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Travel

Why a Beach Reunion with Friends Is a Fun and Affordable Way to Catch Up

Plan an unforgettable beach reunion at a low cost! Find ways to cut costs on stays, dining, and activities with group deals, loyalty rewards, travel funds, and exclusive discounts.
Nayana RamanApril 03, 2025
Some friends enjoying beach
Plan the perfect beach reunion without stretching your budget—save on accommodations, group activities, and meals with smart planning and exclusive deals! Picture: Envato

Reuniting with friends at the beach is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend quality time together at a low cost. Whether it’s a long weekend or an extended getaway, a beach trip offers endless activities that don’t require a hefty budget. With the right planning, group-friendly deals, and smart budgeting techniques, a beach reunion can be both exciting and affordable. Here are some effective ways to save money while making the most of a beach trip with friends.

Set Up a Shared Travel Fund for Expenses

Planning a trip with friends often involves shared expenses, from accommodation to meals and activities. Setting up a shared travel fund in advance ensures everyone contributes fairly and avoids last-minute financial stress.

Create a Budget-Friendly Savings Plan

A shared travel fund helps split costs evenly, ensuring no one feels burdened by expenses at the last moment. Using some apps allows everyone to contribute small amounts weekly leading up to the trip. This makes it easier to cover accommodation, food, and activity costs without the need for one person to pay upfront. Group savings also help avoid awkward conversations about unpaid expenses, making the trip smoother for everyone involved.

Booking early with a collective budget in mind allows access to group discounts and early-bird deals. Many travel sites offer lower rates when booking months in advance, giving more options for accommodations and transportation. The earlier funds are pooled, the more choices available for budget-friendly beach stays. Planning expenses ahead also allows for flexibility in choosing cost-effective activities.

Track Expenses for Fair Contribution

Keeping track of expenses during the trip ensures everyone pays their fair share. Using mobile apps designed for group travel expense tracking helps prevent confusion over who paid for what. Many of these apps allow users to log shared costs, calculate individual contributions, and send payment reminders to settle balances quickly. This prevents any disputes and ensures that every member of the group stays within their intended budget.

A pre-set budget also helps prioritize spending. Allocating funds for food, accommodation, and entertainment ensures that the most important aspects of the trip are covered first. Splitting costs for group meals, transport, and beach rentals reduces individual spending while allowing for more activities without exceeding budget limits. Communicating about costs before the trip helps establish expectations, preventing unexpected expenses.

Find "Stay and Play" Deals for Extra Value

Some accommodations go beyond just providing a place to sleep, offering additional perks that help cut costs on activities and dining. Finding hotels or resorts with complimentary extras adds value to the stay without increasing expenses.

Book Accommodations with Free Perks

Many hotels and resorts provide complimentary services that improve the travel experience without extra charges. Booking a stay that includes free breakfast eliminates the need to spend one meal per day, instantly reducing daily costs. Some beach resorts also offer happy hour deals, free bike rentals, or guided beach walks, allowing visitors to enjoy extra activities without added fees. These perks improve the travel experience while keeping expenses low.

Some friends enjoying drinks together
Maximise your stay with free perks—enjoy complimentary breakfast, bike rentals, and guided beach walks for a budget-friendly travel experience! Picture: Envato

On the Beach is a leading online travel retailer specialising in affordable beach holidays to top destinations worldwide. The platform provides budget-friendly vacation packages, including flights, accommodations, and transfers, helping travellers find the best deals. With a focus on customisable trips, On the Beach allows customers to tailor their stays while taking advantage of exclusive discounts on beachfront resorts. Checking the hotel’s website for ongoing promotions may reveal exclusive deals. To unlock additional savings, travellers should apply On the Beach voucher codes at checkout to reduce the cost of their holiday booking.

Get Discounts on Nearby Attractions

Saving on travel isn’t just about finding cheap accommodation—it’s about maximising value with included perks. Many hotels and resorts partner with local attractions to offer guests discounted or free experiences, helping to cut costs on entertainment. Here’s how to take advantage of these deals and enjoy more for less:

  • Check if your hotel offers discounts on local attractions – Some accommodations partner with beach clubs, boat tours, and adventure parks to provide guests with exclusive discounts or free entry.

