For years, boat charters seemed off-limits to vacationers because of
prohibitive prices.

But now, boat charters are getting cheaper–in fact, some might even rival the standard hotel room.

Nowadays, you can charter a 40-ft. sailboat that sleeps four for as low as $700 per person per week.

This rivals a week-long hotel stay of $100 per night.

Of course, the expensive options are still out there.

A more luxurious alternative will cost close to $3,000 per person per week for a crewed 60-ft. motor yacht that can sleep six.

No formal certification is required to sail a charter, other than prior experience.

While a crew may be pricier, it will take your mind off of steep gas expenses, cooking and driving dilemmas.

And one charter website, Sunsail.com, rates potential sailing destinations worldwide based on level of sailing experience.

For first-timers with some boating experience, Thailand, Croatia and Australia are among their recommendations, but inexperienced boaters can get help, too.

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