A week in Virginia Beach can be spent with days waking up early to get to the beach before it gets crowded, going for a run, relaxing in the sand while eating fresh seafood for dinner, going shopping at local stores, going on outdoor activities, and in the evenings going to the oceanfront to explore.
Don’t think a realistic budget for your vacation means you will have to miss out on anything. Instead, a realistic budget will allow you to decide where to spend a little more money and where you can save in order to experience the very best of Virginia Beach on your vacation.
Start With the Biggest Expenses: Lodging and Transportation
Lodging is typically the biggest expense on beach vacations, so it is best to decide how much you will spend on lodging first. When it comes to where you stay, there are many different options of lodging, such as hotels and vacation rentals. Some may be located on the oceanfront, while others are miles away. It is up to you to decide what will best fit your needs for your vacation to Virginia Beach.
You can stay along the oceanfront and still spend less than someone who stays in a higher-priced hotel. Consider staying in a home a short distance from the beach and walking or biking to the beach. Also, consider using public transportation, such as the VB Bound (bus), to get to attractions outside the beach area. And of course, rideshare or rental car services are always an option. But once one arrives in VB, most attractions are within walking distance of the 3-mile-long VB Boardwalk.
Many expenses associated with traveling also need to be considered when developing a budget. Include items like parking, gas for your own vehicle, gas for rental vehicles, and rideshares like Uber and Lyft in your initial budget. Staying close to most of the activities you plan to do can help cut transportation costs.
Build a Food Budget That Includes Local Favorites
Eating out while on vacation is typically one of the costliest parts of traveling to a new location. That is why vacation managers recommend that visitors create a flexible food budget so they can splurge on higher-end seafood restaurants, enjoy more ‘forgettable’ meals throughout the day, and include a grocery list of basic foods to prepare in their rented home or condo.
When deciding on meals for your group, make sure you have budgeted enough for dinner. You can eat less expensive meals for breakfast and lunch while having the budget to go to some of the higher-priced restaurants for your evenings on the town. Consider buying supplies to make your own breakfasts and lunches at your rental home. This way you can get out and experience the local shops and restaurants for dinner.
There are hundreds of restaurants in the area, so you will find somewhere to suit your taste and budget. There are lots of seafood restaurants, as you would expect, but also many cafes and other eateries that serve a wide variety of food to suit families with different budgets.
Make sure to look at the menu and try to get the best bang for your buck at the restaurant you choose to dine out at for the night. Also make sure to have some extra money for beach snacks and drinks. Bringing some of your own and storing it in your rental for a few meals is a good idea, too.
Plan Fun Around Affordable Virginia Beach Experiences
One of the best parts of a Virginia Beach vacation is the many fun, affordable activities to do. A great trip doesn’t have to cost much. Many of the best moments on a trip are spent outdoors, appreciating the simple beauty of a destination like Virginia Beach.
Take a leisurely stroll down the three-mile boardwalk, watch the sunrise over the beautiful horizon, spend time lounging on the sandy beach, or simply roam around and explore many public areas such as the growing creative energy of the ViBe Creative District, where you can view the vibrant murals and appreciate much of the local art on display.
For things to do that you will spend money on for activities (such as an aquarium or somewhere else a bit outside of VB proper, i.e. a state or regional park) set that money aside in your budget first and figure out which of the activities on your “things to do” list you will spend money on, that way you won’t end up “spending money” on all of them in your attempts to be frugal.
Make Room for Shopping Without Overspending
When shopping for souvenirs, remember that these are typically unexpected expenses that can easily add up to more than you realize. Set aside a separate budget for shopping, and hold to it when you’re browsing the wares of various beach shops and boutiques.
In Virginia Beach, you’ll find an array of beach boutiques, local specialty shops, and more. You can find unique shopping at Virginia Beach local makers and artists who sell their work throughout the city. You can also find beach items that will last for many future beach vacations.
When deciding what to buy, make sure you have room in your budget and choose items you’ll keep or use later, such as local artwork or beachwear.
Use Membership Rewards to Add More Value to Your Spending
Vacation expenses often include everyday purchases such as dining, shopping and travel-related costs. For travelers who regularly take trips, choosing financial products with additional benefits can help make those purchases more valuable over time.
Some programs offer perks and benefits that reward members for everyday spending. Exploring options that include membership rewards can help you add value while managing vacation expenses. These benefits can complement a travel budget by helping travelers make the most of purchases they were already planning.
The goal isn’t to spend more just to earn rewards, but to look for opportunities where existing expenses can provide added benefits.
Create a Flexible Weekly Spending Plan
After you establish the largest expenses of your trip, you can distribute the remaining funds to the areas of your travel that matter most to you. Some people may want a larger portion of their funds for dining out and entertainment activities. Others may prefer to allocate more to shopping, outdoor activities, or even more expensive lodging.
Also consider your daily spending. Allocating your vacation budget day by day will help you understand what you can spend and how to use your money best to get the most out of your vacation.
Enjoy Virginia Beach While Staying Within Your Budget
Affordable activities, experiences, dining, shopping, and culture make up the heart of a great affordable vacation. Look for affordable daytime activities and experiences, then save for special dining, shopping, and cultural experiences throughout the week.
Blend affordable activities with special experiences, track major expenses, and leave some room for flexibility, and you can have a full week of great food, lots of fun, and plenty of quality shopping while attempting to stay within your means.
A fun and memorable vacation in coastal Virginia is awaiting you. Enjoy your time of food, fun, and shopping while spending an affordable amount of money on these things. Just plan the larger expenses in advance.
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