Who hasn't dreamed of vacationing on a yacht? Spending lazy days cruising between islands, swimming in warm, turquoise water, and having your every need catered to. It doesn't have to be just a dream - there are ways to make it a quite affordable reality.
Use any or all of these cost-saving strategies to make the vacation of your dreams come true:
1. Travel with a group of friends/family. It's always less expensive to share the costs with a group. As an example, I found a crewed sailing yacht in Italy for $9,800/week that sleeps 12 - that breaks down to $816/person. Or how about a skippered boat in the British Virgin Islands for $4,895 that sleeps 6-8? That comes out to $611 - $815/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. Negotiate the price. Again, thanks to the less than stellar economic climate, prices are not set in stone, even if you charter through a company. Also ask about the hidden or extra costs - can they be included in the listing price?
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. Travel a bit off season. Going right before or just after the high season can save you quite a bit, not only on the charter price, but also when it comes to flights, restaurants, etc. And the crowds are much thinner, both in the marinas and onshore. In the Mediterranean, September and October are great choices, and in the Caribbean, try April-June.
7. Sleep on board the night before your start date. Instead of spending the first night in a hotel on or close to the charter base, ask if "early boarding" or "evening boarding" is available. Sometimes you will have to pay a fee for this, but it's less than a hotel, and it saves you the hassle of having to move your stuff from the hotel to the yacht.
8. Boat swapping. If you're a boat owner, consider swapping boats with someone else. It works just like a home exchange, but with boats, and is a great way to be able to sail exotic waters without spending a fortune. If you are an accomplished boater but don't own a boat, you can always ask if someone is interested in exchanging their boat for your home for a week.
Use any or all of these cost-saving strategies to make the vacation of your dreams come true:
1. Travel with a group of friends/family. It's always less expensive to share the costs with a group. As an example, I found a crewed sailing yacht in Italy for $9,800/week that sleeps 12 - that breaks down to $816/person. Or how about a skippered boat in the British Virgin Islands for $4,895 that sleeps 6-8? That comes out to $611 - $815/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. Negotiate the price. Again, thanks to the less than stellar economic climate, prices are not set in stone, even if you charter through a company. Also ask about the hidden or extra costs - can they be included in the listing price?
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. Travel a bit off season. Going right before or just after the high season can save you quite a bit, not only on the charter price, but also when it comes to flights, restaurants, etc. And the crowds are much thinner, both in the marinas and onshore. In the Mediterranean, September and October are great choices, and in the Caribbean, try April-June.
7. Sleep on board the night before your start date. Instead of spending the first night in a hotel on or close to the charter base, ask if "early boarding" or "evening boarding" is available. Sometimes you will have to pay a fee for this, but it's less than a hotel, and it saves you the hassle of having to move your stuff from the hotel to the yacht.
8. Boat swapping. If you're a boat owner, consider swapping boats with someone else. It works just like a home exchange, but with boats, and is a great way to be able to sail exotic waters without spending a fortune. If you are an accomplished boater but don't own a boat, you can always ask if someone is interested in exchanging their boat for your home for a week.
About the Author:
Sarah McAllistair writes about yacht charter vacations and helps you decide which charter option to choose
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