Picture yourself in paradise: soft white-sand beaches, cool, clear waters, lush palm trees, sparkling waterfalls, vibrant coral reefs, reggae music playing, and a drink in your hand. It’s no wonder why the Caribbean is one of the top vacation destinations in the world.
Home to some of the best beaches and all-inclusive resorts on earth, American tourists flock to the Caribbean every year to get a taste for themselves. From St. Barts to Belize to the Bahamas, there is no shortage of Caribbean islands for you to travel to for your next tropical getaway.
What can be tricky, however, is planning a budget-friendly beach vacation. With the help of ResortPass, you can enjoy the luxury of a high-end resort at a more affordable price. Today, we’ll explain how ResortPass can help you achieve your dream of going on a world-class Caribbean getaway.
1. Grenada
Grenada is a beautiful country positioned in the southeastern Caribbean Sea just south of Saint Vincent and north of Trinidad and Tobago. Grenada is famous for the stunning Grand Anse Beach, Annandale Falls, and Grand Etang National Park.
Grenada’s most popular tourist season is Carnival, which takes place every August. Formally known as “Spicemas,” visitors can expect to find lots of music, dancing, and parades.
Among the many beautiful and affordable resorts in Grenada is the True Blue Bay all-inclusive resort. This St. George’s boutique hotel boasts four outdoor pools, a kids’ pool with a slide, water sports, an escape room game, and unlimited drinks and cocktails from the poolside bars.
2. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a richly diverse northeastern Caribbean island located east of the Dominican Republic and west of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico is famous for the El Yunque National Forest, Playa Flamenco in Culebra, and Mosquito Bay in Vieques.
The most popular time for tourists to visit the birthplace of reggaeton is during the dry season from late December to mid-April, during which visitors can expect less rain and more sunshine.
Among the several marvelous resorts in Puerto Rico is the Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino in San Juan. The hotel features a rooftop infinity pool, morning yoga classes, wellness aqua aerobics, Latin dance classes, and live music every weekend.
3. Jamaica
Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean Sea, nestled 90 miles south of Cuba. This gorgeous country is famous for the Blue Mountains, Dunn’s River Falls, the Seven Mile Beach in Negril, and Port Royal.
February is a popular time of year for tourists to travel to Jamaica. During this month, the nation puts on its annual celebration, the Bob Marley Birthday Bash.
Among the many beautiful resorts in Jamaica is JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar, located in Montego Bay. This resort is stacked with amenities that include three outdoor adult-only pools, beach access, tennis, ping pong, beach volleyball, and basketball courts.
Another option in Montego Bay is Zoetry Montego Bay Jamaica Resort, which provides guests with three outdoor pools, hot tubs, a fitness center, water sports, cooking lessons, patois lessons, board games, bracelet-making classes, yoga classes, and meditation.
4. Barbados
Barbados is a small, vibrant nation and the easternmost Caribbean island, located east of the Grenadines. Barbados is famous for the Animal Flower Cave in St. Lucy, the Garrison Historic Area, and the Platinum Coast.
Tourists flock to the birthplace of rum during the summer harvest celebration, called the Crop Over Festival. The island turns into one big party with colorful parades and soca music.
Among the popular resorts in Barbados is the Hilton Barbados Resort in Bridgetown. This Hilton location includes two outdoor pools, an outdoor kids pool, poolside service, beach access, a couple’s spa day retreat, a relaxation lounge, and a sauna.
5. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a diverse country nestled within the island of Hispaniola, right beside the nation of Haiti. It is famous for Las Terrenas beach, Pico Duarte in the Cordillera Central, and the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua.
Peak tourist season in the Dominican Republic is from December to April. It is during this time that the weather is ideal for beach activities.
Among the popular resorts in the Dominican Republic is the Club Med Punta Cana Resort. Here, you’ll find three outdoor pools, beach access, kayaking, paddle-boarding, tennis, archery, volleyball, basketball, sailing, kite surfing, and a kids club with a circus school and trapeze center.
6. Aruba
Aruba is a vibrant nation positioned north of Venezuela in the southern Caribbean Sea. The country is famous for Arikok National Park, the Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations, Eagle Beach, and the Alto Vista Chapel.
Aruba’s most popular tourist season ranges from mid-December to mid-April with an influx during the celebration of Carnival in January and February.
Among the many beautiful and affordable resorts in Aruba is Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino in Noord. This resort features a variety of wellness amenities, including saunas, steam rooms, cold plunges, relaxation lounges, and a fitness center.
7. Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is a single nation made up of two islands in the southern Caribbean. Trinidad is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Maracas Bay, and the Asa Wright Nature Centre. Tobago is famous for Pigeon Point beach, Fort King George, and the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve.
The busiest time of year in Trinidad and Tobago is Carnival. Tourists come from all over the globe to wear elaborate costumes and participate in the festivities.
