Book early
The sooner you book, the more choice you have. This applies to both the airline tickets and your hotel. Airline companies and hotels regularly have special offers throughout the year. In some cases, this might mean that you have to book eleven months in advance, but it’s definitely worth it. In any case, it is recommended to book at least 90 days in advance, which usually saves you a considerable amount of money. The sooner the better!
Book your hotel directly
Cutting out the middleman such as an online tour operator and booking directly at your hotel does not only save money: it often grants you extra benefits. You have a greater chance of getting the best rooms, you can arrange free airport transport to and from your hotel (in case of the Avila Beach Hotel), and so forth. Any special requests you may have are more likely to be fulfilled if you book early as well.
Check for guaranteed prices
You won’t find cheaper rates than on the website of your hotel of choice. If you find cheaper rates elsewhere, calling or e-mailing the hotel in question is recommended. Inform if the hotel can offer the same price as you found online. This will save you money, and you can benefit from the extras that the hotel offers when booking directly through the hotel.
Delete your cookies
Airline companies have a way of making you pay more for a ticket than necessary. This is because you most likely don’t book your ticket at once, but want to get an indication of the prices first. Because of the cookies saved on your computer, the prices increase after your first visit to the website. Fortunately, this can be easily reversed. Just delete your cookies (in your internet history). An alternative method is to use the incognito/private window in your browser while searching for airline tickets. This way, cookies are not saved at all, and you do not have to delete anything afterward.
Follow via social media and newsletters
Social media and newsletters are the places where all special offers from hotels on Curacao, airline companies, restaurants, and nightlife are shared. If you follow hotels and airlines that are of interest to you, you will automatically be notified of special offers, events, or other helpful suggestions. You might even win free stays or flights!
Try to be flexible in your flight dates
The prices for airline tickets can vary a lot on a daily basis. If you can be flexible in when you leave and return, it can save you a lot of money. Keep that in mind and try to book well in advance. Different studies say that Tuesdays at 3PM is the best day and time to book tickets and Wednesdays are the cheapest day to fly. Also flights early in the morning are more affordable as early morning flights are less popular to book. The best moment to buy your ticket to Curacao according to a research of Skyscanner is 16 weeks in advance. November would be the most economical month to fly. Check all rates per date easily via Google Flights.
Profit from special discounts during the low season
Not everybody has the luxury to go on holiday during the low season (May until mid-December), but if you do, then it’s definitely worth considering. There are fewer tourists during the low season, hotels are more available and cheaper, and many popular activities might offer special discounts. In addition, airline tickets in the low season are always much cheaper than during the high season (except for periods during, for example, school vacations). Curacao can be an affordable destination.
Ask the locals
If you’re looking for a surprising, cheap and great meal: ask the locals where they like to eat. There are many hidden gems on Curacao – not just when it comes to food – for you to discover. Often these aren’t well-known among tourists and they’re not listed in travel books, but they are extremely popular among locals – for good reason. Small restaurants by the sea or at the side of the road (food trucks) often have the best fish and meat dishes on the island. Ask around and you might end up at one of the best restaurants of Curacao.
Partake in free activities on Curacao
There are many things to see and do on Curacao that don’t cost a dime. Go for a hike in a forest or nature reserve (salt pans), enjoy a beautiful sunset by the sea, visit the flamingos at Jan Kok or walk peacefully through the center of Willemstad and Pietermaai. Visit the Chobolobo Mansion or the Aloë Vera plantation, all for free.
Rent a car
Exploring Curacao is best done by car. Renting a car is cheaper than grabbing a taxi or going on tours every day, it offers more freedom and really isn’t all that expensive. In the lobby of the Avila Beach Hotel you can rent a car at Budget. When exploring Curacao by car you can make your own route and pit stops.
