Vacations on Budget - Enjoying nearby Beaches

Following with the topic of how to maintain the next vacations on a tight budget, today’s article is dedicated to those of you who that, like me, can’t think on vacations without a beach – here in Portugal we use to say that when in vacations one must have at least one foot on the water at all times!

Choosing carefully your beach destination is the first step. A nearby spot is likely to let you save quite some money in the trip itself. For me for example, instead of flying all across the Atlantic to the Caribbean I can much easily book some cheap holidays to Majorca in the Spanish Balearic Islands, or to the Gran Canary in the also Spanish Canary Islands. I know that the Caribbean sea is hard to match but either one of this two closer destinations have it’s charms and exchanging an 8/9 hour flight for a 2/3 hour will be very helpful in terms of saving in fares.

The second step aspect, also very important, is to wisely choose where you’ll be staying. Of course I’m aware that an All-inclusive Resort is always an All-inclusive Resort but going for a rental apartment or a small hotel can be much more cost effective. As to where to find it? Well, although the internet had changed enormously the search process (I don’t leave home anymore without checking first online deals and reviews), I still believe that it’s easier to find good deals if you choose nearby destinations – there’s always a friend that knows a place there or a local travel agency that has a local contact that offers discounts.

One last thought about the hosting regime, if you stay in a hotel, opt for breakfast only or less if they have. The stay is gonna cost you much less and in places like the Canary Islands it’s easy to find a super market for breakfasts and light lunches and at dinner restaurants aren’t that expensive. Also in the Canary Islands (not sure about the Balearic Islands) buying electronic souvenirs and renting cars is cheaper than in other beach destinations – the special tax regime they have there has a very low VAT.

For now that’s all. The usual thanks to Open Galleries for the Gran Canary photos and I’ll be back with more saving tips soon

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