How to Save Money on a Beach Vacation
Nothing makes you think of summer more than a trip to the beach! After all, who doesn’t love the warm sand, waves, and sun? A beach can have some real relaxing elements, as well as some active elements, which makes it a fun destination for all ages. If you are thinking about packing the family up and spending a day at the beach, you can find yourself really busting your budget if you are not careful. Between admission, parking, food, snacks, and other accessories, a simple beach trip can really add up. But you don’t have to let it. Instead, take a peek at the seven tips below for how to save money at the beach!
A beach trip can actually be a fun and frugal adventure. You can still enjoy a long day full of food and festivities while staying within your means. Take a look below and see how easy it is to enjoy a sizzling beach trip without burning your budget!
Seven Tips for Saving Money on a Beach Vacation:
1. Make a budget.
Before you leave, set a budget for you and your family. Decide how much you are taking to spend and stick to it. If traveling with children, give them each a dollar amount to spend as they will surely want ice cream and treats when they go. Letting them know ahead of time that they are on a budget can avoid overspending and tantrums later.
2. Walk and save.
If you can, park a block away from the beach and save. If you park at the beach, you can pay as much has $10.00 a day for parking. Instead, have everyone help carry the supplies and walk a block or two if you have to. There should be plenty of free parking lots nearby that should be an option.
3. Consider a family pass.
If you are going to visit this beach often, you may want to consider a family pass. For example, if it is $3.00 a person to enter and you have a family of five, you will spend $15.00 each time you go. A family pass may be as low as $40 a family, so if you go just a few times over the course of the summer it is well worth it. Weigh your options and see if a family pass is a good value for you.
4. Don’t rent.
You might be tempted to rent beach supplies such as chairs and umbrellas when you get there, but by all means avoid this. Suppose an umbrella rental is $10.00, chances are you can buy one for $20.00. Chairs may be $5.00 each to rent, but you can easily find inexpensive beach chairs for less than $10.00. If you are going to frequent the beach often, just buy these items instead of renting.
5. Pack your own food.
Packing your own food is essential. You are going to easily pay $3.00 each for a hot dog, which is silly when you can buy a whole package of hot dogs for that. Steam your own before you go and pack them in foil, or take advantage of an on site grill. Pack your own chips, fruits, veggies, snacks, and drinks and save. This way, you are not dropping $30.00 to eat at a food window.
6. Try the free activities.
Many beaches offer free activities for patrons such as free sports activities or fishing and boating clinics. Check online or give the beach a call and see what might be available. Nothing will make your trip more enjoyable than a few fun and free activities!
7. Take advantage of twilight hours.
Some beaches offer a reduced rate if you visit after a certain hour. If you want to avoid a lot of sun and crowds, opt for later afternoon hours and enjoy the reduced rate. Not all beaches offer this, but may do so it is worth looking into! For a fun dinner on the beach, many offer free admission after 5 p.m., so if you are looking for a fun evening get away, consider this.
A day at the beach is a delightful way to spend the summer days! Take a look at some of these tips and consider them when planning your day at the beach. When you spend less, you will really be able to lay back and relax, and let the sun and waves take over your senses!
Don’t overspend on your day at the beach, instead follow these tips and soak in the sun and the savings.
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