It is time to debunk the misconception that tropical island destinations are only for vacations that cost an arm and a leg. It's cheaper to stay on a beautiful island than it is to stay in a big city. It might take a bit of out-of-the-box thinking to find places like this, or to find ways to save money in less budget-friendly destinations, but that's what lists like these are for. Wouldn't it be great if we could take a break from the world on a tropical island once in a while?
From North America to the Southeast tip of Africa, these are the cheapest tropical islands to visit.
Go to: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
I know what you are thinking. Cheap? Listen me out. If you stay on the Big Island, you will be surprised at how budget-friendly it is. There are many ways to save money when traveling to Hawai'i.
You can save a lot of money on flights and accommodations when you travel to the Big Island during the low season. You can lower your costs even more by camping, which will only cost you $21/night. This neat yurt is a budget-friendly option that costs $76 per night.
Many of the Big Island's best things to do are free or very affordable, making it easy to make the most out of the scenery. Take Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historic Park. It has fee-free days, and regular admission is $10 to $20, depending on parking.
It's fair to say that there's something for everyone in the Bahamas, with 700 islands and over 2,400 cays. It's doable to visit on a tight budget, whether you're looking for a more laid-back spot like Staniel Cay or a vibrant city like Nassau.
Swimming with pigs and nurse sharks can be expensive if you are planning a trip. Kayaking through the Exuma Cays on your own could be a more affordable alternative. You can rent a kayak for $50 for the whole day. Lucayan National Park costs $5 for admission. There are more ideas for what to do in the Bahamas here.
It might seem impossible to save money on accommodations, considering the number of luxury hotels throughout the islands. A little creativity and an open mind can help here. You can ask your host about cheap attractions and restaurants if you stay in this beautiful bedroom which is only $36/night.
The Caribbean island won't break the bank. It is easy to save money in Puerto Rico by avoiding big seaside hotels. In San Juan, you can find cheap hostels and affordable rentals.
You can catch a bus or ferry for cheap if you want to check out other places on the island. The ferry from Ceiba to Isla Culebra is only $2.50. You can book an excursion to El Yunque for as little as $55, which includes transportation to and from San Juan.
Puerto Ricans are very generous. Chances are you will have leftovers, and you won't have to pay a lot for a filling lunch. Chinchorros are small food stalls in San Juan and are great for an affordable meal. You can find these on busy streets and markets.
If I said I was satisfied with just one visit, I would be lying. This is one of the places I have gone back to in Mexico because of how affordable it is.
Holbox is a small island with calm shores and a bioluminescent lagoon. Locals get around via golf cart or motorcycle, except for the occasional maintenance vehicle.
The island has become more popular in recent years and is less affordable than it used to be, which is normal for a lot of places in Mexico. It is still accessible compared to other places like CancFA;n, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Inexpensive dorm beds, places to camp, and even some very affordable Airbnbs can be found in Holbox. The food scene is cheap, with small beach shacks and taco stands selling food for $5 a meal. The restaurants and cafés are more expensive than other places in Mexico, but you can still get lunch or dinner for $10-15.
If you think this is the cheap tropical island for you, don't miss out on this complete Isla Holbox guide for everything you need to know before your trip.
The Dominican Republic is more than just a place to stay in the Caribbean. There is a perfect balance of laid-back beach vibes and lively Latin culture in this Caribbean island nation. If you need directions or a restaurant recommendation for a cheap lunch, the locals are always willing to lend a hand. If you play your cards right, the country is one of the cheapest destinations in Latin America.
If you want to save money in the DR, you should avoid the town of Punta Cana. In the historic center of Santo Domingo, touristy restaurants can be quite expensive. If you want a home-cooked meal, head down a side street. Dominican food is delicious and rich.
If you don't mind getting around like the locals, transportation from Santo Domingo to other parts of the island can be cheap. You can expect to pay $10 for a bus ticket from the capital to the island. Don't expect a five-star experience on these buses, they are cheap.
The Dominican Republic has gorgeous beaches, thick jungles, and quaint small towns where you can get a taste of island life. For the adventurous traveler, this is the one.
This one might surprise you. The Galápagos have earned a reputation for being a bougie place to visit, despite being a destination only suited for luxury travelers on fancy cruise ships. This isn't the case. It is great news if you have been looking for a long time to visit the Gal Epagos, because it can be very accessible on a budget.
There are plenty of expensive hotels there, but there are also a few budget options that are comfortable. If you stay on Isabela, you can find some of the cheapest accommodations at around $18/night.
There are a lot of things to do in the Galápagos, but there are also a lot of free things to do. You can go swimming in the lava-carved pools of Las Grietas, hike to the Mirador Cerro Tijeretas, or bike the Wall of Tears on Isabela.
This guide contains more tips on traveling to thepagos on a budget.
Backpackers moving through South America tend to visit the Islas Ballestas because they are more economical than the Galpagos. This chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean is home to a lot of wildlife, from migratory birds to seals and penguins.
You can stay on the Ballestas if you want to see unspoiled nature at its best. Paracas is a cheap place to stay on the coast. There are tours to the islands for as little as $12.
