beach vacation travel

Beach vacations can be really cheap or really expensive, depending on when you go, where you’re going, and the level of luxury you’re willing to pay for.

First, let’s talk about the “when”. Vacations in popular beach vacation destinations during the tourist season will simply be more expensive than the same trip in the off-season. Prices for everything (hotels, food, tickets, etc.) from November through May at popular beach vacation spots are going to cost more. There are ways to go for less, of course, but cheap travel means you’ll have to ditch the frills and cater for yourself.

But even during the tourist season, prices vary. Everything is more expensive on Friday, Saturday and Sunday than the other days of the week.

Now let’s talk about the “where”. All beach vacation destinations are not equally desirable. Some areas cater to the party crowd, while others cater to family fun. Some try to cover all contingencies. But a trip to Acapulco, for example, will cost less than a trip to Cancun. Trips to all the beaches in Florida don’t cost the same either.

Now about the luxury level: This is a point where you have the most control over the cost of your beach vacation. If you think it’s necessary to travel first class all the way, you’ll pay for it. If, instead, you want to keep expenses as low as possible, look for rentals instead of reserving rooms at the major hotels on the beach. Take a look at the prices of the hotels that are a little further inland.

And avoid the tourist traps. Many restaurants and shops cater especially to vacationers. The locals don’t pay those prices. Find the places where locals shop and where locals eat out. You can save a lot of money.

Thank you,