If youve seen a photo of gorgeous twin mountains on St. Lucia they are called the Pitons are are located on the western coast towards the south. The scenery here is some of the best in the Caribbean, but most visitors are happy to stay in their hotels for most or all of their visit. Another thing to consider is that September and October are really the main times for almost all of the damaging hurricanes, so even though the official season lasts from June through the end of November, the chances of being caught in a hurricane that youd have to flee from outside of those two months are extremely low on any given island. Also, remember to pack those items that may be more costly to replace while traveling, like chargers, sunscreen, power adapters, and sunglasses. Punta Cana and Puerto Plata offer a number of budget options, with quite a few all-inclusive resorts. Popularly described as the ideal mix of land and sea, there is no way Saint Lucia is missing from the list of cheapest Caribbean Islands to fly to this summer. Caribbean 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor Puerto Rico This is a very well developed and touristy area along Jamaicas north shore, with plenty of large all-inclusive resorts all the way up the price scale. Especially in Punta Cana, the resort complexes are huge and they have large security staffs. -Roger. Also referred to as a Travel Cost Index, or a Backpacker Index, the countries below are in order from most to least expensive by their average daily travel price, per person, per day. This makes it one of the better choices for an autumn vacation when so many other islands are potentially in the crosshairs of storms. # 1 Low Guest Posts: n/a Least expensive Caribbean destination? La Romana, Dominican Republic 11. The US Virgin Islands were hit pretty hard in the 2017 hurricanes and it took a few years before most of the better places opened back up again. Travel. Plus, the dry season falls during those months, adding to the popularity. Are you interested in retiring abroad? Climate and hurricane risk vary among the Caribbean countries. 17 Cheapest Caribbean Islands in 2023 For All-Inclusive Resorts, 11 Best Caribbean islands & resorts for honeymoons (incl. Almost completely flat, Aruba is another Dutch island without a striking volcano at its center. Negril is another gorgeous cheapest Caribbean island to visit that occupies the largest portion of Jamaicas Western Shore. 4 Best and Cheapest Caribbean Islands for your Next Vacation Hotel Riu Negril, Jamaica. The Dominican Republic is full of affordable surprises. Cozumel, along with Playa Del Carmen and Cancun, are ranked the cheapest Caribbean island to travel to right now. There are really good air+hotel packages available that can keep prices down and offer fantastic value for the Caribbean. What do Nicolas Cage, Johnny Depp, Oprah Winfrey, Sean Connery, Bill Gates, and Tiger Woods have in common? TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Crown Villas Oceanview + Jacuzzi - Kralendijk, Bonaire. The people of Belize are amazing and welcomed us with open arms. 8 Caribbean Islands You Can Fly To for Less This isnt all-inclusive resort territory, and thanks to strict planning laws it should stay that way. The hotels here are among the cheapest in the Caribbean, and this area is also known for very affordable all-inclusive packages. La Romana does have just enough inexpensive hotels to make it this high on the list, but the area is mostly known for larger upscale resorts. While its a bit farther than other cheap Caribbean destinations, there are sometimes good airfares from the US to Barbados. 9 Most Affordable Airbnbs in the Caribbean - Trips To Discover BarbadosAt first sight, the pink and white sands, and stunning coral reefs of Barbados may be perceived as the stereotypical Caribbean Island charms, but there is much more to this island. Still, one must keep in mind that popular tourist spots on the island, such as Ste-Anne and Les Trois-Ilets, are more expensive than other areas on Martinique. Cheap flights are often available so package deals might be good value. Its a beautiful place and flight deals are often available, but resorts here range from moderate on up to shockingly expensive. Jamaicas busiest airport is near the heart of Montego Bay so visitors can be checked-in sooner here than if they went to Negril or Ocho Rios nearby. Like other expats who live there for all or part of the year, these stars often think of the Bahamas as a paradisean upscale group of islands with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. One of the best places in the Caribbean for expats is Antigua and Barbuda. Its also a very popular cruise port, so the local waterfalls and