( Lonely Planet ) -- No , there 's no need to remortgage the house to visit Tahiti and French Polynesia . Despite a reputation for opulence and exclusivity , it 's perfectly possible to visit these dreamy islands on a limited budget -- if you make the right decisions . Affordable accommodation . Glossy brochures focus on ultra-swish resorts , but French Polynesia actually has a pretty wide range of accommodation options . You can keep lodging costs down by staying in small guesthouses and pensions ( homestays ) that are sprinkled around the islands . They 're nothing glam or ostentatious , just modest operations that blend perfectly into the tropical surroundings . At the cheaper end of the scale ( around US $ 80 a double ) , they consist of simple , local-style bungalows with cold showers and thin walls . Upmarket versions ( plan on US $ 100-120 ) have lots of amenities and are more comfortable . Lonely Planet : The world 's finest freebies . These options are generally excellent value , and they offer good opportunities for cultural immersion ; they 're mostly family-run operations ( which ensures your money goes straight into local pockets ) and provide much more personal , idiosyncratic experiences than hotels -- the perfect island experience . Most pensions are in scenic locations , tucked away in greenery-cloaked hills or near the ocean . In the Tuamotu archipelago , they feature a fab lagoon frontage -- at US $ 90 a double , how does a bungalow facing the turquoise waters of the lagoon sound ? Good news , too , for those who want to spend their holiday under canvas : French Polynesia has a smattering of camping options . Do n't expect full-blown camp sites , though ; generally it 's a matter of guesthouses having areas where you can pitch your tent and have use of the facilities . The price ? Around US $ 15 per person . Choosing the best-value islands . As much as Paris does n't represent France , Bora Bora , Tahiti and Moorea ( the beloved islands of tour operators ) , do n't sum up French Polynesia . There are about 30 islands ( scattered in five archipelagoes ) that have tourist facilities , which means that you 've got plenty of choice . Tip : skip the heavily-publicized islands , such as Bora Bora , which are very expensive , and consider lesser-known , off-the-radar islands , which offer greater value for money . A few suggestions : Maupiti ( Bora Bora 's little sister ) , Raiatea , Tahaa ( in the Society islands ) , Mataiva , Tikehau ( in the Tuamotus ) , Nuku Hiva , Ua Huka , Ua Pou ( in the Marquesas ) , Raivavae , and Rurutu ( in the Australs ) . Lonely Planet : How to plan the perfect destination wedding . How to eat cheaply . It 's possible to eat reasonably cheaply by patronizing snack stands and getting takeaway meals like sandwiches , salads , grilled fish and meat or fish burgers . Most pensions offer half board ( bed , breakfast and one other meal ) at around US $ 20 to US $ 30 per person ( set menu ) if you reserve in advance ( usually the day before ) . This is a fantastic way to meet locals and sample the local cuisine at economical prices . Self-catering can also save you a lot of money ; many pensions have well-equipped kitchens . Fresh fish , fruits and vegetables are easily found at roadside stalls found on most major islands . Budget-friendly ways to get around . Air Tahiti , the domestic airline , has six island-hopping air passes offering inclusive fares to a number of islands . Thus , you 'll save about 30 % on regular flights . If you 're looking for adventure and have plenty of time on your hands , boat travel is even cheaper . Cargo vessels serve most islands on a regular basis , especially within the Society group and the Tuamotus . Hiring a car is expensive but it 's possible to get around by bike on many islands ; distances are rarely great , the traffic is rarely heavy and the roads are rarely hilly . Bikes can be rented for less than US $ 15 per day . Picking the right season . It helps to travel off-season : prices are generally discounted and there 's more chance of being able to bargain . Flights are full to bursting in July and August and prices skyrocket accordingly . The Christmas to New Year period is also particularly busy . The best deals can be found during the shoulder seasons -- April to June and September to November . Lonely Planet : Maui for foodies . © 2011 Lonely Planet . All rights reserved .
Tahiti and French Guiana offer budget ##s -- if you know where to go . Keep lodging costs down by choosing guesthouses or homestays on the islands . There are many islands with many facilities to choose from .