Affordable Destinations in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is calling. Pack your swimsuit and get ready for piña coladas, crystal clear water, and plenty of sunshine.
CARIBBEAN
In each year, you have twelve more months to get out there and explore the Caribbean. Where should you go? As they say, the world is your oyster, but if you are looking for budget-friendly travel destinations, you may have to be more strategic with your planning.
There are plenty of destinations for those without endless means. But, don’t despair! In this post, I am going to showcase stunning vacation spots in the Caribbean that can be visited without breaking the bank. You will find reasons why you should visit, suggestions on where to stay, and some ideas on things to do once you get there. Sound good?
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Ocho Rios is one of the most-visited spots in Jamaica, and it is a cruise ship port. While the beaches are one of the big draws, of course, it is also known for the tropical flora and cascading waterfalls. September is the best time of year to visit Jamaica for those on a travel budget. But any of the fall months are a good time to visit the sparkling waters and sample some classic jerk chicken.
September weather is very pleasant in Jamaica, and you get warm sea waters and lots of sunshine. Expect daytime temperatures to be in the high 80s.
Where to stay in Ocho Rios?
You should consider booking a room at the Pink Rock Inn Bed & Breakfast, which starts at a little over $100 a night and has amazing ocean views.
Five things to do in Ocho Rios:
Havana, Cuba
Room rates take a dip in the wet season, and May is when the rains start to fall. However, the rain doesn’t really hit its stride until June, so you can take advantage of the lower costs and still manage to stay moderately dry. The rains and warmer temperatures also mean the city will be less crowded.
May is right on the cusp of summertime in Cuba, and the temperatures will be amping up. You can expect days to hit in the upper 80s, and humidity will be on the rise. Rain is expected at least eight days out of the month, but an afternoon shower may actually be welcome to cool you off sometimes.
Where to stay in Havana?
If you really want to feel like a local, book a private room at Lunass. You'll be right in the thick of Old Town, within walking distance of nearly all the sights. The hostel is rated "superb" on HostelWorld!
5 things to do in Havana:
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
April through November is considered the off-season for the Dominican Republic. June is the official start of hurricane season, you can expect the crowds to be thin and the room rates to be cheaper as the summer goes on. The trade-off for the savings this time of year is the risk of tropical storms and/or a hurricane striking during your visit, but if you ensure your trip with travel insurance, you won’t be out the cash should that occur. However, the “riskiest” month for a hurricane strike isn’t until September.
Expect to meet see some showers during your visit to Punta Cana, but you won’t mind them too much since the temperatures are likely to be in the high-80s. On average, there are 12-15 rainy days every month, but when you are looking out on the lush tropical landscape, you won’t mind a little rainfall.
Where to stay in Punta Cana?
Occidental Caribe starts at $288 per night, BUT it is all-inclusive. So, when you consider all you would be spending on food and drinks, the price tag isn’t that hefty, right? The property is located on Playa Bavaro and includes a full-service spa and a casino.
5 things to do in Punta Cana:
Island life is calling...
When the winter weather gets you down, it's time to start planning a trip to the beach. And there are no better beaches in the world than the ones in the Caribbean. Whether you want to snorkel, drink rum, or work on your tan, the Caribbean is the place to do it.