other attractions can be jammed or nearly empty depending on the day. Lounge on smooth stretches of white, pink and black sandy beaches that spill into the coolest, bluest waters. Life is laidback, lived in rhythm with the sun and the surf. This is a popular stop for cruise ships and there is also a great mix of upscale resorts, so St. Lucia is justifiably popular for many different groups. - Rumi. Airfares from New York were used because they are often cheaper than from even south Florida, and they are a good gauge of prices from connecting airports. Places to stay range from apartments to Airbnbs, vacation homes to hotels, including many all-inclusives. With proper planning, Caribbean Islands are among the worlds best getaways to explore on a budget. Mexico COVID-19 rules: No vaccination or testing requirement at all. The climate is wonderful. The last time we updated this list it was for stays in the Omicron times. This island has a cluster of some of the most affordable hostels that have constant rates for everyone. By signing up for our email newsletter, you will receive occasional updates from us with sales and discounts from major travel companies, plus tips and advice from experienced budget travelers! >>>Best Cancun all-inclusive resorts for couples, families, spa lovers, and more. Enjoy local food, beer, and rum cocktails to get in the Bahamian spirit while saving a few dollars. The relatively untouched eastern shores include fishing villages, mangroves, and secluded beaches. Find the best deals for cheap Caribbean vacations: Below are the 32 most popular Caribbean destinations (some with a few per island, plus Mexico) ranked from cheapest to most expensive. Mexico is a country with an incredibly rich history. The warm waters of Curacao Island set the mood right for an adventurers underwater tour. The diving and snorkeling arent top-notch, but at least its good value otherwise. Barbados 4. Mention the word Caribbean and most people think of places like Aruba, the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and other tourist-rich dollops of sand. Only a few miles off St. Martin, Anguilla is a small and beautiful island that is near the upper end of the price scale for all of the Caribbean. This is old-school Caribbeanthough fitted out with modern conveniences. Low season in the Caribbean is from June through autumn, but its always worth shopping around. No high-rise developments. 7-nights + Flight Index: $1,139. This Island has everything from aqua-marine waters to prestige beaches to fantastic golf courses and high-class cuisine. Because the Caribbean is bigger than many people realize. And out here, its blissfully quiet.. Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril are the three main tourist hotspots. Youll find mostly larger all-inclusive resorts here built specifically for the package crowds. 25 Caribbean Cruises for Your Next Tropical Vacation, 29 Best Tropical Vacations Around the World, 25 Best Summer Vacations Everyone Should Consider in 2023, 50 Best Romantic Getaways for a Couples Trip, 7 Incredible Cruises That Visit Puerto Rico, The 12 Best Islands for Retirement, From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, 10 Eastern Caribbean Cruises to Book for Your Next Tropical Getaway, 17 of the Most Beautiful Caribbean Islands, 12 Best Caribbean Islands for Couples Who Want White Sand, Gourmet Food, and Private Resorts, 10 Cruises From Florida for a Warm-weather Getaway, The Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico for Fewer Crowds, Better Weather, and Lower Prices. This isnt true of many Caribbean islands and it can be a fun place to hang out if you enjoy the Senor Frogs-type vibe. Everyone loves a great vacation but what makes them even more impressive is when we are gifted a Caribbean getaway that is also budget-friendly. Martinique 12. If you are a serious surfer and want to give it a try in the Caribbean then come to Rincon, on Puerto Ricos west coast. Caribbean vacationing stretches to a wide range of activities. Join International Living Today and Get the 2023 Global Retirement IndexFREE with This Special Offer. Expats give up little living on Ambergris Caye. TheTravel has affiliate and sponsored partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from some of your purchases. This is the fairest land under heaven, the explorer is reported to have said. These islands have a rich history that every vacationer needs to experience first-hand. The cheapest months are generally May, June, September, October, and November. These are the 15 cheapest Caribbean Islands to fly to this summer. -Roger. Quite a few of them never reopened, but many that did are now refurbished, so theres that. But Dominica is a