My beach vacation

I love going to the beach. It’s such a great way to relax and enjoy the sunshine. My favorite part is just sitting back and watching the waves roll in. And then there’s always the beach volleyball game on Sundays!

I’ve been going to the same beach for years now, and that’s where I met my husband. He had a little sand castle he was building out there when we first met, and I thought it was adorable. We got married at the beach last year, so you could say it’s pretty special to me!

Affordable beach vacation

Panama

If you are looking for an exotic beach vacation, Panama is a far more affordable option than other tropical destinations. If you visit during the offseason, you can get serious deals on flights and hotels.

While you’re here, explore the famous Panama Canal and the nearby Miraflores Visitor Center, which has a four-story museum and a view of the locks where ships pass. Wander around Panama’s historic district, called Casco Viejo, which has a history that goes back to the 1600s. Today, it is filled with restaurants, local shops, and wine bars, plus historic churches to tour.

Sayulita, Mexico

Swap Cabo, Cancun, or other popular vacation spots in Mexico for the beach town of Sayulita, a cheaper (and more relaxed) destination. Situated on the west coast of Mexico near Puerto Vallarta, this town is famous for its surfing. But you don’t have to hit the board to enjoy it — instead, spend your time on the beautiful beaches like La Lancha, Playa De Los Muertos, Carricitos, or Sayulita Beach.

There are also tons of shops to explore, from surfing shops to bohemian-chic clothing stores such as Revolucion del Sueno and local galleries like Evoke the Spirit.

Islamorada, Florida

This village in the Florida Keys has plenty to offer visitors, and opting for a trip here instead of the more popular islands like Key West can save you some cash while still providing a beachy escape.

You can explore the 11-acre Indian Key Historic State Park, where the remains of a shipwreck that dates back to the 1800s are on display. Also check out the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, which has an exposed coral reef and self-guided nature trails that wind underneath the mangrove forests.

Gold Beach, Oregon

Popular Oregon beach destinations like Cannon Beach can be pretty expensive, but the lesser-known Gold Beach is a great affordable alternative. The town has secluded beaches, tidepooling, and ocean kayaking, and the nearby Rogue River offers jet boat tours and fishing. Try visiting between March and May, when you can catch a glimpse of northbound pods of migrating gray whales as they pass.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

This lively beach town has great activities for families and a fun and vibrant downtown to explore. The city is known as the mini-golf capital of the world, with more than 50 themed miniature golf courses in the area. Try hunting for seashells and exploring the pier at Myrtle Beach State Beach, and go shopping at Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market. If you’re looking for more romantic activities, try chartering Enchantress, a 44-foot sail boat, visiting La Belle Amie Vineyard, or exploring the shops and restaurants in Market Common.

Corfu, Greece

While Greece can be a very expensive place to visit, this small town is relatively inexpensive compared to the most popular islands. During your stay, explore the alleyways and winding streets in Corfu’s Old Town, which is home to museums like the Archaeological Museum and Casa Parlante, a mansion that’s been made into a museum with decorations dating back to the 1800s. Also visit Achilleion, a historic palace that’s been converted to a museum with a giant painting of Achilles pulling Hector from his chariot.

Tybee Island, Georgia

This beach destination is just 20 minutes from historic downtown Savannah, but it is far more affordable. Tybee Island has a three-mile long beach, with several distinct areas, including five distinct beaches. The North Beach is a great place to watch birds and ships, Mid Beach is the spot to hunt for seashells and shark teeth, South Beach is the busiest area with volleyball and dolphin-spotting, and Back River has a more secluded beach experience with a fishing pier and great views of Little Tybee. The area also has lots of free parks, playgrounds, and hiking trails.

Patong, Thailand

Thailand can be a cheap place to visit, and this beach on the lively island of Phuket is a great destination for travelers looking for a dose of nightlife on their beach vacation. Relax on the white-sand beaches and take a dip in the crystal blue water during the day, and at night, explore the city’s vibrant nightlife scene.

Palawan Island, Philippines

This beautiful island in the Philippines has so many tropical activities to try. You could give parasailing a go, scuba dive in Bacuit Bay, go on a jungle walk, or book a cave spelunking tour with Ugong Rock Adventures.

Travel a bit north to visit the beautiful beaches of El Nido, and take a day trip to Honda Bay, where you can island hop around. Even though a flight ticket to the Philippines can be pricey, hotels, food, and activities will be cheap once you arrive.