A vacation of your dreams doesn’t have to break the bank. Actually, you can visit the Yasawa Islands of Fiji on a budget and pay reasonably modest prices. There are several hostels on the island that cater to the backpacker lifestyle, all while affording travelers the luxury of Fiji. Accommodation at a hostel in Yasawa can cost between 45-85 FJD for a dorm or 125 FJD for a private room. Those rates are fantastic compared to the prices of the fancy resorts on the other islands. The accommodation at some of these are very basic, and you even have the option to stay in a bure, which is a traditional hut with modern amenities. Locals own most backpacker resorts, so you’ll have a chance to experience lots of Fijian culture. They often provide entertainment to guests through song and dance, which also saves you money on activities.
If your looking for a cheap Fiji vacation, another thing to consider is the peak tourist months. The prices will be 10 to 20 percent more expensive, so it’s best to avoid that time of year. The high season in Fiji is June to September, while the low season is November to April. One of the other budgeting tips for Fiji to consider is the food. It’s best to stay at a resort that includes all of your meals, and you should choose one that doesn’t have a compulsory meal plan. Instead, try to book a hostel that allows you to order your food a la carte.
Now that you’ve learned how to afford a cheap Fiji vacation through backpacker hostels, it’s time to factor in the cost of transportation. If you’re on a budget, you might try to find the least expensive route to your hostel that you can find. However, that might not be the best option. The main ferry, which is the Yasawa Flyer, leaves from Port Denarau once per day at 8:30 am. The downside to that is you might not arrive in time. So, another affordable option is to commute by seaplane. Turtle Airways offers flights to the Yasawa Islands for as little as $380 FJD one-way. The planes leave every other hour and can hold up to six passengers per transfer. Not only that, but the amount of time you save is well worth the cost of the plane.
Depending on the island that you choose, it could take up to five hours to get to your resort by boat; whereas a seaplane can get you to your destination in as little as 33 minutes. The sooner you can get to your destination, the sooner you can start enjoying the beauty of the Yasawa Islands. If you spend a lot of hours commuting, you lose out on time away from your resort. Plus, the views you get from the air while flying over the water is spectacular. A cheap Fiji vacation doesn’t have to be dreadful. You can enjoy a little bit of luxury and visit a breathtaking location, all while saving money.