I Asked ChatGPT To Plan Two Frugal Vacations — One Moderate and One Extreme. Here's What It Said.
There are two things I’d like this summer: a beach vacation and the chance to save more money. Unfortunately, these things seem mutually exclusive. And, busy as I am, I don’t have hours to sit on my laptop researching vacations that balance frugality and fun. So I decided to ask ChatGPT to plan two beach vacations for me — one moderately frugal and one extremely frugal.
To start things off, I told the AI the kind of vacation I wanted — a trip to the beach. I also told it the state where I live so it could find options that avoid the cost of flying. Here’s what ChatGPT suggested for each vacation, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.
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Option 1: Moderately Frugal Beach Trip
For my moderately frugal excursion, ChatGPT recommended Virginia Beach, which is about a four- or five-hour drive from my home. If I bring pals along, it estimates we’d each spend anywhere from $40 to $80 on gas by splitting the cost.
Why does ChatGPT like Virginia Beach? It’s “budget-friendly but still relaxed and comfortable.”
Here’s how the AI broke down other possible expenses, along with suggestions for keeping costs down. It’s a helpful overview, though I’d still verify prices and availability on my own.
Lodging
Budget motels or off-boardwalk hotels: about $80 to $130 per night
Look slightly inland for better deals
Two or three nights: about $200 to $350 per person (split)
Food
A mix of groceries and casual dining
Breakfast: granola, fruit, coffee from a grocery store
Lunch: sandwiches or inexpensive local spots
Dinner: one affordable restaurant meal per day
Budget: about $30 to $50 per day
Activities
Beach access: free
Walking or biking the boardwalk
Free events (live music is common during the summer)
Optional: bike rental or kayaking (about $20 to $40)
For a three-day excursion, ChatGPT estimates each person could spend between $300 and $500. “You still get a ‘vacation feel’ (restaurants, decent hotel, lively area) without overspending,” the AI said.
Not too shabby, ChatGPT. Let’s see what your suggestions are for an even more frugal vacation.
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Option 2: Extremely Frugal Beach Trip
To dramatically cut costs while still enjoying time at the beach, ChatGPT recommended visiting Assateague Island National Seashore. How did the AI know I read “Misty of Chincoteague” cover to cover as a child?
Nostalgia aside, ChatGPT recommends this destination because it’s “nature-heavy with minimal spending and a little rugged.” The presence of majestic wild horses doesn’t hurt, either.
According to the AI, it’s about a 2.5- to 3-hour drive from my home, with gas costing between $20 and $50, depending on vehicle fuel efficiency and how many people split the drive.
Here’s how it breaks down the rest of the expenses:
Lodging
Campsites: about $20 to $30 per night, or split with a friend to make it even cheaper
Total for two to three nights: about $40 to $90
Food
The AI suggested bringing everything from home and offered a few cooler-friendly ideas:
Sandwich supplies
Pasta salad
Cheap snacks
Estimated food budget: about $10 to $15 per day
Activities
Beach access: free with park entry (about $25 per car)
Wildlife spotting, including wild horses
Swimming, hiking and stargazing
With no paid attractions to factor in, ChatGPT estimates each person would spend between $80 and $180 for a three-day trip. No hotel bill and wild horses? Well done, ChatGPT.
Extra Money-Saving Tips
To remain helpful, the AI offered a few general suggestions for keeping vacation costs low, regardless of the destination:
Travel midweek (lodging is often cheaper)
Split everything (gas, lodging, groceries)
Bring your own beach gear (chairs, umbrella)
Avoid peak holiday weekends like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July
These are all smart suggestions and worth considering.
The Bottom Line
It turns out I can have a beach vacation without blowing my budget. Thanks to ChatGPT, I now have two realistic options for a fun, frugal getaway. I wouldn’t take the AI’s cost estimates as gospel, but they're a solid starting point. At least now I have a few ideas to research — and that’s a huge help.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice.
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