Visiting Curacao on a Budget

Welcome to your ultimate guide for visiting Curacao on a budget. Even though you may be low on funds, it does not mean that your vacation will be boring. By deciding to travel on a budget, you have undertaken a large yet fun adventure that will require you to be creative, open minded and flexible.

Flights to Curacao

One of the ways that you can save money if you are visiting Curacao on a budget is to find a reasonably priced flight. Depending on where you’re located, you might be able to get some excellent fare deals. Because the island has year round sunshine, you are almost guaranteed sunshine for the duration of your trip. However, you should try to travel in the low season and outside of major holidays and festivals because you can save money.

The island welcomes several airlines from North America, South America and Europe. These airlines sometimes offer online booking specials to Curacao which can suit your pocket.

American Airlines

AA.com: American Airlines offers several flights to Curacao from major cities in the United States of America including direct flights from Miami and Charlotte.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM.com*: KLM operates daily direct flights from Amsterdam to Curacao. When you book your flight via the KLM website, you do not have to pay any booking fees.

AirBerlin

FLIGHTS.AIRBERLIN.COM: AirBerlin is a German carrier with flights from Dusseldorf, Germany to Curacao. Dusseldorf airport is easily accessible by train and bus.

Air Canada

AIRCANADA.com: Air Canada has regularly scheduled services to Curacao from Toronto and Montreal. You can make bookings to Curacao up to the day before departure.

West Jet

WESTJET.com: West Jet operates a seasonal service from Toronto, Canada to Curacao. Check with the West Jet reservations office in your location to get more details on flight schedules.

Copa Airlines

COPAAIR.com: Copa Airlines is a Star Alliance partner with flights from Panama, Panama City to Curacao. Contact the airline for its flight schedules to Curacao.

Avianca

AVIANCA.com: Avianca operates daily flights from Bogota, Colombia to Curacao. For other flight schedules and connections from other cities near to Colombia, you should contact Avianca directly.

Surinam Airways

FLYSLM.com: Surinam Airways’ flights to and from Curacao are on Tuesdays, Thursdays and select Fridays. Flights originate in Paramaribo, Suriname.

TUI Airlines

TUI.com: TUI Airlines, also known as Arkefly or Arke is a charter airline company which provides connections to Curacao from Amsterdam. Flights operate daily, but schedules may vary in the winter and summer.

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Hotels in Curacao

If you are visiting Curacao on a budget, you might have to avoid four and five star hotels, unless you get an excellent deal. There are a few strategies that you can use to save money on your trip. One strategy is to consider alternative accommodations such as bed and breakfasts, guest houses, apartments and private residences. Another option is to stay in an area just on the outskirts of Curacao, but on a good transportation route, because it will be cheaper.

Expedia

EXPEDIA.com: Expedia has everything. So when it comes to hotels in Curacao, you can be assured that you will find information on the right hotels to suit your budget.

Hotels

HOTELS.com: This is a  travel brand that lists the majority of the hotels in Curacao. Simply type in Curacao in the destination field, select your dates, the number of rooms required and click search.

Trip Advisor

TRIPADVISOR.com: The strength of Trip Advisor lies in its reviews and ratings features. They recently added a booking system which means that you can book the hotel that you choose.

Booking

BOOKING.com*: Booking.com offers big savings on hotels throughout Curacao. It’s part of the Priceline Group which is known for its commitment to finding customers the best deals.

Booking.com

Activities in Curacao

Another way to save money if you are visiting Curacao on a budget is to look for low cost activities. Finding free activities is an added bonus, but unless you are planning to spend the say on the beach, you will have to pay for some of them.

Sightseeing

Curacao is beautiful and it would be a shame to visit the island and not take in some of its best attractions and historical sites. You can visit UNESCO designated sites , take a tour of the capital town Willemstad or visit exotic gardens.

Watersports

Diving, snorkelling, boating, sailing and kayaking are some of the water sports that you can partake in in Curacao. For your budget friendly vacation, I would suggest that you do some swimming and maybe one or two of the activities mentioned here.

Relaxing

Relaxing is free, depending on where you go and how you do it. Laying on a beach towel at a picturesque beach is free. But, if you want to spend a day at a refreshing spa or at a yoga retreat, you will have to pull your pocket.

Art and Museums

Curacao is a Caribbean island with strong Dutch roots. Their one of a kind background is at the forefront of their art and craft industry. Take a trip to a design studio, an art factory or art gallery or a local museum.

Shopping

Even though your budget might be limited, you should at least leave Curacao with a cherished memento. Peruse some of their fine stories which sell jewellery, clothing and souvenirs.

Entertainment in Curacao

Nightlife in Curacao can be very exciting even though you may be visiting Curacao on a budget. You have your choice of bars,  night clubs, cinemas, restaurants, casinos and a bowling alley.

Bars

Bars are a favourite for vacationers visiting Curacao on a budget because they offer an awesome atmosphere that features music, laughter and clean fun. You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy entertaining shows at one of the island’s best bars.

Night Clubs

Put on your dancing shoes and dance the night away at a nightclub. Some clubs cater to specific age groups and tastes, so you should research which club will suit your style. Clubs feature local bands and disc jockeys spinning popular tracks.

Cinemas

If you want to get out of your hotel room, but still want to enjoy a quiet, relaxing evening, a visit to a cinema or theatre is a great idea. You can treat yourself to the latest film release or a live theatre act. If you are lucky to visit during the film festival you will be able to find some budget friendly events.

Restaurants

Restaurants in Curacao pay homage to the island’s Dutch history and influences by other cultures including Spanish, French and Chinese. There are several pricey and moderately priced restaurants which include popular American chains, authentic local restaurants and upscale establishments.

Casinos

Curacao’s casinos feature a mixture of slots and gaming tables. Many casinos are located at resorts throughout the island. However, if you are travelling on a budget, you might not want to partake in this activity.

Bowling

There are a few bowling alleys in Curacao which are perfect for a budget friendly family activity. Some of the alleys have restaurants, live music, pool tables and karaoke.

Booking.com

Transportation in Curacao

Depending on where you stay on the island, you can keep transportation costs to a minimum. There are several modes of transportation available on Curacao which will allow you to get around the island easily.

Vehicle Rentals

Renting a vehicle to explore Curacao is a good way to see the island. There are several rental car companies which provide compact budget vehicles. You can rent a car, a sports utility vehicle or a motorcycle. Remember to investigate requirements, restrictions and rental costs.

Taxis

Taxis are an easy way to travel, but they might not be so budget friendly. You will most likely need a taxi to transport you from the airport to your hotel and vice versa, but you can consider other methods to traverse the island.

Buses

Buses are convenient and can take you on an island tour at an attractive price. There are large buses and small vans and cars that travel all over the island. Buses have fixed schedules, but vans and cars do not.

Ferries

Curacao offers a free ferry service between Willemstad and Otrobanda. This is a budget friendly find because it allows you to travel free and get a sightseeing trip at the same time. Bus terminals are located in Punda and Otrabanda, both in Willemstad.

If you are going to be visiting Curacao on a budget, you have to plan what you are going to do ahead of time. Research the flights, hotels, activities and transportation so that you will have an idea of what you will have to spend. Another suggestion that will serve you well, is to include a little extra in your budget for unforeseen expenses.

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