South Carolina Destination Among Most Affordable Vacations
South Carolina and North Carolina offer plenty of great vacations, and as it turns out, one South Carolina destination has been named among the best in the country for a cheap getaway. Just because it’s a cheap getaway, that doesn’t mean it’s any less fun than you would have on an expensive vacation. That’s what makes affordable vacations so exciting: You can have all the fun with less of the guilt than you would spending big bucks on an expensive getaway. So, if you’re thinking of taking a vacation coming up and want to save some cash, here’s how to do it.
Affordable South Carolina, and North Carolina, Vacations
By the way, if you’re looking to save money on any vacation, even expensive ones, one of the big tips is to figure out how to handle food and drink in advance. Food and drink can cost so much money, and it can lead to great savings if you decide to cut costs and not have big, lavish meals out. That’s because in vacation destinations, meals are often way more expensive than they are in normal places. One great tip is to bring nonperishable snacks from home to eat during your trip. If you have a lots of great snacks around to keep you full, you could even cut down on meals out while on vacation. Going from three to two meals a day on vacation could save you a lot of cash.
Now, onto the cheapest vacations destinations in the U.S. Conde Nest Traveler has a new feature out naming 10 great vacation spots in the country that won’t break the bank. “Whether you’re planning a grand family vacation or are looking for a quick and breezy solo trip to switch up the scenery, finding affordable places to travel in the US can be difficult,” they state. “There are so many different things to consider when planning a trip, from hotels and flights to food and activities, and it’s safe to say that it can all get rather overwhelming.”
So, which South Carolina spot was named one of the best spots for a cheap getaway? It’s Myrtle Beach. As for what makes it so great, Code Nest Traveler notes that “booking an affordable beach vacation can be quite the feat, but Myrtle Beach is the perfect place to go when you want to balance beachy views with budget-friendly prices.” They add that you can “spend most of your time enjoying the sun and sand on the free beaches, or walk the iconic boardwalk a couple (dozen) times.” As for other vacations, Charlotte, North Carolina, also made the cut thanks to its “incredible food,” “family-friendly activities,” music and more.
With fall ending, contact me with your favorite cheap vacation ideas for the upcoming season.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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