A summer vacation at Eden means sugar white sands, emerald waves and the eternal sea breeze. However, if you time it right, it could also mean world-class shopping with a built-in discount.

Florida and Alabama have scheduled Back to School Sales Tax Holidays this summer during which sales taxes are canceled for clothing and other items students will need when school starts this all. Although the holidays are specifically timed to help students, anyone can take advantage of the savings.

On top of the tax break, lots of stores offer additional discounts to get shoppers’ attention.

In Alabama, the holiday is set for July 16 - 18. Articles of clothing that cost $100 or less per item, including shirts, pants, shorts, skirts and shoes, are tax-free. The discount also applies to computers and other technology, as well as school supplies and books. Here is more information about how the Alabama sales tax holiday works.

The Florida sales tax holiday will be July 31 - August 9. In the Sunshine State, the tax is relieved on clothing that costs $60 or less per item. Computers and school supplies are also tax-free.

While the secluded, not-too-commercialized feel is part of Perdido Key’s allure, there are a few stores in the immediate area where shoppers can meet back-to-school needs.

The Barefoot Gypsy features women’s clothing “with a Bohemian vibe” that will be discounted during Florida’s sales tax holiday. In Orange Beach, Ala., the SanRoc Cay entertainment center includes stores like Jane Loves Shoes and Two Hot Mamas that will offer tax-free sales during that state’s tax break.

Of course, if you come to Eden with shopping in mind, you probably already have one destination in your sights: the jewel of the Gulf Coast’s shopping crown, Tanger Outlets in Foley, Ala.

Tanger has everything you could need to get ready to go back to school, or just completely renovate your family’s wardrobe.

For standards like jeans, polos, khakis and button-downs, Tanger has brands like American Eagle, Banana Republic, Gap, Lane Bryant, Levis, Old Navy and many more. For shoes there are places like Adidas, Nike, Crocs, Merrell, Reebok and Rackroom, among others.

If you’re shopping in Foley, you’re practically required to have lunch at the famous Lambert’s Café. Lambert’s is country food at its most comfortable. Not only does it offer hearty entrees like fried chicken, dumplings and meatloaf, but the staff brings you plenty of sides like fried okra, potatoes and black-eyed peas.

The many shops and boutiques of Downtown Pensacola also offer a great a day of discount shopping. Women’s shops include Indigeaux Denim Bar & Boutique and The Market and Mainly Shoes, among others. Don Alans is downtown’s premier collection of men's clothes and shoes.

Also in Downtown Pensacola, you might also want to check out Bodacious Bookstore & Café, an independent and bookstore in the heart of downtown, as well as Palafox Computers, since both books and computer/computer accessories are included in the tax break.

While you’re in downtown, treat yourself to lunch at one of the great local eateries there, including Carmen’s Lunch Bar, the Dog House Deli and The Tin Cow.

Shopping, after all, is hard work.