If you want to have a family reunion or relaxing vacation with a difference, or even an impressive business meeting, then you may want to consider chartering a yacht. A yacht charter is really something unique and different. It means that you hire a yacht for a set period of time, enabling you to see the world with a difference.
Two Types of Charters
When you charter a yacht, you have two options available:
- Bare boat charters
- Crewed charters
In the first option, you have to do everything yourself. If you’re not experienced, or if you want your trip to be truly luxurious, you should opt for a crewed company. Crew members can be anything from a captain and deckhand, to a chef, masseuse, engineer, scuba diver, and more.
Factors to Consider
Once you decide what type of yachter you want, there are a lot of things to consider in terms of actually planning your trip. Budget is likely to be a significant factor in this. The larger the yacht, the more it will generally cost. A 35 to 40 foot yacht is usually fine for a couple and a few friends, but you will need at least 300 feet if you have a larger party. Some people are able to find a charter for less than $1,000, others easily spend $25,000 for a week.
Besides your budget, deciding where to go is also very important. Not every yacht can take on every trip. This is due to safety and security of the boat as well. Generally speaking, newer boats are cheaper, but size is also important in terms of what type of journey it can take.
How to Get Your Charter
The majority of people who look for a charter for a vacation know exactly where they want to go. Others take their budget and see how far they can go with it. There are so many fascinating places around the world that can be explored through yacht charters, from the freezing temperatures of Antarctica to the soaring heat of Mexico. People also use yacht charters to travel through Europe, and through the Caribbean. Even Canada, Africa, and Australia are popular places to yacht in.
Luckily, it is reasonably easy to find a charter. Most have extensive websites where you can see what is available, what it costs, and what you can do with it. Planning ahead is very important, however, as it will make sure you get the best deal possible. Additionally, it will ensure you can get your travel arrangements in place to actually get to your yacht, and truly start your international adventure. Do also consider whether you need a visa for any of the locations you want to visit. Last but not least, avoid chartering a yacht in an area where hurricane are likely during the time period you want to go. For instance, the Caribbean is nearly devoid of yachts between June and November.
