Tips to Get the Best Beach Vacation Deals

Kid friendly vacations don’t have to be expensive or stressful. When it comes down to it, all you really need to make lasting memories is sand, surf and somewhere to eat and sleep. If you’re looking for vacation ideas, start by keeping it simple and affordable. Instead of flying your entire family to Hawaii or worrying about passports traveling abroad, you can enjoy all the fun that a beach vacation provides while staying on a budget.

7 Vacation Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

You can snatch up some great beach vacations deals by choosing the right location and minimizing expenses once you get there.

1. Compare and contrast. You’ll find plenty of kid friendly vacations out there, but for the best deals, you have to do a little comparison shopping. Online travel agencies like Trip Advisor, Expedia and Orbitz have competitive prices on the best hotel rates. Keep an eye out for Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence award, given to top-performing establishments around the world, based on customer feedback.

2. Book direct. Plenty of beach vacation deals can be had directly from the hotel. You can find some of the best hotel rates listed on the hotel’s website. Plus, booking directly through the hotel offers you more flexibility with cancellation policies.

3. Check up on rate specials. Hotels and motels will often update their websites with current rate specials and discounts. When you start planning your kid friendly vacations, bookmark your favorite locations and check in regularly. Join the hotel’s mailing list to be alerted about upcoming and future specials. Don’t be afraid to call the place directly.

4. Find an affordable location. Looking to save some money? Skip the long flights, rental cars and cruises by staying close to home. For example, New Jersey offers some of the best beaches and attractions when it comes to vacation ideas—just book the resort, park your car once, and enjoy all that the area has to offer in walking distance!

5. Find discounts on nearby activities. There are tons of discounts on activities and events out there for you to take advantage of. Do some online research of the area to see what kind of deals and steals you can grab near to where you’re staying.

6. Cook your own meals. Many beach resorts offer full kitchens, allowing you to stay in for meals and snacks to cut down on the expense of eating out.

7. Plan ahead. When planning kid friendly vacations, consider what everyone might like to do and factor this into your budget. Young families will likely want to head to beaches with lifeguards and enjoy boardwalk attractions. Teens usually want a little adventure like snorkeling or surfing. Call the resort ahead of time and find out if there are any discounts on lessons or activities. Avoid markups at the local gift shops by bringing your own beach toys, sunscreen and hats.

For many of us, vacations are often one of the first things to be cut when budgets are tight. But the good news is, they don’t have to be! Savvy vacationers know that successful vacation ideas involve comparison-shopping online, looking for discounts and specials, and staying close to home. With some time and planning, and these tips in mind, you can score the best beach vacation deals that aren’t just cheaper, but better.