Taking a vacation on a budget is not the end of the world. Just because you don’t want to break the bank doesn’t mean you can’t have a fantastic vacation. All you need to do is learn how to have the most enjoyable vacation on a budget.
If you are on a budget and want a fantastic getaway, check out our Jekyll Island vacation rentals. There are many things that you can do to save money and still enjoy an unforgettable vacation on Jekyll Island. Here are a few of our most helpful tips!
Look for Specials
When booking Jekyll Island vacation rentals, there are always specials going on. If you’re booking with us here at Parker-Kaufman, there is a page on our website that states all the specials happening at the current time. Keep in mind that prices will always fluctuate based on different circumstances, but you might catch a great deal by being diligent in your search!
Also, if you want the best deal on Jekyll Island cottages, you will want to visit during the off-season. Around here, the off-season mainly consists of the winter months. There are not as many tourists around once the summer season closes, meaning the rates are extremely low compared to the busy season. Special rates help attract more people to the area, although you’ll still be avoiding the peak of the crowds. Cheaper rates and lesser crowds! Does it get any better than that?
Cook at Home
When you rent one of our St. Simons Island rentals or Villas by the Sea on Jekyll Island, you will have a full kitchen. Even our smaller cottages at Jekyll Island will have a full-size kitchen and all its appliances and cookware! You can save a ton of money on vacation by simply cooking your own food.
You will not have to worry about purchasing anything other than the food in our rentals. The kitchens will have all the silverware and cookware needed to create anything you might be craving. Your kitchen will also feature modern appliances, including a full-size refrigerator, microwave oven, and stove.
You can even bring food from home to your rental if you’d like. However, if that’s not what you would like to do, there are many local markets from which you can purchase your food on the way to your rental. You can even have your groceries delivered on Jekyll Island!
Check Out Local Markets
One of the local markets, Jekyll Market, is the best grocery store to stop at if you need to purchase food. There is also beer and wine available at this market. Jekyll Market is open every day of the week, so you can get those last-minute forgotten ingredients that you need for dinner any day of the week. The store opens at 8 a.m. every day. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, they close at 6 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, the store will remain open for an extra hour to allow you to get all the ingredients needed for that perfect weekend meal.
You may also choose to visit The Commissary. This was the first store that opened for residents on Jekyll Island. Today, it is still full of delicious items that you can purchase to include in your meals. Some of the most common things that are sold are jellies, jam, sauces, and dressings. If you love coffee or tea, you can purchase some of the best here! The Commissary is well-known for the freshly baked cookies and their cheese sticks!
Buying your groceries or even bringing them along will save tons of money. Going out to eat for the entire vacation will add up. Taking the time to cook meals in your rental can allow you to have more money for exploring.
Plan Your Visit!
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly vacation getaway, Jekyll Island is the destination for you! View our rentals, book your favorite, and get ready to save some bucks!
Explore The Area!
There are many things to do in the area that are not expensive or are even free. Some of the favorite activities of locals are going to the beach and having a picnic or hiking on the local nature trails. One of the most beloved beaches on Jekyll Island is Driftwood Beach. This beach is one of the most stunning beaches in the area. It is also a common wedding destination during the on-season. However, you get the same views with fewer people around during the off-season!
If you love the water and exploring, visiting Sharktooth Beach is a must! The sand is not typical; it’s naturally made of oyster shells that come in during the high tide. When the tide is low, you can see the bottom of the beach. This is the muddy area where you can dig to find shark teeth and many other treasures to last a lifetime.
Lastly, the Wanderer Memory Trail is located on St. Andrews Beach for those who love exploring. It is both a breathtaking and educational trail, teaching you about the last slave ship in America. Those who walk this trail will be along the river. The Jekyll River is where over 500 Africans were enslaved and brought over on a ship called the Wanderer. Come to this trail to get some exercise, learn some history, and enjoy yourself all at the same time!
Just Relax
While there are so many things on Jekyll Island, there is also so much not to do! That may sound crazy, but you are on vacation! Take some time to relax. Enjoy the stunning views off your balcony or patio. You can book a rental on the water that allows you to absorb all the breathtaking views without ever walking out the door. All you need to do is grab your favorite drink and relax. Taking the time for yourself will allow you to unwind and destress.
If you feel a little more adventurous, you can head to the beach. Grab your beach chair and cooler and set yourself up. During the off-season, few people are hanging out on the beach, which means that you will have a more relaxed and private beach experience. You can watch the sunset on the beach while enjoying your favorite drink and wading in the water.
In some instances, you may be required to pay a small fee to enter the beach or to park at the beach if you are not in a beachfront rental. However, these costs are relatively small, and with the money you saved with cooking, spending a few dollars on parking or entrance will not be a problem.
When you’re ready to book your budget-friendly Jekyll Island vacation, contact our team at Parker-Kaufman. We’ll help you plan the trip of a lifetime!
