How to Get a Great Deal on a Caribbean Vacation

The following guest post was written by Shane Nassiri, founder of the blog Penny Caravan

Ocean breezes, crystal clear water, drink in hand; does it get any better? That’s what makes the Caribbean such an enticing vacation destination for millions of people every year. The easy going vibe offers travelers the perfect escape from workplace stress. And when vacationing to the Caribbean, getting a great deal helps alleviate even more stress. There’s nothing better than saving money on vacation!

So what are some tips and tricks for getting the best deal on your next Caribbean venture? First, a few guidelines to help you get started:

1.) Make a budget and stick to it: In the end, you can only afford what you can afford, and stretching your budget beyond what is wise is going to diminish the satisfaction you get from any deal you find. Finding a deal helps you maximize your budget rather than helping extend your budget. Set your limit and work within it.

2.) Be flexible: If you have your heart set on the Moon Palace Resort in Cancun, you may be waiting awhile for a nice deal to pop up. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great deal on another equally nice resort. Getting the best deal means being flexible both with date and destination.

3.) Plan it yourself:. Packaged vacations may seem like a great value, but you can often save even more by booking the trip yourself. As an added bonus, you get the flexibility that packaged vacations sometimes can’t offer. Set your own dates and choose your own departure airport while planning an itinerary that caters to your interests.

With these guidelines in mind, where are some of the places we can look to find great deals on our dream Caribbean vacation? The first place I like to look are sites that specialize in offering travel deals for savvy vacationers. Dealspotr has a section devoted to rounding up travel deals that can save money on your next trip. Whether it’s hotel discounts or day tour specials, you can add a lot of value to your trip with the deals listed here.

Other sites like TravelZoo and Sherman’s Travel send out weekly emails that frequently feature Caribbean desinations. From all-inclusives in the Dominican Republic to eco-tours in Costa Rica, you’re sure to find a trip that appeals to you at a friendly price. Groupon Getaways and LivingSocial Escapes are also good sites to follow. However, do note that the prices they feature can often increase once you look into the details. They are typically only from specific airports on specific dates. If these don’t work for you, this is where points #2 and #3 come in handy. Be flexible, and use the deal as a rough guideline for what you should expect to pay when you begin to plan the trip yourself.

Perhaps you found a good deal on a resort you like, but the airfare in the package isn’t at an airport close to you. Consider finding your own airfare deal. Google Flights is a great way to spot flight deals, offering a calendar level view to let you select the best dates. Also follow sites such as Airfare Watchdog and JT’s Flight Deals who frequently post airfare deals to Caribbean destinations. With a little patience, you’re sure to find a great deal on a flight that’s perfect for you.

Alternatively, consider using points/miles to cover a portion or all of your trip. There are many sites such as The Points Guy and Million Mile Secrets that go into extensive detail on how you can use credit card reward points to maximize your travel. Using points to pay for flights can open up a lot of room in your budget, allowing you to upgrade to a nicer resort, or pocket the savings to give you a head start on your next trip.

Resorts aren’t the only way to enjoy the Caribbean. You might also consider a vacation rental at your destination. Airbnb and Homeaway are great sites for finding local accommodations (see a comparison between vacation rental providers here). These are especially useful to families or large groups. The savings in renting a house for a week versus booking an all-inclusive for everyone can be very significant. This also allows you to experience more of the local culture, exploring the destination and uncovering its hidden gems.

The good news is there are lots of options for savvy travelers to save big on their next Caribbean adventure. Expanding your search options helps you identity the best deals for your particular interests, which ultimately leads to a more rewarding vacation experience. Here’s to more ocean breezes with drink in hand!