Michigan Beach Praised by USA Today
It’s beach time in Michigan. Anyone who is a Michigander knows that one of the best things to do in the summer months is visit one of Michigan’s great beaches. We’re truly blessed to live close to not only the Great Lakes but also plenty of pristine inland lakes. Now, the experts at USA Today are praising one Michigan beach as the best in the state.
Michigan Beach Praised by USA Today
USA Today has a new feature out about the best beaches in Michigan, as part of their “10 Best” series. First, their travel experts selected a range of Michigan beaches to feature on their poll. Then, Michigan residents and travelers voted for their favorite beaches. The result is a tally of the best beaches in the state, including the very best Michigan beach. “With shoreline on four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan offers visitors hundreds of miles of family-friendly freshwater beaches, perfect for summer vacation,” they write. “From spectacular sunsets to awe-inspiring dunes, there’s a beach for every taste.”
Before we get to the No. 1 best Michigan beach, let’s look at a few more. No. 2 on the roster is Stearns Park Beach in Ludington, Michigan, which I’ve visited many times and agree that it’s lovely. It’s a pretty busy beach, but it has beautiful views and it just a fun place to catch some sun. “Nature lovers adore Stearns Park Beach in Ludington, with its sandy shores, calm waves, and panoramic views of Lake Michigan,” USA Today writes. They add that Stearns has “accessible walkways and facilities, picnic tables, grills, concession stands and a playground by the water.” No. 3 on their tally is Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph. USA Today raves about this beach being a family-friendly spot with “sandy beaches, playgrounds, and scenic waterfront promenade overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan.” Someone on Instagram actually contacted me recently to tell me that I have to visit this St. Joseph beach this summer.
So, what’s the No. 1 best Michigan beach? According to the experts at USA Today and their readers, it’s First Street Beach in Manistee. What gives it the edge? USA Today writes that it has a “wide, sandy expanse, mellow waves, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great destination for beachgoers of all ages.” I recently wrote about my favorite Michigan beach town, too.
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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