A surfing vacation can be a great opportunity to have fun and relax with your friends or family. When you’re able to immerse yourself in surfing for an entire vacation, you’ll also be able to challenge yourself and improve your skills. Taking a vacation to a must-see surf destination can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
But if you want to get the most out of your vacation, you’ll have to put in some work ahead of time. Planning a great trip takes time. When you do some research and carefully choose your destinations, you can create a fun, low-stress travel experience that allows you to catch some great waves.
Plan Carefully
The better you plan and research your vacation, the more likely you are to have a great time. If you want to plan the ultimate surf road trip or vacation, you should carefully map out the whole trip with anyone who will be going with you. Don’t forget to think about factors like how you’ll be traveling, how you can transport your gear and your board, and how the trip will fit into your budget.
If you’re still working on nailing down a destination, then look for a location that is known not only for great surfing but also for having other things to do. While surfing will be the main focus of your vacation, it won’t be the only thing that you’ll want to do during the trip. Look for the availability of restaurants that you would enjoy, sightseeing opportunities, and any other type of entertainment that you would enjoy.
As you plan your trip, think about factors like the weather and elements that you might face in any particular destination. Try to talk to other surfers who have been to the area so you can get an idea of where the best surf spots are and how you can access them. If you can meet up with some locals for a day of surfing, that’s even better, but start planning this all ahead of time to get the most out of your vacation.
Consider Alternative Travel Methods
If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of ways to save money when you travel. If you prefer to fly to your destinations and travel often, then signing up for a credit card that offers airline mile rewards can amount to big savings. Alternatively, plan a road trip vacation with a bunch of surfing friends so you can all chip in toward gas and make the trip more affordable for everyone.
When it comes to housing, an Airbnb might be a great money-saving option, since these housing options are often cheaper than hotels. To find a great Airbnb, start by making a list of your requirements, like access to a kitchen, the number of beds you want, and other important amenities. Look for properties that meet those requirements and make sure to read plenty of reviews of each host to get a sense of what your stay might be like. If you’re looking for housing near a beach, you might be able to find a host who also surfs and who can help you find the best local surfing spots.
Transportation is another major expense, but there are ways around this, too. Uber or Lyft can be cheaper than taxis, but be sure to research the options for carrying your gear. You might need a bigger vehicle than is regularly available. Once you have your board and gear stored away, renting a bike to get to a dinner downtown can save you money over more traditional transportation options. Research your destination’s public transportation options ahead of time, too, so you know what’s available to you.
Pack Strategically
The items you pack can also affect how much fun you have during your vacation. For instance, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are a must when you’ll be spending hours outside at a time. By protecting your eyes, head, and skin against the sun’s rays during your entire vacation, you’ll be able to focus on surfing, rather than on the pain of sunburn. Too much UV exposure can actually damage your eyes, sunglasses can offer some protection while you’re on the beach and in the water.
In addition, pack essential surfing apparel you like to wear. Everyone has different preferences, so find gear that makes you comfortable and that lets you surf at your best. You don’t want to be breaking in new gear during a vacation, so either buy new apparel ahead of time and break it in at home or bring along the old apparel that you know fits you well. Even if you’re planning a surfing vacation that’s months away, start planning ahead of time. The more time that you have to research your destination and plan your trip, the more enjoyable it may be. Having everything well planned out can help to reduce any anxiety you might experience so you’re fully able to focus on surfing and enjoying the experience.
