Caribbean travel guide - Caribbean travel tips & safety advice

The Caribbean is made up of over 5000 islands, reefs, and cays, each with its own unique attractions and price ranges. In recent years, even very secluded islands have been transformed into some of the world’s most exclusive vacationing destinations.

There is a misconception that a trip to the islands will be extremely expensive and not a viable destination for budget travelers. While accommodation can be expensive, costs of food and activities can vary greatly island to island. With so many places to choose from in this guide, you’ll find a corner of the Caribbean suitable to your budget.

Typical Costs

Accommodation

There aren’t many hostels or campgrounds to be found in the Caribbean, but the ones that do exist will cost around $20 USD per night. A basic room in a 2-star budget hotel in a room that sleeps two starts around an $80 USD per night average.

Airbnb is also available throughout the Caribbean and you can find entire homes (usually studio apartments) starting around a $50 USD per night average. You will find more inventory if you look around $95 USD or above, though. While there are a lot of islands in the Caribbean and prices vary widely, remember that overall, this is an expensive part of the world.

Food

Food typical of the Caribbean includes dishes with lots of beans, plantains, rice, sweet potatoes, coconut, pork beef, chicken, and fish. Prices vary considerably depending on which island you are on (Is it big? Small? Does it have a large local population? Or does it cater to tourists?) but you’re looking at between $10-20 USD for a meal at a restaurant.

Prices go up from there. If you can find food at the local markets, those will cost around $5. My advice for the region: avoid restaurants near cruise ports and resorts, find the local markets, and cook your food as often as you can. Rarely are the fancy meals worth their exorbitant price!

Transportation 

Bus services on the islands are inexpensive, rarely more than $3 USD. You can hitchhike safely around most of the islands too (save Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Haiti). On islands without a bus system, a taxi may be the only form of transport with fares getting up to $15 USD for even a short journey.

To get between islands, you’ll need your own boat or to fly. In the Lower Antilles, there are ferries that connect the island together since they aren’t too far apart but, generally speaking, flights are the most realistic option.

Activities

In general, tours, historical, and architectural attractions are relatively inexpensive ($5-20 USD), while diving trips usually costing a minimum of $125 USD. Snorkeling can be found as low as $20 USD for the day. Jet skiing will cost you about $65 USD for half an hour, and parasailing will be about $60 for 15 minutes. Admission to the Bob Marley Museum in Jamaica is $23 USD.

Suggested daily budget

$60-100 USD (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher)

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-guides/caribbean-travel-tips/