If your head fills with that famous riff from The Beach Boys — you know the one, right before “Daddy took the T-Bird away” in “Fun, Fun, Fun” — as soon as the temperature starts to rise and Memorial Day looms on your calendar, you might be a real beach lover. You’re no stranger to warding off sunburn or shaking sand out of unique places.
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This Memorial Day is likely no exception, and you’re already planning to hit the beach. Whether you’re taking a jaunt to beaches closer to home or venturing to sandy shores farther afield, you’ll still want to save wherever you can.
To make your beach trip even sunnier money-wise, GOBankingRates chatted with travel experts who had some pretty groovy insights about how to save.
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Be Strategic With Flights
Airfare may seem formidably expensive, but you can reduce the financial turbulence by planning proactively. According to Jeff Powell, the creator and CEO of National Park Ventures and author of “Smoky Mountain Ventures” and “National Park Ventures,” being smart down to the day you choose to fly out can save you money. He recommends you fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, which tend to have cheaper fares.
While you’re at it, Powell also says you should fly economy to save money — especially if you’re only traveling a short distance — to keep costs down.
He is also an advocate of using travel rewards points to cover your flights and lodging whenever possible. In fact, he shared that he paid for both airfare and most accommodations during a trip to Hawaii using points.
At the end of the day, Powell advises travelers to sit and weigh the cost of flying versus driving. Depending on the distance, gas prices, and the number of travelers, hitting the road could save hundreds over flying.
Make the Most of Your Hotel Stay
When booking a hotel, think beyond the cool seashell-shaped soaps in the bathroom. Location matters. Hotels right on the beach are generally more expensive than those just a few blocks away, so staying a bit farther can lead to big savings.
Powell also suggests looking into rental cabins or vacation homes, which can save you money not only on lodging but also on food — especially if you have access to a full kitchen.
If you do end up in a hotel, Powell recommends taking advantage of free perks like continental breakfast or coffee in the lobby. These little conveniences can add up to significant savings over the course of your trip.
Make Small Cuts Where You Can
Alley Keosheyan, a staff writer, social media consultant, and inventory manager at Grand Circle Media, is a go-to resource for travelers. So, it’s not surprising that she has some savvy advice on the small yet meaningful cost-cutting measures you can implement on a trip — especially when it comes to food.
“After retrieving your luggage from your inbound flight and picking up your rental car, head to the nearest Walmart, Aldi, Kroger, or other supermarket,” she said. “Purchase a cooler and pack it with sandwich fixings, your favorite snacks, and beverages. During your sightseeing days, find a nice spot for a picnic and dig in.”
If your Memorial Day travel includes a road trip, Keosheyan recommends bringing some basics from home — plates, bowls, napkins, and utensils — to save on dining costs. You can even bring some non-perishable items from your home.
“Since most motels and hotels have microwaves and mini-fridges, heating up a can of soup from your pantry or a to-go box from the occasional restaurant meal should be a breeze, both effort- and cost-wise,” she said.
Save on Gas Wherever You Can
Whether you’re driving your Daddy’s T-Bird (before he takes it away) or the family minivan, saving on gas is a must. Keosheyan recommends using an app like GasBuddy to find stations with the lowest prices.
She also notes that gas tends to be more expensive in remote areas, including national parks and small towns. So plan ahead and consider filling up before you leave more populated areas.
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Bottom Line
It’s easier than you might think to have summer fun without going broke. With a little planning, some strategic spending, and the right tools, your Memorial Day beach trip can be memorable for all the right reasons.
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Sources:
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Jeff Powell, the Creator and CEO of National Park Ventures and author of two travel blogs: Smoky Mountains Ventures and National Park Ventures
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Alley Keosheyan, staff writer, social media consultant, and inventory manager at Grand Circle Media
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Travel Expert: 4 Ways To Save Big on a Memorial Day Beach Trip
