Island-hopping on a budget is possible with careful planning and smart choices. By following these tips, you can visit the Caribbean without breaking the bank!
If hitching rides on cargo ships isn’t your thing or the islands within a particular nation aren’t connected by ferry, consider using an air pass to reduce costs. This option can be found on many RTW tickets, and even within individual countries like the South Pacific.
Airfare
Airfares to Hawaii are notoriously expensive, but with some planning and flexibility, you can make island hopping affordable. Start by searching for the best deals on airfare to Hawaii. If possible, book a one-way flight into Kauai and out of Big Island to avoid the expensive inter-island flights.
If you’re willing to be a bit adventurous and have some time to spare, you can cut your travel costs by hitching rides on cargo ships to get between islands within an island nation such as the Yasawa islands in Fiji, Efate Island in Vanuatu, Rarotonga and Upolu in Samoa or Tahiti and Moorea in French Polynesia. This is an old-school way to see the islands, but it can save you a bundle in travel expenses.
Another strategy to consider is to plan your trip during the shoulder seasons of April to June or September to October. These times avoid the high season crowds and sky-high prices, but still offer warm weather and spectacular scenery. And if you’re using the smartest possible booking tools (such as the free mobile app from WayAway Plus), you can earn cash back on your airfare, hotel stays, rental cars and activities to help offset your travel costs.
Accommodations
If you’re the type of traveler who feels a constant urge to explore, visit ancient temples, or find that secret beach, island-hopping may be the perfect trip for you. But it’s important to consider the total cost of your adventure. Flights, accommodation and transportation expenses can add up quickly, especially if you plan to spend a month or more island-hopping.
To save money, you can try to avoid traveling during peak season. For example, Greece is a popular destination during the summer months and prices can skyrocket. But if you can travel during the shoulder season from April to June or September, you’ll enjoy less crowds, better weather, and more affordable accommodations.
You can also take advantage of island hopping passes, which offer discounted rates on ferries to multiple destinations within a single country. These passes can help you cut your overall island-hopping costs by a significant amount. Alternatively, you can leverage RTW tickets or air passes for the South Pacific Islands to save on flights.
Food
Many people dream of island-hopping around exotic locales, but the idea seems to come with a certain price tag. You don’t need a private yacht and an expansive bank account to travel, though. With some careful planning, you can enjoy the scenery of paradise without breaking the bank.
Plan ahead to save on airfare and accommodation. Consider booking accommodations through a home exchange service like AirBnb or VRBO. These services often offer better prices than hotels and can also help you avoid tourist traps. Plus, you can make friends with locals and experience the place more like a local.
Keep in mind that food can be quite expensive, especially if you’re traveling to the South Pacific where nearly everything must be imported. Instead of dining in a resort or hotel restaurant, explore the local neighborhoods for delicious street foods at reasonable prices. In addition, you can try the local cafes for healthier options like salads and fruit bowls and sweet treats such as homemade cheesecake. Lastly, don’t forget to visit the grocery stores to pick up essentials and snacks at a fraction of the cost.
Activities
While the idea of island-hopping holds a glamorous allure for many travelers, that allure typically comes with an associated price tag. For instance, ferry rides can be quite costly and if you plan to travel across multiple islands, those costs can add up quickly.
A little bit of careful planning can help you keep your travel expenses to a minimum. Start by researching island hopping packages and bundled deals, as these can save you money on both your accommodations and ferry tickets. Then, book your flights on weekdays (rather than weekends) to score more affordable airfares.
Additionally, seek out activities that don’t require any upfront costs – like free public beaches or cheap group tours led by locals. And avoid spending money on extras like souvenirs and snacks at hotels, which often overcharge for these items. Finally, try to avoid traveling during peak season, as prices for hotels and ferries can skyrocket during this time. Instead, consider visiting a less-hyped destination that still shines just as brightly in its own right. For example, everyone dreams of jetting off to Greece during the summer, but Albania offers a similar experience at a fraction of the cost.
Transportation
The cost of transportation can be one of the largest line items on an island-hopping trip. You can save on the cost of airfare by booking a round trip in advance, especially when flying from major hubs. It’s also possible to reduce the costs of island-hopping by joining a group tour with a company like G Adventures, which offers cheap trips to many island destinations. This can cut the price of the tour, as well as the cost of food, accommodation, and other activities.
When island-hopping on a budget, it’s best to stick to islands that are connected by ferries or island-nations with affordable airports and short, direct flights between them. For example, you can fly from Samoa to Vanuatu or Cook Islands on an Air Vanuatu or Air Tahiti flight.
It’s also possible to save on island-hopping by traveling during the off-peak season. This can help you avoid the crowds and the inflated prices of peak travel periods, such as summer in Greece or autumn in the South Pacific. During these times, it’s easy to find low-cost accommodations and affordable ferry tickets.