Another long weekend, another trip.
This time, I did a solo trip to the island of Bonaire – this is the 34th country I have traveled to solo!! Yay.
Below is a photo of the budget breakdown I keep in my Excel spreadsheet:
Typically I don’t book packaged deals, but I saw one on Expedia that was just too darn good to pass up.
Roundtrip flight with American Airlines (Toronto–Miami–Bonaire) plus a three-night hotel stay (breakfast included) for $1,049.00 CAD? Yes, please.
The flight includes a carry-on in the price, so I don’t have to shove everything into a personal item this time, yay.
Name of the hotel I am staying at is: Wanapa Boutique Hotel
My room is the Standard Double Room, Courtyard View and it looks super cute. They have a restaurant onsite and a pool!
Only downside is that on the map of the island it seems this place isn’t near much action, but clearly, I will just have to be the one to incite all the action.
Go me.
Prior to my arrival I have to pay the Bonaire Visitor Entry Tax.
This is $75.00 USD ($103.00 CAD) and it is pretty much required to be paid by everyone arriving into Bonaire that is a non-resident.
If you plan on going anytime soon, the page for that can be found here.
Now, for the shenanigans I pre-booked.
On the Saturday, I booked a day pass at the fancy pants Plaza Beach & Dive Resort.
Because I am a brokey, I definitely can’t afford an actual stay here but a day pass? Hell yes.
For $122.50 USD ($168.00 CAD) I get to be on this beautiful beachfront property from 10am to 10pm. This includes a towel, unlimited beverages, two snacks at the bar, lunch AND dinner. Typically the cost of this is $175.00 USD but because they are celebrating their 30th anniversary, the passes are 30% off. Lucky me.
On the Sunday I made two bookings because I will NEVER EVER miss an opportunity to be on a boat or at a beach club.
In the morning I booked a Catamaran Snorkel & BBQ for $175.00 CAD – and the link to that can be found here. This includes four hours of sailing on a catamaran, some drinks and lunch. I don’t really partake in snorkeling, but I will most definitely be swimming!
Now, in the afternoon I have a booking for an ‘Ocean Front Cabana‘ at Ocean Oasis Bonaire. The cost of this booking is $75.00 USD ($105.00 CAD).
For the price I get the ocean front cabana, a beach towel, a bottle of water and a mimosa. I guess that isn’t much for the price but I will spend a beautiful day at a beautiful beach. Worth it to me.
For spending money I budgeted $375.00 USD, so $500.00 CAD.
I have absolutely no idea if this will suffice, but I imagine the majority of my spending money will be going to taxis. There is no Uber here and I can’t ride a bicycle, therefore I am at the mercy of whatever the taxi rates are on the island. Will let you know how that works out for me when I return.
The total budget for this trip is $2100.00 Canadian.
I know, that is a lot for a long weekend. I totally could just hang at my hotel and use the pool.
HA. No. Never in my life.
You know I always have to do the absolute most.
- Mirna