Traveling by yacht: how to plan the perfect adventure
Forget the throngs of tourists and the rigidity of pre-planned itineraries. If you’re looking to escape this summer, you might want to consider chartering a yacht for the ultimate luxury experience in travelling.
If you’re ready to go on an adventure, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about planning your trip below.
Define your trip
Around 38 million US citizens travel abroad each year. But where you go and what you get up to depends on your preferences.
Do you envision lazy days spent soaking up the sun on the expansive deck of your superyacht? Or would you prefer an itinerary packed with heart-pounding water sports as you explore the hidden coves nestled along the coastline?
Once you’ve chosen the type of vacation, you’ll want to choose where to go. Some of the best places to visit include Bora Bora, Maui, and the Maldives.
Assemble your A-team
If you haven’t already secured your vessel, purchase one of the many superyachts for sale via a reputable broker. You can then assemble your crew, starting with finding a seasoned captain.
Once you’ve done this, you should assemble your crew. To start with, you should find a seasoned captain.
At a minimum, they should have an intimate knowledge of the ocean you wish to explore. Their expertise ensures a safe and smooth journey so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying the trip.
An exceptional chef is another crew member who can elevate your experience to new heights.
Most good yacht chefs have decades of experience serving up Michelin-star-style dishes. To make sure you’re making the right choice, it’s a good idea to sample the food before you set sale.
How to pack for your trip
Once you’ve finalized your yacht crew, you’ll need to pack for your trip. While all your toiletries will be taken care of, you’ll need to think about your clothing choices.
It’s a good idea to pack comfortable yet chic clothes that you can effortlessly dress up or down, helping you smoothly transition from day to night.
As you’ll be spending hours basking on the deck outside, you’ll need a wide-brimmed hat for shade, some large sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, and some practical yet stylish swimwear.
Don’t forget your electricals like chargers and adapters also, a camera to capture memories on the water and the local towns and attractions. Ensure it is protected from the water.
Finally, a first aid kit. Although most yacht charters will come fully equipped with a first aid kit on board, it would be a good idea to bring abroad a few extras just in case, such as plasters, painkillers, antibacterial cream and bug spray. Best to be prepared.
Have you brought your documents
This is very dependent on where you are off traveling, but you will need to plan the important documents you need before you head out.
You will almost certainly need your passport on hand. In some countries a visitor visa may be required along with any other relevant travel insurance papers.
It’s worth checking out the government’s website to check what documents you will need for your boating trip.
If chartering, ensure to bring all the necessary and inclusive yacht charter paperwork along with the contact information for the charter company. In case of any issues that may come up whilst traveling to different locations.
Food and drink abroad
A major benefit of a sailing holiday is that you can sail around and try out all the different local cuisine on the deck of your boat, or under the stars.
The most time consuming but affordable option is to buy, plan and cook all the meals yourself.
However, this takes a lot of extra planning to ensure your sailing trip is enjoyable. You will need to prepare meals and a shopping list, research all the local supermarkets and assign duties. You will have to work this into your holiday itinerary.
The other option would be to go on an all-inclusive yacht charter, this is ideal for saving time and enjoying more of the relaxing yacht.
Some charters offer packages that provide the option to fully stock your boat, with food and drink.
You will just have to pay an additional fee. This allows you to split your time between eating on board and testing out the local cuisine.
You can then enjoy a stress-free relaxing holiday. Allowing more time to bask in the hot sun and explore more of the local’s areas beauty attractions.
You could also hire a chef onboard to prepare and cook all your meals for you.
Final thoughts…
Whether it’s your first yachting trip or one of many, it’s important to properly plan your adventure. The right vessel and crew can make all the difference to your trip.
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
Download her free bathroom renovation guide here.
