Winter might be upon us, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start dreaming about next year’s summer vacation. In fact, there’s no better time to start planning your trip. After all, the earlier you book your getaway, the more likely you are to find top choices and great deals.
This is particularly true if your summer plans take you to the iconic Jersey Shore. With so many summer visitors—especially repeat visitors—Jersey Shore rentals go fast, so it’s important to book early.
That’s not the only advice you should consider when preparing for a trip to New Jersey. As you start thinking about next summer, keep these tips for planning a Jersey Shore vacation in mind.
Get All the Details About Your Location
Every vacation rental is different. Before you finalize your booking, make sure you know precisely what you’re getting into. For example, what exactly does your rental include? What’s the parking situation, and do you have to pay for passes? Does your rental booking include beach badges? Will there be internet access? Questions like these ensure your rental delivers everything you’re looking for while on vacation.
Pro Tip: Not all vacation homes provide linens like bedding and bath towels. Make sure you know what to expect when you arrive at your rental. If the homeowner doesn’t provide linens, beach towels, and other essential gear, you can rent these items through a vacation linen rental business.
Budget for Beach Badges
If you’re visiting the Jersey Shore, you’re going to spend time on the beach. But if you’re going to spend time on the beach, you need a beach badge. Beaches along the shore require guests to purchase daily, weekly, or seasonal passes. Additionally, each township requires its own badge, so you’ll need to purchase a new pass for every new beach you visit.
Look up beach badge prices ahead of time and factor the cost into your vacation budget. Alternatively, plan your trip around Atlantic City or Wildwood, both of which offer free passes all summer long.
Think Beyond the Boardwalk
Beaches and boardwalks are two of the Garden State’s biggest draws, but they’re not the only attractions along the shore. In fact, one of the best tips for planning a Jersey Shore vacation is to see what you can find off the beaten path. Visit the historic painted ladies of Cape May, learn about shore conservation at Stone Harbor’s Wetlands Institute, or explore the Prohibition-era Gardner’s Basin in Atlantic City.