Budget Planning

Traveling in the Caribbean can unfortunately be a very expensive activity, but there are some deals to be had in this beautiful paradise of a travel region. Due to an influx of tourists both on package tours and cruise ships, prices tend to be high. Also, transportation can be more expensive that most other places in the world because of limited roads on many of the island combined with the need to use boats or airplanes to get around. The best advice for traveling on a budget in the Caribbean is to pick only one or two islands, stay at local inexpensive hotels, eat at local restaurants, and don't move around a lot. Another option for those traveling on the cheap, believe it or not, is to stay at an all-inclusive resort. Great deals can be found especially if booking last minute or planning well ahead. A variety of resort types are available, and some are much cheaper than others.

Things to do

The Beach: The tropical paradise atmosphere is probably what draws most people to this part of the world. The weather is warm, the palm trees are swaying, and the water is clear. Some of the beaches are calm and secluded, while others offer festive parties. Beach activities such as kayaking, parasailing, surfing, and snorkeling are also plentiful.
Scuba Diving: Naturally, the Caribbean islands are surrounded by tropical waters. As such, these waters are full of an amazing array of undersea life. From the Cayman Islands in the north to Curacao in the south, almost every island offers some type of Scuba opportunities. Check out the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands for some great diving spots with shipwrecks.
Resorts and Cruises: Most of the islands offer at least a few popular resorts that provide every type of amenity in a perfect tropical setting. Usually set on a perfect beach and offering a variety of dining options, these pleasure paradises cater to a wide variety of visitors. Some are for younger single travelers, some for couples, and some for more mature travelers. No matter what your interests are, there are at least a few resorts that will cater to your desires. Cruises also offer a great way to see the islands, especially since you can take your hotel room with you. Most cruises offer a variety of activities on different islands from beach trips to diving to sailing. Just like the resorts, amenities and prices can vary.

Budget Travel Destinations

Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are perhaps the most inexpensive countries as a whole in the Caribbean. Other deals can be found on other islands, but many cater to higher end and wealthy travelers. Look for islands that have their own currency instead of those that use the East Caribbean Dollar because they tend to be a little cheaper. Resorts can be both cheap and expensive, so do your research ahead of time. Sometimes an all-inclusive resort can be cheaper than a nice hotel when you account for food and activities. Often these resorts make most of their money from alchohol and add-on trips, so consider your budget for those items and consider or maybe just stay put and mostly sober.

Transportation

Public ferries run between many of the islands, especially those that share major airports, are within close proximity to each other, or share a common colonial history. Many of these ferries are fast and modern, but in turn can be pricey. They usually run every day of the week, if not more often, but pay attention to schedules if you're relying on them. Small puddle jumping airplanes can also be an option, but again, prices vary widely depending on tourist demand as much as distance and fuel prices. Once on the islands, renting a car or taking a public bus can be quite common. Some islands are large enough to warrant the need for a car. Make sure you research driver's licence requirements and safety regulations before you make a reservation, depending on the islands you plan to visit.