Caribbean holidays on the cheap

You don’t have to be a newshound to realize that people are feeling the pinch. However, there’s no better way to escape the economic gloom than by taking a fantastic Caribbean holiday to get away from it all. And it’s not as expensive as you may think. You can stay within tight budgets and enjoy sun, sea and sand – we’ve got some top tips as to how you can save money and have a great time.

One of the best aspects about somewhere as beautiful and picture-perfect as the Caribbean is that its landscape comes for free. Once you’re there, you can lie back, relax and enjoy the free activities of exploring the amazing resorts of Jamaica, Barbados and the Dominican Republic for free! Azure oceans and golden sands are all complimentary to your holiday – all you need to enjoy them is yourself.

Sights of the Islands

Although the paradise beaches are tempting, they’re not the only sights you can enjoy for free on a Caribbean holiday on the cheap. Skip the pricey cruise and discover the likes of Barbados’s Welchman Gully – a specular location essential for nature lovers – and the fascinating towns in Jamaica. It costs nothing to wander the towns of Negril, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Kingston, Port Antonio and Jamaica’s South Coast. With the money you save by exploring independently, you can still stay within the limits of a cheap Caribbean holiday by treating yourself to an affordable adventure in the Dominican Republic. Kite boarding, horse-riding and setting sail around the islands isn’t as expensive as you may initially think – just be prepared to shop around and find a great deal.

But it’s not just sightseeing and relaxing you can do on the cheap in the Caribbean – you can save money when you eat and drink, too! Enjoy the summer sun by dining al fresco after picking up some traditional eats from local bakeries and takeaways and picnicking in the beautiful Caribbean landscape. You can find affordable fun in the many cafes and bars – the latter often offer live music for fantastic free entertainment!

Beat the credit crunch and holiday in the Caribbean for cheap – you’ll be amazed by what you can save!

Luxury Holiday at the Jumby Bay in Antigua

If you’re looking for a holiday spot that will leave you rejuvenated rather than disappointed, consider Antigua, a 108 square mile island in the Caribbean. Taking a luxury holiday in Antigua can be whatever you want it to be. You can fill your days with activities, shopping and sightseeing, or you can spend your days relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. To put it simply, Antigua has something for everyone.

Of course, the hotel you choose while on holiday is almost as important as the destination. At Jumby Bay Hotel, you will be treated as the special guest you are. A hotel employee will greet you at the airport and then take you by boat to the hotel, which is located on a 300-acre private island just two miles north of Antigua. Because this beautiful hotel is surrounded by beautiful beaches and tropical foliage, you may be tempted to spend your entire holiday right there, without ever leaving the hotel. But with so many things to do and see, be sure to explore Antigua and the surrounding areas, and you will experience the holiday of a lifetime.

Water lovers will not be disappointed and will find a variety of exciting ways to spend the day. Antigua hosts an annual sailing week, as well as a yacht regatta, where hundreds of yachts from around the world compete. Sport fishing, kite-surfing and kite-boarding are another popular sport. In fact, Andrew Phillip, a world renowned kite-surfer, trains frequently in Antigua. You will find some of the most beautiful beaches, including undisturbed beaches like Hermitage Bay. Because Hermitage Bay is not well-known, you will need an off-road vehicle to get there. Once there, you can relax in the sun on the beautiful white sand or take a swim.

If shopping is what you love, you won’t be disappointed. From Colombian Emeralds International, one of the largest duty-free jewelers in the world, to Exotic Antigua, a clothing and accessory store, Antigua has something for everyone. Lipstick is a retailer offering duty-free perfume, skin care and cosmetics, while Quin Farara & Company Ltd. has a wide selection of wine and other spirits, as well as cigars and tobacco.

After a day of shopping, you will certainly need to be pampered and relax. Akparo is a salon on the waterfront, boasting international professionals to cater to all of your beauty and massage needs. At night, there are many fine restaurants, after which you may choose to relax and enjoy a movie at the Deluxe Cinemas or perhaps try your luck at gambling at King’s Casino.

For the outdoor adventurer, the Sam Hike Club is a group of nature lovers who meet every Saturday at 5:00 a.m. to explore the island, or the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour will take you on an amazing journey through the rainforest. Another way to explore the island is with Detour Bike Trails, which offers tours in areas of Antigua not accessible by four-wheeled vehicles that are visited only by those adventurous enough to take this exciting tour.

Sandy Lane Barbados

Located on the west coast of the Barbados Island, Sandy Lane is a beautiful beach best known for its luxurious hotels and gentle Caribbean coastline. Over the years this gorgeous location has gained a reputation as a fantastic holiday destination both within and outside of the Caribbean regions. It attracts many holiday seekers who come to bask in the sun and enjoy the luxuries the area has to offer.

Sand Lane Beaches

The beaches around Sandy Lane are all public but are maintained pristinely by the hotels in the area which offer sun- loungers lining the shoreline. Holiday makers, most of which arrive from Europe, have every whim attended to by dedicated staff and, in high season, Hollywood stars roam the streets and stroll down the neighboring hotels and private villas. The entire area is buzzing year round and is full of shops which offer a wide variety of traditional crafts, gifts and clothing along the beach and nearby.

Vacationers can enjoy the fantastic Caribbean sun and warm waters. Sandy Lane is one of the best spots in the island to enjoy swimming, turtle spotting and snorkeling activities. The nearby Folkstone Underwater Park offers a wide variety of fish and marine-life for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Non- Residents often use the beach restaurant or one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area. Holetown, which is a bit up the coast from Sandy Lane, can offer fantastic options and locations for romantic picnics but please remember that if you are looking to go out for dinner reservations are almost always necessary.

Sandy Lane Luxury Holiday

Over the years, Sandy Lane has become synonymous with luxury holidays and decadence. Holiday seekers can enjoy days by the pool or take on the many activities offered. Tennis, Gold, Scuba diving, snorkeling and other water sports are offered through the hotels on the beach. But most people come here for the pure relaxation, the escape from everyday pace and the star studded tranquility of the Caribbean.

Sandy Lane is easy to get to. Flights into Barbados will usually land in Bridgetowm, where you could find direct busses to Sandy Lane. If you have reservations with the Sandy Lane Hotel pickup service at the airport is available as well.

Bookings to Sandy Lane Hotels and Resorts can be made online and pricing depends on availability and time of the year. Whether on a family vacation or a romantic getaway, Sandy Lane offers some of the best, most luxurious amenities of the Caribbean with a relaxing atmosphere and in the gorgeous settings.