(ARA) – Despite today’s economic woes, people are still traveling; they are just doing so in a much more budget-minded manner. Scouring for deals and methods to cut costs while on vacation has never been more important. One budget-friendly trend has emerged as the solution for those who want to travel for less: vacation home rental.

Travelers may wonder how renting a vacation home will actually cost less in the end. First, vacation homes usually come equipped with all the necessities to cook meals. Just cutting one group meal a day out of a vacation budget can save hundreds of dollars over the course of the trip. By eliminating all of those little extra food outings and instead stocking up at local grocery stores, travelers could possibly cut trip costs in half.

“Eating out is certainly a big part of most vacations, but when people are cutting back, the ability to stay in and cook provides a more affordable alternative, and one to which many vacationers are drawn,” says Ryan Swaim of Dunes Realty, one of the largest vacation rental agencies in the Myrtle Beach, S.C., area.

When calling to inquire about a vacation home, travelers should ask what supplies are provided in the kitchen and how far away the grocery store is from the home’s location. This will help determine whether dining at home will be a good option for that property.

In addition to saving money by not eating out, a vacation home is a larger space so more people can travel together and split the cost of the rental. And with multigenerational travel on the rise — grandma, aunt, mom, dad and kids all traveling together — it’s an easy way to be comfortable and share intimate travel memories together in a larger space.

Do the math. If renting a four-bedroom villa for a week costs $1,000, two families of four will pay only $500 each for accommodations; that same price sometimes only covers two to three nights in a hotel. In addition, many homes have amenities at no additional cost, meaning none of those pesky “resort fees” to use the pool or other extras. Financially, vacation rentals make a lot of sense.

“The ability to truly feel ‘at home’ while on vacation is a big draw, especially for families with children,” says Swaim. “Many of Myrtle Beach’s vacation rental properties offer private pools, deepwater dockage, hot tubs, large porches and easy access to the beach and ocean.”

Myrtle Beach is a fantastic place to look for vacation rentals because they are so plentiful along the 60-mile stretch of coastline. Choose from a condo with a full kitchen or a massive home on the beach. With thousands of rental options and agencies, travelers are sure to find one to fit specific needs and price ranges.

“The Myrtle Beach Area is blessed with a wide selection of vacation home accommodations most situated near or with in walking distance to the beach,” says Rick Elliott of Elliott Realty. “Value-added amenities and friendly service are what set us apart. That is why so many families return each year.”

Besides having a spectrum of vacation rentals to choose from, Myrtle Beach offers many attractions and activities that are free or very affordable, adding even greater value to your trip. Whether it’s hitting Myrtle Beach State Park to enjoy the pristine beach, window shopping in a historic community, or playing a quick game of miniature golf — Myrtle Beach is the miniature golf capital of the world — there are plenty of options to have fun on a budget. Plus, all attractions are within driving distance of each other, so getting to different places of interest is a breeze.

With vacation rentals, there is no need to feel guilty about taking the annual family vacation. Consider a rental property in the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina to get the most for your dollar. For more information, visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle1 (697-8531.)

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Here are just a few of the vacation home rental agencies ready to assist travelers interested in a Myrtle Beach area vacation:

Dunes Realty
www.dunes.com
(888) 889-0312

Elliott Realty
www.elliottrealty.com
(888) 669-7853

Garden City Realty
www.GardenCityRealty.com/myr
(800) 395-5930

Seaside Rentals
www.Seasiderentalsonline.com
(866) 613-7983

Surfside Realty Company
www.Surfsiderealty.org
(800) 542-2503

Barefoot Paradise Vacations
www.barefootparadisevacations.com
(866) 737-8802

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Myrtle Beach

America’s wavering economy along with swelling gas prices have tampered with vacationers’ travel plans throughout the summer, leaving many travelers in the lurch. As wallets continue to tighten and stress levels rise, Americans are realizing just how much they need and deserve a vacation getaway that for now seems to be tossed on the backburner.

But despite fuel costs and financial worries, there is good news on the horizon for determined vacationers! As the seasons transition, Americans don’t have to throw in the towel on travel for the rest of the year. Simply learn to travel smarter by taking extended weekend getaways during the autumn shoulder season.

There are many ways to cut costs and allow for a fabulous fall trip. Here are some insider tips that will help you de-stress and recharge, while getting the most for your travel dollar:

Structure a Budget

First and foremost, figure out what you can realistically afford for your next trip, and stick to your guns. Create budget estimates for each vacation day, from meals to attractions, and even highway tolls. By understanding how much you have available before leaving home, you’ll save yourself the headache of ATM overdraws and never-ending credit card bills once you return from your trip.

