How To Plan A Cheap Beach Vacation
Planning a cheap beach vacation doesn’t have to sound like a Beach Boys song (although, I do love The Beach Boys). With these affordable beach vacation ideas, you can plan a trip at the start of summer that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re looking for the best deals on a beach vacation, or if you’re trying to save money for a down payment on a new car, planning out your vacation will help you get the most bang for your buck.
If you aren’t from the United States and you want to visit the U.S., visiting the beach is a great idea and it doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re looking for a great beach vacation with lots to do, but on a budget – this post is for you. Planning a vacation requires a lot of steps. Some might think it to be such a daunting task that it becomes too expensive and time consuming. As a result, people might not plan and end up staying home for the summer. Planning a vacation does not have to be daunting especially if you know how to do it properly.
How To Plan A Cheap Beach Vacation
Tips to Plan a Beach Vacation on a Budget
6 Tips to Plan a Beach Vacation on a Budget
When choosing a beach, find one off the beaten path to avoid the crowds and inflated hotel costs.(WOLFGANG AMRI/ISTOCKPHOTO)
Dipping your toes into the warm sand with an umbrella drink in hand does not have to cost a fortune. Fun in the sun can be enjoyed on a budget. Here are a few ways to take in that ocean breeze without breaking the bank this summer:
Budget now. There is still plenty of time to plan and budget for a summer trip. When planning a vacation, make sure to take into account all transportation expenses, including airfare or train tickets, gas for your car or rental car fees, and public transportation costs once you get to your destination. Don’t forget about those miscellaneous items such as shopping at seaside boutiques, dining out or entrance fees at boardwalk attractions. If you lead an active lifestyle, consider rental fees associated with surfboards or bicycles, or the cost of acquiring car equipment (roof racks or tows for boats and Jet Skis) if you’re bringing your own gear.
Have a “staycation” beach vacation. You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a great beach vacation. There are a number of family-friendly and affordable beaches throughout the United States just waiting to be enjoyed. Pack a picnic lunch, curl up on a beach towel under the stars or take a day trip with the family. You’ll save on travel expenses while enjoying the beauty of nature in your own backyard. And if you don’t live near a beach, look for fun ways to bring the beach to you this summer! Host a tropical pool party potluck with all the summer treats such as watermelon, barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers, and ice cream. Complete the party with beach balls, surf music and plenty of lounge chairs.
Avoid peak times. Major holidays and weekends are busy times for beach communities. Hotels charge peak season rates between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If possible, consider a weekday beach getaway, or plan a trip in September when rates are lower and many schools are back in session. Affordable prices aren’t the only upside. Depending on what coast you’re visiting, the weather and water are both still pleasantly warm, and the crowds are more manageable.
Choose a beach off the beaten path. Location is everything when it comes to a beach vacation, but that doesn’t mean you need to choose one with a national reputation. While Miami Beach, Myrtle Beach and Santa Monica are renowned for their luxurious stretches of sand, their popularity with summer travelers means they’re often significantly more expensive to visit than neighboring beach towns that are lesser known. Make sure you do your research, and see if a cheaper alternative adjacent to your dream beach exists – often it does!
Consider renting a condo or vacation home. A hotel isn’t the only option when traveling. In fact, it’s often not the best option when it comes to your budget or sanity. Vacation homes are typically more affordable when you rent them for the entire week, especially if you have a big family or large group. They also have the added benefit of a kitchen, so you can easily prepare meals without dining out. When renting vacation homes, consider finding one from a site with a large network of users like Airbnb or VRBO. Look for properties that are located near restaurants, activities and the beach so you’ll enjoy the convenience without having to rent a car.
Plan ahead for your activities. When choosing affordable beach vacations for families or large groups, think about what everyone wants to do, and factor that into your budget. Young families will likely want to head to beaches that have lifeguards, convenient restrooms and calm waters. Teenagers will most likely want a little adventure like snorkeling or surfing. Ask ahead if there are any discounts on lessons or activities. Bring beach toys and inflatable rafts and plenty of sunscreen instead of buying the marked-up products at the gift shop.
Beating the heat and enjoying the sand this summer doesn’t have to come with a giant price tag. A little due diligence before you don the swimsuits can go a long way to making your beach vacation an affordable getaway.
Cheap Beach Vacations to Take on a Budget
BY ALYSSA OCHS
815.6K+
Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Many people crave a relaxing beach vacation but think they can’t afford to make the trip. Beach destinations have gotten a certain reputation of being touristy and overpriced, but not all beach spots are the same. There are lots of great cheap beach vacations that you can take that won’t break the bank or blow your budget. Here are some of the most affordable beach destinations around the world.
Florida Panhandle, Florida
Why Come Here: A picture-perfect Florida shoreline with emerald waters.
Where to Stay: Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach | The Port Inn and Cottages, Ascend Hotel Collection
Florida is a classic beach destination in the U.S., and despite its popularity, you can still find some great deals on beach trips in the state. For the best deals, look in beach towns along the Florida Panhandle and along Florida’s Gulf Coast. You can reach the popular towns of Panama City and Pensacola by flying into the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. The temperatures in Pensacola, for example, range between the 70s and 90s from April to October, which is perfect beach weather. Other great areas to stay in for your Florida Panhandle beach trip are Destin, St. Andrews, and Grayton Beach.
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Ambergris Caye, Belize
Why Come Here: For its laid-back vibes and top snorkeling and diving sites.
