Looking to plan that beachy vacation on a budget? It most certainly can be done! In this article I will breakdown 3 of the most affordable beach destinations and tips to save money while traveling.
Budget Friendly Beach Vacations – Destinations
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is a beautiful island located off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It’s known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant culture, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking a tropical getaway.
One of the main attractions of Cozumel is its world-class diving and snorkeling. The island is surrounded by a vibrant coral reef system, making it a popular spot for underwater adventures. Visitors can take a snorkeling or diving excursion to explore the island’s underwater world, where they can see a variety of colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life.
Not only is Cozumel beautiful, but it’s relatively cheap compared to other beachy destinations.
Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata, located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and rich culture. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from sunbathing on the beaches to exploring the island’s lush rainforests and waterfalls.
One of the main attractions of Puerto Plata is its historic center, where visitors can see the city’s colorful architecture and charming plazas. The city is also home to several museums, including the Amber Museum, which showcases the island’s rich history and cultural heritage.
For those interested in history and culture, Puerto Plata is also home to several interesting sites, including the Fort of San Felipe, which was built by the Spanish in the 16th century, and the Puerto Plata Cable Car, which offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
While Punta Cana is a popular tourist destination, Puerta Plata seems to be a hidden gem not yet overrun with visitors so you can expect a little quieter of an experience at a great price tag.
Ochos Rios, Jamaica
Away from the hustle and bustle of Montego Bay, but just a short drive away Ochos Rios offers stunning beaches and numerous things to do.
This city is a great option for travelers who are looking for a budget-friendly vacation, as there are a variety of activities and attractions that are both affordable and enjoyable.
One of the most popular attractions in Ocho Rios is Dunn’s River Falls, which is a beautiful waterfall that visitors can climb up and explore. This natural wonder is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
Another budget-friendly activity in Ocho Rios is visiting the city’s marketplaces and street vendors. Here, visitors can purchase handmade souvenirs, local crafts, and fresh produce at reasonable prices. There are also several local restaurants in the city that offer delicious Jamaican cuisine at affordable prices.
Tips to Save Money When Traveling
Book a Package
Travel agencies normally get deals on bundling airfare, hotel, and a transportation. Do your homework and check out as many agencies as possible for the best deals. Some online agencies to checkout:
Be Flexible
You will get the best deals if your dates and destination is flexible. Plan to research a few destinations and dates to get the lowest price.
Rewards
Get a travel rewards credit card that can help you score discounted or even free vacations. I am biased to Delta so for loyal Delta travelers I would recommend their Reserve Card, but there are plenty of other options out there to check out.
All-Inclusive Resorts
While the upfront price tag may be more for an all-inclusive stay, these can ultimately end up saving you major bucks on eating and drinking. That being said if you are a foodie, definitely avoid all-inclusives as the food at most of these resorts is usually just okay. However, for people like me looking for the best deal they can be a great option!
Pack Light
Many airlines will charge you to check your bag and even for your carry-on. If you are savvy with what you pack you may be able to get away with just a personal item, like a small duffle bag, which most airlines allow you to take for free!
Bring Snacks
Airports are expensive. Avoid these big price tags by packing snacks for the airport and on the plane. Some of my favorites to bring along are nuts, crackers, string cheese, jerky, and fruit bars. Be mindful, however, that many international destinations will not allow you to bring in fruit, meat, seeds, or nuts – so just plan on eating all of these type of snacks before entering another country.
Traveling is bound to have a price tag. Plan for it in advance and know that it likely will be worth every single penny. Happy traveling!