  • Look for resorts that collaborate with local businesses – Many hotels in popular destinations work with nearby attractions, allowing guests to access deals that aren’t available elsewhere.

  • Book accommodations with “Stay and Play” packages – These bundles include attraction passes, meal vouchers, or discounted activities, often making them cheaper than booking separately.

  • Compare package deals before booking – Some hotels offer better value than others when bundling accommodation, meals, and activities together, so always check multiple options.

  • Use loyalty programs or membership perks for extra savings – Many booking platforms and hotel chains reward frequent guests with exclusive discounts, priority access, or free upgrades.

Choose Affordable Beach Drinks Over Costly Cocktails

Beach bars and restaurants often charge premium prices for cocktails and beverages. Opting for budget-friendly drink alternatives can help cut costs without sacrificing fun.

Bring Your Own Drinks to Save Money

Rather than purchasing costly drinks at beachside bars, bringing pre-mixed cocktails or chilled beverages in a cooler allows for significant savings. Many beach destinations permit BYOB (bring your own bottle) policies in public areas, making it easy to enjoy drinks without hefty bar prices. Another cost-effective strategy is buying liquor from local supermarkets and mixing drinks at a rented accommodation.

Find Happy Hour Deals and Budget-Friendly Bars

If visiting bars, taking advantage of happy hour discounts can help reduce expenses while still enjoying the nightlife. Many beachfront venues offer half-price drinks or two-for-one specials during specific hours. Checking for online promotions or asking locals for recommendations ensures finding the best deals at a low cost.

Vila Gale, a renowned hotel chain, offers luxurious beachfront stays across Portugal, Brazil, and other scenic destinations. Known for its top-tier hospitality, Vila Gale provides guests with exclusive happy hour deals at its on-site bars and lounges, making it a perfect choice for travellers who want to unwind without overspending. Many of its resorts also feature live music, themed cocktail nights, and sunset drink specials, allowing guests to enjoy premium experiences at a fraction of the price.

A group of friends having food
Take advantage of happy hour deals, two-for-one specials, and local discounts for budget-friendly drinks! Picture: Envato

To make the most of these offers, visitors should check Vila Gale’s event schedule or inquire about exclusive discounts available during their stay. For additional savings, travellers can apply Vila Gale promo codes when booking to secure discounted rates on accommodations and dining experiences.

Use Group Travel Insurance for Cheaper Coverage

Travel insurance is an essential yet often overlooked expense. Opting for group coverage can provide significant savings compared to individual policies.

Save with Group Travel Insurance Plans

Many insurance providers offer discounts on group travel insurance, making it a cost-effective option for friends or families travelling together. Instead of purchasing individual policies, a collective plan reduces the per-person cost while ensuring everyone receives the same level of protection. These group policies typically cover trip cancellations, lost baggage, medical emergencies, and travel delays, allowing travellers to enjoy their trip with peace of mind. Since travel mishaps can be expensive, having an affordable group policy prevents unexpected costs that could disrupt the budget.

Additionally, group policies are customisable, meaning travellers can add or remove coverage options based on their needs. Some insurers provide further discounts when booking policies in advance, so it’s always best to compare rates before finalising a plan. For those travelling with valuable equipment like cameras, drones, or sports gear, group travel insurance can also include coverage for lost or damaged belongings, reducing the risk of financial loss. Checking online travel insurance platforms can help travellers compare the best group plans at discounted rates.

Check for Credit Card Insurance Benefits

Many travellers overlook the travel insurance benefits included with their credit cards, missing out on valuable cost-saving opportunities. Some premium credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance when trips are booked using the card, eliminating the need for a separate policy. This coverage often includes trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost baggage, ensuring protection without additional expenses. Reviewing existing credit card benefits before purchasing standalone travel insurance can help travellers cut costs while maintaining adequate coverage.

Additionally, selecting a policy that includes adventure or outdoor activities like snorkelling, kayaking, or hiking ensures coverage for planned excursions without extra fees. Some insurance providers charge additional fees for covering high-risk activities, so using a credit card that automatically includes adventure sports protection can be a significant money-saver. Before relying on credit card insurance, travellers should check policy limits, coverage exclusions, and claim requirements to ensure they meet all conditions for reimbursement. Taking advantage of built-in credit card insurance perks helps travellers save money while still enjoying worry-free adventures.