A beach holiday often brings to mind images of exotic resorts, tropical drinks and exorbitant plane tickets and hotel rates; however, if you are on a budget, this fantasy might not be possible. You can still enjoy the beach without spending a fortune, though. By altering your expectations for this type of travel slightly, being resourceful and choosing your destination with your bank account in mind, you can plan a vacation by the ocean free of financial stress.
Choose a destination that you can drive to in order to save money on airfare. For example, the Outer Banks and Massachusetts coasts offer beautiful beaches yet can be accessed by car if you live on the East Coast ("Top Ten Budget Beach Vacations").
Network with your family and friends to see if anyone knows of or owns a beach house or cottage that you might use or rent inexpensively or in exchange for other services. Offer a home exchange, a week of dog sitting, to paint the shutters or do property maintenance to earn your board.
Rent an advertised cottage or condo if you cannot find one to use through networking instead of paying for a hotel. Usually, cottages have weekly rates (particularly during summer months), and allow you to get much more for your money than a motel, inn or hotel. Research cottages and condos ahead of time to find one that is available during the dates you need and is within your price range.
Bring your own groceries with you. Shop ahead of time and stock the refrigerator in your cottage or condo with your favorite things so that you do not waste money eating out at restaurants for each meal.
Pack a cooler to bring to the beach with you each day. Include drinks and lunch, so that you will not have to buy them at stands or from vendors who survive on unprovisioned vacationers.
Pack your own towels and sheets so that you do not have to rent and launder them, or to buy them new. Find out what size the beds are before you come to ensure that you have the linens you need.
