When you’re dreaming of warm sunshine, blue seas, and a relaxing escape, but your credit cards aren’t ready for a splurge, it’s time 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 craving.

Airfares vary by season, travel day, time, demand, and other factors, so it pays to search often and try apps like Hopper and Scott’s Cheap Flights for deals. When comparing hotel rates, check for resort fees, taxes, and other add-ons that can inflate the price. Book directly with the hotel, and you may be able to negotiate or secure an upgrade.

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Renting a car is also a large expense and usually not necessary. Uber is a cheaper option, and public transportation can be an enjoyable and inexpensive adventure. Local restaurants, street food, beach shacks, and grocery stores are ideal for budget meals, snacks, and picnic lunches. Speaking of snacks, be sure to bring some along to avoid having to buy any at the airport or on the flight. Also, remember to pack those items that may be more costly to replace while traveling, like chargers, sunscreen, power adapters, and sunglasses.

Can’t decide which island to visit? No time to put together an itinerary? Consider a cruise in which all the planning is done for you and you can select the most convenient and economical departure point. A travel advisor who specializes in cruises can also help get the best deal and even a few extras.

Naturally, hotel prices vary by season and demand, so between December and April, when travelers are seeking to escape the cold, a Caribbean vacation will generally be pricier. Plus, the dry season falls during those months, adding to the popularity. Low season in the Caribbean is from June through autumn, but it’s always worth shopping around. Climate and hurricane risk vary among the Caribbean countries.

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

Nicaragua

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This Central American country borders both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The relatively untouched eastern shores include fishing villages, mangroves, and secluded beaches. One of the Caribbean’s most affordable destinations, Nicaragua is also known for its volcanoes, beaches, and surfing. The best months to visit are November through April, the dry season, with warm temperatures and occasional rain.

Dominican Republic

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Punta Cana and Puerto Plata offer a number of budget options, with quite a few all-inclusive resorts. Consider whether you want to take advantage of the meals, beverages, entertainment, and amenities of an all-inclusive package, and if so, you may find some great deals. If not, with a reasonably priced hotel, you’ll still have 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 with convenient flights from many major U.S. airports, Puerto Rico offers a wide variety of beaches and places to stay, including several attractive budget options. Explore the country’s history with a walk through Old San Juan and visit El Yunque National Forest for a change of scenery from the sunny beaches. Eat at local restaurants for delicious food at affordable prices. Despite damage from hurricanes in recent years, Puerto Rico is recovering and visitors are welcome.

Caribbean Cruise, Norwegian Cruise Line

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A nine-day cruise aboard Norwegian Sky departs from Miami on April 17, 2023, and includes stops in the Bahamas, San Juan, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Thomas, and the Dominican Republic, plus several days at sea. Prices depend on stateroom, but for a single traveler, an ocean-view room starts at around $800. For two travelers sharing a room, the cost is approximately $520 each. Balcony rooms are significantly higher, and optional excursions are additional.

Caribbean Cruise, Royal Caribbean

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A seven-night southern Caribbean cruise aboard Rhapsody of the Seas boards in Bridgetown, Barbados, on April 16, 2023. The ship spends full days at Tobago, Trinidad, Grenada, St. Vincent, Dominica, and St. Lucia, before returning to Bridgetown. An ocean-view stateroom for a solo traveler starts at $1,500, while accommodations for two guests sharing a room starts at $611 each.

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. Many free and low-cost activities, in addition to swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, are conveniently located downtown. 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 to Airbnbs, vacation homes to hotels, including many all-inclusives. Gorgeous beaches, stunning national parks, lively nightlife, 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 rain forests. Guest rooms, 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 at the beach for a lazy afternoon.

Bahamas

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Less than 100 miles off the coast of Florida, the diverse islands of the Bahamas are home to resorts, beaches, wildlife, water sports, culture, and history. 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 there’s some chance of rain, though the weather is still warm. Enjoy local food, beer, and rum cocktails to get in the Bahamian spirit while saving a few dollars.

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 late summer to early fall rates and enjoy sunshine without weather worries. Choose a bed-and-breakfast, guest house, or apartment for a budget-friendly stay. Get to know the Bajan cuisine and check out casual eateries for delicious food and local flavor.

Colombia

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With coastlines on the Atlantic and the Caribbean, Colombia is just beginning to be appreciated as a beach destination, reflected in prices for vacationing there. The historic city of Cartagena features a charming old town, gorgeous beaches, and much more to explore. Nearby on the coast, Santa Marta and Rodadero also offer beautiful beaches. The December and January holiday season sees higher prices, but just as in other tropical destinations, travel during shoulder months can be a bargain. Street food, bed-and-breakfasts, and local restaurants also keep expenses down.