Make a Smart Destination Choice and Create a Realistic Timeframe

Choose a destination that is close enough to reach quickly and cost-efficiently, but is a world away in ambiance. Do your homework and peruse through guidebooks, travel blogs, Web sites and newspaper and magazine reviews for destinations that provide climate-friendly options in which to spend a relaxing long weekend.

Choose the Right Accommodations

Select a hotel with an in-room kitchen efficiency so you don’t have to eat every meal in restaurants (that gets expensive!), and find a nearby grocery store so you can stock up with a few provisions. You’ll be amazed at how much money eating cereal for breakfast and packing cold cuts for lunch can save you each day. If you’re traveling with a larger group or family, check out beach homes, condos, timeshares and villa rentals, which can turn out to be a much less expensive option, per person.

Now is the time to also look for deals and offerings such as free nights, complimentary parking, or special incentives (like gas cards). With fewer people traveling these days, many hotels are offering attractive deals to get visitors in the door.

Research Affordable Activities

Seek out a destination with lots of activities that are free or highly affordable. When researching things to do or see in a destination, find attractions that will stretch your dollar the farthest. Savvy travelers will also plan in advance to save money through online coupons and deals. As a bonus, you’ll reduce stress while on vacation because your itinerary is already set.

By following the above tips, you’ll surely find and enjoy a long weekend break that fits within your budget. One terrific place you might wish to consider when putting these tips to the test is the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina. Known best as an affordable, budget-friendly vacation destination with a vast variety of accommodations, meals and attractions to suit every visitor, this is a great option for the smart traveler. Here’s why:

Location and Weather
Boasting a mild climate and perpetually temperate weather, Myrtle Beach is a great destination choice year round, especially in the autumn. Its pristine coastline, affectionately called the Grand Strand, is the star attraction here. Stretching for 60 miles, travelers have access to all kinds of public beaches and oceanfront access, from state parks to picturesque waterways — the perfect oasis away from the stress of everyday life.

Quality Accommodations with Perks
With a variety of accommodations from which to choose, including many updated and spacious beachfront condos with kitchens and additional seasonal promotions, Myrtle Beach offers great deals for saving money on food and lodging costs.

A Variety of Affordable Activities
Whether it’s hitting Myrtle Beach State Park to enjoy the pristine beach for pennies or even popping a quick game of miniature golf — Myrtle Beach is the Miniature Golf Capital of the World — there are plenty of options to have fun on a budget in Myrtle Beach.

For further incentives, vacationers can get a great bang for their buck at Myrtle Beach’s acclaimed attractions. At Brookgreen Gardens, a beautiful nature oasis on the site of four former rice plantations, your entry ticket is good for an entire week. And if you visit Hard Rock Park — the world’s first 140-acre, music-themed amusement park — on the day of a big-name concert, you’ll be admitted free to that evening’s concert.

The moral of the story? If you’re itching to use some of those precious vacation days for an extended weekend this fall, choose a destination that has it all within reach. With the right combination of budget-friendly activities, great weather, and a mix of fun and relaxation, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable and much-deserved getaway.

For more information visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle1 (888-697-8531).

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Hotel Blue Fabulous Fall Super Saver

Fabulous Fall Super Saver includes oceanfront accommodations and discounted prices for bowling at Hotel Blue’s sister resort. (Bowling and entertainment center located one block away.) $38-53 per night. Sunday to Thursday. Excludes Nov. 26-29, 2008. For more information, visit www.hotelBluemb.com or call (800) 843-3466.

Springmaid Resort

Buy three nights of the Bed & Breakfast package at Springmaid Beach Resort and get the fourth night and breakfast free. Enjoy this great deal, plus Springmaid’s all ocean view rooms, six pools (two heated) , two lazy rivers, fitness center, onsite restaurants, full sized in-room refrigerators and microwaves, plus the famous Springmaid Pier.

Bed & Breakfast package includes:
- Nightly lodging (Sunday through Thursday)
- Daily hot buffet breakfast
- Free admission to Springmaid Pier
- Resort miniature golf course discounts

Rates from:
$44/person 8/31-10/2/08
$39/person 10/5-10/24/08
$34/person 10/26-11/26/08

Rates based on standard resort room, double occupancy. Limited availability. Restrictions apply. Friday/Saturday and holiday rates available — additional charges apply. For more information call (866) 764-8501 or visit http://www.springmaidbeach.com/specials.html.

Marina Inn Fall Family Fun

Five Nights of Fall Family Fun for $999. Includes accommodations in a Grande Guest room for five nights, 1/2-day boat rental on a 22-foot FunDeck Boat, four general admission tickets to Hard Rock Park or four “Ticket to Play” passes that include top rated attractions at Broadway at the Beach and full breakfast each morning in Waterscapes, the Marina Inn’s signature restaurant. No blackout dates! Valid through December 31, 2008. For more information call (877) 913-1333 or visit www.marinainnatgrandedunes.com/familyfun.

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