By Erin McCarthy, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) Teresa Ranieri had never planned a vacation to Cape May when she first enlisted the services of Rebecca Walder, also known as “The Beach Concierge.” In 2019, Walder recommended places to stay and the best times to go. In the years since, she has helped Ranieri, who lives in Westchester County, N.
Y., with restaurant reservations, grocery shopping, finding dog-friendly spots, even getting together a beach-themed gift for a travel companion of Ranieri and her husband. Ranieri wouldn’t say how much she paid, but Walder said she charges about $100 an hour for most services.
For Ranieri, the cost is well worth it. “It’s really just peace of mind,” said Ranieri, a 54-year-old educator, adding with a laugh: “I promise, I’m not high maintenance.” As Jersey Shore vacations have become increasingly expensive, businesses have popped up to cater to beachgoers who are more than willing to pay for added conveniences.
From Long Beach Island to Cape May, people can now outsource tasks that have long been hallmarks — albeit sometimes dreaded ones — of trips down the Shore. Services exist that will: Cart your beach chairs, blankets, coolers, buckets, and shovels to the beach Claim a prime spot in the sand first thing in the morning Recommend rental homes and the best times to visit Do the first-day grocery run and stock your fridge Watch your kids as they build sandcastles Cater a backyard barbecue or lobster boil Coordinat.