Choosing
Your Destination.
Choosing a destination for your charter can often be the trickiest
part of your trip, because so many variables come into play. You'll need
to review your preferences, budget and destination to make an educated
decision that you'll be happy with. Your
own location is obviously the starting point for deciding
where to go. Charter industry statistics suggest that the vast majority
of charterers travel more than 1,000
miles to reach their destination, a large number will go 3,000 miles,
and
there's a growing segment that's willing (time
and airline fares notwithstanding) to travel into another hemisphere.
1.
Climate
One of your first decisions will be the climate that you prefer. Not
everyone seeks a temperate climate, or there would be a mass migration.
If you dislike cold, then you should eliminate many of the northern charter
cruising areas of Europe and North America, which can be brisk even in
mid-summer. On the other hand, if the tropics are too steamy, you may
want to skip parts of the South Pacific, Asia, or lower Caribbean.
2. Time of Year
Focus on your charter window early in your planning so you can avoid
wasting time on areas that are simply unsuitable. Call us for seasonal
choices for a number of different areas, but always bear in mind
that weather is one variable that's beyond your and our control.
3. Cost
Nobody likes to talk about money, and too many otherwise lovely charters
have been spoiled by a shortage of it. Once you've set a certain
amount that you're comfortable spending on your charter, you'll need
to make sure that you stay within your budget while still leaving
a safety margin.
No matter how badly you want to do a particular charter, if it seems
like it's close to exceeding your budget, you should probably find a
less expensive charter that won't leave you worrying constantly about
money.
4. Other Considerations
Picture your prospective charter vacation in your mind - Do you see yourself
in solitude or do you want nightlife on one of the destinations? Do you
want to be served all your meals in a certain style? Do you fancy water
toys and shallow anchorages to swim off the back platform? Do you prefer
a crew that is "invisible" and more formal, or friendly and
casual?
Your answers will help us recommend the charter yacht and destination
for you!
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The
majority of the islands in the Caribbean and Bahamas escaped the brutal
2004 hurricane season. A few charter destinations were affected, most
notably Grenada, Marsh Harbour and the remote southern Bahamas, but hotels
and marinas there are on their road to recovery. 