Hitting the beach for a getaway can cost a pretty penny, especially during the summer. Brian and I recently caught up with some friends who had just returned from a beach trip. They traveled with another family, along with their own, to a quieter destination than they typically visit. All four adults and seven children had a blast, which surprised them given how much cheaper it was than their usual spot. Beach vacations can be notoriously expensive, but with open minds and open options, they can also be surprisingly affordable.
Beach-Bound on a Budget
While staying in a less popular area is a smart approach to saving money, there are other ways to enjoy a budget-friendly beach trip. Here are some key tips for making the most of your budget without sacrificing a great vacation:
Choose a place a few blocks inland rather than directly on the beach.
During peak season, beachfront properties carry a hefty price tag. In my experience, booking accommodations within walking distance from the beach can be up to 25% cheaper than beachfront stays, depending on the booking time. Brian and I are perfectly fine with a 30-minute drive to the coast, which is even more affordable! It’s all about location when it comes to the beach; if you’re willing to compromise a bit, you’ll be able to save some extra cash by booking away from the shoreline.
Travel to a less expensive country.
If you have the flexibility to travel more freely, we recommend scoping out deals in more affordable countries. Global economic issues have an impact on currency devaluations, which can lead to fluctuations in exchange rates. As a result, certain countries around the world have lower prices, which can work to the benefit of travelers.
A forex map can help you determine where the USD goes furthest. The color-coded scale offers a visual representation in which the color green indicates the countries whose currency is increasing and the color red indicates the countries whose currency is decreasing.
There are incredible beaches all over the world. Many are located in countries where you can make the most of the current financial climate, such as Greece, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
| Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring a travel credit card that waives foreign transaction fees! We also recommend carrying a bank card with no foreign transaction fees and unlimited ATM fee reimbursements. |
Consider more remote coastal towns.
For those who prefer remaining stateside, you can enjoy a budget-friendly beach trip by staying in a remote coastal town. As I mentioned earlier, choosing a less popular destination is an effective way to avoid high prices.
The US coastline is dotted with all kinds of towns. Some are insanely touristy, some are more residential, and some are remote and virtually untouched by commercial development. If you’re willing to forego the busy crowds and (mostly) overrated restaurants, you can find some fantastic hidden gems right on the beach!
You might be able to book a charming mom-and-pop inn, a beachside motel, or even a cozy home. Honestly, if what you’re looking for is simply affordable, do-nothing beach time, a quiet town might just be the best choice! Personally, Brian and I prefer off-the-beaten-path destinations where we can truly relax and take in the natural surroundings. We’re pretty easy-going, as long as we have a full kitchen and a clean space.
Make it a road trip.
Instead of dealing with the potential of delayed or canceled flights, you might want to consider hopping into the driver’s seat! A road trip can be one of the most cost-efficient ways to have the ultimate freedom in your travels.
While flights are quicker and more efficient, road trips allow for the flexibility of making stops to explore new destinations. Lately, Brian and I have been opting for road trips instead of flights because they allow us to travel at our own pace, carry extra gear, and avoid the added expenses of flying and renting a car.
We were featured in a Redfin article! Check it out here: Roaming for Relocation: Plan your road trip to find your new home
Plan your beach trip during an off-peak time.
Though this tip is one of the more obvious ways to save money, it is also one of the most effective. Whether you choose to travel after certain holidays, once school is back in session, or during the week instead of over the weekend, you’ll likely discover that prices are more affordable outside of peak travel times.
Bring your own beach gear.
Why rent when you own? As long as it’s feasible, carrying your own beach gear ensures you have everything you need for some fun in the sun. By bringing your own gear, you can avoid the stress and inconvenience of finding a rental shop that has what you need, as well as any surprise fees or restrictions.
Take advantage of free activities.
Check out free or low-cost activities in the area. We enjoy landmark- and beach-hopping, hiking, and exploring local markets. Many communities offer free local events and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer.
Speaking of free, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could potentially try your hand at beach camping! Some sites are free, while others require a low reservation fee.
Shop for groceries outside of the busy tourist area.
Brian and I do this frequently! Whenever we stay in a popular destination, we make sure we do our grocery shopping away from the main tourist areas. It is more affordable and much nicer to shop at our own pace alongside the locals.
We opt for buying local groceries to prepare our own meals instead of eating out all the time. Even when we decide to splurge on local goods, it still costs much less than eating at restaurants.
Share the costs.
If you don’t mind a crowd, it can be well worth the savings to travel with family or friends. Beach towns often have a wide range of larger accommodations. Sharing the costs of a big beach house, along with snacks and meals, can be financially advantageous for everyone.
Fun in the Sun
Beach trips don’t have to become expensive vacations. It is absolutely possible to have a cost-effective getaway by choosing less-crowded destinations and being mindful of your budget. Even in pricey beach towns, you can still enjoy a vacation without overspending by applying the tips above. You may also want to keep in mind:
- The suggestions listed in How to Experience Expensive Cities on the Cheap.
- Joining hotel loyalty programs allows you to take advantage of discounted rates.
- Employee perks and benefits could offer exclusive travel deals.
- Club memberships, such as Costco or Sam’s Club, have their own travel discounts and deals.
By incorporating these strategies, you can have relaxing fun in the sun without breaking the bank! Try not to let the initial price tag scare you away from experiencing a summer beach trip. With a little planning and creativity, you can make the most of your beach vacation within your budget.
Do you have any favorite money-saving tips for a summer beach trip? Comment below!
