The Caribbean is a great destination for travellers seeking pristine beaches, charming colonial architecture, and diverse cuisine. Each island boasts its own unique history, traditions, and landscapes, from endless beaches and rainforests to volcanic peaks and multi-hued seas. With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to find the best travel deals. Luckily, there are a variety of discounts and promotions available, especially during peak travel seasons. For example, Travel Tuesday, which falls on the first Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, offers attractive discounts on cruises and vacations. Additionally, websites like CheapCaribbean.com and Costco Travel provide all-inclusive vacation packages with significant savings. By taking advantage of these deals, travellers can explore the beauty of the Caribbean without breaking the bank.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Best tourist destination | Dominican Republic |
Underrated hidden gem | Nicaragua |
Best for families | Royal Caribbean Cruise |
Best for couples | Belize |
Best for solo travelers | Puerto Rico |
Best time to visit | January to April |
Best time to book | May |
What You'll Learn
All-inclusive resorts
The Caribbean is a great place for an all-inclusive holiday, with options for adults-only or family-friendly resorts. Here are some of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean:
Serenity at Coconut Bay, St Lucia
Serenity at Coconut Bay is an adults-only resort with a private beach, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre. It offers spacious and comfortable rooms, a variety of dining options, and excellent customer service. The resort also provides entertainment and activities such as snorkelling and diving.
Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, Dominican Republic
This resort boasts incredible beaches and views, as well as excellent food and service. It offers beach access, an outdoor infinity pool, a fitness centre, and evening entertainment. The rooms are nice and clean, and the staff is attentive and friendly.
Ambergris Cay Private Island, Turks & Caicos
This world-class resort is known for its attentive hosts and private butlers. It offers luxurious beachfront bungalows, heated plunge pools, and a variety of activities, including hiking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, and deep-sea fishing.
Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Dreams Royal Beach is a highly-rated, 5-star, adults-only resort. It offers clean and comfortable rooms, fantastic food and drinks, and a great pool scene. The staff is welcoming and friendly, and the resort provides a range of activities, including snorkelling, yoga, and wine tasting.
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana offers beautiful accommodations, amazing food, and superb entertainment. It has an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, and a spa. The staff is friendly and provides excellent service. The resort also offers breakfast and 24-hour room service.
Excellence Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Excellence Punta Cana is a luxury resort with beautiful pools, a private beach, and a variety of fun activities. It offers modern accommodations, lovely gardens, and family-friendly amenities. There are several on-site restaurants serving delicious food, and the staff is friendly and accommodating.
Royalton Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba
Royalton Cayo Santa Maria is an intimate, adults-only resort with beach access, an outdoor infinity pool, and a fitness centre. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the staff is attentive. The on-site restaurant serves good food, and there is evening entertainment and daily activities.
Memories Jibacoa, Jamaica
Nestled between a forest and a beach, Memories Jibacoa is a compact resort offering spotless rooms, a fitness centre, a tennis court, and an adult pool. There is a variety of food options, and the staff provides excellent service. The resort also offers water activities such as snorkelling and diving.
S Hotel Jamaica, Montego Bay
S Hotel Jamaica is a stylish boutique hotel with a serene pool area, a rooftop terrace, a spa, and a fitness centre. It offers fantastic amenities, personalised service, and easy access to the beach. There is also a nightclub and nearby snorkelling opportunities.
Finest Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Finest Punta Cana is an excellent choice for families, offering modern accommodations, lovely gardens, and adult and family pools. There is a private beach, a spa, and a sauna. The resort provides yoga, tennis, snorkelling, and family-friendly activities. The food is delicious, and the staff is friendly.
Hermitage Bay, Antigua and Barbuda
Hermitage Bay is a unique boutique hotel with breathtaking views and easy access to the beach. It offers rooms with private plunge pools, activities such as windsurfing and snorkelling, and a spa. The on-site restaurant serves fresh and flavourful dishes, and the staff is welcoming.
Hilton La Romana, Dominican Republic
Hilton La Romana is an adult-only resort with a pristine beach, well-maintained gardens, and a variety of activities, including tennis, snorkelling, and canoeing. It offers modern accommodations, private pools, and beach access. The food is good, and the staff is polite and friendly. There is also a nightclub and a casino.
These resorts offer excellent value for money, with gourmet food, private pools, and luxury spas. They provide a range of activities and entertainment options, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable holiday in the Caribbean.
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Cheap flights
Booking Tips
- Book at least one week before departure to get a below-average price.
- The cheapest month to fly from the US is September. High season is considered to be November and December.
- The best time to beat the crowds is when there is an average 15% drop in price. The most popular time to fly is when there is an average 23% increase in price.
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the cheapest days to fly.
- The cheapest days to fly are in the middle of the week, and the most expensive are usually Fridays and Sundays.
- If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can use the 'flexible dates' filter on flight search engines to find the cheapest time to fly.
- Set up a price alert for your preferred route so you can snap up a great deal when you see one.
- If you're a US citizen, you can fly to Puerto Rico without a passport.
- If you're travelling with children, remember that different countries have different laws regarding car seats for children.
Flight Deals
- From Newark Liberty Airport to San Juan Airport, Puerto Rico, for as little as $40 one-way.
- From New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for $104 round-trip.
