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Ten budget-friendly Caribbean destinations
If you get all your information about the Caribbean from travel magazines, you might find yourself convinced that a night's stay in the region will set you back somewhere in the neighborhood of $500. The Caribbean's super posh reputation has its roots in the region's tourism history; until relatively recently, tourism in the Caribbean was largely restricted to the very rich. And as one might expect in a region that has historically catered to the rich, there are lots of impossibly exclusive luxury properties in the Caribbean today.
But these resorts do not and should not define tourism in the region. There are many spots across the Caribbean where costs are low and the quality of experiences on offer is high. Here are ten destinations where low hotel rates, exciting activities, and compelling local culture make for real budget-friendly value.
If you find this post interesting, be sure to check out Gadling's archive of budget-friendly travel stories.
1. Carriacou, Grenada. North of the main island of Grenada is the laid-back island of Carriacou. There are some great beaches on the island (see above for evidence.) A fantastically budget-friendly place to stay is the lovely Green Roof Inn (from $40 for one; from $70 for two) north of Hillsborough, the island's main settlement.
2. Havana, Cuba. Day-to-day expenses in the Cuban capital can be quite cheap. Casas particulares (owner-occupied bed-and-breakfast establishments) can be found for about $30 for two, and meals can be cobbled together for very little. Cultural events are astoundingly cheap, and reasonable taxi rates can be negotiated. For a listing of good casas particulares, check out CubaParticular and Casa Particular.
3. Big Corn Island, Nicaragua. It is often forgotten that the Caribbean Sea extends to Central America. Big Corn Island off the coast of Nicaragua presents a fascinating mélange of English-speaking Creoles and Spanish- and Miskito-speaking transplants from the mainland. Though undeniably hardscrabble, Big Corn Island has some beautiful territory and some unbelievably cheap hotels. Try Princesa de la Isla (from $60, with excellent Italian meals on offer) and Martha's Bed and Breakfast (from $50). These are, by the way, among the most expensive places to stay on the island.
4. Saba. Referred to by locals as the "Unspoiled Queen," Saba is one of the most beautiful and least well-known corners of the Caribbean. A mountain jutting out of the sea, it has no beaches and few obvious tourist draws beyond diving. Visitors discover cute villages full of houses with gingerbread trim, lush hiking trails, and outstanding views. Check out the Ecolodge Rendez-Vous (from $75) and El Momo (from $50 for one; $65 for two).
5. Anegada, British Virgin Islands. It takes a concerted effort to get here, but once on this furthest-flung of the BVIs, accommodations can be quite reasonable. The limestone island boasts some of the loveliest beaches in the entire region, yet has seen surprisingly little tourist development. Neptune's Treasure offers double rooms starting at $110 in high season.
6. Montserrat. Hit in 1995 by a major volcanic eruption, Montserrat saw most of its inhabitants decamping to the UK and elsewhere. Though many Montserratians have returned since then, the island's tourism numbers have not. This fact translates into all sorts of great deals for visitors, who can busy themselves on the verdant island with beachcombing, hiking, rum shop tours, and visits to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory. Lodging at relaxed Gingerbread Hill begins at $45 for two.
7. Dominica. This very green island is no typical beach destination. It sees few typical Caribbean tourists, drawing instead eco-minded sorts who come to bask in its physical beauty. Highlights include hiking activities, national parks, striking waterfalls, hot springs, and all sorts of fascinating geological oddities, including the island's awe-inspiring Boiling Lake. Stay at the remarkable Papillote Wilderness Retreat (from $100) or go fully rustic at the impressively eco-minded 3 Rivers (from $70; camping plots from $15).
8. Bonaire. Divers flock to this bone-dry Dutch island at the southern end of the Caribbean. There are other draws, too: snorkeling, historical tourism, and beachbumming on offshore Klein Bonaire. The island's budget-friendly secret? Its stock of inexpensive bungalows and inns. Among other picks, check out Lagoen Hill (from $72), Lizard Inn (from $70), and Ocean View Villas (from $100).
9. Guadeloupe. On the surface, this overseas department of France doesn't appear to be a good place to locate bargains. It's expensive to access from North America and it uses the euro. But below the surface is Guadeloupe's collection of very cheap gîtes--essentially b&bs, though often with a mandatory week-long stay required. Another plus is Guadeloupe's appealing diversity of landscapes, from the mountains of Terre-Basse to the sleepy rum-producing island of Marie-Galante and the terribly cute isle of Terre-de-Haut. Find more than 200 gîtes on Guadeloupe listed by Gîtes de France.
10. Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago. This southern Caribbean island has seen considerable tourist development at its southwestern end. Journey to the island's opposite extremity and find jungle-encircled beaches that never get packed, and cute fishing towns like Charlotteville where inns and house rentals are inexpensive. Cottages at beachside Man-O-War Bay Cottages begin at $60 for two.
