How to Plan a Beach Vacation on a Budget
Everyone loves the beach. The sand between your toes and the feel of the sun on your skin has a way of making us relax. Fortunately, you don’t have to blow your budget for a weekend getaway to the beach. There are a few simple things you can do to save money while still having a wonderful time. This is how to plan a beach vacation on a budget.
Beautiful, Understated Beaches
You have many beaches to choose from, especially in Florida, but some beaches tend to cater more to an affluent crowd than others. Skip places like South Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, which are full of high-end shopping boutiques and five-star hotels. Instead, head to a beach like Jacksonville Beach that tends to draw more of a surfing crowd. Also, the closer to your home, the more money you’ll save in gas. Keep that in mind when choosing your beach destination.
Ideal Times to Travel
Traveling during the off-season is the best time to find travel deals and save money on a beach vacation. Try to avoid holiday weekends, spring break, and summer break when kids are out of school. October and February are typically great months to head to the beach and not blow your budget. Plus, the waves are bigger, so you might see some spectacular surfing.
Enjoy Fun Events and Explorations
Just because you’re watching your money doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun. There are plenty of great things to do that don’t cost much money at all. Take your own activities stuff so you don’t get bored. For example, pack a Frisbee, beach ball, or other games that you enjoy. Play some cards while you lay on your blanket in the sun. Jacksonville has many comfortable but affordable Jacksoville hotels. Try to find one with a kitchenette, so you can save money by making your own meals instead of eating out several times a day.
Skip all the popular tourist activities like water sports or a boat cruise. Instead, visit the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary rescues wildcats and provides them a safe and loving home while educating the public about their needs and history. Once Catty Shack Ranch takes in a wildcat, it has a good home for life as the sanctuary never breeds, trades, or sells its big cats. Currently, the sanctuary is home to tigers, lions, leopards, pumas, and lynxes. If you want a thrill, stay for a night feeding. The cost is only $10 per adult and $5 for children.
Talbot Island State Park
A visit to a State Park is another great, affordable family activity, and Talbot State Park is one of the best. Big Talbot Island State Park is a scenic natural preserve providing a premier location for enjoying nature through bird-watching, hiking, and photography. Explore the breathtaking island habitat by hiking Blackrock Trail or kayaking through the waterways. Take along your bikes or roller skates and enjoy the 2.9-mile paved Timucuan Trail.
There are plenty of great ways to enjoy a beach vacation on a budget. Take along a picnic and your own snacks so you don’t have to buy from overpriced stores along the way. Don’t forget to pack your sunblock and a hat.
