I'm writing this as I sit on my couch after unpacking from my yearly vacation with my cousin, aunt, sister and mom to OCNJ. I could write an entire article about how great this place is, as I'm sure anyone who has visited can agree with me, but I thought it'd be fun to write about 10 things I did to save money- and cheap things to do while it feels like I'm forever on a college budget!! Comment your tips for saving money on vacation.
1. Buy a weekly pass.
It's $5 for a daily pass and $10 for a weekly pass. We only spend a couple days there but it's cheaper that way!
2. Get a $10 Tarot Card reading at the Surf Mall!
Zoe, the card reader never disappoints, it's only $10 for a 5-minute reading and she will go over time if she has more to say. It's located in the black light room in the Surf Mall!
3. Go to Blue Cactus Taco Shop.
Seriously the best tacos of my life. I got them two out of the four days I was there. $5 for 1 chicken taco, 3 for just $13! So fresh you can taste it.
4. Window Shop (if you can resist) at the Hamilton Mall !
We had a rainy day and visited the mall for the first time down there, they had awesome sales! Here's a list of the stores they have in their mall.
5. Ride a Surrey for an hour.
This morning we rode a surrey to breakfast! There are plenty of bike and surrey rental places, but ours was $35 for an hour at Jilly's!
6. 10 Cent Skee Ball at Jilly's Arcade!
This is one of the only arcades that still has this cheap price. Their arcade is also open 24 hours and has so many different things for people of all ages! My personal favorite is Pinball Machines and they have over 10.
7. Cool off with shaved ice in the Surf Mall!
It's new to the surf mall as of last year but Paradice is the best way to cool off that isn't as heavy as ice cream! They have tons of flavors, my favorite is rainbow with cherry, lemon, and blue raspberry! Such great service and it's only about $4 for a huge chunk of ice!
8. Stay at a nearby hotel so you don't have to pay for daily parking- up to $25!
Most of the nearby parking lots are at least $10 a day to park. So, we always make sure to stay close by so that we can walk to the Boardwalk/Beach. I recommend the Tahiti Inn!
9. $2.99 baby hermit crabs!
Hermit crabs are literally everywhere, and while I didn't buy one this year, there was a shop where you could buy baby ones for that cheap!! You have to buy a kit and a cage too, but if you get the most basic stuff, it's usually under $10.
10. Have fun! Last but not least.
The atmosphere alone in Ocean City is so great, so family friendly and welcoming. If you haven't even been, I 10/10 recommend!