We’re right in the heart of winter as January rolls in. It promises dark evenings, dreary weather, and the post-holiday fatigue we all greatly dread. While this time of year might feel a bit gloomy for some, the story is quite different down in the Caribbean. It may be their winter, but that brings cracking temperatures for a few cheeky days on the sand.
The Caribbean is often associated with pricey Piña Coladas, exclusive beaches with paid entry, and expensive luxury resorts, especially on islands like St Barthélemy. However, an affordable getaway in this region can still be made in winter if you know the right places to go. And we’ve got just the selection for you! Here are our most-loved budget-friendly Caribbean island getaways to book this January.
Why Visit the Caribbean in January?
The Caribbean is all about the sun blazing off white sands and everyone resting on cabanas, trying to catch a tan, but this is only the case during certain times of the year, including winter.
From December to May, the Caribbean experiences its dry season. As the name suggests, you can bet it will be dry and not too hot or humid; what more could you ask for? However, visit between June and November, and you’ll be in the middle of hurricane season. The thought of being stuck on a tiny island in a tropical cyclone doesn’t exactly sound appealing to me.
January is one of the best times to visit the Caribbean, but some people think it tends to draw more visitors and drive up prices. But don’t worry; we’ll soon fill you in on the best value escapes.
Best Affordable Caribbean Islands for Winter Travel
Relax Along the Shores of Hispaniola in the Dominican Republic
It might be a popular destination, particularly among Americans, but that doesn’t mean it’s expensive; let’s start off with the gorgeous Dominican Republic. Some people turn up their noses at the DR, claiming it’s not as exclusive as some of the more remote Caribbean islands. Ignore them. Here, you get excellent bang for your buck complemented by a rich blend of African and Taíno-influenced culture and natural beauty wherever you look; save the Los Haitises National Park to your itinerary; you’ll be grateful for this.
You’ll quickly fall in love with Santo Domingo; the charm of this place is unmatched. You can easily find a basic but comfortable apartment for around DOP 1261.80 (€20) a night. When it’s time to eat, look out for the “plate of the day,” also commonly known as ‘La Bandera Dominicana’ or ‘The Dominican Flag.’ These hearty meals are usually priced from just DOP 181.73 (€2.88) and typically include rice, beans, and chicken or beef, the perfect way to fill up for a day of exploring.
The Dominican Republic also has a reliable public transport system. The 2-line Santo Domingo Subway has roundtrip tickets for just DOP 40 (€0.63), while rides on the intercity coach bus service start at DOP 200 (€3.17). When you arrive at Santo Domingo Airport, you’ll find mini-vans on the first floor offering rides into the city. Fares are negotiable, but you can expect to pay at least DOP 200 (€3.17) per person.
Spend Your January Vacation in Sunny Jamaica, One of the Best Caribbean Islands for Couples on a Budget
Set yourself up for a January filled with reggae rhythms and rum in a fabulous location like Jamaica. No grand introduction is needed for Jamaica; this place speaks for itself, from beautiful wonders like the Blue and the John Crow Mountains to the fascinating history of national heroes like Bob Marley.
There’s a common misconception that Jamaica is expensive, often because people book themselves into high-end, all-inclusive resorts and never venture outside. Forget that! Give yourself some freedom and save your wallet by staying in the cities. For instance, a night in a basic guesthouse in Kingston will only cost around JMD 7791.84 (€48), far less than the triple price you’d pay at a luxury hotel that doesn’t let you outside the gates.
And when in Jamaica, you absolutely must try the jerk chicken. It’s an explosion of flavors in every bite; that bold, spicy kick of Scotch bonnet chile paste will have you drooling. While tourist-focused restaurants may charge a bit more, for an authentic experience, head to any street food stalls around Kingston; these serve the best jerk chicken for around JMD 936.64 (€5.77).
Going from place to place in Jamaica can be done with the help of the JUTC and coaster buses. JUTC covers the main cities with tickets priced at just JMD 50 (€0.31), while the coaster buses can take you to some of the more remote areas, with prices varying based on distance. From Norman Manley International Airport, Bus 98 will drop you into Kingston for only JMD 162.33 (€1).
Check Out the Dreamy US Territory in the Caribbean of Puerto Rico
I know what you’re thinking. Puerto Rico, being a US territory, probably puts the prices on the higher end. But don’t be so quick to assume. The costs of coming here aren’t as high as you might expect. You’ll be witnessing breathtaking coastlines like Playa Flamenco, stunning places like El Yunque National Forest, and iconic landmarks like Castillo San Cristóbal (entry fees $10 (€9.61)) at a low price.
Accommodation will likely be one of the priciest parts of your trip. Many travelers opt for hostels because they provide great value for money. If you look carefully, you can find beds in 14-person dorm rooms for around $26.01 (€25). It might sound a bit intense, but sometimes you have to compromise. If privacy is a must, a night in a private apartment costs about $67.63 (€65), but prices will depend on how last-minute your booking is.
