Looking for the best way to travel to Victoria from Seattle while getting the best possible deal? Obviously, the most convenient (and best) way to get to the British Columbia’s capital is by way of the FRS Clipper. The only question is, how to find a great deal without spending hours and hours comparing prices online?
The simple answer: Take advantage of hotel hacks and ferry bundles.
It’s essential to compare bundled prices against booking the components separately to ensure it is truly a better deal. With FRS Clipper, you’ll always save by taking advantage of a ferry and hotel package.
Of course, you’ll want to see the numbers, right? We’ve provided all that and more with our five top ways to hack hotel and ferry bundles.
The Math of the Bundle
When comparing the price of a bundle against booking each component of your trip individually, it’s clearly the cheaper option. Booking a Seattle-to-Victoria ferry + hotel package typically saves 15-20% compared to a la carte booking.
But let’s do the math. Real numbers provide much more in-depth insight into the potential savings of an FRS Clipper bundle package.
That said, keep in mind that ferry costs can vary based on multiple factors, from the season you plan to travel to whether you book a non-refundable or a refundable fare.
Individual Bookings
For this example, we’ll choose the FRS Clipper round-trip Advance Fare Non-Refundable sailing on May 16 and returning on May 18. The total cost with all taxes and fees included for two people is $453 USD. Now, you’ll book your hotel separately. Let’s say you opt for the Inn at Laurel Point. The “Best Available Rate” for a King Bed Room is1170.43 CAD (with tax). In USD at the current exchange rate, that’s $853.88.
The grand total for your FRS Clipper fare and overnight hotel is $1306.88 USD.
Ferry + Hotel Package Bundle
Now, let’s compare the individual bookings to the Seattle-to-Victoria ferry + hotel package using the same number of people, dates and room at the Inn at Laurel Point.
The total with all taxes and fees? $925.87 USD.
$1306.88 for individual bookings vs. $925.87 for a bundle is significant. There’s no doubt it’s the best way to travel to Victoria for those seeking optimal value. That’s a savings of nearly 30%!
But this isn’t the only hack you can use.
Shoulder Season Dates
Prices drop significantly for shoulder season dates such as late September through early October. Plus, we love this time of year as The Butchart Gardens with its magnificent maples will be showcasing their best colors. We’re talking vibrant reds and golden hues, especially in the Japanese Garden. Furthermore, you’ll have another opportunity for saving on your visit by adding The Butchart Gardens tour to your bundle!
Watch for Sales
Keep an eye out for sales. The spring dates we used in our example for the bundle with your ferry and hotel were part of the FRS spring sale. You’ll remember we noted that the average discount when booking a bundle is 15 to 20%. By taking advantage of the spring sale, the savings were even more significant.
Prices for almost everything rise during the peak summer season. It is a bit more for the same bundle in July. Change the dates to July 18-20 and the total cost with taxes and fees is $962.34. Still, that’s much less expensive than booking your ferry and hotel separately!
Book Early
Booking early means you’ll have a wider selection of hotels to choose from, whether it’s part of a package or not. That hotel you’re eyeing with great rates? It’s much more likely to have availability. Not to mention, many hotels offer cheaper rates when securing reservations well in advance.
Start Your Visit to Victoria on a Sunday or Mid-Week
Book Sunday or Mid-Week: Booking a Sunday and Monday night often means getting a better deal. Or, take a look at mid-week options such as a Tuesday and Thursday night. Both are usually cheaper than weekends or holidays.
Now that you know the best way to travel to Victoria while scoring the very best deal, it’s time to make that reservation.
$ave big by booking your ferry and hotel stay with FRS Clipper now!