Did you know beach-goers coping with depression or anxiety see a significant boost to their mood? Spending time outdoors near blue spaces, like the ocean, also reduces stress.
Everyone needs a break from life to relax at the beach.
If only planning beach vacations were as stress-relieving as the trip itself! Your beach vacation budget alone is enough to make you grind your teeth. That’s not to mention any possible hiccups with rental cars, traffic, and the hotel.
The best way to combat trip-planning stress is to sort out the details as early as possible. This guide walks you through 5 money-saving vacation tips that make planning a breeze.
Read on!
1. Find Lesser-Known Options For Beaches
There’s no rule stating you must vacation at a popular beach. Sure, you’ll have a fun photo to share, but are the crowds worth it?
Often tourists overlook smaller beaches in favor of big-name beaches. In remote places along the Pacific Coast, you might be the sole visitors.
To find secluded beaches, look a few miles north of popular destinations. Ask the locals which of the beaches is best for relaxing when you arrive.
2. Stretch Your Beach Vacation Budget and Visit During the Off-Season
Summertime lures everyone to the coast. Coastal communities entertain tourists from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Due to high demand, the communities boost the prices for hotels and activities.
In warm regions, visit the coast in late April or September. Keep in mind, the earlier you go, the colder the water. If you want to swim, visit when the weather’s still warm.
3. Try a Few Inexpensive Common Water Activities
Beach vacations offer a wide variety of activities for your family. Unfortunately, things like renting bikes or canoes eat into your budget.
Try these budget-friendly activities:
- Volleyball
- Sandcastle competition
- Hiking
- Surfing
- Snorkeling
Fishing is another inexpensive option. All you need is a pole and some bait. This post will help you plan your fishing trip.
4. Save by Renting Vacation Homes
A hotel room on the coast can cost over $1000 for a week’s stay. If your family goes on the trip, you’ll spend thousands before you have any fun.
With that much money, you could rent an entire home for the week, instead. Your family won’t need to worry about other guests during the morning buffet. Plus, there’s a laundry room to wash your sandy clothes before packing.
5. Food Options That Won’t Break Your Budget
Another perk of renting vacation homes or an RV is the kitchen. Eating out costs well over $10 a person per meal. If you’re staying at the beach for a week, that’s about $1000.
Instead of eating out, let everyone plan the menu for one day. Play with themes like a pirate feast or make a candle-lit dinner on the patio. Use the money you save to go to a local restaurant during your final night at the beach.
Planning Beach Vacations on a Budget isn’t Difficult
Most of the budget when planning beach vacations goes to food and hotel rooms. Using these tips, you can customize your beach trip to fit your needs.
Remember to check out remote coastal communities during the fall. Your visit will put much-needed money into the economy to help survive through winter.
Are you looking for other ways to relieve stress? Visit our Mental Health section for helpful articles.