Have you planned your next beach getaway yet?
Nothing says summer like a trip to a beach somewhere. Beach vacations are classic family destinations, but they’re also great for romantic trips, getaways with friends, or even solo trips. But let’s face it… We’ve all had a “cheap” vacation that went horribly wrong at some point.
Well, that’s not the case here! Whether relaxing in the sand or snorkeling and surfing, there’s a perfect budget-friendly beach destination for you. And we want you to have an unforgettable vacation without having to spend an arm and a leg.
So we’ve compiled a list of 7 affordable beach vacations all over the world for you to enjoy the sand and surf and not worry about breaking the bank!
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Clearwater Beach overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and Clearwater Bay from a barrier island located about 25 miles west of Tampa. It’s an extremely popular beach destination among locals and visitors alike. You’ll find a variety of bayfront motels and luxury resorts.
So it helps make it a more budget-friendly beach vacation than some other top destinations in the sunshine state, like Sanibel Island and Miami. Transportation on the Clearwater Ferry and the Clearwater Jolley Trolley can be taken as sightseeing tours.
To further cut down on cost, and you’ll see some fantastic sights. Plus, families can check out Pier 60’s nightly sunset parties, which are free of charge, after lounging on the sandy beach’s magnificent quartz sand.
And if you want to save even more on this trip, grab yourself a Tampa Bay CityPASS. It’ll cover entries to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and a few other nearby attractions.
Malta
For years this beach destination has remained one of the biggest hidden gems of Europe. It has its fair share of stunning beaches and prime diving conditions. The island most travelers visit in the region is Gozo.
But besides the beaches, it also offers historic fortifications and old churches. If you want to explore, Dwejra is a fantastic place to soak up the sun and do some snorkeling. The best thing about this location’s off-the-radar status is that it helps keep the prices low.
In fact, during the summer months, you can find lodgings starting at $65 a night.
Panama
Panama is an amazing budget-friendly option if you’re looking for a tropical beach vacation. It’s typically known as a luxurious getaway. But if you visit during the offseason, you can find some serious deals on flights and accommodations.
While you’re here, you can explore the famous Panama Canal and the nearby Miraflores Visitor Center. It has a museum that’s 4 stories tall and a view of the docks where all the ships pass.
We also recommend you wander around this area’s historic district, called Casco Viejo. It has a rich history that goes back to the 1600s. But nowadays, you’ll find lots of delicious eateries, local boutiques, wine bars, and even a few historic churches to tour.
Tel Aviv
Here’s your chance to explore a rich culture while you’re away on your sandy getaway. And you get to pick from 16 beautiful beaches along Israel’s Mediterranean coast. Tel Aviv is also easy to reach thanks to all the low-cost flights from Europe.
The environmentally friendly Blue Flag Metzitzim Beach calls out to surfers and kiteboarders in winter when daytime temperatures hover in the mid-to-high 60s. But if these activities aren’t for you, you can just lay out and enjoy the lovely weather.
Be sure to also stop for a selfie with the playful statue of David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, doing a headstand at Frishman Beach. Or you can check out the area using the city’s shared bikes or scooters.
The Tal by the Beach lodgings offers modern rooms with rates including a daily breakfast and bike rentals.
Greece
Greece has long offered an ideal alternative to the pricier Italian or French beaches. And it has become even more budget-friendly in recent years due to its economic woes.
The Halkidiki area is your best bet if you want to stick to the mainland and are on a tight budget but still want crystal-clear water and white sandy beaches. We recommend you book your vacation by mid-March or April to get even bigger discounts.
If the island life is for you, Thassos is a great choice, but so are Corfu and Zakynthos. You’ll find accommodations for as little as $15-20 per person.
And eating in Greece is equally inexpensive if you go for budget dining. Gyros cost about $5, while dinner in a taverna costs around $15.
Punta Cana
Low-budget beach getaways can be tricky if you don’t pick the right ones. But tropical Punta Cana’s turquoise water and palm-fringed beaches are usually less expensive than all the other Caribbean favorites.
The region’s diverse international crowd helps form a sophisticated atmosphere that can be fun for even budget-minded tourists.
With kids-stay-free summer offers and low-season deals at numerous all-inclusive resorts, great values are everywhere in this part of the Dominican Republic.
Even during winter, several all-inclusive properties advertise rooms for less than $300 per night for two people. Consider booking a garden view room at a large resort complex for additional savings.
You might have to shuttle to the beach. But you’ll get to enjoy access to top-notch facilities like pools, activities, and many restaurants.
Bulgaria
On the shores of the Black Sea, Bulgaria is a country that offers a more affordable and warmer beach destination than its eastern European neighbors. It’s also an excellent alternative to the Turkish Riviera.
For some beautiful low-budget options, you’ll want to look into Nessebar, Albena, Balchik, and Sunny Beach. Accommodation in Albena begins at about $26 a night, breakfast included. And in Nessebar, rooms start at around $20 US per night.
Dining and drinking are just as inexpensive, with a good dinner for two, wine included, for $20 US. While a beer will set you back about a dollar in most places.
…Don’t stop reading now, folks! Click “Next” for some smart tips on planning a budget-friendly beach vacation.
6 Ways to Save Money on Beach Vacations
Now that you’ve read about all the beautiful beaches to visit, let’s talk about a few travel hacks to help you save more money:
- Stay five minutes from the beach: If you choose a popular destination, staying oceanfront will surely put a dent in your budget. Also, you’ll be at the beach most of the time anyway. You won’t be lounging on the balcony during the day.
- Start saving now: If you already know you’ll be going to the beach this year, you should start saving now. And the greatest way to do that is by making a budget. A budget also shows you what areas to cut back on so you can save.
- Book in advance: Your best bet is to book your ticket sometime between three and a half months to a month before your trip. If you need to fly, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday are the best days to leave. And avoid leaving or returning on Friday or Sunday at all costs!
- Go in the off-season: Traveling during peak seasons is expensive. If you go before or after the crowds, you’ll get fewer crowds, less noise, and more money in your pocket.
- Choose the less popular destinations: If you choose less popular destinations, it will really help your wallet. That means you have more to spend on the things you care about: Making memories with the family or fresh-caught seafood!
- Ask for a deal: You know what they say, “It doesn’t hurt to ask.” So, instead of taking your room rate at face value, why not call the hotel and ask for a better deal? Companies would rather give you a deal off their own websites than pay those extra fees through Vrbo or Airbnb.
Be sure to let us know if you’ve been to any of these beautiful places or if you know of any other stunning budget-friendly locations you’d like to share with our readers.
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