Beach Beverages Without Breaking the Bank!

     Recently we headed to North Carolina for a week at the beach.  Although we took a ton of food with us, we still needed to head to the grocery store a couple of times for perishables, frozen foods and bread.  As we waited in line, I couldn't help but notice carts full of drinks everyone else seemed to have.  How did I get away with only spending $4 to quench our entire family's thirst (six people) for seven days?

1. We brought the Britta Pitcher (and filter), plus a refillable water bottle for each family member.  Throughout the week we had fresh, filtered water and never had to lug cases or jugs from the store.  We drink 1.5 - 2 gallons of water a day, so this trick saved us at least $14. 
2. Soda is limited in our house.  As a treat, we might have a small cup with lunch.   Having checked out the Food Lion ad prior to leaving home, I noted 2L bottles were on sale for $1 each, so I purchased these on our first shopping trip.  (Had we bought sodas each day at a fast food restaurant or convenience store, this would have cost us $63, based on a price of $1.50 per drink.)
3. No one in our family drinks alcohol.  Although our conviction has nothing to do with saving money, it serves this purpose as well.  Based on the contents of some folks in front of me, vacation must equal one continuous party.  Isn't the ocean dangerous enough without downing a case prior to jumping in?
4. Our food supply included a few tea bags and a canister of Country Time, just in case we needed a more sugary drinks.  Although I did make tea once, the lemonade remained untouched throughout the week. 
5. We packed our cooler with a couple of big bottles of ice, a few reusable ice packs and a couple of Ziploc Bags full of ice cube.  We transferred these to the freezer when we got to the beach house.  Throughout the week we used the ice cubes in drinks, the used what was in the ice maker to keep food cold on the way home.  (See tips for having extra ice HERE.)  Our cost for ice was ZERO!

    The next time you head to the beach, wear sunscreen, drink lots of (filtered water) and save some of your hard earned cash for something more important than sugary drinks!

Sample Packing List

   Let's face it, going on vacation can be a lot of fun, but it also requires a lot of work.  Unless you get the kids involved, it's hard not to be resentful when your van pulls out of the driveway.  You may have spent days packing and following around children as they mess up the house.  One easy way to get everyone to help out is to create a list for each person.  Teens can pack without help and children can lay items out on the bed for mom or dad to check prior to stuffing everything into a bag.  Below is a sample list for a 4-day trip (or a week long trip, if you will be doing laundry at least once).  Not only will you avoid being overworked, your vacation will be cheaper because you won't be running out to purchase items you left at home!

Items to take on Vacation



NAME: _______________________

• 2 bathing suits
• 6 short sleeve shirts
• 1 long sleeve shirt
• 6 pair of shorts
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 1 pair of long pants
• 1 hat
• 5 pair of ankle socks
• 2 pair of summer pjs
• flip flops or sandals
• tennis shoes
• 3 stuffed animals
• 5 books
• 2 toys to play with
• sunglasses
• toothbrush
• tooth paste
• comb
• brush
• 1 jacket
• hair accessories
• 4 bras

Fun Day Trips

     School's been out for more than a month now, so your family may be a little bored with swimming, bowling and viewing inexpensive movies.  Why not plan an inexpensive day trip?  Richmond, VA is so close to many places folks drive hours just to visit once, it'd be a shame for your family to miss out on the fun!  Add some variety to the summer by planning a day trip, or visit a different place each day for a fun "Stay-cation".  Pack a picnic and plenty of snacks and beverages, so your biggest expense will be gasoline

Virginia Beach

In a little more than two hours you can be basking in the sun, wading in the surf and building castles.  Free parking is minimal, so bring some cash.  Get directions HERE. 

D.C. Zoo

Smithsonian Institute

Folks travel from all over the world to visit here. Whether you're into art, history or space, there's something for you.  Limited free parking is available in front of museums.  Plan to arrive early and move your vehicle after a few hours.  Food is extremely overpriced, so pack your own and/or plan to eat meals on the road.  Traffic on I95 will be lighter mid-week.  Check out the website HERE.

Air & Space Museum

Technically this museum (and the Metro Zoo) are part of the Smithsonian Institute, but each is at a different location.  The larger National Air and Space Museum  Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, VA near the Washington Dulles International  airport.  Aircraft are displayed on three levels.  Plan your trip HERE.

Skyline Drive

Colonial Williamsburg, tour Duke of Glouster Street

There's no need to purchase admission tickets to get a taste of the past.  Park on side streets and enjoy a stroll down to the Governor's Palace.  Visit the vegetable stand, outdoor market, Parish Church graveyard and more.  Kids will enjoy looking at the horses (watch your step) and trying out the shackles.  Head to Merchant's walk to peruse the bookstore, try out the games in the toy store and splurge on a little treat in the candy store.  Details HERE.  (Note:  Williamsburg also has outlet stores, pair this fun trip with shopping if you are in need of back-to-school items.  Shop wisely, not all items are a great deal.  Get coupons HERE.)

I hope these ideas add a little fun to your summer break!

For $10, obtain an entrance pass valid for up to 7 days.  Enjoy scenic mountain views and cooler temperatures.   Food options are almost non-existent, so a picnic is a must-have!  View park details HERE.  (Note:  Disabled citizens are entitled to a Golden Pass, valid for free admission to all national parks for life.  Seniors may purchase a lifetime pass for $10. Details for both are HERE.)  All national parks will have FREE admission on September 24 (Public Lands Day).

Admission is free!  Limited free parking is available, however these spots are further from the entrance.  (Parking lot is available and runs $15 - $20, depending on the length of your stay.)  If heading to D.C., it's best to plan a mid-week trip to avoid heavy traffic on I95.  Visit the website HERE.  Don't forget to pack the stroller!  (NOTE:  The Richmond Metro Zoo is smaller and requires admission.  A family of 5 could spend $50+ just to get into the gate.)

Extra Ice

Whether you're packing a cooler, chilling foods for a buffet or simply hydrating your family, chances are you will be using a lot of ice this summer.   Save yourself a little cash, and a stop at the store by planning ahead.  Try these tips:

If you have an ice maker, fill a gallon sized bag every few days.  Close and return the freezer.  If packing a cooler, leave in the bag.  Ice can be added to drink cups during your picnic.  Return unused portion to freezer, if ice has barely melted.  (You may have to tap the bag on the ground the next time you use it.)  If ice completely melts, empty contents, and place bag upside down in your sink to dry.  Refill the next time you're creating a bag of ice.

Make a lot of ice quickly by purchasing extra ice cube trays.  You can pick these up a yard sale for around $.25.  Wash, fill and place in your freezer.  Use to create "bagged ice" as described above or empty as needed.

Wash out an empty 1/2 gallon milk jug, 64 oz juice container or 2L soda bottle.  Add water, leaving room for expansion.  Screw cap on tightly, then place in your freezer.  A couple of "blocks" of ice fit nicely in the bottom of your cooler and will stay frozen much longer than ice cubes will.  Unless you plan to drink the water, these can be refrozen an indefinite number of times.  (If you are in a pinch for small chunks of ice, cut open container and smash ice with a hammer.)

Create "Big" Ice cubes using muffin tins.  Fill 1/2 full with water, then stack carefully on freezer shelf.  (Use cookie sheets between pans, if needed.)  Once frozen, fill your kitchen sink with a few inches of hot tap water.  Dip muffin tins in the water, allowing ice cubes to begin to defrost.  Tip to remove from pans.  Transfer to Zipper-type bags, if not needed immediately.

The next time you're filling the cooler or your kids decide to have a lemonade stand, you'll be glad you have some extra ice in the freezer!