Budget-Friendly Planning Tips for Sports Parents

Major holidays and weekends are busy times for beach communities. To save on lodging, consider going during the “shoulder seasons.” As an added perk, the water is usually still warm in the early fall, and the beach is less crowded. Also, Gulf Shores | Orange Beach Sports & Events has partnered with hospitality and lodging sponsors to offer affordable group rates and special discounts for families, coaches, athletes or event participants. Make sure to book directly through these companies, so you can take full advantage of this discount. Find the hottest deals on our website and book directly with our lodging partners.
  
Plan ahead for your activities off the field. Make a list of all the things your family would like to do on vacation, and then take some time to search for deals! For the water-themed adventure lovers, Waterville USA features huge slides and wave pools for all ages during the summer months. But don’t let the wintertime stop you from playing at Waterville. With the Gulf Coast’s largest game room, the Starcade, featuring Cyberville USA, is full of fun for the whole family With experiences ranging from “real-world adventures” to out-of-this-world space exploration, the virtual reality center is a must-see! Save money by purchasing a season pass.

Other budget-friendly activities include biking the coast or kayaking along in the back bays. Or even set sail for a cost-effective fishing excursion with Reel Surprise Charters. Embark on either a four-hour or six-hour fun-filled fishing experience with an experienced captain and crew who will provide you with all of the equipment and instructions you need to make the most of your trip! With group rates and discounts, Reel Surprise is guaranteed to be fun for both your family and your wallet.

Lastly, if you love food along the Alabama Gulf Coast as much as we do, then you’ll want to allocate a fair amount of budget money for delectable dining options. Luckily, many of the local restaurants offer lunch and happy hour specials, where you can still enjoy your meal while still having a little fun money left over. We also have great local seafood markets and grocery options where you can find fresh and prepared options to stock up your condo. And if you’re looking for something you can take with you from the field to the beach, check out our list of on-the-go dining options.

We definitely know the importance of stretching a dollar in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and there is plenty of fun to keep you busy without putting too big of a dent in your wallet. Do you have budget-friendly travel tips you’d like to share with us? Find us on social media and use the hashtag #GSOBsportsandevents!