Although the Caribbean may sound like a destination that is out of your price range if you don”t have a large budget for your holiday, it doesn”t have to be. Follow these top tips to bring the price of your getaway down and you could be relaxing on the beach with a rum punch before you know it.
Look out for accommodation deals
High-end resorts don”t always charge top prices, especially if you can be flexible about when you travel and visit just outside the main tourist season. Some of the best resorts in the Caribbean will run promotions that give you free nights” accommodation or a room upgrade if you book to stay for a certain length of time.
You can also find discounted room rates during specific periods, so it”s best to have a look at the offers available before committing to flights or organising other parts of your break.
If you are travelling with children, rather than as a couple, don”t despair that you”ll have to give up on your idea of an exotic trip, as there are offers like holiday deals for families in Antigua that could be right up your street. These can cut the cost of your vacation by allowing a child to stay for free, provided there are two paying adults on the booking, for instance.
Consider all inclusive
While eating out in a new place can be fun and allow you to sample the local cuisine, it can often be one of the most expensive parts of a holiday. Booking an all inclusive deal that covers the cost of your meals and drinks is an excellent way to reduce the amount you need to save up for your dream Caribbean getaway.
If you shop around, you can find excellent prices at some of the region”s top hotels, where fine dining is an important part of the experience. Most resorts on Antigua, for example, will have several restaurants and bars where you can eat during the day and evening, as well as offering room service.
While this might restrict you a little, it”s worth it if it is the difference between you jetting off to the Caribbean this year, or having to wait another 12 months until you”ve saved up a bit more cash.
Make use of the facilities
As with the restaurants, most of the Caribbean resorts will have extensive leisure facilities, some of which may be free to use as part of your package. All the best hotels on Antigua have access to its glorious beaches and, if you fancy a change of scenery, you can travel to any other part of the coastline without having to worry about paying to lie back on the sand, as all of the island”s beaches are public.
If you enjoy being active on your holidays, check whether the hotel you”re considering staying at has a water sports centre and what equipment (if any) you can borrow free of charge. Many will offer kayaks and pedalos to their guests, while you might discover you can get a discount on sailing or scuba diving courses if you go through your accommodation”s centre, rather than looking elsewhere.
Of course, one of the best ways to keep your spending to a minimum on your getaway is to enjoy the stunning seaside surroundings and glorious, sunny weather. After all, it costs nothing to hit the beach and chill out with a good book for a few hours!