Thinking about vacation plans? If you’re like the 91% of NerdWallet respondents who said they’re looking to save on travel this summer, boating should be on your radar.
Not only can boating be more affordable than other types of vacations, being on the water allows you and your loved ones to disconnect from distractions on land and to relax and unwind from everyday life close to home. It is an on-demand vacation, meaning you don’t have to plan your trip far in advance, or deal with airports, traffic and crowds. You’ve got the freedom to float away whenever paradise calls—think sun on your face, fresh breeze in your hair, and great company with nowhere to be but here.
Boating vs. Other Types of Vacations
You can enjoy the boating lifestyle without breaking the bank. In fact, boat financing, boat rentals and boat clubs offer cost-effective summer vacation opportunities that many people overlook.
Here’s a look at how boating getaways through ownership, rentals and clubs compare to a more traditional vacation at an all-inclusive resort:
| Financing a Boat for Purchase | Boat Rental | Boat Club | Apple Vacations All-Inclusive Vacation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How Much Does It Cost? | Monthly payments as low as $250 for a runabout boat or less than $200 for a personal watercraft | As low as $75 per hour depending on location and the boat itself | One-time, initiation fee between $1,950 to $4,450 plus $150 to $375 per month, depending on location | Around $5,000 to $8,000, depending on the location and resort |
| What Does It Include? | Ownership of your own boat or personal watercraft that can be used as frequently as you would like | A boat day trip, which may include fuel, access to a captain, and add-ons, such as tubes or snorkeling gear | Unlimited access to a variety of boats and invites to social events and seminars | Airfare, lodging, food, and entertainment for a week for a family of four at an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean |
As you can see, boating, whether through ownership, rentals or club memberships is an accessible, flexible alternative to a traditional one-week vacation. By taking advantage of these options, you can enjoy multiple “mini vacations” anytime you want for a fraction of the price of a single, short-term trip.
For example, you may dish out $6,000 for four people to go on an all-inclusive trip to Mexico or put that same amount of money towards two months’ worth of, day-long weekend getaways with as few or many people as you’d like through boat rentals. When you consider what you get with boating – fun, freedom and relaxation in nature with your friends and family–it is more accessible than you may have thought.
Benefits of Boat Rentals and Boat Clubs
- Versatility: You won’t have to stick to one type of vessel. Boat rentals and boat clubs give you the chance to reserve various boats based on your unique needs, preferences, and party size. For example, you can choose a pontoon boat for a casual outing with your family one day and a spacious yacht for a birthday celebration with 10 people the next. Plus, you’re not tied down to one location, as boats are available throughout the country. The opportunities are endless.
- Flexibility: While traditional vacations often require a great deal of planning, boat ownership, rentals and boat clubs open the doors to on-demand vacations. So, what exactly does this mean? You can decide to go boating in the morning and be on the water that afternoon. There’s no need to plan your boating getaway weeks or months in advance (unless you want to, of course). Spontaneous days on the water are well within reach, especially if you already own your own boat.
Treat Yourself to a Summer of Boating Bliss
If you’re ready for a relaxing summer of on-water adventures that create long-lasting memories, boat financing, boat club memberships or boat rentals are worth exploring. You can enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and soothing sounds of the waves when you want, where you want, at a price that won’t break the bank. Explore ways to get on the water near you.