Caribbean paradise for nature lovers, and all the natural attractions are free of charge. Celebrities have overhyped this island to the extent it scares away low-budget vacationers. And with all of eight International Airports on the island, it is mostly very easy to reach. Prices at the resorts are mostly in the middle range, but a few top-end places are here as well. However, there are plenty of other thrilling activities available, such as touring Nelson's Dockyard, climbing Mount Obama, taking a day trip to Hell's Gate Island, and many more. I havent made it Vieques yet. Airfare for the cheapest round-trip high-season flight available from NYC, 7-nights + Flight Index is 7 nights hotel for two plus two round-trip airfares from NYC, including all taxes, 7-nights + Flight Index: $1,036 for two people, Popular with: Americans, Canadians, budget travelers from all over Europe, Spring Breakers, Popular with: Americans, Canadians, Brits, French, Germans, Spanish, Belgians, Dutch, Swiss, Portuguese, Russians, Popular with: Canadians, Brits, Italians, Portuguese, Swedish, Popular with: Americans, Canadians, Brits, French, Italians, Spanish, Popular with: Americans, Canadians, Irish, Brits, Northern Europeans. The prices listed above are mostly for hotels that are not all-inclusive, but the cheapest all-inclusive resorts are often only a bit more expensive than the others so they can be excellent value. 8. If you want to stay in a small hotel and try different restaurants and bars along a beach, go to Negril and stay clear of Ocho Rios. Once Americans can visit Cuba solely for leisure, things are bound to change quite a bit. This low-cost tropical paradise is known for its colonial . But for expats who prefer to live in an active community that offers both convenience and the natural beauty of the surrounding Caribbean Sea, it has much to offer. Jamaica is the birthplace of all-inclusive resorts, which means visitors can find more than enough cheap accommodations at large, all-expenses-pre-paid resorts, especially in Negril. Just stay away from ports of call; The US Virgin Islands are a top docking point for cruises and prices around the port are often sky-rocketed. You can own a one-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse condo with a view from $230,000 or rent a one-bedroom place for $700 to $1000 a month, according to local expats. In Santo Domingo, stroll around Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage and the historic heart . Ocho Rios, Jamaica 16. Today Grand Bahama is the second most populous island, with more than 50,000 residents. Would 100% go back. Learn more about The Caribbean and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. All the prices researched are for high-season rates, from early January through March, but not peak-season rates in late December. 1. Only 12 degrees north of the equator, Curaao's average temperature rests . Punta Cana is also our top pick for Caribbean islands for families with kids, by the way. This Island is located a bit far from the U.S., but the distance doesnt make it a lesser option for a vacationer on a tight budget. No spring break strips. Despite damage from hurricanes in recent years, Puerto Rico is recovering and visitors are welcome. Theres great shopping and nightlife here, at least for the Caribbean. The 10 Best Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean Isla Mujeres is about eight miles from Cancn in Mexico, but this laidback island is a world away from the hustle and bustle of its more tourist-developed older sister. The ship spends full days at Tobago, Trinidad, Grenada, St. Vincent, Dominica, and St. Lucia, before returning to Bridgetown. Donna disagrees. Yes | Not Sure Yet Belize, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Mexico all offer islands off their Caribbean coastsislands that share the same turquoise-blue waters and powder-white beaches you expect when you hear "Caribbean"only you won't pay a fortune to live on any of them. Apart from being celebrities, theyre among thousands of North Americans and Europeans who own second homes in the Bahamas. This is a very British island still, and quite expensive as well, with not a single cheap hotel available online. Image by courtneypfleger from Pixabay St. Martin, Caribbean Island is a tropical paradise for beach and snorkeling lovers Read update How to visit the Caribbean on a budget - Lonely Planet We hope you like the items we recommend and discuss! Varadero is relatively cheap and good value for the Caribbean, and quality in its beachfront resort hotels is fairly high. If you want a bit of culture and dont need nonstop buffets, then San Juan might be the best option in the Caribbean at a modest price. With