The Instagram algorithms got me, and I can't stop staring at these incredible island getaways. But who can afford that?! Not me! I put together my top 5 island choices when you need an escape without breaking the bank.
#1 Curacao
Part of the famed "ABC" islands of the Southern Caribbean, this is probably not what most people think of as affordable.
Getting there: To make this work, save up your credit card points to cover flights. There are tons of experts out there that cover this in great detail. Check out dailydrop or the points guy on Instagram for tips.
Stay: Instead of a pricey hotel or resort, book an affordable vacation rental and eat the majority of your meals at home.
Do: Not only known for turquoise waters and white sand beaches, Curacao is also heavily influenced by its Dutch roots which are on display in its capital city, Willemstad. The historic center of Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features colonial architecture. Grab lunch at a food stand at Plasa Bieu.
Regardless of where you are staying for only $7 you can visit Saint Tropez, an ocean club, with access to cabanas, towels, beach chairs, and an infinity pool. Since you are saving on lodging and meals, go ahead and splurge on an aquafari adventure.
For more tips, visit Fora's curated collection of Curacao travel guides.
#2 Jamaica
The mother of the all-inclusive resort, competition among resorts is high, resulting in bargains for you.
Getting there: Avoid spring break and go off-season. Flights and hotels are lowest from Nov-Dec. Due to its popularity, many US cities offer direct flights, including low-cost airlines like Frontier.
Stay: This depends on the group you're traveling with and how you want to spend your time. If you are a couple looking to get away, opt for an adults-only resort such as Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay. For families, Sandals Beaches resorts are always a favorite or the Riu Palace Aquarelle with a full water park on-site!
Do: The resorts have so much to offer and many activities are included with your room rate. For example, Beaches Negril includes the following with your room rate:
Hard to imagine you could get bored with a list like that, but if you need a break from the beach and sun, head inland to go hiking in the Blue Mountains.
Apple Vacations has great prices on packages including flights and transportation to and from the airport.
A week in November for a family of 4 in a Two Bedroom Suite at Riu Palace Aquarelle (including flights from Cincinnati) is $5,165.48 (inclusive of taxes and fees!). That's a steal.
Remember to book with me to unlock exclusive perks!
#3 Barbados
Another all-inclusive giant, be patient and wait for a bargain.
Getting there: Barbados is a popular place, thus lots of direct flights from several major US hubs.
Stay: The options are plentiful for any budget. I'm intentionally not going to recommend a specific hotel because if you are looking for a deal it's going to come down to what's available at that point in time. But because there are SO many options, last-minute deals definitely exist. Additionally, because there are no private beaches don't feel pressured to select a resort with beach-front access.
Do: The best part about Barbados is that there are NO, I repeat NO, private beaches. Which means you can take a walk along the shore each morning and explore many different parts of the island. Don't miss Paradise Beach and lunch at La Cabane for an unforgettable afternoon.
Surfing! Barbados is the only Caribbean island with reliable surfing year-round.
Rent a car and check out the remote east-side of the island. There's only one road, so buy a map, turn off your phone, and go.
For more on Barbados - check out this guide
#4 Trinidad & Tobago
If you want a bustling area with tons to do - you're in luck. If you want serenity and quiet, you're in luck! Trinidad is a bustling vibrant culture, while Tobago is where you go when you want to get away. Avoid February and March when Trindad's Carnival takes place to keep rates low.
Getting There: New York, Miami and Houston all offer non-stop flights to Port of Spain. Many travelers head there for a few days, and then over to Tobago for some peace and quiet. June - December is the wet season when you can count on daily afternoon showers.
Stay: Hilton Trinidad & Conference Center is an affordable option in Trinidad to spend a few days after your flight. When you're ready to head over to Tobago check out Coco Reef Resort or Bacolet Beach Club for a truly secluded stay.
Do: Trinidad is great for nature lovers and bird watchers. Tobago is where the beach goers head. Many of Tobago's beaches are untouched and undeveloped. Check out Store Bay and Pigeon Point on the south end.
#5 Havana, Cuba
Support of the Cuban People! To get to Cuba you have to have not only a passport, but a Cuban Tourism Card, Travel Insurance, a Cuban Visa. Cuba has 12 visa options and most tourists will fall under the "Support of the Cuban People" visa. This means you will contribute to the local economy and help improve the life of the locals.
Cubans have just recently been allowed to operate their own restaurants and guest houses. "The Private Sector" as its known, and this is where you will want to spend your money for an authentic cultural experience.
You can not fly directly to Cuba from the US. You will need to book a flight that has a layover in Mexico or Panama City. Make it a long layover and explore that destination. A Vacation inside a vacation! At the second airport is where you will purchase your Cuban visa.
Financial Challenges in Cuba:
Most Americans don't use cash at all, so this will be your biggest challenge in Cuba. You will have no access to banks, credit cards, money transfers, internet, nothing. You need to bring all the cash you are going to need with you.
While in the US, convert your cash to Canadian Dollar or Euro.
Then, once you get to Cuba convert your CAD or EUR to Cuban Pesos. The reason for this, there is a 10% tax taken on any USD exchanged in Cuba.
Make sure all the money given to you is the correct Cuban currency when getting change for purchases, etc. Pay attention.
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