Tim Leffel’s Cheapest Destinations

Contrarian U.S. Beach Travel

I got quoted in a nice article in SmarterTravel that came out today, a useful piece by Molly Feltner on alternative beach destinations in the U.S. I’ve had a good time in Miami, Myrtle Beach, Nags Head, and Martha’s Vineyard, but I have a lot better time when I go the contrarian traveler route, to places where the crowds are thin and the prices don’t reach the stratosphere.

There are plenty of these mellow American beaches out there, but it often takes a bit more digging and you might be renting a vacation home instead of staying in a hotel. If you have a family or a group, that’s a better bet anyway.

Here’s how the article describes Gulf Shores, Alabama, the miles of beaches we southerners like to call The Redneck Riviera: “The area has tried to make itself into a laid-back beach destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, without the flash of theme parks, swanky resorts, and college spring break action.” Hang me a beer huggie and a boogie board—that sounds like a nice break to me.

Here’s an earlier story I wrote for GoNomad on Anna Maria Island in Florida.