Beach vacations are for everyone. No matter what your budget may be, if your schedule is a bit flexible there are affordable beach accommodations in your future!
Beach vacations are among American's favorite vacation options. After all, who wouldn't love playing in the surf, walking on the sand, and collecting seashells in the warm, salty air? Sadly, beach vacations are hotel and resort owner's dreams come true. Peak season finds their prices soaring and their availability waning. Are there other viable options for singles, couples, or families looking for affordable beach rentals?
There are, indeed, and one need only procure the number for the local Chamber of Commerce in their intended beach town of choice. These days most chambers are available through online web sites, and can typically connect prospective visitors to many options with the simple click of a mouse. Once you've located the Chamber of Commerce, check for the web sites or phone numbers of local newspapers. Don't disregard small weekly newspapers, as they almost always feature a classified section. It is within the pages of these newspapers that some of the great beach rental bargains may be waiting.
Oftentimes private homes are offered as beach rentals. Small two-bedroom homes within a few blocks of the beach are typically far less expensive than beach-front hotels or resorts. The convenience of having your own kitchen is bound to contribute to savings as well.
If local classifieds don't pan out, gather the telephone numbers of several real estate agencies in the area. They often have ample listings of private homes, apartments, and condominiums that are offered for rent. Do specify that you wish to be near the beach, but not necessarily on the beach. This can often mean a savings of quite a tidy sum.
The Chamber of Commerce should be able to recommend guest houses or rooms for rent in private homes. If you are traveling solo, or as a couple, this may in fact be the most economical way to go. Some of these deals feature muffins and coffee for breakfast, which further adds to your convenience and savings.
If being located directly on the beach is an invariable factor in your vacation, there are other ways to cut costs. Consider sharing the cost of a beach rental. Many families opt to vacation together, thus cutting the cost of the vacation rental in tow. This does have its drawbacks, however. Be sure you know exactly whom you're sharing vacation time with. Many friendships have dissipated over too much time spent together in close quarters. Some families opt to split the cost of a rental, and choose to split the time spent in the rental as well. If a two-week vacation house on the beach goes for $4000 per month, two families may opt to split the cost and each vacation for two weeks time. It is important to check with renters and advise them of such plans, however, as a few are adamant that they know exactly who will be residing in their rental property.
So, you're still not satisfied with these options for saving money on affordable beach rentals. Take heed, thrifty travelers! There is yet another option, and this one remains among the more popular choices""especially for couple or families without school-aged children. Simply book your beach rental in the off-season. Quite often a three-bedroom house within a block of the beach that rents for $3000 in peak season can be found at around $1800 during the off season. In order to make such plans, it's imperative to know the region's weather patterns. For example, a beautiful sweltering hot day along the Florida Gulf Coast can quickly turn sour if it falls during hurricane season. Ask locals or again check with the Chamber of Commerce for such information. Off season is also the best time to consider staying in a hotel or resort. Their costs are typically highly discounted and most of the swimming pools are heated, so a dip in temperature wouldn't be as big a deal.
Not all beach vacationers feel the need to swim in the ocean. Why not walk on the shore wearing a jacket or sweater? Some of the northern Atlantic beaches are absolutely gorgeous during the fall or early spring season, and are typically discounted drastically during these time frames. Don't be fooled, however, into thinking a reverse theory stands true for southern beaches. Florida beaches, for example, are as busy in the summer as they are during the winter""their peak tourist season. The reason? That is when the locals are on vacation or out of school and able to enjoy what the sunshine state has to offer.
Set your sights on the beach. Collect your towels and pails and shovels and sunscreen. Then sit down with a map and a calendar""as well as your budget. Decide just which of these cost saving options is right to ensure a wonderful beach vacation rental for you and your family.
