I've had a passport for so long... that I am often clueless when it comes to crossing the US Mexico boarder. My in-laws have been in Yuma for 6 months and never crossed the border to Algadones. Last year they went for dental work and prescriptions. Now... the whole passport issue has put a stop to the border crossing for them. But... crossing the border isn't a luxury for me. I don't have health insurance... (thanks IBM) and so we rely on Mexico for dental, vision, and perscriptions. Plus... it's so inexpensive for us to vacation in Mexico! We get about 8 to 10 mini vacations a year on the beach... plus we stay in a luxury condo for a week stay at least twice a year. Right on the Ocean! Can you say... bliss??? What could we afford if we had to stay in the states? I week in San Diego. And... I would have to cook all the food. Yuck. So... what's the answer? Read on....
The collective government combine of the Secretary of State and Homeland Security has finally meshed the gears and let the clutch out. Taking the RV to Mexico or Canada? Now you don't need to buy an expensive passport, you can spend less and get in with a Passport Card.
When we queried local authorities about this seeming problem, they suggested we forget about the passport card and simply 'go for the gold,' and get a passport. After all, the processing time for a passport is now said to be a lightning fast four weeks.
According to "San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau," more than 31.6 million tourists visited San Diego in 2007. Most of them visited during the months of May through October, which is considered the "peak" season. In other words, sleeping accommodations can cost considerably more.
Idea #1: One of the easiest ways to save money when renting a beach house in San Diego is to rent during the off-season. You can find off-season rates on condos between May and June. Although temperatures can dip under 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the spring and early summer months, the gentle ocean breezes and close proximity to the water make these cooler temps worth putting a sweater on.
Idea #2: Vacation with friends and share the expenses. Many San Diego beach house rentals accommodate up to 10 or more people. These larger homes oftentimes provide extra amenities such as swimming pools, Jacuzzis, spas, golf courses, and community clubhouses. While you might not be able to afford to rent a $10,000 beach house on your own, if nine more of your buddies join in, you could be living the lifestyle of a celebrity for only $1,000 a week. Rent during the off-season and you could save up to 50 percent.
Idea #3: Cook at home... It can become quite costly to dine out for every meal during your vacation. Most beach house rentals include kitchen appliances and cookware. Many include outdoor gas grills or patio kitchens. Fresh produce and fish can be purchased year round in San Diego. Visit local Farmer's and Fish Markets and indulge in a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. By cooking just half of your meals in your beach house rental, you could potentially save up to $1,000 or more for a family of four.
Idea #4: Rent from a private individual. When you rent directly from the beach house owner, you have a better opportunity for negotiation than if you work with a property management organization. Property management organizations oftentimes are unfamiliar with the property and unable to answer questions about the property location or condition. You'll want to verify references, conduct research on the area of the rental home, and use additional precautions to insure you aren't being scammed.
Idea #5: Rent in small cities or towns. Some of the best beach house rental deals can be found in less populated areas. An added bonus is the beaches are less congested and you can have more peace and quiet. There are numerous small towns within 10 or 20 miles from San Diego... try Ocean Beach, Oceanside or even Mission Bay... instead of Mission Beach. Even with higher gas prices, the money you save by renting a beach house in a small city or town will more than compensate for the extra driving.
Idea #6: Invest in a vacation package. There are many travel services available via the Internet, or work with a travel agent to arrange a vacation package. Vacation packages can include airline, rental car, rental homes or hotel arrangements, cruises, sightseeing adventures and more. Oftentimes, you can save 50 percent or more by packaging your vacation needs.
Idea #7: Exchange your home for a beach house rental. Home Exchanges are quickly becoming a popular option for people who love to travel. How it works is you allow an individual or family to stay in your home while you stay in their home. There is no cost involved, making home exchange a win-win situation. There are many reputable home exchange companies available via the Internet. Make certain you thoroughly research the company and understand their policies before committing to using their service.
We are renting a large house this year with friends. We all will get a better deal in luxury accommodations.
