Every travel lover has been there at one point or another, coming to the dreaded realization that their dream vacation doesn’t match the funds in their real-life bank account. But where that might spell out the end of the story for some, for others, it’s a call to find a new dream destination. And for that, we’ve got you covered. You don’t need to go to expensive islands like Fiji or Seychelles to have a picture-perfect getaway. In fact, the perfect island escape might be closer than you think. From cheap accommodations to low-cost activities and all surrounded by endless beauty, here are eight cheap island destinations to live out your ideal fantasy vacation.
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St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
Best Time to Visit: April to June
It doesn’t get much better than pirate legends, maritime history, and pristine beaches. For years, people in search of a tropical paradise have flocked to the beautiful island of St. Thomas, and for good reason. St. Thomas combines natural beauty with a cosmopolitan energy that exemplifies the best of both worlds: a remote island getaway and a laid-back city escape.
What takes it from a great island getaway to one of the best is that St. Thomas is one of the cheapest island vacations in the Caribbean. Even at the height of peak season in December, you can find quality accommodations for under $200 a night, like the 3-star Olga’s Fancy. A plate of conch fritters is only $16 at Dinghy’s Beach Bar and Grill, or you can nab an even cheaper meal from a street food cart or a convenience store. And if you’re looking to enjoy an alcoholic beverage while drinking in the view, expect to pay between $5-$10. Just be sure to steer clear of the ports where cruises dock, as prices will be higher; instead, opt for more local spots further inland.
Between its rich history in the Charlotte Amalie Historic District, breathtakingly pristine beaches, and affordable ferry rides to neighboring St. John, St. Thomas offers budget-friendly activities to keep your itinerary full without draining your wallet.
Price for a 7-day stay for one person: $1,600-$2,400
Dominican Republic
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Miles of coastline and all-inclusive resorts make the Dominican Republic a favorite destination for vacationers. Delicious cuisine delights the taste buds while waves offer exciting surf, and sparkling lagoons promise tranquil retreats. But what’s even better is how little it costs to experience it all.
As with any island getaway, beach days are a free excursion that packs beauty and relaxation into one perfect trip. Visiting Three Eyes National Park comes in at just under $5, a small price to pay to experience the magic of the lakes and caves. Meanwhile, $129 gets you access to a full day of fun at Scrape Park. If you’re worried about going hungry, don’t be; street food costs as little as $3-$9 and less than $15 at a sit-down restaurant. Many hotel rates in the capital city are under $100 a night. During the off-season, you’re sure to score an even better deal on your accommodations to make this a trip that you, rather than your wallet, never forget.
Price for a 7-day stay for one person: $500-$1,890
Korčula, Croatia
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Priceless Adriatic Sea views at a price that doesn’t break the bank? Korčula is a quaint getaway on a small island just off the Dalmatian Coast. If you’re looking for a respite from the larger, more popular islands in Europe, then this is it. With a reputation as Croatia’s wine island, Korčula is home to varietals you can’t find anywhere else in the country. So, it’s the perfect place to kick back and try a glass. But it’s also the island with the most to do. And we do mean everything. Enjoy tasty Croatian dishes and wine at a tapas bar with sea views. Bike through coastal vineyards, explore hidden beaches, kayak through glistening bays and coves, and enjoy local performances, like the culture-rich Moreška dance.
While hotels can land on the more expensive side, private apartments are a cheaper option, and you can find ones overlooking the sea for $90-$130 a night. Food typically ranges between $6 to $25 per person, depending on whether you opt for street food or a restaurant meal. Wine tours range from $90 to $160, while a ticket to see a Moreška performance is typically $22. Renting a kayak is a fairly adorable activity for the day that costs roughly $35.
Price for a 7-day stay for one person: $900-$1,575
Ios Island, Greece
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Skip Milos and Santorini and head to Ios Island. While this little slice of paradise is called a party island—and indeed, nighttime in Chora looks like party city—in actuality, this island is so much more, and daytime reveals all it has to offer. Wander Chora’s cobblestone alleys, drink in the views from atop the Odysseus Elytis Theater, and sate your hunger with a hearty plate of pastitsio or fresh grilled fish. Beaches on Ios are aplenty: there’s the ever-popular Mylopotas Beach, with its golden sands; Agia Theodoti Beach, with its crystal clear waters; and Koumbara Beach, with its epic sunsets. Add in pretty coves, traditional windmills, and whitewashed churches and cathedrals, and there’s so much to be explored on the island, all for free.
