French Polynesia: the very name conjures up images of turquoise waters, luxurious overwater bungalows, and prices that match. But what if I told you you could experience this tropical paradise for less than the cost of a week at a Disney resort?
It’s true! My wife and I recently snagged a dream vacation in French Polynesia for under $3,000, and we’re here to share all the secrets. From finding budget-friendly flights to scoring a steal on accommodation, we’ll show you how to make your South Pacific dreams a reality without breaking the bank.
In this blog post, you’ll learn:
- How to score cheap flights to French Polynesia
- The best islands to visit on a budget
- Where to find affordable accommodation (bungalows included!)
- Tips for saving money on food and activities
- And more!
So, ditch the overpriced all-inclusive packages and get ready to explore the real French Polynesia. With a little planning and savvy, you can have your own South Pacific adventure for a fraction of the price.
Bonus: We’ll also share some of our favorite hidden gems and insider tips for making the most of your trip.
Affordable Airfare to French Polynesia
Airfare to French Polynesia from the east coast of the United States can be quite expensive, often exceeding $1000 per ticket. Given the limited number of carriers flying from the mainland to the main airport in Papeete, I quickly realized that securing flights with points would be the most cost-effective option. At the time, I possessed over 300,000 Amex Membership Reward points. However, despite extensive searches, I couldn’t find a transfer partner with the necessary availability.
My wife and I both held the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card, and our combined points totaled over 500,000. Aware that United was among the airlines flying to Papeete and being a transfer partner of Chase, I began exploring their availability. Unfortunately, the flights were priced at over 160,000 points roundtrip per ticket, which would have depleted the majority of our points earmarked for a family trip.
In my continued quest for a solution, I stumbled upon the benefits of the Chase United Explorer credit card. A notable perk of this card is access to Saver Award flights, offering discounted award flights not visible to non-cardholders. Taking a chance, we decided to open the card, and immediately, we could see flights matching our preferred dates for just 90,000 points per round trip ticket. Seizing the opportunity, we promptly transferred 180,000 of our Chase Ultimate Reward points to United, securing both tickets and only paying the associated fees for the reward flights, totaling a mere $22.40.
Hotels
Embarking on the realization of our dream, long overdue, honeymoon at the Hilton Moorea Resort & Spa required a strategic approach that unfolded with brilliance. Utilizing our accumulated Hilton Honors points, we secured each night’s stay in a Standard King Garden Room for a mere 90,000 points, and the icing on the cake was the complimentary fifth night.
Initially hopeful that our Hilton Diamond status might yield a free upgrade, as the celebration drew near, it became apparent that this possibility was diminishing. Faced with the tempting allure of the last available King Panoramic Overwater Bungalow, we adopted a savvy approach. Engaging Hilton Diamond Guest Service, we inquired about a potential paid upgrade, which was offered at $2000. Eagerly seizing the opportunity, I used my Hilton Surpass credit card to make the payment, earning bonus Hilton Honors points in the process.
This decision not only granted us a front-row seat to paradise but also stood in stark contrast to the cash rate of $1696.90 per night, making our strategic maneuver all the more rewarding.
As we had to take a ferry to Moorea, considering the ferry schedule to and from Papeete, we required accommodations for both the beginning and end of our journey. This prompted us to choose the Hilton Tahiti, where we had the opportunity to redeem a Free Night Certificate earned through my Hilton Honors Surpass credit card for one of the nights. This arrangement allowed us to cover just one night’s expense instead of two, resulting in significant savings compared to the standard $400 nightly rate.
Ferry Transfer to Moorea
The ferry service from Papeete to Moorea offers a cost-effective alternative compared to the flights required for Bora Bora. Two companies operate between the islands, each with distinct schedules. Opting for Terevau, we chose their departure shortly after checkout, arriving just before check-in at the Hilton Moorea Resort & Spa. This choice was strategic, considering the resort’s policy of not allowing early arrivals. The roundtrip cost for the ferry is just under $25 per person, making it a budget-friendly option. The approximately 30-minute ride to Moorea is quick and convenient. The ferry even features a snack bar where locals often order the sizable and appetizing baguette sandwiches. Unfortunately, we missed out on trying them during both of our trips as we were already filled from the complimentary breakfasts provided at the respective hotels.
Activities
A key factor influencing our decision to select Moorea as our destination was the abundance of off-property activities available. During our research, we discovered an excellent excursion company called Top Jet Moorea. Remarkably, their prices for renting a jet ski and quad were more economical than in many regions we had visited in the States. Opting for an 8-hour combined jet ski and ATV excursion, we were pleasantly surprised to find the cost was only $200 per person. This experience, aside from our stay in the overwater bungalow, turned out to be one of the most memorable highlights of our trip. Additionally, the onsite activities at Hilton Moorea Resort & Spa included snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and access to tennis courts.
Food
The first time we set foot in French Polynesia, we were not only greeted by the name of the country but also by the unexpectedly French nature of its cuisine. To mitigate food expenses, we took advantage of our Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond memberships, which entitled us to complimentary breakfasts. Both Hilton Tahiti and Hilton Moorea Resort & Spa impressed us with their extensive continental breakfast offerings, surpassing what we were accustomed to in the States.
During our stay at Hilton Moorea, we ventured beyond the resort for dinner on two occasions, opting for the local French restaurant, Rudy’s. The establishment provided convenient shuttle service to and from the dinner. The service, ambiance, and cuisine at Rudy’s were outstanding, featuring my wife’s lamb and my delectable filet mignon, both priced under $30. Another noteworthy dining option across the street from the resort was Lilikoi Garden Cafe, where the cash-only establishment boasted a lunch menu of burgers and fish sandwiches, all priced under $10.
Notably, during our time at Hilton Tahiti, we stumbled upon a shopping mall just across the street, connected by a pedestrian walkway. While the mall might be considered small by American standards, its main attraction was Carrefour Faaa, a market offering freshly made lunch and dinner options, freshly baked bread, sushi, and an impressive wine and beer section. This discovery proved to be a great find, allowing us to bring back items to our room, unwind, and cut down on expenses.
Conclusion
Embarking on a journey to French Polynesia and indulging in the luxury of an overwater bungalow is a dream vacation for us, as it is for many. Initially, the staggering cash price of over $15,000 for airfare and accommodation prompted us to transform this trip from a honeymoon to a 20th-anniversary celebration. However, delving into the realm of travel credit cards and loyalty rewards programs revealed the possibility of turning this dream into reality at a fraction of the cost. It’s a dream trip that can be achieved affordably without compromising the overall experience. If you’d like assistance in planning a similar adventure, follow this link and fill out the form, and we’ll be delighted to help you make your dream vacation a reality.
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