Here’s the situation. I have credit for a flight with Air Caribbean (due to a trip to Jamaica that I canceled) and need to use the ticket within 1 year. I may want to use it in January—next month!
I’m still considering Jamaica, but there are now 9 other possible countries/territories as contenders. And it’s confusing me a bit. I’m sure each destination is wonderful for its own reasons, but several on the list tend to cater to package-deal types and/or could be expensive and/or overrun with tourists. As you know, that’s not my cup of tea.
Reggae Charlie
That’s why I’m reaching out to others, especially those who know the Caribbean better than I do. I’d like to know—can I do the Caribbean on the cheap and get what I want? Perhaps what I/we learn here might help others in a similar situation in the future.
Challenge 1: Choosing the Country/Territory
Here are the 10 countries/territories I can fly to with my particular ticket:
- Antigua
- Barbados
- Jamaica
- Venezuela
- Guyana
- Grenada
- Suriname
- St. Maarten
- Trinidad & Tobago (Port of Spain)
- Tobago
St. Georges, Grenada
Challenge 2: Keeping It Low-Budget
I’d like to keep the trip relatively low budget. My ticket, unfortunately, was a bit pricey (the initial cost–$606–plus the change fee–$125.) I know–yikes! And it’s only 1/2 refundable (if I’d like, I can get back $303.)
I’d love to be able to stay for 10 to 12 days, so perhaps I could spend around $60 a day for a room and one or two meals. If I have to spend more than that, I will, but then the trip will be shorter. The reason: I have to save money for a long trip this summer.
PS: I’m very open to volunteering somewhere for a week. And if that means free or inexpensive accommodation, it would be ideal. Perhaps I could do that and then relax somewhere else the second week?
Challenge 3: Getting What I Want
Here’s what I’d like:
- a hut or a room–no camping
- to be within walking distance of a decent beach
- to be able to go for walks/hikes in nature
- to have a cultural experience/meet locals (backpackers OK, too, but no “tourons”)
- a safe place to stay
- peace and quiet
Challenge 4: Sudden Urge to Go to the DR
Call me loca, but…I have a sudden urge to go to the Dominican Republic (and unfortunately, Air Caribbean doesn’t fly there). Many of my ESL students are from there and I’ve always thought it would be a fun (and inexpensive) trip. Also, I speak Spanish, love Latin music (I’m good at Merengue AND Bachata) and feel very comfortable in Latin countries.
I sort of wish I could go to Jamaica and take a boat to the DR and do both, but…
Each time I search for this option, I don’t find much. Perhaps it’s not a common journey–or it’s an expensive or risky one. Not sure. And I don’t know if/think it’s worth it to take the 1/2 refund on my ticket and apply it to another one to the DR. Those flights are now creeping up in price, too.
Challenge 5: I May Have Company for Part of the Trip
It’s actually not a challenge, but something that could be really cool. Charu of Butterfly Diary is interested in joining me for 4 or 5 days of the trip. This is not set in stone at this point–just something we’re talking about. A slightly higher-budget traveler than I am, she is open to many of the options on the list.
PS: She has a friend with a house in Punta Cana in the DR! 
Any advice?
Have you been to any of the countries/territories on the list? If so, what can you tell me it/them? Please feel free to include a link in your comment to a post you wrote about any/all of the following. I’d love info re:
- airport transfers
- accommodations
- island transportation (on the island and to others)
- cost of food
- cost of day trips
Which country would:
- provide a lot of peace and quiet?
- have trails with shade for long walks in nature?
- not be overrun with tourists?
- allow me to stick to a basic (but not extreme) budget?
- allow for cultural interactions and possible off-the-beaten path adventure?
Thank You!
Thank you, in advance, for your ideas, advice and information. Please feel free to link to posts you’ve written if they provide info that can help with my decision. I look forward to learning more about doing the Caribbean “on the cheap” and to sharing my final decision with you!
Special thanks to the photographers whose photos I borrowed from Creative Commons. Click on their photos to be taken to their respective pages.
What a great list of countries to choose from. Like you, I have been itching to go to the DR for sometime because, like you, I also love to SMB. Nice to know we have this in common! Matt and I visited the Guianas last year. You can read a few posts we wrote about how to visit these countries from a logistical standpoint: http://bit.ly/vTkcPs. They are not cheap cheap countries, but you shouldn’t have a problem doing them on your budget. I know @brendanvanson was able to do Guyana for $30/day or something like that. Personally, I think you should spend your 10-12 days on the Suriname River. If you decide to do this, let me know. We have stayed in touch with the Peace Corps Volunteers we met there who can give you tons of tips on how to get around and where to stay. Incredible experience. Choose Suriname!
