Beach Vacation on a Budget
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
When planning a beach trip, most people dream about relaxing by the water, spending time with family, dining at great restaurants and enjoying local attractions, not creating a vacation budget. However, with careful planning and helpful tips, budgeting your beach getaway can be stress-free. Get more value from your dollar by utilizing these resources so you can vacation better on a budget.
Lodging Savings
While a July vacation may sound like the obvious choice, consider the perks of off-season travel. On Alabama's Beaches, you'll find warm weather and water well into the fall and spring. Pair this with off-season rates on condos, beach houses, owner-managed properties, and hotels, and you've hit the jackpot of savings. Lodging is often the most costly part of a vacation, so this is the first stop for those who want to keep some green in their pockets. Even traveling just a few weeks into August can net significant savings. Early summer and fall are also great times to visit, thanks to comfortable temperatures and exciting events.
Aside from traveling during the offseason, many vacation rental management companies will offer last-minute discounts or free-night specials. For example, stay five nights and get the sixth for free. Keep a close eye on the deals page for the latest Gulf Shores and Orange Beach lodging specials and discounts, or subscribe to our monthly eTidings newsletter for access to regular exclusive deals and offerings.
Cook Your Meals
Save money on dining out by choosing a beach house or condo with a fully-equipped kitchen, so you can prepare your own meals. You can also bring a small cooler of your favorite snacks and meal items to eliminate those from your grocery list. Some other necessities to consider packing that don't take up a lot of space are garbage bags, Ziploc bags, aluminum foil, and detergent pods. While most lodging units with kitchens provide a small starter supply, you'll likely want more for a multi-day stay.
If you're looking forward to cooking more often than dining out, consider utilizing special services that offer grocery delivery or curbside pickup. Ordering groceries and necessities online can eliminate the temptation for unnecessary spending while stocking up for the week. While many of the area's stores offer grocery delivery or pickup, you can also ask your vacation rental management company if they provide a grocery delivery service or concierge.
Dining Deals
Research restaurants for happy hours and early-bird specials. Many restaurants offer great deals if you arrive between the lunch and dinner rushes. Eating at this time of day will also eliminate long wait times during popular dining periods. You'll also find affordable and delicious lunch specials at many restaurants.
Affordable Activities
Looking for free and cheap things to do? The Alabama Gulf Coast boasts plenty of exciting activities and experiences that won't break the bank. To save even more, take advantage of the All-In-One attraction ticket. With this pass, you can visit several area attractions for a discounted price.
Visit our Welcome Centers to learn more about the best things to do, see, and eat in the area. Our staff members are great resources and enjoy sharing valuable area information. While there, you can also pick up coupon books and rack cards with special offers for local restaurants and attractions.