Wherever there is a coastline, people will head to the beach. And because it’s such a huge draw, beach-town visitors are susceptible to overpriced food, events, and souvenirs. Thankfully, you and your family can avoid the hype and enjoy a meaningful vacation that won’t zap your wallet. Here’s how.
MOVE OVER A BLOCK OR TWO
In beach towns, there’s typically a main drag, the one or two streets where you’ll find the crowds and the most concentrated attempts to grab your attention and money. Of course, you should explore this street to see why people flock there. But when you’ve had your fill of hawkers and gawkers, veer off this path and explore the neighborhoods just a couple streets over. At the very least, you’ll avoid the crowds. At best, you may find a hidden gem in a cozy restaurant or a locally owned retail shop that’s worth checking out.
SCAN THE DAILY PAPER
Every beach hotel has that one corner. You know the one I’m talking about. It’s the one loaded with all the pamphlets, shopping guides, and discount-ticket flyers. On your next beach trip, skip this corner. Instead, fish for some quarters in your purse or pockets and hunt down the local newspaper vending machine. Look in the lifestyle or entertainment sections. You might find a review of a local restaurant or event listings for nearby museums, theaters, and parks. Skim for upcoming sporting events and then join the locals to root for the hometown team.
ASK THE LOCALS
If you scanned the newspaper and found a great event to attend, then you’ll probably be mixing and mingling with townies. Take advantage of the chance to chat with people who call the city you’re visiting home. Ask them for restaurant recommendations and get their advice on which touristy events are worth the price and which should be avoided. The service professionals you encounter on your trip are another great resource for local information. A casual conversation with waitstaff or retail shop workers can often lead to budget-friendly dining or entertainment recommendations.
CELEBRATE THE SUBURBS
Your beach town lodging options are no longer limited to hotels, motels, and campgrounds. There are many online marketplaces where people place short-term rental listings. These rentals include spare rooms, mother-in-law units, apartments, or even entire homes. Some rentals are on the main drag, but more affordable options can be found farther inland. This is an especially good option if your vacation destination has good public transportation or plentiful public parking. If the rental has a kitchen, a few home-cooked meals and snacks can cut the costs of eating out. These lodgings also provide another chance to chat with locals. Rental owners are often full-time residents who are familiar with the town.
LOOK BEYOND SOUVENIR SHOPS
Shot glasses, magnets, and t-shirts are the stock in trade of the neon-lit souvenir shops that line Main Street in most beach towns. Rather than choosing a cheap bauble, look instead for more meaningful purchases. Resort towns often attract artists. If a painting, print, or craft like pottery speaks to you, invest in one significant item. Or, pick up a piece of well-crafted jewelry that will remind you of the trip every time you wear it.
HIRE A GUIDE
Is the resort town you’re visiting in another country where you don’t speak the language? Or is it a place you may visit infrequently, like Hawaii, Alaska, or Australia? Consider hiring a guide for part or all of these once-in-a-lifetime trips. A knowledgeable guide can save you money by ensuring your time is well spent. Local guides can help you become acclimated to the city and transportation options. Often, they know how to bypass long lines and crowds at the most popular attractions. Websites like ToursByLocals.com and Tourguides.Viator.com help you find local guides. Vayable.com goes one step further, connecting you with local guides who offer city-specific experiences like food or photography tours.
FALL INTO THAT TOURIST TRAP
You know your family best. If snapping a picture in front of the “World’s Largest Ball of Yarn” is a can’t-miss experience, then do it. There’s nothing wrong with visiting and enjoying tourist hotspots. For some towns, that’s part of the charm and something you shouldn’t miss. Above all, focus on the experience. It will be the memories that stay with you long after ticket stubs and tchotchkes have made their way to the dustbin. Written by Ronda Swaney. Photography provided by (from top) ©iStockphoto.com/anyaberkut, Comstock/Stockbyte/Thinkstock.com.