Check out our video guide to affordable family beach vacations. And read along below!
Guide to Getting Away to the Beach on the Cheap
Planning vacations that are affordable is pretty much required nowadays. Many families just can't pay what they used to in order to go on vacation. Luckily, when it comes to vacations, beaches are some of the cheapest ways to go. Here are some tips for planning
affordable family beach vacations.
Heading Close to Home
When planning affordable beach vacations for families, the number one way to save money is by cutting the costs of traveling. If you live close enough to the coast to drive, you can save a bundle by not paying for airfare or for a rental car. Before deciding which is cheaper, do some research online to find out how much airline tickets will cost along with renting a car. Then figure out how much you'll pay in gas. It's possible that airfare may be cheaper, but more than likely you'll save by driving to your rental destination.
Choosing Accommodations
Many think that the only way to go when you're on vacation is with a hotel room. This just isn't true; the best accommodation when you're on vacation is a vacation home. Many have cheaper rates when you rent them for the entire week and will end up being cheaper than a week's stay at a hotel. Plus you'll get more room and more amenities. Check out vacation rentals for your vacation destination and be sure to book the rental in advance so you don't miss out on the great deal.
Finding a Location
Every coast has a beach, but that doesn't mean all beach locations are created equal. When choosing affordable beach vacations for families, think first what you want to do on vacation.
Young families will want to head to beaches that have lifeguards, restrooms, and calm waters. One such location is Crandon Park in
Miami. This beach is located on a lagoon making the waters calm, which is great for young children. Another great location is Harbor Beach in
San Diego. Not only will you be safe with lifeguards, but the beach is very wide, making it easy to set up far from the water.
If you have teenagers who will want to scuba dive or snorkel, check out Cannon Beach in
Key Largo, Florida. This location has one of the largest coral reefs making it a lot of fun to explore under water. There's also a shipwreck that can be explored. If your kids want to learn to surf, Cowell's Beach in
Santa Cruz, California is a great location. Here many beginners are learning, so there's not too much intimidation.
California and Florida aren't the only great locations for families. Many families love
Orange Beach, Alabama, located on the Gulf of Mexico. Another hotspot is
Galveston, Texas, which has a few beaches including Stewart Beach, West Beach, and Galveston State Park.
Staying in Your Budget
When it comes to affordable beach vacations for families, no matter what beach you choose, the vacation won't be too expensive. Many of these locations only cost some money for parking (typically around $5) and some are even free on weekdays. Once you're there, there is so much to do that's free. Bring along a bucket and a shovel and your kids will have fun for hours searching for sea shells, splashing in the water, exploring local sea life, and building sandcastle, all free entertainment. Your children will have cherished memories and it won't cost you much at all. Just be sure to bring with you beach basics including a large beach umbrella to provide some shade.
Family Rentals
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