Everyone wants to take a vacation to some faraway, tropical island during the summer, but very few people can afford to do it. Luckily, Jersey shore trips offer many of the same amenities as these expensive trips without burning a hole in you wallet. Here are 5 reasons why a trip to NJ could replace your costly international getaways.
Less Travel
The Jersey shore is probably much closer to you than Hawaii, Aruba, the Galapagos, or any other popular tourist islands. This means saving hundreds on airfare costs. Better yet, you could probably drive there since it isn’t an island. The drive from major urban centers like New York City and Philadelphia is less than two hours. Finally, since it’s right in the U.S., there’s no need to worry about passports or visas, which would incur additional costs on an international trip. All you have to do is pass by the Welcome to New Jersey sign!
Beautiful Beaches
Many of the beaches in New Jersey are just as gorgeous as those around the world. Better yet, because Jersey is further north, the temperatures on Jersey’s world-class beaches are probably much more comfortable than those closer to the equator. You can also see plenty of the same wildlife, like dolphins and whales, as you would on a tropical island. You can also participate in many or the same aquatic activities, like swimming, boating, parasailing, water skiing, scuba diving, volleyball, and more.
Lodging
When visiting tropical islands, tourists usually stay at fancy resorts to avoid some of the seedier local areas. In comparison, New Jersey tourist towns are extremely safe and offer much cheaper lodging options like motels, bed and breakfasts, and inns. Additionally, staying at places like these rather than a resort ensures that you go out into town, meet locals, and experience the unique culture of the Jersey shore.
Boardwalk Food
When staying at a tropical resort, food may be included, but it is more likely that you will have to pay for it out of pocket. Unfortunately, most of the food at resorts consists of fine dining and overpriced bars. Cheap options are hard to find, and going out into town to search for them is a hassle. Luckily, in New Jersey, many beaches are accompanied by boardwalks, where tourists can purchase cheap food that tastes great. Fat sandwiches, rippers, triple bypass, and disco fries are just some of the local “delicacies.” Try them all (Although, I wouldn’t recommend doing it all on the same day)!
Less Confusion
When you’re on a relaxing vacation, you probably want to keep things simple. With international trips, you might have to worry about local currency, language barriers, and learning the public transport system. This is fun for more exploratory travel, but if you just want to lounge on the beach, this can be a hassle. Luckily, the Jersey shore is right inside the U.S., so you can use your U.S. dollars. Language barriers consist solely of a few local slang terms. Most shore towns are completely walkable or have limited public transportation. In short, you’re bound to experience much less confusion at the Jersey shore.
A cheap, easy, relaxing beach vacation may be closer than you think. When planning your next family getaway, don’t forget to consider Jersey shore trips!