Saving on Caribbean Travel

Value Vacations: Saving on Caribbean Travel

Travelers looking to visit the Caribbean but worry about the expense might be surprised to find that an affordable vacation isn’t as unattainable as they might think. With a few smart tips and a little bit of research, a cost-efficient Caribbean vacation is easily within reach.

Planning the travel

One of the biggest factors to consider when looking for affordable travel deals to the Caribbean is timing. Taking your vacation during an off-peak tourist time can mean instant savings on everything from airfare to accommodations to car rentals.

December through April are generally considered the busiest tourist times in the Caribbean, as they overlap with school vacations, spring break and holiday getaways. September through November are seen as off-peak tourist times, as the weather can be less dependable and less people are looking to take a tropical trip.

When booking air travel, taking a flight midweek can save money as fewer bookings on Tuesday and Wednesday tend to mean much less expensive airfares than the busier weekend flights. Staying flexible on departure and return flights and times can mean a savings of a couple hundred dollars per person.

Though it seems counterintuitive when trying to pinch pennies for your trip, using a travel agent when planning can actually help you save money. Choose a trusted agent who comes recommended from a friend or colleague to give expert advice, help compare pricing options and get the inside scoop on the best deals.

Accommodations

No matter which Caribbean destination you choose to visit, it’s best to think outside the box when booking accommodations. Whether you’re looking for lodging by land or by sea, consider all your options to find the best deal.

Hotels are an obvious go-to choice. Opting for all-inclusive resorts is not always the best option, as your food, beverage and activity options can be limited. Tourists looking to explore their chosen Caribbean vacation destination will likely want to shy away from all-inclusive, since you pay for the meals at the hotel, whether you eat them or not so are in effect double paying. Seek out hotels that offer some packaged meals, such as breakfast and keep your options open. For families, try and find places with discounts for kids, including free meals or hotel stays. Choosing resorts that offer free nights for guests who stay for a certain length of time can also add great value to a vacation.

Activities

There are plenty of fun activities all over the Caribbean that vacationers can enjoy for little or no money. Visiting beaches or national parks with no entry fee offer the perfect venue for a low-cost daytrip. Save even more by bringing your own towels and a picnic lunch, cutting down on chair rental costs and meal expenses.

Taking public transportation is also a great way to save, as rental cars and taxi cabs can definitely add up. Many islands have buses that are only a dollar or two per person, but only the patient need apply: public transit in the Caribbean tends to forgo formal scheduling, as most buses just depart once they’re full. When traveling between islands, opt for local ferry transport instead of private charters.

If you’re planning on shopping on your trip, be sure to check the local exchange rates, as it varies throughout the Caribbean. Avoid using ATMs for withdrawing cash, as international bank fees can be exorbitant. When shopping at local markets, don’t be too shy to haggle with the vendors to get the best deal. Being a smooth talker is often the way to secure the best savings!

Source: Value Vacations: Saving on Caribbean Travel