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Hi, Tran. Sounds like we’ve got similar travel taste! Suriname sounds really intriguing. I will look into it! How were the language challenges there? As for Guyana, I will check in with Brendan to see what he has to say. I’d love to go somewhere in that price range; would be ideal. But I understand that the Caribbean tends to be higher and I accept that.
What’s the Suriname River like? How far is it from the water? How much are places to stay near it?
Gracias!
Suriname is absolutely wonderful. We spent a few days in Paramaribo and a week in the jungle. A small planes shoots you straight into the middle of nowhere. Highly recommended!
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Hi, Victor. Welcome to the C Bus!
That’s really cool that you’ve been to Suriname. I’m now adding to my list since so many have recommended it to me as a result of writing this post. I have decided, however, to go to the DR. Suriname next time!
Just a thought–you say that you’re trying to avoid places that are ‘overrun with tourists’. In this case, you should probably avoid any island that’s heavily visited by cruise ships (looking at your list, that’s at least Barbados, Jamaica, and St. Marteen.) While you may think that a ship in port would only effect the port area, you’d possibly be wrong. Cruise ship excursions are really good at getting people to all ends of some islands. I just did a Bermuda cruise, and even though I went (on my own) to the absolute farthest point on the island from the cruise port, I was still surrounded by other cruisers (this did not bother me, but it definitely would bother someone looking to avoid tourists!) Of course, there aren’t cruise ships docked all the time–but it would be a worthwhile thing to take into account. Even if you want to visit one of those three islands, you need only do a bit of research to find out when and where ships will be docked–and then avoid those dates.
Happy planning! I’m jealous–I sure could use some sun right now!
Tracy–Thanks for taking the time to share this tip. It’s a useful one, which I’ll definitely keep in mind. I don’t mind some tourists, of course, but 100s of them would probably bother me. Anyway, thank you. Will be interesting to see where I choose to go and what I choose to do!
I found the Caribbean to be much cheaper than I thought it would be on a super backpacker budget. The hostels are totally do-able price wise and we were able to have splurge meals on $7 lobster. 😛 Thus why we spent 5 or 6 months of our backpacking trip PURELY on the Caribbean.
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Hi, Erica. I’m really glad to hear that–very cool. I would like to ask where you went, however. Are you referring to the Latin American Caribbean? Let me know as I’m eager to find that balance between what I want and something affordable. Gracias!
Latin American Caribbean. We found a hostel (off season) in Caye Caulker for $25 for a private room for 3 peeps and a few cheap places to eat there. The Yucatan has places you can keep your budget down too if you don’t mind staying off the tourist streets. Utila is cheap for scuba and for staying with the dive schools. I think $8/night as well after you pay for your cert ($240/5 days of class and accomdation). Costa Rica Caribbean isn’t bad if you don’t mind cooking to save budgets. We hardly ever do dorm rooms and found that even private rooms can be affordable.
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I had a feeling that’s what you meant. Believe me–I wish I could go to one of those locations. I’ve been to Belize and CR and of course, love Mexico (haven’t gone to the Yucatan yet). The problem is that, with my ticket, I can only go to the places I listed (Antigua, St. Maarten, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad/Tobago and the others). Re: private rooms vs dorm rooms–I’m with you. I haven’t stayed in a dorm room for a while now.
Which, I guess, my moral of the story is, I would probably do Venezuela. I’ve heard good cheap things about it. If you don’t mind a private room in a hostel, you can really save some serious bucks. We spent 2 1/2 weeks on our honeymoon in Barbados and I’m not sure it is possible to stay on that budget and still have fun there.
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I would consider Venezuela–especially since I’m nearly fluent in Spanish. I wonder, however, about safety. I’ve heard from some pretty hardcore travelers that’s it’s “got an edge” and that Caracas isn’t safe. (Is it possible it’s just the capital?) Of course, I would get in and out of the city as fast as I could, most likely. Anyway, it’s not going to be a long trip and so, I’m not sure if I’m going to want to deal with that sort of thing.
Thanks for your help!
