Money Saving Tips for Bora Bora
Bora Bora is known for it’s turquoise water, overwater bungalows, and possibly the best snorkeling in the world. But, with a reputation like that comes a hefty price tag. Rooms from $700/night and $40 hamburgers make this bucket list item unattainable for most.
This island in French Polynesia definitely lives up to it’s reputation. So, while in Bora Bora, we compiled some money saving tips to help make your island dream a reality.
Click here to view a video of our stay.
Money Saving Tips - King Horizon View Villa - Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Upgrade Wisely
I know you’ve always dreamed of staying in an overwater villa, and it is definitely worth it, but if the budget is tight stay in a room on land and upgrade to the overwater bungalow for the last night of your stay.
If the budget is tight stay in a room on land and upgrade to the overwater bungalow for the last night of your stay.
By doing this we were able to enjoy our overwater retreat for longer via an early check-in and late check-out. And, we enjoyed a newly stocked mini fridge...score!
Money Saving Tips - Deluxe Overwater Villa - Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Make Friends
We chatted with other guests on our private transfer from the airport to our hotel, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui. Somehow this initial small talk led to some generous invites. One couple invited us to their overwater bungalow to film the beautiful sunset and another said we could swim over and use the infinity pool in their overwater villa while they left to swim with sharks.
Somehow this initial small talk led to some generous invites.
Give it a try. Maybe you will become friends with someone staying in the presidential suite!
Money Saving Tips - King Pool Overwater Villa - Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Stash Drinks
When you land in Tahiti stop into the Duty Free shop before exiting to get your luggage. Purchase the alcohol you want for your stay here. The Tahitian airport currently allows you to take sealed bottles of liquid through security. (confirm this is still true before purchasing) If you forget to stop at the Duty Free shop before exiting, you can walk to the Easy Market from the airport. Take a left when you exit Faaa International Airport and walk 550 meters. The Easy Market will be on your left. Mixed drinks at the pool bar cost $28-$30 each so, this could save you a considerable amount of money. Don’t forget a water bottle to transport your drink to the pool.
Money Saving Tips - Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Utilize Credit Card Points & Perks
We were surprised by the number of guests that told us they payed for their hotel stay with credit card points. With proper planning, this may help turn your Bora Bora dreams into a reality.
With proper planning, this may help turn your Bora Bora dreams into a reality.
My favorite card, the Hilton Honors American Express, currently offers a 150,000 point bonus to new cardholders, free breakfast included in your stay, diamond status, and free upgrade possibilities along with many other perks. This applies to all Hilton hotels and sister properties which includes the Conrad Bora Bora Nui.
If you aren't using credit card points for your hotel stay, check out ID90 Travel for great lodging prices. This link will give you $10 off your first hotel booking with ID90Travel. They also have unbeatable prices on cruises and car rentals!
Transportation Hacks
The Conrad Bora Bora Nui offered a private transfer from the airport to our hotel. This transfer was extremely convenient, but also came with a $300 price tag for 2 guests.
This transfer was extremely convenient, but also came with a $300 price tag for 2 guests.
Money Saving Tips - Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Upon further research, I discovered that we could take the free airport ferry to Vaitape and catch our hotel shuttle from there for a price tag of $30 for two people. It sounded a bit cumbersome with luggage in the heat, but if chosen, would provide a substantial savings.
Along our journey, people told us horror stories of couples going into massive debt to make their Bora Bora dreams come true. The island is incredible, but nothing is worth that price tag. Save, plan, research, and enjoy your Bora Bora dream when it won’t cost you for years after your return.
Bora Bora was on my bucket list as a possible but unlikely 25th anniversary trip. We made it there to celebrate 20 years of marriage using methods mentioned in my How Can I Afford To Travel article. The entire trip including food, flights, hotel stay, upgrades, transportation, excursions, etc. cost us just under $3,000. Most sources tell couples to budget $10,000 minimum for this trip of a lifetime, but you just need to be patient and get creative!
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