It’s been carefully planned and boldly circled on the calendar for months. Lots of saving, research and love go into planning a family getaway. It is often times the one week out of the year to make up for lost time with friends and family, so it is easy to splurge and experience buyers remorse later on. Make the most out of your vacation without breaking the bank with these top 10 money savings tips to practice during your OBX vacation. Public beaches, free attractions and ongoing community events make it a lot easier to save, while still enjoying a fun-filled beach getaway.

1. Cook meals at your rental home
   When you have 6 or more family members, your restaurant bill can add up quickly. Luckily, your Resort Realty vacation rental home comes fully stocked with basic cookware and utensils to easily cook meals at home. Plan and prep your meals before your vacation to save you money and vacation time. Some of the best family moments happen around the dinner table.
2. Visit free public beaches, museums, parks and attractions
   Most people love visiting the Outer Banks for the beaches and non-commercialized, laid-back vibe of the island. There are plenty of attractions to enjoy for free, including visiting Roanoke Island Festival Park, Jockey’s Ridge, Currituck Heritage Park, The Town of Duck Park and Boardwalk and searching for the wild horses on Carova Beach’s 4 wheeler drive area. The Town of Duck also hosts free fitness classes, concerts and kid’s activities Tuesday – Thursday throughout the summer months.
   
3. Pick up an OBX coupon book or print coupons online
   Stop by any of our Resort Realty offices or a local grocery store for a free Outer Banks coupon book. These books offer discounts on everything from local restaurants to water sport activities. They also give you ideas for places to visit for dining and leisure. Outerbanks.com, Sunnydayobx.com, and Outerbanksthisweek.com also offer printable coupons.
4. Budget vacation activities with the cash envelope system
   It is far too easy to splurge and overextend your budget while on vacation. Keep your spending in check through Dave Ramsey’s envelope system. Create a budget and make envelopes for each spending category (ex. dining, activities, tours, souvenirs, etc.) and add the amount you want to spend in cash to each envelope. This way, you only spend what you have, instead of freely swiping your credit card.
5. Carpool, walk or bike
   Save on gas money by carpooling, walking or biking. A large majority of vacation homes are located within walking or biking distance from the beach, restaurants and other attractions. Save gas money while enjoying the scenery as your stroll or ride along. For long trips, make sure to carpool with others in your group. You can also download gas saving apps to find the least expensive gas prices during your road trip to the Outer Banks. 
   
6. Group discounts
   Many Outer Banks businesses offer discounted rates for groups. Kitty Hawk Kites, First Flight Adventure Park and several mini-golf spots offer discounted group rates. Call ahead to see if group discounts are available.
   
7. Borrow beach items
   Before splurging on beach chairs, umbrellas and toys, ask friends and family if you can borrow some items from them. You can also rent beach equipment to save you money and space at home.
8. Early dining discounts
   Many restaurants off early dining discounts if you’re seated before 5. Hurricane Mo’s offers great Happy Hour specials between 4-6 pm. Check out the free coupon book to find early bird coupons and discounts.
9. Check out books and movies at the library 
   If you want a new book to read on the beach or a movie to watch in the evenings, stop by your local library to pick something up before your trip. Many of our vacation homes have their own book and video libraries for you to borrow during your stay. Check the property description for more information. 
10. Leave early to save gas
    Traffic can get backed up around check-in hours, so plan to leave earlier to save gas money and time in the car. Some beach accesses have public bathhouses so you can arrive earlier and hit the beach before check-in time.If you’re longing to be on the Outer Banks this summer but are concerned about the cost, make sure to check out our home specials and last minute offers page.

New scenery, experiences and insight are why we all long to travel. The saying goes “we travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” Fresh salt air, uncharted territory, and one-of-a-kind experiences are just what you need to break up the routine and refresh your soul. From memorable day trips to one-of-a-kind outings, the Outer Banks has countless excursions to satisfy the wanderlust in all of us.

Keep reading to learn more about the Top 10 Excursions to Experience on the Outer Banks.

