Beach Resort Vacation: Eight Ways To Save Money

It’s officially summer in the Philippines and that means it’s time once again to hit the beach.

However, going to a nice and relaxing beach vacation can be really expensive, specially if you’re off to one of the many first class beach resorts in the country.

So for those who are planning to experience some sun, sand and sea this summer, here are eight tips on how you can lessen your expenses and perhaps save some money.

Do Research
Learn about your destination, specially if it’s your first time to go there. Aside from asking people you know, you can search information online. Travel forums and blogs can really help you find the best and cheapest beach resorts, affordable but delicious restaurants and budget-friendly yet fun activities to do at your planned destination. And just in case you’re going to Pagudpud beach, here’s an Ilocos Tour Vacation post of mine.

Plan Your Budget and Stick To It
Never go on a trip without enough money – if you want a great vacation, plan and save for it. When doing your budget, it helps to visualize your vacation and run through the things you’ll do there so you can account as much of your costs as possible specially the recreational expenses – the massage on the beach, the para-sailing ride, the pitchers of Mindoro Sling and others.

Bring Food, Specially Snacks
Beach resort food is expensive, so if you’re on a tight budget, then scout for places where you can bring and cook your own food. There’s usually a wet market nearby where you can buy fresh ingredients. But if cooking is not in your agenda, then just trust me on the snacks, it’s really a money saver.

Bring Your Own Toys
Renting beach toys such as volleyballs, Frisbee, snorkel gears and others can be expensive. If you already have one, then just bring it or borrow from a friend who has one. This also applies for things you might need at the beach such as flip flops, sunglasses and sunscreen lotion which are always cheaper to buy at home than at the beach resort boutique.

Watch Out for Free Events
There will always be free activities for you to enjoy at a beach resort – free concerts and beach parties, sponsored beach games with free registration, free 10-minute massages at the beach spa, extra drinks on happy hour at the bar and things like that. Ask the resort receptionist or your fellow vacationers when and where they are and have fun.

Know Where To Buy Cheap
Just a few meters out of the resort perimeter, there are more often than not, stores where you can buy things at a cheaper price – souvenirs, snacks and some things which you might have forgotten to bring. If you’re lucky, there could also be an affordable place to eat nearby. Don’t be afraid to ask a local if you need directions but just to be safe, always go as a group and never alone. Lastly, don’t forget to haggle.

Avoid Peak Days
Rates are always cheaper on lean months – that’s a fact. And that’s why you will find me at the beaches of Laiya every August. But anyway, if you’re not much of a crowd-lover and your friends can afford to file a vacation leave on a week day, then consider avoiding the weekend for your beach trip.

The More, The Merrier
The more people you are, the lesser the expenses usually. Beach resorts can give group discounts for accommodation and you’ll always have people to share some of the expenses with. But also, vacation trips are always more fun when shared with your friends.

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