Vacationing on a budget in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Trying to save for that down payment or school tuition, but still want to take that beach vacation? Everyone needs to get away sometime, right? We understand. That's why we'll help you out with some ideas on how you can stretch your dollar in Gulf Shores and still have a great time.

Pack Toys and Accessories -- First of all, make sure you pack everything you need for your trip. Beach accessories are always more expensive at the beach. Pack beach towels, swimsuits, sunscreen, cover-ups, pool toys, and beach toys. Getting some unique toys for the pool or for digging in the sand can keep your kids entertained for hours so you can relax longer. Also, pack board games or card games for the evening that everyone enjoys. Packing well is very important when you're aiming for a budget vacation.

Travel in a Group -- When it comes to budget vacations and travel, the best thing to do is take a trip in a group. Invite your siblings and their kids or your friends and their families along. The kids will be more entertained having someone to play with and the adults will have more fun as well. Share a vehicle or two, and split the cost of gas. This way you can rent one of our large Orange Beach condos or Gulf Shores rentals and share the cost which is always cheaper than paying for multiple rooms in a hotel. Rental condos also have the added bonus of a fully-equipped kitchen.

Pack Breakfasts and Lunches -- Next, make a list of the food that you're going to pack for the trip. Planning your meals is the best way to save money on beach budget vacations. Get a cooler and pack food for breakfasts and like ham, eggs, fruit or bacon. Also bring along any beverages that you know you'll need like coffee, milk, juice, etc. Don't forget to pack any spices or oil that you always use for cooking. You can also make refreshing lunches ahead of time that your family can grab from the fridge whenever they're hungry such as pasta salad or bean salad, or just bring along ingredients to make sandwiches. All of our Gulf Shores condos and Orange Beach rentals have fully furnished kitchens so you can prepare as much food as you like.

Cook a Seafood Dinner -- Instead of eating out for dinner, go to one of the many seafood markets in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores and buy fresh fish, shrimp, and other seafood for dinner. Your family will have fun preparing a meal together in the fully-equipped condo kitchen. If you don't feel like cooking, some of the seafood markets also sell seafood that has already been cooked along with southern fixin's like corn and potatoes.

Prepare Indulgent Cocktails -- For adult fun and entertainment on a budget, plan to make your own fancy cocktails in your condo. Why pay for a $10 drink when your can make your own margaritas, pina coladas, and mojitos? Check out our cocktail recipes for ideas. Bring along your favorite music and then you're set for a great time without leaving the beach or the condo.

Cheap or Free Entertainment -- If you want a break from the beach, try hiking one of the wildlife trails at Bon Secour for free or check out the Gulf State Park. Also try touring the historic Fort Morgan. If you have a group of ten or more, adults get in for $4 while children under 12 get in for $3. Group events are one of the easiest ways to take affordable vacations.

Make a Souvenir Scrapbook -- Don't buy stuffed animals and key chains that will be forgotten or lost by next year. Make a memorable scrapbook of your beach vacation and all your family vacations by collecting objects on trips that will always remind you of your experience. You'd be surprised to see what kind of items can jog your memory like business cards from a place you really enjoyed, shells on the beach, something somebody wrote or created, or even a receipt from a store. Be sure to take pictures. Candid photos are the best for memories.

Families can enjoy the best of the Gulf Coast while still taking affordable vacations. Come visit us in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach today!