Cheap Panama City Beach travel

Panama City Beach can be an affordable year-round vacation spot. With a range of value-oriented accommodations, cheap eats, and a slew of package deals, it's not hard to save a pretty penny while enjoying a beachfront view. Here are a few more ways to save when booking your ideal trip.

When to book

The Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau claims it's easy to find available rooms throughout the year, but suggests booking accommodations three to four weeks in advance for stays during major annual events such as the Indian Summer Festival and the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally. Since most visitors drive to the city, when to book airfare is not typically a major consideration.

Where to find deals and book

Most people find driving to Panama City Beach to be the most economical way to reach the city, as it is within one day's drive of most southeastern cities. However, if you live farther away, the main airport is located about 10 minutes away, and is served by several regional airlines such as Comair and Northwest Airlink. Always compare airfare before booking.

With a wide range of lodging options from motels to luxury resorts, it's not difficult to find accommodations to fit any budget. It's possible to find beachfront hotels starting as low as $69 per night. A great place to find discounted room rates is SideStep, which lists hotels throughout the area. If you're traveling with family or plan on a longer stay, you can save money by staying in a condo or beach house available though Panama City Beach Rentals. For the more adventurous and rugged types, campgrounds are the ideal budget accommodations, with the added benefit of communing with nature.

One of the best ways to save on a trip to Panama City Beach is by bundling airfare and hotel, car and hotel, attractions and hotel, or all of the above into one package. Panama City Convention and Visitors Bureau is a great place to start researching land-only deals, but visit bookit.com if you want airfare included. Both websites offer a range of vacation package options.

A few more sites for deals

• Spring Break Travel: This spring break website offers many package deals to make any vacation a party.

The information and websites listed here were valid at the time of publication, but some details may have changed since that time. Please check directly with the provider for the latest information.