Michigan Beach Town Makes for an Unforgettable Weekend Trip
Before summer ends, you’ll want to soak up all the sun you can get in Michigan. So, there’s one particular Michigan weekend trip that’s simply pristine, and if you’re looking for some last-minute fun, this one could be the perfect fit for you. I’ve gone to this spot many times and am hoping to make it there this summer.
Enjoy This Michigan Weekend Trip Before Summer Ends
Michigan has plenty of delightful small towns. I’ve visited and written about quite a few of them. I’m guessing that you’ve traveled to quite a few of Michigan’s lovely small towns, too. But, if you haven’t been to Ludington yet, you should really consider making a weekend trip of it. It’s such a beautiful town in the summer months and always has things to do alongside Lake Michigan. “Explore our pristine beaches, witness breathtaking sunsets, and immerse yourself in a community that embraces the simple pleasures of life,” Pure Ludington says on their official website. “Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or someone simply seeking respite from the hustle and bustle, Ludington has something for everyone.” It’s true, too. Ludington has a lot of great outdoorsy things to do, but if you’d rather stay in, they also have delightful shops and restaurants.
If you love camping, Vacation Station RV Resort is considered one of the best family camping spots in the area. This resort offers swimming pools, rental cottages, a fishing pond and more amenities. The area has 215 full hookup sites, and you don’t have to worry about being without Wi-Fi and cable TV, because they have that covered, too.
If you’re not into camping, like me, then there’s plenty of other stuff to do. If you’re an ice cream lover, you should really head to the famed House of Flavors. This place actually holds a bunch of Guinness World Records for everything from the most pounds of syrup to the most scoops of ice cream in one hour. They have really imaginative flavors here, too. The House of Flavors also has regular food, if you don’t want ice cream. But, who wouldn’t want ice cream?
When you’re in Ludington, you pretty much have to visit the North Breakwater Light, which is located at Stearns Park Beach. It’s been named the No. 1 best Michigan lighthouse to visit in multiple surveys. At one time, it was used mainly as a way to guide ships into port, but now it’s considered historic. So, head to Ludington for a weekend trip and soak up the fun.
Secret Tips to Save Money on Your Next Vacation
1. Try to Negotiate Your Lodging
Did you know that hotel fees can be negotiable? Fidelity.com points out that, “You may be able to negotiate the online price by calling a hotel directly, or asking if they have any discounts for students, government employees, or members of certain groups, such as AAA.” So, don’t settle for that price you see on your laptop. Try to do better. It’s a secret tip that can pay off bigtime.
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2. Get Smart with Your Lodging
Did you know some hotels that are virtually the same, including the same brand, can be cheaper just a few miles apart? As a general rule, hotels that are near the airport are more expensive. So, you can look at the hotels you want to stay at and their multiple locations in the area for the best rate. “Some hotels that are under construction may rent rooms at a discount, which is a great option if you can deal with the noise,” Fidelity.com points out.
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3. Snack Your Way to a Cheaper Trip
Going out to eat on vacation can be one of the most exciting things about the trip. But, if you want to save on cash, skip a few meals out and opt for healthy, hearty snacks. Pack (or buy at a local store) some protein-rich snacks, like protein bars and meal bars, and limit your dining out. You can still enjoy some of the best food the area has to offer, just not as much of it. This is a way to stay fit on your trip, too. A lot of people don’t think of this tip, so it’s a bit of a secret.
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4. Timing is Everything
You’ve heard it so many times in life: Timing is everything. That’s true for travel, too. Research to find the least-busy times to visit your destination. If you travel during those downtimes, you’ll save big. While this is a common tip, something people forget is that every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, be specific for your travel spot.
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5. Travel with a Friend
If you’re thinking of traveling solo to a place you’ve always wanted to visit, go cheaper by traveling with a friend. You two can share lodging fees. Also, sometimes there are more deals and discounts for those traveling with multiple people. I always do this when going to a big music festival, if it’s far away. I’ll usually meet my friend there, and we share lodging costs. It also makes the trip more fun.
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6. Find Free Spots to Travel
Look for some free attractions in your travel area. Chances are, they won’t be as packed as the big-named places, too. You can still visit some of the popular landmarks. But, if you add a trip to a national park or free museum to your itinerary, it will save you some cash.
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7. Max Out Your Memberships
Are you a member of any random groups? You might have travel deals just waiting for you. Check everything, from your college alumni membership to your credit cards, for travel discounts. You may be surprised what you find.
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8. Don't Get Picky
Say you just want to get out on a fantastic trip, but you don’t really have a place in mind. That’s actually a good thing. Take an hour to look at flight specials happening right now. If you aren’t picky on where to travel, chances are you’ll find a great rate on airfare and lodging somewhere. Once you find the most reasonable place to travel, then you can start looking at what to do when you’re there.
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9. Go Popular
This is a bit ironic, but often times, the most popular tourist destinations are also the cheapest. That’s because there is a lot of competition for all those travelers. So, big-named destinations like Orlando, Florida, or Las Vegas, Nevada, tend to have really good travel deals. Go popular, or go home.
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