Island Vacation Packages

For almost every occasion, aloha wear is a good choice, and you can find it cheap in Hilo Hattie's, the ABC Store, or at swap meets and local shops everywhere. Instead of packing the suit or nice dress, just pick up a nice aloha dress or, for men, a Hawaiian shirt and khakis. This works just fine for the kids as well. Not only do you solve the problem of what to wear, you get clothing that is perfect for the climate here and you also have some lovely souvenirs to take home with you.

Most people, when they think of a Hawaii vacation, think of being right on the beach at Waikiki. That's okay, but the Waikiki strip is very crowded and somewhat overbuilt. You may have a better time on Oahu if you go with Turtle Bay or a hotel in Kaneohe, just a few miles from Honolulu and on the scenic windward side of the island.

On the other islands, you don't find the built-up problem, but you do find that most of the regular resorts and hotels are expensive. If you can't find a good deal on one of these, check out one of the many bed-and-breakfasts, especially on the Big Island. If you're part of a large group, check out the possibility of renting a beach house for your Hawaii vacation instead of staying at a hotel; there are hundreds of beautiful properties available, and groups of eight or more will almost always find significant savings this way over a hotel. There's the added advantage of being able to cook your own food, too, which can represent a great savings.

Hawaii has hundreds of things to do, mostly centering around the ocean and hiking through some of the most glorious natural beauty you can imagine. Hanauma Bay on Oahu is not to be missed for the snorkeling, the beach, and the scenery; this protected bay has something for every member of your party. North Shore at Oahu has dozens of great shops with inexpensive souvenirs, or more expensive souvenirs like works of art from the world-famous Wyland Galleries.

Often, just going on a Gray Line tour or booking something through the Polynesian Cultural Center will give you the Hawaiian experience without huge expense. Don't leave without going to a luau -- but pass up the Polynesian Cultural Center luau and try Germaine's Luau on Oahu, or one of the great luaus on Maui instead.

Plan out island-to-island travel in advance. By boat or by plane, traveling between islands can get expensive, so it should be budgeted for. But it is definitely worth including in your itinerary to get the most out of what could be the greatest vacation you will ever take.

You can spend the rest of your Hawaii vacation picking up box lunch with chicken katsu or poke aku (Hawaiian raw fish, sort of like sashimi) and lounging on the beach like you've no place particular to go. That's living on Hawaii time and is sure to be a vacation to remember and want to repeat in the future.

So, how do you ensure your discount vacation package actually provides you with a discount?

Do business with a reputable company or travel website. Many tourists turn to travel agents and online travel websites. Although it is easy to book a Caribbean vacation on your own, many like the outside help from an expert. That is okay, but make sure you are doing business with a trustworthy individual or website. A small amount of research online will let you know. Be cautious of travel agents in your community with a bad reputation or a poor track record. Be cautious of online travel websites that are known for adding on large hidden fees.

Go directly to the source. When it comes to discount travel packages, many first time tourists mistakenly believe they need to visit a third party travel website. That is not the case. In the Caribbean, you can get travel packages directly through the resorts. The Breezes, Starfish, and Hedonism Resort lines all enable you to do so. By going directly to the source, you eliminate the intermediary. For example, if you decide to stay at a Breezes resort, visit Breezes.com to make your travel plans. Make your arrangements as a travel package.

Opt for an all-inclusive resort. In the Caribbean, you have many staying options. There are Caribbean hotels, vacation rentals, traditional resorts, and all-inclusive resorts. All of these options come highly rated and recommended, but all-inclusive resorts are your best chance to save money. They do cost more upfront, but you should get a better deal in the long run. This is because your stay includes more than just a room. You also get food, drinks, tips, qualifying airport transfers, some forms of onsite entertainment and more. Airfare can be included too, but this is optional.

Choose your all-inclusive resort wisely. Since food, drinks, tips, and onsite entertainment are already included in the cost of your stay, you paid for them. To save the most money, choose the resort that is perfect for your needs. Do you want to scuba dive, snorkel, and windsurf? If so, opt for a resort where these are included as onsite entertainment. You pay to do these activities once or twice, but you are rarely prohibited from doing them more. This results in you saving money and getting a good deal.

Compare the individual components of your preferred Caribbean vacation package. The best way to ensure you are truly getting a discount is to dissect your vacation package. To get started, look at the inclusions of your discount travel package. You already know you get food, drinks, tips, and a room. Closely examine on the onsite activities. For example, a beachfront resort is likely to include snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing.

In keeping with comparing your discount vacation package, you now know each component of the package and its overall cost. Start dissecting the package and estimate the cost of each individual component. This is easy with airfare and resort room. Just request a standalone quote. Then, estimate the cost of food, drinks, tips, and entertainment. You can call a local beach rental shop to see how much rental gear costs for snorkeling. Contact the resort in question and inquire about the price of your favorite meal. Use this as a guide. Total up each individual cost. For you to truly get a discount, your cheap vacation package should save you money.

Remember, cheap discount Caribbean vacation packages should save you money. Unfortunately, they don’t always. Take half an hour to an hour to individually dissect and compare your preferred travel package. If you aren’t saving money, skip the purchase and look elsewhere. The best way to get a quality, yet cheap trip to the Caribbean is to make your travel plans in advance, opt for an all-inclusive resort, and go directly to the source.