Although no islands in Europe are technically in the tropics, warm weather year round makes them feel like tropical islands.
Greece is one of the best places in the world to island hop and it is also one of the most affordable. One of the more low-key Greek islands is Poros. The white buildings with blue domes, abundant bougainvillea flowers, and vibrant gastronomy will make you want to eat your way through the whole island.
You don't need to spend a lot of money on transportation if you go to another island further away from the Athens airport. You can rent an entire residential home for $33 a night there. A full three-course meal will only cost you about 15 dollars.
Compared to places like Santorini, which are more expensive and crowded, Poros gives you the chance to enjoy everything that the Greek islands have to offer without breaking the bank.
Cities with cobblestone streets and yellow painted buildings contrast with turquoise seas and green mossy cliffs. This European island destination is just as dreamy as the tropical islands of the Caribbean.
The Maltese culture is unique because of centuries of North African and European control. There are domes reminiscent of Middle Eastern mosques next to gothic-style buildings, and nearly every street has color. In comparison with other destinations in Europe, visiting Malta is incredibly affordable.
You can get a pastizz for $1, take a city bus from one end of Valletta to the other, and stay in a hostel for around $28 a night here. If you want to save money, you should visit in the late spring or fall when prices are lower.
Here you can find a list of the best things to do in Malta.
The Canaries are a beautiful place with a mix of Spanish, African, and Arab culture that makes it a truly one-of-a-kind destination.
Off the coast of West Africa, is where the largest of the Canary Islands of Spain is located. The island is made from a volcano. The tallest peak in Spain is Teide.
The cheapest place to stay on the Spanish mainland is on the Balearics, with the cheapest place to stay on the mainland being on the Balearics. Parque Natural del Teide, which is located in Tenerife, has a geology similar to that of Mars. You can see giant basalt rock formations at Acantilados de los Gigantes for free on Fridays and Saturdays.
You can expect the food here to be amazing. It's cheap, with two-course meals costing around $12. Eat, drink, and hang out on the beach without overspending.
The green mountain and soft blue water below make it a special place for many travelers. Although it is the second largest island in Thailand, it is more off the beaten path than other tourist hot spots.
Thailand is known as one of the cheaper destinations, so it is no wonder why so many backpackers choose to stay in the country. I once stayed in a hostel in Chiang Mai for $3/night and it blew my mind. The entire bungalow that you can rent for $26/night is one of the affordable ones in Koh Chang.
There is plenty of nature to explore on the island, and attractions are affordable. You can get to the Klong Plu waterfall via taxi or motorbike. You can find cheap restaurants and accommodations at Lonely Beach. This guide has more ideas on what to do on the island.
If you've been dying to go to Bali but are discouraged by overtourism, you can go to the Nusa Islands. Some people say that this is what it looked like 30 years ago, which is enough of a reason for me. You can easily get to the islands from Sanur with a 30-minute boat ride.
There are three islands here that are worth a visit. The interiors of the islands feature thick jungles, mangrove forests, and waterfalls and the beaches are pristine. You can find a lot of views on hikes throughout the islands, which won't cost you a dime. Intrigued? Check out the full itinerary for more ideas.
The Nusa Islands are cheap and famous for it. You can have a gorgeous jungle bungalow for just $26/night and many people never want to leave.
Coron Island is sure to impress. It is a great place to indulge in your island dreams without spending a lot.
Coron Island is on your bucket list for how popular it is. Coron Island gets crowded during the peak season. Don't visit during this time because of higher prices and tourists.
Coron Town is often the jumping off point for island-hopping around Coron Island, as well as exploring other parts of the island itself. If you want to try street food, it's quite affordable to eat here.
Travelers dream of visiting this African island paradise. It is a gorgeous beachy haven and also rich in history and culture. The island of Zanzibar is known as the spice island and is a star producer of spices.
You can get some of the island's best street food for a couple dollars at the Foradhani Gardens night market.
It isn't one of the cheapest places to visit in Africa, but it is very affordable. If you stay in Stone Town and avoid the big beach hotels in Nungwi and Kendwa, you will find that it is very affordable for backpackers. You don't have to shell out a lot if you want to stay near the beach. You can spend a couple days in the sand on a beachside bungalow, which is as low as $22/night onAirbnb.
Unless you've been to southeastern Africa, this archipelago off the coast of southern Mozambique is almost unknown to most travelers.
There are no hotels, hostels, or guesthouses on Bazaruto, as the population there is only about 4,000. You can stay in Vilanculos and take a boat over for $10 each way. Vilanculos is a sleepy beach town that is known for its shallow turquoise waters.
The islands of Bazaruto are Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina, and Bangue. You will find lots of marine life in the expanses of white sand dunes. You can see whales, sharks, and even dugongs in diving and snorkeling off the archipelago. You can find more about what to do near Vilanculos here.
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I like traveling on the cheap, even if I'm not very rich. I like traveling like a local and meeting interesting people when looking for more rugged accommodations. If you really want to get to know a place, sleep on floors. Find out how other people live. Wherever you go, learn from them.
What are the best ways to save money when traveling to tropical islands? Let us know which places we missed.
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