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Vacations are supposed to be enjoyable. We save and eagerly wait all year for our long-awaited getaway. For some, spending more during vacation is definitely not a problem, but for the majority of family vacationers, saving money while on vacation is a must. However, as much as people want to save money, they often just don't know how to do it. This means that most families have a preconceived perception that going on vacation means shelling out a ton of cash.

However, a little pre-vacation planning will help you save money while on your trip so that you can have the relaxed Outer Banks vacation that you deserve. Here are some budget-friendly tips that may help you save money while still getting the chance to recharge, enjoy new experiences, connect with family, and let the stress melt away.

How to Save Money on Your Next Vacation

Smart pre-trip planning can significantly cut costs on an Outer Banks getaway: travel off-peak, choose a rental home over a hotel, and set a realistic budget. Save on food and transit by driving, packing snacks, using money-saving apps, meal planning, and cooking in your rental while building in free beach time and on-site amenities. Leverage coupons, local discounts, and---by booking direct with Seaside Vacations---avoid third-party fees, tap repeat-renter savings, and spread payments with zero-interest plans starting at $300 down. Above all, stay flexible and prioritize relaxation so money worries don't overshadow your trip.

Be Flexible Regarding Your Travel Dates

This is a potentially HUGE money saver! If possible, try to vacation during the off (non-peak) season. Although most people crave a summer vacation at the beach, the off-season on the Outer Banks is one of our best-kept secrets.* Not only will you save money on a rental, but you'll also avoid the crowds and get more time to enjoy the local attractions.

*No matter what time of the year you want to hit the beach, Seaside Vacations has exclusive offers and hot deals on vacation homes, so you may be able to get an awesome home at a lower price!

Choose A Rental Home Over A Hotel

An oceanfront hotel room on the Outer Banks can easily reach $299 per night or more during the summer. When you compare that to an oceanfront or oceanside vacation rental home shared among family or friends, the per-person nightly cost is often comparable—or even less—than booking multiple hotel rooms. And unlike a hotel, a private vacation rental gives you far more for your money: a full gourmet kitchen, spacious living areas, multi-level decks, and often private pools, hot tubs, and outdoor showers—all without shared walls or crowded common spaces. Plus, many Seaside Vacations homes offer Any Day Stays, so you’re not locked into a full-week reservation. You can plan a flexible, hotel-style getaway while enjoying the space, privacy, and amenities that only a vacation rental can provide.

Make A List Of Expenditures

Of course, your planning starts with where you are going. How long is your travel time, and how are you getting there? Are you sharing the cost with another family? Does your Outer Banks vacation rental come with linens and towels and other standard amenities? How much can you pack in your vehicle? What grocery stores are available at your destination? Brainstorm all of the expenditures that you will have, make a list, and then make a budget.

Take It On The Road

Keep in mind that driving can significantly cut your vacation transportation costs. To save money and to avoid fast food while traveling, try packing a lunch, snacks, and drinks for your road trip. Don't be intimidated by the idea of entertaining your kids while you drive. With a fun road trip game, you just might find that those hours you share in the car together are some of the best memories of all. Don't forget to plan for gas and tolls.

There's An App For That

Use smartphone apps to your advantage while traveling. GasBuddy can help you find the cheapest gas near you while offering discounts and deals at certain gas stations. Be sure to use your bank's mobile app or website locator to find fee-free ATMs in your network to avoid unnecessary fees when withdrawing money. If you stop along the way, restaurants may have an app or coupons you can find with a quick search online.

Save On Meals

It can be tempting to ignore the cost of food while you're on vacation. After all, you would spend money on food at home anyway. However, if you don't plan ahead, you can end up spending a lot more on vacation meals than you would at home.

  • Once you arrive, hit the local grocery store to stock the kitchen in your vacation rental home.
  • Create a vacation meal plan. Think about the number of meals you'll eat and decide how many will be at home and how often you'll dine out. Be sure to include breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks in your planning. A good idea is to plan for one night to be "clean out the fridge" night to help get rid of food before checking out. (However, if you do have unopened non-perishable food left, please bring it by our Kitty Hawk office so we may donate it to the local food pantry.)
  • It also helps if breakfasts and dinners are eaten in, since many restaurants offer the same dinner menu at lunch - but with lower prices.
  • Many of our Outer Banks vacation rentals include a grill, which helps with planning meals at home.
  • If you are traveling with other families, splitting the menu planning will save you money and also give you a night off when it is someone else's turn in the kitchen.

