Nifty Tips For Taking An Exciting Yachting Vacation

Affordable Boating Holidays Are Possible With These Nifty Tips

Unsplash by: Alina Kacharho

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘yacht’? If it’s cruising the Caribbean in a bikini with some Old Hollywood vibes, then you may imagine the experience is out of reach for most people. However, with the following tips, you may change your mind. Fun family charters and other fun travel activities are far more accessible than you think, and it’s perfectly possible to enjoy a relaxing holiday on the water.  Here are our nifty tips for taking an affordable boating holiday.

Yacht rental isn’t just for celebs

Yachting has always had an air of mystery and intrigue, primarily because the costs to moor and keep a yacht year-round are quite hefty. Luckily, you don’t need to own a yacht to enjoy one. From one-day trips to lengthier holidays, there are numerous options for you to enjoy. Whether a day trip on a small boat to exquisite locations or the full luxury yacht experience suits you, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy yourself on the water no matter your travel style or budget.

Why crewed is always best

Unless you are a licensed captain yourself, don’t be tempted to opt for a boat or yacht rental that doesn’t come with a crew, even if it’s cheaper. If you’re an avid boater, you may have the skills you need to seamlessly operate a rental ship in unfamiliar waters, but for most of us, that’s off the table.

While most modern luxury boats are pretty simple to steer, you’re better off bringing along a captain who knows how to navigate the open water in the area you will be boating in. This way, you can relax and enjoy your holiday experience without worry.

Top tips for a boating holiday

How do you make the most of your yacht charter experience? Here are some top tips to make the experience even better.

Communication

The best thing you can do on any nautical charter, whether it’s a day trip by boat or a yacht rental for a longer period, is to communicate clearly about your hopes and expectations. If you’re going for the full luxury yacht experience, you’ll probably be asked to fill in a preference sheet to match you to the right boat and crew. Be honest here. Always make sure to talk to the operator about what you want to get from the experience. Remember, they see everyone from adventurers to divers, and each needs a different experience on the water.

During the trip, make sure to speak regularly with the captain. Not only will you discover fascinating details about the waters you are crossing, but you’ll also get a chance to see unexpected places, learn fun facts, and establish a connection that will elevate your trip to one you’ll be pasting in your travel scrapbook to remember forever.

Treat the crew with respect

No matter what level of on-the-water experience you’re booking, it’s important to remember that your boating crew are not servants. Treat the crew with respect to ensure you get the best possible holiday experience. It’s also a great way to connect with local people if you’re traveling in a foreign country.

Don’t forget about the Big Blue

The water is a great place to have fun, but it’s still a natural environment that carries its own risks. Things can go wrong on the water quickly, too. This is another reason we always recommend a crewed vessel, as it will ensure that there are experienced and safety-minded professionals on board.

It’s also a good idea to go into the holiday with some flexibility. Changing water and wind conditions can make a great diving site lose visibility, but could offer the perfect chance for another fun water adventure. An open mind will allow you to enjoy the ‘moods of the sea’ that day and have fun no matter what

Travel safely with kids

If you’re traveling with younger kids, choose the destination carefully. There’s fun family adventures to be had on the water, but not all water destinations are kid-friendly. Some are best explored with older children or teens. Remember, being on a boat doesn’t mean there’s a babysitter around, so plan accordingly.

Enjoy yourself

You’ve picked a safe boat and a great crew who are experienced in their jobs. You packed all your travel essentials, and now it’s time to relax and enjoy your boating vacation. Trust the process, and don’t try to micromanage further. Let others make some of the decisions, let go of that stress, and let the sun, water, and gorgeous vistas wrap you in serenity. You’ll get so much more out of the experience.

A holiday on the water can be one of the most rewarding travel experiences you’ll ever have, so don’t hesitate to embrace this opportunity for yourself, no matter what type of holiday you typically enjoy. From luxury harbor boat mooring to sculling a kayak over rapids, there’s something on the water for everyone to love.