Tips for Travelling Fiji on a Tight Budget
Fiji comprises lots of islands and tourist destinations that make your trip memorable. Soaking in the mud pools, relaxing at the beaches, playing mini Golf at Denarau, horse-riding, exploring spectacular waterfalls, etc. are some of the prominent activities you can do during your trip to Fiji. At first glance, it may seem to be an enormously expensive place to travel but by following certain tips, you can ensure a budget-friendly trip to Fiji. From cultural experiences to exploring underwater wonders, there is a plethora of activities a budget-friendly traveler can relish while in Fiji. Make sure to go through the Fiji map to end up with a budget-friendly Fiji itinerary experience. Here are some valuable tips for traveling to Fiji on a tight budget.
1) Travel during the low season
One of the most effective budget-friendly Fiji tips is traveling in the low season i.e. summer/wet season. So, you can consider booking for November to May. For these months, prioritizing booking for mid-week (for example Tuesday/Wednesday) would help you save on the airfare. Christmas festival and New Year holidays will be exceptions for the same.
2) Homestays for accommodation
Some aspiring travelers believe that staying in a resort is the solitary accommodation option in Fiji. However, budget travelers can explore a range of accommodation options. Homestay is one of the finest accommodation options for such travelers. Locals in some areas near the island of Fiji provide their spare rooms for accommodation to travelers. The booking for the same can be accomplished on platforms like Airbnb.com and Booking.com. Another decent yet affordable option is holiday homes. If you are a budget traveler who prefers privacy at an affordable rate compared to what resorts charge then you can consider holiday homes.
3) Benefit from free activities and affordable events
If you stay in a resort in Fiji, you can access the beach, pool, and a wide range of free activities. Usually, resorts allow free use of snorkeling gear, kayaks, and walking trails nearby. Besides, sightseeing is quite affordable in Fiji. Specifically, you can see city center attractions, and caves, and even access national parks at less than FJ$10.
The country has several restaurants, hotels, and bars that support free entertainment during evenings. So, you can enjoy traditional dancers, singers, and other entertainment shows for free. If you are lucky, you can get to see a fire dance show free of cost.
4) Make cash payment
Cash payment is found to be more affordable than other payment options in Fiji. Although EFTPOS machines and credit cards are frequent, they often charge you a 3-5% fee. While buying from local shops, you can negotiate the prices with cash because the locals prefer cash payment. It is recommended to carry FJD cash along or to exchange some money when you arrive. If you arrive in Fiji with enough cash, you will save significantly on ATM fees and credit card surcharges.
5) Explore affordable transport options
Certain travelers get on a flight or taxi to visit outer islands. However, they lack enough research and end up investing in an expensive transport option. Instead, public transport is quite cheap in Fiji. Usually, the charges of public buses are quite affordable and it is also affordable to get between islands through cargo ferry. Moreover, the fares of inter-city buses are too affordable. Make sure to research thoroughly the transport options and then proceed traveling in the city.
6) Shop from local markets
If you are seeking a budget-friendly trip experience, move ahead with purchasing basic necessities from local grocery stores. Conversely, hotels and grocery shops in certain tourist regions levy more charges for these products. Moreover, if your hotel contains a refrigerator and a kettle, it becomes easy to prepare tea, coffee, etc. yourself and eventually save some bucks. Besides, a kettle in your hotel room will help you instantly prepare oatmeal.
7) Travel in a group
You can end up with a budget-friendly trip experience if you travel with friends in Fiji. Traveling with multiple persons will let you share taxis, and hotel rooms, and even negotiate tour deals. While purchasing items at souvenir shops or booking tours, you can benefit from offers and discounts if you buy multiple tickets together.
On the other hand, a solo traveler intending to meet others to travel the country can benefit from the Fiji Backpacker Group on Facebook. This group lets a solo traveler meet other budget travelers and share costs too. You can explore several hidden gems in Fiji.
Conclusion
It may seem expensive to visit Fiji if you haven’t planned effectively and made wise choices. Using any of the aforementioned tips can substantially reduce your Fiji travel cost. Opting for reasonable accommodation, relishing free or cost-effective activities, and exploring cheap transport options will help you rejoice in the beauty of this tropical country without breaking the bank. Get in touch with HotFiji.Deals to book a trip to Fiji.