From the turquoise waters of Providenciales to the breathtaking beaches of Hawaii, timing is everything when it comes to visiting the world’s most luxurious destinations. While some exclusive hotspots may seem off bounds to regular travelers due to their hefty price tags, the cost of a stay can drop considerably at certain times of year, a study from TripAdvisor has found.
The end of the year can often be the best time for travelers who don’t have mega bucks to visit a luxury haunt. Take, for example, the French Caribbean island of Saint-Barthélémy, known as St Barts, a luxury destination that attracts its fair share of celebrities. In high season, a two-bedroom vacation rental sets holidaymakers back the sum of €11,696 per week (approx. $13,000), but travelers can cut the cost by heading to the island in November, paying €3,914 (approx. $4,350) for the same rental.
And that’s not the only destination to see prices drop at the end of the year. In Kapolei, Hawaii the same week-long rental costs travelers €3,490 (approx. $3,880) in high season or €2,380 (approx. $2,645) in November.
November and December best for affordable luxury
The most affordable time to visit luxury destinations seems to be the two last months of the year in most cases. Other dream destinations that see prices fall in November and December include Saint John in the Virgin Islands (€2,420/$2,690 in November compared with €5,070/$5,640 in high season), Saint James Parish in Barbados (€1,459/$1,620 at the beginning of December compared with €3,489/$3,860 in high season) and Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands (€1,450/$1,610 in November or €2,459/$2,730 in high season).
A few exceptions are obviously on hand to confirm the rule, however. For example, a week-long two-bedroom rental on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin costs €6,346 (or approx. $7,053) in high season, while the price drops to the slightly more affordable sum of €3,440 (or approx. $3,825) in August and September. Finally, Wailea, in Hawaii, is cheapest in May and June (€1,587/$1,765 rather than €3,810/$4,235).
– Cover Image: © ALAIN JOCARD / POOL / AFP
– Source: AFP Relaxnews
