29 April 2022 | Published By: Hotels OBX
Family vacations can be very expensive, especially with the rising cost of fuel. Researching cost-saving tips for your OBX Family Vacation in NC can help keep costs down. For smaller family vacations, ask each family member what is one thing they would like to do on vacation. Establishing a vacation “wish list” will help you budget for your OBX trip.
Budget for Your Outer Banks of North Carolina Vacation
Creating a budget for your OBX family trip should be one of the first steps in planning your family vacation. Typically, the three most expensive components of the trip are hotels, food, and transportation. Once you have determined your family vacation budget for these three things, you can begin looking at attractions, tours, or special meals.
Plan Ahead for Cost-Saving Measures
The sooner you book your OBX vacation the less you will likely spend on your hotel. Hotel rates fluctuate by demand so usually the earlier you book the rates are better. If the hotel starts to fill up on your selected dates the rates will increase. Some hotels will offer advanced purchase options, which give an additional discount if you book and pay ahead. However, this option is typically non-refundable, so your dates must be firm.
When you book at either the Comfort Inn on the Ocean or the Comfort Inn South Oceanfront breakfast is included in your rate. Booking a hotel that includes breakfast is a great way to save money on food costs. There are many wonderful local restaurants
in OBX, so you definitely want to enjoy some of the local cuisines. Plan which days and meals you wish to dine out and then coordinate with your family to eat a few meals in the room. Visit one of the local OBX grocery stores and stock up on snacks and easy meal options. Planning quick and easy meals in the room is a great way to cut some of your food costs.
Shop for Essentials Before Your Trip
There are a ton of wonderful local shops you and your family will want to visit while on your OBX vacation. Save your funds for local and unique vacation souvenirs and shop for popular beach souvenirs before your trip. Especially if you are traveling with children, a trip to the local dollar store can yield many beach toy necessities! Buckets, shovels, sand molds, and other fun beach items are great to bring along. Bringing along your sunscreen, umbrellas, and beach towels will also save you time and money.
Save on Local Activities and Attractions
Sightseeing around the area is another low-cost family-friendly activity. There are state and national parks that are free or low-cost to visit. Birdwatching and touring lighthouses are OBX activities that many families enjoy. Jockey’s Ridge is a family favorite and entrance to the park is free. Shop for tickets in advance for attractions like the NC Aquarium or the H2OBX waterpark to see if you qualify for any discounts. Many attractions will offer discounts for military members and their families.
Large Family Trips and Family Reunions
Affordable group meals and activities are a must for large family gatherings. Many family reunion venues in NCwill provide on-site food options. If you book at either of our Comfort Inns, you will have access to large meeting spaces that will accommodate your family functions. Our team will assist you with meal planning and finding meal options that suit your family's budget. Many area attractions and activities will offer group rates. When planning for your OBX family reunion, inquiring about group discounts is a good way to help cut admission costs for your family. Overall, there are many ways to plan a fun and affordable vacation in the Outer Banks of NC.
