7 Caribbean Destinations Where You Can Vacation Comfortably on $2,000 for 2 Weeks
Written by
Aja McClanahan
Edited by
Travis Woods
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Vacationing in a Caribbean paradise can range from being quite economical to being extremely expensive. The good news is that with a little research, planning and creativity, you can enjoy an affordable Caribbean vacation in many beautiful destinations. Here are some of the places where you can vacation for about $2,000 (or less) per week.
1. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an economical vacation destination for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s a U.S. territory, so you can skip the exchanges and don’t need a passport. Second, the island boasts a great deal of public beaches, which means you don’t have to book a fancy resort to enjoy many of the island’s natural attractions. Plus, coming from the East Coast of the U.S. and select destinations in Latin America, you’ll find reasonable flights. Plus, you can use public transit, ride-sharing, or smaller private car rental companies that offer cheaper prices.
2. The Dominican Republic
Like Puerto Rico, certain areas of the Dominican Republic have many public beaches and natural attractions like waterfalls and caves, which don’t require you to book an expensive resort hotel. However, to pull this off, you’re better off avoiding areas like Punta Cana since this region has more expensive resorts and hotels. Check out budget-friendly destinations like Puerto Plata, Sosúa and Cabarete, where you’ll find inexpensive accommodations and dining options with activities like surfing and kiteboarding.
3. Mexico
Cancun and Playa del Carmen are attractive destinations for budget-conscious travelers desiring a Caribbean experience without the high costs typically associated with island vacations. Here, you’ll find your food budget stretches further due to an abundance of local food sources and local eateries. Though you can certainly book all-inclusive resorts, Airbnbs in the area can be as low as $40 per night for 2 adults during the low season, making a two-week stay well under $1,000.
4. Bahamas
Vacationing economically in the Bahamas is entirely possible if you’re willing to take another route to this destination. One of the most cost-effective ways to travel to the Bahamas is by booking a cruise. Several inexpensive cruise lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, with frequent departures from ports in Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando. These cruises often offer package deals that include accommodations, meals, and entertainment, providing excellent value for money.
5. U.S. Virgin Islands
In the the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can enjoy budget-friendly vacation options due to duty-free shopping and minimal travel costs since, like Puerto Rico, they’re a U.S. territory. Of all the islands, St. Croix is likely the most affordable because it’s bigger, and there are more options for lodging and dining. The bonus of visiting these Caribbean islands is that you can usually island hop via ferries and planes, giving you more bang for your vacation buck. Though you can stay in the USVI for your island-hopping adventures, there are also options for day trips to the nearby British Virgin Islands.
6. Colombia
Colombia’s Caribbean coast offers plenty of affordable vacation options without the hefty price tag of an island vacation. Cartagena is a popular destination that gives you access to a beautifully preserved colonial city, picturesque beaches and a vibrant cultural scene. Like other places on this list, you can visit many of the public beaches while renting our Airbnbs, which can be as low as $40 a night for two guests. From here, you can also visit the Palomino River area, which also features plenty of affordable lodging and dining options.
7. Belize
Belize is known for its value. This Central American nation bordering the Caribbean Sea offers beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and a rich cultural scene for much less than the prices of a typical island vacation. People enjoy natural attractions such as the Great Blue Hole, extensive coral reefs, Mayan ruins, and national parks. If you book far enough in advance, you should also be able to get reasonably-priced flights from the U.S., too.
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