proper planning, Caribbean Islands are among the worlds best getaways to explore on a budget. When they realized they could have a full-time life on a Caribbean island, they quickly took action. Still, there are some modestly priced hotels that get very good reviews, so its a possibility for budget visitors. The 10 Most Affordable Caribbean Destinations We have a lovely pool and a great deck where we often sit with a bottle of wine. 5. Flights to the local airport are reasonable, and the sometimes-cheaper San Juan airport is also an easy drive. Still, it has a well developed tourist infrastructure and a busy airport with cheap flights from Europe, so its a popular choice for northern Europeans as well as Americans. The elevated costs of vacationing in certain islands are associated with resorts, and this is an area Puerto Plata has handled diligently. Curaao 7. Plus more less-expensive American airlines now offer straight flights to San Juan, making it a lot easier to enjoy the clear waters, powdery sands, fabulous cuisine and boutique shopping that Puerto Rico has to offer. Theyre not only beautiful but a lot more affordable than most people realize. This all contributes to more of an informal atmosphere on Bonaire, with a nice selection of cheap hotels available. Donna says, I was part of Rotary for a while and assisted with several community service projects. Dominican Republic With an abundance of all-inclusive resorts, Dominican Republic is an affordable Caribbean paradise for sun-worshippers. If you plan a few months ahead of time, you have a great chance of copping a great deal for lodging in USVI. 12 Affordable Caribbean Island Getaways + Where To Stay! Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The famous Casa de Campo Resort started the trend, and its still almost exclusively a package resort area for the upscale crowd. Extremely popular with both North Americans and Europeans during the winter months, the Caribbean is filled with islands and destinations that range from cheap & basic to posh & exclusive. The beauty and tropical appeal of St. Thomas and Grand Bahama are impossible to deny. He finds writing for TheTravel quite fulfilling. The selection of quality restaurants and bars is constantly expanding. Dominican RepublicWith an abundance of all-inclusive resorts, Dominican Republic is an affordable Caribbean paradise for sun-worshippers. The Downtown area still has great weather along with cheap restaurants and bars, so its a decent choice compared to staying home. Moreover, visitors to Grenada can walk for free through St. George's, the island's colorful capital. By. 10 Things You Probably Did Not Know You Could Ask For On A Flight, Worlds Most Romantic Places for Honeymoon. English-speaking Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize at 25 miles long and a little over a mile wide, and San Pedro is its only town. Wed say, This cant be what life is all about. Its definitely worth checking the airfares before doing much hotel research because there are probably better choices somewhere else. Just as elsewhere, Caribbean hotels that seem suspiciously cheap are often poorly maintained or located, and not good value. These affordable Caribbean vacation destinations don't skimp on beautiful views, excellent hotels, and delicious food. For between $2,950 to $3,150 per month, a couple can enjoy a comfortable retirement in Ambergris Cayea budget that includes the cost of a house or apartment rental. Dominicas lush landscape has been protected by the minimal development of the Island, meaning accommodation choices are narrow and often a bit more expensive than the other Caribbean Destinations. They both love the beach and Julie enjoys spending time in her artists studio. JamaicaJamaica has been a top destination for tourists for a long time, thanks to its relaxed culture, outstanding scenery and numerous attractions. 9 Affordable Islands For Sale That Cost Less Than a House - Jetsetter The U.S. Virgin Islands are an organized, unincorporated United States territory and its people are U.S. citizens. Hotels on this island incorporate a mix of cultures culminating in the perfect spot for cross-cultural vacations. Enjoy colorful outdoor art, markets, parks, street food, and stunning views with a stroll along the Malecn Tajamar. Flights from the US can be cheap though, so its still a decent budget option for a short visit. St. Thomas is a bit rough around the edges. Im looking for suggestions on a destination in the Caribbean for travel in early August with my 16 y/o daughter where we will feel the safest. St. Lucia also makes our list of the best Caribbean islands for honeymooners, by the way. And St. Lucia is (in my opinion) the most beautiful