7. Dominica. This very green island is no typical beach destination. It sees few typical Caribbean tourists, drawing instead eco-minded sorts who come to bask in its physical beauty. Highlights include hiking activities, national parks, striking waterfalls, hot springs, and all sorts of fascinating geological oddities, including the island's awe-inspiring Boiling Lake. Stay at the remarkable Papillote Wilderness Retreat (from $100) or go fully rustic at the impressively eco-minded 3 Rivers (from $70; camping plots from $15).
8. Bonaire. Divers flock to this bone-dry Dutch island at the southern end of the Caribbean. There are other draws, too: snorkeling, historical tourism, and beachbumming on offshore Klein Bonaire. The island's budget-friendly secret? Its stock of inexpensive bungalows and inns. Among other picks, check out Lagoen Hill (from $72), Lizard Inn (from $70), and Ocean View Villas (from $100).
9. Guadeloupe. On the surface, this overseas department of France doesn't appear to be a good place to locate bargains. It's expensive to access from North America and it uses the euro. But below the surface is Guadeloupe's collection of very cheap gîtes--essentially b&bs, though often with a mandatory week-long stay required. Another plus is Guadeloupe's appealing diversity of landscapes, from the mountains of Terre-Basse to the sleepy rum-producing island of Marie-Galante and the terribly cute isle of Terre-de-Haut. Find more than 200 gîtes on Guadeloupe listed by Gîtes de France.
10. Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago. This southern Caribbean island has seen considerable tourist development at its southwestern end. Journey to the island's opposite extremity and find jungle-encircled beaches that never get packed, and cute fishing towns like Charlotteville where inns and house rentals are inexpensive. Cottages at beachside Man-O-War Bay Cottages begin at $60 for two.
Filed under: Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Nicaragua, Budget Travel, Central America, Caribbean
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Simone Cannon de Bastardo Nov 22nd 2010 2:19PM
Great list, but one thing to keep in mind with Havana: if you have US credit cards or ATM cards, you will not be able to use them in Cuba, so make sure that you have plenty of US dollars when you arrive. The only way to get more money is to have it wired from another country (not the US) and even then it is a huge hassle usually taking several days (yes, I speak from experience). Havana is wonderful and interesting and the people are very friendly, but trying to get things done there is a nightmare.
www.travelingbastards.blogspot.com
Glenroy Valantine Rice Nov 22nd 2010 7:55PM
I see this as a two fold article one that would benefit potential tourist and travel professionals.
1. Helping would be travellers who are budget concious to make up their mind this winter and plan ahead for the summes 0f 2011
2. Giving extra tools to travel professionals.Tools they can use to help generate business for themselves and provide an economic imput to these destanations.
Of great importance here is the history lessons as seen, as read, as written,
the bajan Nov 23rd 2010 12:08PM
we have low cost hotels in barbados also we cater to the rich yes but the person looking for a deal can find one here
Joyce Nov 24th 2010 10:42PM
When were US citizens allowed to travel to Cuba?
Lisa Nov 25th 2010 3:34AM
I wonder why they don't suggest Puerto Rico. For US citizens it means no passport, no immunizations, no changing money... and it is beautiful! We rented an apartment instead of a hotel room, and fixed some of our own meals to save money.
Sissy Nov 25th 2010 3:45AM
I lived on the beautiful Island of Dominica for 2 years and it is an AMAZING place!!!!. There are several wonderful places to stay there. Rainforest Shangri La resort in Wotten Waven, Red Rock in Calibishie, several places in Rosalie, the Fort Young Hotel in Roseau and many more hidden away! The people of Dominica are lovely and generous and the fresh air and beauty are breath taking.
You will not find kinder doctors and nurses to care for you than at the Princess Margaret Hospital , who are truly dedicated professionals.
For first time visitors, to really appreciate the hidden treasures of the Island, two weeks of a stay is almost necessary , just to get to know the place and truly experience the wonders there. I am so pleased I had the opportunity to live and work in such a place!!
Alex Robertson Textor Nov 27th 2010 5:27PM
Thanks for all the comments, everyone! A few responses..
Simone: Good point regarding US ATM & credit cards in Cuba.
Joyce: You're right, Americans cannot legally travel to Cuba without special permission. It's not just Americans who read Gadling, however, and since Havana can indeed be very inexpensive, I thought that including it would be a good idea here. (There are, incidentally, ways for Americans to visit Cuba legally. See http://www.legalcubatravel.com for more information.)
The Bajan: Indeed, there are a surprising number of budget and mid-range options in Barbados. Thanks for pointing this fact out.
Sissy: Agreed, Dominica is one of the Caribbean's most beautiful islands, a wonderfully undeveloped place.
Jetlag Dec 6th 2010 11:28AM
Also, Roatan Island in The Bay Islands the way the rest of the Caribbean was decades ago and at a very resonable price