1. Day Trip to Ocracoke Island

Take the 40-minute ferry ride from Hatteras Island to the secluded and dreamy island of Ocracoke. The island stretches out nearly 13 miles with charming cottages, artisan shops, and a small town feeling that immediately makes you feel at ease. Most people travel by foot, bike, or golf cart to get around, so parents can relax and let the kids play. You can drive on the beach and try out as many water activities as you have energy for. You’ll easily see why the famous pirate, Blackbeard, spent so much time there.

2. Deep Sea Fishing Expedition

The thrill of reeling in a big fish is hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it firsthand. Heading out to the Gulf Stream with your friends for an all-day fishing trip is an unforgettable experience. Knowledgeable charter captains and mates will take you where the fish are biting so you can reel in large species of fish like tuna, dolphin (mahi), and billfish – including sailfish, white and blue marlin.

3. Corolla Wild Horse Tour

If picturesque places are your favorite part of traveling, you’ll want to sign up for a Corolla wild horse tour. Seeing the rolling sand dunes, beautiful oceanfront, and watching the wild Spanish colonial horses roam free is an image you’ll keep with you for years to come.

4. Lighthouse Treks

These famous lighthouses are not only navigational aids, they are full of history and detailed architecture with a wonderful view waiting for you at the top. The Currituck Beach, Bodie Island and Cape Hatteras Lighthouses are available to climb for a nominal fee. The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in Manteo and the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse are not open to climbers but are open to visit at your leisure.

5. Historic Outing at The Wright Brothers National Memorial

Celebrate and learn more about the incredible achievement the Wright Brothers made on the Outer Banks at The Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. Tour the museum and learn more about that historic day and see artifacts from that time period. View replicas of the gliders and statues of the key players in the first day of flight. Traveling up to the top of the monument and reading the inscription, “Conceived by genius and achieved by dauntless resolution and unconquerable faith,” will leave you with a sobering feeling about how monumental this invention and event truly was.

6. Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise

Luckily, you don’t have to travel to tropical islands to see dolphins up close! Catch dolphins swimming and playing in their natural habitat on a dolphin cruise right here on the Outer Banks! Spend a few hours on the water following the bottlenose dolphins around the Atlantic Ocean and learning more about them.

7. Day Trip to Manteo

Charm and history collide in the quaint town of Manteo on Roanoke Island.  Steeped in tradition, history, and old world charm, Manteo is located on the western side of Bodie Island, surrounded by gentle soundfront waves. Walk where the settlers traveled on Roanoke Island, visit the gorgeous grounds at The Elizabethan Gardens, watch a live performance of The Lost Colony, the only outdoor drama, or just enjoy the sights, sounds, and quaint shops downtown. This waterfront community is the perfect place to explore on foot or by bike.

8. Explore Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Pack a water bottle and venture up the largest sand dune on the east coast. Pick up a stunt or decorative kite across the street at Kitty Hawk Kites and fly it high on the towering dunes. For the more adventurous , try your hand at hang gliding! Even the little ones will love this famous Outer Bank landmark – perfect for running up and then sliding down the dune (not to mention, burning off some energy!) All that exploring needs fuel! Bring lunch and enjoy a picnic at one of the 8 picnic shelters. (Each shelter has two tables and a grill.)

9. Roanoke Island Aquarium

Recently remodeled and updated with several new exhibits and galleries, the Roanoke Island Aquarium in Manteo is a fun place for all ages to visit. Touch the stingrays as they glide through the shallow hands-on touch tank. Travel through the Wild Wetlands where river otters play and alligators lurk. Experience the aquarium’s hands-on Sea Turtle Rescue exhibit and conservation efforts in the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center. View high-definition films and the new “Science on a Sphere” experience in Neptune’s Theater. And lastly, marvel at the largest collection of sharks in the state in the Graveyard of the Atlantic – a giant shark aquarium with Gulf Stream interactive exhibit.

10. Trek through the Cape Hatteras National Seashore

If you’re longing for serenity and solitude, make time to visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Spreading out over 70 miles, this is a place where you can relax and enjoy a simpler way of life. Fish, kiteboard, swim, nature watch, or snap a few photos of the marshes and vast oceanfront. Playing and relaxing are both welcomed and encouraged here.

Excitement, adventure and new experiences await you on the Outer Banks. Don’t just daydream, do it! For more Outer Banks excursion ideas, visit Resort Realty’s  Things to Do page.