Can You See Mauritius On A Budget?

The beautiful island nation of Mauritius has long been one of the most desirable holiday destinations on the planet. Often, we associate this tropical paradise with luxury holidays and celebrity lifestyles. But is Mauritius perhaps more accessible than we think?

In short, it is possible to explore this wonderful country without breaking the bank – it just requires a little forethought and planning. In this guide, we give you our five top tips to help you uncover this East-African gem on a budget.

Timing Is Key

We all know how important it is to get the timing of our holidays just right. Going to a foreign destination at the wrong time of year could see your holiday spoiled by bad weather or any number of other factors. In addition, when we’re looking to travel on a budget, timing plays a crucial role in determining the overall cost of any trip. So when is the best time to visit Mauritius if you’re looking to limit your spending?

To still be able to enjoy pleasant conditions while also making the most of lower rates, consider travelling to the island around April and May. At this time of year, you can expect to find dry and sunny weather on the island and less rainfall than in the peak winter months. Remember, as with any destination, prices are likely to rise outside of school term times, so if you can be flexible then try to book your trip around these holidays.

Book Your Accommodation In Advance… Or Last Minute

Exploring holiday accommodation options ahead of time can mean that you get a room or villa that meets your exact requirements, as you’ll have a better range of options to choose from. Especially if you’re looking for a place with a kitchen, to allow you to save money by cooking your own meals, you’ll want to secure this ahead of time, to avoid a knock-on effect when it comes to the cost of meals.

Booking ahead of time can also help with planning, as you’ll know exactly what you’ll be spending on this part of your holiday. In some cases, you may be able to secure an advance deal, meaning that it costs less than the standard rate.

If you’re feeling brave and willing to take a risk, it can sometimes be cheaper to wait until the last minute to book hotel rooms. This sounds counterintuitive (we all know that flights go up in price closer to the date) but hotels will want their rooms to be full, so they may drop the price or put on offers to achieve this closer to the time. This is a somewhat risky strategy, but if you’re planning to spend around the standard price of a hotel room anyway it may be worth holding off. However, it’s important to remember that you may not get exactly what you want, so be prepared to be flexible.

Plan Your Meals

After your accommodation, the cost of food can be one of the biggest daily expenses during your time away on any holiday. With lots of people coming to the island in search of luxury (and a willingness to pay for it), there are plenty of high end restaurants that will cost you a pretty penny. If you’re looking to limit your spending, consider some of the alternative options when it comes to meal times.

Firstly, if you want to savor authentic Mauritian cuisine without overpaying for the privilege, head to the local street food stalls. Here you will find a range of dishes, from full meals to quick snacks to keep you going between meal times. Another way to save money on food is to simply do it yourself. If your accommodation has kitchen facilities, make the most of the local supermarkets and stock up on some groceries for your stay. This way you can prepare your meals to either eat at your accommodation or take with you on your days out.

Think About How You’ll Get Around

When it comes to getting around on holiday, we can all sometimes be guilty of choosing convenience over cost. However, being a little more careful about how you choose to get from A to B on the island will go a long way to helping your Mauritian rupees go further.

Generally, taxis and car rentals will be the more expensive options. Instead, public transport should be your first port of call – in particular the buses. The bus network covers the vast majority of the island, and while you may be taken on a slightly more scenic route, a bus ticket will always be cheaper than a taxi fare. What’s more, if you’re not in a rush, this is a great way to see more parts of the island you otherwise might have missed.

Find Budget-Friendly Activities

There is so much to see and do in Mauritius, and best of all, many of the must-see attractions are completely free. Think hiking to scenic viewpoints, taking a dip beneath the waterfalls and lounging on the world-class beaches. Of course, in order to get the most from your trip, you’ll probably want to pay for certain experiences, whether that’s a scuba diving excursion or a guided hike through Black River Gorges National Park.

But this is certainly an area where you can save a lot of money. Take the time to plan your itinerary before heading out there, and you’ll be able to identify which experiences you’re happy to pay for and where you can save by doing your own thing. In addition, booking anything you do need to pay for in advance could save you money, so it’s a good idea to plan your activities before heading out.

Savor The Sights And Sounds Of The Island

As we’ve explored, Mauritius isn’t an island simply reserved for rich and famous globetrotters. With a bit of careful planning, anyone can enjoy a break to this luxurious corner of the world. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your dream Mauritius itinerary today.

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