Feeling the heat this summer? If you want to cool off at the beach but are paying off credit card debt, plan a beach trip on a budget.
If you’re in debt management, try these budget beach trip ideas.
Planning an Affordable Beach Trip
Beach trips are great! But between gas, food, accommodations and boogie board rentals, things can get expensive. By making a few good choices or adjustments to your normal trip, you can save money and make it to sandy shores.
Change the Location of the Beach Trip
You probably think of the ocean when you hear “beach trip.” If the ocean is far from you, consider going to a lake that is more local instead. Less time traveling helps you save money in a few ways so that you can continue to eliminate debt.
If there are several options available to you, research admission costs. Can you bring a few friends and split the cost if you’re charged by car? Do you have friends with beach tags you can borrow for the day to gain free admission?
By choosing a closer and cheaper destination, you may have more time to enjoy the water and save money on gas.
Go for Cheaper Accommodations
Hotels with ocean views are not budget-friendly. While you may be accustomed to staying at five-star lodgings, cheaper accommodations will allow you to have a beach vacation while still making progress on debt management.
Camping instead of staying in a hotel is another great way to lower costs. Also, consider booking early or during less popular times like weekdays or avoid peak times of the summer.
Bring Your Own Beach Snacks
No matter where you go, concession stands are notoriously expensive. You could easily go into credit card debt from ordering a few hot dogs and sodas! That’s why it’s so important to bring your own beach snacks.
Bust out the cooler or borrow a friend’s to pack all your yummy beach snacks. Plan for as much as you can: water, other beverages, snacks and more significant lunch items. Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches are an excellent lunch item for the beach.
Take a Shorter Beach Vacation
One final way to make your beach trip affordable is to shorten the trip. Rather than taking a full week, go 3 or 4 days. It can still be relaxing, but you will spend half as much money on accommodations, food and entertainment.
Tweaking your ideal beach vacation can allow you to still take a trip while managing credit card debt. Remember to stick to your travel budget and enjoy!
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
