North Carolina Beach Spot Named One of the Most Underrated
There’s something special about visiting a special North Carolina beach spot and soaking up the sunshine. Sitting by the ocean can be a very calming experience that makes you feel at one with Mother Nature. Now, one North Carolina beach spot has been named one of the most underrated in the South by the experts at Southern Living magazine.
North Carolina Beach Spot is One of the South’s Most Underrated
Southern Living is highlighting one North Carolina beach spot as one of the South’s hidden gems. In the article, they discuss what makes for a great beach town. For one, the beach has to be “wide, sandy shores with sparkling water and plenty of shells” they state. They also mention that having great local restaurants, a waterfront bar and “friendly ice cream shop” also go a long way. They also like spots that have things to do, such as putt-putt golfing or a fishing pier. I personally just like to go to the beach and soak up the sun, but for those who want to enjoy the beach along with a plethora of activities having those options of things to do is always helpful.
While there are plenty of charming little beach towns throughout the South, they deem Sunset Beach a must-see spot that’s also underrated. They compare it to nearby Myrtle Beach and say that Sunset Beach has a “peaceful small-town feel and everything you need for a laid-back beach trip,” as opposed to the hustle-and-bustle of Myrtle Beach. Not that there’s anything wrong with the action and adventure of Myrtle Beach. But, sometimes, you just want a more peaceful experience. “There are lots of sweet little beach towns across the South that check all of those boxes, and many of them—understandably—are jam-packed with tourists during the spring and summer months,” the travel experts at Southern Living write. “Which is why Sunset Beach, North Carolina’s southernmost barrier island, is such a gem.” As for what to do at Sunset Beach, you have plenty of options. Southern Living highlights some fun activities, including going to the beach (of course), spending time at bird island, playing golf, shopping at a local market and, yes, eating. If you’re looking for seafood, try the legendary Fibber McGees, Crabby Oddwaters or The Boat Landing Restaurant. If burgers are more your taste, there’s Mavericks Pointe. I think it’s fantastic and well-deserved to see Sunset Beach get this national acclaim.
Secret Tips to Save Money on Your Next Vacation
1. Try to Negotiate Your Lodging
Did you know that hotel fees can be negotiable? Fidelity.com points out that, “You may be able to negotiate the online price by calling a hotel directly, or asking if they have any discounts for students, government employees, or members of certain groups, such as AAA.” So, don’t settle for that price you see on your laptop. Try to do better. It’s a secret tip that can pay off bigtime.
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2. Get Smart with Your Lodging
Did you know some hotels that are virtually the same, including the same brand, can be cheaper just a few miles apart? As a general rule, hotels that are near the airport are more expensive. So, you can look at the hotels you want to stay at and their multiple locations in the area for the best rate. “Some hotels that are under construction may rent rooms at a discount, which is a great option if you can deal with the noise,” Fidelity.com points out.
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3. Snack Your Way to a Cheaper Trip
Going out to eat on vacation can be one of the most exciting things about the trip. But, if you want to save on cash, skip a few meals out and opt for healthy, hearty snacks. Pack (or buy at a local store) some protein-rich snacks, like protein bars and meal bars, and limit your dining out. You can still enjoy some of the best food the area has to offer, just not as much of it. This is a way to stay fit on your trip, too. A lot of people don’t think of this tip, so it’s a bit of a secret.
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4. Timing is Everything
You’ve heard it so many times in life: Timing is everything. That’s true for travel, too. Research to find the least-busy times to visit your destination. If you travel during those downtimes, you’ll save big. While this is a common tip, something people forget is that every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, be specific for your travel spot.
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5. Travel with a Friend
If you’re thinking of traveling solo to a place you’ve always wanted to visit, go cheaper by traveling with a friend. You two can share lodging fees. Also, sometimes there are more deals and discounts for those traveling with multiple people. I always do this when going to a big music festival, if it’s far away. I’ll usually meet my friend there, and we share lodging costs. It also makes the trip more fun.
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6. Find Free Spots to Travel
Look for some free attractions in your travel area. Chances are, they won’t be as packed as the big-named places, too. You can still visit some of the popular landmarks. But, if you add a trip to a national park or free museum to your itinerary, it will save you some cash.
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7. Max Out Your Memberships
Are you a member of any random groups? You might have travel deals just waiting for you. Check everything, from your college alumni membership to your credit cards, for travel discounts. You may be surprised what you find.
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8. Don't Get Picky
Say you just want to get out on a fantastic trip, but you don’t really have a place in mind. That’s actually a good thing. Take an hour to look at flight specials happening right now. If you aren’t picky on where to travel, chances are you’ll find a great rate on airfare and lodging somewhere. Once you find the most reasonable place to travel, then you can start looking at what to do when you’re there.
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9. Go Popular
This is a bit ironic, but often times, the most popular tourist destinations are also the cheapest. That’s because there is a lot of competition for all those travelers. So, big-named destinations like Orlando, Florida, or Las Vegas, Nevada, tend to have really good travel deals. Go popular, or go home.
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