How to travel Tonga on a budget

Tonga isn’t the cheapest destination in the world to get to because it’s so far away from, well, everything. But if you’re determined to tick this Pacific island chain off your bucket list (and who could blame you – just look at it), we’ve got some hints and tips that will save you some serious coin. From snapping up the cheapest flights to grabbing the best-value meals, here’s how to get more bang for your buck…

Transport

Flights from Auckland to Tonga touch down at Tongatapu’s Fua’amotu International Airport. A good way to keep costs down is to fly during the off seasons – in this case, the rainy season lasting between November and April (with a few weeks of price spikes during the Christmas holidays). Make sure to book your flights well in advance, and use the Cheapflights website or app to compare all your options at a glance.

For overland travel, don’t bother renting a car. Most of the cars are older, and many have maintenance issues… both of which can also be said about the roads. The buses run (sort of) on time and are cheap as can be by New Zealand standards. Probably the best way to get around is by taxi; they’re often unmarked but can be identified by the letter T at the beginning of the number plate.

Between islands, you have two choices: plane or ferry. The ferries are inexpensive and give a great opportunity to watch the waves and wildlife as you relax between destinations. Flying is only for people in a hurry, which is not who you want to be when visiting Tonga anyway.

Lodging

Most travellers are tempted to stay at resorts while in Tonga. The service is quicker, the air conditioning works, you’re allowed to wear bathing suits, and you can find an open restaurant on a Sunday. The resorts are also by far the most expensive option. Instead, look into these three budget lodging options on the island chain:

● Backpacker hostels, including youth hostels, which can be found in their typical laid-back fashion in Tongatapu and most larger towns.
● Local hotels, which tend to be slower-paced and a little run down compared to the resorts. Still, they’re less expensive and put you in the middle of local culture.
● Guest houses, offering a more private experience while still keeping you out of the resorts. They’re usually more expensive than the other two options, but if you choose to splurge on any aspect of your Tonga trip, this is where to do it.

As with your airfare, lodging costs go down considerably during the off season. Since you’re already flying in during the rainy months to save on airfare, you can perhaps splurge a little on accommodation.

Also be sure to plan your lodging in advance if you’re leaving Tongatapu. Amenities fade rapidly the farther out you go, and you don’t want to be at the mercy of the only available place to sleep. Most Tongans won’t gouge a tourist too terribly, but better to arrange cheap accommodations early.

Food

Food is surprisingly expensive in Tonga because most of it has to be shipped in from China, Thailand, Australia and even Europe. It’s not Singapore, Oslo, New York expensive, but neither is it Cambodia or Guatemala. Worse, there’s not much you can do about food costs. Restaurant options are limited (especially on Sundays when the entire country is closed bar the resorts), so you pretty much have to take what’s available. Still, here are some top dos and don’ts for eating on a budget in the Friendly Islands.

● Do eat during normal daytime hours. Options dry up considerably after hours.
● Don’t booze it up too much. Alcohol is disproportionately expensive in Tonga. Have a beer with dinner sometimes, but save the real drinking for when you reminisce with friends back home.
● Do consider self-catering for some meals on Sunday. Buy groceries on Saturday night (the shops won’t be open on Sunday), and make your own breakfast and lunch. Only the resort restaurants will be open.
● Don’t shy away from the local eateries. They’re safe, cheaper, and delicious. Besides, you didn’t come all this way to not try the local foods.

Done right, your Tonga holiday won’t have to be much more expensive than a trip to Adelaide, and will cost you less than visiting Thailand or China. It all starts with getting the best deal on airfare and hotels, so fire up our trip planner today to get the cheapest prices possible.