8 Beaches on a budget to help you relax
Sometimes we all get the feeling that we just need to get away. Whether it is to escape our work, the daily routine, or the weather, getting away from home really gives us all an opportunity to reset and renew our perspective and attitude. While we all would love a beach vacation, the truth of the matter is that our budgets do not always allow us to get that vacation we have been craving. Fear not, however, as there are many beaches around the world that you can go and enjoy, even on a budget.
1. Playa Delfines, Cancun, Mexico
The great thing about Cancun is that it looks like it should be expensive, but it really doesn’t have to be. Playa Delfines is the last resort along the coast, making it one of the least popular resorts that you can stay at. As a result, you will get to save some money and you will not be crowded when you hang out on the beach. Most of the tourists, especially the crazy college tourists, will be at the center of Cancun having a party, leaving you the peace, harmony, and dolphins that are to be found along the coast. If you do not want to go to a resort, the average price per night for a standard hotel room is about $50.
2. Cocoa Beach, Florida
People who are not familiar with Florida often believe that the area is a lush, sandy paradise. And to some extent, that is a good description. Cocoa Beach is without a doubt one of the best beaches in the entire country, drawing in people from all over to enjoy its beauty. The beach is closest to Orlando, which you can usually get an inexpensive flight to. There are also numerous hotels close by that average about $55 a night.
3. Basque Country, France
The Basque Country sits along the border between France and Spain. The area is divided between the two countries and has a unique culture of its own. It also has the splendid Hendaye Beach. The Basque Country itself is amazing to look at, with beautiful scenery and pleasant people. The beach is between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean. The most expensive part of this trip will be the cost of getting there, but you may find that it is cheaper to fly to Spain than to try to fly to Paris and work your way down.
4. Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica
Costa Rica has many hidden treasures, including Tamarindo Beach. It is a gorgeous beach that is calm and enjoyable. There are many sea turtles to enjoy and the largest mangrove estuary in all of Central America at Estro de Tamarindo. Like other places on the list, Tamarindo is more expensive to get to by plane. Once you have budgeted for that, the $40 hotels should make up for the sting of getting there a bit more tolerable.
5. Lighthouse Reef, Belize
Belize is a popular destination for North Americans in general so it should come as no surprise that you can get there inexpensively. Lighthouse Reef is along the Belize Barrier Reef so you still have the opportunity to take in that natural wonder. It is an inexpensive area because it is essentially undeveloped, so if you are looking for a luxury vacation, this is not the place. It is $300-$400 to get there from the States, but you can stay for less than $50 a night and still have access to premium, world-class diving opportunities. Belize is also known for its good-natured locals, so you are guaranteed to have a nice trip.
6. Pensacola, Florida
The weather is a little chilly in the winter and spring for a beach vacation, but in late spring it is perfect weather. Pensacola has white sand beaches and a lot of affordable lodging and dining options available along the coastline. It can be expensive if you are looking at the more mainstream or higher end hotels, but there are other options out there. This will absolutely give you that tropical feeling that you may have been searching for without having to travel terribly far away or spending too much.
7. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
If you want to go somewhere that looks like it may be expensive, Myrtle Beach could be the place for you. There are golf courses for those who play, good nightlife, and a lot of dining options. Luckily, because of the number of things that are at Myrtle Beach, there are also a lot of affordable options. The beach itself is made up of blue water and white sand, though it is not the best escape to be had in poor weather. The beach is great during the late spring and summer months, but not ideal in the winter.
8. Virginia Beach, Virginia
This may seem like an unlikely beach destination, but hear me out. The beach is made up of miles of sand and is one of the most-visited summer destinations in the United States. There are a ton of restaurants and bars to have fun in, the Navy is nearby, and it can easily be done on a tight budget. Virginia is not the warmest place to be in the colder months, so this really is a summer-only kind of vacation spot. There are also surfing competitions that you can watch out for in the hot months.
Where you decide to go on vacation should greatly depend on the season you are planning on going. If you want a beach destination during the winter or early spring, you need to head south toward the equator to get the heat and sun you are looking for. If you are looking to go during the hotter months, then bear in mind that those southern destinations are going to be hotter than other places further north. Have a nice trip!
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