Around 82% of people go on vacation to relax and reduce stress. However, a badly planned vacation can quickly turn stressful, which is not ideal. Planning a beach getaway isn’t as difficult as it may seem—it’s all about preparation.
If you’ve been dreaming about a relaxing beach getaway, it’s time to start planning for one! Here’s a helpful guide that’s all about how to plan a vacation.
Picking a Beach Destination
There are over 95,000 miles of shoreline in America alone. That’s a lot of beaches! So, how do you narrow down your beach getaway options? Take a look at these tips to help you figure out the beaches to visit.
Sandy or Rocky?
Warm sandy beaches are often the best beaches to visit, but rocky beaches are a beautiful alternative. Some areas have a mix of both types, like New England. Check out some must see places in New England and Florida for some great beach options.
If you prefer a relaxing beach trip, narrow down your beach choices to warm sandy beaches. If you’re looking for a hiking excursion and don’t mind cold temperatures, opt for a rocky beach.
Close or Far?
If you’re looking for a cost-efficient beach vacation, you may want to consider a local destination. While local trips are simple and less expensive, they may not offer the relaxing getaway feeling you’re looking for.
If you live in a cool climate, you may have more fun traveling further and exploring a remote tropical location instead.
Secluded or Crowded?
Famous beaches like Venice Beach draw huge crowds. These beaches are ideal for families who want access to more activities other than hitting the beach. However, these beaches fill up fast; you may have a hard time finding a spot for your beach items.
Secluded beaches are rare, but worth the effort if you’re looking for a private excursion.
Choosing Lodging
If you’re planning on going to the beach for multiple days, you’ll need to figure out lodging. Choosing where to stay during your beach trip depends on your personal preferences and budget.
Hotel or Airbnb?
Hotels are ideal for people who want classic hotel services and amenities, like room service and daily room cleanings. Some resorts may offer tours, private pools, or exclusive activity deals.
Airbnbs offer an alternative feeling that makes you feel like you’re staying in a vacation home. While you won’t experience the same amenities offered by hotels, you’ll often have an entire house to yourself.
Airbnbs are great for long-term stays, especially if you enjoy cooking while you’re’ on vacation.
Close or Far?
If you prefer a beach-centric getaway, consider booking a hotel or Airbnbs that’s close to the water. Not only will you get an amazing ocean view, but you’ll also spend less time traveling to the beach.
However, ocean-front properties are often expensive. If you’re on a budget or want to explore other areas of your destination, you may want to book a place further away from the beach.
Luxurious or Budget-Friendly?
5-star hotels offer incredible amenities, like private pools or decadent room service. If it’s in your budget, opting for a nice hotel will make your beach trip extra special.
However, budget lodging is perfect for those who plan on spending a lot of time outdoors. If your trip is focused on having fun at the beach and only using your lodging as a place to sleep, you’re better off spending less money on lodging.
Budgeting and Planning
From unexpected fees to spontaneous activities, vacations tend to siphon money in an instant. With a set budget and thorough planning, you’ll avoid spending money you don’t need to spend.
Take some time to figure out how much money you intend on spending during your trip. Then, create a list of everything that will cost money during your trip. Don’t forget to consider restaurants, snacks, and gas if you’re taking a road trip.
No one likes strict rules during a vacation, so put some money on the side for spontaneous activities.
What to Bring to Your Beach Trip
Once you’ve figured out the logistics of your trip, it’s time to pack! If you’re heading to the beach with children, consider packing waterproof toys and games. For solo trips, bring a book to keep busy during lounging sessions.
If you’re planning on eating at the beach, bring a cooler with refreshing snacks like fruit and sandwiches. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, especially if you’re visiting a dry climate.
Make sure you pack plenty of water-resistant clothing. Bathing suits are a no-brainer, but you may want to pack waterproof hats and shoes, too. Most importantly, bring plenty of sunscreen!
If your destination has a website, check to see if there are any beach amenities available. This may save you the hassle of bringing heavy items like umbrellas or beach chairs.
Finally, make sure your sunscreen is reef-safe. Some areas restrict sunscreens with specific chemicals that harm coral reefs. Opt for a mineral sunscreen with Titanium Dioxide instead of a chemical alternative.
Other Useful Beach Trip Tips
Before hitting the beach, be sure to check the tides. Tides involve the rise and fall of water levels and may impact your planned activities.
For example, high tide is great for kayaking and boating, while low tide is ideal for shell-hunting and building sandcastles.
Don’t visit a beach without a trained lifeguard. Riptides and waves are notorious hazards, and having a lifeguard on duty helps prevent a fatal disaster.
Mastering How to Plan a Vacation
Now that you know how to plan a vacation, it’s time to finally enjoy it! A properly-planned beach vacation drastically reduces the possibility of stressful situations. So kick back and soak in the sun—you deserve it.
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