Summer Travel Guide to the Caribbean on a Budget

If you're looking for a budget-conscious summer vacation this year, a Caribbean trip just may be the vacation that fits your bill. The Caribbean islands are quickly becoming a popular year-round destination, but you can still take advantage of lower prices during the off-season summer travel season. Here are 11 tips for a budget-conscious Caribbean trip this summer.

1. Why the Caribbean in the summer? That's a budget tip in itself. While summer vacations are IN SEASON at many vacation destinations, summer is the off season for the semi-tropical Caribbean. That means that you'll save money on everything from air fares to nights on the town. You can save up to 40% on a Caribbean vacation by booking it in the summer.
2. Consider a Caribbean cruise rather than a destination resort vacation. Cruises are an excellent budget-conscious option because they combine the best features of all-inclusive vacations with shore trips on multiple islands.
3. Maximize your cruise savings by booking an interior cabin. Not only are interior cabins up to 50% cheaper than exterior cabins, they're recommended for anyone who is prone to motion sickness. After all, even if you're saving big money on your Caribbean cruise, you don't want to spend most of it huddled in your cabin.
4. Look for hotels that are just off the shore. Hotels and resorts with shore front footage command premium rates. You can easily save enough on your hotel to pay for most of your meals if you book a room that's not right on the beach.
5. One of the best ways to save money on a Caribbean vacation is to rent a condo instead of a hotel room. It's an especially attractive option for a big family or a group traveling together. You'll save big bucks by hitting the local grocers for food and cooking for yourself at your home away from home.
6. Shop for an all-inclusive vacation at one of the island resorts. All-inclusive vacations include airfare, island transportation, meals and hotel - most even include admission to island attractions as part of one price. The prices may look high when you compare them to a la carte vacation packages, but when you add everything up, you'll often save a considerable amount.
7. If you do decide to put together your own a la carte Caribbean vacation, check flights flying into and out of smaller airports.
8. Don't rent a car - take the bus instead! Most of the Caribbean islands have excellent public transportation systems that will get you anywhere you want to go on the island. If you choose an all-inclusive vacation package at some resorts, they'll even supply transportation for trips to town and other shore trips.
9. Stop in at the local Tourism or Visitors' Center to pick up coupons for meals and tourist attractions. You'll often find 2-for-1 admissions and meal coupons as well as "kids eat free with adult" coupons. Be sure to ask the staff on duty for recommendations on the best places to visit, eat and drink.
10. Save the restaurant meals for special occasions and you'll save money. Instead, hit the local marketplace and enjoy food from open-air stalls, or visit smaller local restaurants for lunch instead of dinner.
11. Always, always, always ask for the best price. Whether you're booking a room or a flight, be sure to ask if that's the best price available. Don't forget to ask about special discounts for any groups or organizations - the AARP and AAA often have worked out special deals for members.

Need more tips? Check out some of these web sites for specific information about great Caribbean vacations at various islands.

All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts
Cheap Vacation Tips for the Dominican Republic
Secret Hotels of the Caribbean
5 Cheapest Islands with Stellar Beaches