Top 5 Affordable Island Destinations for Your Summer Vacation

Science proves that a relaxing vacation does wonders for your health, both physical and mental (Business Insider). And few people can argue that a summer island holiday is the most relaxing of all. Today you don’t have to spend a fortune on vacation on an island full of beautiful beaches. Choose your destination wisely and book your flights well in advance to get the most affordable rates.

Cheap Island Vacation Destinations: Top 5 Places with Great Beaches

1.    Turks & Caicos

Turks & Caicos Islands are one of the best options for a budget traveler who dreams of the Caribbean. There are many cheap hotels available here, which you can check through TripAdvisor. You can also find some private rentals to save even more money.

 

 

The best time to visit is from May to early December. This is the cheapest season, and even flights will be available for a fraction of the price. The majority of gorgeous sandy beaches on the islands are free to access. Many of the hotels offer complimentary equipment for water sports, and you can enjoy great affordable food from small local markets and shops.

2.    Cuba

If you are looking for an island vacation that offers all types of entertainment from museums to parties, Cuba is a great option.

As long as you manage to secure a cheap flight, you will be able to enjoy the island even on a shoestring budget. You can take a free tour in Havana to learn a lot about the main city in Cuba and see all the major attractions. Many of the beaches are also free, and small cafes and shops offer cheap meals and cocktails.

You can rent very affordable rooms directly from the locals. The Cubans are extremely welcoming and hospitable, so many people who come here become friends with their hosts and work out great deals for future stays. Cook yourself and get fresh food from the markets if your budget is very tight. Street vendors are also affordable. Stick to those that are most popular among the locals during a lunch hour.

3.    Phuket

According to the U.S. News rating, Phuket Thailand is the second best beach destination in the world. The island is extremely popular, which is exactly why budget travelers get a chance to enjoy it.

There are many flights to Thailand, so you will be able to find some cheap options all year round. The island itself houses many luxury resorts and even more cheap housing options. You’ll need to learn your way around to pick out the cheapest places.

Therefore, you should do some prior research and learn about the best offers from people who have already been there. You can also enjoy a lot of the more expensive entertainment by joining groups of other travelers and splitting costs.

4.    Corfu

If you want to stick to Europe, Corfu Island in Greece is a good choice. It’s much more affordable than Santorini and Mykonos, the most popular Greek holiday destinations. It’s also rather easy to reach via cheap flights of regional airlines that go directly to the island.

Be aware that Corfu has many cheap and good hotels, but some places are scams. Be sure to look at photos before booking, especially if the ad claims the place has four stars. Better stick to TripAdvisor for reviews and real photos taken by visitors. All-inclusive options are the cheapest overall.

5.    Grenada

Grenada is a Caribbean island that the majority of tourists overlook. That’s why it’s not only cheap but also mostly free of crowds.

 

Grenada has some spectacular beaches and cheap accommodations during the late autumn and early winter.

There isn’t much to do but relax with a fruity drink here, so it’s a perfect holiday destination for destressing.