Travel Hacks to visit Ocean City, Maryland on a Budget
A trip to Ocean City is a perfect way to unwind and get over the exhaustion and boredom caused by COVID-19. It’ll help you forget your worries and rejuvenate you. If you want to holiday with your friends and family, Ocean City must be your go-to destination.
But are you stressed about finding a perfect vacation rental, the rates of watersports & adventure activities, transportation costs, and other miscellaneous expenditures? If yes, then don’t fret. A trip to Ocean City doesn’t have to break the bank. Yes, you heard that right.
One doesn’t necessarily have to win a lottery to travel the world. And, you can enjoy Maryland’s coastline on a budget too. Don’t know where to start? Well, here are some money-saving tips to help you make the most of your trip. Let’s get going with listing down what these hacks are:
Develop a Plan of Action:
Spontaneity is great. But, does it always pay? Maybe not! Traveling spontaneously makes sense if you have the luxury of both time and money. However, if you’re traveling on a fixed budget, the very first thing that you should have in mind is a plan of action.
You don’t need a tight itinerary that enumerates an hour-by-hour schedule. Instead, a well-crafted itinerary should give you an idea of how much time you’ll be spending in a city. And what all places do you want to visit and how do you plan to reach them? The less you leave to chance, the less will be your unexpected spending. Last-minute flights and accommodations can mess up your budget and ruin all your subsequent plans.
Travel Out of Season:
It is always wise to avoid taking a vacation during the holiday season. The tourism industry usually hikes up the rates to take advantage of families ready to travel. The prices touch the roof, the attractions are crowded, and you have to queue up for everything. Spend some time researching so that you can find the best time to visit the destination. Plan your vacation just before or after the high season. If money-saving is your priority, ensure that you travel during the off-season or shoulder season.
Ocean City is your next planned getaway. Avoid the summers as it is the peak time to visit this beautiful city. If you are on a strict budget, plan your trip in the off-season. Hotels and airlines, among others, lower their prices to attract more customers. The resort town is way less crowded and you can relax and enjoy a tranquil environment.
Research about the Accommodation
Accommodations account for a major chunk of your holiday expenses, so focus on them. Trade expensive hotels & resorts for pocket-friendly hostels & dorm rooms. Sharing a room divides the cost and you can drastically reduce the cost of your stay. Additionally, you have an opportunity of meeting people from across the world. However, this is only a viable option if you’re traveling solo.
If you’re traveling with family, then ensure to look for vacation rentals. Staying at these places will help you halve the cost, give you much-needed privacy, yet allow you to experience the city to the fullest. Vacation rentals like Ocean City NJ house rentals are always preferable as they provide amenities like internet access, storage room, elevator, grill, etc. In most cases, the hosts of vacation rentals are also really helpful and assist you with the best eateries, transport options, and famous spots in the neighborhood. Other options for saving costs on accommodations are avoiding the weekends, booking hotels in advance, and staying in spots that are away from prime areas.
Pack Properly
Pack properly so that you don’t have to spend unnecessary money while you’re away. Use packing hacks to ensure that your luggage is manageable and organized. Check online resources for some in-depth advice about packing. Always keep some spare space in your bags for some souvenirs and shopping.
Frequent travelers suggest that you should always carry a pair of jeans, a waterproof jacket, scarves, and a warm hoodie with you. These items will help you to cope with the unpredictable weather. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, chargers, sunglasses, a first-aid kit, toiletries, etc. Remember, that you are on a tight budget and want to refrain from any needless expenses.
Book Flights Well in Advance
Booking your flight tickets well in advance helps in getting good deals. Airlines release their flight seats one year prior to the traveling date. The closer you get to the departure date, the greater the prices will be. Resist booking tickets in the last month as prices reach sky-rocket levels.
It is always wise to book return flights. Return flights mostly fall cheaper than one-way flights. if you are visiting 2-3 cities, check for multi-stop flights or open-jaw tickets. They are not only very convenient but may be cheaper.
Be Smart and Know the Maxims of Flying
Always opt to travel on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Pro travelers say that traveling in the midweek is always the best as travel prices are lower than weekend flights. You’ll also have the opportunity of breezing through shorter queues at the airport security and immigration. Do not believe in all the travel myths circulating on the web. Have faith in your own experiences.
You don’t necessarily need to fly in business class as the economy class seats are way much cheaper. Save money by flying economically so that you can spend the same amount of money on food and accommodation. Try to pack light, especially when you’re planning a weekend trip. Use only hand luggage. Airlines charge exorbitant rates for excess luggage and you don’t want to use your money to pay avoidable expenses.
Embrace Public Transport
Trains and buses are much cheaper than planes. Yes, it’s that simple. Check for overnight trains to travel around Ocean City. You will be able to save on travel costs by doing this. Also, it’ll save one night’s accommodation costs.
Never Eat Away Your Cash
If you’re running low on money, give expensive restaurants and cafes a miss. Instead, visit a local fresh food market or a supermarket and enjoy a cheap lunch. Wander around and check a few eateries before deciding on a place to eat. This way you are able to keep your food expenditure in control. If you stay on a vacation rental, you can cook your own healthy meals and save lots of money. Also, try to order water instead of a glass of beer. By doing so, you can be kind to your waistline and wallet- both at the same time.
Explore the Free Entertainment Options
Opting for free or budget entertainment options can also help you in sticking to your budget. Ocean City hosts free activities every night in summer. It may be free concerts, movies on the beach, live performances, etc. Keep a lookout for deals and family passes that will bring down the cost of the activities significantly.
Last-Minute Prep
Your trip is just around the corner, and by now, you probably have all things taken care of. Just make sure that you have done proper research and that there are no last-minute surprises. Make arrangements so that you have internet access during your vacation. Also, download some useful apps like Google Maps, Global Convert, Time Buddy, and Trail Wallet to ensure ease while traveling.
The Verdict- Awaken to a New World with Ease
Now that you’ve made up your mind to travel to Ocean City, it is vital to follow some steps to take the stress out of trip planning. However, it is worth remembering that even the best-laid plans can go for a toss sometimes. This saying is particularly true when there are so many unknown factors to consider.
It’s okay if your carefully planned programs go haywire. It is part of the adventure. And that’s what makes travel a fun and learning experience. At the end of the holiday, you will be much wiser. All these experiences will help you when you plan your next vacation.
But, never underestimate the power of planning!