It’s vacation time! If you’re keen to go on a holiday that allows you fun in the sun and some luxury pampering, the good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money.
Choosing to go to an island in itself screams luxury.
Aren’t island vacations always expensive? They don’t have to be, provided you choose the right locations at the right time and follow some important tips to cut costs during your trip.
With that in mind, let’s explore seven of the most affordable island vacations. You’ll want to pack your bags after reading this guide.
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Most Affordable Luxury Island Vacation Destinations
#1 Honduras
Honduras is well known for its friendly people, beautiful tropical weather, and stunning beaches.
However, take a closer look and you’ll find even more marvels, such as amazing wildlife and Mayan ruins. After experiencing lashings from two hurricanes in 2020, Honduras is in recovery and eager to bring more tourists to its gorgeous island.
The great thing about Honduras is that it’s all about making your money go further.
You can expect four-star rooms to start at less than $100, and hotels in this region usually offer tourists great discounts on regular rates.
When heading to Honduras, make Roatán your focus. This is a large island in Honduras that has become popular for tourists who like to go diving and snorkeling.
You’ll love the mountain that ripples through the center of the island and its beaches, which are gorgeous, offering clear water views, palms dancing in the breeze, and shops a stone’s throw away.
#2 Martinique
If you want to enjoy a Caribbean vacation, Martinique is your best bet to help you enjoy some luxury on a budget.
It offers lots of beautiful attractions, such as the Les Salines beach which has 1,200 meters of beautiful golden sand straight out of your daydreams.
Martinique is mainly known for its gorgeous beaches and mountains, tropical gardens, and architectural sights.
Snack on delicious food from street vendors and enjoy spending less than $200 per night for accommodation.
This is much more budget-friendly than what you’ll find in other Caribbean islands.
Best of all, you’ll have tons of features at the hotel to make use of, such as beautiful pools, quality restaurants, and easy access to the beach so you can work on your tan.
Just make sure you avoid some very popular tourist locations during the peak summer and winter months, such as Ste-Anne.
#3 Cambodia
While Cambodia is often revered for its ancient temples, there are many outdoor adventures that make it valuable for travelers who want to explore its beautiful forests and breathtaking mountains.
Want to have access to a beach? No problem, since Cambodia has many rugged beaches on offer.
The resorts are also more budget-friendly than what you’d find in Thailand, which is a bonus.
Head over to Koh Rong for a tropical vacation as it offers coral reefs, beautiful sunsets, and mesmerizing blue water.
When it comes to staying on the island, you can get away with bungalow accommodation that’s as cheap as $40 or less, while staying at a hotel will set you back around the same, provided that you don’t mind sacrificing a bit of luxury.
That said, there are some luxurious hotels, such as The Royal Sands Koh Rong, which costs between $200 to $1,500 per night but offer you private swimming pools and top-quality service.
#4 Little Corn Island
What’s an island vacation without some TLC and pampering?
If that’s one of the things you’re looking for, Little Corn island that’s about 50 miles from Nicaragua in Central America will be perfect as it offers yoga, massages, and facials.
This island is really tiny, coming in at just 1.5 square miles in size, and there are no cars on it! Enjoy snorkeling, sailing, and visiting farmer’s market stalls. You might want to rent a bike to get around.
For food, The Lighthouse is great for tacos and drinks that won’t cost a lot of money. You’ll get to enjoy pizza at a place called Color View, where budget-friendly meals are also on offer.
Little Corn offers a variety of accommodation to suit every budget, so it’s definitely worth checking out.
#5 Zanzibar
Zanzibar, located in Tanzania, offers island vacations are made of warm water, white beaches, and interesting cultures to explore.
Here you’ll find a mix of cultures, such as African and Portuguese, that is filled with history and beauty.
This is the place to go if you’re looking for tropical beauty as well as interesting, memorable locations, such as the Spice Farms, where you’ll be able to explore the spice plantations in Masingini Forest.
Another must-see is the Jozani Forest, where a tour will allow you to view over 40 species of birds, elusive leopards, and red colobus monkeys, as well as enable you to go deeper into mangrove swamps to learn about the ecosystem which protects the Zanzibar coastline.
You can find cheap accommodation in Zanzibar, such as in Stone Town where the most budget-friendly places to stay are located. Here you can find cheap hotels for as little as $35 per night!
#6 Oahu
Located in Hawaii, Oahu is one of the most budget-friendly islands. Although everyone tends to think that Hawaii is expensive, it really doesn’t have to be.
Here you’ll enjoy various outdoor activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, or walking around the island on foot which will save you some money while you view the sights.
Go hiking to Diamond Head State Monument, or take a flight with a helicopter tour.
Some areas in Oahu, such as on the east coast, also provide ideal locations for viewing The Milky Way galaxy at night.
There are easy ways to enjoy the local food without running up an expensive bill – take advantage of the food trucks and food courts that are on offer.
When it comes to where to stay, go camping or consider staying at a guest house or condo.
Here you can get away with rooms that are less than $200, and some are even as cheap as $30 to $50.
#7 Cozumel
Cozumel in Mexico is an island that’s very well-known, especially for people who want to enjoy a variety of water sports.
Cozumel is easy to get to because it’s got its own airport and ensures direct flights from some big cities.
What Cozumel is mainly known for is its varied marine life and warm Caribbean water, which appeals to people who love scuba-diving.
There are plenty of interesting and fun things to do in Cozumel, such as going snorkeling, going on a tour to see the Mayan ruins, and spending time on Paradise beach.
This is the perfect place to relax in the sun and enjoy the beautiful waters. There’s even a fresh/heated pool available for a dash of luxury!
You can enjoy staying at Cozumel for very cheap. Hostels can cost as little as $13, while eating the local delicacies, such as tacos and Mayan pork, can cost as little as $8.
Top Tips For Affordable Island Vacations
No matter where you’re going, you can make your trip much easier on your budget. Here are some tips to bear in mind.
- Travel out of season. Learn about the best time to visit the island and then make sure you book your trip for before or after that period. This is known as shoulder season and both airlines and hotels will reduce their prices to attract people during this time.
- Think of alternative accommodation. Dorm rooms in hotels are worthy of consideration, as they will help you to cut your costs. Or, consider AirBnBs – booking a spare room in a person’s home can halve your accommodation costs.
- Research what restaurants are available. Don’t be limited to them, however, as they can notch up your holiday expenses really quickly, especially if you eat out a lot. Rather, think about local street food, fresh food markets, or food courts. These will significantly reduce your costs while giving you a wonderful experience of the local food.
Related Questions
Do you need a permit to travel to the islands?
This can be the case for some islands, as a result of their delicate ecological systems. It’s best to do your research when planning your trip.
Should you bring cash when traveling to an island?
Cash is always good to carry because you might be in a remote location where there are no ATMs. Just make sure you carry it safely.
Conclusion
If you’re craving an island holiday but money’s a bit tight, that doesn’t mean you have to push the idea out of your mind.
As we’ve seen in this article, there are many affordable island locations to enjoy without the stress of spending a lot of money to visit them.
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