Keep an eye out for beach stalls, food trucks, and bakeries; they’ll be your best bet for eating cheaply. You can often grab a classic serving of rice and beans for less than $10 (€9.61) and bread in bakeries for around $3 (€2.88).
It’s hard to fault San Juan’s public transport system, but it’s a different story once you go outside the city. San Juan has its own light rail line that links three neighborhoods, and there are also 30 bus routes operating throughout the city. Bus tickets cost $0.75 (€0.72), while the train is $1.50 (€1.44). If you’re planning to explore beyond San Juan, renting a car is your best option. Expect to pay around $15 (€14.42) per day for a rental, plus insurance fees. Upon arrival at San Juan Airport, you’ll find buses (T5 and D53) that can take you into the city for just $0.75 (€0.72).
Gaze at the Piton Mountains Along the Coast of Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia certainly feels like heaven on earth, especially when you see the iconic Piton Mountains sticking out of the ocean. This small island nation, stuck between Martinique and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is a haven for those seeking adventure in the Caribbean without breaking the bank.
While the accommodation options in Saint Lucia may not be as abundant as in some other destinations, you can still find great deals. A private room in the capital, Castries, can be got for around XCD 171.51 (€61) a night. Anyone who wants to treat themselves to something more luxurious stay right by the beach will be paying a fair whack: at least XCD 5029.95 (€178) a night. Either way, you’ll be well-positioned nicely to explore the famous Soufrière Drive-In Volcano.
When eating out in Saint Lucia, avoid the high-end restaurants. Instead, head to some of the local settlements like Corinth for cheaper meals. There’s a lovely locally owned roadside eatery called Sonrisa, which does fantastic Caribbean dishes such as curried chicken with plantains at a reasonable price.
Minibusses are your best bet for getting around Saint Lucia. They serve as the main form of transportation, connecting most parts of the island. Fares start at around XCD 1.25 (€0.44), but the price increases the farther you travel.
Saint Lucia has two airports, but flights into Hewanorra International Airport will cost you less, so try to book yours there. Buses run to Castries from here, though they can be unpredictable. You’ll have to get it from the highway and wait for the one that has Castries written on it. Fares usually begin at XCD 25 (€8.89).
How to Save Money on a Caribbean Winter Vacation
There are savings waiting to be claimed on your Caribbean winter vacation; you just need to know the tricks. Here are some tips that will leave your wallet feeling a little fuller than most by the end of your trip.
Don’t Forget Your Mosquito Repellent
You might not be used to mosquitos wherever you’re from, but in the Caribbean, they’re everywhere and can be deadly in some instances.
Diseases like Dengue Fever are prevalent; anyone can catch it with just one little mosquito bite. The best way to protect yourself is by covering up and regularly applying mosquito repellent with DEET to any exposed skin. Sure, it stinks, but do you really want to be slapped with a high hospital bill days before your trip ends? I didn’t think so.
Buying mosquito repellent in the Caribbean will likely cost you much more, as shop owners know travelers will pay a premium for it. It’s best to bring your own with you, even if it seems pricey where you live, I can guarantee it will still be cheaper than buying it once you arrive.
Put the Popular Islands at the Top of Your List
As you start getting into the planning phase of your trip, you’ll notice that flights to the more popular islands are often cheaper than to the smaller, lesser-known ones. There are a few reasons for this; generally, places everyone wants to visit have more flights to them, increasing the competition among airlines, so they lower their prices to try to compete for your tourist dollars. Another one is that a lot of the airport fees for airline landings are normally lower, so the cost of your airfares won’t be as high.
Exchange Some USD Before You Arrive
The ATM withdrawal fees on many Caribbean islands can be excessively high when using foreign cards, especially in touristy areas. It’s a good idea to exchange some US dollars before your trip and then convert the money to local currency once you arrive.
On many islands, locals will accept US dollars as payment, even if the island has its own currency. They usually don’t mind, as it works out in their favor when they exchange it.
Pack Everything Valuable Instead of Buying It When You Get There
You have to remember that most things need to be imported to the Caribbean Islands, so prices will be much higher for anything not developed on their land; this goes for international foods, foreign beers, and premium clothing items. I advise you to pack everything valuable you need before getting there, or else you’ll just overpay for it there; these aren’t places people go on shopping holidays; many products will be cheaper back in your home country.
Even Though It’s Dry Season, Bring a Light Jacket
It might seem contradictory to bring a jacket during the dry season, but occasional downpours can still occur, though they’re less likely. It’s a good idea to pack a light jacket, not too heavy, since it will still be warm.
Jet off to the Caribbean for Cheap This January
Don’t believe what everyone tells you. Yes, certain parts of the Caribbean are expensive, but travel opinions are subjective. People often leave out the part about their spending habits, the places they stayed in, and what they were buying.
Trust me, if you base your plans around any of these four affordable islands, you’ll easily be able to keep costs down and experience all the allure the Caribbean is famed for.