How to Reduce Family Beach Vacation Costs

Family vacations produce memories that last forever, so it helps to create good memories. Vacations come with their own stressors from forced togetherness, but an avoidable source of stress is the high costs. With a little bit of planning and some flexibility, you can enjoy a family beach vacation without racking up serious debt. Nothing says vacation like the beach.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look at traveling in off-season travel times. Not only are the costs lower, but so are the crowds. Choose a long weekend in autumn or winter when the kids have extra school holidays, but avoid the break between Christmas and New Year's. Costs often rise temporarily during the holidays for people who want to get away from it all.

2. Contact the Convention and Visitor's Bureau ahead of time. Ask for brochures and guidebooks; many have coupons. Ask visitor's bureau personnel about specials. Sign up to receive informative e-newsletters about your destination.

3. Look into the least expensive way to reach your destination. Driving costs should take into account meals and lodging on the road. Likewise, flying might require car rental costs as well. Don't forget to factor in frequent flyer miles or traveling on alternate days to reduce airfares. If you discover that costs are roughly the same, take the choice that is fastest (usually flying) for more vacation days.

4. Plan your family's stay. Resorts directly on the beach are often the costliest for a family beach vacation. If you're driving, pack up the camping gear if there is a beach campground. There's nothing like sleeping to the sound of waves hitting the beach. Look at motels away from the main drag or in smaller nearby towns for reduced rates. If you plan to eat in occasionally, check on vacation rentals with kitchens. Rates are lower off season.

5. Eat simply. Chain motels often include mini-refrigerators and microwaves in the rooms. What kid wouldn't like to eat microwave popcorn for lunch? Buy cereal, sandwich supplies and microwave meals at the local grocery. Bring your crockpot and throw in some canned soup to heat up while you're at the beach. Take those sandwiches and picnic on the beach. Save eating out for an occasional splurge.

6. Enjoy more sightseeing by planning ahead. See if booking ahead of time means a lower cost.

7. Allow for free time to just hang out. Rushing from activity to activity isn't fun for anyone. You may discover a free concert at an area park. And remember, you are at the beach. Time on the beach is both relaxing and fun. While the kids are building sandcastles, open that trashy paperback for some fun of your own.

Tips & Warnings

• Look at beaches in different states. Sure, Florida has lots of beaches, but did you know that you can find sugar-white beaches in Alabama?
• Ask about AAA or military discounts for accommodations and museums. If you mix business with pleasure, you may find a motel with a business rate.
• Tell kids to plan ahead by saving money to buy their own souvenirs.
• If you want a vacation rental, find out what is supplied, particularly linens and kitchenware.
• Check if local colleges rent out dorm rooms when school isn't in session.

Resources

• See Family Beach Vacation for more resources.
• Check picks for best family vacation spots.
• Get more cost-cutting tips at The Stretcher.