Budget Travel

You may have to mortgage the house to afford a trip to Asia or Europe thanks to the weak dollar, and astronomical airfares have made budgeting for vacation a challenge. But the Caribbean remains a great option for budget travel: most islands are close to the U.S., low labor costs keep prices low in many destinations, the region is well-served by pay-one-price cruise lines and all-inclusive hotels…

The current economic downturn hasn't stopped people from traveling -- more tourists visited the Caribbean in 2008 than in 2007, for example -- but tighter budgets have made saving money wherever you can while traveling even more important. Here's some budget travel tips from my colleagues at the Society of American Travel Writers, along with my advice on tailoring their advice to a Caribb…

The best things in life are free, and while the Caribbean can't guarantee you health and happiness (though it's a great place to find either!), some of the best island experiences won't cost you a dime. Topping the list of great island freebees, of course, is going to the beach (most are free and open to the public), but you'll also find no-charge guided nature hikes, factory tours (some with fre…

Experienced travelers know that if you want to truly experience the culture of a destination, staying in a five-star resort is usually the last...

Great article by About.com Budget Travel Guide Mark Kahler on how to avoid those infuriating checked-baggage fees when you fly.

If you're trying to achieve cheap travel, you must be mindful of many factors. In each travel planning situation, there are tips and precautions you should consider. Each of the linked step by step collections in this section will give you plenty to think about as you plan, and will give you a plan for making the very best itinerary decisions possible. Use these illustrated tips to save money on your next trip.

Money-saving tips and budget-travel suggestions for a visit to Antigua and Barbuda.

Finding accommodations on a budget is a practice that eludes many travelers. They simply check into a standard hotel room and pay the going rate (called the rack rate in the trade) without giving alternatives a second thought. Here are 10 types of accommodations that could save you money on your next trip. Most of these links go to reviews of a specific property, but that place is merely an example of a type of lodging you could find to make your itinerary cheaper and perhaps more interesting as well.

For a tropical Caribbean island with world-class beaches and amenities, Puerto Rico might not seem like the ideal destination for budget travelers looking for an exotic getaway. But this island can be surprisingly affordable for the savvy tourist. There are great bargains to be found, as well as numerous incentives and deals designed to help you save money.

Traveling on a budget in the Caribbean is easier than many other places because the currencies here are stable. U.S. travelers will find their dollar's value has changed very little over the years against the currencies used here, and many of these islands have not yet fully developed overpriced tourist facilities. Check out seven top destinations for a visit to the Eastern Caribbean on a budget.

Traveling on a budget in the Caribbean is easier than many other places because the currencies here are stable. U.S. travelers will find their dollar's value has changed very little over the years against the currencies used here, and many of these islands have not yet fully developed overpriced tourist facilities. Check out seven top destinations for a visit to the Eastern Caribbean on a budget.

Cheap digs in the Caribbean can be hard to find, but that white sand is so alluring, no matter the price. Judging from my experience, you may have the best luck finding inexpensive rooms in the off season which, unfortunately, is not during spring break (March and part of April) -- but give it a shot and you may get lucky.