As it’s part of the USA, Hawaii is a dream destination for many an American citizen. Part of the appeal lies in the fact that it’s seen as exotic, with a wildly different culture, while still being part of the US. This means that it’s easy to travel to for any US citizen as there is no need for a passport — it’s still a domestic destination. On top of that, it has great weather all year round, making it an ideal travel spot no matter the time of the year.
However, Hawaii is remote. It’s not easy to get to which means that travel costs are often quite high. That being said, with some strategic planning, it is possible to cut the budget when visiting this state.
How to Plan a Cost-Effective Trip to Hawaii
There are many ways you can save when planning a trip to Hawaii. Choosing the right time during the year, or even the week, can greatly impact the cost of an airfare to this state. Not only that, but you can often find vastly lower hotel prices too, depending when you go of course. This means that taking some time to plan and research is essential if you’re planning on visiting this state. Typically, the most affordable months are April and May, and September and October. This is because these are considered the shoulder seasons, where fewer people are likely to travel.
Finding the best deals for flights is a tricky thing. But there are also some tips to doing this as well. Some days, like searching on a Tuesday, offer better flight deals than other days. It’s also a good idea to be flexible, as this means that you can switch days if you see another date is cheaper than the one you intended to fly on. By taking note of these things, you will also find that you can save money via online booking platforms of other essential parts of your trip such as car rentals, attractions, experiences, and hotels.
While there are many options such as Momondo, or Trip.com that can be used when planning a vacation, it’s Expedia that stands out here. This is a reliable booking platform for all travel services, and enables you to find the best deals at competitive prices. On specialized websites and deal sites, you can also find a variety of coupons for Expedia available, which further help to reduce the cost of the flight, accommodation, and experiences. Doing so, means you can still get a high-quality experience, while not spending too much outside of your budget.
Ways to Save Money While in Hawaii
Aside from scoring some discount codes, and knowing when and where to book your holiday, there are other steps you can take to save money, specifically when in Hawaii. For instance, you should always take advantage of any free activities that are offered. In Hawaii, this includes free beach visits, hiking along trails, and other cultural experiences, typically offered by the hotel or resort. These all provide great alternatives to tours which can be expensive.
If you’re trying to avoid the expense of a tour, then you can also take into consideration self-guided excursions. You will need to make sure you have done your research though, and know what it is you want to see and where to go to do it. Instead of hiring a car, or opting for a tour, you can also easily get about using public transport which can significantly reduce the overall costs of your daily trips. And, you could consider renting a bike if you’re up for the additional exercise.
There are other savings you can make in Hawaii too. For instance, you can also save on spending money on food. If you’re staying in a room where you can cook, then hitting up the local supermarkets will save you money over eating out each night. But, if you are planning on eating out, then there are ways to save here too. Rather than visiting top diners or restaurants, head to where the locals are eating. Not only will this be cheaper, but more authentic too. Consider other options like farmer’s markets, or takeout like poke bowls for cheaper deals.
Whatever it is you do, with some research and planning, you can really enjoy your trip to Hawaii, without spending a whole lot.