Among the many beautiful resorts in Trinidad and Tobago is Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort in Black Rock, Tobago. At this luxury resort, guests will find an outdoor freshwater pool with a swim-up bar, a hot tub, a game center, fitness center, tennis courts, and a full-service spa.
8. Curacao
Curacao is a picturesque island positioned in the southern Caribbean Sea north of Venezuela. Curacao is famous for Playa Kenepa, the Hato Caves, and Mount Christoffel in the Christoffel National Park.
Tourism in Curacao is especially busy in January and February during the nation’s celebration of Carnival, when the streets are filled with colorful costumes and tumba music.
Among the affordable luxury resorts in Curacao is the Dreams Curacao Resort Spa and Casino in Willemstad. This all-inclusive hotel offers three outdoor pools, a kids pool, poolside food and drink service, a kids club, a teens club, and water sports.
Another option in Willemstad is the Sunscape Curacao Resort Spa & Casino in Willemstad featuring two outdoor pools, a kids’ pool, an adults-only hot tub, beach access, live entertainment, bouncy boxing, rock climbing, tennis, and sand castle competitions.
9. Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a culturally rich island country in the eastern Caribbean Sea, situated north of the Grenadines and south of Martinique. It is famous for Sulphur Springs, Diamond Falls, and Pigeon Island National Park.
The most popular time of year for travelers to head to St. Lucia is during the wintertime when the weather on the island is warmer and the humidity levels are lower.
Among the stunning resorts in St. Lucia is the Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort in Castries. This destination includes six outdoor pools, an outdoor hot tub, beach access, a fitness center, motorized water sports, and spa treatments.
10. Mexico
Mexico is a beautiful tropical country in North America, bordered by the USA, Belize, and Guatemala. It is famous for the canyons in Chihuahua, beaches in Cancun, and Mayan pyramids at Chichen Itza.
Tourists flock to Mexico during the holiday season, especially during December, to partake in Christmas posadas and in October to witness the Día de los Muertos festivities.
Among the marvelous resorts in Mexico is the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort in Cabo San Lucas. Here, guests will be treated to four outdoor pools, a waterslide, an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar, a hot tub, a spa, and beach access.
The Value of ResortPass
Instead of spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on accommodations for your stay, book a room at a cheap Caribbean hotel and purchase Day Passes for the expensive beach resorts nearby. With a Day Pass, you will have the opportunity to enjoy all the luxurious amenities without having to pay for a full night’s stay.
How To Use ResortPass
Using ResortPass, you will be able to book Day Passes in your area with ease! Simply log on to ResortPass.com or download the ResortPass app. Type in the location of your choice in the search bar, and browse through Caribbean destinations.
If there are certain amenities that you would like to enjoy, use the filter options to narrow things down. For example, if you are hoping to spend time on one of the beautiful beaches in the area, use the filtering tool to restrict your search results to hotels that offer beach access.
Once you have found a resort you would like to visit, go ahead and purchase a Day Pass. Day Passes typically include access to pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, restaurants, and beaches. Every resort is different, so be sure to check the details page to find out exactly what facilities you will have access to.
When your check-in time arrives, head to the front desk, show them your confirmation email, and enjoy your day trip at the Carribean resort!
Budget-Friendly Travel Tips
Aside from using ResortPass, there are a few other things that you can do when planning your vacation that will help keep things affordable. Here are some budget-friendly travel tips!
Research Package Deals
When researching your island vacation, check to see if the resorts you are interested in visiting offer any package deals. All-inclusive resorts will often offer discounted experiences to their guests if they purchase as a bundle.
This could include room and board, plus cheaper access to island activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and water sports. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!
Travel During Off-Season
Off-season is the time of year when a resort has slower business than usual. To encourage tourists to visit during the off-season, hotels will typically offer bookings for lower prices.
Additionally, airfare tends to be cheaper during the off-season, which can help you save money on travel expenses. Off-season in the Caribbean usually spans from April to December. Remember to check weather conditions before booking!
Use Public Transportation
Renting vehicles on tropical vacations can get expensive! Save a little spending money by utilizing the city’s public transportation.
Research the town’s buses, trains, and taxis and see if any of these options could be a viable alternative for you. Island towns are typically pretty walkable, so perhaps you’ll be able to skip transportation altogether and walk or bike instead.
Travel With Friends
Traveling as a group instead of traveling solo can help to cut down costs. Rather than paying for everything yourself, you will be able to split the cost among your friends.
Additionally, many attractions and experiences offer group pricing. For example, the price of a boat tour in the Caribbean Sea can be considerably discounted if you are buying a large number of tickets all at once. On top of saving some cash, you’ll get to enjoy the company of your friends.
Enjoy Your Time in Paradise!
Vacationing in the Caribbean and staying within your budget is absolutely an achievable goal! With a little research and some careful planning, you should still be able to have the island vacation of your dreams without emptying your wallet.
We hope our guide was useful to you. Now grab your sunglasses and go enjoy your time soaking up some vitamin D in paradise.
