Outer Banks Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Smart choices contribute to stretching your budget further while visiting the Outer Banks.

Discount Cards

America the Beautiful Pass: Consider this pass if you visit multiple National Parks or Seashores within a year (Wright Brothers, Cape Hatteras, Fort Raleigh). Purchase through the USGS Store or at NPS sites.
Local coupon books: Find these at visitor centers, grocery stores, or hotel lobbies. They frequently feature discounts for dining and attractions.
Capital One Travel: Explore Travel reward cards for potential savings on travel expenses.
Utilize travel rewards for booking flights or accommodation, maximizing your travel budget.

Free Activities

Miles of public beach access: Enjoy the Atlantic shoreline without cost.
Jockey's Ridge State Park: Climb towering dunes (entry is free).
Birdwatching at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge: A serene experience for nature enthusiasts.
Outer Banks Scenic Byway: Drive for breathtaking coastal views.

Dining Deals

Early bird specials: Many restaurants feature reduced prices during off-peak hours.
Happy hour deals: Experience discounts on drinks and appetizers.
Local inquiries: Ask staff or check websites for current promotions.
Seasonal offers: Look for specials, especially outside of peak summer.

Transportation

Carpooling: Share expenses for gas and rentals with your group.
Multi-use paths: Cycle or walk shorter distances to save on gas and parking.
Own beach gear: Bring chairs and umbrellas to avoid rental costs.
Portable cooler: Pack drinks and snacks to minimize concession purchases.

Accommodation Alternatives

Various lodging choices assist with budget management.

Lodging Choices

Camping: A cost-effective lodging choice at National Park Service or private campgrounds.
Soundside rentals: Properties slightly further from the ocean often prove more affordable than direct oceanfront.
Shoulder/off-season travel: Visiting outside peak times brings substantial savings on accommodation rates.
Booking flexibility: Seek options with flexible cancellation policies for better value.

Travel Tools

NordVPN: A NordVPN subscription secures your internet access, potentially reducing public Wi-Fi costs.
Babbel: A Babbel subscription expands language skills for future international trips.
Eagle Creek: Smart packing with Eagle Creek organizers optimizes space, preventing over-packing.
Smart packing: Optimize luggage space to avoid extra baggage fees.

On-Beach Essentials

Portable cooler: Pack a Portable cooler for drinks and snacks to avoid frequent purchases from beach concessions.
Beach wagon: Use a Beach wagon to transport gear efficiently.
Sun protection: High-SPF sunscreen, such as Sun Bum Kids SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, protects your skin.
Rash guards: Wear Rash guards for extended sun protection in the water.

Financial Tools

Budget tracking: Keeping a record of expenses assists in staying within your financial plan.
Credit card rewards: Utilizing travel credit cards provides points or cashback on purchases.
Local payments: Most establishments accept credit cards, reducing the need for large amounts of cash.
ATM availability: ATMs are readily available for cash withdrawals when needed.

Transportation Savings

Smart choices for getting around the islands.

Alternative Transport

Carpooling: If traveling with a group, carpooling for excursions disperses the cost of gas and rental car fees.
Cycling: Utilize the extensive multi-use paths for cycling or walking shorter distances instead of driving, which saves on gas and parking.
Walking: Explore local areas on foot to immerse yourself in the surroundings and save on fuel.
Parking avoidance: Opt for activities accessible by foot or bike, bypassing parking expenses.

Navigation Efficiency

GPS navigation: Consider using a GPS navigator with real-time traffic updates, like a Garmin DriveSmart 66 GPS Navigator.
Efficient routing: This assists in finding the most efficient routes, especially during peak season.
Traffic avoidance: Real-time updates contribute to bypassing congested areas.
Offline maps: Download navigation apps or area maps for offline use, especially for areas with limited cell service.

Activity Optimization

Birdwatching: Exploring Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is a free and engaging activity.
Lighthouse grounds: Exploring lighthouse grounds offers scenic views without an entrance fee (climbing costs extra).
Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station: The grounds are often free to access, offering historical insight.
Scenic driving: The Outer Banks Scenic Byway provides breathtaking views without cost.

Cost-Saving Gear

Beach gear: Bring your own chairs, umbrellas, and toys to avoid rental costs from beach supply companies.
Portable cooler: A Portable cooler for drinks and snacks on the beach avoids frequent purchases from beach concessions.
Sunscreen: Applying broad-spectrum, High-SPF sunscreen prevents severe sunburn.
Rash guards: Wear Rash guards for added protection against the sun.

Accommodation & General Advice

Further advice for a pleasant stay.

Accommodation Smart Choices

Camping at a National Park Service or private campground results in significant savings on lodging.
Choosing a vacation home slightly further from the ocean (soundside or second row) often means more affordable rates.
Traveling in the shoulder or off-season has the most substantial savings on accommodation rates.
Utilizing booking platforms with flexible cancellation policies offers peace of mind and potential savings.

General Tips

Check for free public events and festivals during your visit; they frequently include community gatherings, concerts, and art shows.
These events are open to the public without an admission fee, offering free entertainment.
Enquire locally or check online community calendars for current listings and schedules of free events.
Planning around these free activities can significantly reduce your entertainment budget.

Digital Assistance

Skillshare: Consider a Skillshare membership for online learning, like photography courses to capture your trip.
World Nomads: Obtain travel insurance through World Nomads for unforeseen circumstances.
NordVPN: Use NordVPN for secure and private internet access while traveling.
Babbel: Improve your language skills for future international travels with Babbel.

Packing Smart

Eagle Creek: Pack efficiently with Eagle Creek packing organizers, optimizing space.
Lightweight clothing: Pack items that dry quickly and are suitable for warm weather.
Comfortable footwear: Include sandals for the beach and walking shoes for explorations.
Sun hats: Wide-brimmed hats offer extra protection against the strong Outer Banks sun.

Tip for Savings

Check for free public events and festivals during your visit. The Outer Banks frequently hosts community gatherings, concerts, and art shows that are open to the public without an admission fee.

Time-Saving Tips

Skip-the-Line

Purchase attraction tickets online in advance, like for the North Carolina Aquarium or The Lost Colony, to bypass queues upon arrival.

Optimal Timing

Visit popular sites like Lighthouses and Jockey's Ridge early morning or late afternoon for smaller crowds and better photo opportunities.

Ferry Travel

For the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry, avoid peak morning and late afternoon times in summer. Check the NC DOT Ferry Schedule for wait times.

Pre-Booking & Routing

Advance Bookings

Vacation rentals: Secure these well in advance, especially for peak season.
Popular restaurants: Make reservations for peak dining times.
Fishing charters: Book your spot to guarantee availability.

Efficient Routes

Geographic grouping: Plan activities close together to minimize driving.
Real-time traffic: Utilize a GPS navigator like Garmin DriveSmart 66 during peak season.
Minimize back-and-forth: Avoid unnecessary travel along NC 12.

Practical Tip

Download offline maps for navigation in areas where cell service might be limited, especially on parts of Hatteras Island or Ocracoke.

Outer Banks Travel Hacks