And while accommodations are decidedly less so, they’re far from breaking the bank. Hotels with a sea view are available for around $40 a night. Food ranges from $4 to $6 for street food and upwards of $75 for fine dining. But it’s fresh and, most often, local, so it’s well worth the price. And visitors can enjoy a beer or cocktail for as little as $4.50. When it comes to cheap island vacations, Ios is hard to beat. Traveling during the shoulder months, just outside of peak season in July and August, will ensure you get an even better deal on your travels.
Price for a 7-day stay for one person: $500-$830
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Best Time to Visit: June to October
If you’re imagining an island with crystal clear turquoise waters, powdery soft sands, and exceptional snorkeling, all without breaking the bank, then Zanzibar is the perfect cheap island vacation getaway you’ve been wanting. Nungwi Beach and Mnemba Island, a coral inlet, are prime snorkeling spots. Explore the historic Stone Town, renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and diverse culinary offerings. A wide range of countries influences the food available in Stone Town, so you’ll find everything from Arab to Indian to Persian to European cuisine—and delicious meals for a price you won’t find in the US.
If you’re down to snorkel on Mnemba, expect to pay around $60. Mid-range hotels with pools and traditional Zanzibar elements cost around $60-$80 a night. Meals typically cost around $9 to $16 at cheaper restaurants, while more contemporary ones will run about $25 for seafood.
Price for a 7-day stay for one person: $735-$1000
Roatán, Honduras
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Roatán is the ideal destination for a relaxing island getaway. The town still retains much of its old charm, complemented by a plethora of modern activities. Take a horseback riding tour around Honduras for as little as $40 per person. Discover chocolate bliss by sampling rum cakes at the Roatan Rum Company and making your own tasty treats at the Roatan Chocolate Factory. Enjoy parasailing and snorkeling in turquoise waters, lounging on white sand beaches, and savoring the amazing Honduran cuisine. And, of course, snap pictures of the traditional, vibrant canoes all around Roatán.
Hotels range from $40 to $200 a night, depending on your preferred stay. Short tours of the chocolate factory are free while chocolate-making classes cost around $105. Other sightseeing tours average around $60. In short, Roatán is plenty of fun and all on a budget.
Price for a 7-day stay for one person: $600-$2,500
Palawan, Philippines
Best Time to Visit: November to May
The best part about vacationing in Palawan is the stunning scenery—followed closely by its status as a cheap island vacation destination. So you can rest easy knowing the beautiful views won’t break the bank! Limestone cliffs arch into the sky, stunning waters shimmer below, forests span for miles, and beautiful beaches enchant visitors to stay for hours. Head to Sabang for a trip along the 8km river located in a cave. Coron is home to small islands and astounding lagoons. And, of course, the remarkable El Nido cannot be missed when in Palawan.
Simple accommodations can range from $30 to $60, while mid-range or lower-end luxury accommodations cost around $100 to $200. Underground river tours average $45 per person, while zipline tours cost around $25 per person. Restaurants on the island serve meals with non-alcoholic drinks for as little as $5-$8, ensuring this is one trip for which your wallet will thank you.
Price for a 7-day stay for one person: $720-$1,600
Santa Catalina Island, CA
Best Time to Visit: September to October
A weekend couple’s getaway, anyone? Santa Catalina is a small but beautiful island located off the coast of Long Beach and Newport Beach, and it’s full of pretty villas that honeymooners flock to. Golf cart tours will take you on an exploration of the island’s many scenic sights, including its mesmerizing coastline. Free activities abound, from hiking the 165 miles of trails on the island to lounging on the beach, and even “treasure hunting.” Other activities are also popular, like scuba diving, kayaking, and ziplining over Descanso Canyon.
Although the US isn’t known for its affordable pricing, visitors can save money at lower-budget hotels with nice rooms for $90-$150 per night. Food can be expensive on the island due to shipping costs, so consider stocking up at local grocery stores and preparing your own meals at your accommodations or sharing a luxury meal, as the portions are generally large. Golf cart tours can be expensive at $200, so an alternative option for exploring is renting a bike for $65/day and biking your way around the beautiful island. Or take a scenic boat tour that offers many stunning views of the waterfront for as little as $30.
Price for a 3-day stay for one person: $635-$940
