You don't need to sell the farm to get to this tropical paradise.
Budget travel has certain stigmas attached to it - dodgy hotels and dirty backpacks spring to mind instantly. But vacationing on the cheap doesn't need to be seedy. With a bit of planning, research and comparison shopping, exotic destinations like Hawaii can be enjoyed without breaking the bank. Begin planning well in advance, and you will be soaking up the Maui sun for much less than you might think.
Instructions
Low season and discount flights
1. Schedule your time off to coincide with Hawaii's low travel season, which is Spring. May sees the least number of travelers, which means that hotels and guest houses will offer low-season discounts, and traveling within Hawaii (inter-island flights, etc.) will be cheaper.
2. Price shop for flights. Look at a few less traditional airlines for getting to any of Hawaii's airports. Don't necessarily search for flights to Honolulu, the main hub, as they might be more expensive than flights to Maui, for example.
3. Look for flights at off-peak hours. For air carriers that have more than one daily flight to Hawaii, check for early-morning or overnight flights. These are usually cheaper than flights which depart in the afternoon. Other traveler's inflexibility can be your penny saver.
4. Consider a package, but weigh your options. Look for air + hotel + car package deals and compare them with your research about hotel prices (see Section two). It may actually be cheaper to pay for a package with a hotel you don't like for the discount on flights and the car - then check in to the hotel and drive at your leisure, staying in bed and breakfasts or hotels around the State. Add these costs up before hand, and see which option is cheaper.
Discounts around the Islands
5. Spend a little, save a lot. Buying a coupon book like the "Hawaii Entertainment Book" before you fly can save you money on restaurants and activities. These coupon books tend to have more discounts for Oahu and Maui, so if you plan to head to the other islands you may want to pass on this.
6. Look for hostels. There are a few hostels and vacation rental properties in Hawaii, and off-season deals might mean big savings. Hostels usually have a kitchen you can access, which is key to saving money. Visit grocery stores and local shops to buy food and cook for yourself - you'll be amazed how much money you save by not eating out for every meal. Remember that most inclusive vacations have meals included, but at a huge cost. You may not be able to eat as much at an inclusive resort as you are being charged to eat.
7. Take the eco-tourist approach. Look for housing options in exchange for a bit of work. Or pay a few bucks and stay in very small, family-run guest houses. You'll get a more authentic Hawaiian experience by staying with people who make a living in Hawaii, and you'll surely get an insiders view to everyday life in the islands.
Tags: discount flights, guest houses, have more, like Hawaii, than flights