You’ve been working hard all year…

and now you finally have some free time to get away and relax. The boss has cleared your schedule, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and you’re ready to head for the beach. Unfortunately, these are tough times, and so that much needed vacation is often put on the back burner and deemed a ‘non essential expense.” If you are thinking about a Panama City Beach vacation but not sure if the budget will allow, there’s good news. There are many ways to cut back expenses and save money without sacrificing the quality of your well deserved getaway. So check out our tips and get packing!

Tip # 1 – Schedule your vacation out of peak season. Summer rates are typically the highest, as it’s when the kids are out of school and most people choose to vacation. Consider a ‘shoulder’ season getaway, either before school gets out or towards the end of summer. Temperatures are still warm, it’s less crowded, and almost every hotel or condo is offering some great specials and deals.

Tip # 2 – Bring the whole family! Book a 3 or 4 bedroom condo and split the cost between everyone. A condo is a spacious, comfortable and cost effective way to stay in Panama City Beach.  Rates actually work out to be extremely reasonable when you go this route, plus there’s plenty of room and privacy for everybody. You have all the comforts of home, and most units of this size can sleep anywhere between 6 and 8 plus feature at minimum 2 or 3 bathrooms.

Tip # 3 – If you’re staying in a condo, or even a hotel room with a small kitchenette, consider making most of your meals ‘at home’. Enjoy breakfast on the balcony, pack a lunch to take to the beach, and eat dinner together from the comfort of your accommodation. There’s no crowds, no wait, and savings can be huge when you compare to eating out every meal. Of course Panama City Beach has some incredible restaurants, and you’ll want to try some of them. Just make the most of your kitchen facilities and you’ll be amazed at how much you can save.

Tip # 4 – For those without kitchen facilities, or those who don’t want to cook on vacation, Panama City Beach has a fantastic selection of buffet restaurants. With a buffet, you can enjoy a late breakfast and an early dinner, and fill up on all kinds of goodies! Buffets are usually fairly inexpensive and offer a multitude of delicious items. Some of our favorites include: Bishop’s Family Buffet, Capt. Jacks’ Seafood Buffet, Lyn’s Country Buffet, CiCi’s Pizza Buffet and Chinatown Buffet.

Tip # 5 – Make your own nightlife. Bring board games that the whole family will enjoy, or pack some of your favorite movies and a bag of popcorn. Most accommodations feature a DVD player, and some even rent DVD’s at the front desk. Grab a blanket, and head for the sand to watch the sunset or gaze at the stars with some-one special. There’s no cover charge, and you get to spend that quality time together that is hard to find back home.

Tip # 6 – A vacation doesn’t have to mean non-stop activities that will break the bank. Panama City Beach’s top attraction doesn’t cost a cent. Our beautiful beaches stretch for 27 miles and are some of the world’s best. Powder white sands and the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide an idyllic setting for day after day of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy swimming, boogie boarding, catching frisbee, volleyball, fishing, walking, building sandcastles and much more. For a change of scenery, pick a spot by the pool and read a good book or catch some rays. It’s all free and what a Panama City Beach vacation is all about.

Tip # 7 – Panama City Beach has plenty of ways to have fun and still go easy on the wallet. Find coupon books featuring all your favorite attractions in your hotel or condo lobby, local restaurants and stores, or visit the official website of your chosen attraction for discounts and specials. You can also sometimes take advantage of better ticket prices by purchasing online.  Golf after 2pm for less expensive green fees, or keep an eye out for numerous two for one deals at many Panama City Beach attractions. Do your research before you travel and you should notice a difference in those vacation dollar savings.

A Panama City Beach vacation doesn’t have to be an expensive vacation. In today’s economy, it can be tough to find the funds for a getaway even though most of us need it more than ever! We all deserve the chance to relax and have fun, and Panama City Beach is the perfect destination to do just that. Spectacular beaches without the tropical vacation price tag are accessible and provide mild temperatures year round. With a little planning before you leave, not only is a Panama City Beach vacation an affordable option, you might even have a few dollars left over to put towards your next trip!