11 Cheap Caribbean Vacations for Budget-conscious Travelers - Travel + Leisure

If you find yourself dreaming of warm sunshine, blue seas, and a relaxing escape — but your credit card isn't ready for a splurge — it's time to plan a getaway that won't break the bank. Luckily, with some research and planning, you can find an affordable trip that will satisfy your Caribbean cravings.

Airfare varies by season, travel day, demand, and other factors, so it pays to search often and try apps like Hopper and Going for deals. For booking hotels, though, third-party services often aren't the most affordable option, since booking directly with the hotel can allow you to negotiate or secure upgrades. Remember to also check for resort fees, taxes, and other add-ons when hotel shopping, since these can inflate the total price.

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Renting a car is also a large expense — but, in the Caribbean, it's usually not necessary. Many beach towns and resort complexes are highly walkable, and if they aren't, you can save on transportation by opting for Uber or public transit.

If you can't decide where to go, a cruise can be a great way to cut down on both effort and expense. With cruises, all the planning is done for you, and you may even be able to choose a departure point that eliminates the need to fly. To get the best deals (and a few extras), consider booking with a travel advisor who specializes in cruises.

Finally, traveling in the off-season can help you save on nearly every expense. Flights, hotels, and tours are all priciest from December to April, when travelers flock to the Caribbean Islands to escape the cold. By contrast, the best deals are found in the low season between June and October. This does coincide with hurricane season, but with careful planning and some risk tolerance, you can find incredible, affordable getaways at this time of year.

With all this in mind, here are some of the best cheap Caribbean vacations to consider for travelers on a budget.

Nicaragua

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This Central American country borders the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The eastern coastline is much less developed than the popular Pacific coast, making Nicaragua one of the most affordable Caribbean destinations. Highlights of this under-the-radar region include charming fishing villages, mangrove forests, and secluded, surf-ready beaches. The best time to visit is the dry season between November and April, which offers warm temperatures and only occasional rain. 

Dominican Republic

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The Dominican resort towns of Punta Cana and Puerto Plata are perfectly suited to budget travel. Their many all-inclusive resorts offer meals, beverages, entertainment, and amenities all rolled into one affordable package. If you prefer traditional hotels (or smaller towns), the country has options for that, too. Reasonably priced lodging can be found all over with access to miles of beaches, lots of dining options, and plenty to do.

Puerto Rico

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Located less than three hours from Miami, Puerto Rico offers a wide variety of beaches and places to stay, including several attractive budget options. Explore the island's history with a walk through Old San Juan, or visit El Yunque National Forest for a change of scenery from the sunny beaches. When it's time for a meal, try one of the many locally owned restaurants for delicious food at affordable prices. Despite damage from hurricanes in recent years, Puerto Rico is recovering and visitors are welcome.

Caribbean Cruise With Royal Caribbean

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If you're looking for an affordable Caribbean cruise, the cruise line that's named for this very region is a great place to start. Royal Caribbean offers hundreds of Caribbean voyages every year, from two-night jaunts to 12-night island-hopping adventures. The company's dozens of ports in the region include island hot spots like Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Central American gems like Roatan, Honduras.

Caribbean Cruise With Norwegian Cruise Line

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Norwegian Cruise Line is another affordable carrier that excels in the Caribbean. Prices start as low as $159 for weekend cruises, and journeys of a week or more sometimes come with airfare included. Norwegian offers many great itineraries in the region, including an eastern-Caribbean cruise to Barbados, Antigua, and St. Lucia and a five-day journey that stops in Harvest Caye, the company's private island in Belize.

Cancun, Mexico

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One of Mexico's most popular tourist areas, Cancun offers plenty of public beaches in addition to affordable hotels. Though costs can add up in the popular beach zone, the downtown area comes with many free and low-cost activities, plus easy access to swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Enjoy colorful outdoor art, markets, parks, street food, and stunning views with a stroll along the Malecón Tajamar. 

Curacao

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Located in the southern Caribbean just off the coast of Venezuela, Curacao is outside the hurricane zone, so even if you visit in the late summer or early fall, there's little risk of a storm interrupting your trip. Places to stay range from apartments and vacation homes to Airbnbs and hotels, including many all-inclusives. Gorgeous beaches, scenic parks, and a variety of casual eateries also make it easy to stay within a reasonable budget.

Belize

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The Caribbean coast of Belize combines sandy beaches, offshore cays, abundant wildlife, Mayan ruins, and rainforests. Guest houses, small hotels, casual resorts, and inns offer places to stay for even the tightest of budgets, and local spots to dine are aplenty. On Ambergris Caye, stroll through San Pedro town, pick up fresh fruit at one of the many stands, grab lunch at a grocery, and relax on the beach for a lazy afternoon.

Bahamas

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Though not technically in the Caribbean Sea, the Bahamas are often lumped in with the region due to their similar climate and location. This island chain just 50 miles from Florida is an easy getaway from the U.S, and its Caribbean-style attractions include white-sand beaches, wildlife, and water sports. Elegant resorts, all-inclusive hotels, and budget-friendly accommodations offer a wide variety of places to stay, and prices vary based on the season. It's tough to find bargains during the high season (mid-December to April), but from July through November, prices are lower and the weather is still warm, despite some occasional rain. To get in the Bahamian spirit while saving a few dollars, be sure to check out the local food, beer, and rum scenes.

Barbados

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One of the easternmost islands in the Caribbean, Barbados is a great off-season destination, thanks to its location outside the hurricane belt. You can take advantage of low rates in late summer and early fall to enjoy the sunshine without weather-related worries. Choose a bed-and-breakfast, guest house, or apartment for a budget-friendly stay, and check out the local eateries for great food at affordable prices. The native Bajan cuisine (think: fried flying fish and macaroni pie) is some of the best in the Caribbean.

Colombia

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Despite having coastlines on the Pacific and the Caribbean, Colombia is still emerging as a beach destination — which is reflected in the affordable price of vacationing there. The historic city of Cartagena features a charming old town, gorgeous beaches, and tasty restaurants, while a few hours up the coast, the Santa Marta region offers both sandy beaches and wild jungles to explore. The December and January holiday season sees higher prices, but just as in other tropical destinations, travel during shoulder months can offer a bargain.