- From New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for $270 round-trip.
- From New York to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for $255 round-trip.
- From New York to Montego Bay, Jamaica, for $270 round-trip.
- From New York to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, for $273 round-trip.
- From New York to Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, for $115 one-way.
- From New York to St. Thomas Island for $115 one-way.
- From New York to Bridgetown, Barbados, for $254 one-way.
- From New York to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, for $164 one-way.
- From New York to Willemstad, Curacao, for $292 one-way.
- From New York to St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda, for $239 one-way.
- From New York to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, for $272 one-way.
- From New York to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, for $315 one-way.
- From New York to Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, for $230 one-way.
- From New York to Montego Bay, Jamaica, for $201 one-way.
- From New York to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, for $228 one-way.
- From New York to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for $216 one-way.
- From New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for $125 one-way.
- From New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for $141 one-way.
- From New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for $144 one-way.
- From New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for $146 one-way.
- From New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for
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Budget-friendly destinations
The Caribbean is a great destination for travellers on a budget. Here are some of the best budget-friendly destinations in the region:
- The Dominican Republic: The resort towns of Punta Cana and Puerto Plata offer all-inclusive resorts with meals, beverages, entertainment, and amenities included in one affordable package. Traditional hotels and smaller towns provide reasonably priced lodging with access to beaches, dining options, and attractions.
- Nicaragua: Bordering the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Nicaragua's eastern coast is less developed and more affordable than its western counterpart. Highlights include charming fishing villages, mangrove forests, and secluded surf-ready beaches. The dry season, between November and April, offers warm temperatures and little rain.
- Belize: The Caribbean coast of Belize offers sandy beaches, offshore cays, abundant wildlife, Mayan ruins, and rainforests. Visitors on a budget will find affordable eateries and accommodation, from guesthouses to small hotels and casual resorts.
- Puerto Rico: Less than a three-hour flight from Miami, Puerto Rico offers a range of attractive budget options for accommodation and dining. Explore Old San Juan and El Yunque National Forest for a mix of history and natural scenery.
- Cancun, Mexico: While costs can add up in the popular beach zone, downtown Cancun offers free and low-cost activities, as well as easy access to swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing. Enjoy colourful outdoor art, markets, parks, street food, and stunning views along the Malecón Tajamar.
- Curaçao: Located outside the hurricane zone, Curaçao has a variety of budget-friendly accommodation options, from apartments to hotels and all-inclusives. The island boasts gorgeous beaches, scenic parks, and casual eateries, making it easy to stay within a reasonable budget.
- The Bahamas: While it's tough to find bargains during the high season, prices drop from July to November, and the weather remains warm. All-inclusive hotels offer budget-friendly options, and exploring the local food, beer, and rum scenes can help keep costs down.
- Barbados: As an off-season destination outside the hurricane belt, Barbados offers low rates during late summer and early fall. Opt for bed-and-breakfasts, guesthouses, or apartments for budget-friendly stays, and indulge in the local Bajan cuisine at affordable prices.
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Cruise deals
There are many cruise deals available to the Caribbean, with some of the best offering a variety of discounts and incentives. Here are some of the best cruise deals to the Caribbean:
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Royal Caribbean offers a range of cruise deals to the Caribbean, with incentives such as 60% off for all guests, kids sailing free, free gratuities, and onboard credit. They also offer early saver deals for guests booking well in advance, as well as last-minute deals for those looking to book a spontaneous trip.
Norwegian Cruises
Norwegian Cruises provides up to five free offers and up to $1,700 cash back.
Holland America Cruises
Holland America Cruises has a deal that includes 50% off the signature beverage package, specialty dining, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises offers free gratuities, a free beverage package, and free Wi-Fi.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises provides three free amenities and up to $1,700 in onboard credit.
Carnival Cruises
Carnival Cruises has a variety of cruise deals to the Caribbean, including:
- A 5-night Western Caribbean cruise from Miami, with early saver rates, up to $50 onboard credit, and a 50% reduced deposit per person.
- A 5-night Western Caribbean cruise from Tampa, with up to $1,700 onboard credit, exclusive free gratuities, and a BOGO60 sale (60% off for the second guest and 30% off for the third and fourth guests).
- An 8-night Southern Caribbean cruise from Miami, with up to $1,700 onboard credit, 50% off, and 50% off deposits for the third and fourth guests.
- A 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, with up to $1,700 onboard credit, early saver rates, up to $50 onboard credit, and a 50% reduced deposit per person.
Other Cruise Lines
In addition to the major cruise lines, there are also deals available from other cruise operators, such as Azamara, Seabourn, and Star Clippers. These smaller cruise lines often offer more intimate experiences and unique itineraries.
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Best time to visit
The Caribbean is a great destination for a sunny getaway, with warm weather all year round. The best time to visit is between January and April, after the busy season ends, when you can find cheaper vacation packages.
The Caribbean experiences its highest rainfall in May, and the hurricane season runs from June to November. So, if you want to avoid the risk of storms, it's best to go outside of these months.
If you're looking to visit during the summer or early fall, the islands of Curaçao and Aruba are great options as they are outside of the hurricane belt.
For those wanting to make the most of the low season, the year-end carnivals in Curaçao and Aruba are well worth a visit.
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