Plan Some Down Time

You don't have to visit local Outer Banks attractions each and every day of your vacation. Since the Outer Banks is known for its beautiful, pristine beaches, why not spend your time relaxing on the sand and cooling off in the refreshing Atlantic? Spending the day by the water costs nothing! You can also take advantage of the many amenities that most of our vacation rentals offer. From rec rooms with pool tables to private pools and hot tubs, spending time with your family hanging out in your Outer Banks vacation rental home is another effective way to save money on your Outer Banks vacation.

Ask For (And Use!) Coupons

Ask the local Outer Banks Visitor's Bureau or Chamber of Commerce to send you free maps, coupons, and a list of special events. You can also wait until you arrive. A local coupon book comes out every year, and many local businesses have these books in their entryway, so they are easy to grab. If you aren't sure where to find one, give us a call, and we can help! With these local guides in your pocket, you'll save big on restaurants, attractions, and local shopping.

Relax, Relax, Relax

You may go over budget and you may stay under budget, but don't let the stress of money rob you from the pleasure of your Outer Banks vacation. And if you feel that your budget is getting out of control, simply plan one night in with family board games, drinks on the deck, or hamburgers on the grill to feel like you are back on track. Plus, not all local attractions cost money, so a little research before you go (combined with checking your coupon booklet), means you won't show up unprepared. Remember... the Outer Banks is the number 1 best family beach vacation in the USA so enjoy it!

Turn Your OBX Vacation into a Smart Money Move

Book your Outer Banks rental with the Best Direct Price + Flexible Zero-Interest Payment Plans. Start your stay for just $300 down, then spread the rest across easy, interest-free monthly payments up to arrival.

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Why Booking Direct Saves You More

Save More by Booking Direct with Outer Banks Vacations

Third-party sites often add extra service fees---booking direct doesn't. Many of our homes offer repeat renter discounts listed right on the property page, plus our Best Direct Price guarantee and zero-interest payment plans when you book with just $300 down.

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Make Your OBX Trip Fit Your Budget

Lock In Your OBX Vacation Now, Pay Over Time

Don't wait for "someday." Secure your favorite vacation rental today with only $300 down and pay the rest in flexible, interest-free monthly payments that fit your budget. No hidden fees, no surprise interest---just the beach.

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Ready to Save on Your Outer Banks Vacation?

You've learned how to save---now put it to work. Find your perfect OBX rental, get the Best Direct Price, tap into repeat renter discounts, and use our Flexible Zero-Interest Payment Plans to make your trip more affordable.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Money Saving Tips

Can I book an Outer Banks vacation rental with a payment plan?

Yes---when you book directly with Seaside Vacations at outerbanksvacations.com, you can reserve most homes with just $300 down and then use our Flexible Zero-Interest Payment Plans to make monthly payments up until arrival.* This lets you lock in your favorite rental at today's rate and spread out the cost with no added interest or surprise fees.

*Final balance due 30 days before check-in

How does booking direct help me save money on my Outer Banks vacation?

Booking direct with Seaside Vacations at outerbanksvacations.com cuts out many third-party service fees and gives you access to our Best Direct Price on eligible homes. You'll also see repeat renter discounts clearly listed on qualifying property pages, plus the ability to book with $300 down and pay the rest over time with our zero-interest payment plans.

Do any Outer Banks rentals offer repeat renter discounts?

Yes, many of our homes offer special discounts for repeat guests, which are shown right on the property page when they're available. If you find a home you love, booking it again through Seaside Vacations at outerbanksvacations.com gives you our Best Direct Price + Flexible Zero-Interest Payment Plans, and you may also qualify for additional savings as a returning guest.

What's the most budget-friendly way to book an Outer Banks vacation rental?

For most travelers, the best way to save is to book direct, travel in shoulder season if you can, and secure your rental early with a low deposit. With Seaside Vacations, you can book with just $300 down, take advantage of the Best Direct Price, and split the remaining balance into interest-free monthly payments, making a beach trip much easier on your budget