Where to Stay: Portofino Beach Resort | Costa Blu Beach Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
The small country of Belize is one of the most affordable destinations in Central America, and it has some beautiful beaches just waiting to be explored. Ambergris Caye is the largest island that’s part of Belize and a favorite destination among divers. One of the largest coral reef systems is located near the island, which is a huge selling point for divers and snorkelers. The vibe here is very relaxing and laid back in the town of San Pedro, and there are many budget-friendly hotels and restaurants here to indulge a bit without going broke.
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Cannon Beach, Oregon
Why Come Here: Photogenic landscapes with a range of outdoor activities.
Where to Stay: Cannon Beach Hotel Collection | Best Western Plus Ocean View Resort | Tolovana Inn
Not all beach trips have to be about bikinis and sunbathing, and Oregon’s stunning beaches prove that beach vacations can go beyond the stereotypes. You’ll only need to drive about an hour and a half from Portland to reach this area, but you’ll feel like you’re a world away. Haystack Rock is the iconic natural landmark here that you’ll see protruding from the ocean a couple of hundred feet from the surface. The route to get here highlights stunning views of the coastline, so pull over a couple of times to snap photos of the scenery along the way. Ecola State Park nearby is great for hiking, biking, and flying a kite.
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South Padre Island, Texas
Why Come Here: A budget-friendly beach destination with a family-friendly setting.
Where to Stay: La Copa Inn Beach Hotel | Courtyard South Padre Island | Best Western Beachside Inn
Many people who haven’t traveled to Texas are surprised to learn that there’s an amazing beach along the southern coast of the state. South Padre Island is accessible by road and very popular as a budget-friendly beach destination in the U.S. Accordingly, this area has become famous for its spring break parties, but the beach is very calm and serene if you visit in September or October. In the early fall, the crowds disburse but the temperatures are still warm enough to spend your days at the beach. Families and adventurous couples can keep busy here with water parks, sailing, kiteboarding and even dolphin watching. The town of Galveston is also a fun place to visit for a beach trip because it’s only 45 minutes from Houston and has a nice beach, winery, parks, and gardens.
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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Why Come Here: An attraction-filled coastline with endless activities for families.
Where to Stay: South Bay Inn & Suites | Anderson Ocean Club and Spa | Hampton Inn & Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront
Myrtle Beach has been a favorite beach destination on Atlantic Coast for decades. This is a wonderful place to visit for families, and there are lots of golf courses and nightlife options for adults too. Flight prices are often reasonable here to drive the tourism industry, and it’s also an easy drive from many cities in the South and Mid-Atlantic coast. There are lots of hotels but also look into condo-style vacation rental options if you’re traveling with a few other people.
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Corfu, Greece
Why Come Here: It’s an affordable slice of paradise with crystal clear waters.
Where to Stay: Acanthus blue | Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection | Agios Gordios Beach Resort
Since the economy began struggling in Greece, many of the epic beach destinations became more affordable for getaways. Corfu is a Greek island that is a little less well-known than some of the other beach spots in Greece and not as pricy as those ones either. Travelers can find affordable hotels here and often inexpensive flights through small, regional airlines. If you’re traveling on a limited budget, you may need to adjust your expectations and settle for simple rooms that don’t include all the luxurious amenities.
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Manzanillo, Mexico
Why Come Here: A popular beach destination in Mexico for budget-savvy travelers.
Where to Stay: Hotel Marbella | Hotel Parotas Manzanillo | Hotelito Escondido
There are lots of beach resort towns in Mexico, but one of the most budget-friendly ones is Manzanillo. This is a port city that has a couple of five-mile bays with beaches. Here you’ll find some great seafood restaurants and a laid-back atmosphere. Plan to rent an apartment or small home with an ocean view if you’re traveling with a few people and planning to stay for a while. Smaller budget-friendly hotels can also be found in Manzanillo, and many of them are conveniently located downtown and near the bus station.
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Phuket, Thailand
Why Come Here: An exotic destination with beachside accommodations for affordable rates.
Where to Stay: Panwaburi Beachfront Resort | Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort | U Sabai Living Hotel
Thailand has been a favorite vacation destination among budget-minded backpackers, but it’s also a great place for a beach vacation. The big cost here is the flight, especially if you’re coming from the U.S. But if you can find a good deal on a flight, then the rest of your trip should be well within your budget. Phuket is a beach town that is famous for luxury resorts, but you can often find very reasonable prices on splurge accommodations or settle for low-key accommodations for an even lower price. Popular beach areas here include Racha Yai Island, Naithon Beach, and Patong Beach.
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Algarve, Portugal
Why Come Here: Stunning cliffside beaches with year-round sunshine.
Where to Stay: Lagos Atlantic Hotel | Falesia Hotel – Adults Only | Hotel Carvoeiro Plaza
The Algarve is along Portugal’s southern coast and is a European favorite for holidays filled with sunshine and sand. The big city here is Faro, and Faro Airport is where you may fly for this beach trip. Along the Algarve, you’ll find quiet villages, exciting party towns, and a little of everything in between. This is a great beach trip for travelers looking for authenticity and cultural experiences that go beyond just lounging in the sand. It’s a favorite spot among travelers from the UK and Northern Europe. Take a drive along the coast to see the beautiful cliffs, and make sure to check out Cabo de Sao Vincente, the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, and Alte & Salir.