| The Caribbean is the perfect place to relax on | | | | the best times to experience the Caribbean, escaping |
| tropical shores and unwind with a cocktail amongst | | | | the expensive winter months with hotels and |
| the palm trees. But many budget travelers are put | | | | package deals offering savings of up to 50%. You'll |
| off by high trip prices and the large number of luxury | | | | escape the winter crowds and experience the many |
| hotels way beyond their means, often believing it's | | | | local events and festivals which happen during the |
| the playground for the rich and famous. Yet the truth | | | | off-peak season, from jazz festivals to sports |
| is there are several tricks to bagging a Caribbean | | | | competitions. |
| vacation package that is affordable and fun without | | | | 3. Save money on flights - book well in advance to |
| having to resort to stringing up a hammock to the | | | | secure cheaper tickets, with round trips costing less |
| nearest palm tree. | | | | than a one-way. The other option is to be flexible |
| 1. Shop around for a great deal - if you take the time | | | | with your dates and travel mid week, fall, spring or |
| to search online and are prepared to go last minute | | | | summer, when you're bound to find a bargain. Or if |
| then you're guaranteed to find an amazing offer. You | | | | you're feeling brave leave it until the absolute |
| may be put off by the initial outlay of an all-inclusive | | | | last-minute, just a couple of days before travel to |
| package, but very often it ends up being cheaper as | | | | pick up empty seats or hotel rooms. Traveling from |
| eating out for every meal in a restaurant can prove | | | | remote airports also often conveys a discount. There |
| to be very expensive. Also an all-inclusive Caribbean | | | | are some great online sites that will find you budget |
| vacation package allows you to spend your budget | | | | airline tickets (see resources). |
| and stick to it, as well as offering access to a whole | | | | 4. Choose a small hotel chain - if you opt for a less |
| host of included extras which would be very pricey | | | | expensive inn or guesthouse rather than a beachside |
| separately, such as water sports and a trip to the | | | | resort you may find much cheaper prices as well as |
| spa. | | | | experience a different side to the Caribbean away |
| 2. Go off-peak - many people are put off traveling to | | | | from the well worn tourist trail. For example, in |
| the Caribbean during off peak season because of the | | | | Granada and Tobago, Beyond the Beaches is a small |
| risk of hurricanes. Off-peak is from April to October | | | | chain of 17 alternative hotels inland on the coast |
| and although the risk of hurricane is higher with such | | | | providing affordable accommodation off the beaten |
| high-tech forecasting systems nowadays the risk to | | | | track. |
| travelers is minimal. In fact, off-peak can be one of | | | | |