Revival of the Seaside Family Vacation

For the fifth year in a row, we’ve left behind the winter doldrums in Wisconsin and driven south for a seaside family vacation. Our car is always stocked with plenty of snacks, along with all our beach gear.

Although our destination is Florida, Disney isn’t on our radar.

Neither trudging around an amusement park, nor remaining at home for the recently coined staycation appeal to us. We don’t want to spend a fortune, but we do crave a change of scenery.  

Above all, we consider vacation a time for rest and relaxation.

My parents rent a house across the street from the Gulf of Mexico, and we are privileged to be their guests. Winter is the slow season so there are no crowds.

On sunny days we walk to the beach to build sandcastles, jump waves, collect sea shells, and scan the horizon for dolphins. We go for bike rides and leisurely walks or just sit outside and bask in the sunshine. If the sea is calm, we venture out on the water in a kayak or canoe.

This year we lucked out with 70 degree temps nearly every day, but in years past we’ve been pegged Canadian by the locals. They marvel at the sight of us barefoot and swimsuit clad frolicking in the ocean. Give us sunshine and temperatures above 60 degrees and we’ll hang at the beach all day.

On stormy days we put together puzzles, play board games, bake cookies, read and chit chat.

Sometimes we pack a picnic and head to a local park. We take a nature walk, keeping an eye out for wildlife, like chameleons, turtles and sandhill cranes. Our girls excitedly point out towering palm trees, vibrant flowers and tropical birds.

Our annual Florida trip has become a family tradition with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Just being together in a warmer climate is enough. For us it’s the low-key, highly memorable event of the year.

If you always thought taking a family vacation was just too costly, think again.

Here are a few tips for thrifty family travel:

Drive, don’t fly. Not only will you bypass the cost for individual airfare, but also baggage, parking and car rental fees. Be sure to pack snacks and drinks for the drive. Your favorite music, books, and games make the miles pass faster.

Rent a condo or a house by the week rather than booking a hotel. If you travel during off-peak times, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the amount of space and amenities you get starting at $90/night. Its easy to find a place with 2-3 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, your own washer and dryer, an ocean view and possibly a pool. You may even want to consider getting a bigger place and splitting the cost with another family.

Forgo eating out at restaurants. Shop the local grocery store, fruit stand and fish market instead. Then head back to your rental for real home cooking and family-style meals. I recommend putting dinner duty on a nightly rotation so the same person isn’t stuck with meal prep and clean-up day after day.

Keep it simple. Amusement parks and resorts aren’t necessary stops for an exciting vacation. Try hiking, biking, kayaking, or fishing.

How would you create a fun and restful vacation for your family?