The Hawaii Traveler

by © marcinkamil

Let’s say you’re a family of four or more, living on an annual income that equals the amount Paris Hilton usually blows on gum. Are your hopes and dreams of taking an island vacation dashed? Not necessarily.

Yes, with gas prices what they are, and inflation, and all of the other financial hubbub that’s making the news today, it’s easy to make assumptions about the ability of mere mortals to afford the journey. (But you know what happens when we assume, don’t you?) Here’s a collection of quick tips to keep you in the know about traveling on the cheap.

1. Luck favors the prepared

Schedule and save for your vacation at least a year in advance, especially if you plan to use miles for one or more of your fares. The longer out you plan your itinerary in general, the more you’re likely to save.

2. Read Motley Fool’s article “Traveling Below Your Means” to get a grip on how the pros glean the most value from resources that are available to anyone, anytime.

3. Look outside the box

My cousin recently booked a flight from Denver to Honolulu on Alaska Air. Who knew Alaska Air flew to Honolulu? She did, after asking around. Yes, she and her family of four flew coach, and made a stop in Seattle first, but they really wanted to visit Kaua’i this year. Now they are.

4. Ask around, ask often

Years ago, we were planning a trip to Maui, but were having a hard time deciding where we wanted to stay. We were busy moving and buying a new house, and I was in danger of breaking my “plan well ahead” rule. The day we closed on our house, we asked our realtor if she knew anything about accommodations in Kapalua. She did. “I have a condo there,” she said. A month later, we were staying in it, for free.

5. Relax, there’s no wrong way

If there’s one way to spoil any vacation, it’s believing that there’s a right way and a wrong way to enjoy it. Every experience in Hawai’i can be a treasured one. Leave your worries, take what comes, and go home happy. It’s the island way.

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