You might think that kicking off the sneakers, putting on some sandals and hitting the sand is the cheapest thing you can do during the summer.
But a day at the beach isn't free.
Travel website TravelBird.nl released its 2017 Beach Price Index, which proves there are definitely costs to laying out and soaking in the surf and sun.
Fortunately, TravelBird also took a long look at 300 locations from 70 countries around the world and came back with those excursions that are cost friendly as well as soul satisfying.
TravelBird CEO Steven Klooster explains, via press release, "It is very interesting for travelers who are planning their trip to see how much the price of spending a day at the beach varies across the world."
It looked at things like sunscreen, the local cost of water, beer, ice cream and lunch. Taking all that into account, Norway took the expensive cake with the top three spots. (Kristiansand Beach in Vest-Agder is the most expensive coastal getaway, with a cost of nearly $65 for a relatively good time.)
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That's followed in TravelBird's estimate by Hulk Beach in Oslo ($61.94) and Solastranda ($60.33)
Klooster continues: "There are many useful tips in here. One to easily forget, currency fluctuations can make a big difference in the actual cost of your holiday, so keep those in mind. For example, beaches in the UK have become almost 10 (percent) more affordable for continental European visitors due to the decline of the pound after the Brexit referendum."
TravelPulse has covered Brexit's effect on the U.K.'s currency in the past. It continues to serve as an enticing opportunity for travelers all over the region as well as those in the United States.
This study, however, offers a spotlight on a country that houses a few of the least expensive beaches on the planet: Vietnam boasts of Long Beach (Phu Quoc), City Beach (Nha Trang) and Cua Dai Beach (Hoi An), which are the three cheapest excursions on this extensive list.
Phu Quoc Island Guide has more information on Long Beach and explains it's near the area's resorts with plenty of activities such as snorkeling and kayaking.
Klooster explains: "Also if you are keen on enjoying local food on the beach, pick Vietnam for instance, where you can enjoy delicious local food on the beach that is very affordable. Another one: in some places you pay a lot for sunscreen, up to 3 times more than you would pay in The Netherlands, so make sure you take some with you!"
Granted, you could cut out the onsite purchases of food, beer and ice cream, making all of these a "free" experience, but then you're likely lugging at least some of that stuff with you from home anyway-which you bought.
If you really want a day at the beach, it's going to cost you, at least a little.
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When it comes to the United States, the Gulf Shores in Baldwin County, Alabama, are your best bet for inexpensive fun. It costs about $34.50 to really have a good time there.
That differs by about $12 if you head north to enjoy a day at Main Beach in East Hampton, New York. You will have to pony up nearly $50 for the same sort of accouterment.
None of this should deter you from grabbing the pail in the garage and heading out to your local beach, however. Pack a lunch and bring along whatever you have in the freezer to cool you down. You can indeed drastically shave off some of these costs.
Thankfully, the sunlight and sand are still complimentary.
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