20 Caribbean Destinations Where It’s Better (And Cheaper) Not To Stay At An All-Inclusive Resort – TheTravel

In desperate need of some vitamin-sea? Score a deal with these cheap (but awesome) Caribbean gems!

The Caribbean has continuously captivated tourists with its exotic charm and countless unique paradise islands. Sometimes, all-inclusive resorts just don't cut it and tourists, in turn, fail to appreciate the real beauty of the Caribbean. Believe it or not, most visitors are prone to getting ripped-off in more commercialized regions in Puerto Rico and Trinidad.

For this list, we scoured the map and unearthed some hidden and less-commercialized landmarks that can top even the best resort experience in the Caribbean. Another great thing is that they don't cost an arm and a leg (everything costs less than a hundred bucks on this list).

Find out, read on and we hope to sea you real soon in these 20 Caribbean destinations where it's better not to stay at an all-inclusive resort.

The Dominican Republic is often overlooked despite having the most alluring landmarks and attractions in all of the Caribbean. With the top-rated hotel starting as low as $40 bucks per Trip Advisor, tourists will find no problem when it comes to accommodations. Don't forget to sail your way across the coast or enjoy yachting with friends and family too.

According to SmarterTravel, Curacao is not your typical Caribbean island (it has a more European feel to it). You will be reluctant to leave once your foot hits the sand. The bubblegum-colored houses are also perfect as your social media backdrop and the region is home to over 65 dive sites and 35 beaches.

Vieques' Mosquito Bay literally outshines the other beaches with its bioluminescent spectacle every night (the brightest in the world, according to Guinness), making it the most romantic place for a night out with your special one. The main highlight, however, is how affordable it is ($50 per person).

Situated in Negril's West End, the Cliffs were once used as a backdrop in a James Bond film. Also located here are the best hotel in Jamaica (The Cliff Hotel) and the world-famous Rick's Cafe wherebrave souls dare to jump 40 ft. into theturquoise, coral-rich waters below.

Sulphur Springs Park also hides the world-famous and only drive-in volcano.There are also mud baths all over the island if you fancy some natural skin rejuvenation. St. Lucia however, is the most mountainous region in all of the Caribbean (and the most IG-worthy).

Anything is possible in the Caribbean as shown in the photo above. If you want to fully experience St. Thomas in all its glory, why not try the Nautilus Submarine Tours or the Underwater Scooter for less than a hundred bucks?

The true beauty of Turks and Caicos lies under the crystal waters so you must be prepared to get wet to fully appreciate the island. You don't need to book a thousand dollar resort to enjoy its splendor. All you need to do is book a cheap (but quality) hotel near Regent Village, just walking distance to the beachfront (Grace Bay Beach).

Only in Cozumel you can find the most affordable packages, according to Viator. The Cozumel Buggy deal includes snorkeling, a Mayan heritage tour, and a Mexican lunch by the beach for only $78. If you're on a budget, why not try the $30 glass bottom boat ride with snorkeling instead?

Nothing comes close to the serenity of Bottom Bay in Barbados. This is one of the Caribbean's hidden gems: no people, no buildings in sight, nothing but peace. It almost feels like a deserted island. Swimming, however, is only recommended for more experienced divers (the waves are brutal).

Saona Island is simply beautiful and a big slap to all-inclusives in more commercialized areas: travel by motoconcho across the island and feast on the $10 local (and delicious) meals, and finish the day by watching the sunset at Paradise Beach. Don't forget to take snaps of starfish all over the beaches.

Another "cast-away" type of island is Bonaire. According to Forbes, Bonaire is the Caribbean Island that no one knows it exists. If you want to escape civilization, come to Bonaire (where flamingos outnumber humans). This is a diver's dream: the reef-lined coast makes it a unique expedition.

Related:10 Of The Most Unbelievable & Amazing Coral Reefs

"Excellent value for money," a Trip Advisor reviewer recalled his adventure of river tubing down the rapids. Grenada's capital is known for its tropical rainforests and the Balthazar River, where thousands of tourists flock to enjoy cascading down, stopping by some natural pools and enjoying a glass of rum punch at the end.

Guadeloupe's most famous dive spot is located at Jacques Cousteau's Underwater Reserve. Aside from the optional rum-tasting tour, tourists get to dive down to underwater monuments while observing marine wildlife at its most beautiful form. Glassbottom boats are also available if you fancy a more relaxing experience.

Martinique's main ingredient is its scenery: plantations and palm trees, aside from its culinary tradition. It is a very clean island too. Don't expect a laid-back town, however (everything moves fast here), and the nightlife at Fort-de-France is really "invigorating" and a must-try.

Related:20 Warm Weather Tropical Spots To Visit (If You're Fed Up With American Winter)

To experience the best of Jamaica, Ocho Rios is where it's all at. You've got Dunn's River Falls and Park (the #1 best out of all the things to do in Jamaica according to Trip Advisor). Tourists get a taste of climbing the falls, which are perfectly safe and there is Konoko Park, which has a botanical garden and a zoo. Ocho Rios is aimed at families.

Rincon is all about surfing. As such, the beaches are small enough and built for water sporting types of tourists. There are also plenty of cheap (but quality) inns all around the island. Airbnb rentals are also common. This island is a joy for adrenaline junkies.

Saint Croix should be on everyone's bucket list. Not too fancy, not too boring either. Vacationers often overlook the "big island," as tourists like to call it and what it has to offer: Rainbow Beach and Point Udall (a neat monument). Rent a car and explore the island for $50 a day.

Related:Florida Vs The Caribbean: 20 Reasons To Choose One Over The Other

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a wonderful getaway that has a romantic aura. A great escapade for young couples: SKN features lagoons, the world-famous Bat Caves, and lagoons. According to Trip Advisor, there are over 200 natural landmarks in the region and Expedia states that hotels start from just $95 a night.

If there ever is a nightlife capital, Santa Clara would be a top contender. The old Cuban flair never gets old. Indulge in the different dive bars all over town (whilst enjoying live poetry reading, daiquiri on hand) or drink some coffee on an outdoor terrace.

This 2 mile stretch of fine powdery sand is lined up with restaurants and shops and is the perfect backdrop for the crystal clear ocean. This is the best out of all the Caribbean beaches and is in a convenient and safe area. Trip Advisor also states that the best hotel in the region starts at $85 per night which makes it arguably the perfect beach in all of the Caribbean.

Next:15 Caribbean Destinations That Are Overrated (As Shown In These Real Tourist Photos)

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20 Caribbean Destinations Where It's Better (And Cheaper) Not To Stay At An All-Inclusive Resort - TheTravel

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