First Time Vacationing in Virginia Beach, Va.

Virginia Beach, Va., is a prime hot spot summer vacation, but first time visiting can be a happy memory or a bad memory depending on how much planning you do prior to arriving.

Because Virginia Beach sees thousands of tourists each summer, one of the key decision making and financial roles in this vacation is finding a hotel. Many will consider what hotel they stay at based upon either their credit card limit or how close to the beach it is. But sadly, it is not that easy.

There are four main roads leading into the actual beach/tourist areas. I-264, Laskin Road, Virginia Beach Boulevard and Norfolk Avenue I-264 is a major four lane highway with travelers driving at speeds of 80 mph, which can cause stressful daily travels to the beach. Also, there are no shuttles running from outside the boardwalk area.

Virginia Beach only has free parking for Virginia Beach citizens. There is no free beach parking, only parking lots and parking garages that charge $5 - $20 per day. The parking costs may escalate to $40 per day during holidays.

Considering this information, if you reserve a hotel eight to 10 miles from the beach, you may save hundreds of dollars, but you'll still have to spend money in gas and daily parking, not to mention the possibility of stressful driving situations, and the probability of all beach parking lots being full.

Unfortunately on my first adventure to Virginia Beach, we reserved a hotel eight miles away during the Fourth of July weekend and were unable to park in any of the lots or garages due to them being full. A hotel on the beach opened up their garages for tourists and charged $40 for all day parking. Needless to say by booking a hotel for $500 for five nights, we missed two days at the beach. $40 to park is outrageous.

Once you've decided where your hotel will be, your next step is picking your hotel. Everyone wants to have luxuries like a pool, hot tub or a safe in the room, but what about the complimentary breakfast? Choosing a hotel with a complimentary breakfast will save you at least $7 a day per person in dining expenses.

Your next consideration has to be daily dining, which would inevitable depend upon how much your tossing out for your hotel. There is an array of dining options on the boardwalk and within walking distance of the beach. Some hotels on the outskirts of the beach area, such as those ten miles away, may only have fast food options that you can find in your own hometown. It's a vacation! Try something or someplace new!

Pizza, Japanese, Chinese, seafood, breakfast, steak, buffets, candy, fudge, ice cream, the dining option near the boardwalk area go on and on - and so do the prices. Virginia Beach provides several visitors' guides available online that is printable and/or downloadable that provides menus and coupons. This guide gives you a game plan to locations to choose your meals wisely and affordably for the entire family.

For most families, especially ones with young children, a week lounging on the beach may get boring. Virginia Beach has several family friendly local attractions such as; jet skiing, parasailing, concerts, museums, Busch Gardens, pirate ship cruises, fishing, sail boating, and much more. The visitor's guides also have information and coupons to these attractions.

All and all, Virginia Beach can be a fun filled vacation if you plan properly. I highly recommend an ocean front or boardwalk beach area hotel to maximize your vacation effectiveness, saving you and your family the stress of additional travel and tossing away money on un-needed parking. These simple precautions will make your careful vacation planning worthwhile and stress-free.