Well, my 2 cents, go to Jamaica. Why? Cause I’ll be there for 3 months starting Dec 18th. I do want to and plan to visit several of the countries you listed, but Jamaica has stolen my heart. I’m not a fan of large tourist gatherings and avoid cruise ports like the plague, but thankfully Jamaica is SOOOOOOO much more than that. I’ll be based in Kingston and Negril, but traveling all around the island. Particularly excited about my first trip to Port Antonio, Treasure Beach and some more quality times in the Blue Mountains. If you make it to JA (would love to meet you in person) or have more questions, shoot me and e-mail. Also reach out to the ladies at http://www.DoJamaicaYourWay.com for affordable accommodations and more insights about doing JA the local way!
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Hi, April. Thanks so much for your comment, ideas and advice. I appreciate all of it! It sounds like you have a great plan for Jamaica. I love the way you’re going to approach it. If I end up there, I will definitely contact you. Would be cool to meet!
Right now, I’m seriously considering the DR. (I’d have to get a partial refund on the other ticket, though, which sucks a bit.) I know that might sound crazy since I tend to avoid areas that draw so many tourists. However, I’ve been invited to stay with a new Dominican friend and her family for several days. She has a car and said we could go off the beaten path if we want. I love the idea of this since 95% of those who go there never leave the hotel. I have a feeling there’s some really cool stuff to do and see and this could be a great opportunity to do it. Also, I have many students from there and so, it would be great to get to know the culture better. Anyway, it will come together soon.
Thanks, again!
Bummer on the partial refund, but DR would be just as great. I always say as long as there is good food, good weather and good people around (and even if there isn’t), you can have a GREAT time if you want to.
I visited the Santo Domingo/Boca Chica area about 3 years ago and stayed at some resort that was guarded by police with really large guns. After a nice meal and a few spa treatments, I spent my time outside of the resort walls and had a blast. Bachata lessons at a random street party, scooter rides throughout the city and lots of other great adventures…I should probably write about it.
Whatever you decide, have a blast!
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Thanks, April. It sounds like you really get it! I think we have a very similar travel style, by the way. I get the feeling that you really like to connect with the people and for me, that’s what it’s really about. I adore nature, too, of course. But the people–especially local individuals and families–are what make travel so special.
That’s wild re: the DR resort–the part about the guns, I mean. So cool that you enjoyed the pampering and then got out and had some real fun. Love the random street party thing. I stumbled on to one of them in Panama. A family and some friends in Casco Viejo dancing outside their apartment. Ended up dancing and partying with them and loving it. Here’s the post if you want to check it out.
Meanwhile….where are you now? I live in NJ. If you’re ever in the area, let’s meet for coffee or a drink. I think we’d have some great travel tales to share!
You’re very welcome! And yes, it’s all about the people (and really good food).
I’ve been in LA most of the year, but now I’m “homeless” in Atlanta until I leave. I will definitely reach out if I make it to NJ (it won’t be before spring time though — can’t stand the cold.).
ADT
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Yes, food is important, too! I look forward to meeting you–if you make it out this way. Or perhaps I’ll be in CA at some point!
For an idea of accomodations, I stay in a friend’s guest house about 15 minutes outside of Montego in a local community for $US25/night and have a pending reservation at a 2 story 1 level full stocked apartment in Negril, a short walk from the beach for $300 for the month.
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Hi, again. That’s definitely my price range! I like that you’re going to be in a local community. That is perfect. As for Negril, you’ll be s short walk from the beach at that price? Wonderful! It sounds perfect!
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend Jamaica or St. Maarten based on what you say you’re looking for.
We’re huge fans of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, which was one of the least touristy places we’ve been (look for the story about it on our site), and the all-inclusive where the Board of Tourism frequently offers incredible deals (i.e. under $50 per night). I loved Barbados as well– the snorkeling and culture there are incredible– but I’m not sure where you’d stay.
If it were me, though, I’d look into Venezuela, Suriname or Trinidad/Tobago, just because those are the places *I* find more interesting. Good luck!
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Hi, Bret. Thanks so much for joining the chat. Sounds like you get “it”–as in, what I want out of this trip. Glad to hear that you’ve been to the DR and like Puerta Plata. I’ve heard good things about it.
Re: the other locations. I agree. They do seem very interesting, especially Suriname. Right now, what it’s coming down to is–will Air Caribbean (which doesn’t fly to the DR) give me 1/2 of my money back on my ‘nonrefundable’ ticket (as one of their reps told me recently). Another said she wasn’t sure. Perhaps, if things go wrong, I’ll have to use social media to try to get a better result.
