The Caribbean is not a region known for being budget-friendly, but there are actually many places where you can have a cheap vacation in an island paradise.
Although some destinations in the Caribbean are undeniably expensive (think St. Barts, St. Lucia, or the Cayman Islands), there are also a number of more affordable places to go.
According to a recent U.S. News ranking, these are the best destinations in the Caribbean for a cheap vacation.
1. Curacao
Curacao is located in the ABC Islands in the Southern Caribbean, along with Aruba and Bonaire. This Dutch island territory is known for having great beaches, excellent scuba diving, and colorful coral reefs.
If you’re looking for an affordable vacation in the Caribbean, Curacao is one of the top places to go.
Although flights from the U.S. can be a little pricier since there aren’t as many options to choose from, your on-the-ground costs will work out to be cheaper overall. Hotels, food, and activities in Curacao are all cheaper than many other Caribbean islands, including nearby Aruba.
2. Martinique
Another affordable Caribbean destination is Martinique. This is a great spot for adventurous travelers who are looking for an off-the-beaten-path Caribbean vacation.
Martinique, which is an overseas territory of France, is known for its rugged natural beauty. In addition to having great beaches, it’s also a popular destination for hiking.
The island possesses a unique blend of French and West Indian influences, giving it a strong cultural heritage that is on display in the lively capital Fort-de-France.
3. Trinidad & Tobago
One of the cheapest Caribbean destinations is Trinidad & Tobago. This Caribbean nation located in the Southern Caribbean is made up of two islands, the larger, bustling Trinidad and the smaller, quieter Tobago.
Trinidad is famous for hosting a boisterous Carnival celebration every year in the capital Port of Spain. The country is also the birthplace of various music styles, including calypso and soca.
If you’re looking for a more affordable Caribbean vacation, you can find great deals on hotels and activities in Trinidad and Tobago.
4. Jamaica
Despite a recent surge in crime and elevated travel warnings from the U.S. State Department, Jamaica remains as popular as ever among American travelers.
This affordable Caribbean island is so popular because of its beautiful beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and ease of travel. With dozens of all-inclusive resorts to choose from and tons of cheap flights from the United States, Jamaica is easily one of the best places for a cheap Caribbean vacation.
There are a number of all-inclusive resorts on the island for less than $300 a night, even during the peak winter season, making this a very budget-friendly travel destination.
5. U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands can be a surprisingly affordable destination for American travelers. There are so many reasons to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, including beautiful beaches, great weather, and many things to do.
These islands are a territory of the United States, meaning American travelers do not need a passport to visit.
The three main islands are St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. St. Thomas is the largest island and the most affordable to stay on, while St. John is worth a day trip visit due to its gorgeous beaches in the Virgin Islands National Park.
6. Grenada
Finally, Grenada is one of the best places in the Caribbean for a cheap vacation. This Caribbean destination still remains somewhat underrated and undiscovered.
The small country’s capital St. George’s has been named one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. The rest of the island is just as beautiful, with great beaches and a lush interior dotted with waterfalls.