When making vacation plans that include a visit to the beaches of San Diego; consider renting a oceanfront condo. Not only will you have all the comforts of home available, you could also save a considerable amount of money. Beach rental condominiums are are really beach houses, apartments and town houses all mixed into one. Rentals on beach locations are available on Mission Bay, Mission Beach and Ocean Beach. Their are other areas but these are the most popular beaches that out of state travelers seem to gravitate.
You do have a ton of choices when renting. Some are very inexpensive for a reason... they are not luxury and most were built many years ago and show the wear and tear that comes with renting to families with kids and the Spring Break crowd that doesn't know when to go home.
Most of the rental properties are attractively furnished and include basic amenities such as cooking appliances and cookware, linens and towels, televisions, stereos, telephones, and Internet access. Some may be sparse and some are over the top with luxury amenities.
The three beach house rental properties include access to golf courses or community clubhouses. Others include boats and other watercraft rental. Many include amenities for children such as inflatable backyard swimming pools and water slides, play houses, and swing sets.
Most San Diego beach house rental areas suggested above are near only one golf course. This course is located next to the Town and Country resort just off Interstate 8.
Beach area rentals offer a central location for visiting local sites.
Sea World
San Diego Zoo
Old Town San Diego
Seaport Village
Gaslamp Quarter
Little Italy
Several large malls and movie theaters
And don't forget... you are in walking distance of Crystal Pier and The old Boardwalk amusement park... which has a real wood roller coaster. Very historical.
Some condos are pet-friendly... but most are not. In the summer months beach housing is only available by the week... as it is considered high-season.
Last, but not least, nearly every beach house owner requires a 50 percent deposit due within ten days from the date you make your reservation. Additionally, most charge a Reservation Fee (usually $50 to $150); and a refundable Damage Deposit (approximately $200 to $500). Other fees may include pet deposits or cancellation penalties.
Mission Bay rentals are generally lower in rental cost. This beach is quite calm and very good for small children. Everyone is friendly... some cottages are year round residences for locals. You may have neighbors that are quite familiar with good dining and day excursions.
Mission Beach is where all the action is... if you love to people watch, you will never have a moment without something to look at. It's lively during the day, as all ocean view beach rentals are on the boardwalk.
The boardwalk is a 2 way street that is full of everything except cars. Roller blades, skateboards, walkers, joggers, bicycles, baby strollers.... etc. You will see most every type of dress... and undress on this boardwalk. We love it... because we are constantly entertained.
M.B. has few restaurant's and eateries... just pick the nearest one to your beach rental. You won't find a bad dining place in M.B. and we have been going for years. One of our favorites for breakfast is Mission Cafe', and eclectic eatery that is so much fun... oh, make sure you try the pancakes... to die for.
We eat at Rubios for the fish tacos. It's a chain, but it still feels special. And if your feeding a family its quite inexpensive.
The Boardwalk restaurant is the place to dine for really good fish. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Eat outside... the umbrellas make it nice and it just feels really special. This restaurant is not actually located at the Boardwalk amusement park. Mission Beach is about 2 miles long and The Boardwalk restaurant is located almost exactly in the middle
Ocean Beach doesn't have much in the way of Ocean Front Living. Some rentals are available on the cliffs with beautiful views but not great access to beaches. Ocean Beach is however one small beach town that attracts hoards of visitors every summer. They hold a giant farmers market weekly that is worth a late afternoon visit. The street is jam packed with live entertainment, food and craft vendors. Plus... you can get some of the best fruit and honey in the world.
O.B. also offers a diverse selection of restaurants, antique shops, beach wear and funky little artist galleries. Don't miss the restaurant on the beach. It's on the second floor of the only two story building at the beach. Sunset is best.... the view is wonderful and the food is very good.
Many years ago... when we first started to vacation on the beach in San Diego, we only stayed one week. Now... we always stay 2 weeks, and we highly recommend that you do the same. One week is just enough time to start relaxing... 2 weeks and we are limp like noodles.
Book your reservations... the best places are rented a year in advance.
clipped from www.rvtravel.com
