How To Save On Your Next Family Getaway

(NAPSI)—The travel industry uses the term “shoulder season” to talk about the slower, cheaper time after school is back in session. The savings are real if you can get a group together not bound by the school calendar or just sneak out of town for one more quick weekend at the beach.

When to Go

Traveling during less popular travel times can help save money and avoid crowds of summer tourists. Early fall is a great time to hit the beach while it’s still warm out. In fact, prices are poised to drop nearly 30% for vacation rental homes in some popular beach towns while temperatures remain balmy, according to data from Vrbo, the go-to for families and friends to book vacation homes, cabins, and condos.

“Shoulder season refers to off-peak travel times, and while there are no official dates for the start and end of shoulder season, owners of Vrbo vacation homes tend to set their nightly rental rates to drop right after Labor Day,” said Melanie Fish, Vrbo travel expert. “Shoulder season offers so many benefits: reduced vacation rental home prices, more selection available, less crowded beaches, the list goes on.”

Where to Go

From sought-after eastern shores to a popular Gulf beach town, top spots to visit during shoulder season where your dollar can go further include Ocean City, New Jersey; Sunriver, Oregon; Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and South Padre Island, Texas.

An example of the price drop on vacation homes is Sunriver, Oregon, where prices historically drop as much as 29% lower per night with average nightly rates dropping from $401 per night in August to $285 per night in September. Sunriver is a great destination for families with activities such as biking, kayaking, and horseback riding.

If you’re seeking a more traditional beach vacation, check out Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Average nightly rates for vacation homes in the area are dropping from $255 per night to $193 in September, or 24% lower on average. Experience endless summer with warm temperatures continuing into fall. The area is also a great destination for golfers, with courses designed by famous golfers, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, and Greg Norman.

Where to Stay

Staying in a vacation rental home is a great way to save by splitting the cost of one nightly rate versus booking multiple hotel rooms, and cooking meals in a fully equipped kitchen to cut costs of eating out. Not to mention the additional space to spread out and relax after a day in the sun. The whole family can sit around the living room to decompress, play a boardgame, or watch a movie together.

More Ways to Save

• Look for free things to do. Do the research ahead of time, looking for free concerts and other events. Many museums and zoos often offer free admission times, especially for kids.

• Don’t eat out every day. Visit local markets and food stands for fresh ingredients to make your own meals in your vacation rental. You can experience the local cuisine and find recipes to try at home!

• Avoid buying souvenirs. Oftentimes the things we buy on vacation end up in a drawer somewhere that you’ll never use; instead, take lots of photos or choose a special shell to remember your trip.

For further travel tips and facts about renting a vacation home, visit www.vrbo.com/vacation-ideas.

On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)