Imagine a day soaking up the sun while sitting in a beach chair and listening to the sound of waves crashing on the shore. People love to put their toes in the sand and just relax while being surrounded by the beauty of nature. However, visiting the beach can be a costly proposition, particularly during the tourist season. It is possible to plan an affordable beach holiday that is truly enjoyable. What should a person know when planning their next trip to the seashore?
Choose a Destination
When people think of the beach, they often think of Myrtle Beach, Destin, or Miami Beach. Millions of people visit these beaches every year to enjoy the waves and the water. Choose a less frequented location and have a great time without spending a fortune. For example, rather than going to Virginia Beach, head just a short distance down the road and visit Sandbridge. It’s the same ocean, but fewer people come to this area to enjoy the sand and the sun. Visit MidAmerica St. Louis Airport to see the many destinations a person may choose from for a beach getaway.
Another option is to vacation at a lake rather than visiting the ocean. Many lakes across the country offer sandy shores and breathtaking vistas without the high cost of a beach vacation. Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia, Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, and other destinations are hidden gems that people discover they want to return to again and again.
Take Advantage of Shoulder Season
Try to avoid traveling during peak periods. A person can save a significant amount of money by traveling during the shoulder season when rates are typically much cheaper. The beaches are also less crowded. A person might choose to wait until off-peak times, although the weather may not be as favorable. Furthermore, service may be limited in terms of some amenities. During the shoulder season, the weather tends to be pleasant, the prices have dropped somewhat, and the crowds are smaller, so the trip is still enjoyable.
The shoulder season varies by location. For example, Florida’s tourist season runs from May through September. By visiting in April or October, a person can still enjoy the beach and pay less. Surprisingly, the Caribbean tourist season coincides with hurricane season. Try to travel in late spring or late fall for great deals.. Some locations, such as California, remain popular year-round.
Visit a Beach During the Week
People often flock to beaches on the weekends to soak up every last minute they can of the sand and sun. Crowd sizes are bigger, and prices tend to rise on weekends. If possible, try to visit the beach midweek. People who do so often find they save on flights, lodging, and rental cars. There’s also more room to spread out on the beach.
Flight Deals
Try to be flexible when it comes to travel dates. Use flight tracker websites to find the best deals on various flights to a selected destination. Another option is to look for last-minute deals to a beach and be willing to be flexible regarding the destination. Strategic planning and the use of last-minute deals may allow a person to visit more than one beach and pay the same price they would if they visited a popular destination during tourist season.
A beach vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. People can spend their time enjoying the water and soaking up the sun on the sand. Furthermore, many beaches offer low-cost or free activities. Bring the necessary gear, and try to eat in the hotel room whenever possible. By taking steps such as these, any person can have an affordable beach trip that they will remember for years to come.