6 Island Getaways That Won’t Break the Bank

When the temperature drops below freezing and the wind is more bitter than breezy, many people dream of escaping to a tropical island where the only ice is found in a cocktail glass. And while island vacations to hot spots such as St. Barts and the Seychelles can definitely drain your bank account, there are loads of sun- and sand-filled islands where you can find postcard-perfect beaches at prices that won’t give you sticker shock. Here are six affordable island destinations to consider for your next warm-weather getaway.

Puerto Rico

No passports, no currency conversions, and no international roaming charges — for U.S. citizens, Puerto Rico offers an especially easy and affordable getaway. Low-cost carriers like Frontier, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines offer plentiful service to the island, and there are plenty of budget hotels to choose from starting at around $125 per night. 

Bigger than Rhode Island and home to more than 3 million people, the former Spanish colony became a U.S. territory in 1898. San Juan, the capital, is an architecture lover’s dream, with an eclectic mix of styles — including 16th-century fortresses, dramatic churches, colorful Spanish-style homes, and serene courtyards. 

Puerto Rico has around 300 beaches that range from secluded to see-and-be-seen, and the island offers every water sport imaginable. Admission to the waterfalls and wildlife of El Yunque Rainforest — the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. national forest system — is free, and access to the exhibits at the visitor center is only $8 per person for adults and free for kids younger than 16.

The Dominican Republic

From Punta Cana to Puerto Plata, all-inclusive resorts are the name of the game in the Dominican Republic, one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. With nearly 50 direct flights from U.S. airports and more than 100 all-inclusive resorts, the Dominican Republic has options that range from adults-only and expensive to family-friendly and frugal, with some all-inclusive stays coming in at under $100 per night.

The country shares the island of Hispaniola (the second-largest island in the Caribbean) with Haiti. Christopher Columbus arrived on the island in 1492, and “La Zona” in the capital of Santo Domingo (a colonial city that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) has buildings that were constructed not long after. In addition to cobblestoned streets and colonial architecture, the vibrant district offers live music, cafes, and great people-watching.

The Dominican Republic is blessed with a bounty of beautiful beaches, but there’s more to do than simply sunbathe. Spots like Cabarete are great for surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding, and adventurers will want to trek to the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua and swim in the crystalline pools below. And a whale-watching tour is a must from December through March, when thousands of humpback whales descend upon Samaná Bay. 

Camiguin, The Philippines 

Expansive beaches, world-class scuba and snorkeling, friendly locals, and fabulous hotels for less than $100 USD per night? You can find all this — and much more — on the Philippine island of Camiguin. This rugged paradise boasts more volcanoes than towns, leading to its nickname “Island Born of Fire.” Relatively untouched by mass tourism, Camiguin is served by ferries as well as direct hour-long flights from Cebu City (fares can be found for as low as $35 one way). 

Once you arrive, prices for guided tours (including island hopping) are remarkably reasonable. The island offers hot and cold springs, waterfalls, and an abundance of nature both on the surface and below the waves. Don’t miss the Sunken Cemetery and the Old Church Ruins, both caused by the 1871 eruption of Mount Vulcan.

Providencia Island, Colombia

You’ll need to brave 15 minutes on a tiny plane from nearby San Andrés Island or a three-hour catamaran (both around $100) to get here, but your reward will be empty swaths of golden sand, turquoise waters, and a wonderfully refreshing remoteness. Closer to Nicaragua than it is to mainland Colombia, Providencia Island doesn’t have huge resorts or luxury all-inclusives. However, it does have great snorkeling and diving at some of the country’s best coral reefs. You may even come across a chest of gold — legend has it that pirate Henry Morgan buried his treasure here in the 17th century.

The local Raizal culture on the island is more similar to the Caribbean than to South America. You’ll find Creole or English spoken more often than Spanish, and the traditional dances are performed more to soca, reggae, and calypso than to salsa. Rates for hotels and guesthouses start at around $50 a night, and the island’s duty-free status helps keep drinks and shopping affordable, too.

Sifnos, Greece

Move over, Mykonos — your sister island in the Cyclades is just as sweet but less crowded and much more affordable. Famed for food and pottery, the island of Sifnos boasts great beaches, stunning churches (don’t miss the fairy-tale Church of the Seven Martyrs), and an authentic, unpretentious vibe even at the fanciest places.

You’ll arrive by ferry to the port town of Kamares, which is a great spot for budget accommodations. The capital, Apollonia, built by Greeks in the sixth century BCE, has narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and undeniable charm. There is a bus system on the island, but staying in Apollonia is probably the best choice if you aren’t renting a car or scooter. Plus, you can’t go wrong with sparkling fresh seafood and locally produced wine at any one of the island’s rustic family-run tavernas.

Caye Caulker, Belize

A 45-minute boat ride for about $20 USD brings you from Belize City to Caye Caulker, a tiny island where the vibes are up-to-date but the prices are definitely a throwback to less inflationary times. Just 5 miles long and a few blocks wide, the former fishing settlement features aqua blue waters and soft beaches that make for a prime Caribbean getaway, at prices that offer pure Central American value. 

Snorkel for free off nearby reefs, like Iguana Reef near the edge of town, or explore on a rented bicycle — the only vehicles allowed are golf carts and government utility trucks. Hostels and guesthouses are plentiful and affordable, as are the island’s happy hours.