Going out to dinner with your best girl friends is always fun. But sometimes you just need to get away from home and go somewhere beachy like the Caribbean.
Sadly, after this hurricane season, much of the Caribbean was flattened and still hasn’t recovered. However, one place in the Caribbean that’s frequently overlooked that wasn’t touched by the hurricanes is Roatan, Honduras.
Roatan offers everything you could want in a Caribbean island. It has pristine beaches, amazing diving and snorkeling spots, and a mountainous interior perfect for hiking. If white sand beaches and tons of activities sound perfect for you and your girls, keep reading. We’ll walk you through how to plan your trip and find a Roatan vacation rental.
Choose When to Go
What many people don’t realize is that the Caribbean has a dead season in the summer. It’s often quite hot and many businesses in touristy areas shut down. However, going between mid-April and mid-December can save you significant amounts of money, nearly 40% in some cases.
If you choose to go during the Caribbean summer season, check the area where you’re planning on going to see how many restaurants and shops will be closed. If you want tons of dining and shopping options, you might be better served going in February or March.
Plan Your Budget
While the cost of living is relatively low in Roatan, the costs of transportation, food, and activities can add up quickly. Have a rough idea of how much flights will cost from your city, airport transfer, and how often you and your girlfriends want to eat out while you’re in Roatan. Knowing these costs can give you an estimate for how much to save up for your trip and how much of your budget will be allocated for each part of your trip.
When you book your travel, keep an eye out for package deals for flights + hotel or flight + car rental. Booking these things together can help you save some cash.
Find a Place to Stay
While Roatan is still relatively remote compared to some other spots in the Caribbean, it still has its fair share of hotels, resorts, and rental homes. There are pros and cons to staying in a hotel versus a rental home, and each party of girlfriends will have their preference.
At a hotel or resort, you have the luxury of having all your food options relatively close, room service, and likely a pool. However, all these amenities can add up quickly and might not be the best option for groups looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Choosing a Roatan vacation rental provides you with much more flexibility to choose exactly what you want to do each day and how you want your vacation to unfold. You will get more privacy with a rental house, especially if you opt for a rental that has a room for each person. You can also save money by not eating out as much and cooking instead. One of the best picks on the island for it’s mix of value, privacy and stunning location is L’Alize. Located in West Bay, it is perched on a jungle plot overlooking the ocean with access to a private beach and pool.
Pick Your Activities
As we mentioned, there are tons of activities to satisfy any vacationer in Roatan. There are pristine white sand beaches where you can lounge or walk. If you go to one of the many port towns, you’ll find diving, fishing, and island tour guides to take you around Roatan. Inland, you’ll find plenty of trails to hike and ziplines that take you flying through the forest.
You shouldn’t have to sacrifice anything when you go on a getaway trip with your girlfriends. You should be able to do what you want at a reasonable price with reasonable flexibility. One of the best ways to do that is to book a Roatan vacation rental instead of a hotel. Staying in a rental provides you with more flexibility in your daily schedule and can help you save money, too!