We're all trying to cut costs these days, and "staycations" have become all the rage. But sometimes you need to get away from it all and just relax and rejuvenate. A yacht charter may sound like an extravagant vacation that only a privileged few can afford. But it doesn't have to cost a fortune - it can actually be less expensive than spending a week at a hotel.
Use any or all of these cost-saving strategies to make the vacation of your dreams come true:
1. Travel with friends. Getting a bunch of people together to share the costs is always a great strategy for keeping expenses down, whether you rent a villa or charter a yacht. I recently found a luxury catamaran (bareboat) in the Seychelles that sleeps 12 for $4,825/week - that's $402/person!
2. Discounts and rebates. Thanks to the current economic situation, many charter companies and boat owners have lowered their rates, and new discounts are being offered all the time. To stay on top of the latest deals, sign up for newsletters and email alerts from yachting magazines, charter companies and yachting websites.
3. Ask if the price is negotiable. Most boat owners would rather rent out their boat for slightly less than not at all, so don't hesitate to ask, even if you are dealing with a charter broker company. Make sure to ask what the "hidden" or extra costs are - and if they can be included in the price listed.
4. Save on airfare. Many charter companies have special deals with airlines flying to their charter base - make sure to ask before booking anything.
5. Last minute deals. If you're able to travel on short notice, look for last minute charters. Booking a yacht only 30 days in advance can save you 25% or more. To make sure you hear about the latest deals available, sign up for newsletters from charter companies, and also set up a few Google alerts.
6. Go slightly off-season when the weather is still nice but the crowds are lighter and there are more deals available. Late September/early October in the Mediterranean and April-June in the Caribbean are good times to go.
7. Early boarding. Typically, you arrive at the charter base the night before the charter start date and have to spend the first night in a hotel. Ask if you can get "early boarding" or "evening boarding". There might be a small fee for it, but it'll be less than a hotel room, plus you save yourself the inconvenience of having to unpack and pack things twice.
8. If you own a boat yourself, check out "boat swapping". This fairly new way of vacationing is like a home exchange but with boats - a great affordable way to see faraway oceans while not spending a fortune. If you don't own a boat but are an experienced sailor (you'll need documents to prove it), see if you can swap your home for someone's boat.
Use any or all of these cost-saving strategies to make the vacation of your dreams come true:
1. Travel with friends. Getting a bunch of people together to share the costs is always a great strategy for keeping expenses down, whether you rent a villa or charter a yacht. I recently found a luxury catamaran (bareboat) in the Seychelles that sleeps 12 for $4,825/week - that's $402/person!
2. Discounts and rebates. Thanks to the current economic situation, many charter companies and boat owners have lowered their rates, and new discounts are being offered all the time. To stay on top of the latest deals, sign up for newsletters and email alerts from yachting magazines, charter companies and yachting websites.
3. Ask if the price is negotiable. Most boat owners would rather rent out their boat for slightly less than not at all, so don't hesitate to ask, even if you are dealing with a charter broker company. Make sure to ask what the "hidden" or extra costs are - and if they can be included in the price listed.
4. Save on airfare. Many charter companies have special deals with airlines flying to their charter base - make sure to ask before booking anything.
5. Last minute deals. If you're able to travel on short notice, look for last minute charters. Booking a yacht only 30 days in advance can save you 25% or more. To make sure you hear about the latest deals available, sign up for newsletters from charter companies, and also set up a few Google alerts.
6. Go slightly off-season when the weather is still nice but the crowds are lighter and there are more deals available. Late September/early October in the Mediterranean and April-June in the Caribbean are good times to go.
7. Early boarding. Typically, you arrive at the charter base the night before the charter start date and have to spend the first night in a hotel. Ask if you can get "early boarding" or "evening boarding". There might be a small fee for it, but it'll be less than a hotel room, plus you save yourself the inconvenience of having to unpack and pack things twice.
8. If you own a boat yourself, check out "boat swapping". This fairly new way of vacationing is like a home exchange but with boats - a great affordable way to see faraway oceans while not spending a fortune. If you don't own a boat but are an experienced sailor (you'll need documents to prove it), see if you can swap your home for someone's boat.
About the Author:
Sarah McAllistair writes about yacht charter and helps you decide between the different types of charters
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