I'll be taking this bag with me on my week-long trip to Vegas, so you'll be seeing a log of photos of me carrying it around while sightseeing, eating and getting in my million steps along the way. You will probably see it featured in my pics of Scotland as well. It's not too big and it's not too small, which is exactly what I need in a travel bag.

It's very comfortable to carry and you're going to find it the perfect companion for your travels. it gives you peace of mind, has enough room for all your necessities without being bulky, plus the crossbody strap allows you to have your hands free for taking pictures, browsing at the farmer's market, and wrangling the kids. 

More details:

Where can I buy these totes? On the Travelon website

How much do they cost? $63 - Use code SHEREENTRAVELS20% to get my exclusive discount.

What colors do they come in? Black | Gray (shown) | Navy

Other specs: 9.75" x 10.75" x 2", Strap Length: 52.5", Strap Drop Length: 14"-19", polyester fabric 

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Where would you take this bag on your travels?

Disclosure: Travelon sent me the Anti-Theft Metro Small Crossbody for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.

Traveling Is Good For You

It's true! Traveling is good for you and your health. It makes us happier and more tolerant. It broadens our minds and teaches us new things. It helps us bond with others and make lasting memories. Even the process of planning a trip is good for us. Want to know more? Check out this infographic that will give you many, many reasons to start planning your next trip now.

photo credit

Where will you be going on your next trip?