I know we have talked about this a little over chat, but if you are still considering the DR and your friend will be in Punta Cana, that is fairly close to Cabarete and Puerto Plata, where we stayed. Here is the place we stayed at and absolutely loved http://www.ordinarytraveler.com/articles/alis-surf-camp-review-dominican-republic. The only other place I have been to on your list is Jamaica and I REALLY loved it there. We stayed in Montego Bay and saw places around there including Negril. We should be heading back next year to see a different side of the island.
I’m sure any of those places would be gorgeous. Scott and I are like you and we don’t do well with resort type destinations. I look forward to reading everyone’s suggestions.
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Thanks so much, Christy. I appreciate the information. It’s funny how some places, although popular, seem to be a tiny bit lacking in info (well, the kind I like) and thus, slightly mysterious. This is the case with some of these Caribbean destinations.
I like the way Puerto Plata sounds. Others have also said they liked it, too. If I go, I’ll definitely visit there. The only way I’ll go to Punta Cana is if a friend who might want to meet me (who happens to have a friend with a house there) goes. I know it’ll be a tourist trap and so, I’m less inclined to go (unless I can be in that house, which might be amazing.)
Thanks–will let you know what happens!
I’m new to your site, so I’m not sure how adventurous you are. But if you go to Puerto Plata, and you are adventurous, you MUST do the 27 Waterfalls tour. It’s one of the most incredible things I’ve ever done on a press trip. But wear good water shoes….
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Hi, Bret. I’m definitely adventurous (although I won’t jump out of a plane), so that sounds like fun. Thanks for the tip re: water shoes. I have some plastic Birks that could work. Thanks!
CB,
I would stay with your gut feeling to pass on Jamaica, I found Montego Bay & Kinston were as you say, All Inclusive or High dollar resorts & quite pricey, especially the Topless Beaches…ha…ha…
There is one road around the Island and little to do as a Solo except go on group tours. I saw little evidence of nature walks. Leaving your accommadations on the beach to the market area will result in constant nagging by kids to show you the “Best Shops” in town. In addition, I ran into constant harrasment to buy drugs. Your basically stuck at your hotel/hut.
I stopped travelling the Northern Carribean as was mentioned, it is way to Touristy and the Islands are basically the same.
I have a friend who recently arrived from Granada, if you want peace & quite with hiking, she gave a good recommendation. Sorry, no info. on prices. Also, depending on your budget, Granada is within a Prop Planes distance from Venezula which would be my 1st choice. Hostel for sure, check Hostelworld.com & Hostelbookers for the best deals. Again, I haven’t been there but have heard good reviews from other Solo’s, more options to take advantage of & on the cheap. I would stay away from Guyana & Trinidad, two friends grew up there, nothing spectacular except crime.
So my top pick…Granda & maybe a hop over to Venezuala. The further South you go in the Carribean the less Tourist. I know this is a lot of third hand info. But trusted sources. Granada & Venzuala will have Hostels and or Guest house on the cheap.
No Camping?? Did the crabs scare you away in Panama?
On that note, I have been meaning to ask you about Hostel’s in Panama. Although an avid camper, the pic of the crabs made me think of, what do I do if I need to “relieve” myself in the middle of the night
Hi, Kevin. Thanks for the info re: Jamaica, etc. It sounds like it could be cool culturally, but it might be challenging in other ways. I’ve had a lot of stress lately (in my regular life), so I’m not in the mood for the kind of mini hassles you mentioned. Grenada looks interesting and Venezuela (if one can avoid Caracas). I suppose that what you suggested is to get to Grenada and take a boat over to Venezuela’s coast. And if so, that sounds like an excellent idea. Same for the guest houses. Or a private room at a hostel (I rarely do dorms anymore.)
Right now, I might be changing the plan to the….Dominican Republic, believe it or not. I received a nice “couch surfing” style invitation, which would be nice. My friend has a car and said we could go off the beaten path. I love the way that sounds, of course. Unfortunately, all of this is riding on whether or not Air Caribbean will give me back 1/2 the price of my other ticket. Sadly, they don’t fly to the DR.
Re: Panama and camping…LOL. It was lovely but a little bit intense. If you go during dry season, the crabs aren’t as common. So, if you need to, um, relieve yourself (lol), you should be Ok!
