Vacation Like a President: Martha's Vineyard on a Budget
Despite its rep of hosting the wealthy, most Vineyard attractions are low cost.
Aug. 28, 2009— -- Like Presidents Bill Clinton and Ulysses S. Grant before him, President Barack Obama is vacationing on Martha's Vineyard, Mass., and the Obamas are staying at a home costing more than $35,000 a week to rent.
Despite having a reputation as a summer destination for the wealthy, many of the island's top attractions are free or low cost. With a variety of lodging options, a vacation on Martha's Vineyard can be accessible for anyone -- even travelers on a budget.
ABCNews.com spoke with Budget Travel magazine's Sara Morrow, Travelocity's Genevieve Shaw Brown and Nancy Gardella from the Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce for tips on maximizing a trip to the island with as little money as possible.
"A Martha's Vineyard experience is available at any price point," Gardella said.
She suggests that before leaving home, visitors check island resources and search around for the best deals available.
Know When to Visit Martha's Vineyard
The beaches of Martha's Vineyard are busiest during the month of August, but a visit right before or after the peak season can help travelers save money on lodging while still having the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor events and warm weather attractions the island is known for.
"Post Labor Day is an ideal time to visit the island. Lower prices, fewer crowds, and spectacular weather," said Brown.
"Because of the Gulf Stream, our waters are the warmest in September, so it's a great time to be on the beach during the day with weather well into the 70s and cool breezes in the evening," said Gardella.
Getting to Martha's Vineyard
Located seven miles off Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Martha's Vineyard is only accessible by boat or plane. The least expensive way to get to the island is a ferry from Cape Cod.Brown advised, "You'll save by taking a passenger ferry and leaving your car behind, but make sure you're prepared to get around by foot, bike, or taxi once you're on island."
For less than $20 round trip, The Island Queen and the Steamship Authority offer daily non-stop passenger service to Martha's Vineyard from several towns along the Massachusetts coast.
Travelers making the trek from outside New England can also save by searching for inexpensive flights. Jet Blue offers service to Martha's Vineyard with fares starting as low as $174 each way from New York City.
