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Sugar soft sand. Swaying palm trees. The sun blazing in a bright blue sky. Turquoise waters and the sound of waves gently lapping on the shore. For some people, getting away to the beach is the highlight of the summer. The only question is, “Which beach?”
The world is full of spectacular stretches of sand, but unfortunately, many of the best beaches come with substantial price tags. In some locales, a single night in a beachfront room can cost upwards of $500 per night, and that’s not even including the beach chair rental.
Before you put away your beach bag, consider looking for cheap vacation packages to lesser known or off-the-beaten path beach destinations. These beach towns offer all of the amenities of more expensive spots, but will leave enough cash in your pocket for an extra bottle of sunscreen.
Prince Edward Island
Canada’s smallest province has long been a popular destination for fans of the “Anne of Green Gables” book series, but even if you’ve never been acquainted with the literary favorites, Prince Edward Island is still a summertime gem. The town of Cavendish is full of roadside attractions sure to delight the whole family, while the less populated eastern side of the island is a sightseer’s delight. Take the Points East Coastal Drive to explore rolling hills and secluded beaches, stopping for ice cream or boutique shopping along the way. While PEI is home to several hotels and resorts, many visitors opt to stay in bed-and-breakfast inns to experience the “true” island and the Scottish roots that run deep here.
Destin, Florida
In the heart of Florida’s panhandle, which offers more than pristine white-sand beaches, Destin is a hidden gem that offers an abundance of fun in the sun. Destin is a fisherman’s paradise; it’s possible to hook snapper and grouper right from the beach, or head out into the Gulf of Mexico on a guided fishing tour to try and land a bigger fish. An abundance of golf and tennis resorts in the area offer additional recreation opportunities, or you can just laze the day away on the beach or take in the vibrant blues or country music scenes. Hotels range from tiny boutique inns to giant, beachside resorts, meaning there’s an accommodation for every taste and budget.
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum may only be about an hour south of the tourist mecca of Playa del Carmen, but it may as well be a world away. Once a haven for backpackers drawn by the ancient Mayan ruins, Tulum is popular with sun-seekers in search of a quiet Mexican getaway. Instead of the raucous party scene of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, you’ll find yoga on the beach, relaxing spas and a laid-back vibe — all for a fraction of the cost of more expensive all-inclusive resorts to the north.
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
On the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, you’ll find well-known luxury resorts — and high price tags. Head over to the less popular Caribbean side of this Central American gem, and you’ll find beautiful, deserted beaches and hotels that rarely charge more than $100 per night. The easygoing town of Puerto Viejo offers some of the best dining in Costa Rica as well — you’ll find everything from South American to Italian food. Grab a table at a sidewalk café and watch the world go by.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Over the past few years, Punta Cana has become a top destination for travellers on a budget looking for a luxurious Caribbean getaway — in fact it’s now the most popular destination in the Caribbean. Many of the resorts along the 62-km stretch of pristine shoreline that stretches from Bavaro to Cap Cana are all-inclusives, making the Dominican Republic a great vacation value. And there’s almost nothing you can’t do here — from horseback riding on the beach to parasailing to golf, there’s no way you’ll be bored here.
As you begin to make your summer beach getaway plans, don’t think a limited budget means you’re stuck swatting flies at the local lake yet again. Look into one of these affordable destinations, and you find yourself on a far-flung shore after all.
About the Author: A confirmed beach bum, Cassie Cloutier has made it her life’s goal to visit as many of the world’s great beaches as possible. She writes about travel, specifically budget travel, for several blogs.
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