Thanks CB for reading one of my looong post! Dry season may work, but since I’ll be driving from the U.S., who know when the hell I’ll actually get there!
Hey, Couch Surfing…nothing wrong with that. I’m a veteran of the couch thing.
Thanks for writing the looonnngg comment!
You’re driving down? That’s so cool. Will be interesting to read.
Yeah, Couch Surfing is cool. I think it can work great.
The only country I’ve been to on your list, unfortunately, is Jamaica, and that barely counts since it was a stop on a cruise I took. I didn’t like it at all, by the way. I would vote for Guyana, as it just sounds so exotic and is a location that I never hear of anyone traveling to. I remember the Guyana mass suicides (yes, I am that old) and toyed briefly with the idea of going there myself a few years ago. If you go, I’ll be following your blog and tweets with bated breath 😉
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Hi, Sabina! Very interesting that you didn’t care for Jamaica. I get the feeling that most people are on one side or the other when it comes to the place. Hmmm. You would go to Guyana? Wild. And yes, I do remember the mass suicides (I’m that old, too–LOL).
Re: my final decision….it’s coming soon. It all depends on how much of a refund I might be able to get on the ticket I have (since I now sort of want to go to the DR). Will let you know. Thanks for your interest!
The place where my money goes to far is in the Philippines. Lots of tourist spots there and lots of beautiful places and historical areas. Try to visit there, its not too dangerous there.
Thanks for the recommendation. Perhaps another time!
Lisa, you’re going to DR so stop teasing us!
He, he, he…it’s true. That is what I decided!
Hi:
My suggestion would be Suriname. My grandfather was born in Suriname and half my family still lives there. When I mention Suriname, many people have not even heard of the country and I have to explain where it is located, etc. This means it is not overrun with tourists, because many don’t even know if its existence.
It is an extremely multi-cultural society. In the capital of Paramaribo, you will find a mosque and a syngagoue right next to each other with a Hindu temple on the same block. This multi-culturalism is represented in the food – with fusion cuisine of African, Indian, Indonesian, Dutch and Chinese food. You can get anything from Indonesian satay to African peanut soup to Chinese Char Sui Pork.
Part of the Amazon is located in Suriname, so nature and environmental opportunities are everywhere in the insular areas. Lots of hiking, nature walks, etc. are available.
If you have any questions or would like to see some pictures, just let me know. If I don’t have the answer I can always email some of my cousins that live there.
Hope you choose Suriname. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Eventhough Dutch is the national language, most people speak English so this is not something to be concerned with.
Also, if you would like to find a travel buddy, try here: http://www.travbuddy.com/
Mirelle–thanks so much for your suggestion/advice! Suriname was definitely a serious contender. I did end up choosing the DR (for a bunch of reasons), but Suriname remains on my list. In the process of investigating options, several people recommended Suriname and now that I know more about it, I’m intrigued!
I love the idea of the multi-cultural aspects of the country–and the fact that it’s not overrun with tourists. It sounds fascinating and lovely. I’d love to check out all that nature, too. And the food options? Wow.
I really appreciate that you took the time to share so much. If I do go in the future, I will reach out to you for more info. Feel free to share a link to photos you have here. Then, if anyone else is looking for info/ideas re: the country, they’ll visit your site or wherever you have the pics posted. Thanks, again!!
wish i had found your site sooner. my wife and i went to Tobago,and loved it.flew into triniad. booked our own hop to tobago for fifty dillars each,versus the two hundred each it cost to book the entire ticket through the travel site. we stayed literally three stone steps off the beach for eighty dollars a night in the village of castara.everything was within walking distance in town. we rented a car off the houses local caretaker,the owners are british.we toured the entire island on our own schedule. we ate at both resteraunts as well as numerous roadside stands on our advenures.their were numerous waterfalls and jungle trails for hiking.it was by far the most inexpensive and relaxing vacation we have taken.the most crowded beach we were on had four others with us,i highly recommend tobago as a nice low key destination.
Hi, Matt. Thanks for sharing that information. Sounds like you did well there in Tobago and that’s wonderful! I ended up going to the Dominican Republic and having a great time there. Here’s a link to some of those posts if you’re interested. I ended up staying with a former student of mine and traveling off the beaten path. It was fantastic!
I’ll definitely keep T and T in mind for the future!