Caribbean island. Tourism in the British Virgin Islands is mostly restricted to 2 islands, Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Being an aquatic paradise, vacationers are highly encouraged to take part in scuba diving. Cheap Caribbean: Best islands for budget vacations - USA TODAY As with most places around the tropical oasis of Jamaica, Montego Bay (or "MoBay") is an ideal place to visit for a Caribbean getaway. Most of the bigger resorts are back and better than ever. The World is a Book, and those who do not Travel only read one page! Compared to Montego, Negril feels underdeveloped, but that doesnt take anything away from it as a cheap tourist getaway. The Bahamas is probably the easiest Caribbean Island to reach from the US; it is very close by, plus daily flights to the two International Airports are frequent and small cost. St. Kitts's wealth of public beaches means you don't have to splurge on a seaside property to access the island's finest stretches of sand. One of the easternmost islands in the Caribbean, Barbados is a great off-season destination, thanks to its location outside the hurricane belt. As tiny as it may be, Negril is a beehive of activities, with most of the population living within seven kilometers of the shore. The Cheapest Caribbean Islands to Find Your Paradise Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Im glad you found this list as well. It wasnt a tough decision, Rob says. The last six shes lived full-time off the grid far on the east side, near Port Royal, in a hilltop homeher B&B/restaurantwith panoramic ocean views. Flights arent always expensive though, so this is a good island to put in an airfare alert and pounce when a bargain appears. St. Thomas, and in particular the capital of Charlotte Amalie, can get overrun by tourists. It is beautiful We stayed in Las Galeras nearby and it was rural and unspoiled. This list of cheap Caribbean islands has been updated to include more amazing options promising a relaxing and fun-filled vacation. Cheapest Caribbean Islands: 32 destinations by price in 2023, cheapest Caribbean islands for all-inclusive resorts, Caribbean and Mexico vacation deals up to 55% off, Last-minute Caribbean packages on sale now, guide for choosing where to stay in the Cancun area, Best Cancun all-inclusive resorts for couples, families, spa lovers, and more, Check current Cancun resort and package deals, Check current Punta Cana resort and package deals, Check current Samana resort and package deals, Check current La Romana resort and package deals, Check current Puerto Plata resort and package deals, Check current Curaao resort and package deals, Check current Puerto Rico resort and package deals, Check current Negril resort and package deals, Check current Montego Bay resort and package deals, Check current Rincon, Puerto Rico resort and package deals, Check current St. Maarten resort and package deals, Check current Barbados resort and package deals, Check current Guadeloupe resort and package deals, Check current Ocho Rios resort and package deals, Check current Grenada resort and package deals, Check current Martinique resort and package deals, Check current Aruba resort and package deals, Check current Trinidad and Tobago resort and package deals, Check current Antigua & Barbuda resort and package deals, Check current St. Lucia resort and package deals, Check current Bonaire resort and package deals, Check current Nassau resort and package deals, Check current St. Croix resort and package deals, Check current Turks & Caicos resort and package deals, Check current Bermuda resort and package deals, Check current Tortola resort and package deals, Check current St. Kitts resort and package deals, Check current Grand Bahama resort and package deals, Check current Grand Cayman resort and package deals, Check current Anguilla resort and package deals, Check current St. Thomas resort and package deals, Check current Saint Barthlemy resort and package deals, cheapest Caribbean destinations from Europe, best cheap destinations in November with great weather. Santo Domingo is 3 hours from Samana not 1 hour. Budget-friendly Caribbean island, Dominican Republic. Also, a lot of the resorts in this Caribbean island allows visitors to enjoy the uses of water sports equipment for free. Ranking Caribbean islands and destinations by price is challenging for a variety of reasons, so we simplified it by including only a cheaper 3-star hotel room for a week and two cheap flights from New York City. We have created a list ranking the cheapest Caribbean Islands for a vacation based on industry experts and everyday travellers. Check the weather forecast before you book because Bermuda has almost opposite seasons of the rest of the islands on this list, and that can be a really good thing in summer. Those feel among the safer islands. I've rounded up the cheapest holidays to Caribbean destinations for you after looking at travel costs . St. Kitts. St. Thomas was pretty badly hit during the 2017 hurricanes and they wiped out pretty much all of the cheaper beach hotels. Related: The 10 Best Caribbean Islands, Ranked By Their Beaches. Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions. Aruba can be a good value as well, with modest crowds (at least compared to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica etc. Personally, I love St. Kitts and also Antigua and Barbados. There are a few Caribbean options there as well as other nearby places to consider. Martinique is home to countless number of free attractions, including St. Louis Cathedral and Les Salines Beach. Cheap 3-star hotel average: $44. These fun activities, such as hiking and beach access, are free or reasonably priced. Power, water, cell phone coverage, and internet are reliableand you can buy most necessities for daily living on the island. Known largely as a stop for cruise ships and a Caribbean shopping mecca for inexpensive jewelry, St. Thomas also has great scuba diving and all the usual water sports available. Our gift to you, on our favorite destinations. And once again, the three ABC islands are in the far south of the Caribbean and havent had a hurricane come anywhere near them in decades, so they could be a good choice during the season (June through December) if that is something that worries you. Negril, which is about 90-minutes from Montego Bay Airport by road, has a beautiful west-facing (sunset) beach and an abundance of cheaper 2-star and 3-star hotels, making it among the Caribbeans best value destinations for hotels that are actually on the sand. The Bahamas is a busy route, meaning finding a cheap flight from the East Coast wont be the hardest thing even for first-timers. A bit north of the real Caribbean, Turks & Caicos has a drier climate than most other islands, giving it a longer in-season range. Thirty years ago, it was a rustic fishing village. A Caribbean island is the perfect literal jumping-off point for a snorkelling or diving excursion, with waters just as welcoming as the islanders themselves. The main problem with Grand Bahama is that somehow the flights here are incredibly expensive, especially considering the modest distance from the United States. Ive looked into St. Lucia, Grenada and Vieques but prefer to stay away from hurricane regions. The three most populated, and most visited, are St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Prices & Photos. You can also camp on beaches at the smaller surrounding islands, unbothered and at the cost of little or nothing. It is close to the U.S. and is economical. If you are looking for an affordable all-inclusive resort I think the Dominican Republic is generally very safe. If that sounds interesting also check out our list of the cheapest Caribbean islands for all-inclusive resorts, which lists 17 destinations from cheapest to most expensive. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ive been researching a Caribbean-region trip for a while but I appreciate your continued replies. 21 Cheapest Island Vacations that are Surprisingly Affordable (and 3. 10 Cheapest Caribbean Islands to Visit + Money Saving Tips With cheap flights from almost everywhere and hotels starting at suspiciously low prices, Cancun is easily the cheapest Caribbean destination and a great choice for the Spring Break crowd as well. If you own your own home on the island outright, then expats report its possible for a couple to live quite comfortably on less than $2,000 a month. Arguably the most beautiful island in the Caribbean, St. Lucia is an interesting mix of options with some surprisingly good deals at hotels combined with rather expensive airfares. Puerto Rico has some of the most classic beaches, and the best part about it all is that a good number are free to the public. Generally speaking, all of the Caribbean islands are quite safe, but some do have more of a history of incidents with tourists than others. Some of the diving here is excellent so it can be great value for the scuba set. There are also fewer cruise ships stopping in St. Croix, so it really does have a bit more of a remote and isolated feeling, for better or for worse. It sits right on the beach, although one of the most popular places for guests to hang out is on the umbrella-shaded loungers . Similar to Trinidad and Tobago, these islands arent close together so youll want to choose just one. The Best Caribbean Destinations for Canadian Snowbirds - SnowbirdAdvisor.ca