North Carolina Vacation Named One of the Best for Under $100
North Carolina is the perfect spot to enjoy a day, or night, at the beach. Now, one North Carolina vacation is being recognized as a very inexpensive summer beach vacation, and it’s still amazing. That’s great, because when cutting corners, you often lose quality. Not here. Experts are saying this North Carolina beach vacation spot is absolutely breathtaking, and it’s pretty cheap to experience. I’m in.
Experts Say This North Carolina Vacation is One of the Best for Less Than $100 a Day
The travel experts at TravelandLeisure.com have put together a tally of the best beach vacations you can take for less than $100 a day. That’s a deal. They did the research to put together a roster of beach vacations that are both affordable and really great. “While we’ve excluded the cost of getting there, these trips take into account lodging, activities, and food,” TravelandLeisure.com states. They also add that, “This list is for those traveling with a friend or partner so you can share lodging costs and eat in as much as possible.”
Before we get to the North Carolina vacation, one other inexpensive beach vacation that caught my eye is Waldport, Oregon. They say that this area is really pristine in the summertime. They say one of the best aspects of it is the Alsea River, which offers water everywhere, as well as Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site, which has lots of beautiful, sandy beach. This spot offers cheap lodging options, too. For lodging here, they recommend renting a tiny home for $47 a night when splitting the cost with someone else.
So, which North Carolina vacation was highlighted as one of the best for less than $100 a day? It’s Atlantic Beach, right along the state’s “Crystal Coast” and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Sound. Of course, this area offers miles and miles of protected beach for visitors to enjoy. Travel and Leisure points out that while there aren’t a lot of “budget options,” one spot, the Windjammer Inn, is absolutely perfect for those on a budget. “Although the rooms are simple, everyone gets an oceanfront view and pool access, plus the ocean is just out front,” they state. They also suggest taking some time at the famed Fort Macon State Park during your stay there. The estimated cost for one night at the Windjammer Inn, when splitting the cost with someone else, is $70 a night. Enjoy a slice of pizza at Roma Pizza & Subs for just $3.50 a slice.
Secret Tips to Save Money on Your Next Vacation
1. Try to Negotiate Your Lodging
Did you know that hotel fees can be negotiable? Fidelity.com points out that, “You may be able to negotiate the online price by calling a hotel directly, or asking if they have any discounts for students, government employees, or members of certain groups, such as AAA.” So, don’t settle for that price you see on your laptop. Try to do better. It’s a secret tip that can pay off bigtime.
Getty Images / macniak
2. Get Smart with Your Lodging
Did you know some hotels that are virtually the same, including the same brand, can be cheaper just a few miles apart? As a general rule, hotels that are near the airport are more expensive. So, you can look at the hotels you want to stay at and their multiple locations in the area for the best rate. “Some hotels that are under construction may rent rooms at a discount, which is a great option if you can deal with the noise,” Fidelity.com points out.
Getty Images / macniak
3. Snack Your Way to a Cheaper Trip
Going out to eat on vacation can be one of the most exciting things about the trip. But, if you want to save on cash, skip a few meals out and opt for healthy, hearty snacks. Pack (or buy at a local store) some protein-rich snacks, like protein bars and meal bars, and limit your dining out. You can still enjoy some of the best food the area has to offer, just not as much of it. This is a way to stay fit on your trip, too. A lot of people don’t think of this tip, so it’s a bit of a secret.
Getty Images / djiledesign
4. Timing is Everything
You’ve heard it so many times in life: Timing is everything. That’s true for travel, too. Research to find the least-busy times to visit your destination. If you travel during those downtimes, you’ll save big. While this is a common tip, something people forget is that every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, be specific for your travel spot.
Getty Images / BartekSzewczyk
5. Travel with a Friend
If you’re thinking of traveling solo to a place you’ve always wanted to visit, go cheaper by traveling with a friend. You two can share lodging fees. Also, sometimes there are more deals and discounts for those traveling with multiple people. I always do this when going to a big music festival, if it’s far away. I’ll usually meet my friend there, and we share lodging costs. It also makes the trip more fun.
Getty Images / PeopleImages
6. Find Free Spots to Travel
Look for some free attractions in your travel area. Chances are, they won’t be as packed as the big-named places, too. You can still visit some of the popular landmarks. But, if you add a trip to a national park or free museum to your itinerary, it will save you some cash.
Getty Images / MargaretW
7. Max Out Your Memberships
Are you a member of any random groups? You might have travel deals just waiting for you. Check everything, from your college alumni membership to your credit cards, for travel discounts. You may be surprised what you find.
Getty Images / Andrii-Borodai
8. Don't Get Picky
Say you just want to get out on a fantastic trip, but you don’t really have a place in mind. That’s actually a good thing. Take an hour to look at flight specials happening right now. If you aren’t picky on where to travel, chances are you’ll find a great rate on airfare and lodging somewhere. Once you find the most reasonable place to travel, then you can start looking at what to do when you’re there.
Getty Images / 06photo
9. Go Popular
This is a bit ironic, but often times, the most popular tourist destinations are also the cheapest. That’s because there is a lot of competition for all those travelers. So, big-named destinations like Orlando, Florida, or Las Vegas, Nevada, tend to have really good travel deals. Go popular, or go home.
Getty Images / Gabriele-Maltinti
