first time, where to stay

We were supposed to share a vacation rental at Hilton Head Tennis and Beach Resort...(time share I believe). My wife bid on it at a cancer benifit auction with another family. We ';won'; the bid at $700 or $350 each family for one week. The other family can no longer go due to a health emergency so now we are paying the whole $700. It was supposed to be used by the end of april but we asked for the first week in May instead. They said ok but we would have to use other accomodations which the TAN (planwithtan.com) network had access to. Our choices are The Breakers or The Island House as the HH Tennis %26amp; Beach Resort they said was not available. We had really hoped to share the cost of our vacation but thats the way it goes. Any advice for a us would be appreciated. It%26#39;s me, my wife and our 3 year old son. Money saving and entertainment or what-to-do advice would also be appreciated. We are used to traveling and eating on the cheap side. Last year 2 weeks in southern Mexico on $50-60 dollars a day food and various accomadations. Year before that 10 days in Tahiti at $80-90 dollars a day food and lodging. So we are already bummed about the money we already spent but not enough to ruin a potentially great vacation. Most likely driving from Wisconsin but could fly.

first time, where to stay

If you are eating out go for the early bird specials. A lot of the nice eateries offer them and they include salad to dessert. If you have a condo then you will be able to just go the Piggly Wiggly (groceries) for breakfast and lunch items.

first time, where to stay

Hilton Head is an upscale Island. Meals are hard to find at a reasonable price. Best thing I can tell you is go to the Wal Mart on Hilton Head on Saturday night 3-9 P.M. Hilton Head Guest Services has an Island information booth in front of the store for new weekly rental guests. They will be able to help you find food and activities to fit your budget. It is a must do for all first time visitors.

Hilton Head Island is well known as an upscale destination and is not exactly meant for the budget conscious. However, the discriminating vacationer can find ways to enjoy the island without breaking the bank.

If you are looking to save some money on your vacation to Hilton Head, consider booking your trip during the off season. Try to schedule your Hilton Head vacation for sometime between February or March, before the busy tourist season which begins in April.

You will find that many villa rentals are discounted at this time of year and bargains can be found. The weather on the island this time of year is quite mild, perfect for golf and cycling or shopping.

Check with the Hilton Head Guest Services information booth at the island%26#39;s Wal-Mart on Saturdays between 3 and 9 pm. Ask about activities and dining.

If you are planning to stay on the island for more than a week and you have more than two people in your group, it may be wise to look into renting a condo or villa.Try to find one near a grocery store and cook your own meals. You will save money by not eating at restaurants every night.

Rentals located on Forest Beach drive are close to the Piggly Wiggly and Bilo grocery shops. Rentals in Sea Pine are close to a Harris Teeter grocery store.

check out http://www.hiltonheadislander.com

for more information

Thankfully, the island has gotten pretty developed in the past few years so there are plenty of affordable restaurant chains on the island to choose from if you%26#39;re looking to save money. There are also so many things to do that are inexpensive or free. For example, the beaches are wonderful and don%26#39;t cost anything. We%26#39;ve gone several times and despite the variety of activities and enterainment, we tend to spend most of our time enjoying the sun and the waves. But you could always do things like rent bikes, go mini golfing, or browse shops at Harbor Town. To save a little money, try to find your way around the island without taking the toll road. It isn%26#39;t neccessary or convenient (depending on where you stay) and is just a silly waste of money in my opinion.

HHI is also close enough to other destinations to do quick day trips, if your children don%26#39;t mind a little car ride. We like to drive into Savannah for family-style southern dining.

We enjoyed Hilton Head restaurants by going to lunch or early bird specials. Then we would eat at a sandwich place or some type of fast food for dinner. My family with 2 children especially enjoyed Hudsons Seafood. They serve lunch and they also have early bird specials. Its not fancy but it had good seafood and a nice atmosphere. A lot of the fancier restaurants do have early bird dinner specials.

I just came across your question Did you find a place to stay or are you still looking?

wrinkles