Think you’ve budgeted well for your coastal Carolina vacation? You might want to rethink the food category. Rising food costs have hit the resort areas -- Hilton Head included. But who wants to go cheap or starve on vacation? Hilton Head is for splurging on rare culinary creations not found anywhere else, not cutting carbs and passing out at the beach. It’s a vacation, not fat camp. These five strategies are tried and true tips that will help you stay on budget while enjoying the local fare and adding a few vacation pounds (or just keeping you the happy size you are).
- Share a plate. No one you know will see you, and no one who matters will think you’re cheap. The manager will probably appreciate empty plates coming to the kitchen. Go ahead -- splurge on that coconut shrimp appetizer, the 16 oz. filet mignon, and still have money left over for dessert. Savings – about 50%.
- Use the darn coupons. Hilton Head has more restaurant coupons available than the Sunday paper. If you haven’t found them, you haven’t opened the literature artfully positioned in your accommodations. Many restaurants offer buy one get one free or at least a ½ off item. It’s a great way to find your new favorite place to eat. Savings – up to 50%.
- The “sunset” menu. When the locals go out to eat, they get in the door before 5:30pm. Many restaurants have a “sunset” menu – an abridged version of their main menu, but at reduced prices. Besides, if you never look at the main menu, you’ll think you’re offered a feast. Savings – up to 25%-45%.
- Dinner at your place. If you landed one of those amazing oceanfront rental homes, use the gourmet kitchen. Even if you landed a great hotel with a stove, use it! Fresh fish and veggie stands abound coming into the island. Even one night of eating in can save up to $100. Savings up to 80%.
- Again, try staying “home” for breakfast. It’s just pancakes, eggs, meat and/or cereal. Head to the local grocery store for supplies and fill your condo's cupboards. Why drop $10-15 per person so someone else can serve you coffee? The one exception is the pancake house that serves crème brulee French toast. This is completely worth the $8 splurge at least once.
With these five tips, you don’t have to blow your budget because of food. You can eat well, gain a few pounds, and still have money leftover for dessert – or gas to get back home.
by Vikki Spencer, who's always proving you don't need to bust your budget or your waistline on vacation.