Caribbean family vacations create possibilities to make your dreams come true. Soft sands, sunny skies, big waves, great music, friendly locals and tourists looking to have a good time – these are the ingredients for perfect Caribbean family vacations.
Unfortunately, vacations in the Caribbean have a reputation for being expensive. The islands’ high-end resorts draw wealthy tourists from around the world. But why should budget travelers miss out on wholesome Caribbean fun? With a little advance planning, even the cash-strapped tourist can set out on the best Caribbean family vacations.
How To Plan Your Budget Caribbean Family Vacations?
Flight fares and accommodation are the two big expenses on vacations to the Caribbean. While planning your Caribbean Family Vacations, look out for special offers and discounts to cut down on your travel expenses.
1. Choose Your Destination Wisely:
Caribbean family vacations are only as cheap as your destination. The wealthy traveler can choose from a variety of remote, offbeat islands. The budget tourist does not have that luxury. Penny-pinching travelers should head to popular Caribbean vacation spots served by multiple airline carriers. Greater competition translates into cheaper deals. Places like Puerto Rico, Aruba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Nassau in the Bahamas are well-connected by commercial flights. The presence of multiple carriers ensures that ticket prices are relatively low.
The bargain quotient is not limited to flights alone. The low fares offered at places like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic attract budget travelers from around the world. These islands have plenty of mid-range hotels and resorts that appeal to this section of travelers. Inexpensive Caribbean family vacations are possible when tourists make an effort to look for the cheapest deals. The Internet is a useful tool, but the tried-and-tested travel agency is also a good bet.
2. Look For All Inclusive Deals:
The all inclusive deal is a popular option for travelers looking for Caribbean Family Vacations. An all inclusive Caribbean vacation is the ideal money saver for budget tourists. The smart traveler can scout around for the cheapest all inclusive Caribbean vacations packages. An all inclusive vacation is essentially a package deal that covers the basic costs – flights, accommodation and meals. Various permutations and combinations are available. While some tourists choose all inclusives that cover lodging and meals, others look for deals including airfare and accommodation but not meals. Some all inclusive Caribbean Family Vacations also include activities like golf, tennis, nature tours, heritage walks, surfing lessons, scuba diving, kayaking, and more.
The magic of all inclusive Caribbean family vacations is that there are no invisible expenses. The ultimate costs are known right from the time of booking. There is no need to worry whether or not you have crossed your holiday budget. If you are looking for all inclusive resorts, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are full of them. Travelers can find suitable options in other Caribbean destinations as well. But it will require some advance shopping.
3. Save Money In The Off-Season
When saving money is a priority, it is advisable to time your Caribbean vacation strategically. The peak season from mid-December to April draws the most tourists, but it is also the most expensive time to travel to the Caribbean. Airlines and hotels hike their prices considerably ensuring that Caribbean vacation packages are at their costliest. Budget travelers are advised to avoid this period completely.
Instead, plan your Caribbean family vacations during the months of May and September to December. This is the shoulder season, and it offers the best of both worlds. Travelers enjoy good weather (though not the constant sunny skies of the peak season) and cheaper rates. Then again, if you are looking for the cheapest Caribbean vacations consider whether you mind braving the rains or empty bars and restaurants. If not, then the hurricane season between June and August is your best bet. Hotels and airlines offer the lowest rates during this time.
What More Can You Do?
This three-point method is helpful in terms of planning a budget vacation to the Caribbean. However, it is only the tip of the iceberg. Travelers who are serious about saving money during the Caribbean vacations can take additional steps.
If you have been saving those frequent flier miles or clocking loyalty points during business trips to big hotel chains like the Hilton or Starwood, this is your chance to redeem them. Not a part of a loyalty program? Do not fret. The Caribbean is home to numerous smaller hotels and private villas available for rent at affordable rates. Caribbean family vacations need not to be all that expensive.
