How cheap can I do a beach vacation?

[la79al]

Every year my dad rents a condo in Wildwood NJ. My DH and I were discussing whether we can afford for me to take the girls this summer. I don't work over the summer so I won't lose money from a paycheck. My dad won't take any money to help pay for the place. We always take food for us (and food to share, but no one else eats it) and special snacks for the boardwalk. We still have some ride tickets left from last year (plus my dad usually gives all the grandkids ride money). Once we get down there, we can park at the condo and only get back in the van for 2 20 minute trips all week. To me, it really sounds like we would spend pretty much the same amount that we would if we stayed home that week but I want to get others opinions.

 

[wishesuponastar]

So are you saying that you don't want to go with Dad this year??

 

[Marionnette]

Every year my dad rents a condo in Wildwood NJ. My DH and I were discussing whether we can afford for me to take the girls this summer. I don't work over the summer so I won't lose money from a paycheck. My dad won't take any money to help pay for the place. We always take food for us (and food to share, but no one else eats it) and special snacks for the boardwalk. We still have some ride tickets left from last year (plus my dad usually gives all the grandkids ride money). Once we get down there, we can park at the condo and only get back in the van for 2 20 minute trips all week. To me, it really sounds like we would spend pretty much the same amount that we would if we stayed home that week but I want to get others opinions.

It sounds as if all it's going to cost you is the gas and tolls to get there.

If you can avoid the urge to spend money on mini golf, go karts, arcades, fudgie wudgies on the beach, Curly's fries on the boardwalk and $5 t-shirts that end up costing you $20, then I say go and enjoy yourselves for the week.

I always seem to switch to my "vacation spending" mode when I'm there. Aside from the expenses listed above, we also buy a little more in the way of snacks, wine coolers and beer. Since almost all of our friends and extended family are in Wildwood the same time we're there, we end up entertaining more than we do at home.

 

[la79al]

It sounds as if all it's going to cost you is the gas and tolls to get there.

If you can avoid the urge to spend money on mini golf, go karts, arcades, fudgie wudgies on the beach, Curly's fries on the boardwalk and $5 t-shirts that end up costing you $20, then I say go and enjoy yourselves for the week.

I always seem to switch to my "vacation spending" mode when I'm there. Aside from the expenses listed above, we also buy a little more in the way of snacks, wine coolers and beer. Since almost all of our friends and extended family are in Wildwood the same time we're there, we end up entertaining more than we do at home.

See, I am content to just walk on the boardwalk or better yet, put the kids to bed early and read a book . And my kids are still little enough that they are content with a handful of rides and whatever treats I bring from home.

 

[kirstenb1]

I guess you have to estimate how much extra you'll spend on groceries and souvenirs. Your dh sounds like he'd stay at home, so he'll be preparing his own meals or going out. I am very content to cook all our meals at the beach house we rent, but I know a lot of people go out for a few meals, or all the meals.

Only you know how disciplined you can be, and if your budget can afford the differential between staying at home or going.

 

[kirstenb1]

I forgot to add, even though I cook, it's more expensive cause

1. I'm shopping at a different store than at home
2. I buy more impulse items, and convenience goods