Your Vacation Budget: Keeping it In Line

Even people who have a vacation budget to stick to want to be able to have a great family vacation. Whether you leave near one of the major coastlines or live in the interior of the country a great beach vacation really can be done on a strict budget. Want to learn how? Follow these simple tips to get the most out of your money.

Plan Ahead

Starting to plan early -especially if you already have a good idea of your vacation budget-- allows you to minimize surprises and maximize the value you'll receive. Planning ahead allows you to research activities at the beach. Avoiding major events can help reduce premium costs and you may be able to schedule your trip at a time there is a smaller event of particular interest.

Be Flexible

Being flexible allows you to look for the best bargains available. Of course you want to visit the beach during a time that will maximize your chances of great weather. But you may be able to save a considerable amount of money by going early or late in the beach season. Instead of calling hotels main Reservation Center call the local number of hotels that you are interested in visiting. The local properties will be able to offer the best pricing.

Accommodations

It's always great to stay right next to the beach. It's easy to carry your chairs and well supplied beach bag to you're spot each day. But accommodation is always one of the things that will break your vacation budget most quickly. Want to save money? You may be able to find a campground or motel with cabins that is off the beaten path a little bit but is still on a beautiful beach. If you do want to stay in a hotel in the heart of the action it is almost always cheaper to stay a block or two off the beach. A beach view will be less expensive than beach front but should still provide easy beach access.

Look for specials before you travel

Destination and tourist communities often provide a coupon book or other information on specials. Do some research on the website for the community you will be visiting several months before you go. Coupons may help reduce expenses for housing, dining and activities.

Drive instead of flying

Really want to spread your beach vacation budget far? If you can drive to the beach in even a long day, you'll save a ton money on your trip. On top of the price of airline tickets, if you fly you will need to either rent a car, use public transportation or use taxis. The benefits of having your car include being able to go to a grocery store instead of always having to eat out.

Bring what you can from home

The closer you are to the beach the more expensive items will be. Bring food items and plenty of sun block from home. Many tourist destinations have higher taxes and although you will pay those higher taxes in the entire community, you may be able to get lower prices if you go farther away from the beach.

Minimize eating out

Even if the room rates are a little more, try to get a room with a small kitchen or at least a refrigerator. You’ll more than make up the extra housing cost by reducing your dining budget. Remember that a good filling breakfast is less expensive than a dinner. Try to keep eating out to breakfasts or lunches and prepare dinner yourself. If possible a cookout at the beach can be a great way to eat.

Make a budget and stick to it

Ask yourself whether you need something or just want it. Many souvenirs seem like a must have item but one good and meaningful item will provide a great reminder of your trip.

Focus on free activities

One of the best reasons to go to the beach is to have fun without allotting too much of your vacation budget for "fun stuff." Spend most of your time at the beach or at other free activities around the town. If you got a coupon book as mentioned above, look through it for any free or cheap events. Beach communities often have free festivals and activities that you can do when you’re not on the beach.

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